Hunt West Podcast
The Hunt West Podcast delivers information to help make your western hunting adventures more enjoyable with tips, tactics, strategies, and tag information about elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and other western hunting opportunities.
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Lessons from the Field and Gear For Traveling Hunters with Seth Oren
05/30/2025
Lessons from the Field and Gear For Traveling Hunters with Seth Oren
In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, we sit down with lifelong hunter and western DIY guy, Seth Oren for a conversation that’s packed with stories, overarching strategy, and lessons from the field. From the Wisconsin woods to the high country of the West — and even the islands of Hawaii — Seth has spent a ton of time chasing critters, and he gets into some of the hunts that shaped his western hunting skills along the way. We dive into what makes western hunting so addicting, how Seth prepares for out-of-state hunts, and the gear he’s come to trust after years of trial and error. We also cover Seth's business, Deep Fork Rentals, which lets traveling hunters rent the high-quality gear they need when coming out west for the first time. If you’re looking to learn from hard-earned experience, fine-tune your approach to hunts this fall, and dial in your gear, this episode delivers. Learn more about Deep Fork Rentals and get a hold of Seth at _____ If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Wyoming Bear Down & The Gear We Used with Jordan Budd
05/24/2025
Wyoming Bear Down & The Gear We Used with Jordan Budd
In this episode, Jaden has on his friend Jordan Budd after she took a stud of a Wyoming black bear spot and stalk style. They recap the hunt, what they were looking for, the kinds of conditions that came together for this bear to show himself, and all the different pieces of gear that made this an absolutely textbook western big game hunt. If you like good hunting stories and are a gear nerd like us, this podcast is going to be right up your alley. We hope you enjoy it! Find Jordan Budd on or via her outfitting website _____ If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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How to Make a Hunting Plan: A Real Hunt West Session
05/20/2025
How to Make a Hunting Plan: A Real Hunt West Session
In this episode, you're getting a front-row seat to a real Hunt West e-scouting session. Jaden sits down with two Colorado elk hunters and walks through the exact process he uses to break down a unit — from figuring out elk behavior in September to identifying terrain features that hold animals, and how to build flexible game plans based on wind, access, pressure, and feed. This is way more than just picking waypoints — it's a deep dive into the Hunt West framework that teaches you how to think about a hunt, not just where to go. Whether you're planning your first western elk hunt or looking to sharpen your e-scouting game, this episode is packed with the goods. We hope you enjoy it! _____ If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Old School Deer Tactics & What it Takes to Find a Big One with Robby Denning
05/17/2025
Old School Deer Tactics & What it Takes to Find a Big One with Robby Denning
While old school deer tactics is in the name, this podcast with Robby Denning holds a lot more gems than that. From remembering Robby's father's impact on his hunting passion, to ways guys hunted deer more often "back in the day" and how to use those tools today, Jaden and Robby cover a whole host of topics in this podcast. They also discuss what it takes to find a big, special mule deer and take him home in today's hunting environment, aging mule deer bucks, and so much more. This episode is packed full of great stories, lessons learned, and actionable tips for people hunting mule deer today. We hope you enjoy it half as much as we enjoyed recording it for you. Referenced in the Show: _____ If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Huntin' Stories & Surviving HAPE with Matt Emerson
05/10/2025
Huntin' Stories & Surviving HAPE with Matt Emerson
If you want to hear good stories of progressing as a western hunter, this podcast with Matt Emerson is great. Not only that, but today's podcast includes his incredible story of catching high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and how to recognize signs of it before you have to call in a helicopter to the backcountry as he did. I spend a lot of time with Matt, and I even was sucked in by this interview. I am so excited to bring you this podcast with Matt Emerson, and hope you enjoy it, too! _____ If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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All About Western Muzzleloaders with Chad Eidson
05/03/2025
All About Western Muzzleloaders with Chad Eidson
In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden picks the brain of his friend Chad Eidson about western hunting with muzzleloaders. Chad shared what he knows about the regulations and technology allowed in different states, and they discussed the evolution of muzzleloader technology, and the limitations of sighting systems. The guys also cover overall advantages and disadvantages of using muzzleloaders for hunting with some good old stories sprinkled in there. For anyone who has wanted to unlock better drawing odds or interesting season dates with a muzzleloader in the west, this podcast will get you pointed in the right direction. We hope you enjoy it! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Arizona Coues & Wyoming Adventures with Jason Scott
04/26/2025
Arizona Coues & Wyoming Adventures with Jason Scott
In this episode, Jaden sits down with coues deer fanatic, and avid western DIY hunter, Jason Scott to cover a ton of topics, and tell a few hunting stories along the way. First, they dive into Jason's coues deer hunting style and tactics that work for him over the years. The guys also talk about elk hunting strategies in Arizona, dive into Jason's Region G mule deer hunt, what it means to be on an adventure and having fun on western hunts, a few cold weather tips, and so much more. This is just a classic conversation between two fellas who love getting out and spending time in the mountains. We hope you enjoy it! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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I Drew a Tag, Now What!?
04/21/2025
I Drew a Tag, Now What!?
In this solo episode, Jaden Jaden gives you actionable "meat and potatoes" type information to better plan your hunt by breaking down his process for getting started e-scouting and mapping out a hunt for which you drew a tag and don't have a set game plan for yet. He breaks down four steps in detail for getting started: Set Your Goals Fly Around the Unit Hit the Googlizer Reach Out To People A good hunt plan makes your week-long vacation much less stressful as you adapt to every obstacle, hiccup, and audible call along the way. Heck, getting out and enjoying your hunt is at the baseline of why we all do it anyway, so why not take all the steps you can to make sure your next hunt is a good one. We hope you enjoy today's podcast! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Oregon's Massive Mule Deer Changes with Josh Smith
04/12/2025
Oregon's Massive Mule Deer Changes with Josh Smith
Back in 2024, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife adopted a brand-spanking-new mule deer plan using a ton of new data collected from mule deer studies. Today, Josh Smith, the ODFW Mule Deer Coordinator, joins the show to tell us what the proposed changes look like, and for Oregon mule deer hunters, they are going to overhaul how you apply. In the least, it's possible your favorite unit's boundaries won't change much, but the codes and names for hunts you apply for will. At most, your hunt area maybe has three different mule deer herds using it, and that will upend how you apply. In today's day and age of difficult tag draws and tough mule deer population numbers, it's refreshing to hear Oregon is putting the latest science to work and making changes that will ideally result in hunters being involved in the continued conservation of the species. Thanks to Josh for taking the time to be on this podcast. We really appreciate you listening in and hope you enjoy this show! If you want to plan your 2025 or 2026 Oregon mule deer hunt, be sure to reach out to to get started. _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Nerding Out About Mule Deer and Their Management with Jared Oakleaf
04/06/2025
Nerding Out About Mule Deer and Their Management with Jared Oakleaf
In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, we have Jared Oakleaf from Lander, WY on the show to nerd out about mule deer and their management. Jared is a die-hard big deer hunter who spends as much time learning about mule deer and working to conserve them as he does chasing them. The guys touch on a ton of controversial topics, including antler point restrictions, ideal buck-to-doe ratios, the effects (or lack thereof) of limited quota seasons, and so much more. They also break down what may just be the secret to timing your hunting plans to maximize mature buck numbers and quality on your next hunt. We'd love it if you supported their work on the website, as well. Click around in there, there's a lot to find on the website. We sincerely hope you enjoy the show! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Hunting the Southern Hemisphere's September | Stories from Argentina
03/30/2025
Hunting the Southern Hemisphere's September | Stories from Argentina
This could be an episode of the Hunt South Podcast, as friends Hayden and Jaden talk about their month hunting, translating, and guiding in Argentina. They discuss what the roar is all about with red stags, how black buck are South America's speedgoats, what it's like bringing down a water buffalo, and the tactics it takes to get a good wild boar on the barbecue. They share stories from the trip and also give advice for those looking to make the trip down one day. If you have ever thought, “what if I could have two fall hunting seasons?” You can with a little planning and some airline miles to burn. The guys cover it all in this podcast. We hope you enjoy the show. Reach out to if you have any questions about booking a trip to Argentina! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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The Messy Montana Draw with Hayden Richins
03/23/2025
The Messy Montana Draw with Hayden Richins
In this episode, Jaden sits down to talk the messy Montana deer and elk draw, while giving people a sense of tactics to make sure you draw when you anticipate drawing in Montana. In particular, Montana has a split point system using preference points for general elk and deer combo tags, while maintaining a bonus point system for the permitted tags there. The guys also talk about different approaches to using the general seasons to prepare for an upcoming permit tag. We hope you come out of this podcast with a clearer approach to drawing Montana tags ahead of the April 1st deadline. Reach out to if you have any questions ahead of the draw! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Free-Range Hunting in Argentina with Remi Donnelly of Terra Pampa
03/19/2025
Free-Range Hunting in Argentina with Remi Donnelly of Terra Pampa
If you've ever wanted to know about the logistics of hunting Argentina, this episode with Terra Pampa's Remi Donnelly is for you! Remi and Jaden talk about what makes a good outfitter in general in South America, the history of Terra Pampa, free-range hunting in Argentina, how to get heads and hides back to the States, and much more. If someone doesn't have international hunting on their bucket list, I think they should. It's reasonably priced for an incredible experience, world class accommodations, and a REAL hunt for free-ranging stags and other species. For more information, shoot me an email _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Cody Rich Gives the Montana Playbook for Deer and Elk
03/16/2025
Cody Rich Gives the Montana Playbook for Deer and Elk
In this episode, we have Cody Rich from The Rich Outdoors and Elk Hunt Podcast back on the show to talk Montana deer and elk. The boys discuss where Montana sits in someone's applications and the strategies that are effective for getting a nice bull or buck in the Big Sky state. The guys also compare Montana to Colorado as guys consider which of the two states they should invest in with their short-term hunting plans. Cody's experience and stories in Montana and around the West are super helpful for anyone considering putting Montana in their plans. We hope you enjoy the show! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Successful Colorado Strategies with Garrison Kinsel
03/09/2025
Successful Colorado Strategies with Garrison Kinsel
In this episode, Jaden sits down with his good buddy and Colorado resident, Garrison Kinsel. In Garrison's words, he's married to the whitetail game with a love affair with Colorado mule deer. But what he doesn't also mention is that he's been on multiple successful opportunity elk hunts and recently took a great old Colorado bull elk by pounding the timber on a late-season rifle hunt. Hope you enjoy this episode and get some ideas for approaching your next Colorado mule deer or elk hunt in 2025. _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Colorado Deer and Elk Overview | Solo Round
03/02/2025
Colorado Deer and Elk Overview | Solo Round
In this episode of the HuntWest podcast, Jaden dives into the upcoming changes to Colorado’s deer and elk hunting seasons for 2025. He talks about the elimination of the non-resident over-the-counter archery season and explains how to navigate these shifts, offering strategies to maximize your hunting opportunities, from understanding application processes to selecting optimal tags. Jaden also discusses season structures for both deer and elk, providing key dates and ways to think about various seasons, terrain types, and hunting methods for hunting rocky mountain high. Tune in for a data-nerd's take on how to use the resources at your finger tips to make set you up for a successful 2025 hunting season in Colorado. You can find CPW's new statistics and management web pages here: _____ SHOW NOTES: 01:39 Strategies for Navigating the New Elk Hunting System 05:38 Detailed Breakdown of Rifle Seasons 13:38 Late Season Elk Hunting Tips 18:06 Introduction to Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado 19:17 Analyzing Mule Deer Data and Strategies 33:48 Upcoming Changes in 2028 and Final Thoughts 39:45 Conclusion and Upcoming Content _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Bo DePeña Talks Fatherhood & Hunting Colorado
02/23/2025
Bo DePeña Talks Fatherhood & Hunting Colorado
Welcome to another episode of the Hunt West Podcast! This one with Bo DePeña kicks off a series of Colorado conversations to help you know what you're getting into when you hunt this popular elk and mule deer destination state. Bo and Jaden start by talking about how fatherhood has changed how he hunts, and what he learned from guiding hunters in Colorado. Then, they dive into some stories of Bo's elk and mule deer hunts in 2024. This one is a good conversation with friends with good nuggets to get better as a western hunter baked into it. We hope you enjoy the show! _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Spot & Stalk Spring Bear Hunting 101
02/16/2025
Spot & Stalk Spring Bear Hunting 101
In this solo episode, Jaden repurposed a video recording to help you learn what to look for on your spot and stalk spring bear hunts. It's a shorter podcast that is just chalk full of meat and potatoes information to help you plan spring bear hunts. It's a great opportunity to get out, especially with multiple states still offering great spring bear hunting over the counter. Plus, it's an incredible way to test gear, hone skills, and bring home some tasty meat for the freezer. We hope you enjoy this quick hitting spot and stalk spring bear hunting solo episode. _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Is Your Rig Ready for Western Hunting? Jaden & Tyler Talk Offroading
02/12/2025
Is Your Rig Ready for Western Hunting? Jaden & Tyler Talk Offroading
Today on the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden brings on Tyler Bales, an off-roading and at-home vehicle project guru who has a wealth of information to bring to the table. From always working on multiple of his hunting-offroad vehicles to his time spent upgrading tires and suspensions at a tire store, he's amassed some great technical information for hunters to know about their rigs. But first, don't forget to get ahead of the game by planning your western hunts with Hunt West services, which will be largely offline for the month of March. The website is revamped, so if you want to learn more about services that can help you make the most of your time, money, and vacation days on your hunts, then check it out at Once you get through the boring house-cleaning items, Jaden and Tyler nerd out on tire selection for hunters, recovery gear for hunting, and even tell some stories of big "oopsies" while on hunts. It's a great podcast for vets and rookies alike as you think about making upgrades to make your vehicle more western hunting-friendly. We hope you enjoy the show! Follow Tyler on Instagram if you want to talk with him about vehicle stuff. _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Myth-Busting Mule Deer Age and Antler Size
02/07/2025
Myth-Busting Mule Deer Age and Antler Size
On this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden Bales tackles the big question: 'Did I shoot a baby giant in 2024?' Jaden dives deep into various studies and personal anecdotes to bust myths about deer ages and antler sizes. He discusses data from the Utah long-term study on mule deer and an interesting Texas Apache Ranch study, sharing insights on how environmental factors affect antler growth. Tune in for a detailed analysis of mule deer data, hunting strategies, and the significance of understanding deer aging in the quest for that big buck. Check out these studies and resources to come to your own mule deer antler-age conclusions: ____ 01:57 Understanding Deer Aging and Antler Size 02:48 Key Studies on Deer Antler Size 06:59 Texas Apache Ranch Study Insights 10:22 Analyzing Personal Hunting Data 15:35 Wyoming Deer Data Analysis 20:20 Regional Comparisons and Insights 27:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Planning an Alaska Blacktail Hunt with Jeff Lund and Tyler Bales
02/04/2025
Planning an Alaska Blacktail Hunt with Jeff Lund and Tyler Bales
In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, we introduce Jeff Lund, an experienced hunter and writer based in Alaska. Lund discusses his history in the hunting space, his experiences hunting blacktail deer, and the challenges posed by the local terrain and weather conditions. The conversation delves into the detailed planning required for a successful blacktail deer hunt, including the importance of scouting, understanding predator impacts, managing habitat for deer populations, and the gear necessary for navigating the rugged Alaskan landscape. Jeff also shares specific stories about his hunting adventures and provides practical advice for listeners planning their own trips. Check out Jeff's website or follow him You can request to follow Tyler Bales on IG ___ 01:16 Jeff's Journey to Alaska and Hunting Beginnings 03:50 Challenges and Changes in Blacktail Deer Hunting 09:07 Comparing Blacktail and Mule Deer Hunting 12:23 Preparing for the Hunt: Strategies and Expectations 22:39 Weather Challenges and Hunting in the Rain 36:24 Navigating Steep Timber with Ropes 37:24 Challenges of Hunting in Rocky Terrain 40:08 Strategies for Spotting and Shooting Deer 54:20 Dealing with Predators and Safety Concerns 01:00:01 Managing Hunting Pressure and Remote Locations 01:08:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections ___ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Hunter McWaters on Hunting Adventures, Catching the Muley Bug, and the Evolution of a Hunter
02/02/2025
Hunter McWaters on Hunting Adventures, Catching the Muley Bug, and the Evolution of a Hunter
In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden and Hunter McWaters talk about the whole gambit of western hunting adventure and the mule deer bug. Hunter shares his personal journey from a tumultuous past to finding redemption and purpose in hunting. Hunter recounts his hunting experiences in states like Colorado and Montana, as well as overseas in Spain. He also shares insights on choosing hunting spots in Wyoming and the value of seeking adventure over trophy goals. The episode highlights Hunter's evolution as a hunter, including his use of different weapons and bullet types, and his perspective on the hunting culture in the U.S. versus Europe. There are a ton of gems to pick up from this podcast. We hope you enjoy! _____ 02:22 Hunter's Origin Story 09:57 Success in Western Hunts 13:49 Deer vs. Elk Hunting 17:02 Blacktail Deer Hunt 34:06 Hunting in Spain: A Unique Experience 38:50 Mule Deer Hunting in the US 39:03 Comparing Hunting Experiences in Montana and Colorado 45:11 The Progression of a Hunter 51:28 Wyoming Deer Hunting Strategy 01:01:35 The Hunter's Quest: Where to Find More _____ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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There's No Place Like Home: In-State & Out-of-State Hunts with Jordan Stailey
01/27/2025
There's No Place Like Home: In-State & Out-of-State Hunts with Jordan Stailey
In this episode, Jaden catches up with New Mexican friend Jordan Staley. He doesn't look much like Dorothy (he's on IG) but the two discuss tactics for drawing and hunting elk, pronghorn, and coues deer in Jordan's backyard of New Mexico as well as out-of-state hunts like Arizona, Wyoming, and others. They also get into the nitty-gritty of getting into elk close to roads and the importance of understanding local wildlife behavior, usually by hunting the same place as much as possible or by learning your backyard. Jordan also shares his experiences participating in NRL Hunter competitions to improve his shooting skills and reflects on the balance of hunting for himself versus guiding family and friends. The episode is filled with hunting tips, stories from the field, field judging pronghorn, and much much more. We hope you enjoy this episode! ______ 01:28 Drawing Tags and Hunting Strategies 11:26 The Importance of Local Knowledge 37:02 Pronghorn Hunting in Wyoming 40:56 Scoring and Judging Pronghorn 51:45 Upcoming Hunts and Plans 59:04 Long Range Shooting and Competitions ______ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Cow Elk Hunts & Granolas v. Bubbas with Chad Lubinski
01/21/2025
Cow Elk Hunts & Granolas v. Bubbas with Chad Lubinski
In this Hunt West Podcast episode, Chad Lubinski shares his experiences of transitioning from hunting Midwest whitetails to digging into filling the freezer out west. The conversation covers a broad range of topics including Chad's adventures with pronghorn and cow elk hunts in Wyoming and the different types of cow elk hunts you can look for in the Cowboy State. The boys also discuss timber hunting versus open country glassing, differences between endurance sports and hunting, the importance of good gear, and the mindset required to be successful in different hunting terrains. Whether you are a seasoned hunter looking for information on cow elk hunts, or someone new who wants to hear about the learning curve of western hunting, you'll find learn something from this one and hopefully enjoy the good conversation between friends. ______ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Ice Bath Struggles 02:35 From Midwest to Western Hunting 04:45 Challenges of Oregon Hunting 09:01 Glassing Techniques and Strategies 16:07 Pronghorn Hunting Success 23:53 Elk Hunting Trials and Triumphs 36:36 Strategizing Elk Hunts: Immediate vs. Long-Term Goals 49:53 Endurance Sports and Hunting: A Mental Game 01:01:09 Lessons from Tree Stand Hunting 01:08:34 Final Thoughts and Social Media Plugs ______ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Out of State Hunting & Our Favorite New Gear with Chad Ryker
01/13/2025
Out of State Hunting & Our Favorite New Gear with Chad Ryker
In this episode, Jaden shares a podcast with the Out of State Hunter Podcast host, Chad Ryker. The guys cover the Wyoming elk applications, Arizona elk applications, and how to structure applications and strategies in conjunction with other states. They also talk about their favorite pieces of gear from 2024 (hint: one of these pieces was just released to the public) as well as new items in their backpacks for 2025. This is a hodgepodge of information in a conversational style with Chad. We hope you enjoy this old school style interview podcast. 🎧 Tune in to sharpen your knowledge and gear up for the adventure! Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Should You Choose Limited Quota or General in Wyoming with Logan Dix
01/10/2025
Should You Choose Limited Quota or General in Wyoming with Logan Dix
In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, host Jaden Bales helps you decide whether to wait to apply for a limited quota license or put in for a general license to elk hunt in Wyoming. Jaden shares personal experiences and advises hunters on making decisions with 4-10 preference points. The episode also features a guest, Logan Dix, who discusses his grandpa's limited quota hunt, as they compare various hunting situations and expectations. Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Wyoming General Elk Hunts: The Soup-To-Nuts Overview
