Elk Hunt

Forgiveness Over Speed: Jared Miller's Archery Philosophy

$10,000 Elk Voucher Giveaway! Before we jump in, I've got to tell you about an incredible giveaway we're running with Hunting Fool Adventures. We're giving away a $10,000 elk voucher that's good for a landowner tag, a fully guided hunt, or credit toward whatever you want for next elk season. Here Here's how to enter: For the last three years, I've been building a smartwatch specifically for hunters - the Reckon Founder Series. I was frustrated with the smartwatches out there and thought we could do better. Turns out, we can. If you're a smartwatch person, you're going to love this product. Trust me. Head over and hit the presale on the Reckon Founder Series watch right now and use code HF - you'll be automatically entered to win this $10,000 elk voucher from Hunting Fool. Whether you're looking for a landowner tag, a full guided hunt, or anything else, this voucher has you covered. If you've ever thought about getting a new watch, now's the time. Go check it out and throw your name in the hat! What's up, elk hunters! This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I sat down with my buddy Jared Miller, and man, this conversation went deep. We started talking about rifle hunting versus archery hunting elk (spoiler: Jared thinks rifle hunting elk in Montana is way harder than bow hunting), and somehow ended up diving into the mental game of archery, bow tuning secrets, and his insane Matthews hunt that we filmed this fall. Jared's one of those guys who's just obsessed with the process - whether it's shooting Vegas rounds every single day, torque tuning his bow, or working through Joel Turner's shot control process. We get into all of it. He shares some wild stories from this season, including a two-day Montana archery hunt that turned into one of the best films we've put out, and breaks down exactly how he stalked to 20 yards on a bedded bull in socks. If you're into archery hunting, this episode is packed with gold. We talk about grip pressure, forgiveness in bow setups, the mental side of executing under pressure, and why Jared shoots 30-60 arrows a day leading into season. Plus, he drops some serious knowledge on open country elk hunting and what he's learned about where these bulls actually bed. This one's a bit different from our usual episodes - less tactical talk, more mental game and archery deep dive - but I think you're gonna love it. Let's get into it.Jared's Matthews Film - Immersion Tricer Tripods - These guys make gear that's fast, light, and simple. From incredible tripods to bino mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods, Tricer has everything you need for better glassing setups. I've been running their bipod hard this season and killed a lot of critters with it. Head over to www.tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout. Stone Glacier - My Sky Archer 6400 has been everywhere with me this year - Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, Montana. Whether it's a 10-day backpack hunt or day hunting from the side-by-side, Stone Glacier makes minimalist, lightweight gear that works for everything. They've got a full suite of hardcore mountain hunting gear, so if you're in the market, check out www.stoneglacier.com and use code TRO for a discount. Chapters 0:00 - Intro & $10K Hunting Fool Elk Voucher Giveaway 3:15 - Rifle vs. Archery Elk Hunting 8:30 - Montana Rifle Season Grind 12:45 - Wyoming October Rifle Hunt 18:20 - Getting the New Matthews Bow 24:10 - Bow Setup & Tuning Philosophy 31:40 - Joel Turner Shot Process & Target Panic 40:25 - Forgiveness in Bow Setups 46:50 - String Angle & Slow-Mo Arrow Flight 52:15 - Alaska Blacktail Mental Rollercoaster 58:40 - The Matthews Film Hunt Begins 1:02:30 - The Stalk & Kill Shot 1:07:45 - Zach's Seven by Eight 1:10:20 - Open Country Hunting Tips 1:12:00 - Outro Three Key Takeaways Trust Your Instincts Under Pressure - Jared talks about how he played it too safe on his first couple stalks trying to accommodate the camera crew, but once he went back to his aggressive, instinctual hunting style, he closed the deal at 20 yards on a bedded bull. The lesson: find what works for you and stick to it, especially when the pressure is on. Forgiveness Over Speed in Bow Setup - Instead of chasing maximum speed, Jared prioritizes forgiveness in his bow setup (shooting around 280-285 fps, lots of vane, torque tuning). He explains how you can find an "equilibrium" where your bow hits center even when you torque left or right - critical for real hunting situations when you're not perfect. Mental Reps Are Everything - Jared shoots 30-60 arrows a day, but not just for physical strength. He's training his mental process - getting comfortable operating in a state of awareness, managing shot anticipation, and executing controlled shots even when his pin is floating. He credits Joel Turner's process for helping him overcome severe target panic that had even started affecting his rifle shooting.

Building Maps for Hunters: Jeremy Gilbertson on Bridger Watch & Elk Hunting

Alright, so Jeremy Gilbertson is one of those guys who just went all-in on elk hunting—and it worked. This dude studied elk hunting harder than he studied school, killed a bull on his first-ever trip 36 hours from his front door in Minnesota, and then spent the next few years guiding hunters and building maps for a living. Now he's joining the Bridger Watch team to help us build the absolute best maps for wearables, because turns out everyone who said "nobody wants maps on a watch" was dead wrong. We dive deep into Jeremy's journey from cold-calling Colorado OTC units to guiding on private ranches in New Mexico, and we get into the real tactics that separate the guys who find elk from the guys who wander around hoping. We talk about e-scouting secrets, micro terrain, efficiency versus effectiveness, why busy is lazy (shoutout to Cal Arnold), and how to hunt like a 301 even if you're happy shooting raghorns. Jeremy's got a unique perspective because he's both a hardcore public land DIY guy and a guide who's seen hundreds of hunters make the same mistakes. If you want to learn how to find elk in tough units, how to balance aggression with patience, and why you need way more than seven days to figure out a unit, this one's for you. Let's get into it. $10,000 ELK HUNT GIVEAWAY We're partnering with Huntin' Fool Adventures for an insane giveaway. When you preorder a Bridger Reckon Watch and use code HF at checkout, you're automatically entered to win a $10,000 elk hunt voucher. You can use this for New Mexico landowner tags, a fully guided hunt, or whatever elk hunting adventure you want. Here's the best part: we're talking single-digit entries right now, so your odds of winning are actually really, really good. This isn't one of those giveaways where you're up against 50,000 people—this is a legitimate shot at a dream elk hunt. Head over to bridgerwatch.com, preorder your Reckon, use code HF, and you're in. If you were already thinking about getting the Founder Series, this is a no-brainer. OnX Hunt - The ultimate tool for elk hunters and the app I absolutely won't go into the field without. Whether you're e-scouting from the couch or actually hunting elk, OnX gives you detailed maps, property boundaries, and over 50 layers of mapping data including satellite imagery, offline maps, and waypoints. It helps you make smarter decisions no matter where you hunt. Save time, avoid mistakes, and stay connected to your crew. If you're not an Elite member yet, you're missing out on a whole other level of tools. Head over to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership. Tricer - These guys make gear that's fast, light, and simple. From bomber tripods to spotting scope mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods—Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been running their bipod hard this season and it's been rock solid. If you're looking to upgrade your glassing system, check out Tricer. Head over to tricer.com, use code TRO at checkout, and save yourself 10%. Stone Glacier - I've packed out a lot of animals with my Stone Glacier pack. This year, the Sky Archer 6400 has been with me to Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, and Montana. Whether it's a 10-day backpack hunt or day hunting from the side-by-side, Stone Glacier is minimalist, lightweight, and versatile. They make an entire suite of hardcore mountain hunting gear. Head over to stoneglacier.com, use code TRO, and get yourself some great gear. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro & Bridger Watch Announcement 2:30 - Jeremy's New Role at Bridger Watch 5:45 - Building the Best Maps for Wearables 8:20 - Jeremy's Elk Hunting Origin Story 11:15 - From Minnesota Deer Hunter to Colorado Elk Obsessed 14:30 - First Hunt: 36 Hours to a Bull on the Ground 18:45 - How Much Was Luck vs. Skill? 21:30 - Advice to Your Younger Self 24:15 - Learning When to Run and When to Crawl 28:40 - Hunting 101 vs 201 vs 301 33:20 - Understanding Herd Dynamics at the Macro Level 37:50 - What Guiding Teaches You About Elk 41:15 - Elk Bros Outfitting Model Explained 45:30 - Hunting the Nucleus vs. Chasing Satellites 49:00 - Teaching Hunters vs. Learning Yourself 52:45 - E-Scouting Secrets: Avoid the OnX Holes 57:20 - Looking for Micro Terrain, Not Big Features 1:01:30 - Turn Off Public Land Layers When E-Scouting 1:04:45 - Rifle Hunting: Finding Where One Elk Can Survive 1:09:15 - Efficiency vs. Effectiveness in Hunt Planning 1:13:30 - Decision Fatigue and Mental Management 1:17:45 - Whoop for Hunters: Managing Expedition-Level Stress 1:21:00 - Why You Need More Than Seven Days 1:25:30 - Time on Feet Beats Everything Else 1:28:15 - Patience is the Hardest Skill to Master 1:31:45 - Elk Bros Details & Who It's For 1:34:00 - Outro & Hunt Planner Download THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS Stop Looking for Perfect Spots—Find Where Elk Can Survive - Everyone e-scouts the same big features: burns, mega meadows, obvious north-facing slopes. Jeremy's secret? Look for the smallest pockets where elk could survive, not where they want to be. That 50-acre hidden basin above the highway? That's where the pressure-educated bulls are living. When you're looking at a unit, turn off the public land layers and ask yourself: if I could hunt anywhere, where would the elk actually be? Then figure out how to access those spots legally. The micro terrain beats the macro highlights every single time. You Need Way More Than Seven Days to Figure Out a Unit - Outfitters operate on seven-day hunts because they've already spent years figuring out where the elk are and what they're doing. When you show up as a DIY hunter with seven days, you're spending the first five just learning what the guide already knows. Jeremy's rule: plan for 10-15 days minimum if you're hunting a new unit. The hard units? Budget 12+ days just to figure it out, then another 3-4 to actually execute. If you only have seven days, you're gambling that you'll figure it out faster than average—and most guys are packing out on the drive home with all the knowledge they needed on day one. Hunt Like a 301 Even If You're Happy Shooting Raghorns - The difference between a 201 hunter and a 301 hunter isn't the size of the bull—it's understanding the entire system. A 201 hunter finds a herd and focuses on that six-point. A 301 hunter understands where all the herds are, how they interact, where the satellites are coming and going, and how pressure moves elk across the entire unit. Here's the secret: if you hunt the nucleus where the big bulls are, you'll magnetize all the smaller bulls trying to be there too. Understanding macro herd dynamics doesn't just help you find giants—it puts you in position to encounter way more elk, period.

