This week on the podcast, Young Jaden and I dive deep into Montana elk and deer hunting strategies. Jaden and I recorded this ep for Hunt West, if you haven't yet go check out his podcast and hit the subscribe button. We talked through where Montana fits into your application strategy and how to make the most of your time in the Big Sky state. We discuss: How Montana compares to Colorado for short-term planning Strategies for getting into quality bulls and bucks Where Montana fits into your overall tag application approach Personal stories and insights from years of hunting the West Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned DIYer, this episode is full of practical advice for making Montana part of your western hunting game plan. Hope you enjoy the show!

This week’s episode is a special one—it's actually a guest appearance I did on the Do Not Go Quietly podcast with Eric Wilson. Eric is relatively new to elk hunting but has been hitting it hard, learning a ton along the way. After a tough hunt in Colorado, he had one big question for me: "What would you do differently?" This struck a chord with me because I’ve been there—in fact, it's one of the reasons I started a podcast over 10 years ago. In this conversation, I go deep into the weeds, breaking down real-world strategies instead of the usual high-level fluff. We also tackle a question I get asked all the time: "What does hunting all day actually look like?" Sure, it sounds great in theory, but what do you actually do? Eric did a killer job interviewing me on this one, so be sure to check out his podcast Do Not Go Quietly for more solid hunting conversations. Tune in now—this episode is packed with value!

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, we dive into another EH Case Study with Elk Hunt member Josh Liljedahl as we break down a hunt that didn’t go as planned. Josh thought he had this bull in the bag—a thick timber bull that seemed like a sure thing… until he vanished. In this episode, we analyze what went wrong, explore multiple scenarios, and go over real-world strategies for making sure it doesn’t happen again. Cody shares concrete advice from past experiences where hunts have gone both right and wrong, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their elk hunting skills in the offseason. Tune in now and get more mental at-bats before next season!

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, we dive into an epic Idaho hunting story with Brad Lunde of Lone Bull Archery—one filled with highs, lows, and relentless determination. It all starts with a bad shot on a great bull, leading to one of the toughest challenges a hunter can face: tracking a wounded elk. This is a story of perseverance, where every pin-drop of blood could be the key to recovering the biggest bull of your life. If you’ve never experienced the struggle of tracking a wounded elk, this episode is a must-listen—a wild journey that ends in the best way possible. Tune in now and enjoy the ride!

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This week, Cliff Gray—badass dad, YouTuber, and former outfitter—joins the podcast to talk about one of the most important questions in elk hunting: "What is your strategic advantage?" In this episode, we dive into: How to separate yourself from the competition in crowded hunting areas, The balance between e-scouting vs. boots-on-the-ground scouting, Major Colorado hunting regulation updates and what they mean for the average hunter, and How to develop a smarter, more effective elk hunting strategy. Cliff is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to elk hunting, and this episode is packed with next-level insights. If you're serious about improving your skills, be sure to check out Cliff’s hunting community for in-depth support: Pursuit with Cliff Tune in now and enjoy!

This week, I’m joined by Jaden Bales to break down how we approach elk unit selection—what really matters, what doesn’t, and how to think beyond the usual metrics.
In this episode, we dive into:
The key factors we prioritize when choosing a unit, Metrics that actually matter vs. those that are overrated, Why focusing only on trophy quality or the top 3 units can be a mistake, and How to think outside the box to find better opportunities.

If you're looking to improve your strategy and maximize your chances in the field, this episode is packed with insights to help you pick the right elk hunting unit. Tune in now and enjoy!

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I’m joined by Dan Adler, owner of Diamond Outfitters, the largest elk outfitting operation in the country. With over 60 full-time guides and unmatched experience in the field, Dan has had more at-bats than nearly any guest we’ve ever had on the show.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

It was fascinating to get an inside look at elk hunting from the perspective of a top-tier outfitter. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, Dan’s insights will help you capitalize on your opportunities and improve your success in the field.

Tune in now and enjoy this masterclass in elk hunting!

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This week, my good friend Travis Bivins joins the podcast to share his experience on a late-season archery elk hunt in Utah. I had the chance to join Travis for a day of his hunt, giving me a firsthand look at what these late-season opportunities are all about. As someone considering cashing in points for a late-season archery hunt, I’ve always been curious: How tough are these hunts, and is it worth the points to chase a mature bull? In this episode, we dive into: The challenges and rewards of late-season archery hunting, What makes these hunts unique, Strategies for finding and targeting mature bulls in late-season conditions, and Whether these hunts are worth your hard-earned points. It’s a great conversation packed with insights for anyone curious about late-season archery hunts.

This week, I’m joined by Young Jaden as we dive deep into the art and strategy of getting elk tags. Together, we nerd out on how to select the best areas and units, what to prioritize, and some of the key details hunters often overlook. We also tackle the shift in elk hunting strategy and why the "5-year plan" for tags is quickly becoming outdated. With major changes happening in OTC (Over-The-Counter) states, we explore how these adjustments will impact hunters who want a tag every year. In this episode, we break down: Best states and hunts for maximizing "at-bats" and annual opportunities, Dream hunt states and strategies for planning bucket-list hunts, and How evolving tag systems will shape the future of elk hunting. It’s a fun, informative, and enlightening conversation perfect for anyone looking to up their game and develop a 201-level approach to elk tags. Don’t miss this episode—enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Wild Meat Gear, your one-stop shop for premium, durable hunting gear designed for the toughest conditions. Whether you're hunting in the mountains or braving rough terrain, Wild Meat Gear has the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. From high-quality knives to field gear, they have you covered for every aspect of your hunt. Check out their full lineup today at WildMeatGear.com.

Don't forget to enter this month's giveaway for a chance to win a premium piece of Wild Meat Gear—head over to elkhunt201.com/giveaways to enter today!

This weeks episode is from my conversation with Brandon Purcell over on the TRO podcast, but the elk hunting segment from that show was too good not to bring to our archive of best elk hunting podcasts so if you heard the whole ep over there you heard this. If you Want to hear the whole podcast be sure to check that out on The Rich Outdoors.

This week I’m joined by Brandon Purcell, one of the most consistent rifle elk hunters in the game. Brandon’s 2023 elk season was nothing short of legendary, and in this episode, he breaks down his incredible success. From fast-paced, one-day hunts to tough, grind-it-out adventures, Brandon shares his secrets to consistently filling tags year after year. We dive deep into his strategies for hunting elk in challenging conditions, how he adapts to changing environments, and the mindset that keeps him going when most hunters would call it quits. Brandon also recounts his most recent hunt—a phenomenal general rifle bull elk in Montana. With deep snow and few elk in sight, it was a hunt that tested his determination. But perseverance paid off, and the result is a story that will inspire any elk hunter. If you’re looking to improve your rifle elk hunting skills or just love hearing about epic elk hunting adventures, this episode is packed with tips, tactics, and inspiration.

This episode is brought to you by Wild Meat Gear, your one-stop shop for premium, durable hunting gear designed for the toughest conditions. Whether you're hunting in the mountains or braving rough terrain, Wild Meat Gear has the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. From high-quality knives to field gear, they have you covered for every aspect of your hunt. Check out their full lineup today at WildMeatGear.com.

Don't forget to enter this month's giveaway for a chance to win a premium piece of Wild Meat Gear—head over to elkhunt201.com/giveaways to enter today!