WESTERN PUBLIC LAND ELK HUNTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS | 🎙️ EP. 14

Planning your first public land hunt in the West? Whether you're chasing elk in Colorado, mule deer in Idaho, or trying to draw your first tag in Wyoming, this episode gives you the truth most hunters won’t tell you. No hype. No fluff. Just 100% real-world insight on how to prepare, hunt, and survive your first or next DIY western hunt.

I’m Matt Hartsky, and after 33+ years of Western big game hunting, I’ve learned what it really takes to succeed on public land elk and mule deer hunts—and in this episode, I’m giving you the crash course I wish I had when I started.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How to access and navigate Western public land hunting opportunities
• Tag strategy: understanding draw vs OTC elk and mule deer tags
• Essential backcountry hunting gear and packing tips
• How to train for altitude, steep terrain, and back-to-back hunt days
• E-scouting strategies for elk and mule deer
• How to mentally prepare for tough, pressured hunts
• Solo vs partner dynamics—what to expect and how to decide
• Mistakes most first-time western hunters make and how to avoid them
• How to hunt smarter when the pressure is high and the bulls go silent

Perfect for:
• Public land elk hunters
• DIY mule deer hunters
• First-time Western hunters heading to Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, or Utah
• Archery and rifle hunters building their first backcountry strategy

This isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation, strategy, and mental grit. If you're looking for public land hunting tips, want to understand how to hunt elk in high-pressure units, or need a clear blueprint for planning your first western backcountry hunt, this episode delivers.

Listen now to learn how to hunt with purpose—and make every step in the West count.