What's up everyone! This week I'm sitting down with Jerrod Lile, CEO of Hunting Fool and one of the most underrated elk hunters you've never heard enough from. Jerrod spent 14 years working alongside Dan Evans at Trophy Taker—yeah, THE Dan Evans—and the stories and lessons he picked up during that time are absolute gold.

This conversation goes deep. We talk about how Jerrod went from being a good shooter to a great archer after Dan called him out on his bad habits, the mental game required to perform under pressure (spoiler: it's just like you to make a good shot), and why he's helped 15 first-time bowhunters kill their first elk. Jerrod breaks down his hunting philosophy into one simple mantra: get as close as you can for as long as you can, and good stuff will happen.

But this episode isn't all tactics and tips. Jerrod gets brutally honest about the emotional rollercoaster of elk hunting—from getting too cocky after a string of successes and missing a giant bull at 35 yards, to the heartbreak of his father passing away in the middle of a 23-point Arizona hunt. That story alone is worth the listen. It's raw, it's real, and it's a reminder that elk hunting is about so much more than antlers.

We also dive into the psychology of hunting with other people (spoiler: it usually makes you worse), why repeating the same game plan year after year is a trap, and how to pivot when things aren't working. Jerrod doesn't hold back on his mistakes—like setting up a comfy wall tent camp in Arizona and being too stubborn to relocate when the pressure got heavy—and the lessons he's learned from them.

If you want to hear from someone who's been in the trenches for decades, worked with legends, and still gets humbled by elk every single season, this is the episode for you. Jerrod is humble, authentic, and full of hard-earned wisdom that only comes from putting in the work year after year.

Stone Glacier - If you're in the market for a new pack, Jerrod and I both run Stone Glacier gear. I packed out a lot of animals this year with the Sky Archer 6400, including a couple elk. The thing I love about Stone Glacier packs is they work whether you're on a 10-day backpack trip or day hunting from the truck. Minimalist design, tough as nails, and they collapse down so you don't need multiple packs. Built by mountain hunters for mountain hunters. Check out the Sky Archer 6400 at stoneglacier.com and use code TRO.

Tricer - Tricer makes way more than just tripods. One of my favorite products is the RP Bipod—a legit hunting bipod with all the features you'd expect from a high-dollar setup. At 10.5 ounces, it's lightweight enough to take on any hunt. Comes with everything: long legs, short legs, works on Picatinny or Arca. For $350, it's a no-brainer. I've shot a lot of critters off mine. Head to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10%.

OnX Hunt - We didn't have an OnX ad in this episode, but if you're a Hunting Fool member or thinking about becoming one, OnX Elite members get Hunting Fool for free. Plus, OnX is running a giveaway right now through April 15th—a hunt for two, no charge to enter. Just visit the OnX website, click the single sign-on button, and you're automatically entered. Check it out at onxmaps.com.

00:00 - Intro: The underrated elk hunter you need to hear from
04:30 - Working alongside Dan Evans at Trophy Taker
09:15 - Going to first and second grade together
14:20 - The story that changed everything: Dan circles a bull in New Mexico
19:45 - "Iron Elk Syndrome" and why calling is the default trap
24:30 - Helping 15 first-time bowhunters kill their first elk
28:50 - The mantra: Get as close as you can for as long as you can
32:40 - Managing the emotional rollercoaster of new hunters
37:10 - Dan breaking down Jerrod's shooting and rebuilding it
42:20 - "It's like me to make a good shot" - the mental game
46:15 - Getting cocky and missing a giant bull at 35 yards
50:30 - Arizona 2023: Hunting with his son and running into people
55:40 - The lesson: Don't repeat the same game plan year after year
58:20 - Hunting with multiple people makes you worse
1:02:15 - The 23-point Arizona hunt and losing his father mid-hunt
1:08:45 - Shooting the bull on the last night with 15 minutes of light
1:12:30 - Carrying his dad's ashes on every hunt
1:15:00 - Hunting Fool giveaway and closing thoughts

What's up everyone! This week I'm sitting down with Chris Burandt—yeah, THE Chris Burandt. X Games gold medalist, backcountry snowmobile legend, and someone I've looked up to since the original Schooled videos dropped. If you grew up watching extreme snowmobiling, you know exactly who this guy is. But what a lot of people don't know is that Chris is also a serious elk hunter who's been chasing bulls with a bow for over 25 years.

This conversation is incredible because we dive deep into what it takes to master a craft—whether that's throwing backflips at X Games or stalking a giant public land bull for 20 straight days. Chris breaks down his journey from hating hunting as a kid (sitting in the cold while his dad napped) to becoming obsessed with bowhunting after reading Cam Hanes' book and having his mind blown on his very first day in the woods.

We talk about the parallels between high-level snowmobiling and elk hunting, why both require you to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and how Chris's ability to read terrain from a snowmobile gives him a massive advantage when hunting big country. He also gets brutally honest about the mistakes he's made—including missing a giant bull at 46 yards after spending an entire season prepping for that exact moment, and what he learned from it.

One of the most fascinating parts of this episode is Chris talking about spending 20 days hunting ONE bull on public land in Colorado without making a single call until the moment he shot. We break down the chess match, the patience required, and whether he should've been more aggressive. This is a masterclass in strategic hunting, mental preparation, and the sacrifice required to be a true 10-percenter.

If you want to hear from someone who's mastered pressure situations at the highest level and is now applying that same intensity to archery elk hunting, this episode is for you. Chris is real, humble, and just getting started in this game—and that makes his perspective incredibly valuable.

Tricer -  I run Tricer gear, and for good reason. They just dropped the updated AD and BC tripods with new TriTech technology—smaller diameter center post, packs down smaller, couple inches shorter, and a cleaner top. Drew is constantly innovating and pushing the limits on what a tripod system can do. From tripods to bino mounts, panheads, and bipods, Tricer makes gear that's fast, light, and simple. Head to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout.

Stone Glacier - If you're a mountain hunter, you know gear weight matters. Every ounce counts when you're grinding up and down mountains all day. Stone Glacier was built by Kurt, a legit mountain sheep hunter who designed minimalist, lightweight gear that actually holds up in the nastiest conditions. No gimmicks, no BS—just mountain gear built by mountain hunters. Whether it's packs, sleeping bags, or shelters, they've got you covered. Check them out at stoneglaciergear.com and use code TRO at checkout.

OnX Hunt - We didn't have an OnX ad in this episode, but if you're not using OnX, you're missing out on the most essential hunting tool out there. Detailed maps, property boundaries, offline access, and now weather data that takes topography into account. Become an Elite member at onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20%.

00:00 - Intro: Meeting a childhood hero
04:15 - Why Chris kept elk hunting separate from his snowmobile career
08:30 - Growing up hating rifle hunting with his dad
12:20 - Reading Cam's book and the first day bowhunting (running at a bull)
18:45 - The path from beginner to deadly: Steps 1-5
24:10 - Signing up for Mountain Tough and learning you have to train
28:50 - Giving up three hunting seasons to guide for experience
33:20 - Why 10% of hunters kill 90% of the elk
37:40 - Reading terrain like a snowmobile rider vs. a hunter
42:15 - Hunting one mountain vs. bouncing around
46:30 - The 2023 hunt: Drawing a dream tag and going all in
51:00 - Missing the giant bull at 46 yards and what he learned
55:20 - The mental difference between X Games pressure and elk hunting
59:45 - 20 days hunting one bull without calling
1:03:30 - Should he have been more aggressive? Tactics breakdown
1:06:15 - Advice for new bowhunters and closing thoughts

What's up, elk hunters! This week I'm sitting down with Jace Guymon, and holy crap—talk about a banner year. This guy drew a Nevada late rifle tag AND a Utah late archery tag in the same season, with hunt dates less than a week apart. Yeah, you read that right.

Jace takes us through the entire journey of crushing a 394" bull on his Nevada hunt opening morning, then immediately pivoting to Utah where he arrows a massive late-season giant. We're talking about hunting two of the most coveted elk tags in the West back-to-back, and somehow making it all come together.

What I love about this episode is how raw and honest Jace is about the process. He'd never even been to Nevada before, had minimal scouting time because of his guiding schedule, and still managed to execute on both hunts. We dive deep into his e-scouting strategy, why he focuses on covering massive amounts of country from glassing knobs, and how being aggressive—like actually jogging to close the distance on bulls—has been the key to his success.

We also get into some real tactical stuff about late-season elk hunting: why north-facing slopes matter more than you think, how to move through crunchy snow without spooking bulls, and why patience behind the glass is non-negotiable this time of year. Plus, Jace drops some truth bombs about physical fitness and why most hunters aren't aggressive enough when it matters.

Whether you're chasing premium tags or just trying to become a better late-season elk hunter, this episode is packed with actionable advice from a guy who's been guiding for years and knows how to close the deal when the pressure's on. Let's get into it.

Tricer Tripods - Fast, light, and simple—that's what Tricer is all about. From amazing tripods to bino mounts and their new bipods, Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been using the heck out of their bipod and it's helped me kill a lot of critters. Head over to triceroutdoor.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout.

Stone Glacier - The leaders in ultralight hunting gear. Whether you're on a 10-day backcountry sheep hunt or covering 10+ miles a day looking for elk, Stone Glacier's minimalist designs keep the weight down, which pays big dividends when you're covering lots of miles. But it's not just about light packs—Stone Glacier has the full setup now with tents, sleeping bags, and premium clothing. You don't sacrifice quality and durability with their lightweight gear. Check out their high-performance gear at stoneglaciergear.com.

Before we jump in, I've got to tell you about an incredible giveaway we're running with Hunting Fool Adventures. We're giving away a $10,000 elk voucher that's good for a landowner tag, a fully guided hunt, or credit toward whatever you want for next elk season. Here 

Here's how to enter: For the last three years, I've been building a smartwatch specifically for hunters - the Reckon Founder Series. I was frustrated with the smartwatches out there and thought we could do better. Turns out, we can. If you're a smartwatch person, you're going to love this product. Trust me.

Head over and hit the presale on the Reckon Founder Series watch right now and use code HF - you'll be automatically entered to win this $10,000 elk voucher from Hunting Fool. Whether you're looking for a landowner tag, a full guided hunt, or anything else, this voucher has you covered. If you've ever thought about getting a new watch, now's the time. Go check it out and throw your name in the hat!

What's up, elk hunters! This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I sat down with my buddy Jared Miller, and man, this conversation went deep. We started talking about rifle hunting versus archery hunting elk (spoiler: Jared thinks rifle hunting elk in Montana is way harder than bow hunting), and somehow ended up diving into the mental game of archery, bow tuning secrets, and his insane Matthews hunt that we filmed this fall.

Jared's one of those guys who's just obsessed with the process - whether it's shooting Vegas rounds every single day, torque tuning his bow, or working through Joel Turner's shot control process. We get into all of it. He shares some wild stories from this season, including a two-day Montana archery hunt that turned into one of the best films we've put out, and breaks down exactly how he stalked to 20 yards on a bedded bull in socks.

If you're into archery hunting, this episode is packed with gold. We talk about grip pressure, forgiveness in bow setups, the mental side of executing under pressure, and why Jared shoots 30-60 arrows a day leading into season. Plus, he drops some serious knowledge on open country elk hunting and what he's learned about where these bulls actually bed.

This one's a bit different from our usual episodes - less tactical talk, more mental game and archery deep dive - but I think you're gonna love it. Let's get into it.

Jared's Matthews Film - Immersion 

Tricer Tripods - These guys make gear that's fast, light, and simple. From incredible tripods to bino mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods, Tricer has everything you need for better glassing setups. I've been running their bipod hard this season and killed a lot of critters with it. Head over to www.tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout.

Stone Glacier - My Sky Archer 6400 has been everywhere with me this year - Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, Montana. Whether it's a 10-day backpack hunt or day hunting from the side-by-side, Stone Glacier makes minimalist, lightweight gear that works for everything. They've got a full suite of hardcore mountain hunting gear, so if you're in the market, check out www.stoneglacier.com and use code TRO for a discount.

Alright, so Jeremy Gilbertson is one of those guys who just went all-in on elk hunting—and it worked. This dude studied elk hunting harder than he studied school, killed a bull on his first-ever trip 36 hours from his front door in Minnesota, and then spent the next few years guiding hunters and building maps for a living. Now he's joining the Bridger Watch team to help us build the absolute best maps for wearables, because turns out everyone who said "nobody wants maps on a watch" was dead wrong. We dive deep into Jeremy's journey from cold-calling Colorado OTC units to guiding on private ranches in New Mexico, and we get into the real tactics that separate the guys who find elk from the guys who wander around hoping. We talk about e-scouting secrets, micro terrain, efficiency versus effectiveness, why busy is lazy (shoutout to Cal Arnold), and how to hunt like a 301 even if you're happy shooting raghorns. Jeremy's got a unique perspective because he's both a hardcore public land DIY guy and a guide who's seen hundreds of hunters make the same mistakes. If you want to learn how to find elk in tough units, how to balance aggression with patience, and why you need way more than seven days to figure out a unit, this one's for you. Let's get into it.

We're partnering with Huntin' Fool Adventures for an insane giveaway. When you preorder a Bridger Reckon Watch and use code HF at checkout, you're automatically entered to win a $10,000 elk hunt voucher. You can use this for New Mexico landowner tags, a fully guided hunt, or whatever elk hunting adventure you want. Here's the best part: we're talking single-digit entries right now, so your odds of winning are actually really, really good. This isn't one of those giveaways where you're up against 50,000 people—this is a legitimate shot at a dream elk hunt. Head over to bridgerwatch.com, preorder your Reckon, use code HF, and you're in. If you were already thinking about getting the Founder Series, this is a no-brainer.

OnX Hunt - The ultimate tool for elk hunters and the app I absolutely won't go into the field without. Whether you're e-scouting from the couch or actually hunting elk, OnX gives you detailed maps, property boundaries, and over 50 layers of mapping data including satellite imagery, offline maps, and waypoints. It helps you make smarter decisions no matter where you hunt. Save time, avoid mistakes, and stay connected to your crew. If you're not an Elite member yet, you're missing out on a whole other level of tools. Head over to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership.

Tricer - These guys make gear that's fast, light, and simple. From bomber tripods to spotting scope mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods—Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been running their bipod hard this season and it's been rock solid. If you're looking to upgrade your glassing system, check out Tricer. Head over to tricer.com, use code TRO at checkout, and save yourself 10%.

Stone Glacier - I've packed out a lot of animals with my Stone Glacier pack. This year, the Sky Archer 6400 has been with me to Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, and Montana. Whether it's a 10-day backpack hunt or day hunting from the side-by-side, Stone Glacier is minimalist, lightweight, and versatile. They make an entire suite of hardcore mountain hunting gear. Head over to stoneglacier.com, use code TRO, and get yourself some great gear.

What's up, elk hunters! This week I'm sitting down with Jayden Bales to talk about Idaho's brand new draw system—and honestly, this changes everything for how we think about western elk hunting strategy.

If you've been following along, you know Idaho just flipped the script from their old over-the-counter system to a randomized draw. No more showing up at midnight to get in line. No more refreshing your browser hoping your number gets called. It's a whole new ball game, and Jaden and I are breaking down what this means for both residents and non-residents.

We dive deep into whether Idaho is actually worth applying for, how it stacks up against other states like New Mexico and Colorado, and whether the new party application system makes this the perfect "backup tag" state. We also get into some real talk about draw strategy, why trophy quality doesn't matter as much as you think, and how to actually pick a unit that's going to make you a better elk hunter—not just feed your Instagram.

Plus, we talk about dirt bikes, the death of honey holes, why flying into the backcountry isn't always the magic solution people think it is, and whether open country glassing is officially blown out. Jaden also drops the bombshell that he's officially a Montana resident again (told you he'd be back), and we wrap up talking about whether either of us are even going to apply for Idaho this year.

This is a no-BS conversation about modern elk hunting strategy, where the opportunities actually are, and why guarding your Septembers is more important than ever. Let's get into it.

Stone Glacier - The leaders in ultralight hunting gear. Whether you're on a 10-day backcountry sheep hunt or covering 10+ miles a day looking for elk, Stone Glacier's minimalist designs keep the weight down, which pays big dividends when you're covering lots of miles. But it's not just about light packs—Stone Glacier has the full setup now with tents, sleeping bags, and premium clothing. You don't sacrifice quality and durability with their lightweight gear. Trust Stone Glacier to help you go further and faster. Check out their high-performance gear at stoneglacier.com.

OnX Hunt - If you're not using the new LiDAR feature on OnX yet, you're literally leaving elk off the table. LiDAR gives you the ability to see micro-terrain in your topo maps—it cuts out the trees and shows you micro benches and details on the side of mountains that are huge for finding elk. If you're not an Elite member yet, you need to be, because LiDAR is amazing. Better maps make you a better hunter. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership.

Tricer Tripods - Fast, light, and simple—that's what Tricer is all about. From amazing tripods to bino mounts and their new bipods, Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been using the heck out of their bipod and it's helped me kill a lot of critters. Head over to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout.

What's up, elk hunters! This week I'm sitting down with Jacob Winn, and let me tell you—this guy had an absolutely banner year. We're talking about a double bull season: a great six-point with his bow AND another six-point during rifle season.

Jacob takes us through his entire 2024 elk hunting journey, from chasing big bulls in Idaho's rugged backcountry to navigating the ups and downs that come with archery season. We dive deep into his strategies, the mistakes he made (and learned from), and how persistence and putting in the days is what really separates successful elk hunters from everyone else.

This episode is packed with action—we're talking multiple close encounters, blown opportunities, and some absolutely clutch moments that'll get you fired up for next season. Jacob breaks down everything from scouting tactics to reading bull behavior, hunting with buddies, and knowing when to leave elk to find better elk.

Whether you're a DIY archery hunter grinding it out or a rifle hunter trying to find bulls in nasty late-season country, there's something in this episode for you. Let's get into it!

OnX Hunt - If you're not using the new LiDAR feature on OnX yet, you're leaving elk on the mountain. LiDAR gives you the ability to see micro-terrain in your topo maps—those hidden benches and terrain features that make all the difference in finding elk. Upgrade to OnX Elite and take your mapping to the next level. Better maps make you a better hunter. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership.

Stone Glacier - Jacob and I both run Stone Glacier packs, and for good reason. The new Sky Archer 6400 is versatile enough to handle an 8-day backpack hunt or work as a lightweight day pack for bow hunting. These packs are built tough but weigh almost nothing. Check out the full line of Stone Glacier packs at stoneglacier.com—they've got something for every style of hunter.

Tricer - Fast, light, and simple—that's what Tricer is all about. From amazing tripods to bino mounts and their new bipods, Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been using the heck out of their bipod and it's helped me kill a lot of critters. Head over to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout.

What's up everyone! This week I'm sitting down with Lydia Smith, and honestly, I'm blown away by this woman. She's one of the most consistently successful elk hunters I've ever met—killing big bulls year after year like it's no big deal. And here's the kicker: she's completely self-taught. No dad taking her out as a kid, no mentor guiding her through it. Just pure grit, determination, and an obsession with figuring it out.

In this episode, Lydia breaks down her 2024 hunt where she spent 16 days solo in the backcountry chasing what she called "the growler bull"—a massive Idaho six-point that she'd been hearing bugle outside her tent for two weeks. We dive deep into her stalking tactics (spoiler: she barely calls at all), how she slow-plays opportunities most hunters would rush, and why she believes elk on public land are getting conditioned to human calling.

But this conversation goes way beyond tactics. Lydia opens up about the emotional weight of taking an animal's life, dealing with criticism for showing her emotions on camera, and some seriously intense experiences in the backcountry—including a moose attack at 17 that could've ended very differently. We also talk about what it takes to go solo as a woman in the mountains, building confidence through experience, and why she chooses to live a life centered around hunting even when it means sacrificing the conventional path.

If you're someone who's grinding it out on public land, trying to learn this game without a mentor, or just want to hear from someone who's mastered the art of patience and persistence in the elk woods, this episode is for you. Lydia's story is proof that you don't need anyone's permission or guidance to become exceptional—you just need to refuse to quit.

OnX Hunt - The ultimate hunting app just keeps getting better. Their new weather feature is a game-changer—tap anywhere on the map and get hyperlocal weather data that actually takes topography into account. No more guessing based on the nearest town. See wind variations across different parts of your hunting area and plan accordingly. Become an Elite member and get all the premium features. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20%.

Tricer - Fast, light, and simple gear from tripods to bino mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods. If you're looking for a new system for better glassing or a rock-solid shooting platform, Tricer delivers. I've been using the heck out of their bipod this season and killed a lot of critters with it. Check them out at tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout.

Stone Glacier - Check out their Black Label Program. When you purchase a black label product (like the Grumman Down Hoodie or Hardwall Soft Shell), you get automatic free shipping, early access to exclusive new gear, a dedicated customer service rep, and you're entered into the Back in Black giveaway featuring a Hoyt RX-9 Bow, Sig P320, Sky Archer Pack, and more. Head to stoneglaciergear.com/blacklabel to check it out.

00:00 - Intro
03:45 - Lydia's background: Self-taught and starting at 18
08:30 - The 2024 hunt setup: 16 days solo in the backcountry
12:15 - "The growler bull" - Two weeks of hearing him bugle
18:20 - The perfect storm and the final stalk
24:40 - The two-hour chase and getting within range
28:50 - The shot and the agonizing overnight wait
32:10 - Finding him 300 yards away
35:45 - Why this bull was so special
38:20 - Solo hunting: The magic and the terror
42:00 - Her second bull story: Watching him take his last breath
46:15 - Dealing with criticism for showing emotions
50:30 - The moose attack at 17 and other backcountry close calls
54:20 - Her stalking philosophy: Why she barely calls anymore
58:40 - Daily tactics and being strategically patient
1:02:15 - Hunting new areas vs. local knowledge
1:04:30 - Outfitting business info and closing thoughts

Hey everyone, Cody Rich here from The Elk Hunt Podcast, your go-to spot for all things elk hunting. From DIY backcountry grinds to chats with the legends who've been stacking up big bulls for years, we've got the stories, tips, and tactics to fire you up for September. In this killer episode, I sit down with Tom – an absolute beast in the woods who's one of the most underrated elk slayers out there. We dive deep into his solo hunt this year where he arrows a solid herd bull in thick timber, sharing the play-by-play on how he closed the deal without a caller. Tom breaks down his evolution from chasing runners as a kid to mastering herd bull setups, reading elk behavior like a book, and turning midday lulls into prime opportunities. We talk real talk on solo strategies – from minimal bugling to let curiosity do the work, to raking, wind plays, and picking your battlefield. If you're grinding solo or just want to level up your game, this one's packed with nuggets that'll have you rethinking your next setup. Seriously, bookmark this ep and spin it a couple times – it's one of my favorites all year. Don't forget to drop a review if you're digging the show, it helps big time. And hey, we're running a massive giveaway: a Weatherby Alpine CT rifle, Maven scope, and Tricer bipod – 100% free entry, just hit up the website and toss in your email for a shot at it. Let's get after it!

Learn More from Tom

Big shoutout to our partners who keep the hunts rolling – gear up with these and use code TRO for sweet discounts:

00:00 - Intro & Episode Tease: Cody kicks off the show, hyping the chat with Tom and why it's a must-listen for hardcore elk hunters.
03:15 - Sponsor Shoutouts: Quick hits on Tricer, Stone Glacier, and the giveaway details.
06:30 - Solo Hunting Origins: Tom shares his early days learning from his dad, chasing runners, and his first solo herd bull kill 15 years ago.
12:45 - Reading Elk Behavior: Breaking down herd bulls vs. satellites, why cows often lead the run, and using bugles to gauge intent.
19:20 - Minimal Calling Tactics: Tips on curiosity killing the cat, raking for comfort noise, and avoiding over-bugling to close the deal.
25:40 - This Year's Solo Hunt Story: The play-by-play on Tom's Idaho bull – setup, wind plays, raking exchanges, and the 20-yard shot.
33:15 - Challenges of Solo Calling: Getting shots without getting pinned, using mouth reeds to stop bulls, and directing bugles for better approaches.
39:50 - Midday Magic & Persistence: Stories of working bulls all day, bedding areas, and turning "runners" into kills once cows settle.
46:30 - Decoys & Adaptations: When and how decoys shine (or don't), plus lessons from open country vs. thick timber.
52:10 - More Bull Encounters: Tom's seven solo calls this season, reading scenarios, and a deep backcountry midday setup that almost paid off.
58:25 - Wrapping Up & Lessons Learned: Final thoughts on always improving, post-setup reviews, and intro to Tom's courses.
1:04:00 - Outro & Plugs: Cody's sign-off, giveaway reminder, and where to find more resources.

Let Curiosity Work for You: Instead of constant bugling duels, go silent or minimal after initial contact – elk often come in closer when they're unsure of your exact location, giving you better shot opportunities without getting pinned.

Read the Herd Dynamics: Not all "runners" are the bull fleeing; often it's the cows leading the charge. Listen to bugle types to tell if the bull's talking to you or just herding cows, and wait for midday bedding to force a confrontation.

Persistence Pays in Midday Lulls: Don't bail after morning action quiets – stick on a herd all day, pack food/water, and capitalize on bedding areas. Bulls are more callable once cows settle, turning long chases into kills.

In this episode of the Run the Rack Outdoors Podcast, host Weston Homa sits down with elk hunting expert and podcast veteran Cody Rich for an in-depth dive into the highs and lows of September archery elk hunting. Drawing from Weston's recent Idaho hunt and Cody's decades of backcountry experience, they unpack hard-earned lessons on managing hunting pressure, mastering midday strategies, refining calling tactics, and building the mental toughness to turn close calls into success. From choosing your battlefield wisely to embracing the grind of multiple setups, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for aspiring elk hunters. Plus, Cody shares thrilling stories from his epic mountain goat hunt in British Columbia and teases his innovative new hunting smartwatch. Whether you're prepping for your first rut chase or fine-tuning your skills, this episode will leave you motivated to "run the rack" harder than ever.

This episode is sponsored by Tricer and Stone Glacier—essential gear for going deeper in the backcountry.

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Host Weston Hoa welcomes Cody Rich to the Run the Rack Outdoors Podcast, sharing excitement about Cody's reputation in the hunting podcast world. They kick off with light banter about the bittersweet end of archery season and the shift to late-season pursuits in Montana and Idaho.

01:30 - East vs. West: Whitetail vs. Mule Deer Debate Cody and Weston geek out on their deer preferences—Cody leans whitetail despite being in mule deer country, while Weston declares himself a "mule guy" obsessed with their elusive dance. They touch on blacktail influences and shoutout Braxton Hamilton's Wyoming mule deer insights.

04:45 - Elk Hunting Focus and Goals Shifting to elk, Weston recaps his second year bowhunting: a solo cow success in Colorado last year, and this year's two-week Idaho rut hunt chasing a 4-point bull or better. Cody shares his big-bull aspirations and the universal "aha" moments of adapting plans when reality punches back (à la Mike Tyson).

07:20 - Biggest Lesson: Hunting Pressure Trumps All Weston's top takeaway: No amount of gear, calls, or tactics beats avoiding human pressure. Cody agrees, emphasizing e-scouting and weather planning must prioritize low-pressure zones for peak elk action.

10:15 - Midday Strategies: What to Do with Your Hands The classic backcountry dilemma—morning/evening action spikes, but midday boredom hits. Cody breaks down the pros/cons of deep camping (limited radius vs. solitude), advising patience over forcing setups. He stresses watching bedding areas, scouting for Plan B elk, and avoiding 20-mile death marches; instead, focus on 80/20 opportunities.

18:40 - Choosing Battles: Patience in the Rut Cody recounts a hunt where he resisted chasing a close-but-fading bull, instead waiting for a distant one with cows—resulting in a bow-range approach. Weston shares a similar ridge-top decision, highlighting macro views over impulsive stalks.

23:10 - Calling Tactics: Distance Matters Weston contrasts bugling at range vs. "in the bedroom," sharing two stories: a drawn-out midday ping-pong that fired up but didn't close, and a close-quarters blow-up in thick reprod. Cody advises softer cow/calf calls early, saving challenges for sub-100 yards, and using partners for silent slips.

32:50 - When to Leave Elk to Find Elk Tackling the frustration of tough hunts with few sightings, Cody explains hunting killable setups over obsessing one herd. Emphasize sign-reading, blind calling in sign-rich areas, and accepting silent approaches—expect 10 solid setups for a shot opportunity.

41:20 - Mindset: Focus on Skills, Not Kills Drawing running analogies, they discuss embracing "micro wins" (e.g., finding elk, entering the red zone) to build confidence and gut intuition. Cody's superpower? Carefree execution—treat busts like bad golf shots to stay deadly under pressure.

52:10 - After-Action Reviews and Gut Intuition Cody pushes post-hunt map audits: Review wind, terrain, and timing to sharpen when-to-attack instincts. Trade-offs like deep camping are inevitable—woodsmanship comes from screwing up and learning.

58:30 - Cody's Epic Hunts: Elk with Jayden Bell and BC Goat Adventure Cody recaps a multi-bull Wyoming success with Jayden Bell and dives into his dream BC mountain goat hunt: planes, canoes, glaciers, and a gnarly pack-out after a perfect Billy stalk amid endless rain. He teases stunning footage from the adventure.

1:06:45 - Sneak Peek: Bridger Watch Reveal Cody unveils his 3-year passion project—a hunter-built smartwatch with offline mapping, superior fitness tracking, and backcountry edge over Garmin. Big reveal November 1st at bridgerwatch.com; beta testing underway for 2026 launch.

1:12:20 - Podcast Cross-Promo and Run the Rack Origins Mutual shoutouts: Cody plugs The Elk Hunt Podcast and The Rich Outdoors; Weston shares his one-man passion for backcountry hunting, running ultras, and deep convos. Teases Boston Marathon plans and fitness for hunts.

1:15:40 - Closing: Mental Toughness and Hard Things Wrapping on longevity—Cody eyes 60-year-old grinders like Mark Livesay; Weston stresses evidence-based confidence from consistent hard efforts. Call to action: Embrace the journey, stack skills, and run the rack.

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