01/06/2025
Wyoming General Elk Hunts: The Soup-To-Nuts Overview
In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, we explore the ins and outs of Wyoming's general elk hunting opportunities. From the rugged mountains of the West to the open landscapes of the East and the thick forests of the South, we break down each region's unique challenges and advantages. Learn how to align your hunting goals with your skills and experience and pick the right region and areas within the region for you. We also discuss the dynamics of Wyoming's general tag system and how to make the most of this hunting opportunity. Whether you're a resident or a non-resident planning your next hunt, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to help you strategize for success. 🎧 Tune in to sharpen your knowledge and gear up for the adventure! Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Where to Mule Deer Hunt in 2025: States, Strategies, and Opportunities
12/28/2024
Where to Mule Deer Hunt in 2025: States, Strategies, and Opportunities
In this episode of the Hunt West podcast, host Jaden Bales provides a soup-to-nuts overview of mule deer hunting across various Western states, including Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, and Washington. He discusses the current state of mule deer populations, various management strategies, and the best hunting opportunities available. Jaden also covers specific hunting regulations, season dates, and draws for different weapon types, offering tips for planning successful hunting trips in 2025 and beyond. The episode aims to educate hunters on how to create multi-state hunting plans while considering differences in terrain, buck ratios, and public land access. SHOW NOTES & MANAGMENT PLANS 00:33 Mule Deer Population Decline 01:08 Planning Your Mule Deer Hunt 04:24 Colorado: The Mule Deer State 11:35 Idaho: General Season Opportunities 15:53 Nevada: Low Density, High Quality 20:37 Montana: General Season Abundance 24:59 Utah: Conservative Management 28:37 Oregon: Emerging Opportunities 32:42 Wyoming: Diverse Management 39:00 Washington: Over-the-Counter Hunts 42:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ___ Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Wyoming Elk Applications & What To Do At Different Point Levels
12/17/2024
Wyoming Elk Applications & What To Do At Different Point Levels
On this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden breaks down the gist of the Wyoming nonresident elk application process, which are due on January 31st! He also goes into the various point levels, starting at the bottom and discussing how you'd go about building points while still hunting often in Wyoming, all the way to what he would do with 10 or more preference points. Not to mention, he gives an overview of the different General Regions and whether or not he thinks the Game and Fish will increase or decrease tags in each of them during the season setting process in April. If you're looking for some direction as to where to go with your Wyoming elk applications, Jaden is offering FREE 15-minute consultations with folks until January 15th. Be sure to hit him up at if you'd like to get on the phone and talk about what your application should look like. We hope you enjoy this episode and get a lot of value from it! Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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Should I Try To Get A Tag In Idaho?
12/01/2024
Should I Try To Get A Tag In Idaho?
In today's episode, Jaden tries to answer the question as to whether you should plan to get on the Idaho First-Come, First-Serve OTC tag system for elk, mule deer, and/or whitetails. Your mileage may vary and the answer as to whether you should spend the $185 to get a license and sit in the queue for a tag is certainly person-dependent. One way you can increase the opportunities for hunting across the West is getting creative with your weapon choices, though! Idaho is a great example where traditional muzzleloader seasons are available in the over-the-counter tags and someone who picks up a muzzle-stuffer can really unlock some fun season dates if they are willing to learn a new weapon system. Lastly, Jaden covers some housekeeping items before heading out on his last guided hunt of the year, including giving a breakdown of the Unlimited Membership service with Hunt West. New this year, Unlimited Members get a FREE $200 tax stamp from Silencer Central AND a FREE year-long membership with MTNTOUGH's online programing. Reach out at if you'd like to learn more about Hunt West Services. Contact Jaden at Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.
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