Backbone Unlimited Podcast

In this episode, Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the most explosive windows in Western big-game hunting—finding rutting mule deer in November. If you’ve spent years grinding for mature bucks without connecting the dots, this conversation will change the way you hunt the rut. November is when everything shifts. Bucks that hid in dark timber all fall suddenly travel in daylight, check doe groups, make mistakes, and expose themselves in ways they simply don’t earlier in the season. But predictable rut movement doesn’t mean easy hunting. You need to understand does, terrain, weather, elevation, and timing if you want to consistently find mature bucks.

Matt dives deep into how the November rut actually works, why does anchor the entire system, where to look as deer transition toward winter range, how storms influence movement, and how to read subtle terrain features that funnel bucks through specific pockets. You’ll learn how to glass with intention, how to stay patient around doe groups, and how to recognize patterns that repeat year after year. Matt also breaks down still-hunting and ambush tactics for tight cover, how to move with discipline, how to manage wind and thermals, and how to capitalize when bucks slip through bedding edges and transition lines.

This episode also covers how shot discipline becomes critical during the rut, how to navigate steep angles and fast scenarios, and why calm, deliberate decision-making leads to far more recovered bucks than rushed shots ever will. Matt wraps the episode with a complete November system—locate does, glass all day, stay mobile until you find life, then slow down and hunt with intention. If you want clear, experience-based guidance on how to hunt rutting mule deer the right way, this is the episode you need.

In this episode Matt Hartsky walks you through exactly how the 2026 Arizona Big Game Draw works for non-residents who are applying for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. Whether you’ve been waiting years to draw a tag or you’re new to the draw game, Matt simplifies the process so you know what to expect before you hit “submit.”

He explains how Arizona’s point system works, the timing of applications, how to allocate preference points, and how to optimize your odds when competing with thousands of other hunters. Matt breaks down key mistakes to avoid — from misreading deadlines to misunderstanding point-value trade-offs — and shows how small decisions now can make or break your draw success.

If you want to hunt big game in Arizona and you don’t live in the state, this is the episode you need. It’s a clear, honest, step-by-step guide to navigating one of the toughest draws in the West — no fluff, no guesswork, just straight information and practical advice.

In this episode, Matt Hartsky steps away from tactics and gear talk and dives into the real reasons hunters keep showing up year after year. Thanksgiving week slows life down just enough for you to look back and realize how much this lifestyle actually gives you. Not the tags. Not the antlers. Not the grip-and-grins. The deeper stuff—the things that shape you long after the season ends.

Matt breaks down why opportunity on public land is something hunters should never take for granted, and why the freedom to chase elk, mule deer, antelope, or bear across millions of acres is a privilege most people in the world will never know. He talks about the encounters that stay with you—the close calls, the bugles in the timber, the deer that materialize out of the brush—moments that remind you what it feels like to be fully present in the wild.

You’ll hear why failure becomes one of the greatest teachers in hunting, how discipline is built through the grind of early mornings and long climbs, and why the mountains have a way of keeping you humble, honest, and grounded. Matt also shares why passing this lifestyle forward to kids and new hunters matters more than ever, and how the lessons learned in the backcountry spill into everyday life—confidence, purpose, focus, and resilience.

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving-timed message that hits deeper than strategy, this episode delivers. It’s a reminder of why hunting gives far more than it takes—and why gratitude is woven into every ridge, every season, and every step we take into wild country.

Utah is one of the most structured and strategic big-game draw systems in the West, and if you’re a non-resident looking to hunt bull elk, mule deer, or pronghorn here, you need to understand how the point systems, timelines, and permit allocations actually work. In this episode, Matt Hartsky breaks down the Utah application process step-by-step so you can build a smart long-term plan with clear expectations. Utah relies on both bonus points and preference points, and while the terminology often sounds similar, each system plays a very different role for non-residents. If you’ve ever stared at Utah’s online application portal and felt unsure where to start, this is the guide that explains what matters, what doesn’t, and how to approach Utah without wasting time or money.

Matt starts with the basics: the requirement for every non-resident to hold a valid hunting or combo license before applying. Unlike other states, Utah’s license is valid for an entire year, which means smart hunters time their purchase to span two application periods. He walks through the March–April application window, the June points-only period, and the July first-come, first-served sale for remaining elk permits. Understanding these windows is critical because missing one season means losing a year of point building, and since Utah rewards persistence, staying consistent is the key to long-term success.

From there, Matt explains Utah’s two-track structure — limited-entry hunts versus general-season buck deer. Limited-entry permits for bull elk and buck pronghorn use Utah’s bonus-point system, where your points are squared to determine how many entries you hold in the draw. Half of the permits in every hunt go to the max-point pool, and the other half go through a weighted random system, which means even first-year applicants have a chance. It’s a system that keeps Utah exciting: no one is locked out forever, but staying in the game every year significantly increases your odds.

General-season buck deer draws use preference points — a true line-up system where the hunters with the most points draw first until all tags are gone. Because Utah rarely awards tags past first choices, your first selection is almost always the only one that matters. Matt explains how most non-residents combine both systems by applying for limited-entry elk or pronghorn while either building preference points or occasionally hunting general-season buck deer to maintain regular time in the field.

Next, Matt covers something most hunters miss: the Utah draw order. Limited-entry deer is processed first, followed by limited-entry elk, then limited-entry pronghorn, and lastly general-season buck deer. This order matters because drawing any limited-entry permit removes you from all subsequent draws that same year. When you apply, you need to rank your priorities — decide which species matters most — because once you pull a permit, you’re done. Understanding that sequence prevents you from accidentally knocking yourself out of the hunt you wanted most.

He then digs into non-resident tag availability. Utah generally allocates around ten percent of limited-entry permits to non-residents, but those tags don’t always appear for every hunt. Small quota hunts sometimes offer just one or two non-resident tags, and occasionally none at all. Before you burn time or points, you need to confirm that a hunt actually offers non-resident permits. Matt explains how bonus-point allocation and the random pool split apply even at tiny quotas and why staying organized year-to-year matters far more than chasing trends.

Group applications also get attention. Utah allows groups of up to four to apply together for general-season deer and limited-entry hunts. Residents and non-residents can even apply in the same group. But group points are averaged and rounded down, and if there aren’t enough tags to cover everyone, the group is skipped. Matt explains how group math works, when group strategy makes sense, and when it’s better to apply solo.

Matt ties everything together by showing how to build a Utah strategy that matches your long-term goals. If trophy elk is your dream, choose a limited-entry unit, build bonus points, and stay in the draw every year. If you want more consistent opportunity, general-season deer offers a clearer path if you keep building preference points. If elk experience matters more than trophy class, consider first-come, first-served any-bull or spike elk tags in July. Utah rewards hunters who think in decades, not years, and who learn to play the long game while still finding ways to get boots on the ground.

Finally, he walks through fees, timing, and housekeeping details that prevent costly mistakes — from license timing and point purchases to credit-card expiration issues that can invalidate your application. He explains how to treat Utah as part of a multi-state strategy by pairing bonus-point species with general-season options, tracking deadlines, and staying active while you build toward limited-entry goals. If you’re serious about applying in Utah, this episode gives you the clarity to know when to apply, how to buy points, what each point type means, and how to structure your priorities so you’re always moving closer to the hunts you care about most.

Montana is one of the most opportunity-rich Western big game states, but for non-residents, understanding how to apply can feel like wading through a maze. In this episode, Matt Hartsky breaks down the Montana draw system step-by-step so you can approach your 2026 elk, mule deer, and pronghorn plan with confidence. Montana’s system looks complicated on paper because it uses multiple license types, preference points, bonus points, general tags, and limited-entry permits. But once you understand how these layers interact, the process becomes one of the most strategic ways to hunt consistently in the West.

Matt begins with the foundation of all non-resident hunting in Montana — the combination license. Big Game, Elk, and Deer combos open the door to both general-season opportunity and the ability to pursue limited-entry hunts. Understanding the distinctions between the three options is critical because these licenses determine where you can hunt, what species you can pursue, and whether you can apply for special permits. He explains how preference points apply only to these combo tags, how they are awarded, and why staying consistent year after year keeps you from falling behind. He also covers how the Alternate List works, why it exists, and how some hunters quietly turn it into an annual shortcut into the state.

From there, the discussion shifts to the second half of Montana’s dual system — bonus points. These apply only to limited-entry permits for elk, deer, and pronghorn. Unlike preference points, bonus points are squared, which dramatically increases your chances the longer you stay in the system. Matt explains how this mathematical model rewards persistence without shutting out newer applicants, and he walks through smart strategies for building points while still hunting the state regularly. Whether you’re dreaming of the Breaks or simply want a realistic chance at a quality hunt every few years, understanding how to stack and manage bonus points is the heart of Montana strategy.

Matt also breaks down application timing and fees. The main application window occurs in early March and closes around April 1 each year. Miss that deadline and you’re waiting another full season. Because Montana requires applicants to pay license fees upfront, he explains how to avoid costly mistakes with payment processing and why expired cards derail applications every spring. He also walks through the summer point-purchase windows, when preference and bonus points can be purchased if you didn’t apply in the main draw, so you never lose your place in line. He notes that skipping two consecutive years wipes your preference-point history, a detail many hunters overlook.

