Is the new Mathews ARC actually a game-changer, or just another flagship with fresh paint? In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, I sit down with Daniel Parker from Mathews to dig into what’s really different about the ARC 30 and ARC 34. We break down the new limb geometry, the updated SWX2 cam with that perimeter-weight “flywheel” feel, and why this bow stays faster and quieter once you bolt real hunting gear to the string. Daniel brings the behind-the-scenes engineering insight, and I bring the “600-grain elk arrow that once welded itself into a steel plate” perspective. We also nerd out on hinge and resistance releases, target-archery lessons you can steal for hunting season, Kodiak Brown vs Green Ambush, and how to actually choose between the 30" and 34" ARC based on how and where you hunt.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Check out the all new Mathews ARChttps://mathewsinc.com/pages/arcFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – 06:32 Intro, Mathews Partnership& New Bow Day Surprise06:32 – 14:58 Lift vs ARC: Noise, Speed,Energy, and Why It Matters14:58 – 22:24 Parallel vs Vertical LimbTravel & The New SWX2 Cam22:24 – 33:01 Riser Updates, IntegratedAccessories & Real-World Setup Talk33:01 – 44:32 Axle-to-Axle Choices: 30 vs34, Who Should Shoot What44:32 – 58:03 Releases: Hinge,Resistance, Thumb, and the Shot Execution Conversation58:03 – 1:10:06 Arrow Builds, FletchingSetups & String Customization1:10:06 – Color Options, Kodiak Brown,Closing Thoughts & Season Plans
In this episode of the Drawn West podcast, I’m joined by Kurt Belding of Western Obsessions TV — and we dive into a story that honestly feels too wild to be real. Kurt just got back from a spring grizzly hunt deep in Alaska’s Chugach Range, and the trip had everything you’d expect from interior bear country: endless daylight, brutal weather swings, days and days behind the glass, bush planes, moose paddles, and country so vast it makes Colorado feel like a county park.But the part that’ll stick with you long after this episode?Kurt and his team get charged by not one, but TWO interior grizzlies at the same time.Not a bluff. Not a slow trot.A full-on brush-breaking sprint from 30 yards that comes down to 17 chaotic, heart-stopping seconds.We break down the whole sequence — from spotting bears after 70+ hours of glassing, to the debate over bow vs. rifle, to the exact moment his guide handed Kurt the .338 because the bow setup had gotten way too dangerous. Kurt walks through the shots, the confusion, the adrenaline, and the moment he locked eyes with the sow at 15 yards while she decided whether to kill them or keep running.We also go deep on mental toughness, the Misogi mindset, how to prepare for true backcountry suffering, and what Alaska teaches you about yourself the moment your comfort zone disappears.Plus:• how shed hunting for moose paddles became the “victory lap” after the shot• how guides actually think about bears in coastal vs interior country• why most lower-48 hunters have no idea how big, wild, or remote Alaska truly is• what it takes to afford bucket-list hunts without being wealthy• and why your first Western hunt probably shouldn't be a 14-day solo OTC elk mission from YouTube UniversityThis is easily one of the most intense and entertaining conversations we’ve had on Drawn West, and it’s packed with wisdom for anyone dreaming of Alaska or trying to level up their Western hunts.If you want to actually see the moment those two grizzlies break through the brush and come straight at Kurt’s crew, go watch the full film on Kurt’s channel, Western Obsessions TV. The footage is raw, real, and absolutely insane — and hearing the story here is one thing, but seeing the chaos unfold on camera is on a different level.Watch the Full Film on Western Obsessions YouTubeOr Search “Alaska and Grizzly – Western Obsessions TV” on YouTubeand give it a watch. It deserves every view it gets.And as always, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don’t miss the next adventure.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions orComments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop –10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% on MaverickHunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers – KeepYour Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing – Rodsand Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE atMTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Intro + Kurt’s Background09:45 – Mental Toughness & The Misogi Mindset18:55 – Alaska Grizzly Hunt Setup32:00 – The 17-Second Double Grizzly Charge47:25 – Bears, Danger, and Lessons Learned01:02:50 – Alaska’s Wild Scale & Moose Shed Story01:13:20 – How to Start Hunting Alaska01:24:50 – Building a Hunting Life & Outro
In this episode, we switch gears from tags to tackle and break down my Drawn West Christmas List for Fishermen—with a heavy emphasis on ice fishing. I walk through stocking stuffers, dice-game / white elephant picks, medium gifts, big upgrades, and a few “treat yourself” splurges. We cover proven gear like ice lures (Clam Rattlin’ PT Spoon, Tikka Flash, Pinhead Pro), safety must-haves (ice picks, Yaktrax, Cold Snap auger guards), smart upgrades (inline reels, bait feeders, Vexilar glow rings), and bigger-ticket items like Striker Predator bibs, Otter sonar sleds, Vexilar FLX series, and forward-facing sonar setups.Also, GoHunt just dropped their biggest sale of the year, and it’s a huge win if you’re planning any Western hunts next season. For Thanksgiving / Black Friday week only, when you sign up for GoHunt Insider with code DRAWNWEST, you’ll get $100 in Gear Shop credit instead of the usual $50. Insider gives you 3D maps, Filtering 2.0, application strategy articles, unit breakdowns, and the most accurate draw odds in the game—all for $150 a year, plus a hundred bucks back in gear!All the gear I mention in the episode is linked below so you can build your own list or just send this to your family and say, “Here you go.”Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.GoHunt Black Friday / Cyber Monday DealsGoHunt Insider (use code DRAWNWEST for $100 Gear Shopcredit) – https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GoHunt Gear Shop (Use code DRAWNWEST for 10% off) – https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uStocking Stuffers, White Elephant Gifts & Christmas GiftsUnder $50 ClamRattlin PT Spoon $8 https://lcshop.co/i5En61Clam Platsics $6 https://lcshop.co/HIjmofClam Dropkick $6 https://lcshop.co/GlXOThClam Grab Bags $30 https://lcshop.co/3bgYTEClam Pinhead Pro $8 https://lcshop.co/yACIFeBuddy Heater Self Powered Fan $40 https://lcshop.co/IprZfwIce Picks $12 https://lcshop.co/G8ApFwClam Tikka Flash Kit $20 https://lcshop.co/9uAc4PVexilar Glow Ring $45 https://lcshop.co/E81p11Vexilar Snow Shield $20 https://lcshop.co/u3N1YoCold Snap Auger Cover $40 https://lcshop.co/Nndoc8Cold Snap Reel Wrap Kit $10 https://lcshop.co/dVPfsC Christmas Gifts Under $100ClamSpooler Elite $60 https://lcshop.co/SfWlO0Okuma Ceymar Baitfeeder $75 https://lcshop.co/K7gvLAYakTrak Ice Cleats $60 https://lcshop.co/MyB4X2Bait Cooler $80 (On sale right now) https://lcshop.co/xo2vJtChristmas Gifts Under $250Otter Sonar Sled $250 https://lcshop.co/pQM7MfHD Innovations Ice Shuttle $240 https://lcshop.co/FLK1BcBubba Fillet Knife $250 (on sale for $200) https://lcshop.co/6ehxPCScheels Ultimate Ice Case $170 https://lcshop.co/j3TdtgTuned Up Custom Bull Whip $160 https://lcshop.co/mKa2faTuned Up Custom Precision Noodle $140 https://lcshop.co/njHCZ7 Exciting Upgrades & Christmas Bonus IdeasStrikerIce Predator Jacket $300 https://lcshop.co/sqeaKAStriker Ice Predator Bibs $300 https://lcshop.co/rBaPezOtter Pro Resort Hub $650 https://lcshop.co/2wZIT0Vexilar FLX-38 BB $700 https://lcshop.co/jAamgiLowrance Eagle Eye 9 $1450 https://lcshop.co/V4eoF9Garmin LVS34 Livescope Ice Bundle $3300 (On sale) https://lcshop.co/NUj90t
In this Christmas Edition of the Drawn West Podcast, I’m running through the biggest gift guide I’ve ever put together — from legit $8 stocking stuffers to the XL gear you pick up when you crushed it at work and feel like treating yourself. Whether you’re shopping for a whitetail hunter, a Western hunter, an ice fisherman, or the family member who already owns everything, this episode is loaded with real gear I use, trust, or genuinely want in my own kit.I’m breaking it all down into simple buckets — stocking stuffers, medium gifts, large gifts, and the splurge-worthy upgrades that can completely change someone’s next hunt. If you hear something you like or want to check out the exact item I’m talking about, every product is linked in the show notes below. It makes knocking out your list stupid easy — just scroll, tap, and you’re done.Merry Christmas, happy BFCM shopping, and good luck picking out the perfect gear for the hunters in your life.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.Links for the Ideas in this Episode:Stocking Stuffers / White Elephant ( Under $50)TopHat Field Points $25 - https://bit.ly/4ieVWsmGoHunt Gear Bags $8-$40- https://alnk.to/31ueWpx- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTHawke Bino Adapter $26 - https://alnk.to/eDTY5mfGlassing Pad $25 - https://alnk.to/cb5lJ90- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTLightweight Gloves $45 - https://alnk.to/gp3syZOUncharted Supply First Aid Core $39 - https://alnk.to/e79YJXsWorksharp Guided Field Sharpener $40 - https://alnk.to/9Ih2dA5Gear Straps - $8 - https://bit.ly/4igOSvnAiders - $20 - https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/accessories/products/reactorMystery Ranch Pack Fly $40 https://alnk.to/90C0iu7My Heater Buddy Power Fan $40 https://lcshop.co/IprZfwMedium Gift Ideas ($50-100)Rifle Carrier $75 https://alnk.to/apW4kZ0- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTRifle Saddle $99 https://bit.ly/4o9w8zrUse- Save 15% w/ code DRAWNWESTTree Stand Carrier $89 - https://bit.ly/3XadwUSEBS Knife $73 https://alnk.to/7BhDY10- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTHeadlamp $82 (On Sale) https://alnk.to/3yedF9o-Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTReveal Solar Panels $60 https://lcshop.co/XQLSE5Large Gift Ideas ($100-$250)Sitka Drifter Duffle $200-$250 https://alnk.to/3U422RASitka Heavyweight Hoodie $169 https://alnk.to/8tRJy6iSitka Dakota Pants $260 https://alnk.to/1N4WhgJReveal Cell Cams $120-200 https://lcshop.co/3TyMiIJetboil MiniMo Stove $169 https://alnk.to/b7ANQtGSaddle Setup $250 https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/kits-and-combos/products/invader-mutantClimbing Sticks $200 https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/climbing-sticks/products/x2Browning McKinley $180 https://lcshop.co/gbVekeOllin Digiscope Adapter system $160 https://alnk.to/1XZozmy & https://alnk.to/fSjjBlY - Save 10% w/ codeDRAWNWESTXL Gift Ideas ($250+)Sitka Jetstream $375 https://alnk.to/9Ih2q0BSitka Timberline $300 https://alnk.to/5jo5TBCMystery Ranch 75L $589 https://alnk.to/7X7sBSdUse code DRAWNWEST save 10%RTIC 72 Wheeled $330 https://rticoutdoors.pxf.io/vPdzmARTIC 145 $550 https://rticoutdoors.pxf.io/kOdgPMCarbon Fiber Tripod $400 https://muleymaniacs.com/collections/complete-hunting-tripods-combo/products/canati-pro-backpacker Use code DRAWNWEST save 15%XOP Treestand $500 https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/hang-on-treestands/products/fly Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!00:00 – Stocking Stuffers for Hunters10:27 – Medium Gift Ideas22:41 – Large Gift Ideas37:36 – XL Gift Ideas and Splurge Gear
One tag, one week, one lucky listener taking home two Reveal Ultras. In this episode, I walk through the full breakdown of our biggest giveaway yet — how the entry system worked, why we built a custom bonus-entry tracker, and how over 1,900 of you helped blow the doors off our sign-up goals. From Instagram follows to podcast subscriptions to the four code-word episodes (“Ultra,” “Mule Deer,” “Colorado,” and “Roam”), I recap how all the entries stacked, why we cap points the way we do, and how the whole goal is making these prizes land in the hands of people who genuinely need them.We also talk about the new giveaway software we built for this one — how it solved the nightmare of 10,000+ summer bow-giveaway emails, why we built live entry totals, and what I want your feedback on for our next giveaway. And of course… we draw the winner. Huge congrats to Jordan Davis for taking home the two-pack of Reveal Ultras.Thank you all for showing up. These giveaways help us grow Drawn West and keep teaching people how to hunt the West — even when you’ve only got a week to make it happen.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
In this episode of the Drawn West podcast, we nerd out on one very specific problem a lot of us have: how do you turn a stump-infested woods into an actual huntable food plot without hiring a dozer crew? I bring on my buddy Jake Polk of Polk Whitetail Management and walk through exactly how we used the Woodland Mills PTO stump grinder to turn a nasty oak-wilt jungle into a clean, plantable half-acre kill plot right off the house.We talk compact tractor setups, how fast you can realistically grind stumps, getting below grade so you’re not destroying implements, and why grinding instead of pushing stumps is a game changer for small landowners. From there we get into how that new “blank canvas” lets you stack food diversity, add crabapple rows, and actually hunt the wind and access instead of just surviving deadfall.If you’ve ever stared at a beautiful patch of woods and thought, “I could kill a giant here if I could just get the stumps out,” this one’s for you.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
Hang and Hunt that doesn’t suck! I walk through my exact whitetail tree setup that also works when you’re in a tree out West—stand choice (XOP Roam), the quiet-mod with blaze-orange paracord, Shelf-Lock, and how I carry it all with the XOP Gamma so weight rides on the hip belt. Then we get into the two-stick method with 3-step aiders (why two is enough for ~15–16 feet), my one-trip-up routine with the saddle, bow rope and DIY public-land bow hanger, and how to hang the Roam fast with C3 micros and a hard cam to bite the tree. I finish with the pack-down order so the next tree goes even faster (what lives in which pocket, how I “bear-hug” strap the pack + sticks + stand). If you’ve ever wanted a faster, quieter climb with less gear, this is the blueprint.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Sign up for the Reveal Ultra 2-Pack Giveaway! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaway________________________________________FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWN WEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTIC Coolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
