Drawn West

Early antlerless in Minnesota finally clicked. Abby and I walk through a week where we tagged two clean, quick does and—maybe more importantly—felt in control of the process. We cover why the backyard “test plot” worked, slug choice and hold (hug the shoulder), and how Abby’s doe cartwheeled and dropped while mine sprinted 100 yards before a solid blood trail told the truth. We break down the hitch-carrier + RTIC 145 cooler system, then make the case for the gutless method when temps are 65–70° and the shop would turn into a mess.

From there, we pivot to public-land run-and-gun: first hangs with the XOP Roam setup, the shelf-lock backpack carry, and partner safety (bring the extra lineman’s rope). We wrap with a much-needed range day—good bags, good bench—and Abby’s best groups yet at 100/200, plus why we ditched the lead sled. Colorado rifle mule deer is next, camper in tow, and we’re feeling ready.

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.

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Make sure you enter this episode’s code word for an extra 20 BONUS entries!

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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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
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GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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
Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

In this episode of Drawn West, Brian catches up with returning guest Dan Matthews to finally tell the full story of his wild first archery elk hunt — a hunt that went from no tag, to a perfect bull, to floating a 700-pound elk down a river with the help of an excavator.

Dan shares how a “poorly timed pregnancy” changed his Colorado rifle plans and pushed him into archery season, how he taught himself to bugle on the drive out, and how one perfect morning turned into an elk-hunting roller coaster. The guys also swap stories about calling strategies, blood-trailing logic, elk language, and why hunting styles — from process-driven engineers to pure chaos improvisers — both somehow get the job done.

This one’s packed with laughs, elk talk, and plenty of chaos that only makes sense if you’ve ever tried to call in a screaming bull at daylight.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• How Dan’s first archery elk hunt turned into a wild success

• Learning to elk call on the drive out — and somehow making it work

• What happens when your bull dies in a river (and an excavator saves the day)

• The difference between “Team Chaos” vs “Team Structure” hunting styles

• Breaking down elk language — chuckles, glunks, nervous grunts, and what they really mean

🎧 Listen anywhere you get podcasts, and make sure to follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for new episodes and elk gear drops.

Free resource: Grab the Drawn West Gear Checklist — my complete elk and mule deer packing guide (link in description).

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

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Dial in your western-hunt clothing the smart way. Brian breaks down a brand-agnostic layering system that actually works together: lightweight base, a true mid, a windproof shell, and a compressible thermal (puffy) you can mix-and-match from August heat to November glassing temps. He covers why “systems > single pieces,” how to stretch a few core layers across elk, mule deer, and antelope, and when to add vests, rain plans (hello, tarp/rain fly), and Blaze for rifle seasons. Bottoms get the same treatment—light/med pants, merino or heavyweight base bottoms when you’re stationary, plus the forever MVPs: Kenetrek boots, good socks, and gaiters to keep water out. Lots of real-world tips (glove hacks, do-more-with-less gear choices) and where to save vs. spend.

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

Want the free, mobile-friendly Pack Lists? Grab them at GetDrawnWest.com and never forget a critical piece again.

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

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
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
Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

FREE Elk Hunt Gear Checklist

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear#rifle-elk-gear-list

Nine years of hunts, hundreds of lessons learned, and now it’s all in one place — the brand-new Drawn West Pack List. In this episode, Brian breaks down the launch of his free digital and printable gear checklists for every major western hunt — starting with Rifle Elk, and soon expanding to Whitetail, Mule Deer, and Antelope.

He shares how years of forgotten gear, trial-and-error, and long drives back to town inspired him to finally create an all-in-one tool for hunters to pack smarter, travel lighter, and never forget a tag again. From building lists on Google Drive in his early elk-hunting days to crafting a mobile, interactive PDF you can save and check off from your phone — this project has been years in the making.

Brian also walks through the must-have gear categories — clothing systems, hunting tools, and camp essentials — while explaining how each piece fits into a real-world hunt. Whether you’re a new hunter prepping for your first trip or a veteran who still forgets a knife every season, this episode gives you everything you need to stay organized and ready when the mountains call.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more western hunting tools, stories, and free resources to help you stay drawn west.

