After Action Review: Seasoned Insights from an Unseasoned Elk Hunter

This week, I’m joined by Young Jaden as we dive deep into the art and strategy of getting elk tags. Together, we nerd out on how to select the best areas and units, what to prioritize, and some of the key details hunters often overlook. We also tackle the shift in elk hunting strategy and why the "5-year plan" for tags is quickly becoming outdated. With major changes happening in OTC (Over-The-Counter) states, we explore how these adjustments will impact hunters who want a tag every year. In this episode, we break down: Best states and hunts for maximizing "at-bats" and annual opportunities, Dream hunt states and strategies for planning bucket-list hunts, and How evolving tag systems will shape the future of elk hunting. It’s a fun, informative, and enlightening conversation perfect for anyone looking to up their game and develop a 201-level approach to elk tags. Don’t miss this episode—enjoy!This episode is brought to you by Wild Meat Gear, your one-stop shop for premium, durable hunting gear designed for the toughest conditions. Whether you're hunting in the mountains or braving rough terrain, Wild Meat Gear has the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. From high-quality knives to field gear, they have you covered for every aspect of your hunt. Check out their full lineup today at WildMeatGear.com.Don't forget to enter this month's giveaway for a chance to win a premium piece of Wild Meat Gear—head over to elkhunt201.com/giveaways to enter today!

This weeks episode is from my conversation with Brandon Purcell over on the TRO podcast, but the elk hunting segment from that show was too good not to bring to our archive of best elk hunting podcasts so if you heard the whole ep over there you heard this. If you Want to hear the whole podcast be sure to check that out on The Rich Outdoors. This week I’m joined by Brandon Purcell, one of the most consistent rifle elk hunters in the game. Brandon’s 2023 elk season was nothing short of legendary, and in this episode, he breaks down his incredible success. From fast-paced, one-day hunts to tough, grind-it-out adventures, Brandon shares his secrets to consistently filling tags year after year. We dive deep into his strategies for hunting elk in challenging conditions, how he adapts to changing environments, and the mindset that keeps him going when most hunters would call it quits. Brandon also recounts his most recent hunt—a phenomenal general rifle bull elk in Montana. With deep snow and few elk in sight, it was a hunt that tested his determination. But perseverance paid off, and the result is a story that will inspire any elk hunter. If you’re looking to improve your rifle elk hunting skills or just love hearing about epic elk hunting adventures, this episode is packed with tips, tactics, and inspiration.This episode is brought to you by Wild Meat Gear, your one-stop shop for premium, durable hunting gear designed for the toughest conditions. Whether you're hunting in the mountains or braving rough terrain, Wild Meat Gear has the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. From high-quality knives to field gear, they have you covered for every aspect of your hunt. Check out their full lineup today at WildMeatGear.com.Don't forget to enter this month's giveaway for a chance to win a premium piece of Wild Meat Gear—head over to elkhunt201.com/giveaways to enter today!

This week on the podcast, we’re joined again by Dr. Gabe Krahn, the Canadian elk hunter, for another great conversation about hunting thick timber bulls. Gabe shares his experiences from his past season hunting in a new area of British Columbia, diving into the challenges of chasing these elusive bulls. He and Cody break down the situations, discussing what went well, what didn’t, and what tactics could have been employed for better results. If you’re a Roosevelt hunter, this episode is packed with valuable insights. In addition to elk hunting talk, Dr. Krahn explores the concept of surrogate endpoints in medical research and how similar mistakes can be found in hunting gear reviews and gear analysis. This unique crossover of topics will give you a new perspective on both hunting and how we evaluate elk hunting gear. This episode is brought to you by Wild Meat Gear, your one-stop shop for premium, durable hunting gear designed for the toughest conditions. Whether you're hunting in the mountains or braving rough terrain, Wild Meat Gear has the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. From high-quality knives to field gear, they have you covered for every aspect of your hunt. Check out their full lineup today at WildMeatGear.com.Don't forget to enter this month's giveaway for a chance to win a premium piece of Wild Meat Gear—head over to elkhunt201.com/giveaways to enter today!

This week on the podcast, we’re joined once again by Dillon Dietz, who’s been on a mission to kill his first elk—and he finally did it! Dillon shares the story of his tough elk season, filled with frustrations and challenges. After a long season of setbacks, including trucks blocking his plans at every turn, Dillon made a last-minute decision to try a new spot he marked on OnX. Despite a few mishaps along the way, Dillon didn’t give up and finally found success at the last possible moment. We dive into Dillon's learning curve, his growth as an elk hunter, and the advice he would give to his rookie self. This episode is packed with valuable insights and an inspiring story about persistence, resilience, and learning through experience. Don't miss out on our exciting monthly giveaway! Each month, we’re giving you the chance to win amazing hunting gear to elevate your outdoor adventures. Whether it’s top-notch optics, essential hunting tools, or apparel, our giveaways are designed to help you gear up for the season. Ready to enter? Head over to our giveaway page now and make sure you’re in the running for this month's prize. It's simple, and you could be our next lucky winner! Stay tuned for updates and good luck!

This week on the podcast, Zach Bowhay joins the show to share the rollercoaster ride of his elk season. From one of the toughest Septembers he can remember—calling in and killing the only bull he encountered—to an October full of incredible success stories, Zach's season is a true testament to perseverance. Zach recounts helping his father-in-law, dad, and son each take bulls, all while capping off the season with an epic muzzleloader bull at 30 yards! It’s a season full of highs, lows, and valuable lessons that prove the importance of Always Keep Going. Don't miss out on our exciting monthly giveaway! Each month, we’re giving you the chance to win amazing hunting gear to elevate your outdoor adventures. Whether it’s top-notch optics, essential hunting tools, or apparel, our giveaways are designed to help you gear up for the season. Ready to enter? Head over to our giveaway page now and make sure you’re in the running for this month's prize. It's simple, and you could be our next lucky winner! Stay tuned for updates and good luck!

This week on the Elk Hunt podcast, Sean Moody joins us to share an epic tale of success and learning in the elk hunting world. Having drawn a coveted special elk permit in Idaho, Sean was determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Although he wouldn’t call himself an expert, Sean approached the hunt with enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and the hope of getting some good at-bats. What unfolded was a whirlwind of excitement as Sean encountered an absolute unit of a bull elk. However, the pressure of the moment quickly became overwhelming, leading to a misstep that left him sick to his stomach. Join us as Sean recounts the highs and lows of his experience, the lessons learned, and the sheer thrill of chasing a once-in-a-lifetime bull. Don't miss out on our exciting monthly giveaway! Each month, we’re giving you the chance to win amazing hunting gear to elevate your outdoor adventures. Whether it’s top-notch optics, essential hunting tools, or apparel, our giveaways are designed to help you gear up for the season. Ready to enter? Head over to our giveaway page now and make sure you’re in the running for this month's prize. It's simple, and you could be our next lucky winner! Stay tuned for updates and good luck!

Episode 100 of the ELK HUNT podcast!!! This week on the podcast, we take a deep dive into elk season with one of our most intriguing guests yet—Nick Papsadora. A prior Marine Corps officer, Nick has immersed himself in the world of archery elk hunting, and his after-action review from this season is nothing short of impressive. In our conversation, Nick shares his valuable insights, lessons learned, and candid breakdowns of both his mistakes and successes in the field. His journey provides a unique perspective that will resonate with both seasoned and novice elk hunters alike. Beyond hunting, Nick serves as the Operations Manager for The Foundation Station, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Gold Star families in Bozeman. Join us for an enlightening discussion that blends the challenges of elk hunting with the mission of giving back to the community.

This week, young Jaden and I catch up on his epic season of guiding, filled with incredible hunts and a rollercoaster of highs and lows—especially with a commissioner tag holder. We dive into some amazing stories from the field and discuss what’s coming up for rifle season, both as a guide and for his personal hunts. It’s always great to reconnect with good buddies after a long season—this episode is full of laughs, insights, and lessons learned in the mountains.

This week on the Elk Hunt podcast, we wrap up my thrilling 2024 elk season with an unforgettable weekend that exceeded all expectations. I had the opportunity to take a great bull, while my good buddy Jeff Helm capitalized on a bull he pursued the night before—talk about teamwork! With only three days in the field, it was an epic adventure packed with excitement. In the second half of the episode, Jeff shares his proven system for success in elk hunting. An under-the-radar elk killer with a wealth of experience and a long list of successful hunts, Jeff dives into his thought process for getting into elk and making things happen. His insights on developing that gut instinct as an elk killer are invaluable. Join us for an inspiring conversation that may just enhance your own hunting strategies! This episode is brought to you by Weatherby. If you’re in the market for an exceptional elk gun that combines the best features of a custom rifle without the hefty price tag, look no further than Weatherby. The new 307 is designed to be your go-to hunting rifle—perfectly capable of taking down an elk right out of the box and easily customizable for your future hunting adventures. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a new Model 307 Alpine CT rifle! Head over to elkhunt201.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win this beautiful rifle we’re giving away this month!

This week on the Elk Hunt podcast, Cody welcomes back Mike Mulligan, a professional poker player with a deep passion for elk hunting. In this riveting episode, Mike recounts an epic hunting saga from last season, involving a bull that challenged him from start to finish. This high mountain bull proved to be elusive and demanding, providing Mike with an intense and rewarding hunting experience. Mike dives into the detailed story of his pursuit of this remarkable public land bull, describing the numerous encounters and strategic decisions that led to his successful harvest. His tale of perseverance and skill showcases not just his hunting expertise but also the parallels between elk hunting and poker. During the episode, Mike and Cody explore how the strategies and confidence required in poker overlap with those needed for successful elk hunting. They discuss the psychological aspects of both pursuits, highlighting how confidence and calculated risk-taking play crucial roles in achieving success. Tune in for an engaging conversation that merges the world of high-stakes poker with the thrill of high mountain elk hunting. Mike's story is a testament to the dedication and strategy required to excel in both fields, offering listeners insights and inspiration for their own hunting adventures.