Stephen Walker’s back on the podcast, and this time we’re breaking down our upcoming Colorado third-season mule deer hunt. We talk about how migration units really work, why Stephen switched from fourth season to third, and how to find those hidden pockets that most hunters walk right past. From dealing with pressure and road hunters to planning for realistic shot distances, this episode’s full of insight for anyone heading west for mule deer.We’re also running a Reveal Cell Cam Giveaway — two brand-new Reveal Ultras to one winner.Hit the giveaway link in the show notes to get entered, and listen for the code word later in the episode for bonus entries.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Sign up for the Reveal Giveaway:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveawayFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTIC Coolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIEhttps://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWESThttps://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
We’re out chasing mule deer, but I’ve got a quick bonus episode to hook you up: we’re giving away two REVEAL Ultra cell cams to one winner and rolling out the Mid-Season Archery Whitetail Checklist. The checklist’s free (mobile or print), brand-agnostic, and built to reuse your Western system for whitetails: base → mid → windproof shell, then add thermal as temps drop. I break down tops, bottoms, and accessories (why windproof beats bulky, when to switch to late-season bibs/jacket, and a few saddle-hunter hacks like built-in kneepads). We also cover the hunting-gear must-haves you’ll forget if it’s not on the list (license, release, headlamp, bow hoist, emergency kit) and the deer-camp stack (sleep, cook, process, coolers, meat lugs, knives, sharpeners).Giveaway dates: Last bonus pod with a code word drops Nov 13; giveaway ends Nov 15! Enter at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway for instant, trackable points.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Sign up for the Reveal Giveaway:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveawayFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
Early antlerless in Minnesota finally clicked. Abby and I walk through a week where we tagged two clean, quick does and—maybe more importantly—felt in control of the process. We cover why the backyard “test plot” worked, slug choice and hold (hug the shoulder), and how Abby’s doe cartwheeled and dropped while mine sprinted 100 yards before a solid blood trail told the truth. We break down the hitch-carrier + RTIC 145 cooler system, then make the case for the gutless method when temps are 65–70° and the shop would turn into a mess.From there, we pivot to public-land run-and-gun: first hangs with the XOP Roam setup, the shelf-lock backpack carry, and partner safety (bring the extra lineman’s rope). We wrap with a much-needed range day—good bags, good bench—and Abby’s best groups yet at 100/200, plus why we ditched the lead sled. Colorado rifle mule deer is next, camper in tow, and we’re feeling ready.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend. Sign Up for the Reveal Ultra 2-Pack Giveaway!https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveawayMake sure you enter this episode’s code word for an extra 20 BONUS entries! FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
In this episode of Drawn West, Brian catches up with returning guest Dan Matthews to finally tell the full story of his wild first archery elk hunt — a hunt that went from no tag, to a perfect bull, to floating a 700-pound elk down a river with the help of an excavator.Dan shares how a “poorly timed pregnancy” changed his Colorado rifle plans and pushed him into archery season, how he taught himself to bugle on the drive out, and how one perfect morning turned into an elk-hunting roller coaster. The guys also swap stories about calling strategies, blood-trailing logic, elk language, and why hunting styles — from process-driven engineers to pure chaos improvisers — both somehow get the job done.This one’s packed with laughs, elk talk, and plenty of chaos that only makes sense if you’ve ever tried to call in a screaming bull at daylight.🔑 Key Takeaways• How Dan’s first archery elk hunt turned into a wild success• Learning to elk call on the drive out — and somehow making it work• What happens when your bull dies in a river (and an excavator saves the day)• The difference between “Team Chaos” vs “Team Structure” hunting styles• Breaking down elk language — chuckles, glunks, nervous grunts, and what they really mean🎧 Listen anywhere you get podcasts, and make sure to follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for new episodes and elk gear drops.Free resource: Grab the Drawn West Gear Checklist — my complete elk and mule deer packing guide (link in description).Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
Dial in your western-hunt clothing the smart way. Brian breaks down a brand-agnostic layering system that actually works together: lightweight base, a true mid, a windproof shell, and a compressible thermal (puffy) you can mix-and-match from August heat to November glassing temps. He covers why “systems > single pieces,” how to stretch a few core layers across elk, mule deer, and antelope, and when to add vests, rain plans (hello, tarp/rain fly), and Blaze for rifle seasons. Bottoms get the same treatment—light/med pants, merino or heavyweight base bottoms when you’re stationary, plus the forever MVPs: Kenetrek boots, good socks, and gaiters to keep water out. Lots of real-world tips (glove hacks, do-more-with-less gear choices) and where to save vs. spend.Subscribe wherever you get podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. Want the free, mobile-friendly Pack Lists? Grab them at GetDrawnWest.com and never forget a critical piece again.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
FREE Elk Hunt Gear Checklisthttps://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear#rifle-elk-gear-listNine years of hunts, hundreds of lessons learned, and now it’s all in one place — the brand-new Drawn West Pack List. In this episode, Brian breaks down the launch of his free digital and printable gear checklists for every major western hunt — starting with Rifle Elk, and soon expanding to Whitetail, Mule Deer, and Antelope.He shares how years of forgotten gear, trial-and-error, and long drives back to town inspired him to finally create an all-in-one tool for hunters to pack smarter, travel lighter, and never forget a tag again. From building lists on Google Drive in his early elk-hunting days to crafting a mobile, interactive PDF you can save and check off from your phone — this project has been years in the making.Brian also walks through the must-have gear categories — clothing systems, hunting tools, and camp essentials — while explaining how each piece fits into a real-world hunt. Whether you’re a new hunter prepping for your first trip or a veteran who still forgets a knife every season, this episode gives you everything you need to stay organized and ready when the mountains call.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more western hunting tools, stories, and free resources to help you stay drawn west.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
This episode dives into the highs, lows, and lessons of chasing an early-season giant. From scouting new ground in North Dakota to taking a chance on a fresh stand, the story unfolds with all the emotion and intensity that comes when everything has to come together in a single moment. You’ll hear how mobile gear choices, reading trail cam data, and a split-second shot window shaped the hunt, plus the perspective shifts that come from balancing life, faith, and the realities of chasing mature whitetails. This isn’t just another deer story — it’s a look into why we hunt and the mindset behind making it count.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more.FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
What happens when you mix open-sight muzzleloader hunting with wide-open Nevada pronghorn country? Well, Layton found out this fall — and the result was an unforgettable antelope hunt that tested patience, gear, and strategy. In this episode, Brian sits down with Layton to unpack the challenges of hunting with primitive weapons, what it takes to draw Nevada tags, and how the stalk of a lifetime ended in a 60-yard shot on a great buck. Along the way, the guys dive into the quirks of antelope behavior, why muzzleloaders can be both frustrating and rewarding, and how hunting evolves once you start raising a family.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more hunts, stories, and behind-the-scenes content.FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
Two Georgia kids, a Kia Sorento, and the biggest antelope a Wyoming unit had seen in 17 years. Carter McKenzie from the Hunt Lift Eat podcast joins Brian to share the wild story of his first Western hunt — a trip that started with cheap gear and no clue, and ended with a monster pronghorn in the back of a rental car. From tents blowing across the prairie to flying with rifles out of Atlanta, Carter opens up about what it’s really like to figure out Western hunting as a nonresident, and how those early lessons shaped the Hunt Lift Eat community today.Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to follow and leave a 5-star rating to help more hunters find the show. For more hunts, gear, and stories, check out @getdrawnwest on social.FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
What happens when whitetail tactics collide with world-class elk country? Bennett Bradford of DC Outfitters joins Brian to break down how they target once-in-a-lifetime Utah bulls using tree stands, trail cams, and early-season patterning. From running 200+ cameras to setting stands 40 feet high in quaking aspens, Bennett explains how a whitetail mindset can unlock opportunities most elk hunters never see.The conversation dives into the realities of premium Utah units—25+ year draw odds, 400-inch bulls, and why client expectations can make or break a hunt. Brian and Bennett also tackle gear choices like saddles vs. platforms, fixed-blade vs. expandable broadheads, and the challenges of blood trails and recovery on bulls that don’t stop running. Add in stories of family hunts, 390-class legends, and bulls that disappear for years only to show back up, and you’ll get a real look at what chasing giants is all about.Follow the podcast for more western hunting stories, drop a 5-star rating if you’re enjoying the show, and join the conversation at @getdrawnwest on social.FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
Buying and selling bows has always been a mess—used racks with slim pickings, eBay fees that eat your profit, and Facebook meetups that feel sketchy at best. Enter Bow Tackle, a brand-new platform built by archery shop owners and hunters for the people who live this stuff every day. Dan Ellyson from A1 Archery and Perry Bowers join the show to talk about how they’re reshaping the archery marketplace, why pro shops need a way to move used and close-out gear without getting crushed by fees, and how Bow Tackle is connecting everyday hunters to trusted dealers across the country.This episode dives into the headaches every bowhunter has faced—what to do with your old flagship, how to score a deal without getting burned, and why keeping small archery shops alive matters for all of us. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest Matthews or looking for a solid starter rig, you’ll want to hear how Bow Tackle could change the game.Follow the podcast for more western hunting stories, drop a 5-star rating if you’re enjoying the show, and connect with us on social @getdrawnwest.FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
This is the episode everyone’s been waiting for — the official draw of the Mathews Lift X giveaway. What started as a goal to get 70 listeners turned into over 1,800 signups, 2,500 emails, and more than 53,000 total entries. Along the way came stories that hit harder than expected — dads who sold their bows to cover medical bills, hunters chasing a dream bow they’ve waited 20 years for, and families entering to give someone else a shot at something they couldn’t swing on their own.In this episode, Brian pulls back the curtain on how the giveaway worked, the behind-the-scenes grind of sorting thousands of entries, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for — announcing the winner. He also looks ahead at what’s next: future giveaways, new digital tools, and even some limited-run merch for listeners only.Hit play to hear the full story, find out who won, and see where Drawn West is headed next. Don’t forget to follow the podcast, drop a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more hunts, gear talk, and western hunting stories.FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
From fish houses to four-season hunting rigs, Team Lodge has been reinventing what “camp” looks like for outdoorsmen. Brian sits down with Tanner Thompson-Moad to talk about how the company evolved from plywood shanties in 2003 to some of the most versatile hunting and fishing trailers on the road today.They cover the full story — from solving pain points like cramped trailers and freezing nights to building furniture systems like the Bunch and the Sleater that turn any enclosed trailer into a real hunting camp. Tanner explains why durability and comfort matter more than hype, how Team Lodge builds gear that fits both ice season and elk season, and why a good night’s sleep can be the difference between tagging out and heading home early.Whether you’re running a $1,500 Facebook Marketplace special or speccing out a fully loaded toy hauler, this episode will get you thinking about how to build the right basecamp for your hunts.Hit play, and don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more western hunts, gear talk, and stories from the road.FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb