In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with my buddy Garrison Kinsel for a deep dive into what it actually takes to be successful on low-point and "easy draw" Western hunts. We cover Colorado elk strategy, the realities of the reissue list, OTC pressure, and why point creep is a trap so many hunters fall into. Garrison breaks down how elk behavior changes under pressure, how to find animals living in the cracks, and why hunting the same units repeatedly can teach you more than burning points on a so-called premium tag.

We also get into mule deer obsession in a big way. Summer scouting, early archery vs muzzleloader hunts, desert bucks that migrate miles overnight, and the mental grind of staying on a master glassing knob when everything in you wants to move. Garrison tells the full story of killing his wide Nevada buck after days of doubt, missed timing, and doing things the hard way instead of the easy way. If you're a hunter trying to level up without waiting a decade on points, this episode is packed with real-world lessons, hard-earned mistakes, and strategies you can actually use this season.

We hope you enjoy this episode.

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LINKS:

Find Garrison on Instagram @garrison_kinsel

If you want to learn more about what this means for your Colorado applications, whether it's elk or deer, be sure to check out the upcoming Hunt West Limited Webinars here >>

Learn more about the Bridger Watch Pre-Sale at Bridgerwatch.com

Sign up for the FREE Hunt West Digest Email >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden breaks down his real-world gear evolution as a Western big game hunter. This episode walks through how boots, backpacks, optics, and tripods actually fit into a smart hunting strategy over time. From trail shoes and bargain boots to purpose-built mountain footwear, from budget packs to serious load-hauling frames, Jaden shares what worked, what failed, and what he'd do differently if he were starting over today.

This episode is built for hunters on a budget who want better hunts, not just better-looking gear. You'll hear practical advice on buying used gear, matching equipment to your hunt style, avoiding common gear mistakes, and investing in experiences over equipment. If you've ever wondered where to spend money first, where you can cut corners, and how to slowly build a dependable kit without blowing your tag budget, this episode lays out a clear, no-BS roadmap. We hope you enjoy!

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Links:

Learn about the Bridger Reckon Watch >>

Hunt West Tag Application Webinar Series >>

Sign up for the FREE Hunt West Digest Email >>

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden sits down with James Nash to tackle one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in Western hunting today: private land, public hunters, and the relationship between the two. James grew up on a multi-generation Oregon ranch dating back to the late 1800s, and he brings a rare perspective shaped by ranching, guiding, conservation work, and firsthand experience dealing with both great hunters and absolute train wrecks. Together, they unpack why so much of the West's best wildlife habitat sits on private land, how history like the Homestead Act shaped today's access challenges, and why entitlement from hunters has burned more bridges than most people realize.

The conversation goes deep into what actually works when it comes to earning access, building trust, and hunting ethically around private land—without pretending hunters are "doing landowners a favor." James explains why timing, humility, and offering real value matter more than asking for permission at the wrong moment, and why trust is gained in drops and lost in buckets.

On the flip side, they also discuss how landowners can improve wildlife habitat, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships with the hunting public—especially when it comes to mule deer, predators, fencing, and grazing practices. If you care about access, wildlife, and the future of Western hunting, this episode is required listening.

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Links:

Follow James Nash on Instagram @6RanchOutfitters >>

Eastmans' Elite Membership Bundle >>

Learn about the Bridger Reckon Watch >>

Hunt West Tag Application Webinar Series >>

In this episode, Jaden sits down with Wyoming Wildlife Federation leaders Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, and Jess Johnson, Government Affairs Director, to break down the Wyoming wildlife and hunting issues that actually matter heading into the 2026 legislative session. The conversation starts where it should—hunting stories from the past season—before pulling back the curtain on how wildlife decisions are really made in Wyoming, and why hunters (resident and nonresident alike) have more influence than they think.

From landowner tag proposals and invasive grass mitigation to wildlife funding, Game & Fish resources, and the dangers of politicizing science-based wildlife management, this episode connects the dots between policy decisions and real-world hunting opportunity. The group also dives deep into Camo at the Capitol, Wyoming Wildlife Federation's flagship event that teaches hunters how to engage effectively with legislators—without the politics or pressure. Whether you hunt Wyoming every year or just hope to someday, this episode is a reminder that tags, habitat, and opportunity don't protect themselves—and that showing up is how wildlife wins. ___ Links:

Wyoming Wildlife Federation's Camo at the Capitol Event >>

About the Wyoming Wildlife Federation >>

Hunt West Tag Application Webinar Series >>

Eastmans' Elite Membership Bundle >>

Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation Raffles >>

In this bonus New Year episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden Bales looks back on an unforgettable 2025—both personally and professionally—and breaks down what actually worked in the field. From helping plan over 50 DIY Western hunts to logging 108 days afield, Jaden shares real numbers, honest success rates, and why a 50% fill rate on mostly opportunity tags is something to be proud of.

He dives into the idea of the "snowball effect" in Western hunting—how consistent effort, learning the same places, and stacking skills year after year leads to more opportunity, better animals, and more enjoyable hunts, even when tags don't get punched.

Looking ahead to 2026, Jaden lays out exactly how Hunt West Planning is evolving. He explains the clear path forward between Webinars, Hunt West Sessions, and the fully rebuilt Complete Hunt Plan, including what each option is best suited for and who should start where.

From lower-cost group application help to A-to-Z, high-touch hunt planning with waypoints, gear checks, and pre-hunt tune-ups, this episode gives listeners a transparent look at how to invest in their hunting without guessing. If you're serious about planning hunts better and enjoying them more, this episode sets the table for what's possible in 2026. ____

LINKS:

• Hunt West Planning Services >>

• Hunt West Webinars (2026 Application Series) >>

• Wyoming Elk Application Webinar

• Hunt Buddy (Virtual Hunt Planning Tool)

• Contact Jaden at [email protected]

Fresh off a late-season Wyoming cow elk hunt, Jaden breaks down one of the most rewarding—and educational—hunts he's guided in years. What started as a freezer-filling family hunt turned into a masterclass on elk behavior, patience, wind discipline, and why cow elk tags deserve more respect in every Western hunter's long-term strategy.

Hunting with a family crew of three tag holders and two observers, this episode walks through three days of hard-earned success in wide-open sage flats and steep mountain terrain. From glassing massive winter herds miles away, navigating public-private boundaries, waiting out bad wind, and executing close-range rifle stalks, this hunt proved that cow elk hunting is freaking awesome.

Along the way, Jaden highlights why late-season cow hunts are incredible teachers: learning terrain, understanding herd movement, adapting when honey holes go dry, and getting real reps that translate directly to future bull hunts. With three cows down in three days—and plenty of laughs, cactus needles, and lessons learned—this episode makes the case that cow elk hunts are one of the best ways to stay sharp while building points and planning future seasons.

If you're thinking about elk hunting in 2026, this episode will challenge how you view cow tags—and might convince you they belong front and center in your Western hunting plan.

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• Check out the Wyoming Elk Webinar >>
• Support Wyoming Wild Sheep & Hunt Stags with Me >>
• Sign up for: The Argali Clothing Project >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden sits down with Wyoming hunter Derik Henderson—a guy who quietly stacks big elk and old mule deer without chasing trends or spot-burning country. Derik isn't a guide by trade, but for one special hunt, he's stepping into that role to raise money for the family of his late best friend.

The conversation covers far more than just antlers. This episode dives deep into what it actually takes to consistently hunt the top percent of animals on the landscape in a time when elk pressure is heavy and mule deer hunting feels harder than ever.

Derik breaks down how he hunts migration-based elk and mule deer, why glassing miles of country beats pounding boot leather, and how many of his biggest animals were killed shockingly close to roads—simply because nobody was looking in the right direction. He explains why patience, timing, and understanding animal behavior matter more than chasing the newest gear or walking endlessly without a plan.

The episode also outlines an auctioned Wyoming guided hunt that closes January 2nd, with proceeds going directly to support a widow and two young boys. The hunt offers the chance to pursue a rifle bull elk—and potentially a mule deer—in one of the same areas where Derik has killed multiple 350–370 class bulls over the years.

This is an honest, boots-on-the-ground conversation about modern western hunting—where success comes from observation, restraint, and showing up year after year, even when conditions aren't perfect.

If you're serious about rifle hunting elk and mule deer at a high level this episode is worth your time.

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• Follow Derik Henderson on Instagram: @backcountrymulies

• Auction details: Available via Derik's social channels (bidding closes January 2nd)

• Support Wyoming Wild Sheep & Hunt Stags with Me >>

• Sign up for: The Argali Clothing Project >>

• Check out the Wyoming Elk Webinar >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Wisconsin elk nut Bryon Thompson joins Jaden on this episode to break down his back-to-back Wyoming elk hunts — one on a general tag, one on a limited quota — and what a decade of DIY elk hunting has really taught him. From early mistakes in Colorado OTC to learning how to find elk instead of just bumbling around, Bryon shares hard-earned insights, wild stories, and why good partners (like his buddy Benny) matter more than any gear list. If you're planning a Wyoming elk hunt or just trying to level up as an elk hunter, this episode is pure gold.

Hunt West Resources:

• Sign up for the Wyoming Nonresident Elk Webinar >>
• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026 >>
• Learn about the Argali Clothing Project >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden pulls the curtain back on the guide life; how he stumbled into guiding, the wild hunts that shaped him, and the extremes of what really happens when you mix hunters, high expectations, and Mother Nature. He shares the story that launched his guiding career, the absolute worst guided hunt he ever had (yes, it involves shooting the wrong bull), and the hunts that remind him why guiding is still one of the most meaningful things he does.

If you're considering going guided, Jaden also breaks down the questions you should be asking, how to set realistic expectations, how far you need to be able to shoot, tipping guides, picking the right outfitter, and the honest reality of what guides wish hunters knew before showing up in camp.

A must-listen if you've ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in elk and deer camps. Hope you enjoy this episode!

The Outfits Mentioned:

Extreme Outfitters (BG #249)

Backcountry Hunting Logistics (BG #272)

Hunt West Resources:

• Sign up for the Wyoming Nonresident Elk Webinar >>
• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026 >>
• Learn about the Argali Clothing Project >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

This week, Jaden breaks down his Western Hunting Love/Hate List—a stolen model from the Fantasy Football world that provides an honest take at which states actually match some common hunter archetypes heading into 2026. Whether you're a burnt-points elk guy trying to stay in the game, a grey-ghost fanatic obsessed with big mule deer, or a brand-new hunter stepping into the arena for the first time, this episode maps out where you should be looking—and where you might want to stay away from.

He also tackles one of the biggest problems in Western hunting today: relying on "honey holes." Jaden lays out why nothing in the West stays the same—wildfire, winterkill, pressure spikes, road changes, predators, development, drought—and why the only thing that actually works is a system you can repeat anywhere, any year.

If you want a clearer, smarter way to plan your hunts (without chasing rumor mills or getting smoked by tag systems), this episode is for you.

Hunt West Resources:

• Sign up for the Wyoming Nonresident Elk Webinar >>
• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026 >>
• Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.