In this solo episode of the Hunt West Podcast, host Jaden Bales dives into a packed agenda designed to help you level up your Western hunting game. Jaden kicks off with essential housekeeping for 2025 planning, including key dates for Idaho tag pickups, Alaska draw deadlines, and Wyoming elk applications. He shares insights from his own Idaho mule deer hunt, recounting the challenges of winter kill, finding productive areas, and the lessons learned in snowy, rugged terrain.

You'll also get Jaden’s gear breakdown featuring his top 10 picks to make late-season hunts more comfortable—just in time for Black Friday deals! Plus, hear about his collaboration with Eastman’s, new articles on elk hunting expectations, and how to navigate Wyoming’s evolving draw system.

Whether you’re strategizing for next year’s hunts or looking for gear recommendations, this episode has something for every Western hunter. TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 |  Introduction and Podcast Format Update 00:46 |  Planning for 2025 Hunts 02:06 |  Idaho First Come First Serve Tags 07:25 |  Alaska and Wyoming Draws 09:35 |  Eastman's Contributions and Membership 13:58 |  Idaho Mule Deer Hunt Begins 30:40 |  Whitetail Doe Hunt with a Bow 33:37 |  Reflecting on the Hunting Season 35:16 |  Upcoming Hunts and Tags 37:34 |  Essential Late Season Gear 55:52 |  Final Thoughts and Gear Recommendations

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Contact Jaden at [email protected]

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