Grit, Gear & Mule Deer: A Conversation w/ Jess Laughter | Big Hunt Guys, Ep. 232

Wildfires occur throughout the summer months in the West, but what actually happens to wildlife when the landscape burns? Do deer and elk outrun the flames? Does fire destroy habitat, or can it actually improve it over time? On this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Trail sits down with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mike Wardle and Madeka Hansen to separate fact from fiction. They discuss how different species survive wildfires, how animals react before, during, and after a fire, the long-term effects on habitat, and what wildlife managers do to help landscapes recover.Get $50 in GOHUNT Shop Credit for Insider by using promo code PODCAST:https://www.gohunt.com/user/register?plan=insider&promo=podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Whitney of Tenacity Firearms to dig into everything that goes into building a custom rifle... without the custom rifle price tag or extremely long wait times. We dive into why a custom Tenacity is cheaper than some line production rifles. How I've been using a Tenacity for almost a year now, including taking my mountain goat last fall. If you just drew a mule deer or elk tag, or you're looking to upgrade your rifle, this is a great discussion of what goes into a custom rifle and why you don't get that from a production rifle. Plus, we dive into the components of their rifles, which are ones I'd use anyway if I was going to build my own custom rifle. I love precision rifles, and this podcast was a fun one!Check out their rifles at: https://www.tenacityarms.com/Learn more about GOHUNT.Follow Brady on Instagram.Follow GOHUNT on Social Media:InstagramYouTube - Podcast ChannelYouTube - Main ChannelFacebook

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Trail and Brady sit down with Trevor Stewart from Uncharted Supply to discuss preparedness, survival gear, and why being ready for the unexpected matters in both the backcountry and everyday life. Trevor shares the story behind Uncharted Supply, how the company develops practical emergency and survival equipment. The conversation covers hunting adventures, backcountry safety, essential gear, emergency planning, and the mindset that can make all the difference when things don't go as planned. Whether you're a hunter, outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to be more prepared, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical takeaways.Get $50 in GOHUNT Shop Credit for Insider by using promo code PODCAST:https://www.gohunt.com/user/register?plan=insider&promo=podcast

Steep terrain exposes every weakness in your shooting setup. In this episode, Trail covers the fundamentals of accurate uphill and downhill shooting, including how to properly level your sight using 1st, 2nd, and 3rd axis adjustments. He also walks through body positioning, shot execution, and common mistakes hunters make when shooting from awkward angles. Whether you're preparing for your first western hunt or fine-tuning your mountain setup, this episode will help you make better shots when it matters most.

After stepping away from bowhunting, Brady Miller is officially back! In this episode of The Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Brady shares what led to him quitting bowhunting and why he decided it was time to pick up a bow again. He talks about how his perspective on bowhunting has changed over the last ten years. We discuss the challenges of getting back into bowhunting, lessons learned from time away, gear updates, preseason preparation, and what he's most excited about this season. Trail and Brady also talk about new archery equipment, bow builds, and tips and tricks when setting up a new bow. Whether you've followed Brady's journey for years or you're hearing his story for the first time, this episode offers an honest look at rediscovering the passion for the hunt.Get $50 in GOHUNT Shop Credit for Insider by using promo code PODCAST:https://www.gohunt.com/user/register?plan=insider&promo=podcast

This is Part 2 of the "Drew a Tag, Now What?" series, and it's a full listener Q&A on one of my favorite ways to prepare for a hunt: e-scouting. A few weeks ago we asked for your e-scouting questions over on the GOHUNT Instagram, and you guys sent in some absolutely phenomenal ones. So in this episode I'm tackling nearly every single one. In my opinion, e-scouting is one of the most important tools we have as hunters because you can do it 24/7, 365. But it can also be overwhelming… so I try to break it all down into a process you can repeat.I dive into: what actually makes a spot bucky (cover, security, feed, shade, glassing), which slopes I key on, identifying mule deer feed in satellite imagery, my waypoint color-coding system, e-scouting the thick PJ desert, finding water off the map, high alpine archery, third rifle transition range, October bucks, breaking down a big general state like Montana, and how to dumb it all down if you're brand new. I discuss elevation bands, road density, winter range and migration layers, terrain analysis, and historical imagery, so you can hear how I layer that data analysis into a real game plan. It's not about finding one magic waypoint. It's about layering the data, letting those layers converge, and building a plan you trust enough to act on. Put your reps in now, and come season you'll be hunting with confidence instead of guessing.Learn more about GOHUNT.Follow Brady on Instagram.Follow GOHUNT on Social Media:InstagramYouTube - Podcast ChannelYouTube - Main ChannelFacebook

In this solo episode, Trail breaks down his complete approach to summer mule deer scouting. He explains where mature bucks spend their summers, the habitat features he prioritizes, and the key reasons certain areas consistently hold older-age-class deer. Trail also shares the exact notes he records on every buck he scouts—from antler characteristics, travel patterns, bedding locations, behavior, and vulnerability factors. These scouting details help build a reliable profile on each deer long before opening day. Trail also offers up the stats behind the best mule deer bucks he's harvested. He analyzes the elevation, slope, aspect and vegetation type for each buck. Whether you're trying to locate your first mature buck or refine your scouting system for bigger deer, this episode is packed with practical ideas and real-world lessons from chasing mule deer in the West.

In this episode of The Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Brady and Trail sit down with a friend of GOHUNT, Jess Laughter, to talk all things backcountry hunting. Jess shares her approach to archery, including how she selects a bow, dials in her setup, and prepares for hunting season. Jess also recounts her memorable archery mule deer hunt from last season, walking us through the scouting, challenges, key decisions, and the emotions of the hunt from start to finish. Whether you're new to hunting or a seasoned backcountry hunter looking to refine your setup, this episode is packed with practical insights, hunting stories, and lessons learned.

You drew the tag. The rush hits, you call your buddies, and then reality sets in. Now what? In this solo episode, I'm walking you through the exact prep sequence I try to use the second a tag lands in my hand. While some of these might seem very basic, the work happens between the draw results day and the season opener. Because in my opinion, that window right there is what separates a good hunt from a truly memorable one. Drawing the tag isn't the finish line. It's step one. Note: I left e-scouting OUT of this one on purpose. This episode is the foundation: knowing your tag, researching your unit, leaning on the community, understanding the biology, and getting your body and gear ready. The mapping deep dive deserves its own episode, and that's exactly what's coming next. Get this groundwork right, and your e-scouting and boots-on-the-ground scouting will actually pay off.Check out an article on this process here that can be applied to any state/tag you drew: https://www.gohunt.com/browse/tips-and-tricks/insider/if-you-drew-a-deer-or-elk-tag-in-colorado-start-here-to-prepare-for-your-huntLearn more about GOHUNT.Follow Brady on Instagram.Follow GOHUNT on Social Media:InstagramYouTube - Podcast ChannelYouTube - Main ChannelFacebook

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, we sit down with Jenny Lesieutre for an update on one of the most controversial wildlife and public lands issues in the American West: feral horses and burros. Jenny breaks down the current status of feral horse and burro populations, how their numbers have grown beyond management objectives, and the impacts overpopulation can have on native wildlife, habitat health, water resources, and public lands. We also dive into the history and intent of the Wild Horse and Burro Act, how management has evolved over the decades, and the challenges agencies face today. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or rancher, this conversation provides important context on an issue that affects wildlife management across the West. We also discuss practical ways sportsmen can become informed, engaged, and involved in shaping future policy and management decisions.Check out the article Brady referenced for population data: https://www.gohunt.com/browse/journal/the-life/the-colossal-backlash-of-wild-horses-on-wildlife