In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of The Western Rookie podcast, Brian shares a full rundown of backup options for hunters who haven’t drawn a tag yet, including leftover tags, OTC opportunities, and first-come-first-serve permits across the West. He also delivers timely updates on the public land sale victory, a Colorado wolf controversy, and why it’s still worth hitting the mountains even when plans don’t go perfectly.

Key Takeaways:

• Leftover / OTC Opportunities:
  • Colorado: Leftover tag sale opens August 5; OTC 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons still available
  • Idaho: Leftover tags on August 7 & September 18; Controlled Hunt 2 app runs Aug 5–15
  • Utah: Any Bull OTC tags open July 10; Spike tags open July 17
  • Wyoming: Leftover tags on sale July 17; reduced-price cow/calf and doe/fawn tags available
  • Oregon: First-come-first-serve leftover tags—check system frequently
  • Montana: Surplus list signup ends July 15
  • Arizona: OTC archery deer tags available November 5
  • Bonus Tip: Consider eastern whitetail states like North Dakota and Kansas for OTC or first-come tags
• Public Land Sale Update:
  • Thanks to massive public response, the Senate public land sale proposal was removed
  • The fight isn’t over—Sen. Mike Lee and others are still pushing for future land transfers
• Colorado Wolves Update:
  • CPW is holding a special meeting on rising wolf-livestock conflicts
  • So far, 9 wolf deaths have occurred since reintroduction
  • Raises concerns about ballot box biology and wildlife management without scientific oversight

Conclusion:
If you’re tagless after July 4th, it’s time to act fast. Leftover tags and OTC options are slim, but they’re still out there. Pick one, treat it as a chance to try something new, and make the most of your fall. Every hunt is better than no hunt.

Don’t miss the next deadline—download the free Western Rookie Application Calendar at westernrookie.com and use code WESTERN for $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop credit.

 

Application Deadline:

DATE at TIME

 

Application Style:

STYLE

 

Application Cost:

COST

 

State Application Website:

WEBSITE

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/thewesternrookie

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!

 

Sponsors and Discounts:

GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN 
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4

GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u

RTIC Coolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers

First Month 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

Save 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS 
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Save 20% on your first order at Bull Elk Beard Oil with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/X4mp2wWCRK

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.