If you're hunting multiple states this fall, this episode is a must-listen.

In this solo episode, I break down the most common ways hunters get into trouble across the West and how to avoid them. From access and road navigation issues to hunter orange requirements and post-kill procedures, we cover the real-world mistakes that cost hunters time, money, and sometimes their entire hunt. The big takeaway is simple. Regulations are your bible. If you're relying only on apps or memory, you're taking a risk.

We dive into why tools like OnX are helpful but not perfect, and why you still need to verify roads using Forest Service maps, BLM data, and even county records. I also break down hunter orange requirements state by state, including Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, plus what to do in states that don't require it. We cover what needs to happen immediately after the shot, including tagging, evidence of sex, and transport rules that vary more than most people realize.

I also share a personal story from a Wyoming bighorn sheep hunt where I made a mistake on a unit boundary and what happened after I called it in. That experience reinforced one of the most important lessons in this episode. When in doubt, call a game warden. They would rather answer your question than write you a ticket.

If you're building a multi-state hunting strategy, this episode will help you stay legal, stay confident, and avoid the kind of mistakes that can ruin a season.

Show Links:

Sign up for the Weekly Hunt West Digest >>

Take the AI Virtual Hunt Buddy For a Spin >>

Learn about Hunt West Planning Services >>

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