This week on the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with guide, archery coach, and all-around bowhunting addict Keifer Rogers to talk about what actually matters when it comes to becoming a better hunter.

We dive deep into shot process, target panic, offseason preparation, and the biggest mistakes most archery hunters make long before the season ever opens. Keifer shares how he went from a Pennsylvania whitetail hunter who barely practiced to killing his first bull elk on opening day of his first-ever elk hunt in Colorado. Along the way, we break down lessons about thermals, patience, drawing early, and why smooth execution matters more than brute force.

And then there's the story of the "Michael Phelps elk"... a giant Wyoming bull that took the crew on a 38-hour rodeo involving multiple stalks, private land, game wardens, and a mile-long swim across a reservoir. One of the wildest elk hunting stories I've ever heard.

If you're serious about becoming a more effective archery hunter this fall, this episode is packed with practical nuggets you can apply right now instead of scrambling in August wondering why your setup and shooting feel shaky.

You can find Keifer at:

• Instagram: @keiferrogers_hunts
• The Hunting Consultant Website

LINKS:

Hunt West Planning Services >>

Bridger Reckon Watch >>

Eastman's Elite Membership >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.