SportsWildernessLeisureHobbiesExplicit

Hunt West Podcast

Jaden Bales

The Hunt West Podcast is for hunters who'd rather wear out a pair of boots than a YouTube playlist.

Most hunting podcasts give you campfire stories, gear hype, or endless tag talk. Hunt West is different. This is applied hunting wisdom — the stuff that actually helps you find critters and fill tags in the wild country west of the 100th meridian.

Hosted by Jaden Bales — hunt consultant, mule deer junkie, and professional tag nerd — the show mixes solo riffs, guest conversations, and hard-earned lessons from real hunts. You'll get strategies for e-scouting, application hacks, mindset shifts, and the kind of woodsmanship that still matters when the Wi-Fi goes dark.

If you're the kind of hunter who loves general seasons, sharp steel, glassing knobs, and planning three tags ahead — welcome home.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 4 min
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S2 · E35
Yesterday · 1 hr 12 min
How We Build Mule Deer Hunt Plans On Scouted Bucks with Garrison Kinsel
Opening day is where an entire summer of mule deer scouting collides with reality. Jaden sits down with Garrison Kinsel to compare their scouting seasons and lay out their actual plans for the opening days of Montana's archery season and Colorado's muzzleloader season. Both hunters have identified mature target bucks, but the picture is already changing. Trail cameras have gone quiet, bucks have shifted elevation, high-country vegetation is drying out, and other hunters are beginning to appear. Jaden and Garrison discuss why a missing buck may have only changed his travel route, how water and feed can reshape late-summer patterns, and why hunters often need to expand their search before abandoning a productive area. They also break down how they are ranking their A, B and C locations, adjusting their tolerance for hunting pressure, and deciding between aggressive spot-and-stalk plays, ambushes and still-hunting. Garrison plans to scout several C-tier locations before committing to his original target bucks, while Jaden intends to hunt aggressively on opening morning before falling back to lower-pressure country. This episode is a real-time look at turning summer scouting into a hunting plan that can survive opening-day chaos. If you have a buck scouted, recently lost track of one, or placed too many eggs in one honey-hole basket, this conversation will help you decide what to do next. Show Links: Follow Garrison Kinsel on Instagram Get the Hunt West Digest Sunday Email Learn About the Hunt West Argentina Red Stag Trip Need help with a last-minute hunting problem? Email Jaden at jaden@huntwest.net Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro music for the show.
S2 · E34
August 29 · 1 hr 6 min
What to Do When the Shot Goes Wrong: Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery
Nobody plans on needing a tracking dog, but the decisions made during the first few hours after a questionable shot can determine whether an animal is recovered or lost. Scott Gillespie, founder of Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery, joins the podcast to explain what hunters should do when a blood trail disappears. Scott walks through how to contact a tracker, how long hunters may need to wait based on the hit, why grid searching can make a dog's job harder, and when it is time to stop tracking and back out. The conversation also digs into frontal shots on elk, what blood can and cannot tell you, how tracking dogs follow animals when no visible sign remains, and why rain does not necessarily ruin a dog's ability to work a trail. Scott shares several memorable recoveries involving elk, mule deer, and black bears, including animals found more than a mile from the shot and others hunters had unknowingly walked past for days. Finally, Scott explains why sharp broadheads, a well-tuned bow, and complete pass-throughs matter so much. If you are heading into archery season, this episode will help you make better decisions before the shot, immediately afterward, and when the blood trail runs dry. Hope you enjoy and learn something valuable from this one! Show Links: Find a tracking dog and handler >> Learn more about Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery >> Book a Hunt West Planning Session >> Hunt West Hosted Red Stag Trip >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro music for the show.
S2 · E33
August 22 · 54 min
Contingencies in Action: Adapting on a Tough Blacktail Hunt
Back in February, Jaden and Hayden Richins recorded an episode called "Contingencies: How to Build Backup Plans". They worked through uncertain draw odds, multiple states, and over-the-counter options to make sure they would have a hunt together no matter how application season shook out. That planning session eventually sent them to Northern California to bowhunt blacktail deer. Now it is late August, their hunt is over, and contingency plans got tested in the real world. Jaden and Hayden expected to backpack into the high country, glass up bucks, and hunt them using a familiar spot-and-stalk approach. Instead, they found few deer up high, smoke that ruined their glassing, brutal terrain, unpredictable winds, and blacktails that were remarkably good at staying out of archery range. This episode covers how they adjusted once the original plan failed. They moved to lower elevations, followed tracks and travel corridors, still-hunted through cover, and eventually committed to sitting springs for hours at a time. That was not how either of them wanted to hunt, but it consistently gave them their best opportunities. They did not come home with a buck, but this hunt proved why contingencies cannot stop at choosing another state or buying a backup tag. Western hunters also need backup areas, backup tactics, and a process for deciding when it is time to change course. This is the full-circle follow-up to the February episode and an honest look at what adapting during a hunt actually looks like when Plan A gets punched in the mouth. Show Links: Book a Hunt West Planning Session >> Hunt West Hosted Red Stag Trip >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro music for the show.
S2 · E32
August 15 · 45 min
A Premium Pronghorn Tag & Backcountry Hunt Plans
We've entered the thick of the hunting season on this week's episode as the guys record while on the road from one hunt to the other. Hayden and Jaden recap the short pronghorn hunt they did prior to heading to the mountains for a big week of backcountry deer hunting. They talk about themes of premium tags not meeting premium expectations, ways to keep your head up on hunts that kick you in the teeth, and much more. Plus, you get a look inside their backcountry deer hunt plans before they ever go execute. Check back in future episodes to see how the boys did with their plans! Show Links: Check out Argali's High Country Game Bags >> Book a Hunt West Planning Session >> Hunt West Hosted Red Stag Trip >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro music for the show.
S2 · E31
August 8 · 1 hr 1 min
The High Country Mule Deer Game with Trevor Stewart
This week, Jaden sits down with Trevor Stewart of Uncharted Supply Co. to talk about one of their shared obsessions: chasing mule deer with a bow in the high country. Trevor explains how he developed a productive hunting area spanning several basins, how he finds bucks throughout the day, and how he decides whether to make a stalk or wait for a better opportunity. They dig into midday glassing, bedding behavior, shifting thermals, afternoon thunderstorms, and hunting through bad weather. Trevor also shares the story of his first successful Western archery hunt and what years of hunting the same country have taught him about pressure, patience, and adapting when the original plan falls apart. The conversation finishes with practical backcountry safety advice for solo hunters, including satellite communication, lightning precautions, water filtration, first-aid supplies, gear repairs, and truck preparedness. If you are headed into the mountains for an early-season archery hunt, this episode will help you hunt more effectively while being better prepared when something goes wrong. We hope you learn a lot and enjoy this episode! Guest Links: Find Uncharted Supply Co here >> Follow Trevor on Instagram @trevor.stewart_ >> Other Show Links: Check out Argali's High Country Game Bags >> Book a Hunt West Planning Session >> Hunt West Hosted Red Stag Trip >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro music for the show.