Next, Matt walks through the actual application process on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website, showing how to select your license type, apply for limited-entry permits, manage points, and finalize payment. He shares how to evaluate units using the Hunt Planner tool, interpret district boundaries, and avoid locking yourself into a permit with limited access. He also explains the importance of annual regulation updates, especially when winterkill or drought affects quotas and access.

Once the mechanics are covered, Matt turns to strategy. He talks about the importance of building realistic multi-year plans based on your goals — whether you want high-odds general opportunity, a realistic mid-tier tag, or want to commit long term to a trophy unit. He explains point-creep, how to track trend lines instead of single-year results, and why hunters who stay flexible and organized draw more tags over time. He also highlights the value of general elk and mule deer hunting in Montana, noting that many hunters overlook high-quality public land opportunities while waiting for a permit.

Finally, Matt outlines the most common errors non-residents make when applying, from missing the April deadline to misunderstanding the difference between combo and permit draws. He explains why failing to build points consistently, choosing units with poor access, and skipping the Alternate List all cost hunters opportunity. He closes by emphasizing that Montana’s system rewards commitment and planning more than luck. If you learn the system, keep your points active, and think two or three seasons ahead, you can consistently hunt elk, mule deer, and pronghorn in one of the best Western states year after year.

This episode kicks off a brand-new, ten-month training series designed specifically for backcountry elk and mule deer hunters. As November rolls in and the season wraps up, most hunters shut it down and wait for spring to start preparing. That’s the number one reason so many guys feel wrecked halfway through a long hunt. Real preparation begins now. This is Phase One: The Foundation. It’s the base layer of strength, stability, and endurance that every later phase depends on. If you want to hunt harder next season, pack deeper, and perform at altitude without falling apart after a few days, this is where that journey starts.

Matt breaks down what “building the base” actually means for mountain hunters. This isn’t bodybuilding and it’s not distance-runner conditioning. It’s about rebuilding your structure after a long hunting season so your movement patterns, connective tissue, and joints are ready for heavier training later. Most hunters come out of the fall with tight hips, cranky knees, achy shoulders, and inconsistent routines. Phase One is where you clean up movement, return to fundamentals, restore balance, and reset your disciplines around consistency and recovery. When you focus on full-range squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, and carrying with intention, you develop functional strength that actually translates to steep country and heavy packs.

A major focus in this foundation block is rebuilding your aerobic base. Most hunters underestimate how important steady, moderate conditioning is for long hunts. When your low-end engine is strong, you recover faster between sessions, climb longer without redlining, and stack tough days back to back without losing power. Instead of high-intensity intervals, this phase emphasizes controlled strength work paired with longer, easier aerobic sessions that build capacity without beating you up. This is how you set the stage for later months, when strength and endurance will both ramp up aggressively.

Matt also explains how to structure your weeks without overcomplicating things. Consistency is the priority. A handful of full-body sessions built around compound lifts, paired with a couple of sustainable aerobic days and regular mobility work, is enough to make real progress. Tempo, control, and quality are the themes. Hunters fail in September because they try to do too much intensity too late, rather than stacking smart sessions over time. This phase isn’t about crushing yourself. It’s about rebuilding efficiency and teaching your body to handle load again without pain or breakdown.

A big part of this episode is helping hunters avoid the common off-season mistakes Matt sees year after year: skipping foundational work, doing random workouts without progression, overloading intensity without moving well, and ignoring mobility and recovery. He explains why poor movement quality and weak connective tissue are the biggest reasons hunters struggle with injury and why the biggest advantage you can give yourself is discipline over urgency. The mountain rewards structure, not chaos.

Finally, Matt explains how Phase One sets up the next training block. Phase Two — Strength and Endurance — will introduce heavier, progressive lifts and more structured conditioning designed to improve climbing stamina and packout capacity. That work only delivers its full benefit if the foundation has been built. When connective tissue is reinforced, movement patterns are crisp, and the aerobic system is solid, you can train harder and progress faster without setbacks. The foundation month is the hinge that makes everything else work.

If you want to arrive next September strong, durable, and confident, this first phase is where you earn that outcome. The guys who build now are the ones still grinding on day eight with their legs under them, lungs staying steady, and attitude intact. This is how you stop hoping you’re ready — and start knowing.

If you’ve ever considered applying for elk, mule deer, or pronghorn tags in New Mexico as a non-resident, this episode breaks down one of the most unique and misunderstood draw systems in Western big-game hunting. New Mexico does not use preference points or bonus points, meaning every applicant starts fresh each year with the same odds. Whether it’s your first time applying or you’ve been in the game for a decade, everyone enters on equal footing. That’s a huge advantage for newer hunters, but only if you understand how the system actually works. In this episode, Matt Hartsky explains the New Mexico draw from the ground up, including application timelines, full-fee payment requirements, how tag quotas are divided between residents, DIY non-residents, and outfitted hunters, and why your second and third choices actually matter.

New Mexico’s draw is structured around three legally defined pools: roughly eighty-four percent of tags go to residents, ten percent are set aside for hunters applying through a licensed outfitter, and the remaining six percent are available to non-residents who apply on their own. That system is simple on paper, but it catches a lot of people by surprise because your odds change dramatically depending on which pool you enter. We explain the outfitter pool in detail, including how it works, when it makes strategic sense, and why some DIY hunters still take advantage of it through guide-only or semi-guided options. You’ll also hear how the random number assignment process works, how the state evaluates all three of your hunt choices before moving on to the next applicant, and why listing realistic backup codes matters if you truly want to hunt New Mexico.

This episode also walks step-by-step through the full application timeline. The New Mexico big-game draw opens in mid-January and closes in mid-March, with draw results typically posted in late April. Because there are no preference points, staying consistent year after year is the only way to give yourself repeat chances at top-tier elk, mule deer, and pronghorn hunts. Matt covers required licenses, including the Game Hunting License and Habitat Stamp, and explains how New Mexico charges the full tag fee up front for every application. If you don’t draw, most of that fee is refunded automatically. Understanding these fees is critical, because payment failures are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected.

For hunters new to New Mexico, this episode highlights the difference between high-demand units like the Gila and more attainable mid-tier units with solid public access and reliable harvest rates. Matt breaks down how to evaluate hunt codes, unit structures, weapon types, and season timing so you can build a realistic plan. The conversation explores why archery tags often provide better access to rutting bulls, how muzzleloader seasons create unique opportunities, and why practical hunt selection matters more than chasing legendary units with extremely low odds. If mule deer or pronghorn are your focus, you’ll hear how the northern deer units compare to the desert and prairie country farther south and east, and why certain pronghorn units give non-residents great opportunities with the right application strategy.

This episode also explains why group applications can lower your odds in small pools, when it makes sense to apply individually, and how to balance your three choices to maximize opportunity. Matt shares practical strategies that veteran applicants use year after year: targeting overlooked units, mixing premium and attainable choices, and applying across weapon types to increase chances. He also covers the importance of reviewing the January proclamation each year to confirm hunt codes, weapon restrictions, and updated season dates, and how returned tags and reissued licenses offer a late-season opportunity for those willing to monitor the system.

By the end, you’ll understand exactly how the New Mexico draw works, what pool you belong in, how to protect your application from technical mistakes, and how to make smart choices that keep you in the game every year. If you want to hunt New Mexico in 2026 or build a long-term Western application plan, this breakdown will help you apply with clarity and confidence, even in a true lottery environment with no point banking.

If you’re planning to hunt elk, mule deer, or pronghorn in Colorado as a non-resident, this episode breaks the entire application process down step-by-step so you can approach it with confidence. Colorado offers more big-game opportunity than almost any state in the West, but navigating preference points, qualifying licenses, hunt codes, and non-resident tag caps can feel overwhelming without a clear roadmap. In this conversation, Matt Hartsky explains how Colorado’s primary draw, secondary draw, and leftover or reissued license sales connect, why understanding each phase matters, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that keep hunters on the sidelines for a year.

We dive into Colorado’s true preference-point system and what that means for applicants planning hunts in 2026 and beyond. You’ll learn how and when points are earned, what it means to “burn” points, why only your first choice affects your total, and how group applications average points across multiple hunters. Matt explains how to use point trends to predict draw odds, how point creep evolves from year to year, and which strategies help non-residents build a realistic rotation of hunts rather than waiting endlessly on top-tier units. We also cover why mid-tier units often offer some of the best balance between drawability and hunt quality.

The episode breaks down the tag allocation system that limits high-demand deer and elk tags to 20 percent for non-residents, while other units allow up to 35 percent. Understanding the difference is crucial because it determines where your points will go the farthest and how to spot hunts that are shifting into or out of high-demand status. Matt walks through recent Colorado changes, including the shift of most non-resident archery elk opportunities west of I-25 from over-the-counter to limited entry, which now requires a draw. He also details how leftover tags and reissued tags hit the system each August and why many serious hunters treat the secondary draw and leftover sale as key opportunities to get into the field, even without points.

You’ll hear the full timeline for the Colorado application season, including the March through early April primary draw window, the June secondary draw, and the August leftover sale. Matt explains the qualifying license requirement that catches many new applicants by surprise, why you must purchase it before applying, and how to avoid losing a tag due to expired payment information. From choosing hunt codes to checking results, understanding your CID number, and avoiding duplicate profiles, this episode makes the process simple, predictable, and repeatable.

To help you turn knowledge into strategy, Matt lays out how to build a realistic application plan, balance long-term point building with near-term opportunity, and focus on the best draw choices for your goals. The conversation highlights weapon-specific draw patterns for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunters, and shows how season timing influences movement, pressure, and success. Whether you’re after September elk in the timber, mule deer along the high ridges, or pronghorn on open sage, this episode will help you make smart, informed decisions.

If you want to hunt Colorado consistently, this breakdown gives you the clarity to build points, protect points, and use the primary draw, secondary draw, and leftover license sales to your advantage. By learning how Colorado’s system works, how non-resident caps shape opportunity, and how to avoid simple mistakes, you’ll be ready to apply with confidence and line up more Western big-game tags year after year.

Hunting mountain whitetails in the West is nothing like chasing farmland deer back East. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to hunt western whitetails across rugged terrain in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. These deer live in steep ridges, broken timber, river bottoms, and foothills where elevation, thermals, and weather dictate every move. You’ll learn how western mountain whitetails behave differently than their flatland cousins, how they travel longer distances, bed in vertical country, and use wind and terrain to stay alive. We cover how mountain whitetails choose bedding based on slope direction, how thermals control daily movement, and how changing snow depth and pressure shift deer from higher ridges to lower wintering areas.

Matt explains how to scout effectively using maps, terrain features, habitat transitions, and elevation bands to find dependable travel corridors connecting feed and cover. You’ll hear how benches, saddles, and creek bottoms play into whitetail survival, why burns and logged areas produce great feed, and how to identify rubs, tracks, and browse patterns in the mountains. We also dig into how to choose access points that avoid pressure and how even a short hike away from roads can put you into untouched habitat.

From early season bachelor groups to the pre-rut and full rut, this episode shows how mountain whitetail behavior shifts rapidly with temperature, snow, and hunting pressure. Matt explains when to glass and when to set up, why thermals matter more than wind direction, and how bucks cruise long distances between doe pockets during the rut. Post-rut and winter strategies include targeting lower-elevation habitat, south-facing slopes, and security cover where food and thermals overlap. We talk about stand placement in big country, how to still-hunt and spot-and-stalk effectively, and why adaptability is everything when you’re hunting whitetails in steep terrain.

Matt also lays out practical three-day and week-long hunt plans—how to locate deer fast, when to push, and how to read terrain to move stands or change drainages. You’ll learn why snow is an asset, how to track fresh sign, and how to use mirrors of behavior from mule deer and elk to predict where western whitetails will travel. The episode wraps by emphasizing preparation, self-assessment, and building your own mountain-whitetail system that works season after season.

If you want to sharpen your approach to western whitetail hunting and hunt mountain whitetails in rugged public land, this conversation gives you a complete roadmap. Whether you’re glassing big basins, still-hunting timbered saddles, or hanging stands along contour trails, you’ll walk away with the knowledge you need to confidently hunt mountain whitetails all season long.

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, host Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly how to apply for Wyoming big game as a non-resident — one of the most misunderstood but opportunity-rich draw systems in the West. If you’ve ever logged onto the Wyoming Game and Fish website and felt confused about the difference between preference points, regular and special draws, or the 90/10 tag split, this episode walks you through every detail step by step.

Matt explains Wyoming’s hybrid draw system—how it blends preference points with random odds—and what that means for elk, mule deer, and antelope hunters looking to plan for the 2026 season. You’ll learn how to navigate the Regular vs. Special Draw options, when to apply for each species, how to manage your preference points, and how to avoid costly application mistakes that can sideline your season.

He also unpacks key strategies for building points wisely, understanding how point creep impacts your odds, and using Wyoming’s draw odds reports to identify realistic, attainable hunts rather than chasing point-heavy dream units. From understanding the difference between General and Limited Quota licenses to timing your applications correctly and managing your payment and refund details, this episode covers everything you need to apply with confidence.

Matt closes by outlining how to read trends, plan multi-species strategies, and use short-term opportunity hunts to stay active while building for long-term tags. Whether you’re brand new to applying in Wyoming or fine-tuning your strategy for 2026, this episode gives you the full blueprint for success in one of the West’s best non-resident systems.