The Colorado hunting draw is changing—big time. In this episode, guide and outfitter Jimmy Oswald breaks down everything you need to know about elk, mule deer, sheep, and moose tags for 2025 and beyond. We dive deep into unit strategies, preference points, and how wolves might impact the herds. If you’re a non-resident, pay attention—some of these changes are going to hit you HARD. Don’t waste your points—watch this before you apply!

Jimmy Oswald – Experienced Colorado guide and outfitter specializing in elk, mule deer, sheep, and goat hunts. https://www.riversbendoutfitting.com/

Key Topics Covered
Colorado’s 2028 Draw Changes – How preference points and bonus draws will work
Non-Resident vs. Resident Tag Allocation – What’s shifting and why
The Reality of Tag Availability – The truth behind CPW’s allocation process
How Wolves Are Impacting Elk & Moose – Long-term effects on Colorado’s herds
Best Units for Sheep & Goat Hunting – Breaking down overlooked opportunities
Why Moose Populations Are at Risk – The impact of predators and changing policies
How to Use Your Points Wisely Before 2028 – Avoiding costly mistakes
New Hunting Units for 2025 – What’s opening up for non-residents 

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Solo episode with Cliff. This video breaks down the biggest lessons that have made the biggest difference for the group of 1,200 new and experienced elk hunters I reached out to. From avoiding the sunk-cost fallacy in scouting to mastering quick shot opportunities, these insights will save you years of frustration in the field. 

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Rifle elk hunting isn't guesswork—it's strategy. In this episode, top hunting guide Evan Koster walks us through the exact process he uses to find, stalk, and kill elk on public land. Whether you’re struggling to locate elk or unsure about midday hunting tactics, this episode delivers real-world insights that will make you a better hunter. 

Evan Koster – Veteran elk hunting guide with deep experience in public land rifle and archery hunts. Find him at FTGuides.com or on Instagram @KosterEvan. 

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Tim set out on his first-ever DIY elk hunt on Colorado public land—solo—and came home with a 6x6 bull. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how he made it happen, from e-scouting and choosing the right unit to glassing, hunting strategy, and the brutal solo pack-out. If you’re planning your first elk hunt or want to improve your approach, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways you won’t want to miss. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• How to plan a DIY public land elk hunt from scratch
• Picking the right unit for a rifle hunt
• Solo hunting vs. going with a group—what works best?
• E-scouting: What actually helps vs. what’s just a time sink
• Glassing strategies and terrain selection for better odds
• How Tim located elk, adjusted his plan, and found success
• Packing out a bull solo—what it really takes
• Hunting pressure: What to expect and how to work around it
• Gear that worked (and what Tim would do differently next time)

Guest Bio
 
Tim Steinmetz, a Michigan-based hunter, successfully tagged his first 6x6 bull elk on a solo DIY public land hunt in Colorado. He planned every step, from e-scouting to the pack-out, proving that a first-time elk hunt can be a success with the right strategy.
 

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Ryan Gill of Hunt Primitive joins me to talk about hunting like our ancestors did—no modern gear, just handcrafted bows, arrows, and even atlatls. We discuss the reality of primitive hunting, the skills it takes, and how it can make you a better hunter today.

 Key Topics Covered:
Building traditional bows, arrows, and stone points from scratch.
Hunting bison, pigs, and deer with primitive weapons.
Why primitive hunting makes you a better hunter.
Ethical questions around traditional vs. modern hunting.
The skills early hunters had that we’ve lost.
Ryan’s personal journey into traditional hunting.
The atlatl—what it is, how it works, and why it’s still effective.
Why modern hunters might be missing out by ignoring primitive skills.
What ancient hunters actually did (vs. the myths we hear today).
The mental and physical challenge of primitive hunting.

Guest Bio:
Ryan Gill is a primitive hunting expert, bowyer, and founder of Hunt Primitive. He builds and hunts exclusively with handmade, traditional weapons—wood bows, flint-knapped arrowheads, and atlatls. Find his work at HuntPrimitive.com and follow him on YouTube (@HuntPrimitive).
Ryan Gill’s Flintknapping Kit & Primitive Hunting Gear – Available at HuntPrimitive.com

 

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In this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray, I’m joined by Jordan from The Draw – the go-to expert on navigating New Mexico’s hunting draw system. We break down the strategies and tactics for every species, from elk and oryx to ibex and aoudad. Jordan shares insider tips on maximizing your draw odds, choosing the best units, and leveraging New Mexico’s unique system to your advantage.

We also dive into the changing dynamics of predator management, hunting history in Eastern Europe, and the pros and cons of guided pool vs. DIY hunting. 

Topics Covered:

• New Mexico draw strategies for elk, oryx, and ibex
• Choosing the best units and maximizing your odds
• Guided pool vs. DIY hunting in New Mexico
• Historical hunting traditions and their influence today
• Predator management and its impact on ibex populations

Tune in for expert advice, fascinating stories, and no-nonsense insights that’ll make you a better hunter.

Connect with The Draw:
Website: TheDraw.com
Instagram: @wearethedraw

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Dave Hansen is back, and we’re cutting through the noise—government overreach, fake science, and the never-ending attack on hunters and fishermen. From California’s push to shut down sand bass fishing to the wolf and sea lion disasters, it’s clear that wildlife management has become political theater.

Link to the Sand Bass zoom call on February 13th - https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=227911&inline

Dave's Website: https://yoursaltwaterguide.com/

Dave's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoursaltwaterguide62/

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Extreme backcountry hunter Cade Cole returns to share the brutal truth about his most challenging elk hunt—no food, no fire starter, and a bareback ride into the mountains with nothing but a recurve bow. We break down the mental and physical endurance required, the myth of patterning bulls, and why social media has distorted what real elk hunting looks like. Essential listening for any hunter pushing their limits. 

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In this episode, I sit down with Samong Yang from "Samong Outdoors" to discuss practical hunting strategies suitable for all skill levels. We explore his unique cultural perspective as a Mong hunter and delve into tactics for successfully hunting bears, elk and mule deer in the Pacific Northwest. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their hunting skills with actionable insights.

Follow Samong at Samong Outdoors (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr9p7E1cT6fL5F8sm3VQr9g) and on Instagram @sy_outside 

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Join Cliff on this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray as he breaks down three guide-proven elk rifle setups, covering everything from budget-friendly builds at $1,500 to premium setups over $10K. Drawing on years of guiding experience, Cliff explains not just what works but why—digging into calibers, optics, and accessories that make these rifles effective in the field. Whether you’re gearing up for your first elk hunt or refining your existing setup, this episode provides practical insights to help you choose or build the perfect rifle for your goals. Tune in and get ready to elevate your elk hunting game! 

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