Drawn West

How to Draw Tags - Western Application Systems Explained

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-trappingFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers00:00 – Why “draw a tag” is step one

Why Hunters Eventually Get Into Trapping

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-knivesFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Collab kickoff + trapping bug01:45 – How Idaho vs Minnesota trapping education works06:15 – Early exposure to trapping culture (and what changed)09:45 – “Why am I doing this?” — the addiction to challenge14:10 – Trap prep debate: boil, rust, dye, wax… or just run them18:10 – Anchors vs drags + frozen ground problems23:00 – Cable restraints: lighter, faster, more scalable26:10 – 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

Arizona Elk and Antelope – Is It Worth It?

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.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb01:45 Arizona License & Application Costs03:10 The Every-Other-Year License Strategy05:00 Arizona Weather, Drought, and Herd Health06:45 Arizona’s Modified Bonus Point Draw09:10 Group Applications & Non-Resident Caps11:40 How Good Is Arizona Elk Hunting Today?14:00 Arizona as a Mid-Range Elk Strategy18:00 Arizona Antelope Reality Check21:30 Final Verdict & Application Advice

Wyoming Elk Applications 2026

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 playsSubscribe 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/g3aa8L4FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Wyoming Elk Deadline & Fees02:35 – Preference Points Are No Longer Automatic03:48 – How the Wyoming Elk Draw Works07:25 – Wyoming Elk Tag Types Explained09:45 – General License & Regions12:15 – Group Applications & Point Averaging13:54 – General Tag Draw Odds by Region16:18 – Regular vs Special: Is It Worth It?18:40 – Limited Entry Options by Point Level21:03 – When You Should Skip Applying23:25 – Elk Herd Health & 2026 Outlook25:57 – Final Recommendation & Wrap-Up

Best of SHOT Show 2026

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 builtIf 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/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb