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CODE OF THE WEST - UNWRITTEN RULES OF PUBLIC LAND HUNTING ELK AND MULE DEER | 🎙️ EP. 17
Public land hunting isn’t just about tags, bulls, or big bucks—it’s about who you are when no one’s watching. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, I’m laying out the unwritten rules of public land hunting—what I call the Code of the West. These aren't printed in a game regulations booklet, but they matter just as much. Because in the backcountry, your reputation is built on how you hunt, not just what you kill.
I’m Matt Hartsky, and after 33+ years of hunting the West, I’ve seen the best and worst of public land behavior. If you’ve ever said “It’s public land, I can do what I want,” this episode will challenge your thinking. And if you already believe in hunting with character, this will help you lead by example and pass that mindset on.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How to handle trail encounters, stock animals, and shared access
• Respecting active stalks, setups, and camps in the field
• First blood and recovery zone ethics—how to avoid ugly situations
• Prime-time etiquette—why your choices affect more than your own hunt
• Glassing spot protocol and how to avoid unnecessary conflict
• The difference between entitled behavior and earned respect
• How character in the field creates better hunts for everyone
This episode is built for:
• DIY public land hunters—elk, mule deer, antelope, and more
• Backcountry hunters who take pride in doing things the right way
• New hunters who want to learn the culture and unwritten ethics
• Anyone who values respect, discipline, and shared wild places
The Code of the West isn’t about rules—it’s about respect. And it’s not about being soft—it’s about being someone others would be proud to hunt with.
Listen now to sharpen more than just your tactics—sharpen your standard. Because how you hunt is who you are.
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By Backbone UnlimitedPublic land hunting isn’t just about tags, bulls, or big bucks—it’s about who you are when no one’s watching. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, I’m laying out the unwritten rules of public land hunting—what I call the Code of the West. These aren't printed in a game regulations booklet, but they matter just as much. Because in the backcountry, your reputation is built on how you hunt, not just what you kill.
I’m Matt Hartsky, and after 33+ years of hunting the West, I’ve seen the best and worst of public land behavior. If you’ve ever said “It’s public land, I can do what I want,” this episode will challenge your thinking. And if you already believe in hunting with character, this will help you lead by example and pass that mindset on.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How to handle trail encounters, stock animals, and shared access
• Respecting active stalks, setups, and camps in the field
• First blood and recovery zone ethics—how to avoid ugly situations
• Prime-time etiquette—why your choices affect more than your own hunt
• Glassing spot protocol and how to avoid unnecessary conflict
• The difference between entitled behavior and earned respect
• How character in the field creates better hunts for everyone
This episode is built for:
• DIY public land hunters—elk, mule deer, antelope, and more
• Backcountry hunters who take pride in doing things the right way
• New hunters who want to learn the culture and unwritten ethics
• Anyone who values respect, discipline, and shared wild places
The Code of the West isn’t about rules—it’s about respect. And it’s not about being soft—it’s about being someone others would be proud to hunt with.
Listen now to sharpen more than just your tactics—sharpen your standard. Because how you hunt is who you are.