Politics and Preservation, What's Next for Colorado? w/ Dan and Karen Gates | Big Hunt Guys, Ep. 177

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys, Brady and Trail dive deep into one of the most critical—but often overlooked—parts of a successful backcountry hunt: your sleep system. From sleeping pads and sleeping bags to tents, they break down their personal setups, what works, what doesn’t, and how to find the perfect balance between comfort, weight, and performance. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter or just getting started, this is the gear talk you don't want to sleep on.

In this episode, Trail sits down with the Brock Wahl and David Gough of the North American Pronghorn Foundation to talk about the real challenges facing one of the West’s most iconic game animals. From feral horses to sagebrush steppe and grassland habitat loss and fragmented migration corridors to increasing pressure to sell public lands, the pronghorn’s future isn’t as secure as most of us might think. We dig into the science, the politics, and the boots-on-the-ground work being done to keep herds healthy and huntable. We also tackle the hot topic of predator management, how hunters can help beyond just buying a tag, and what it takes to protect the wide-open spaces pronghorn need to survive.

In this episode, Brady, Trail, and Nate Bare dive deep into one of the most important conversations in western hunting right now—public land access and the threat of public land sales. They break down the current status of Mike Lee’s land grab legislation. The initial version just got booted from the Senate’s budget package, but Senator Lee is still trying. Brady, Trail, and Nate Bare unpack how public pressure caused Lee to pivot slightly, but the reworded version could still impact BLM lands across the West. The guys cover what that really means for public land hunters, how you can stay in the know, and why it’s important to push back.Urge lawmakers to oppose public land sales: https://www.trcp.org/action-alert/urge-lawmakers-to-oppose-public-land-sales/

In this episode of The Big Hunt Guys, Lorenzo and Trail are joined by a couple relatively new archery elk hunters, our very own Chris Porter and Tall Paul Frame. The guys are gearing up for the upcoming season of chasing bugles with stick and string. We dive into the mindset, expectations, and realities of being a rookie in the archery elk woods. We talk preparation, finding elk, calling practice, learning curves, archery shot selection and what it really feels like to step into elk country for the very first time—with a bow in hand and hope in your heart. This episode is packed with archery elk tips and tricks to get you ready for the approaching season!

In this episode, the Big Hunt Guys dig into listener-submitted questions — everything from gear preferences, rifle and arrow setups to scouting strategies, most memorable moments and things we would go back and change if we could. We answer questions on mental toughness, getting in shape, and later kick around the idea of what buck to take if presented with a 200" net typical or a 230" gross nontypical. Nothing's off-limits. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, there’s something in here for you. Let's get into it.

In this week’s episode Lorenzo, Brady, and Trail get real about the pressure that comes with a high-demand tag. The guys break down how they tackle pre-season prep—from e-scouting and trail camera strategies to on-the-ground scouting and building a solid network that actually helps. They also dig into the ethics and effectiveness of trail cameras, the importance of balancing time and effort, and how to make the most of every day leading up to opening morning. Whether you’re chasing a once-in-a-decade tag or just want to up your prep game, this one’s packed with real talk and tactical advice.

The crew is back from the Alps of New Zealand to share the full story of an epic tahr hunt! Brady, Trail, Omar, and cameraman Joe sit down to recap the highs, the lows, and everything in between. They discuss the travel, gear, incredible terrain, gnarly weather, hunting bull tahr, and capturing it all on film. Hear about the travel chaos, the gear that held up (or didn’t), and the unforgettable moments that made this a hunt of a lifetime. Whether you're planning your own hunt in NZ or just love a good backcountry story, this one’s for you.

In this week's episode, The Big Hunt Guys sit down with Dan and Karen Gates, or Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, to discuss the landscape of conservation and hunting after the January Prop 127 vote in Colorado. They also break down potential new legislation and ballot initiatives threatening the future of hunting in the state. The 2026 political year is shaping up to be pivotal. We discuss what’s really behind these anti-hunting pushes, how they could disrupt decades of conservation work, and what hunters need to know right now to defend their lifestyle and Colorado’s wildlife management model. In 2026, hunting and sound wildlife science under the North American Model of Wildlife Management will be under attack in unprecedented ways; we need to be ready!Check out Dan's Podcast, "Through the Gates": https://throughthegates.buzzsprout.com/ Help Support CRWM Here: https://savethehuntcolorado.com/suppo...

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, young Omar shares the highs, lows, and everything in between from his recent 100-mile ultramarathon. He walks us through the months of training, the physical and mental toll of the race, and what kept him pushing through the pain. Omar’s journey is packed with lessons about mindset, setting a goal, and sticking to it. Omar ran to raise funds for a Nevada bighorn sheep guzzler project, helping ensure water access for wildlife in some of the toughest terrain out there. Tune in to hear about the mental battles, blistered feet, and the deeper mission that kept him moving.

In this week's episode of the Big Hunt Guys Brady and Trail are talking Wyoming speed goats, muleys, Arizona deer, and bighorn sheep. They start off breaking down their thoughts on Wyoming antelope and mule deer, covering tag draw odds, unit selection, and what kind of hunts to expect this season. Then the conversation shifts south to Arizona, where they discuss the upcoming deer and bighorn sheep draw. Finally, they take on a handful of random hunting questions. What’s most important: weapon proficiency, fitness, animal intuition, or general skills like glassing, e-scouting, and stalking? If you're planning to apply in Wyoming or Arizona or just need some random fireside banter, this one’s for you.