Monster Muleys Podcast

In this episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with James Rasmussen—no relation—to talk about what it really means to be a DIY public-land hunter. James once had a unique advantage with access to Wyoming’s backcountry through his father-in-law, who was an outfitter. But when that access changed, James had to start over, finding new places to hunt in Utah while dealing with increasing hunting pressure and the challenges that come with public land.

We also get into something I think every hunter can relate to: the pressure we put on ourselves when we see what other people are doing on social media. It’s easy to compare our hunts, our bucks, and our success to someone else’s highlight reel.

But for James, hunting is about much more than filling a tag. He loves the adventure, the challenge, and the experience of getting into the backcountry and figuring things out for himself. This is a great conversation about adapting, staying motivated, and remembering why we hunt in the first place.

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Host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Mitch Libby from Gunwerks for a deep dive into one of the most important parts of becoming a more effective hunter: knowing how to shoot in real-world hunting situations. Mitch breaks down shooting positions, proper gun position, breathing, stability, and the small details that can make a huge difference when the pressure is on.

The conversation goes beyond simply shooting from a bench and gets into the realities hunters face in the field, including shooting uphill and downhill, understanding ballistics, judging distance, and making ethical shots from less-than-perfect positions. They discuss how hunters can practice more effectively and build confidence before heading into the mountains.

And, of course, no conversation about modern western hunting cartridges would be complete without stirring the pot a little. Shane and Mitch have a fun discussion about the 6.5 Creedmoor—better known in some hunting circles as the “6.5 Man Bun.”

If you want to become a better, more prepared, and more confident hunter, this episode is for you.

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Host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Trail Kreitzer from Gohunt for a conversation packed with knowledge, experience, and hard-earned lessons from chasing big mule deer on general-season tags. Trail has built an impressive track record of finding and killing quality bucks without relying on premium tags, and he shares some of the strategies that have helped him consistently succeed.

We dive into the high country versus low country debate and discuss when, where, and why hunters should focus their efforts in each type of country. Trail breaks down what it really takes to find and kill a quality general-season buck, including preparation, scouting, patience, understanding deer behavior, and being willing to hunt where other hunters aren't.

Then Trail looks into his crystal ball and gives his thoughts on potential changes coming to the Colorado draw in 2028. What could those changes mean for hunters, preference points, and the future of Colorado deer hunting?

If you're serious about becoming a better mule deer hunter, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

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Today on the Monster Muleys Podcast, I’m your host, Shane Rasmussen, and we’re talking about something every backcountry hunter has to deal with at some point: fear.

Fear can come in a lot of different forms when you’re miles from the truck. It might be the thought of encountering a bear, mountain lion, moose, or snake. It might be a powerful thunderstorm rolling in, lightning cracking across the mountains, or wind shaking your shelter in the middle of the night. And sometimes, the biggest challenge is simply being alone with your own thoughts.

In this episode, I’ll talk about how you can learn to manage those fears instead of allowing them to control you. I’ll also talk about something I think is incredibly important in backcountry hunting—progressing over time and becoming comfortable being uncomfortable.

You don’t have to start by spending a week deep in the wilderness by yourself. You build confidence one experience at a time. You learn what you're capable of, you face uncomfortable situations, and eventually, things that once scared you become part of the experience.

And I want to hear from you, too. Jump over to MonsterMuleys.com and share your thoughts, experiences, or fears in the podcast thread underneath this episode. Tell us what you've learned about overcoming fear in the backcountry. By sharing your thoughts, you'll also be eligible to win an Ollin Nexxus System, valued at $200.

So whether you’re new to the backcountry or you've been doing it for years, stick around. Let’s talk about fear, preparation, confidence, and becoming a better backcountry hunter.

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On this episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with renowned hunter Jordan Budd to talk about what it really takes to become a consistently successful hunter.

We dive into the idea that success in hunting isn't necessarily about having the most natural talent. Instead, it may come down to persistence, preparation, experience, and simply being willing to keep showing up when things don't go your way. How much does natural ability really matter compared to the effort you put in and the lessons you learn along the way?

Jordan and Shane discuss what separates hunters who experience occasional success from those who consistently find ways to get it done year after year. We talk about learning from mistakes, putting in the work, staying persistent, and developing the skills that come from spending time in the mountains.

We also tackle the very real logistical challenges of hunting with little kids. Finding time to hunt, balancing family responsibilities, and still finding opportunities to get into the mountains can be difficult when you're raising a young family.