S2 · E30
August 1 · 50 min
How to Hunt One Specific Bull with Cody Rich
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9461ebc1-ece1-4662-aef3-a3718a64def9" data-turn-id-container="9461ebc1-ece1-4662-aef3-a3718a64def9" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant"> Jaden recently got the biggest bull he has ever had on a trail camera. Now comes the considerably harder part: figuring out where that bull will go once September arrives. Our friend, Cody Rich of Bridger Watch and the Elk Hunt Podcast joins the show to help build that game plan. Cody also explains why targeting one particular bull requires hunters to think bigger, monitor multiple drainages, and treat the country differently than they would when simply looking for any normal six-point. The conversation expands into a broader lesson about becoming a better elk hunter. Jaden and Cody compare "Elk Hunting 101, 201, and 301," including the importance of creating more opportunities, identifying which herds are actually killable, and avoiding country that looks good but makes it difficult to get repeated chances. We hope you enjoy this episode! Show Links: Book Hunt West Planning Sessions >> Hunt West Hosted Red Stag Trip >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E29
July 25 · 1 hr 15 min
Hunting Big Pronghorn with Chance Marshall (Rokcast Crossover)
In this Rokcast crossover, Jaden sits down with Wyoming outfitter Chance Marshall to break down what really separates a good pronghorn from a giant, how he finds giants so often, and a ton more about hunting these critters. Chance explains how he evaluates horn length, mass, prong placement, and overall proportions in the field. They also cover early-season scouting, how buck behavior changes around the rut, hunting water versus spot-and-stalk tactics, and why Wyoming continues to produce exceptional bucks outside its most famous units. Chance also shares stories from nearly two decades of outfitting, including several truly giant bucks. With so many archery antelope seasons opening within the month, it's a great time to be diving in deep on all things speedgoat. Hope you all enjoy the show! Follow Extreme Outfitters at @extremeoutfitterswyo on Instagram Check out the Extreme Outfitters website here >> Show Links: Use code Huntwest for 20% off at Lee Hemp Co. for all your recovery needs >> Book Hunt West Planning Sessions >> Check out Argali's High Country Game Bags >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E28
July 18 · 47 min
How to Choose the Right Hunting Boots | Solo Round
Most hunters want to know which hunting boot is "the best." That is probably the wrong question. In this episode, Jaden breaks down how to choose footwear based on the shape of your feet, injury history, physical conditioning, hunting style, terrain, pack weight, and weather. He covers everything from lightweight trail shoes for scouting and archery pronghorn to supportive mountain boots and tall, insulated options for late-season snow. He also explains why hunters should get both feet properly measured, how aftermarket insoles can solve common fit problems, and why the burliest boot is not always the best hunting boot. Sometimes extra support is worth the noise. Other times, clomping around like Frankenstein is costing you opportunities. The Gear Geek segment, presented by Argali, is extended this week and covers short versus tall gaiters, where each style works best, and the honest truth about how long gaiters last when they are used hard. Before buying another expensive pair of boots, figure out what your feet and your hunt actually require with this episode. We hope you enjoy! Show Links: Book Hunt West Planning Sessions >> Check out Argali's Vesper Pants >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E27
July 11 · 1 hr 14 min
The Craft of Backcountry Bowhunting with Adam Foss
This week, Adam Foss joins me to talk about the craft of backcountry bowhunting and the lessons that only come from spending years in the mountains. We get into how modern gear, mapping apps, and satellite communication have made hunters more capable, but also why none of it replaces real experience, sound judgment, and basic backcountry skills. Adam also breaks down the archery gear he carries on long hunts, why he brings a lightweight target into the field, and how shooting his bow during a mountain goat hunt helped him catch a problem before it cost him an opportunity. We talk about target panic, letting down instead of forcing a shot, building confidence under pressure, and the story behind Migrate Gear, a new company focused on solving practical problems for traveling bowhunters. Enjoy this week's episode of the Hunt West Podcast! Watch Adam Stalking a Mountain Goat on Instagram >> Check out Adam's new company migrate-gear.com Adam's Creative Work at Foss Media >> Show Links: Use code Huntwest at Lee Hemp Co. for all your recovery needs >> Check out the Guide Air Fleece at Argalioutdoors.com >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E25
July 5 · 1 hr 7 min
Building a Hunting Season After Draws with Hayden Richins & Tyler Bales
This week's episode is a little different. I sat down with two of the people I spend the most time planning hunts with: my brother Tyler and my good friend Hayden. We pulled back the curtain on exactly what our own fall planning conversations sound like after draw results come out. The tags we expected to draw didn't happen. Backup plans became Plan C, then Plan D, and eventually Plan E. Rather than throwing in the towel, we talk through how we evaluate new opportunities, why over-the-counter hunts still deserve serious consideration, and how flexibility often leads to some of the most memorable adventures you'll ever have. Along the way we dive into Oregon preference points, California blacktails, Wyoming elk, leftover tags, and an incredibly lucky Oregon pronghorn draw that changed our August plans. We also spend plenty of time talking about the old Ford farm truck our grandfather taught us to drive, which we're bringing back to life for this year's antelope hunt. Somehow that pickup became a perfect reminder that the best hunting stories usually have very little to do with inches of antler. If you've ever stared at disappointing draw results, wondered whether to burn your points, or simply enjoy listening to hunters map out an entire season over a conversation, I think you'll enjoy this one.