The Idaho Draw: What Changed and Where the Opportunities Are

What's up, elk hunters! This week I'm sitting down with Jayden Bales to talk about Idaho's brand new draw system—and honestly, this changes everything for how we think about western elk hunting strategy. If you've been following along, you know Idaho just flipped the script from their old over-the-counter system to a randomized draw. No more showing up at midnight to get in line. No more refreshing your browser hoping your number gets called. It's a whole new ball game, and Jaden and I are breaking down what this means for both residents and non-residents. We dive deep into whether Idaho is actually worth applying for, how it stacks up against other states like New Mexico and Colorado, and whether the new party application system makes this the perfect "backup tag" state. We also get into some real talk about draw strategy, why trophy quality doesn't matter as much as you think, and how to actually pick a unit that's going to make you a better elk hunter—not just feed your Instagram. Plus, we talk about dirt bikes, the death of honey holes, why flying into the backcountry isn't always the magic solution people think it is, and whether open country glassing is officially blown out. Jaden also drops the bombshell that he's officially a Montana resident again (told you he'd be back), and we wrap up talking about whether either of us are even going to apply for Idaho this year. This is a no-BS conversation about modern elk hunting strategy, where the opportunities actually are, and why guarding your Septembers is more important than ever. Let's get into it. Episode Sponsors Stone Glacier - The leaders in ultralight hunting gear. Whether you're on a 10-day backcountry sheep hunt or covering 10+ miles a day looking for elk, Stone Glacier's minimalist designs keep the weight down, which pays big dividends when you're covering lots of miles. But it's not just about light packs—Stone Glacier has the full setup now with tents, sleeping bags, and premium clothing. You don't sacrifice quality and durability with their lightweight gear. Trust Stone Glacier to help you go further and faster. Check out their high-performance gear at stoneglacier.com. OnX Hunt - If you're not using the new LiDAR feature on OnX yet, you're literally leaving elk off the table. LiDAR gives you the ability to see micro-terrain in your topo maps—it cuts out the trees and shows you micro benches and details on the side of mountains that are huge for finding elk. If you're not an Elite member yet, you need to be, because LiDAR is amazing. Better maps make you a better hunter. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership. Tricer Tripods - Fast, light, and simple—that's what Tricer is all about. From amazing tripods to bino mounts and their new bipods, Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been using the heck out of their bipod and it's helped me kill a lot of critters. Head over to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Sponsor Ads 2:15 - Idaho's New Draw System: What Changed? 5:30 - Are We Pissing Off Idaho Residents? (Probably) 8:00 - Party Applications: Game Changer or Overhyped? 12:45 - Where Does Idaho Rank for Elk Hunting? 16:00 - Draw Odds: Idaho vs. New Mexico Reality Check 20:30 - Should You Actually Apply? The Honest Answer 24:15 - Trophy Quality Doesn't Matter (Here's Why) 28:00 - The Panhandle, Frank Church & Hard-to-Hunt Units 32:30 - Becoming a Better Elk Hunter: At-Bats Over Inches 36:45 - Dirt Bikes, Four-Wheelers & the Access Advantage 40:00 - Why Honey Holes Die (Stop Being Married to Spots) 44:15 - Fly-In & Jet Boat Hunts: Adventure vs. Success 48:30 - Open Country is Blown Out (What's Next?) 52:00 - Are We Even Applying? The Hypocrite Dilemma 55:30 - Jaden Moves to Montana & Guarding September Three Key Takeaways Optimize for At-Bats, Not Trophy Quality - When picking an Idaho unit, stop filtering for the biggest bulls. The difference between a 270" bull and a 300" bull isn't worth sacrificing opportunities. Ten chances at 260" bulls will make you a better hunter than one chance at a 300" bull. Focus on elk density, huntable terrain, and getting as many encounters as possible to actually improve your skills. Assets Matter More Than Effort in Idaho - Idaho is one of those states where you almost need a dirt bike, ATV, or side-by-side to hunt successfully. The terrain beats up trucks, trails go deep, and most successful hunters are mobile. If you're planning to just park at a trailhead and hike, you're going to be severely limited. Build your hunt strategy around the tools you have access to—whether that's motorized access or focusing on lower-elevation glassing country. Party Applications Change Everything for Draw Strategy - With Idaho's new party application system, it's now the perfect "backup tag" state for groups who hunt together. Unlike Colorado (where point differences screw you) or other states with complex systems, Idaho lets you draw as a group with zero upfront cost beyond the license. This makes it ideal for having an elk tag in your pocket early in the draw season, which completely changes how you approach applying for other premium tags.

Unpressured Bulls in the Alpine: Finding Elk Gold

What's up, elk hunters! This week I'm sitting down with Jacob Winn, and let me tell you—this guy had an absolutely banner year. We're talking about a double bull season: a great six-point with his bow AND another six-point during rifle season. Jacob takes us through his entire 2024 elk hunting journey, from chasing big bulls in Idaho's rugged backcountry to navigating the ups and downs that come with archery season. We dive deep into his strategies, the mistakes he made (and learned from), and how persistence and putting in the days is what really separates successful elk hunters from everyone else. This episode is packed with action—we're talking multiple close encounters, blown opportunities, and some absolutely clutch moments that'll get you fired up for next season. Jacob breaks down everything from scouting tactics to reading bull behavior, hunting with buddies, and knowing when to leave elk to find better elk. Whether you're a DIY archery hunter grinding it out or a rifle hunter trying to find bulls in nasty late-season country, there's something in this episode for you. Let's get into it! OnX Hunt - If you're not using the new LiDAR feature on OnX yet, you're leaving elk on the mountain. LiDAR gives you the ability to see micro-terrain in your topo maps—those hidden benches and terrain features that make all the difference in finding elk. Upgrade to OnX Elite and take your mapping to the next level. Better maps make you a better hunter. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership. Stone Glacier - Jacob and I both run Stone Glacier packs, and for good reason. The new Sky Archer 6400 is versatile enough to handle an 8-day backpack hunt or work as a lightweight day pack for bow hunting. These packs are built tough but weigh almost nothing. Check out the full line of Stone Glacier packs at stoneglacier.com—they've got something for every style of hunter. Tricer - Fast, light, and simple—that's what Tricer is all about. From amazing tripods to bino mounts and their new bipods, Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been using the heck out of their bipod and it's helped me kill a lot of critters. Head over to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Meat Processing Talk 2:45 - Jacob's Epic Double Bull Season 5:30 - Getting Started: Jacob's Elk Hunting Background 8:15 - First Archery Season (2021) - 25 Days of Learning 12:00 - Adapting Tactics: From Calling to Open Country 16:30 - The Banner 2023 Season & Double Bull Success 20:45 - Learning from Failure: The Tough 2024 Archery Season 24:00 - Planning for 2024: Scouting & Drawing the Control Hunt Tag 28:15 - Opening Day Drama: The 348" Bull 32:00 - Noah Tags Out in 30 Minutes 35:30 - September Gets Tough: Reading Bull Behavior 39:00 - The Move to New Country 42:15 - Discovering the Mother Lode Basin 46:30 - Ten At-Bats in One Evening 50:00 - The Final Morning: Persistence Pays Off 54:00 - The Perfect Shot at 43 Yards 56:30 - Rifle Season: Finding Elk After the Storm 1:00:00 - Last Evening Magic: Double Bulls Again 1:03:30 - Advice for Becoming a Better Elk Hunter 1:05:15 - Wrap Up & Where to Follow Jacob Three Key Takeaways Volume of Opportunities Matters More Than Perfect Execution - Jacob's success came from getting 10+ close encounters with bulls rather than making every shot count. The more you can put yourself in position with elk, the higher your odds of success. Hunt as many days as possible and stay persistent. Don't Be Afraid to Leave Elk to Find Better Elk - Especially in archery season, pressured or difficult-to-hunt elk aren't worth grinding on forever. Jacob's best success came when he was willing to move to new basins and find unpressured bulls that were actually killable. Combat hunting changes the game. Bulls Have Different Personalities and Situations Change Daily - Not every rutting bull acts the same way. Some go crazy on opening day, others stay cautious all season. Wind, cow cycles, pressure from other bulls, and even individual personality all factor in. Stay adaptable and don't expect bulls to behave like they do in hunting videos.

16 Days Solo: How Lydia Smith Hunted Down Idaho's 'Growler Bull

What's up everyone! This week I'm sitting down with Lydia Smith, and honestly, I'm blown away by this woman. She's one of the most consistently successful elk hunters I've ever met—killing big bulls year after year like it's no big deal. And here's the kicker: she's completely self-taught. No dad taking her out as a kid, no mentor guiding her through it. Just pure grit, determination, and an obsession with figuring it out. In this episode, Lydia breaks down her 2024 hunt where she spent 16 days solo in the backcountry chasing what she called "the growler bull"—a massive Idaho six-point that she'd been hearing bugle outside her tent for two weeks. We dive deep into her stalking tactics (spoiler: she barely calls at all), how she slow-plays opportunities most hunters would rush, and why she believes elk on public land are getting conditioned to human calling. But this conversation goes way beyond tactics. Lydia opens up about the emotional weight of taking an animal's life, dealing with criticism for showing her emotions on camera, and some seriously intense experiences in the backcountry—including a moose attack at 17 that could've ended very differently. We also talk about what it takes to go solo as a woman in the mountains, building confidence through experience, and why she chooses to live a life centered around hunting even when it means sacrificing the conventional path. If you're someone who's grinding it out on public land, trying to learn this game without a mentor, or just want to hear from someone who's mastered the art of patience and persistence in the elk woods, this episode is for you. Lydia's story is proof that you don't need anyone's permission or guidance to become exceptional—you just need to refuse to quit. OnX Hunt - The ultimate hunting app just keeps getting better. Their new weather feature is a game-changer—tap anywhere on the map and get hyperlocal weather data that actually takes topography into account. No more guessing based on the nearest town. See wind variations across different parts of your hunting area and plan accordingly. Become an Elite member and get all the premium features. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20%. Tricer - Fast, light, and simple gear from tripods to bino mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods. If you're looking for a new system for better glassing or a rock-solid shooting platform, Tricer delivers. I've been using the heck out of their bipod this season and killed a lot of critters with it. Check them out at tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout. Stone Glacier - Check out their Black Label Program. When you purchase a black label product (like the Grumman Down Hoodie or Hardwall Soft Shell), you get automatic free shipping, early access to exclusive new gear, a dedicated customer service rep, and you're entered into the Back in Black giveaway featuring a Hoyt RX-9 Bow, Sig P320, Sky Archer Pack, and more. Head to stoneglaciergear.com/blacklabel to check it out. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 03:45 - Lydia's background: Self-taught and starting at 18 08:30 - The 2024 hunt setup: 16 days solo in the backcountry 12:15 - "The growler bull" - Two weeks of hearing him bugle 18:20 - The perfect storm and the final stalk 24:40 - The two-hour chase and getting within range 28:50 - The shot and the agonizing overnight wait 32:10 - Finding him 300 yards away 35:45 - Why this bull was so special 38:20 - Solo hunting: The magic and the terror 42:00 - Her second bull story: Watching him take his last breath 46:15 - Dealing with criticism for showing emotions 50:30 - The moose attack at 17 and other backcountry close calls 54:20 - Her stalking philosophy: Why she barely calls anymore 58:40 - Daily tactics and being strategically patient 1:02:15 - Hunting new areas vs. local knowledge 1:04:30 - Outfitting business info and closing thoughts Three Key Takeaways Strategic Patience Beats Aggressive Calling on Pressured Elk - Lydia has found that on heavily hunted public land, elk are becoming conditioned to human calling and often respond negatively. Her approach focuses on silent stalking, using terrain and wind to her advantage, and only calling when she's within 75 yards of a herd bull. She'll pass on opportunities if the wind isn't perfect, understanding that pushing elk prematurely can blow them out of an area entirely. Time is the Ultimate Advantage in Public Land Elk Hunting - Lydia spent 16 days in the backcountry on this hunt, and she emphasizes that consistent success on public land archery elk requires dedicating serious time. She believes out-of-state hunters with only 5 days have less than a 10% success rate. The ability to wait for the perfect conditions, study elk patterns over multiple days, and be in position when everything aligns is what separates consistent success from occasional luck. You Don't Need a Mentor to Become Exceptional - Lydia is completely self-taught, starting elk hunting at 18 with no family background in it. She ate four or five tags before killing her first bull, learning entirely through trial and error, scar tissue, and refusing to quit. Her story proves that while mentorship is valuable, pure determination, willingness to learn from mistakes, and putting in the days can make you just as deadly in the mountains.