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

This episode dives into the highs, lows, and lessons of chasing an early-season giant. From scouting new ground in North Dakota to taking a chance on a fresh stand, the story unfolds with all the emotion and intensity that comes when everything has to come together in a single moment. You’ll hear how mobile gear choices, reading trail cam data, and a split-second shot window shaped the hunt, plus the perspective shifts that come from balancing life, faith, and the realities of chasing mature whitetails. This isn’t just another deer story — it’s a look into why we hunt and the mindset behind making it count.

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

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

What happens when you mix open-sight muzzleloader hunting with wide-open Nevada pronghorn country? Well, Layton found out this fall — and the result was an unforgettable antelope hunt that tested patience, gear, and strategy. In this episode, Brian sits down with Layton to unpack the challenges of hunting with primitive weapons, what it takes to draw Nevada tags, and how the stalk of a lifetime ended in a 60-yard shot on a great buck. Along the way, the guys dive into the quirks of antelope behavior, why muzzleloaders can be both frustrating and rewarding, and how hunting evolves once you start raising a family.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more hunts, stories, and behind-the-scenes content.

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Two Georgia kids, a Kia Sorento, and the biggest antelope a Wyoming unit had seen in 17 years. Carter McKenzie from the Hunt Lift Eat podcast joins Brian to share the wild story of his first Western hunt — a trip that started with cheap gear and no clue, and ended with a monster pronghorn in the back of a rental car. From tents blowing across the prairie to flying with rifles out of Atlanta, Carter opens up about what it’s really like to figure out Western hunting as a nonresident, and how those early lessons shaped the Hunt Lift Eat community today.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to follow and leave a 5-star rating to help more hunters find the show. For more hunts, gear, and stories, check out @getdrawnwest on social.

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

What happens when whitetail tactics collide with world-class elk country? Bennett Bradford of DC Outfitters joins Brian to break down how they target once-in-a-lifetime Utah bulls using tree stands, trail cams, and early-season patterning. From running 200+ cameras to setting stands 40 feet high in quaking aspens, Bennett explains how a whitetail mindset can unlock opportunities most elk hunters never see.

The conversation dives into the realities of premium Utah units—25+ year draw odds, 400-inch bulls, and why client expectations can make or break a hunt. Brian and Bennett also tackle gear choices like saddles vs. platforms, fixed-blade vs. expandable broadheads, and the challenges of blood trails and recovery on bulls that don’t stop running. Add in stories of family hunts, 390-class legends, and bulls that disappear for years only to show back up, and you’ll get a real look at what chasing giants is all about.

Follow the podcast for more western hunting stories, drop a 5-star rating if you’re enjoying the show, and join the conversation at @getdrawnwest on social.

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Buying and selling bows has always been a mess—used racks with slim pickings, eBay fees that eat your profit, and Facebook meetups that feel sketchy at best. Enter Bow Tackle, a brand-new platform built by archery shop owners and hunters for the people who live this stuff every day. Dan Ellyson from A1 Archery and Perry Bowers join the show to talk about how they’re reshaping the archery marketplace, why pro shops need a way to move used and close-out gear without getting crushed by fees, and how Bow Tackle is connecting everyday hunters to trusted dealers across the country.

This episode dives into the headaches every bowhunter has faced—what to do with your old flagship, how to score a deal without getting burned, and why keeping small archery shops alive matters for all of us. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest Matthews or looking for a solid starter rig, you’ll want to hear how Bow Tackle could change the game.

Follow the podcast for more western hunting stories, drop a 5-star rating if you’re enjoying the show, and connect with us on social @getdrawnwest.

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

This is the episode everyone’s been waiting for — the official draw of the Mathews Lift X giveaway. What started as a goal to get 70 listeners turned into over 1,800 signups, 2,500 emails, and more than 53,000 total entries. Along the way came stories that hit harder than expected — dads who sold their bows to cover medical bills, hunters chasing a dream bow they’ve waited 20 years for, and families entering to give someone else a shot at something they couldn’t swing on their own.

In this episode, Brian pulls back the curtain on how the giveaway worked, the behind-the-scenes grind of sorting thousands of entries, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for — announcing the winner. He also looks ahead at what’s next: future giveaways, new digital tools, and even some limited-run merch for listeners only.

Hit play to hear the full story, find out who won, and see where Drawn West is headed next. Don’t forget to follow the podcast, drop a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more hunts, gear talk, and western hunting stories.

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
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 Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb