You don’t need 20 points, a decade of waiting, or a once-in-a-lifetime tag to hunt the West consistently. If you’re willing to think strategically, you can build a system that gets you out there every single year.

In this episode, we break down exactly how to hunt elk, mule deer, or pronghorn every season by rotating states, stacking applications, and using Idaho and Colorado as strategic anchors. We dig into point creep, how to build preference points without wasting years, when to swing for the fences in places like Arizona or New Mexico, and how to structure a 5–10 year plan that actually compounds instead of resets.

If you’ve been wondering whether to build points or burn them, this episode gives you the framework to decide — before deadlines close.

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.

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article:
How To Draw a Tag in the West

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0:00 – Why You Need a Multi-Year Strategy
3:15 – Understanding Point Creep
7:02 – Rotating States & Species
11:30 – Pronghorn Annual Plan
16:14 – Mule Deer Rotation Explained
18:41 – Why Idaho Is a Strategic Anchor
23:20 – Mixing in Arizona & New Mexico
25:30 – Elk Every Year Strategy
28:41 – Wyoming & Montana Reality Check
32:57 – What Happens If Colorado Goes to a Draw
35:18 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps

If you want to hunt the West, drawing a tag isn’t a detail—it’s the entire game.

Western tags aren’t “grab one on the way to deer camp” — they’re a 6–12 month planning game, and this episode breaks the whole thing down in plain English. You’ll hear a listener question from Josh (Tennessee) who’s trying to get himself and his son out West this fall for mule deer or antelope with zero points, and we use his situation to walk through what’s actually realistic (and what’s just internet noise). From there, we lay out the four core draw systems (OTC, random/no-points, preference points, bonus points), why “easy to draw” often means “hard hunt,” and how point creep can quietly bury your long-term plan. Then we turn it into an actual strategy: short-term vs mid-term vs long-term rotations, plus a simple “application stacking” method to swing at multiple states in the same year without ending up with overlapping tags.

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.

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/getting-into-trapping

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RTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!
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00:00 – Why “draw a tag” is step one

If you’ve ever been curious about trapping but felt like it was confusing, intimidating, or just “not for people like me,” this episode is for you.

I sit down with Zach from Okayest Trapper to talk through what getting started actually looks like when you didn’t grow up trapping. The mistakes, the learning curve, the frozen ground, the gear decisions, and why most people underestimate how much work (and problem-solving) is involved.

We cover how trapper education works in different states, how trapping changes the way you think about animals and habitat, and why so many hunters eventually get drawn into it — even if they never planned to. We also talk honestly about fur, conservation, and whether trapping is something that stays a hobby or can turn into something more over time.

If you hunt, own land, or just want to understand another side of the outdoor world without the gatekeeping, this conversation will give you a clear picture of what trapping really is — and whether it’s something you’d ever want to try.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this helped you see trapping differently, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who’s been curious but unsure where to start.

Check out our latest article:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/elk-hunting-knives

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Connect with Brian Krebs
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Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
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https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Collab kickoff + trapping bug

01:45 – How Idaho vs Minnesota trapping education works

06:15 – Early exposure to trapping culture (and what changed)

09:45 – “Why am I doing this?” — the addiction to challenge

14:10 – Trap prep debate: boil, rust, dye, wax… or just run them

18:10 – Anchors vs drags + frozen ground problems

23:00 – Cable restraints: lighter, faster, more scalable

26:10 – Collector mode: species goals (fox, coon, coyote, fisher, bobcat)

31:45 – Fur boom talk + could markets ever come back?

41:15 – Alternative markets: squirrels, gophers, skulls, and making it pencil

Is it worth applying for Elk and Antelope in Arizona? Lets dive into it!

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down exactly what non-resident hunters need to know before deciding whether Arizona deserves a spot in their Western application strategy. From deadlines and costs to draw mechanics and realistic hunt expectations, this episode is built to help you avoid common mistakes and spend your application dollars smarter.

You’ll learn how to legally cut Arizona application costs nearly in half using the license timing strategy, how loyalty and Hunter Ed bonus points actually impact your odds, and why Arizona’s modified bonus point system is confusing—but still gives every applicant a chance. Brian also explains why group applications can quietly destroy your odds, especially in units limited by the 5% non-resident cap.

On the hunting side, this episode takes an honest look at where Arizona elk stands today. While it’s no longer the king of 400-inch bulls, Arizona still offers some of the best mid-range elk opportunities in the West if you’re willing to hunt late archery or late rifle seasons. Brian lays out realistic timelines for different hunt types and explains where Arizona fits compared to states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana.

Finally, Brian addresses Arizona antelope head-on—why it’s largely overvalued for non-residents, when it might still make sense to apply, and why most hunters are better off treating it as a cheap lottery ticket rather than a long-term points investment.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.

If this helped clarify your application strategy, leave a 5-star rating and share the episode with a buddy who’s still on the fence about Arizona.

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FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
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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
RTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
Okuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
https://alnk.to/31sVDzF
First MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
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01:45 Arizona License & Application Costs

03:10 The Every-Other-Year License Strategy

05:00 Arizona Weather, Drought, and Herd Health

06:45 Arizona’s Modified Bonus Point Draw

09:10 Group Applications & Non-Resident Caps

11:40 How Good Is Arizona Elk Hunting Today?

14:00 Arizona as a Mid-Range Elk Strategy

18:00 Arizona Antelope Reality Check

21:30 Final Verdict & Application Advice

Apply, skip, or just buy a point — this is how to make the right Wyoming elk decision in 2026.

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down everything non-resident hunters need to know before applying for a Wyoming elk tag in 2026 — including deadlines, costs, point strategy, and when it isn’t worth applying.

This episode covers how Wyoming’s elk system really works, from the confusing regular vs. special draw and preference vs. random pools, to tag types, regions, group applications, and realistic draw odds at every point level. Brian also explains why Wyoming’s early deadline and full upfront payment change the math for many hunters — especially those with low point totals — and offers honest guidance on when to apply, when to skip, and when to simply buy a point later in the year.

If you’re trying to decide whether Wyoming fits into your 2026 elk plan, this episode gives you the clarity to make a smart call instead of guessing.

Key Takeaways:

• Non-resident Wyoming elk deadline: February 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT

• Upfront cost required: Full tag + fees charged at application

• Draw results: Tentatively May 21, 2026

• Preference points: No longer automatic — must be purchased separately July 1–Nov 2

• Regular vs. Special draw: ~4-year point reduction for ~$1,250 more

• General tag reality: Now takes ~3–6 points depending on region

• When NOT to apply: Low-point hunters in South & West regions

• When to apply: Borderline odds (30%+) or high-point limited entry plays

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.

If this helped, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy stressing over applications.

GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4

FREE Gear Checklist:

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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
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GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
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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
RTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
Okuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
https://alnk.to/31sVDzF
First MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb
00:00 – Wyoming Elk Deadline & Fees
02:35 – Preference Points Are No Longer Automatic
03:48 – How the Wyoming Elk Draw Works
07:25 – Wyoming Elk Tag Types Explained
09:45 – General License & Regions
12:15 – Group Applications & Point Averaging
13:54 – General Tag Draw Odds by Region
16:18 – Regular vs Special: Is It Worth It?
18:40 – Limited Entry Options by Point Level
21:03 – When You Should Skip Applying
23:25 – Elk Herd Health & 2026 Outlook
25:57 – Final Recommendation & Wrap-Up

Inside SHOT Show 2026: the biggest hunting and shooting industry trends, gear, and surprises from the show floor.

SHOT Show 2026 just wrapped, and this was my first-ever SHOT Show experience—so I went in expecting a hunting trade show and walked into one of the biggest shooting sports and firearms industry events in the world.

In this episode, I break down what SHOT Show is really like, how it compares to other outdoor expos, and the new hunting gear, firearms technology, and outdoor products that stood out most this year. From suppressor-ready rifles and long-range cartridges to innovative hunting packs, coolers, blinds, and knives, this episode covers the products and trends that matter most to serious hunters.

I also share my Top 3 things from SHOT Show 2026, including:

• The new 7mm Backcountry cartridge designed for 20” suppressor-ready rifles

• Why Beretta’s 500-year history might be the most impressive story in the firearms industry

• Benchmade’s brand-new bi-metal blade patent that could change how hunting knives are built

If you’re curious about SHOT Show, the future of hunting gear, or what new products are actually worth paying attention to in 2026, this episode gives you a ground-level look from the show floor.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this episode helped you, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy heading west this fall.

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

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Connect with Brian Krebs
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
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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
RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
https://alnk.to/31sVDzF
FirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

SHOT Show week in Vegas, so we’re doing something a little different: a throwback “Rifle Gear 101” episode from the Western Rookie days, republished here on Drawn West. It’s a full, practical walkthrough of what actually matters for a western rifle hunt: layering for chaotic October/November weather, keeping feet dry with gaiters, and building a clothing system you can mix and match instead of buying one “mega jacket.”

From there we get into camp comfort (truck-seat mattress vs. tent, propane vs. wood heat, and why warm food matters more the colder it gets), then the unsexy-but-critical stuff: tools, tow straps, shovels, chains, and spare tires so a broken rig doesn’t end your hunt.

We wrap with the “gear brain” section: kill kit + game bags, pack setup, glassing systems, and then a straight-shooting breakdown of calibers, bullet types, and rifle optics so you can keep it simple and still be effective.

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/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
RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!
https://alnk.to/31sVDzF
FirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE
Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 — 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Lead-In

00:33 — Shot Show Week + Throwback Episode Plan

03:15 — Rifle Season Weather + Layering Strategy

12:59 — GOHUNT Draw Odds + Insider Plug

14:15 — Gloves + Cold-Hand System

16:23 — Camp Styles + Heaters (Propane vs Wood)

25:17 — Truck Tools, Straps, Chains, Spares

31:14 — Kill Kit + Game Bags + Pack Setup

41:26 — Glassing System: Binos, Tripod, Spotter

48:37 — Calibers, Bullets, and Rifle Optics Wrap-Up

Never hunted the West before? This episode is where you start.

This is a full, start-to-finish breakdown of how to plan your first Western hunt without wasting time, money, or an entire season learning the hard way. We walk through every major decision — species, weapon choice, tag systems, budget, gear, scouting, and expectations — so you can stop overthinking and start taking action.

This episode is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’ve never stepped foot out West or you’ve gone once and want a cleaner, smarter process, this framework gives you clarity on what to do next — and how to build hunts that fit your life, not your ego.

This is the foundation everything else at Drawn West builds on.

If this episode helped you, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a 5-star rating — it helps more hunters find the show. And if you know someone who’s always said “someday I want to hunt out West,” send them this episode. Follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more Western hunting strategy, planning, and real-world hunt breakdowns.

Up Next:
Watch our full Colorado Mule Deer Hunt where we TAGGED OUT on public land!

https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs

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
RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!
https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers
Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q
Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

00:00 – Why This Is the Start Here Episode

05:00 – Choosing the Right First Western Hunt

08:00 – Species & Weapon Reality Check

20:00 – Understanding Tags, Points & Draw Systems

30:00 – How to Pick a Unit Without Internet Noise

38:00 – Realistic Budget & Hidden Costs

48:00 – E-Scouting: Access, Habitat & Pressure

55:00 – Timeline: When to Apply, Scout & Prep

01:02:00 – Expectations, Mindset & Final Advice