This is a conversation about persistence over talent, consistency over shortcuts, and finding a way to keep chasing your passion while raising a family.

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In this episode, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Big Chief Whackabuck for a great conversation about big mule deer, bowhunting, and the moments that make hunting so addicting. Big Chief shares stories from some of the biggest bucks he’s been fortunate enough to take, along with the lessons and experiences that came with chasing them.

We dive into why archery hunting has become his preferred way to pursue big bucks and what makes getting close with a bow so challenging and rewarding. He also opens up about one of the most relatable parts of hunting—buck fever—and how even experienced hunters can struggle when a big deer finally steps into range.

From hard-earned lessons to memorable bucks and the adrenaline of the moment, this episode is packed with stories any mule deer hunter can appreciate.

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In Episode 12 of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with exceptional mule deer hunter Brent "Marley" Morrill for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to consistently find and harvest giant mule deer.

Brent shares how maintaining a humble mindset and never stopping learning from other hunters has been the foundation of his incredible success. Rather than believing he has all the answers, Marely explains why listening, adapting, and continually improving has helped him become one of the most respected mule deer hunters around.

The episode also dives into the stories behind some of Brent's incredible trophy bucks, including massive 226-inch, 227-inch, and 203-inch mule deer, along with his unforgettable double dropper buck. He discusses the lessons each hunt taught him, the importance of patience and persistence, and why experience in the field is still the greatest teacher.

Whether you're an experienced mule deer hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and valuable hunting strategies that can help you become a better hunter. Don't miss this conversation with one of the most accomplished mule deer hunters featured on the Monster Muleys Podcast.

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Host Shane Rasmussen takes a trip down memory lane, sharing some of the best buck fever stories submitted by MonsterMuleys members over the years. From missed opportunities and shaky hands to rushed shots and unforgettable moments, these stories capture the excitement, pressure, and pure adrenaline that comes with having a big mule deer in your sights.

For years, MonsterMuleys members have shared their successes, failures, close calls, and lessons learned with the hunting community. In this episode, Shane revisits some of those memorable stories and reminds us that even experienced hunters can lose their composure when a truly big buck steps into view.

Some stories are funny, some are painful, and some are simply unbelievable—but all of them demonstrate just how powerful buck fever can be. Whether you've experienced it yourself or watched a hunting partner completely lose it when a big buck appeared, you'll be able to relate.

Join Shane Rasmussen for an entertaining collection of MonsterMuleys buck fever stories and find out why, when the moment of truth arrives, even the most experienced hunter can get a serious case of buck fever.

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In this episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Jeremy Houston, a passionate mule deer hunter, photographer, and longtime student of giant bucks. Jeremy calls Kanab, Utah, home—a true mule deer mecca known for producing some incredible bucks and legendary hunting stories.

Jeremy has personally taken numerous big mule deer throughout his hunting career, but what makes his experience especially unique is the decades he has spent filming, photographing, and observing giant bucks. Spending so much time behind a camera instead of a rifle has given Jeremy an incredible opportunity to study mule deer behavior in ways that many hunters simply don't get to experience.

In this conversation, Jeremy shares the lessons he has learned from watching big bucks up close, including their habits, movements, reactions to pressure, and the behaviors that can make the difference when pursuing mature mule deer. He also discusses his experiences hunting around Kanab and the knowledge he has gained from years of pursuing and documenting some truly impressive animals.

Whether you're a seasoned mule deer hunter or someone looking to better understand mature buck behavior, this episode is packed with valuable insight, stories, and lessons from a lifetime spent chasing and studying big mule deer.

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In this episode, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Jason Spilker for a fun, informative conversation that covers everything from pack goats and big bucks to bad backs and The Lord of the Rings. Along the way, they share plenty of laughs, swap hunting stories, and dive into what makes backcountry hunting such a rewarding experience.

Jason also provides an update on antler growth in Southern Utah, discussing how this year's conditions are shaping up and what hunters can expect as the season approaches. Whether you're interested in mule deer behavior, scouting, or simply enjoy hearing experienced hunters talk about the West, there's something here for you.

To make things even more entertaining, Shane and Jason throw in a Lord of the Rings trivia challenge with a fun giveaway for listeners who know their Middle-earth lore. If you're a DIY western hunter, a pack goat enthusiast, or just enjoy great hunting conversations mixed with humor and friendship, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a fellow hunter.

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