If you've been daydreaming about real deer camp adventure but feel stuck by time, money, or gear, this conversation will feel relevant. Tom LaLond from XOP joins me to break down attainable whitetail trips on realistic budgets, the culture behind XOP's gear labs, and how building one dialed-in kit frees up money to hunt more states.

We walk through what attainable adventure actually looks like in states like Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and the Appalachians — where a $2,500 trip is the real constraint, not a marketing line. Then we get into mobile stand setups, packing systems, and why smarter clothing choices matter more than adding another layer to the pile.

00:00:00 – Introducing Tom LaLond and the XOP deer camp world

00:01:30 – How deer camp culture and camaraderie became the core of XOP gear labs

00:03:20 – Attainable adventure: $2,500 trip budgets and hunting everyday states

00:07:20 – Nebraska gear lab: cheap tents, shared gear, and what made it memorable

00:35:40 – Packing a mobile whitetail kit: skinny packs, layer order, and tree efficiency

00:37:50 – One kit, more tags: spending less on gear to hunt more states

00:39:45 – Bluff country clothing: hiking cold, managing sweat, and building a puffy system

Topics Covered:

• What XOP's deer camp gear labs are and why serious hunters keep choosing them

• How to frame and plan a $2,500 attainable adventure trip in almost any state

• Packing a mobile whitetail kit efficiently from bag to tree

• Why one complete setup beats five halfway-finished ones — and frees up tag money

• Puffy vs bib layering systems for cold, steep, sweat-inducing terrain

If this episode sparks a few ideas for your own deer camps or mobile setups, share it with someone you'd want in camp and hit follow so you don't miss the next one.

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You've probably looked at sheep tag odds and thought — that's never happening. The numbers are brutal. Most states are handing out a handful of tags to thousands of applicants, and the herds aren't exactly booming. But there's a population in the Black Canyon of Colorado that just got its first hunt tag in over 80 years, and a wildlife researcher who's been tracking every sheep in that canyon for the last two years using 71 trail cameras. The results are pretty interesting.

Cody Hinkley is wrapping up his master's research at Western Colorado University, and his thesis asks a simple but important question: can trail cameras replace expensive, dangerous helicopter surveys to monitor bighorn sheep populations? If the answer is yes, it changes how wildlife managers across the West track herds — and potentially how tags get allocated.

In this episode, we break down how the mark-resight method works, what the population data actually shows for this herd, and what the disease threatening sheep herds nationwide would take to solve. We also get into the honest reality of what it would take — population-wise — for a non-resident to have a realistic shot at drawing a tag in their lifetime.

Highlights:

• How trail cameras can be used to estimate wildlife population size and sex ratios — and why it matters for tag allocation

• Why this Colorado Black Canyon herd is an anomaly — growing when most sheep herds are struggling

• The preliminary data: ~80 sheep, and more rams than ewes, with implications for future tag numbers

• Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (MOVI) — the disease from domestic sheep that is the #1 management threat to bighorn herds nationwide

• What "full curl" means, when rams reach maturity, and how wildlife managers think about harvestable surplus

• Realistic advice for hunters who want a sheep tag someday — including which states to watch and why Colorado is worth a closer look

• Why whitetail hunters can actually run a mini population survey on their own property using the same science

If you want to follow Cody's research when it's published, keep an eye on his work coming out of Western Colorado University — he's planning to make it publicly accessible. And if you haven't already, subscribe to the Drawn West podcast so you don't miss episodes like this one.

https://www.instagram.com/codymhinkley/

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If you’ve ever tried to glass all day on a steep hillside and felt your lower back lock up, this episode is going to hit home. I sit down with Steven Giles from DRT Hunting to talk about the Recon Lounger—a rifle cover that turns into a legit glassing chair—and how one well designed piece of gear can keep you comfortable, protect your optic, and replace two or three other items in your pack. We dig into the engineering behind it, the real world use cases, and how a multi use mindset changes the way you hunt out West.

Steven is a manufacturing engineer and co founder of DRT Hunting, and he built the Recon Lounger out of his own frustration with sore backs, sap covered jackets, and expensive optics getting beat up in rough country. The result is a thousand denier, carbon reinforced rifle cover that unfolds into a stadium style chair, doubles as a shooting support, and even pulls duty in your sleep system—all without adding another bulky, single use item to your pack.

We talk through why comfort actually keeps you “in the game” longer behind the glass, how Western residents and non residents think differently about glassing, and why multi use gear matters more as hunts get more remote and expensive. If you’re the kind of hunter who tinkers with homemade scope covers, hates traditional slings, and loves figuring out new ways to use the gear you already carry, this conversation will give you a bunch of practical ideas to test on your next mule deer, elk, antelope, or coyote hunt.

Highlights

• The Dirt/DRT origin story, “dead right there” name, and bison logo.

• How the Recon Lounger works as a rifle cover, scope shield, and glassing chair.

• Why comfort behind the glass matters for long Western hunts.

• Multi use field applications from rifle cover to chair, pad, and camp utility.

• Real hunt use cases from long glassing sessions to packing out birds or sheds.

• Manufacturing lessons from prototyping to over building and show season inventory.

• Using knowledge and creativity to carry less gear and solve more problems afield.

If this episode gives you ideas for making your pack lighter and your glassing more comfortable, hit follow on the podcast and share this one with a hunting buddy who’s always tweaking their gear setup. You can check out the Recon Lounger and follow Steven’s crew at dirthunting.com and @drt_hunting on Instagram—links are in the show notes

https://www.instagram.com/drt_hunting/

https://www.drthunting.com/

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It can be hard for women to find a mentor in the hunting world. Taylor Gutierrez is changing that.

Taylor grew up in Colorado where grabbing an elk tag on a free weekend was just... a thing people do. She didn't realize how rare that was until she started teaching women who are brand-new to hunting and have no idea where to start. This conversation is part draw system deep-dive, part honest guide to how women can get into Western hunting without it being weird or unsafe.

We get into Colorado's point system—elk, pronghorn, the big three—and what the 2028 OTC and Northwest corner changes actually mean for hunters at different point levels. From there Taylor talks through her work with Uncharted Outdoors Women and why education-first programs are in such high demand from women who want to learn but don't know who to trust.

What we cover:

• Why Colorado residents still have serious OTC and leftover opportunity—and how to use it

• Point creep in the Northwest corner and what the 2028 changes mean for 30+ point elk holders

• The pronghorn trap: a perfect starter hunt, but good rifle tags now take 5+ points

• How Taylor got a 14-point pronghorn tag off the leftover list and tagged out in 27 minutes

• Why solo elk hunting is a bad idea—and how to find the right hunting partners as a woman

• What women's elk camp actually looks like and why it sells out fast

If this one was useful, hit follow so you don't miss the next one—and share it with someone who's been saying "I want to go out West someday."

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If you’ve ever daydreamed about drawing a Maine moose tag, chasing bugling bulls in Colorado, or finally taking turkey season seriously, this episode is for you!

Brian sits down with Maine-based hunter and filmmaker Jacob Haskell to talk about what it actually takes to draw these tags, how the odds and bonus points really play out, and why these hunts are more realistic than most people assume. Along the way they break down real pack-outs, close calls, missed opportunities, and the kind of strategy that turns “someday” hunts into actual dates on the calendar.

Jacob walks through the Maine moose lottery from his own experience—what the nonresident odds look like, how Maine’s bonus point system behaves more like a raffle than a true preference system, and why he still calls it a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. He explains how the hunt actually feels in northern Maine: logging roads, clearcuts, bogs, calling bulls into bow range, and why success is still high if you do things right, even with tick issues and shifting populations.

From there, Brian and Jacob compare Maine moose to Western elk, including Colorado’s brutal moose odds, over-the-counter elk experiences, and what realistic expectations look like when you’re playing long odds across multiple states. The back half of the episode dives into turkey hunting—reaping tactics, using full-fan decoys, bow vs shotgun setups, and why turkey season might be the best way to get new hunters hooked on calling, movement, and decision-making in the field.

Highlights

• How Maine’s bonus point system and extra entries actually work for nonresidents, and why long-time applicants can still get leapfrogged by newer hunters.

• What a modern Maine moose hunt looks like on the ground—pressure from roads, using calls in September vs October, and how to make the most of a one-week season.

• Real-world pack-out stories comparing a Maine bull moose to a giant North Dakota elk, including meat yields, quarter weights, and the mental side of multiple trips.

• Why Maine moose success can still be high despite tick issues, and how biologists and outfitters are adapting to keep the hunt meaningful.

• How Jacob’s first Colorado archery elk hunt went down—close encounters, setup mistakes, and the decision to pass a risky shot at less than 20 yards.

• Practical turkey tactics: full-fan Tom decoys with real fans, using reaping safely, roost scouting, and calling sequences that pull gobblers off the limb.

• How Jacob built his “The Pursuit Hunt” brand, films hunts across the Northeast and West, and uses YouTube to share these stories.

If this episode helps you see Maine moose, Colorado elk, or serious turkey hunts as actually possible, subscribe to the Drawn West podcast and drop a rating or review so more hunters can find it. Then go check out Jacob’s “The Pursuit Hunt” on YouTube and thepursuithunt.com—his Maine moose film alone is worth the watch!

https://www.instagram.com/thepursuithunt/

https://www.youtube.com/@thepursuithunt

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Want to find more sheds each season? This is the episode for you!

I sat down with Alex Kunkel from Minnesota Shed Hunters, one of the most active shed hunting community pages in the Midwest. Alex has been doing this long enough to figure out what actually works — and a lot of what he shared challenged some of the "common wisdom" you hear thrown around, like walking fence lines (spoiler: neither of us has ever found a shed on one).

We cover the full strategy side of shed hunting — from how winter severity changes where deer concentrate, to why timing is probably more important than location, to how to use apps like Scout to Hunt and GoHunt Maps to stop re-walking ground you've already covered. If you've ever spent a whole Saturday shed hunting and come home with nothing, this one's for you.

Episode Highlights:

• How to identify the "limiting factor" in your area — food or cover — and why the answer changes depending on where you live

• The exact window Alex targets every year: why late February to early March is his peak and how he thinks about going too early vs. too late

• Why public land shed hunting has gotten harder and what private access actually looks like in the Midwest

• The Scout to Hunt app breakdown — what it does, how the analytics work, and why the track-width gridding feature alone is worth the $30/year

• Why rivers and creek crossings knock sheds loose (and why fence lines are mostly a myth)

• How to use snowshoes to access areas that eliminate almost all competition on big public tracts

• Habitat projects that actually move the needle for your shed season, not just your hunting season

If this episode helped you think differently about where you spend your time this spring, it'd mean a lot if you left a rating or review — it helps more hunters find the show.

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2026 Wyoming Mule Deer Application Guide

Tired of how confusing Wyoming's mule deer draw is? We cover how it works and the best mule deer units in the state!

Wyoming's application system is one of the most complicated in the West, the June 1st deadline is coming fast, and 2026 is the last year to buy preference points at the current price before they jump to $75 across the board. If you've been putting Wyoming off, this is the episode that changes that.

I break down the full Wyoming mule deer draw — how the splits work, what all those tag types actually mean, what the 2026 weather and snowpack means for your hunt, and which units are worth your points from zero all the way to 10+.

What we cover:

• Why 2026 is the last year to buy Wyoming points at the current price — and why that matters

• How the Wyoming draw actually works: resident/non-resident splits, regular vs. special, 75/25 point draw, and what the random draw means for you

• Every tag type (Type 1 through Type 0) explained in plain language so you know exactly what to apply for

• The 2026 snowpack situation and what low moisture years mean for antler growth and herd health

• Wilderness area restrictions for non-residents — the unit research step most hunters skip

• The second-choice trick: how to draw a tag and keep building points in the same year

• Unit recommendations at zero, five, and ten points for non-resident regular and special applicants

If this helped, subscribe so you don't miss the Wyoming Antelope episode dropping right after this one. And if you've got a hunting partner who's been on the fence about Wyoming, send this their way — it'll save them hours of digging.

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Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:00 — Wyoming Mule Deer 2026: Why This State Belongs in Your Core Strategy

00:03:03 — Deadlines, Tag Fees, and the 2027 Preference Point Price Increase

00:05:12 — Tag Cost Breakdown: Regular, Special, Reduced, and Youth

00:07:31 — 2026 Weather and Snowpack — What Low Moisture Means for Your Hunt

00:08:30 — How Wyoming's Draw System Actually Works

00:11:00 — Hunt Choices, Second-Choice Strategy, and Retaining Your Points

00:11:45 — Every Tag Type Explained (Type 1 Through Type 0)

00:15:30 — Group Applications — How Averaging Works and Why Wyoming Over-Allocates

00:17:50 — Wyoming Mule Deer Herd Overview: Where It Stands in 2026

00:22:38 — Zero-Point Options: Regular and Special Draw Breakdown

00:27:30 — Ten-Point Range: Units Worth Targeting as Non-Resident Regular

00:29:05 — The Second-Choice Trick and Unit 15

00:31:17 — Five-Point Range: Units to Look At Right Now

00:34:42 — How to Use GoHunt Insider to Research Units Yourself

Want to go Antelope hunting this year? THIS is the episode for you!

Wyoming is coming out of one of the worst winters in recent memory, and the antelope herd has responded. Tag allocations are going up almost across the board, units that were off-limits without 15+ points are becoming more accessible, and there's never been a better time to get serious about your Wyoming antelope application.

The problem most hunters run into isn't a lack of options — it's knowing where to start. Wyoming has more units than almost any other state, and the draw system is complicated enough to make even experienced applicants second-guess themselves.

In this episode, I break down the Wyoming antelope application from top to bottom — what the herd looks like right now, why 2026 is an exciting year to be in the draw, and which units you should actually be targeting based on your point level. Whether you're sitting on zero points or burning 15, there's something worth applying for.

What we cover:

• Why Wyoming is still the top non-resident antelope state and what makes 2026 especially promising

• The difference between regular and special tags — and when paying the extra $800 actually makes sense

• Which units consistently produce 80-inch bucks and what it costs in points to draw them

• Unit recommendations at every major point level, from zero all the way to 12+

• The public land and access reality in Wyoming — corner crossing, private land, and how to scout before you apply

• How to keep building points while still drawing a tag and hunting every year

If this episode helped, subscribe on your platform of choice so you don't miss the rest of the Wyoming series. And if you've got a buddy trying to figure out antelope points, share this one — it'll save them a lot of time.

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[Master Your Big Game Application Strategy]

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Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:00 — Wyoming Antelope: Why This Is the Best Non-Resident State

00:01:17 — Deadline, Tag Fees, and How the Draw System Works

00:03:26 — Where the Herd Stands in 2026 and Why Tags Are Going Up

00:06:19 — Where the Giants Live — Best Regions and Units for Trophy Bucks

00:07:27 — The Special Tag Advantage — Second Choice Units and Hunting While You Build Points

00:09:13 — Top-Tier Units at 12–20 Points (58, 60, 61, 90, 91)

00:12:32 — Options at Every Point Level — Zero Through Five

00:18:04 — Eight to Ten Point Units Worth Targeting (48, 79, 46)

00:20:08 — Non-Resident Special Breakdown — Zero Points to Five Points

00:25:04 — If You Have 10+ Points, It's Time to Pull the Trigger

Already applying in Oregon wondering if you should add antelope, sheep, or goats to your application? We breakdown everything you need to know to decide!

Oregon isn't known for massive antelope numbers, but what it does have is consistent trophy quality, high harvest success rates, and one of the most cost-efficient point systems in the West. For sheep and goats, it's a fully random draw — no points, no guarantees — but if you're already buying the license, $10 is a pretty cheap lottery ticket.

We break down exactly when it makes financial sense to add these species, what point levels unlock for antelope, and what the current tag counts and population data look like for bighorn sheep and mountain goats in 2026.

In this episode:

• Why Oregon antelope is more consistent than other states — and what that means for trophy hunters

• The point level breakdown for non-resident antelope draw odds (0, 5, and 15 points)

• How sheep and goats use a completely different, fully random draw system in Oregon

• Current non-resident tag allocations for California bighorn, Rocky Mountain bighorn, and mountain goat

• Why Oregon mountain goat populations are concerning — and what it means for draw odds

If this helped, subscribe and leave a rating — it makes a real difference. Follow along on Instagram @getdrawnwest.

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00:00:03 – Oregon's Bonus Species:Antelope, Sheep & Goats Overview

00:02:02 – Why Oregon Antelope IsDifferent From Other States

00:03:15 – Draw Odds, Trophy Potential& What It Takes to Draw

00:04:41 – Application Deadline, Costs& Tag Prices

00:06:21 – Zero-Point Antelope Strategyfor Non-Residents

00:08:21 – Five-Point Antelope Options:Archery & Rifle

00:10:42 – Fifteen-Point AntelopeBreakdown & Best Units

00:13:45 – Resident Antelope StrategyNotes

00:16:30 – Sheep & Goat Costs, TagPrices & Draw System

00:18:25 – Oregon Bighorn Sheep: Residentvs. Non-Resident Allocations

00:19:19 – California Bighorn & RockyMountain Bighorn Tag Breakdown

00:21:48 – Mountain Goat Trophy Potential& Population Decline

00:23:26 – Should You Apply for Sheep& Goats? The Decision Framework

Oregon has 130,000 elk. That's not a rumor — it's one of the largest herds in the country. But most non-residents either overlook it or misunderstand what it actually offers. If you're building a Western elk strategy, this is the episode that puts Oregon in the right place.

We break down both sides of the state — Roosevelt elk on the west side of the Cascades, Rocky Mountain elk to the east — and walk through exactly what the draw looks like depending on how many points you're carrying. From zero-point opportunities all the way into the 20-plus-point elite units, Oregon has more range than most people realize. The deadline to apply is May 15, so if this is on your radar, the window is closing fast.

What we get into:

• Why Oregon is built for opportunity — and what that means for trophy expectations

• The Rocky Mountain units pushing 320, 350, and even 360 inches of antler (and what it takes to draw them)

• Why unit 58 might be the best mid-range value in the whole state for non-residents

• Roosevelt elk 101 — why they hunt differently, where the public land actually is, and which units are worth your time

• A full breakdown of what's realistic with zero, four, and ten-plus points for both species and both weapon types

• The non-resident cost breakdown — and why Oregon's 10-to-1 resident/non-resident split is actually one of the fairer ones in the West

If you're serious about applying, subscribe so you don't miss the over-the-counter breakdown coming later this summer.

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[BigGame Draw Results]

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Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:01 Oregon Elk — Why It Belongs in Your Application Stack

00:02:28 Roosevelt vs. Rocky Mountain: How Oregon's Herd Is Split

00:04:06 Is Oregon a Trophy State? Setting the Right Expectations

00:06:47 The Elite Rocky Mountain Units — 320 Inches and Up

00:08:48 Roosevelt Elk Units — What to Expect and Where to Start

00:11:03 Zero-Point Options for Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt Elk

00:11:26 Four-Point Strategy — Archery and Rifle Breakdowns

00:15:00 Four-Point Roosevelt Elk Units — What's Actually Worth It

00:19:46 Ten-Plus Points — Where the Draw Really Opens Up

00:20:57 Final Thoughts and Application Deadline Reminder