S2 · E26
June 27 · 1 hr 14 min
New Muzzleloaders, Mountain Miles & Taking Chances with Tyler Grethen
This week, Weatherby Marketing Manager Tyler Grethen joins the Hunt West Podcast from Weatherby's headquarters in Sheridan, Wyoming. Tyler shares his journey from growing up in Missouri and working as a commodities trader to building a career in the outdoor industry and eventually landing at one of the most iconic rifle companies in hunting. Along the way, we swap stories from DIY Alaska adventures, dive into lightweight rifle setups and suppressor-ready hunting systems, and discuss how trail running and mountain fitness can completely change the way you approach western hunting. Tyler also shares the story of his unforgettable Wyoming general season bull elk and Colorado muzzleloader mule deer hunts. We also pull back the curtain on Weatherby's new muzzleloader platform and why the company believes it can create more hunting opportunities for western hunters willing to learn a new weapon system. Enjoy this week's episode of the Hunt West Podcast! Follow Tyler at @tygrethen Check out Weatherby's new muzzleloader at Weatherby.com Show Links: Use code Huntwest at Lee Hemp Co. for your recovery needs >> Check out my favorite sharpener/belt at Argalioutdoors.com >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E25
June 20 · 1 hr 5 min
Inside the Life of a Wyoming Game Warden with Scott Werbelow
Few people have spent more time around hunters, wildlife, and the wild places of Wyoming than retired game warden Scott Werbelow. Scott spent 33 years with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, working everywhere from elk feedgrounds in the Pinedale country to supervising game wardens across northwest Wyoming. Along the way, he investigated poaching cases, responded to grizzly bear conflicts, checked hunters from sheep country to sagebrush flats, and accumulated enough stories to fill five books. In this conversation, Scott shares how growing up on a sheep ranch, trapping as a kid, and spending time around both ethical hunters and poachers shaped his path into wildlife law enforcement. We dive into the changes he's witnessed in hunting culture, the role of ethics in modern hunting, lessons learned from decades of interacting with sportsmen, and what today's hunters can learn from the old-school generation. Whether you're interested in hunting, conservation, wildlife law enforcement, or just good stories from the mountains, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and good stories from someone who's led an awesome life outdoors. We hope you enjoy it! Check out Scott's "Son of a Poacher" series at Scottwerbelow.com LINKS: Argali Trekking Poles & More >> Lee Hemp's Magic Pain Relief Cream >> Support the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation Raffles >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E24
June 13 · 1 hr 24 min
Jim Zumbo: Lessons from a Western Hunting Legend
Jim Zumbo has spent more than six decades chasing adventure across the American West. From writing thousands of hunting articles and more than 20 books to following in the footsteps of Jack O'Connor at Outdoor Life, few people have witnessed the evolution of western hunting quite like Jim. In this episode, Jim shares stories from the golden age of mule deer hunting, horseback elk camps, and some unforgettable sheep hunts, including a desert bighorn hunt that featured a grizzly attack story assignment, a truck burned to the ground, and a ram that got away. Along the way, we dive into what hunting was like before GPS, rangefinders, trail cameras, and social media changed the landscape. We also discuss the challenges facing modern hunters, the value of traditional skills like still-hunting and tracking, how technology has changed the way we hunt, and why planning and realistic expectations are still some of the most important tools a western hunter can carry. Whether you're dreaming about your first western hunt or looking back on decades in the mountains, this episode is packed with stories, wisdom, and perspective from one of hunting's most recognizable storytellers. We hope you enjoy it half as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. You can learn more about Jim Zumbo's collection of books at JimZumbo.com Show Links: Additional Links: Gear Geek: Argali Clothing and Gear >> Lee Hemp CBD Lotions & More >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E23
June 6 · 1 hr 6 min
Optics Basics for Western Hunting | Solo Round
Most optics conversations eventually turn into a competition over who owns the most expensive glass. This one goes a different direction. In this solo episode, Jaden breaks down the craft of glassing and why finding more animals has far more to do with patience, technique, and time behind your optics than it does with owning the latest and greatest gear. From mule deer to elk to pronghorn, he explains how successful hunters use binoculars, tripods, spotting scopes, and terrain to systematically pick apart country and uncover animals that most hunters walk right past. Along the way, Jaden shares his own optics evolution, from bargain-bin binos to more advanced setups, and discusses where hunters should actually spend their money. If you're wondering whether you need premium glass, image-stabilized binoculars, a spotting scope, or just more reps behind the tripod, this episode will help you build a practical optics system while avoiding the trap of thinking gear alone creates success. The message is simple: learn to glass first, then worry about upgrading equipment. Additional Links: Gear Geek: Argali Clothing and Gear >> Lee Hemp CBD Lotions & More >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E22
May 31 · 56 min
Solo Elk Packouts, Wolves, Big Deer, and New Gear Hunters Need | Beau Pullin of Cervara Gear
This week on the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with Beau Pullin of Cervara Gear to talk about solo elk hunting, brutal packouts, scouting for mule deer, predator encounters, and the ultralight pulley system he created after learning the hard way just how difficult meat care can be deep in the backcountry. Beau shares the story that sparked the idea for Cervara Gear after killing his first backpack elk solo in Idaho and spending sleepless nights listening to wolves circle his meat pile in the dark. From trying to hang heavy elk quarters with paracord to dealing with heat, bears, and long packouts, this episode dives deep into the reality of what happens after the shot. We also get into: Why meat care is often the most overlooked part of hunt planning Solo elk hunting lessons learned the hard way Predator encounters around downed game Knife injuries and safety while processing game Using lightweight pulley systems for hanging meat and handling animals Beau's transition from elk addict to serious mule deer hunter This is a fun one packed with real hunting stories, practical backcountry problem-solving, and a look at a piece of gear that actually solves a legit issue for western hunters. Check out Beau and Cervara Gear here: Instagram: @cervaragear Website: CervaraGear.com Additional Links: Eastman's Elite Membership & Reserach Sections >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E22
May 24 · 56 min
The 3 Phases of Scouting For September Elk Hunts
Most hunters think scouting means hiking around and hoping to stumble into elk. In this episode, Jaden breaks down the actual system I use to scout elk hunts before season ever opens. From e-scouting to boots-on-the-ground work, we talk about the three phases of scouting that help you stay in elk and avoid wasting precious hunting days figuring things out on the fly. The Three Phases Jaden Dives into are: Getting a Lay of the Land Developing an Area Actually Scouting He also shares real examples from past hunts, including what worked during his 2019 breakthrough archery elk season and what burned him on a more recent limited-entry hunt when he skipped important scouting steps. If you're staring at a fresh elk tag and wondering where to start, this episode will help you build a better plan before September gets here. LINKS: Hunt West Planning Services >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Bridger Reckon Watch >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E21
May 16 · 1 hr 18 min
Archery Hunting Fundamentals with Keifer Rogers
This week on the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with guide, archery coach, and all-around bowhunting addict Keifer Rogers to talk about what actually matters when it comes to becoming a better hunter. We dive deep into shot process, target panic, offseason preparation, and the biggest mistakes most archery hunters make long before the season ever opens. Keifer shares how he went from a Pennsylvania whitetail hunter who barely practiced to killing his first bull elk on opening day of his first-ever elk hunt in Colorado. Along the way, we break down lessons about thermals, patience, drawing early, and why smooth execution matters more than brute force. And then there's the story of the "Michael Phelps elk"... a giant Wyoming bull that took the crew on a 38-hour rodeo involving multiple stalks, private land, game wardens, and a mile-long swim across a reservoir. One of the wildest elk hunting stories I've ever heard. If you're serious about becoming a more effective archery hunter this fall, this episode is packed with practical nuggets you can apply right now instead of scrambling in August wondering why your setup and shooting feel shaky. You can find Keifer at: Instagram: @keiferrogers_hunts The Hunting Consultant Website LINKS: Hunt West Planning Services >> Bridger Reckon Watch >> Eastman's Elite Membership >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E20
May 9 · 57 min
How To Manage Hunting Pressure | Solo Round
Using real stories from Wyoming elk camps, OTC mule deer hunts, and Nevada trophy deer tags, Jaden explains how understanding how other hunters move through the landscape can completely change your success. Sometimes the guy "stormtrooper-ing" through the woods isn't hurting your odds at all. Other times, a single serious hunter on the right angle can completely change the game. This episode dives deep into: Why "pressure" and "competition" are not always the same thing The importance of hunting angles and visibility How arriving early creates options and backup plans Why most hunters aren't actually hunting effectively When you should pivot to Plan B immediately How to structure hunts around weekdays, season timing, and hunting culture Why some of the most "crowded" hunts still hold incredible opportunity Jaden shares detailed stories about doubling on mule deer during a packed general season opener, managing guided-hunt competition on a premium Nevada tag, and learning that elk don't magically disappear just because you see other hunters in the woods. If you've ever looked at a crowded trailhead and thought, "Well… this hunt's blown," this episode will help you rethink the way you assess pressure and build better hunting strategies moving forward. LINKS: Wyoming Mule Deer Webinar >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Bridger Reckon Watch >> Eastman's Elite Membership >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E19
May 2 · 1 hr 7 min
Chubby Athletic & Dangerous: Always Hunt Ready with Lyle Hebel of MTNTOUGH
In this episode, I sit down with Lyle Hebel from MTNTOUGH to talk about what it really means to be prepared for a Western hunt. We dive into everything from long-range shooting and gear choices to spring bear hunting tactics and how fitness actually plays into success in the field. Lyle shares how he went deep down the shooting rabbit hole, and how chasing improvement across different skills has shaped the way he hunts. We also get into bear hunting strategy, including how to approach early vs late season bears, why getting on the same hillside matters, and how consistent effort beats "perfect timing" more often than not. On the fitness side, we break down how MTNTOUGH has evolved over the last decade from hardcore sheep-hunter prep into something that actually meets hunters where they're at. From beginner programs to full preseason prep, the goal is simple: build hunters who are always ready, not just hoping to survive their hunt. If you want to hunt harder, shoot better, and stop making excuses… this episode is for you. LINKS: Hunt West Webinars May 7th & 12th >> Bridger Reckon Watch >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
S2 · E19
April 27 · 50 min
Spot & Stalk Lessons You Can Use This Fall: Stories from Argentina
Fresh off a trip to Argentina, this episode breaks down what happens when you treat a hunt like a training ground instead of a one-shot opportunity. Jaden spent the week chasing blackbuck with a bow while the rest of the crew hunted red stag, stacking reps in open country that feels a lot like pronghorn or mule deer terrain. The result? A pile of blown stalks, a couple missed opportunities, one clean kill, and a ton of lessons that translate directly to Western hunting. This episode dives into what actually matters when you're trying to close the distance: using subtle terrain, waiting for high-percentage setups, and not forcing bad opportunities. There's also a deep look at string jumping, including why mid-range shots can be the most dangerous and how alert animals completely change your odds. If you've ever rushed a stalk, taken a shot you shouldn't have, or felt like you just needed more reps to figure it out, this one will hit home. LINKS: Randy Ulmer's Multi-Part String Jump Articles >> Eastmans' Elite Membership >> Check out Kifaru Gear >> Learn about Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes