Hunt West Podcast

This week we're doing something a little different. We're rewinding back to a 2020 Muley Monday episode with former Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff member, J.T. Romantzke to talk mule deer management, buck ratios, season structures, crowding, and chronic wasting disease. At the time, Colorado was entering a new five-year season structure and beginning to lean harder into CWD management. A lot of big decisions were being made. A lot of theories were being tested. Fast forward six years. Some things look similar. Some things look very different.  At the end of the episode, I break down where Colorado stands right now and why it's still one of the most important opportunity states in the West. If you're applying for mule deer or elk this year, this episode will help you understand what's changed, what hasn't, and how to think more critically about where you burn your points. Did this age well? I'll let you decide. In the end, I hope you gain valuable information about how mule deer are managed in Colorado and across the West with this throwback episode. LINKS:  Check Out Kifaru's Gear at Kifaru.net >> Learn about the Bridger Reckon Presale at Bridgerwatch.com >>  Hunt West Webinar Series >>

Nothing is a guarantee when you're hunting out west, so this episode is all about building contingencies that keep you in the game no matter what. Jaden and his buddy Hayden Richins break down how they plan archery mule deer seasons when draw odds are shaky, wildfires are a real threat, and Plan A rarely survives first contact.  Using their own multi-state strategy as an example, they walk through smart backup planning across Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and even over-the-counter options, plus how to pivot once you're on the ground when glassing, terrain, or animal movement isn't working. If you've ever missed a draw, been burned by wildfire, or wasted days sticking to a bad plan, this episode will help you hunt more seasons and adapt faster when things go sideways. ____  Links:  Hayden Richins on Instagram @wynotwild >>  Hayden's Photography & Prints - wynotwild.com Check Out Kifaru's Gear at Kifaru.net >> Sign Up for Eastmans' Elite Membership >> Hunt West Webinar Series >>

What happens when everything goes right… and wrong… in the same hunting season? In this episode, Jaden sits down with Wyoming native Alex Aguirre to unpack what might be the most unhinged fall any hunter has ever lived through. We're talking mountain goat, moose, multiple elk, a giant mule deer, a commissioner's tag, lost horses (plural), grizzly bears on carcasses, night pack-outs, and a season that simply refused to slow down. Alex walks through the full timeline, from tags "falling out of the sky" to grinding through early mornings, brutal weather, and back-to-back once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Along the way, he shares hard-earned lessons on horse packing, dealing with pressure, and why helping others kill animals often makes you a better hunter yourself. It's a masterclass in grit and staying in the game when plans blow up. This episode is a long one, but absolutely worth it. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to maximize opportunity in the West, push through adversity, and keep showing up when things go sideways, this one will hit home. Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy one hell of a hunting story. ____  Links:  Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership >>  Alex Aguirre on Instagram @adventurousalex22 >>  Sign Up for Eastmans' Elite Membership >> Learn about the Bridger Reckon Presale >>  Hunt West Webinar Series >>

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with my buddy Garrison Kinsel for a deep dive into what it actually takes to be successful on low-point and "easy draw" Western hunts. We cover Colorado elk strategy, the realities of the reissue list, OTC pressure, and why point creep is a trap so many hunters fall into. Garrison breaks down how elk behavior changes under pressure, how to find animals living in the cracks, and why hunting the same units repeatedly can teach you more than burning points on a so-called premium tag. We also get into mule deer obsession in a big way. Summer scouting, early archery vs muzzleloader hunts, desert bucks that migrate miles overnight, and the mental grind of staying on a master glassing knob when everything in you wants to move. Garrison tells the full story of killing his wide Nevada buck after days of doubt, missed timing, and doing things the hard way instead of the easy way. If you're a hunter trying to level up without waiting a decade on points, this episode is packed with real-world lessons, hard-earned mistakes, and strategies you can actually use this season. We hope you enjoy this episode.  _____ LINKS: Find Garrison on Instagram @garrison_kinsel If you want to learn more about what this means for your Colorado applications, whether it's elk or deer, be sure to check out the upcoming Hunt West Limited Webinars here >> Learn more about the Bridger Watch Pre-Sale at Bridgerwatch.com Sign up for the FREE Hunt West Digest Email >>  Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden  breaks down his real-world gear evolution as a Western big game hunter. This episode walks through how boots, backpacks, optics, and tripods actually fit into a smart hunting strategy over time. From trail shoes and bargain boots to purpose-built mountain footwear, from budget packs to serious load-hauling frames, Jaden shares what worked, what failed, and what he'd do differently if he were starting over today. This episode is built for hunters on a budget who want better hunts, not just better-looking gear. You'll hear practical advice on buying used gear, matching equipment to your hunt style, avoiding common gear mistakes, and investing in experiences over equipment. If you've ever wondered where to spend money first, where you can cut corners, and how to slowly build a dependable kit without blowing your tag budget, this episode lays out a clear, no-BS roadmap. We hope you enjoy! ______ Links:  Learn about the Bridger Reckon Watch >> Hunt West Tag Application Webinar Series >>  Sign up for the FREE Hunt West Digest Email >> 

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden sits down with James Nash to tackle one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in Western hunting today: private land, public hunters, and the relationship between the two. James grew up on a multi-generation Oregon ranch dating back to the late 1800s, and he brings a rare perspective shaped by ranching, guiding, conservation work, and firsthand experience dealing with both great hunters and absolute train wrecks. Together, they unpack why so much of the West's best wildlife habitat sits on private land, how history like the Homestead Act shaped today's access challenges, and why entitlement from hunters has burned more bridges than most people realize. The conversation goes deep into what actually works when it comes to earning access, building trust, and hunting ethically around private land—without pretending hunters are "doing landowners a favor." James explains why timing, humility, and offering real value matter more than asking for permission at the wrong moment, and why trust is gained in drops and lost in buckets. On the flip side, they also discuss how landowners can improve wildlife habitat, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships with the hunting public—especially when it comes to mule deer, predators, fencing, and grazing practices. If you care about access, wildlife, and the future of Western hunting, this episode is required listening. ______ Links:  Follow James Nash on Instagram @6RanchOutfitters >> Eastmans' Elite Membership Bundle >> Learn about the Bridger Reckon Watch >> Hunt West Tag Application Webinar Series >>   

In this episode, Jaden sits down with Wyoming Wildlife Federation leaders Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, and Jess Johnson, Government Affairs Director, to break down the Wyoming wildlife and hunting issues that actually matter heading into the 2026 legislative session. The conversation starts where it should—hunting stories from the past season—before pulling back the curtain on how wildlife decisions are really made in Wyoming, and why hunters (resident and nonresident alike) have more influence than they think. From landowner tag proposals and invasive grass mitigation to wildlife funding, Game & Fish resources, and the dangers of politicizing science-based wildlife management, this episode connects the dots between policy decisions and real-world hunting opportunity. The group also dives deep into Camo at the Capitol, Wyoming Wildlife Federation's flagship event that teaches hunters how to engage effectively with legislators—without the politics or pressure. Whether you hunt Wyoming every year or just hope to someday, this episode is a reminder that tags, habitat, and opportunity don't protect themselves—and that showing up is how wildlife wins. ___  Links:  Wyoming Wildlife Federation's Camo at the Capitol Event >> About the Wyoming Wildlife Federation >> Hunt West Tag Application Webinar Series >>  Eastmans' Elite Membership Bundle >> Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation Raffles >>

In this bonus New Year episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden Bales looks back on an unforgettable 2025—both personally and professionally—and breaks down what actually worked in the field. From helping plan over 50 DIY Western hunts to logging 108 days afield, Jaden shares real numbers, honest success rates, and why a 50% fill rate on mostly opportunity tags is something to be proud of. He dives into the idea of the "snowball effect" in Western hunting—how consistent effort, learning the same places, and stacking skills year after year leads to more opportunity, better animals, and more enjoyable hunts, even when tags don't get punched. Looking ahead to 2026, Jaden lays out exactly how Hunt West Planning is evolving. He explains the clear path forward between Webinars, Hunt West Sessions, and the fully rebuilt Complete Hunt Plan, including what each option is best suited for and who should start where. From lower-cost group application help to A-to-Z, high-touch hunt planning with waypoints, gear checks, and pre-hunt tune-ups, this episode gives listeners a transparent look at how to invest in their hunting without guessing. If you're serious about planning hunts better and enjoying them more, this episode sets the table for what's possible in 2026. ____ LINKS:  Hunt West Planning Services >>  Hunt West Webinars (2026 Application Series) >> Specific Mentions Worth Linking Wyoming Elk Application Webinar Hunt Buddy (Virtual Hunt Planning Tool) Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Fresh off a late-season Wyoming cow elk hunt, Jaden breaks down one of the most rewarding—and educational—hunts he's guided in years. What started as a freezer-filling family hunt turned into a masterclass on elk behavior, patience, wind discipline, and why cow elk tags deserve more respect in every Western hunter's long-term strategy. Hunting with a family crew of three tag holders and two observers, this episode walks through three days of hard-earned success in wide-open sage flats and steep mountain terrain. From glassing massive winter herds miles away, navigating public-private boundaries, waiting out bad wind, and executing close-range rifle stalks, this hunt proved that cow elk hunting is freaking awesome.  Along the way, Jaden highlights why late-season cow hunts are incredible teachers: learning terrain, understanding herd movement, adapting when honey holes go dry, and getting real reps that translate directly to future bull hunts. With three cows down in three days—and plenty of laughs, cactus needles, and lessons learned—this episode makes the case that cow elk hunts are one of the best ways to stay sharp while building points and planning future seasons. If you're thinking about elk hunting in 2026, this episode will challenge how you view cow tags—and might convince you they belong front and center in your Western hunting plan. ____ Links & Resources Check out the Wyoming Elk Webinar >> Support Wyoming Wild Sheep & Hunt Stags with Me >> Sign up for: The Argali Clothing Project >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden sits down with Wyoming hunter Derik Henderson—a guy who quietly stacks big elk and old mule deer without chasing trends or spot-burning country. Derik isn't a guide by trade, but for one special hunt, he's stepping into that role to raise money for the family of his late best friend. The conversation covers far more than just antlers. This episode dives deep into what it actually takes to consistently hunt the top percent of animals on the landscape in a time when elk pressure is heavy and mule deer hunting feels harder than ever. Derik breaks down how he hunts migration-based elk and mule deer, why glassing miles of country beats pounding boot leather, and how many of his biggest animals were killed shockingly close to roads—simply because nobody was looking in the right direction. He explains why patience, timing, and understanding animal behavior matter more than chasing the newest gear or walking endlessly without a plan. The episode also outlines an auctioned Wyoming guided hunt that closes January 2nd, with proceeds going directly to support a widow and two young boys. The hunt offers the chance to pursue a rifle bull elk—and potentially a mule deer—in one of the same areas where Derik has killed multiple 350–370 class bulls over the years. This is an honest, boots-on-the-ground conversation about modern western hunting—where success comes from observation, restraint, and showing up year after year, even when conditions aren't perfect. If you're serious about rifle hunting elk and mule deer at a high level this episode is worth your time. ____ Links & Resources Follow Derik Henderson on Instagram: @backcountrymulies Auction details: Available via Derik's social channels (bidding closes January 2nd) Support Wyoming Wild Sheep & Hunt Stags with Me >> Sign up for: The Argali Clothing Project >> Check out the Wyoming Elk Webinar >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Wisconsin elk nut Bryon Thompson joins Jaden on this episode to break down his back-to-back Wyoming elk hunts — one on a general tag, one on a limited quota — and what a decade of DIY elk hunting has really taught him. From early mistakes in Colorado OTC to learning how to find elk instead of just bumbling around, Bryon shares hard-earned insights, wild stories, and why good partners (like his buddy Benny) matter more than any gear list. If you're planning a Wyoming elk hunt or just trying to level up as an elk hunter, this episode is pure gold. Hunt West Resources:  Sign up for the Wyoming Nonresident Elk Webinar >>  Hunt planning services & booking for 2026 >> Learn about the Argali Clothing Project >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden pulls the curtain back on the guide life; how he stumbled into guiding, the wild hunts that shaped him, and the extremes of what really happens when you mix hunters, high expectations, and Mother Nature. He shares the story that launched his guiding career, the absolute worst guided hunt he ever had (yes, it involves shooting the wrong bull), and the hunts that remind him why guiding is still one of the most meaningful things he does. If you're considering going guided, Jaden also breaks down the questions you should be asking, how to set realistic expectations, how far you need to be able to shoot, tipping guides, picking the right outfitter, and the honest reality of what guides wish hunters knew before showing up in camp. A must-listen if you've ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in elk and deer camps. Hope you enjoy this episode! The Outfits Mentioned:  Extreme Outfitters (BG #249) Backcountry Hunting Logistics (BG #272) Hunt West Resources:  Sign up for the Wyoming Nonresident Elk Webinar >>  Hunt planning services & booking for 2026 >> Learn about the Argali Clothing Project >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

This week, Jaden breaks down his Western Hunting Love/Hate List—a stolen model from the Fantasy Football world that provides an honest take at which states actually match some common hunter archetypes heading into 2026. Whether you're a burnt-points elk guy trying to stay in the game, a grey-ghost fanatic obsessed with big mule deer, or a brand-new hunter stepping into the arena for the first time, this episode maps out where you should be looking—and where you might want to stay away from. He also tackles one of the biggest problems in Western hunting today: relying on "honey holes." Jaden lays out why nothing in the West stays the same—wildfire, winterkill, pressure spikes, road changes, predators, development, drought—and why the only thing that actually works is a system you can repeat anywhere, any year. If you want a clearer, smarter way to plan your hunts (without chasing rumor mills or getting smoked by tag systems), this episode is for you. Hunt West Resources:  Sign up for the Wyoming Nonresident Elk Webinar >>  Hunt planning services & booking for 2026 >> Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

https://www.instagram.com/wifiphysio/In this one, I bring on my buddy Dr. Rob Minturn, founder of the Wilderness Fitness Institute, to answer the burning question every hunter has right about now: "How do I recover from hunting season without turning into a busted can of biscuits?" We dig into fixing tight hips, rebuilding strength the right way, why your feet feel like hamburger, when to stretch (and when not to), why foam rolling your IT band is a lie, and how to transition from full-send hunting season to sitting at a desk without wrecking your body. Rob also shares his go-to glute workout, his upcoming mobility guide for scouters and desk workers, and why every hunter should (apparently) get a pedicure. Dr. Rob's Links Mentioned: Dr. Rob on Instagram >> Wilderness Fitness Institute >> The Wilderness Fitness Podcast >> The Mountain Readiness Quiz >> Hunt West Resources:  Red Stag Raffle For Wyoming Wild Sheep >> Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Huntwestplanning.com >> Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

The mule deer rut is rolling, and in this episode Jaden breaks down what he's seeing across Wyoming and Montana—early rutting in the desert, slower action in the mountains, and how weather is dictating daylight movement right now. He walks through a wild multi-mile stalk on a big Wyoming buck, a one-day Montana strike mission, and why the rut is really a bell curve you have to hunt pocket by pocket. If you're chasing November mule deer, this episode gives you the playbook: how to glass smarter, how to adjust for heat or storms, how to handle pressure, and how to keep your head straight when the plan blows up. Thanks for listening! And if you like this show, be sure to share it with a friend.  ___ Resources & Links Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Huntwestplanning.com >> Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Whether you're cleaning up bloody gear or eating tag soup, this is the time of year when every hunter starts thinking ahead. In this solo episode, Jaden breaks down his 5-step system for planning next year's Western hunts — from setting your goals to getting yourself and your gear ready to execute. He covers how to define what kind of hunt you actually want, research tags that fit your goals, truth your ideas on the map, build a realistic game plan, and start prepping now so you're not scrambling next fall. It's equal parts mindset and mechanics — the same planning framework Jaden uses for his own hunts and for Hunt West clients every year. You can download this checklist here >>  ___ Resources & Links Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Huntwestplanning.com >> Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this week's episode, I sit down with my brother, Tyler Bales, to talk about his wife's upcoming late-season Oregon elk hunt: a classic roaded-country challenge where finding unpressured elk takes creativity, patience, and a little local knowledge. We dive into how he scouted a heavily roaded unit with a fresh burn, what he's learning about elk using edges between timber, burns, and private land, and how to hunt smart when you've got family (and a baby) along for the ride. You'll hear us talk through everything from reading sign and choosing glassing knobs, to camping logistics, and how to build an elk plan that balances real-life constraints with solid hunting strategy. If you've ever hunted late-season elk in places where "road access" doesn't necessarily mean "easy elk," this one's for you. ___ Resources & Links Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Huntwestplanning.com >> Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >>  Idaho Tag Draw Webinar — Nov 5 @ 6 PM MT • $47 Seat → Click here for more info Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo round, Jaden breaks down one of his favorite times of year—the pre-rut window when mule deer bucks start slipping out of their hidey holes and showing daylight movement, but haven't gone full rut yet. It's that sweet spot where weather, timing, and patience make or break a hunt. Jaden shares what he's learned from hunting and guiding across the West, including: Premium Max-Point Migration Hunts — what true migration behavior looks like and why sitting tight beats hiking miles. General Tag Late-Season Observations — how pressure and terrain drive mature buck behavior even when rut activity ramps up. Colorado 2020 Pre-Rut Lessons — how one snowy, aspen-covered hunt taught the value of intentional movement and sticking it out. His Real-Time Game Plan — what he's looking for this week while guiding a Wyoming low country tag, from staging bucks to terrain funnels and weather windows. From elevation bands to glassing hard, this episode is a tactical masterclass in hunting the edge between bachelor groups and the rut. Mentioned: Idaho Tag Draw Webinar — Nov 5 @ 6 PM MT • $47 Seat → Click here for more info Hunt West Digest — Weekly Sunday email with tactics, tips, and stories. CTA: If you're planning a hunt, book a Hunt West Session or Plan for 2026 now—spots are already filling. Visit huntwestplanning.com for details.

When you've been hunting with someone for over 25 years, you know the laughs, the screwups, and the grind are just part of the deal. In this episode, Jaden recaps a Wyoming pronghorn hunt with his lifelong friend Kain — a trip filled with highs, lows, and the kind of luck that only comes when you beat 7% odds in the tag draw. Kain flew in from Oregon with a freezer to fill, and the duo went to work chasing antelope across windy plains, dealing with wild weather, wardens, and whitetail detours. Jaden dives into what went right (and wrong) with their tag applications, how the Wyoming pronghorn draw has changed fast, and what he learned from hunting a 14% public-land unit where success required equal parts patience and persistence. From fried heart for lunch to last-minute meat-cooler math at the airport, this hunt was full of classic Hunt West moments — gritty, funny, and real. ____________ In This Episode You'll Learn: Why pronghorn draw odds in Wyoming can surprise even experienced hunters How to build a smarter application strategy for 2026 and beyond The mental grind of hunting low-access units — and how to finally connect The white-flag trick for pronghorn…and what not to do A lesson in packing meat for flights that might save you a couple hundred bucks ____________ Resources & Links Join the New Idaho OTC Elk and Deer Draw Webinar >> Check out the Argali Clothing Project >> Book your 2026 Hunt West Plan or Session >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden sits down with Hunt West client and now first-time archery elk killer, Anthony Ortiz, to unpack a four-year journey that went from missed chances and blown stalks to punching tags on a giant Colorado bull AND a Wyoming pronghorn—all this season. Anthony opens up about what it really takes to go from hopeful to lethal: The mistakes that taught him more than success ever could (hint: wind and impatience were his biggest teachers) The shooting practice that actually matters—training in awkward, real-world positions How a smart approach to scouting, access, and persistence led to two incredible hunts in the same year Jaden and Anthony also dig into the mental side of elk hunting—the adrenaline dump, the blackouts, the heartbreak, and the payoff when you finally get it right. If you're new to archery elk hunting or just grinding for that first bull, this episode will hit home. Listen for: The moment Anthony realized he had finally done it Why slowing down and thinking for five seconds can change your hunt The best advice he'd give to anyone still chasing their first elk How preparation and planning pay off years down the line Takeaway: Success in elk hunting isn't built in one season—it's the product of failure, reflection, and sticking with it long enough to connect the dots. ____________ 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.