This two-for-one podcast starts with a scouting report from a tent at 10,000 feet and 8 miles deep in the backcountry before Wyoming's general season rifle opener. This gives you a look into the mind of elk hunters the night before season and how to set yourself up for success on opening day.

What followed was the full execution of a big mountain elk hunting playbook — managing pressure, weather, mindset, and logistics to fill two tags on nice bulls.

From lightning storms and muddy pack-outs to navigating trailheads full of other hunters, this episode breaks down how we found elk in sheep country, and what it took to execute a plan that worked — twice.

Topics covered:

• Managing hunter pressure eight miles deep

• Why "checking off unknowns" matters in new areas

• When to walk past elk to find elk

• How to stay calm when people and weather test you

• Why mountain bull elk usually stay high, not in the valleys

We hope you enjoy this episode to get you stoked for any upcoming rifle elk seasons you may have! 

P.S. It is also available on the Elk Hunt Podcast by Cody Rich. 

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Resources & Links

• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Hunt West Planning Website >>

• Try the AI Hunt Buddy free this fall—get answers to your hunt questions, even when Jaden's off-grid.

• Want to hunt Red Stags in Argentina with me next year!? Buy a raffle ticket and support Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation while you're at it >>

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