Drawn West

GIVEAWAY: $4000 Mathews Arc Pacakge! Enter Now: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaways Ever wonder why almost nobody in bowhunting content talks about bare shaft tuning — even though it might matter more than any broadhead you'll ever buy? I sat down with Troy Fowler, better known as Ranch Fairy, who's been in on hundreds of archery kills on hogs and whitetail and has helped test broadhead terminal ballistics on Cape Buffalo. We get into why bare shaft tuning gets skipped by almost everyone, why mechanical broadheads lose their cutting edge on impact, and why mass — not speed — is what actually breaks bone. We walk through the real difference between single bevel and mechanical broadheads, how much arrow weight you need before a broadhead can call itself a "bone breaker," and why blood trail distance comes down to shot placement more than broadhead choice. Troy also breaks down lessons from Ed Ashby's terminal ballistics research, including why a blunter, single-bevel design outperformed sharper designs on Cape Buffalo. There's a bonus code word in this episode worth 50 giveaway entries for the Mathews ARC giveaway. What we cover in this episode: · Why bare shaft tuning is the one step nobody talks about, and why Troy himself still avoids it on his own arrows. · Single bevel vs. mechanical broadheads — why mechanical blades take on damage the instant they deploy into hide, hair, and bone. · Why you need 600+ grains of arrow mass before a "bone breaking" broadhead actually breaks bone · The vital V approach for shortening blood trails in thick cover, and why aiming close to the crease matters more than broadhead choice · What Ed Ashby's Cape Buffalo terminal ballistics testing revealed about broadhead shape, penetration, and pass-through rates. · Why time-of-flight at 60 yards is roughly equivalent to a 600-yard rifle shot, and why that changes ethical shot distance. If this helps you rethink your arrow setup, subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. And go enter the Mathews ARC giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway — the code word from this episode is worth 50 entries! Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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 DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

Win our $4000 Mathews ARC Package: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaways In this episode, Brian sits down with Brandon Maddox, founder of Silencer Central and creator of the Banish suppressor line, to unpack why 2026 is being called "the year of suppressors." Brandon has been in the industry since 2005 and breaks down what's actually driving the surge, how to judge suppressor quality when brands are popping up overnight, and why trusts still matter even after the tax stamp changed. He also gets into the real differences between titanium and aluminum cans, and what changes for hunters once they take the earplugs out in the field. Highlights: · Why 2026 is being called "the year of suppressors" · How to judge whether a suppressor is actually good quality, regardless of brand · What an NFA gun trust does, and whether you even need one · The real history of why trusts became popular (it's not what you'd guess) · Titanium vs. aluminum: what actually matters long term · What getting a barrel threaded for a suppressor looks like, start to finish · The real hunting benefits: sound, recoil, and tracking your shot placement If you've ever wondered why suppressors are suddenly everywhere, or you're weighing whether one is worth the paperwork, hit play. And don't forget — our Mathews ARC bow giveaway is live at drawnwest.com/giveaway, with a bonus code word dropped later in this episode for 50 extra entries. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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 DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest 00:48 Introduction to Suppressors and the Podcast 02:20 The Evolution of Suppressor Legislation 05:12 Understanding Suppressor Mechanics and Performance 08:02 Choosing the Right Suppressor 11:18 The Importance of Trusts in Suppressor Ownership 14:15 Navigating the Trust Setup Process 17:08 Benefits of Trusts for Suppressor Ownership 20:14 Final Thoughts on Suppressors and Trusts 28:46 Navigating Suppressor Ownership 29:53 Trusts and Inheritance Planning 31:48 Efficiency in ATF Processing 34:58 Simplifying the Suppressor Purchase Process 37:03 Fingerprinting and Trust Creation 39:01 The Role of Experts in Firearm Transfers 40:55 Understanding Firearm Trusts 42:48 Threading Firearms for Suppressors 46:00 Hunting with Suppressors: Expectations and Benefits 52:28 The Chaos of Shotgun Shooting 53:21 Benefits of Suppressors in Hunting 55:15 Tracking Shots and Confidence in Hunting 56:57 The Impact of Suppressors on Shot Visibility 57:45 Modular Suppressors and Recoil Management 01:00:58 Choosing the Right Silencer for Your Rifle 01:02:23 The Rise of Rimfire Silencers 01:04:29 The Importance of Silencers for Farm Life

Ever pick up a pair of binoculars and feel like you're fighting it — a focus dial that's stuck or floppy, glass that gives you a headache after an hour? That's the opposite of what I noticed the first time I looked through a pair of Mavens. Everything just feels like it's in the right spot doing the job it was meant to do. So I got Craig and Jordan from Maven Built Optics on the podcast to explain why. We get into the engineering and the "secret sauce" — the magnesium chassis, the knurling, why the focus dial is smooth but not loose, and how every optic that leaves Lander, Wyoming has been inspected by a real set of human hands. Plus how to pick between 8x, 10x, 12x, and 15x binos; why Maven's B2 is 11x45 instead of 10x42; and how the S3 spotting scope's interchangeable reticle eyepiece can tell you if a moose is legal before you pull the trigger. Then the origin story, the demo program, the new RS6 LPVO, and a code word worth 50 giveaway entries. What we cover in this episode: • Why Maven optics feel different — materials, tolerances, and edge-to-edge clarity • How to choose 8x, 10x, 12x, or 15x binos for treestand, timber, or western glassing • Why the B2 is 11x45 instead of the standard 10x42 (abakonic prism, light gathering) • The S3 spotting scope and its interchangeable reticle eyepieces (MOA and MIL) • How to measure a legal 50-inch moose at distance with a reticle and rangefinder • Maven's direct-to-consumer origin story and the try-before-you-buy demo program • The new RS6 1–10x LPVO: locking turret, toolless zero, 34mm tube • What's next from Maven — plus this episode's code word for 50 giveaway entries If this helps you sort your next optics purchase, subscribe, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. And enter the Mathews ARC giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway — secret code word for 50 extra entries in this episode! Enter the Mathews ARC Giveaway: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaways Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

Want to know if the new Mathews ARC is actually worth the upgrade over the Lift X? I shot both, carried both in the field, and I'm breaking down exactly what changed — the good, the small, and the stuff that probably isn't worth buying a new bow for. Plus, I'm giving away a fully custom Mathews ARC and over $4,000 in accessories in the biggest giveaway Drawn West has ever run. I walk through my full 2026 bow build on the ARC 34, from the SWX Z comfort mods and integrated Silent Connect System to my stabilizer setup. Then I get into the arrow change I've been avoiding for a decade — moving off my trusty Black Eagle Deep Impacts to the X Impacts in a 200 spine, switching from right-hand to left-hand helical fletching, and dropping my broadhead weight from 200 grains to 125. There's a bonus code word in this episode worth 50 giveaway entries, so listen for it. What we cover in this episode: Mathews ARC vs Lift X vs my old Halon — what actually feels different at full draw and on the shot break. The ARC features worth caring about: past-parallel cams, integrated SCS bow hoist, 7-degree angled stabilizer mount, and SWX Z comfort mods at 82 pounds. Why I went with the 34" axle-to-axle and whether the longer bow is a problem in ground blinds, treestands, and saddles. The full giveaway prize list: Dialed Proof slider sight, QAD IMX2 rest, Black Eagle arrows, custom wraps, VPA broadheads, Mod Saw cutter, Big Shot 24" target, Anchor Point bow holder, Conquest 3K carbon stabilizers, and a bonus Matthews Low Pro quiver. How the new app-based giveaway works — email and phone entry, live winner announcement, ~6-week run, bonus entries for follows, ratings, and referrals. My arrow overhaul: Black Eagle X Impacts in 200 spine, Bitzenburger jig, DCA Super Sabre fletchings at 2-degree left-hand helical, and left-hand bevel VPA Omega broadheads. Why I'm dropping to 125-grain broadheads this year and targeting a ~525-grain finished arrow for whitetails and black bear. This episode's bonus code word for 50 giveaway entries. If this breakdown helps you decide on your bow or arrow setup this year, subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don't miss the rest of the build series. And go enter the ARC giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

Ever wonder what it actually takes to pull a big bear into bow range, or how a guy with an old TV and a pull-up bar racked up 17 million views? This episode answers both. I sit down with Jared Lewis, the archer behind that viral saddle-hunting stunt, to break down his content approach and then dig deep into real bear baiting tactics ahead of fall season. We cover how Jared built a following posting hilarious, high-risk archery content, then shift into the meat of the episode: scent strategy for pulling bears into a bait site, barrel setup, bullet and broadhead selection, and where to actually aim on a bear so you don't lose a blood trail in the swamp. If you're weighing whether to run a bait station this season, or just want to laugh at a guy shooting a TV while hanging from a saddle, this one delivers both. What we cover in this episode: • The real story behind Jared's viral 17-million-view "shoot the TV" archery video and why the stunt worked • How Jared went from zero to over 30 million monthly views across Instagram and Facebook in just a few months of intentional posting • Why scent, not bait itself, is what actually draws bears in from a distance, and how raccoons and squirrels help spread it • Bait barrel setup: plastic vs. metal, hole placement, vertical vs. horizontal mounting, and what holds up to a determined bear • Rifle bullet selection (45-70 with a 300-grain Barnes copper bullet) versus bow broadheads (expandable hybrids and VPA single-bevels) for bear • Why bear shot placement is different from deer, and how to avoid a lost blood trail when their wound channels clog with fat • Balancing a bear bait station with whitetail season on the same property If this one gets you fired up for bear season, subscribe to the podcast and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don't miss part two, the bear season recap. Check out more of Jared’s Content at: https://www.instagram.com/thejaredlewis_/ Sign Up for the Monthly Reveal Giveaway & Claim Bonus points: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/reveal Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ Get the BESTPRICES on your next firearm at Guns.com! https://alnk.to/3yfWc6R Best Prices on Trauma Kits & FirstAid at Jase.com https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest 00:00:00 – Intro and welcome to Jared Lewis 00:01:04 – Behind the viral TV-shooting archery stunt 00:09:37 – How Jared started making viral hunting content 00:12:36 – Bear sightings and population talk on Brian's farm 00:16:16 – New Hampshire vs. Minnesota bear seasons and baiting laws 00:20:18 – The real secret to attracting bears: scent over bait 00:24:43 – Picking the best location for a bait site 00:30:58 – Jared's bear bait recipe and barrel setup 00:41:07 – Rifle bullet selection for bear hunting 00:43:17 – Broadheads and bow setup for bear 00:52:30 – Bear anatomy and shot placement 00:56:04 – Running a bear bait alongside deer season 00:59:24 – Cooking and eating bear meat 01:03:41 – Wrap up and where to follow Jared

You've bought the ammo everyone swears are "the best," and they still didn't work in your gun. Ryan Burnett from Pattern Pro USA joins me to break down why that keeps happening, and why his company's brand new rifle ammunition variety packs are about to save western hunters a lot of money and a lot of frustration this season. Ryan and I go all the way back to the origin story: how patterning a shotgun shell actually works, why his company started with a simple variety pack of shells, and how that idea is now expanding into rifle ammo. We get into the real differences between cup and core, bonded, partition, and monolithic bullets, and why the "best" bullet completely depends on your hunting scenario, not just what's sitting on the shelf. We also cover why trigger time matters just as much as a good zero, and Pattern Pro's brand new upland bird boxes and choke tube rental program. What we cover in this episode: • Why patterning your shotgun (not just sighting in a rifle) can save you hundreds of dollars a season and dramatically cut down on crippled birds • The origin story behind Pattern Pro USA, and how a buddy's bad box of shells turned into a business • Pattern Pro's brand new rifle ammunition variety packs: five calibers, four manufacturers, 20 rounds a box so you can find your best five-shot group • The real differences between cup and core, bonded, partition, and monolithic bullets, and which one actually fits your hunting scenario • Why a hunter shooting 500 yards on a CRP farm needs a completely different bullet than one shooting 75 yards in a Wisconsin food plot • New upland bird boxes and a first-of-its-kind choke tube rental program for waterfowl hunters If this gets you thinking about what's actually sitting in your ammo box, go follow Pattern Pro USA on Instagram and Facebook, and check back for more gear breakdowns like this one. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ Get the BESTPRICES on your next firearm at Guns.com! https://alnk.to/3yfWc6R Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aidat Jase.com https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest 00:00:00 – Studio Renovation Update and Episode Kickoff 00:01:14 – Introducing Ryan Burnett and Pattern Pro USA 00:03:03 – Why Most Hunters Don't Just Do One Thing 00:09:08 – Ryan's Marine Corps Days and How He Met His Wife 00:15:47 – How the Shotgun Shell Variety Pack Idea Was Born 00:19:12 – Why Patterning Your Gun Actually Matters 00:26:46 – Ear Protection, Recoil, and a Pivot to Rifles 00:30:09 – Pattern Pro's New Rifle Ammunition Variety Packs 00:35:34 – Building a Bullet Toolbox for Every Hunting Scenario 00:41:57 – Why Trigger Time Matters More Than a Good Zero 00:44:50 – Cup and Core vs Bonded vs Monolithic Bullets Explained 00:54:41 – Why Hunters Wish Pattern Pro Existed Sooner 00:59:49 – New Upland Bird Boxes and a Choke Tube Rental Program 01:03:32 – What's Next and Where to Follow Pattern Pro USA

It's July, your buddy's been talking points for years, and you still don't have a fall tag. Before you write off the season, there's a real list of over-the-counter and leftover tag options still on the table — and some of them are better hunts than people give them credit for. Brian sits down with GoHunt's Dave Barnett to break down exactly where OTC opportunity still exists this late in the year, from Colorado's second and third rifle elk to Utah's OTC spike bull tags, plus Idaho's return tag sale and Nevada's first-come-first-served leftover tags. They also dig into GoHunt Insider Plus as a mid-season option for hunters who need a fast plan, and close out with an overrated/underrated tag debate covering Montana mule deer, Nevada return tags, and Utah spike elk. Highlights: • Where OTC elk tags still exist in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho after July 4th • How Nevada's first-come-first-served return tag system actually works • Why the Idaho OTC "DMV line" tag sale rewards solo hunters over groups • What GoHunt Insider Plus actually includes and when it makes sense to sign up mid-season • A strategy breakdown for hunting Utah's OTC spike bull tag • Brian and Dave's overrated and underrated picks for backup tags, including Montana mule deer and Nevada return tags • A caliber debate on sunsetting 30-06, 308, and 270 Win in favor of newer 7mm and 6.5 options If this helped you find a plan for fall, subscribe to the show and check out GoHunt Insider Plus using code Drawn West for $50 gear shop credit! Enter the Reveal Giveaway! One winner every month for therest of the year! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/reveal Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn WestNewsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ Get the BESTPRICES on your next firearm at Guns.com! https://alnk.to/3yfWc6R 00:00:00 — Intro and catching up with Dave Barnett 00:01:16 — Inside GoHunt's research content role and predictive draw odds accuracy 00:08:38 — Why state application systems feel outdated, and a dream fix 00:14:37 — What GoHunt Insider Plus actually includes 00:19:38 — Is Insider Plus worth it mid-season if you're scrambling for a tag 00:26:46 — Where the real OTC opportunity is right now (Nevada, Idaho) 00:32:00 — Colorado OTC elk, expectations vs reality 00:34:00 — Utah OTC spike elk strategy breakdown 00:37:33 — OTC options for mule deer and antelope 00:44:47 — Overrated vs underrated backup tags segment 00:53:33 — Rifle and caliber talk, sunsetting old cartridges 01:02:31 — Where to find Dave and closing GoHunt discount info

Ever thrown your bow in the backseat only to find your fletchings crushed, your sight bumped, or fresh scratches on your door frame? That annoying, expensive problem is exactly what pushed two Utah hunting buddies to design one of the coolest truck bow mounts on the market. In this episode, Logan Cornwall and Dave Hansen of Anchor Point break down how a bumpy elk hunt turned into a universal bow-storage system that sold out its first batch overnight. They cover the messy prototyping process, why grabbing the bow by the grip (upside down) solved the fit problem across different bow models, and how they're bootstrapping production with a basement full of 3D printers while gearing up to scale into injection molding. The conversation also drifts into classic Western hunting talk — road hunting strategy, Utah's weapon-and-season draw restrictions, elk calling stories, and trail camera setups for summer scouting. Highlights: • The bumpy elk hunt that sparked the idea for a truck-mounted bow holder • Why flipping the design upside down solved compatibility across bow brands and models • How Anchor Point sold out 20 units overnight on launch night, before HuntExpo • The tradeoffs between 3D printing and injection molding for a scaling hunting brand • How to spot (and avoid) scam websites copying small outdoor brands' products • Logan's solo, limited-entry Utah bull elk story and Dave's plans for next season • Trail camera picks and cellular coverage tips for summer e-scouting Check Out ANKR Point: https://www.getankrpoint.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ankr.point/ If you enjoyed this one, subscribe to the podcast and follow along for more gear breakdowns and Western hunting strategy talk every week. Enter our Reveal Cell Cam giveaway — sign up at https://www.getdrawnwest.com/reveal to be entered to win. And stick around for the whole episode: there's a secretcode word in this conversation you'll need to get 20 extra entries, so don'tskip ahead. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ 00:00:00 – Intro:welcoming Logan and Dave from Anchor Point 00:01:13 – Guest backgrounds: growing up hunting in Utah 00:03:16 – What is Anchor Point? The elevator pitch 00:04:05 – The bumpy elk hunt that sparked the idea 00:06:21 – The "flip it upside down" design breakthrough 00:08:04 – Launch story: sold out overnight before HuntExpo 00:12:26 – 3D printing now vs. injection molding for scale 00:15:29 – SLS printing and modern manufacturing options 00:19:45 – Why road hunting is underrated in the West 00:24:38 – Trail camera picks and cellular coverage for scouting 00:27:00 – Protecting your bow: dinged doors and busted sights 00:36:05 – Left vs. right handed setups and backseat fit 00:42:20 – Upcoming Utah tags and elk hunting plans 00:47:36 – Logan's solo limited-entry bull elk story 00:53:04 – Watch out for scam Anchor Point websites 00:56:19 – Where to buy and follow Anchor Point

The 6.5 Creedmoor has always taken heat for being underpowered on elk — until now. Federal's engineers sit down to explain how their new Peak Alloy case technology closes that gap by packing 300 extra feet per second into the exact same cartridge millions of hunters already own. Federal design engineers Ben Carlson and Brad Abramowski, along with product line manager Josh Vickers, break down how a U.S. Army next-generation weapons program in 2018 led directly to Peak Alloy, a case material designed to beat the pressure limits of brass. From there, the conversation covers why they picked the 6.5 Creedmoor for this upgrade over more exotic calibers, how modern bullet technology like Terminal Ascent changes the terminal-performance math on smaller cartridges, and where the industry is headed with older rounds like the 30-06. • How Peak Alloy case technology started inside the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon program back in 2018 • Why Federal picked the 6.5 Creedmoor, not a magnum, as the first commercial cartridge to get the Peak Alloy treatment • How Peak Alloy pushes 155-156 grain bullets in a 6.5 Creedmoor faster than stock 6.5 PRC velocities • An engineer's honest take on whether 6.5 Creedmoor Plus Peak replaces a 300 Win Mag for elk • Why bullet design (Terminal Ascent, bonded bullets) matters as much as raw velocity for clean, ethical kills • Real hunting stories, including a mule deer taken at 15 feet, an elk shot with a 6mm Creedmoor at 700 yards, and doubling on whitetail does in the same food plot • Whether classic cartridges like the 30-06 and 270 Winchester are ever likely to disappear If you're rethinking your next big-game rifle setup, hit follow and share this one with your hunting crew — it might change what's in your safe this fall. Check out more from Brad, Josh, and Ben on Instagram: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/ben_carlson_/ Brad: https://www.instagram.com/real_gunnerdog/ Josh: https://www.instagram.com/vickers.josh/ Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with codeDRAWNWEST20 https://www.tactacam.com/ 00:00:00— Meet the Federal team: Ben, Josh, and Brad 00:04:36— Backstory: the 7mm Backcountry launch 00:06:55— Why brass limits cartridge performance 00:09:15— Origin of Peak Alloy: the Army's next-gen weapon program 00:11:33— Beating the 7mm PRC: designing a better big-game cartridge 00:13:55— How the "Backcountry" name came to be 00:16:19— Announcing 6.5 Creedmoor Plus Peak 00:18:35— Making the 6.5 Creedmoor more versatile 00:20:53— Is 6.5 Creedmoor really an elk cartridge? 00:23:17— Terminal Ascent and choosing the right bullet 00:25:43— Ben's honest take: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 Win Mag for elk 00:32:41— Should older calibers get Peak Alloy too? 00:35:06— Will classics like the 30-06 ever sunset? 00:39:47— Choosing a first rifle for mule deer hunting 00:42:07— Suppressed rifles and the Peak Alloy advantage 00:44:26— Draw results and fall hunting plans 00:48:53— Minnesota whitetail stories and early doe season 00:53:34— Bear baiting tips and strategy00:55:56 — Elk hunting stories and hunting withfamily

If you've been daydreaming about real deer camp adventure but feel stuck by time, money, or gear, this conversation will feel relevant. Tom LaLond from XOP joins me to break down attainable whitetail trips on realistic budgets, the culture behind XOP's gear labs, and how building one dialed-in kit frees up money to hunt more states. We walk through what attainable adventure actually looks like in states like Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and the Appalachians — where a $2,500 trip is the real constraint, not a marketing line. Then we get into mobile stand setups, packing systems, and why smarter clothing choices matter more than adding another layer to the pile. 00:00:00 – Introducing Tom LaLond and the XOP deer camp world 00:01:30 – How deer camp culture and camaraderie became the core of XOP gear labs 00:03:20 – Attainable adventure: $2,500 trip budgets and hunting everyday states 00:07:20 – Nebraska gear lab: cheap tents, shared gear, and what made it memorable 00:35:40 – Packing a mobile whitetail kit: skinny packs, layer order, and tree efficiency 00:37:50 – One kit, more tags: spending less on gear to hunt more states 00:39:45 – Bluff country clothing: hiking cold, managing sweat, and building a puffy system Topics Covered: • What XOP's deer camp gear labs are and why serious hunters keep choosing them • How to frame and plan a $2,500 attainable adventure trip in almost any state • Packing a mobile whitetail kit efficiently from bag to tree • Why one complete setup beats five halfway-finished ones — and frees up tag money • Puffy vs bib layering systems for cold, steep, sweat-inducing terrain If this episode sparks a few ideas for your own deer camps or mobile setups, share it with someone you'd want in camp and hit follow so you don't miss the next one. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

You've probably looked at sheep tag odds and thought — that's never happening. The numbers are brutal. Most states are handing out a handful of tags to thousands of applicants, and the herds aren't exactly booming. But there's a population in the Black Canyon of Colorado that just got its first hunt tag in over 80 years, and a wildlife researcher who's been tracking every sheep in that canyon for the last two years using 71 trail cameras. The results are pretty interesting. Cody Hinkley is wrapping up his master's research at Western Colorado University, and his thesis asks a simple but important question: can trail cameras replace expensive, dangerous helicopter surveys to monitor bighorn sheep populations? If the answer is yes, it changes how wildlife managers across the West track herds — and potentially how tags get allocated. In this episode, we break down how the mark-resight method works, what the population data actually shows for this herd, and what the disease threatening sheep herds nationwide would take to solve. We also get into the honest reality of what it would take — population-wise — for a non-resident to have a realistic shot at drawing a tag in their lifetime. Highlights: • How trail cameras can be used to estimate wildlife population size and sex ratios — and why it matters for tag allocation • Why this Colorado Black Canyon herd is an anomaly — growing when most sheep herds are struggling • The preliminary data: ~80 sheep, and more rams than ewes, with implications for future tag numbers • Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (MOVI) — the disease from domestic sheep that is the #1 management threat to bighorn herds nationwide • What "full curl" means, when rams reach maturity, and how wildlife managers think about harvestable surplus • Realistic advice for hunters who want a sheep tag someday — including which states to watch and why Colorado is worth a closer look • Why whitetail hunters can actually run a mini population survey on their own property using the same science If you want to follow Cody's research when it's published, keep an eye on his work coming out of Western Colorado University — he's planning to make it publicly accessible. And if you haven't already, subscribe to the Drawn West podcast so you don't miss episodes like this one. https://www.instagram.com/codymhinkley/ Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

If you’ve ever tried to glass all day on a steep hillside and felt your lower back lock up, this episode is going to hit home. I sit down with Steven Giles from DRT Hunting to talk about the Recon Lounger—a rifle cover that turns into a legit glassing chair—and how one well designed piece of gear can keep you comfortable, protect your optic, and replace two or three other items in your pack. We dig into the engineering behind it, the real world use cases, and how a multi use mindset changes the way you hunt out West. Steven is a manufacturing engineer and co founder of DRT Hunting, and he built the Recon Lounger out of his own frustration with sore backs, sap covered jackets, and expensive optics getting beat up in rough country. The result is a thousand denier, carbon reinforced rifle cover that unfolds into a stadium style chair, doubles as a shooting support, and even pulls duty in your sleep system—all without adding another bulky, single use item to your pack. We talk through why comfort actually keeps you “in the game” longer behind the glass, how Western residents and non residents think differently about glassing, and why multi use gear matters more as hunts get more remote and expensive. If you’re the kind of hunter who tinkers with homemade scope covers, hates traditional slings, and loves figuring out new ways to use the gear you already carry, this conversation will give you a bunch of practical ideas to test on your next mule deer, elk, antelope, or coyote hunt. Highlights • The Dirt/DRT origin story, “dead right there” name, and bison logo. • How the Recon Lounger works as a rifle cover, scope shield, and glassing chair. • Why comfort behind the glass matters for long Western hunts. • Multi use field applications from rifle cover to chair, pad, and camp utility. • Real hunt use cases from long glassing sessions to packing out birds or sheds. • Manufacturing lessons from prototyping to over building and show season inventory. • Using knowledge and creativity to carry less gear and solve more problems afield. If this episode gives you ideas for making your pack lighter and your glassing more comfortable, hit follow on the podcast and share this one with a hunting buddy who’s always tweaking their gear setup. You can check out the Recon Lounger and follow Steven’s crew at dirthunting.com and @drt_hunting on Instagram—links are in the show notes https://www.instagram.com/drt_hunting/ https://www.drthunting.com/ Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

It can be hard for women to find a mentor in the hunting world. Taylor Gutierrez is changing that. Taylor grew up in Colorado where grabbing an elk tag on a free weekend was just... a thing people do. She didn't realize how rare that was until she started teaching women who are brand-new to hunting and have no idea where to start. This conversation is part draw system deep-dive, part honest guide to how women can get into Western hunting without it being weird or unsafe. We get into Colorado's point system—elk, pronghorn, the big three—and what the 2028 OTC and Northwest corner changes actually mean for hunters at different point levels. From there Taylor talks through her work with Uncharted Outdoors Women and why education-first programs are in such high demand from women who want to learn but don't know who to trust. What we cover: • Why Colorado residents still have serious OTC and leftover opportunity—and how to use it • Point creep in the Northwest corner and what the 2028 changes mean for 30+ point elk holders • The pronghorn trap: a perfect starter hunt, but good rifle tags now take 5+ points • How Taylor got a 14-point pronghorn tag off the leftover list and tagged out in 27 minutes • Why solo elk hunting is a bad idea—and how to find the right hunting partners as a woman • What women's elk camp actually looks like and why it sells out fast If this one was useful, hit follow so you don't miss the next one—and share it with someone who's been saying "I want to go out West someday." Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

If you’ve ever daydreamed about drawing a Maine moose tag, chasing bugling bulls in Colorado, or finally taking turkey season seriously, this episode is for you! Brian sits down with Maine-based hunter and filmmaker Jacob Haskell to talk about what it actually takes to draw these tags, how the odds and bonus points really play out, and why these hunts are more realistic than most people assume. Along the way they break down real pack-outs, close calls, missed opportunities, and the kind of strategy that turns “someday” hunts into actual dates on the calendar. Jacob walks through the Maine moose lottery from his own experience—what the nonresident odds look like, how Maine’s bonus point system behaves more like a raffle than a true preference system, and why he still calls it a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. He explains how the hunt actually feels in northern Maine: logging roads, clearcuts, bogs, calling bulls into bow range, and why success is still high if you do things right, even with tick issues and shifting populations. From there, Brian and Jacob compare Maine moose to Western elk, including Colorado’s brutal moose odds, over-the-counter elk experiences, and what realistic expectations look like when you’re playing long odds across multiple states. The back half of the episode dives into turkey hunting—reaping tactics, using full-fan decoys, bow vs shotgun setups, and why turkey season might be the best way to get new hunters hooked on calling, movement, and decision-making in the field. Highlights • How Maine’s bonus point system and extra entries actually work for nonresidents, and why long-time applicants can still get leapfrogged by newer hunters. • What a modern Maine moose hunt looks like on the ground—pressure from roads, using calls in September vs October, and how to make the most of a one-week season. • Real-world pack-out stories comparing a Maine bull moose to a giant North Dakota elk, including meat yields, quarter weights, and the mental side of multiple trips. • Why Maine moose success can still be high despite tick issues, and how biologists and outfitters are adapting to keep the hunt meaningful. • How Jacob’s first Colorado archery elk hunt went down—close encounters, setup mistakes, and the decision to pass a risky shot at less than 20 yards. • Practical turkey tactics: full-fan Tom decoys with real fans, using reaping safely, roost scouting, and calling sequences that pull gobblers off the limb. • How Jacob built his “The Pursuit Hunt” brand, films hunts across the Northeast and West, and uses YouTube to share these stories. If this episode helps you see Maine moose, Colorado elk, or serious turkey hunts as actually possible, subscribe to the Drawn West podcast and drop a rating or review so more hunters can find it. Then go check out Jacob’s “The Pursuit Hunt” on YouTube and thepursuithunt.com—his Maine moose film alone is worth the watch! https://www.instagram.com/thepursuithunt/ https://www.youtube.com/@thepursuithunt Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Want to find more sheds each season? This is the episode for you! I sat down with Alex Kunkel from Minnesota Shed Hunters, one of the most active shed hunting community pages in the Midwest. Alex has been doing this long enough to figure out what actually works — and a lot of what he shared challenged some of the "common wisdom" you hear thrown around, like walking fence lines (spoiler: neither of us has ever found a shed on one). We cover the full strategy side of shed hunting — from how winter severity changes where deer concentrate, to why timing is probably more important than location, to how to use apps like Scout to Hunt and GoHunt Maps to stop re-walking ground you've already covered. If you've ever spent a whole Saturday shed hunting and come home with nothing, this one's for you. Episode Highlights: • How to identify the "limiting factor" in your area — food or cover — and why the answer changes depending on where you live • The exact window Alex targets every year: why late February to early March is his peak and how he thinks about going too early vs. too late • Why public land shed hunting has gotten harder and what private access actually looks like in the Midwest • The Scout to Hunt app breakdown — what it does, how the analytics work, and why the track-width gridding feature alone is worth the $30/year • Why rivers and creek crossings knock sheds loose (and why fence lines are mostly a myth) • How to use snowshoes to access areas that eliminate almost all competition on big public tracts • Habitat projects that actually move the needle for your shed season, not just your hunting season If this episode helped you think differently about where you spend your time this spring, it'd mean a lot if you left a rating or review — it helps more hunters find the show. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/how-comedy-can-help-save-hunting FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

2026 Wyoming Mule Deer Application Guide Tired of how confusing Wyoming's mule deer draw is? We cover how it works and the best mule deer units in the state! Wyoming's application system is one of the most complicated in the West, the June 1st deadline is coming fast, and 2026 is the last year to buy preference points at the current price before they jump to $75 across the board. If you've been putting Wyoming off, this is the episode that changes that. I break down the full Wyoming mule deer draw — how the splits work, what all those tag types actually mean, what the 2026 weather and snowpack means for your hunt, and which units are worth your points from zero all the way to 10+. What we cover: • Why 2026 is the last year to buy Wyoming points at the current price — and why that matters • How the Wyoming draw actually works: resident/non-resident splits, regular vs. special, 75/25 point draw, and what the random draw means for you • Every tag type (Type 1 through Type 0) explained in plain language so you know exactly what to apply for • The 2026 snowpack situation and what low moisture years mean for antler growth and herd health • Wilderness area restrictions for non-residents — the unit research step most hunters skip • The second-choice trick: how to draw a tag and keep building points in the same year • Unit recommendations at zero, five, and ten points for non-resident regular and special applicants If this helped, subscribe so you don't miss the Wyoming Antelope episode dropping right after this one. And if you've got a hunting partner who's been on the fence about Wyoming, send this their way — it'll save them hours of digging. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/master-your-application-strategy FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest 00:00:00 — Wyoming Mule Deer 2026: Why This State Belongs in Your Core Strategy 00:03:03 — Deadlines, Tag Fees, and the 2027 Preference Point Price Increase 00:05:12 — Tag Cost Breakdown: Regular, Special, Reduced, and Youth 00:07:31 — 2026 Weather and Snowpack — What Low Moisture Means for Your Hunt 00:08:30 — How Wyoming's Draw System Actually Works 00:11:00 — Hunt Choices, Second-Choice Strategy, and Retaining Your Points 00:11:45 — Every Tag Type Explained (Type 1 Through Type 0) 00:15:30 — Group Applications — How Averaging Works and Why Wyoming Over-Allocates 00:17:50 — Wyoming Mule Deer Herd Overview: Where It Stands in 2026 00:22:38 — Zero-Point Options: Regular and Special Draw Breakdown 00:27:30 — Ten-Point Range: Units Worth Targeting as Non-Resident Regular 00:29:05 — The Second-Choice Trick and Unit 15 00:31:17 — Five-Point Range: Units to Look At Right Now 00:34:42 — How to Use GoHunt Insider to Research Units Yourself

Want to go Antelope hunting this year? THIS is the episode for you! Wyoming is coming out of one of the worst winters in recent memory, and the antelope herd has responded. Tag allocations are going up almost across the board, units that were off-limits without 15+ points are becoming more accessible, and there's never been a better time to get serious about your Wyoming antelope application. The problem most hunters run into isn't a lack of options — it's knowing where to start. Wyoming has more units than almost any other state, and the draw system is complicated enough to make even experienced applicants second-guess themselves. In this episode, I break down the Wyoming antelope application from top to bottom — what the herd looks like right now, why 2026 is an exciting year to be in the draw, and which units you should actually be targeting based on your point level. Whether you're sitting on zero points or burning 15, there's something worth applying for. What we cover: • Why Wyoming is still the top non-resident antelope state and what makes 2026 especially promising • The difference between regular and special tags — and when paying the extra $800 actually makes sense • Which units consistently produce 80-inch bucks and what it costs in points to draw them • Unit recommendations at every major point level, from zero all the way to 12+ • The public land and access reality in Wyoming — corner crossing, private land, and how to scout before you apply • How to keep building points while still drawing a tag and hunting every year If this episode helped, subscribe on your platform of choice so you don't miss the rest of the Wyoming series. And if you've got a buddy trying to figure out antelope points, share this one — it'll save them a lot of time. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article! [Master Your Big Game Application Strategy] FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest 00:00:00 — Wyoming Antelope: Why This Is the Best Non-Resident State 00:01:17 — Deadline, Tag Fees, and How the Draw System Works 00:03:26 — Where the Herd Stands in 2026 and Why Tags Are Going Up 00:06:19 — Where the Giants Live — Best Regions and Units for Trophy Bucks 00:07:27 — The Special Tag Advantage — Second Choice Units and Hunting While You Build Points 00:09:13 — Top-Tier Units at 12–20 Points (58, 60, 61, 90, 91) 00:12:32 — Options at Every Point Level — Zero Through Five 00:18:04 — Eight to Ten Point Units Worth Targeting (48, 79, 46) 00:20:08 — Non-Resident Special Breakdown — Zero Points to Five Points 00:25:04 — If You Have 10+ Points, It's Time to Pull the Trigger

Already applying in Oregon wondering if you should add antelope, sheep, or goats to your application? We breakdown everything you need to know to decide! Oregon isn't known for massive antelope numbers, but what it does have is consistent trophy quality, high harvest success rates, and one of the most cost-efficient point systems in the West. For sheep and goats, it's a fully random draw — no points, no guarantees — but if you're already buying the license, $10 is a pretty cheap lottery ticket. We break down exactly when it makes financial sense to add these species, what point levels unlock for antelope, and what the current tag counts and population data look like for bighorn sheep and mountain goats in 2026. In this episode: • Why Oregon antelope is more consistent than other states — and what that means for trophy hunters • The point level breakdown for non-resident antelope draw odds (0, 5, and 15 points) • How sheep and goats use a completely different, fully random draw system in Oregon • Current non-resident tag allocations for California bighorn, Rocky Mountain bighorn, and mountain goat • Why Oregon mountain goat populations are concerning — and what it means for draw odds If this helped, subscribe and leave a rating — it makes a real difference. Follow along on Instagram @getdrawnwest. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/how-comedy-can-help-save-hunting FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest 00:00:03 – Oregon's Bonus Species:Antelope, Sheep & Goats Overview 00:02:02 – Why Oregon Antelope IsDifferent From Other States 00:03:15 – Draw Odds, Trophy Potential& What It Takes to Draw 00:04:41 – Application Deadline, Costs& Tag Prices 00:06:21 – Zero-Point Antelope Strategyfor Non-Residents 00:08:21 – Five-Point Antelope Options:Archery & Rifle 00:10:42 – Fifteen-Point AntelopeBreakdown & Best Units 00:13:45 – Resident Antelope StrategyNotes 00:16:30 – Sheep & Goat Costs, TagPrices & Draw System 00:18:25 – Oregon Bighorn Sheep: Residentvs. Non-Resident Allocations 00:19:19 – California Bighorn & RockyMountain Bighorn Tag Breakdown 00:21:48 – Mountain Goat Trophy Potential& Population Decline 00:23:26 – Should You Apply for Sheep& Goats? The Decision Framework

Oregon has 130,000 elk. That's not a rumor — it's one of the largest herds in the country. But most non-residents either overlook it or misunderstand what it actually offers. If you're building a Western elk strategy, this is the episode that puts Oregon in the right place. We break down both sides of the state — Roosevelt elk on the west side of the Cascades, Rocky Mountain elk to the east — and walk through exactly what the draw looks like depending on how many points you're carrying. From zero-point opportunities all the way into the 20-plus-point elite units, Oregon has more range than most people realize. The deadline to apply is May 15, so if this is on your radar, the window is closing fast. What we get into: • Why Oregon is built for opportunity — and what that means for trophy expectations • The Rocky Mountain units pushing 320, 350, and even 360 inches of antler (and what it takes to draw them) • Why unit 58 might be the best mid-range value in the whole state for non-residents • Roosevelt elk 101 — why they hunt differently, where the public land actually is, and which units are worth your time • A full breakdown of what's realistic with zero, four, and ten-plus points for both species and both weapon types • The non-resident cost breakdown — and why Oregon's 10-to-1 resident/non-resident split is actually one of the fairer ones in the West If you're serious about applying, subscribe so you don't miss the over-the-counter breakdown coming later this summer. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! [BigGame Draw Results] FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest 00:00:01 Oregon Elk — Why It Belongs in Your Application Stack 00:02:28 Roosevelt vs. Rocky Mountain: How Oregon's Herd Is Split 00:04:06 Is Oregon a Trophy State? Setting the Right Expectations 00:06:47 The Elite Rocky Mountain Units — 320 Inches and Up 00:08:48 Roosevelt Elk Units — What to Expect and Where to Start 00:11:03 Zero-Point Options for Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt Elk 00:11:26 Four-Point Strategy — Archery and Rifle Breakdowns 00:15:00 Four-Point Roosevelt Elk Units — What's Actually Worth It 00:19:46 Ten-Plus Points — Where the Draw Really Opens Up 00:20:57 Final Thoughts and Application Deadline Reminder

Looking for another option for a deer tag this fall? Oregon might be the perfect fit! The state just renamed and restructured every deer unit in the eastern half of Oregon — which means nobody has clean odds data, and for once, experience and points alone won't tell the whole story. Oregon doesn't get talked about much — and that's part of why it's worth a closer look right now. The combination of new units, zero historical odds, and a 25% random draw makes this a year where even someone with a handful of points has a legitimate shot at a tag that would normally take a decade to draw. How the 2026 eastern unit rename wipes out draw history and what to do when there's no reliable odds data to work from The real nonresident cost breakdown — $203 to apply, $500 for a tag, and a point-saver option if you want to skip the draw this year How Oregon's 75/25 hybrid system works and why the random pool matters more than most hunters realize in a year like this High-end mule deer areas with 180-inch potential including Southeast 02, Crooked River, South Wallowas, Trout Creeks, and Southeast Steens Why controlled archery hunts are still the most reliable path to drawing an Oregon deer tag if you need a hunt this year Top blacktail units for a deer slam — Applegate, Indigo, Dixon, and McKenzie — with realistic trophy expectations and current draw timelines The tiny but huntable Colombian whitetail herd, why archery is the smart play at three points for nonresidents, and how Eastern whitetail fits into a long-game strategy If this helped you figure out where Oregon fits in your plan, subscribe so you don't miss the elk and antelope episodes dropping this week. And if you're getting value from the show, a quick rating goes a long way — it genuinely helps more hunters find this content. Want more like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Drawn West newsletter and we'll send you application updates, strategy breakdowns, and new content as it drops. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates. Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/master-your-application-strategy FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs https://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/g3aa8L4 GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest 00:00 – Why Oregon deer is worth a serious look in 2026 01:05 – Deadline, costs, and the point-saver option explained 03:32 – Oregon's drought, snowpack, and what it means for deer this year 05:32 – How Oregon's hybrid preference point system actually works 07:30 – Group applications, point averaging, and the 18-person rule 08:45 – Oregon mule deer reality: what to expect from the state overall 10:00 – New high-end mule deer units with 180-inch potential 11:08 – When to swing big vs. protect your points in a zero-data year 12:05 – Controlled archery hunts: best draw odds in a shakeup year 13:06 – Columbia blacktail overview and standout controlled units 15:47 – Colombian whitetail and Eastern whitetail: deer slam strategy 18:11 – How to e-scout new units when draw data doesn't exist yet