If you’ve ever been curious about trapping but felt like it was confusing, intimidating, or just “not for people like me,” this episode is for you.

I sit down with Zach from Okayest Trapper to talk through what getting started actually looks like when you didn’t grow up trapping. The mistakes, the learning curve, the frozen ground, the gear decisions, and why most people underestimate how much work (and problem-solving) is involved.

We cover how trapper education works in different states, how trapping changes the way you think about animals and habitat, and why so many hunters eventually get drawn into it — even if they never planned to. We also talk honestly about fur, conservation, and whether trapping is something that stays a hobby or can turn into something more over time.

If you hunt, own land, or just want to understand another side of the outdoor world without the gatekeeping, this conversation will give you a clear picture of what trapping really is — and whether it’s something you’d ever want to try.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this helped you see trapping differently, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who’s been curious but unsure where to start.

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https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Collab kickoff + trapping bug

01:45 – How Idaho vs Minnesota trapping education works

06:15 – Early exposure to trapping culture (and what changed)

09:45 – “Why am I doing this?” — the addiction to challenge

14:10 – Trap prep debate: boil, rust, dye, wax… or just run them

18:10 – Anchors vs drags + frozen ground problems

23:00 – Cable restraints: lighter, faster, more scalable

26:10 – Collector mode: species goals (fox, coon, coyote, fisher, bobcat)

31:45 – Fur boom talk + could markets ever come back?

41:15 – Alternative markets: squirrels, gophers, skulls, and making it pencil

Is it worth applying for Elk and Antelope in Arizona? Lets dive into it!

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down exactly what non-resident hunters need to know before deciding whether Arizona deserves a spot in their Western application strategy. From deadlines and costs to draw mechanics and realistic hunt expectations, this episode is built to help you avoid common mistakes and spend your application dollars smarter.

You’ll learn how to legally cut Arizona application costs nearly in half using the license timing strategy, how loyalty and Hunter Ed bonus points actually impact your odds, and why Arizona’s modified bonus point system is confusing—but still gives every applicant a chance. Brian also explains why group applications can quietly destroy your odds, especially in units limited by the 5% non-resident cap.

On the hunting side, this episode takes an honest look at where Arizona elk stands today. While it’s no longer the king of 400-inch bulls, Arizona still offers some of the best mid-range elk opportunities in the West if you’re willing to hunt late archery or late rifle seasons. Brian lays out realistic timelines for different hunt types and explains where Arizona fits compared to states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana.

Finally, Brian addresses Arizona antelope head-on—why it’s largely overvalued for non-residents, when it might still make sense to apply, and why most hunters are better off treating it as a cheap lottery ticket rather than a long-term points investment.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.

If this helped clarify your application strategy, leave a 5-star rating and share the episode with a buddy who’s still on the fence about Arizona.

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01:45 Arizona License & Application Costs

03:10 The Every-Other-Year License Strategy

05:00 Arizona Weather, Drought, and Herd Health

06:45 Arizona’s Modified Bonus Point Draw

09:10 Group Applications & Non-Resident Caps

11:40 How Good Is Arizona Elk Hunting Today?

14:00 Arizona as a Mid-Range Elk Strategy

18:00 Arizona Antelope Reality Check

21:30 Final Verdict & Application Advice

Apply, skip, or just buy a point — this is how to make the right Wyoming elk decision in 2026.

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down everything non-resident hunters need to know before applying for a Wyoming elk tag in 2026 — including deadlines, costs, point strategy, and when it isn’t worth applying.

This episode covers how Wyoming’s elk system really works, from the confusing regular vs. special draw and preference vs. random pools, to tag types, regions, group applications, and realistic draw odds at every point level. Brian also explains why Wyoming’s early deadline and full upfront payment change the math for many hunters — especially those with low point totals — and offers honest guidance on when to apply, when to skip, and when to simply buy a point later in the year.

If you’re trying to decide whether Wyoming fits into your 2026 elk plan, this episode gives you the clarity to make a smart call instead of guessing.

Key Takeaways:

• Non-resident Wyoming elk deadline: February 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT

• Upfront cost required: Full tag + fees charged at application

• Draw results: Tentatively May 21, 2026

• Preference points: No longer automatic — must be purchased separately July 1–Nov 2

• Regular vs. Special draw: ~4-year point reduction for ~$1,250 more

• General tag reality: Now takes ~3–6 points depending on region

• When NOT to apply: Low-point hunters in South & West regions

• When to apply: Borderline odds (30%+) or high-point limited entry plays

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.

If this helped, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy stressing over applications.

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Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!
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Okuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
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00:00 – Wyoming Elk Deadline & Fees
02:35 – Preference Points Are No Longer Automatic
03:48 – How the Wyoming Elk Draw Works
07:25 – Wyoming Elk Tag Types Explained
09:45 – General License & Regions
12:15 – Group Applications & Point Averaging
13:54 – General Tag Draw Odds by Region
16:18 – Regular vs Special: Is It Worth It?
18:40 – Limited Entry Options by Point Level
21:03 – When You Should Skip Applying
23:25 – Elk Herd Health & 2026 Outlook
25:57 – Final Recommendation & Wrap-Up

Inside SHOT Show 2026: the biggest hunting and shooting industry trends, gear, and surprises from the show floor.

SHOT Show 2026 just wrapped, and this was my first-ever SHOT Show experience—so I went in expecting a hunting trade show and walked into one of the biggest shooting sports and firearms industry events in the world.

In this episode, I break down what SHOT Show is really like, how it compares to other outdoor expos, and the new hunting gear, firearms technology, and outdoor products that stood out most this year. From suppressor-ready rifles and long-range cartridges to innovative hunting packs, coolers, blinds, and knives, this episode covers the products and trends that matter most to serious hunters.

I also share my Top 3 things from SHOT Show 2026, including:

• The new 7mm Backcountry cartridge designed for 20” suppressor-ready rifles

• Why Beretta’s 500-year history might be the most impressive story in the firearms industry

• Benchmade’s brand-new bi-metal blade patent that could change how hunting knives are built

If you’re curious about SHOT Show, the future of hunting gear, or what new products are actually worth paying attention to in 2026, this episode gives you a ground-level look from the show floor.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this episode helped you, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy heading west this fall.

FREE Gear Checklist:

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Sponsorsand Discounts:
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GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
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OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
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FirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
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Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
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SHOT Show week in Vegas, so we’re doing something a little different: a throwback “Rifle Gear 101” episode from the Western Rookie days, republished here on Drawn West. It’s a full, practical walkthrough of what actually matters for a western rifle hunt: layering for chaotic October/November weather, keeping feet dry with gaiters, and building a clothing system you can mix and match instead of buying one “mega jacket.”

From there we get into camp comfort (truck-seat mattress vs. tent, propane vs. wood heat, and why warm food matters more the colder it gets), then the unsexy-but-critical stuff: tools, tow straps, shovels, chains, and spare tires so a broken rig doesn’t end your hunt.

We wrap with the “gear brain” section: kill kit + game bags, pack setup, glassing systems, and then a straight-shooting breakdown of calibers, bullet types, and rifle optics so you can keep it simple and still be effective.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
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GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
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FirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 — 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Lead-In

00:33 — Shot Show Week + Throwback Episode Plan

03:15 — Rifle Season Weather + Layering Strategy

12:59 — GOHUNT Draw Odds + Insider Plug

14:15 — Gloves + Cold-Hand System

16:23 — Camp Styles + Heaters (Propane vs Wood)

25:17 — Truck Tools, Straps, Chains, Spares

31:14 — Kill Kit + Game Bags + Pack Setup

41:26 — Glassing System: Binos, Tripod, Spotter

48:37 — Calibers, Bullets, and Rifle Optics Wrap-Up

Never hunted the West before? This episode is where you start.

This is a full, start-to-finish breakdown of how to plan your first Western hunt without wasting time, money, or an entire season learning the hard way. We walk through every major decision — species, weapon choice, tag systems, budget, gear, scouting, and expectations — so you can stop overthinking and start taking action.

This episode is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’ve never stepped foot out West or you’ve gone once and want a cleaner, smarter process, this framework gives you clarity on what to do next — and how to build hunts that fit your life, not your ego.

This is the foundation everything else at Drawn West builds on.

If this episode helped you, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a 5-star rating — it helps more hunters find the show. And if you know someone who’s always said “someday I want to hunt out West,” send them this episode. Follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more Western hunting strategy, planning, and real-world hunt breakdowns.

Up Next:
Watch our full Colorado Mule Deer Hunt where we TAGGED OUT on public land!

https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs

FREE Gear Checklist:

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Connect with Brian Krebs
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
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GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
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Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
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00:00 – Why This Is the Start Here Episode

05:00 – Choosing the Right First Western Hunt

08:00 – Species & Weapon Reality Check

20:00 – Understanding Tags, Points & Draw Systems

30:00 – How to Pick a Unit Without Internet Noise

38:00 – Realistic Budget & Hidden Costs

48:00 – E-Scouting: Access, Habitat & Pressure

55:00 – Timeline: When to Apply, Scout & Prep

01:02:00 – Expectations, Mindset & Final Advice

Dogs running deer, a 200-yard muzzleloader shot, a misfire on the follow up, and an 8-point that somehow stood there forever… this one was chaos in the best (and worst) way.

Brian kicks off with two quick updates: the 2025 Colorado mule deer full film is live on YouTube, and a listener question from Joe that turns into a solid breakdown on picking your anchor elk state as a solo hunter. He talks rifle vs archery realities, why repetition matters more than “perfect” tags, and how he’d rotate Montana/Colorado (and maybe Idaho) to stack reps without waiting 10–15 years.

Then we get into Minnesota muzzleloader season: a herd gets pushed by two pet dogs, a big buck pauses at 200, the shot breaks, and the follow-up turns into click… click… click. Next morning: blood, pines, and a fast recovery—plus what this long-range muzzleloader setup has changed for his CRP farm hunts.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.

Watch the full Colorado Mule Deer Film:
https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!
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Okuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
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First MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

00:00 Colorado mule deer full filmannouncement

02:08 Listener question: solo elkstruggles + point situation

04:35 What makes an “anchor elk state”

06:00 Rifle vs archery elk when you huntsolo

08:04 Why Wyoming general isn’t a truecornerstone state

10:24 Colorado as a cornerstone (pressure+ future changes)

12:43 Montana general strategy and the“point weirdness”

14:30 A practical rotation plan for elkhunting more often

16:49 Minnesota muzzleloader: whylong-range matters

23:08 Dogs push deer + the 200-yard shot+ misfire chaos

34:17 Blood trail, fast recovery, andseason wrap

An 11-day winter road trip, four Airbnbs, overloaded trucks, and some of the most remote ice fishing in the Lower 48.

In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian sits down with Matt Waldron to break down an 11-day western ice fishing road trip across Montana and Wyoming—what went right, what went sideways, and why destination ice fishing deserves way more attention from hunters and anglers alike.

Matt walks through the logistics of hauling machines, gear overload, rotating Airbnbs, and filming a full multi-episode series for Crappie Chronicles. They dig into the mental shift between hunting and fishing trips, why ice fishing feels more relaxed, and how preparation, flexibility, and experience keep trips like this from falling apart.

The conversation covers everything from remote lake trout fishing on Fort Peck Reservoir, destination walleye fisheries like Devils Lake, and why western fisheries offer a completely different experience than pressured Midwest lakes. Along the way, they get into gear systems, truck builds, safety in remote country, filming realities, and why nothing ever goes exactly as planned on long trips.

This episode is part trip recap, part strategy session, and part encouragement to think bigger—whether that’s ice fishing out west, planning destination trips, or simply getting more intentional about how you travel and prepare.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave a 5-star rating, and share the show on social media to help Drawn West keep growing.

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GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
https://alnk.to/31sVDzF
FirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
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Brian and Abby are rolling home from Colorado (in the truck, somewhere around Iowa) wrapping Part 3 of their Colorado mule deer trip—and how the last stretch of the hunt actually played out. They break down a “mid-hunt sanity hack” (a rec center day pass for a legit shower), why they stayed committed to the same productive spot instead of gambling on new ground, and the one mistake that made the day feel way harder than it needed to be: forgetting the bino harness with all the critical little stuff in it.

The back half is the real meat—spotting two shooter bucks transitioning near private, making a 400-yard play on a solid public-land 3x3, and what happened after the first miss: follow-up shots, closing distance, and making sure the finish was quick and ethical. They wrap with pack-out lessons, why good packs matter, and the bigger takeaway: sometimes whitetail patience is the best mule deer strategy when deer are filtering off private.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.

FREE Gear Checklist:

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Connect with Brian Krebs
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
Okuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
https://alnk.to/31sVDzF
First MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

00:00 Drawn West intro + headed home

00:41 Part 3 context + Minnesota season overlap

01:50 Day 5 reset + the rec center shower hack

03:12 Staying with the same spot vs gambling new ground|

04:38 Forgot bino harness + why it mattered

08:21 Spotting shooters + the public-land 3x3 appears

12:04 Decision time: shoot now or wait for bigger

13:23 Shot sequence, follow-ups, and ethics

19:26 Pack-out realities + why good packs matter

23:55 Biggest takeaways: whitetail patience + tripod shift

33:22 Final wrap: heading home + “stay drawn”

Abbey's Tagged Out!

This episode picks up on Day 2 of our Colorado mule deer trip, where the pressure ramps up fast. We roll into our “close to private” ridge in the dark and find trucks, four-wheelers, and guys stacked on every knob. Instead of joining the circus, we bail back to our opening-morning spot, watch a solid three-by-three feed at 325–250 yards, and talk through why Abby decides to pass and keep building confidence.

Sunday turns into a bonus scouting day on the far side of the unit, where we find almost no people, a pile of deer sign, and even glass a mega three-by-three in somebody’s backyard—then decide to ride or die on our original ridge. By Day 4 the nerves are real, a buck walks past at 20 yards, Abby’s rifle misfires, and we have to troubleshoot sand in the bolt before the next chance.

When a big fork steps out on the pipeline at 325 yards, Abby settles in, holds high, and absolutely drills her biggest buck yet, followed by her first real pack-out.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.

FREE Gear Checklist:

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Connect with Brian Krebs
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
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GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
RTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
Okuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
https://alnk.to/31sVDzF
First MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

 0:00– One Tag, One Week: Part Two Setup
0:42 – Day 2: Weekend Pressure and a Crowded Ridge
2:16 – Passing the First Real 3x3 Buck at 325 Yards
5:05 – Saddles, Private Fields, and Realizing He Was Bigger
7:10 – Sunday Scouting: New Country and a Backyard Giant
9:30 – Ride-or-Die on the Favorite Spot for Day 3
11:50 – Camp Routine, Hiking Faster, and Meeting Jake from Arizona
14:40 – Day 4 Mindset: “Any Buck I Can Make Happen”
16:20 – Misfire at 20 Yards and Fixing the Rifle
18:50 – Pipeline Fork at 325 Yards: Abby’s Shot
25:20 – Heart Shot, Photos, and Abby’s First Pack-Out
28:35 – Abby Tagged Out, Weather Worries, and Brian’s Turn