Big Hunt Guys

The boys are back together and sit down to discuss the season so far. We chat about the newly crowned “world champion” jerky contest winner, Brady scouting for big bucks, and his thoughts on the highs and lows of chasing giants, and finally, we discuss how Lorenzo’s archery deer season went and the rollercoaster of emotions that has caused him.

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Brady and Trail sit down with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Conservation Officer, Josh Carver. From chasing down poachers to checking hunters in the field, Josh shares what life is really like behind the badge. We cover everything from common mistakes hunters make to conservation success stories to the toughest situations wardens face in the backcountry. If you’ve ever wondered what a day in the life of a warden looks like—or how to stay on the right side of the law this fall—you won’t want to miss thi...

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Brady and Trail dive into placements on elk. From anatomy breakdowns to real-world scenarios, we cover what it takes to make a lethal shot. They also cover recent news on the intent to repeal the Roadless Rule and how you can submit feedback. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on setting boundaries for yourself prior to setting foot in the mountains. Should you take a frontal shot, should you take a shot at a moving animal? Tune in for those discussions, do some soul searching of your own, and...

Ever wonder what separates a world champion elk caller from the rest of us? Erik Berglund joins Brady and Trail on this episode of the Big Hunt Guys to share his strategies, secrets, and calling sequences that get bulls fired up. This is a masterclass in elk language. As we move into September, this is a must-listen for every archery elk hunter.

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys podcast, Brady and Trail dig into the Instagram DMs to tackle your burning hunting questions from archery elk tactics to mule deer scouting strategies, gear setups, and even a few off-the-wall asks. Tune in for a mix of honest advice and practical opinions as you get ready to tackle your fall hunts!

The Big Hunt Guys are back together—OG style! In this episode, Brady and Trail welcome the return of one of the original hosts, Chris Neville, for a long-overdue catch-up. The crew swaps stories and strategies for archery elk and mule deer hunting, breaking down arrow setups, and unpacking hunting opportunities in Colorado for residents and nonresidents. From Neville’s latest hunts to lessons learned in the high country, this is part hunting camp BS session, part strategy in chasing big game with a bow. Whether you’re dialing in your arrow build, dreaming of screaming bulls, or chasing velvet...

Brady sits down with Lorenzo and Omar to recap their above-timberline archery elk hunt from last fall. The GOHUNT Original Film of his hunt, “Letters Home,” was recently released on our YouTube channel. Tune in to get detailed information on how the hunt went, from the planning and e-scouting to dealing with silent elk and the trials and tribulations of archery elk hunting.

Backpacks are one of the most critical—and most personal—pieces of gear a hunter can own. In this episode, Brady and Trail sit down with Joe and Dennis, the founders of Initial Ascent, to talk about building packs that keep up with the demands of hardcore hunters. From their unique carbon fiber frame to their obsession with comfort, durability, and function, these guys don’t cut corners. We dig into pack fit, load hauling, design evolution, and why they believe your pack shouldn’t break you before the mountain does.

This Big Hunt Guys episode is all about spot-and-stalk mule deer. Brady and Trail break down how they approach the early season—e-scouting, reading terrain, glassing effectively, and making calculated moves on wary bucks. This one’s full of detailed strategies on locating bucks, building stalks, and getting it done with a bow. If you're planning a DIY public land hunt or just trying to level up your archery skills, this is the kind of episode you'll want to re-listen to with a notepad in hand.

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 hunter...

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 hunter...

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 yo...

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...

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...

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, hunt...

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 fe...

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 ap...

In this episode of Big Hunt Guys, Brady, Trail, and Omar break down their prep for a rugged backcountry hunt in New Zealand. We’re talking steep terrain, unpredictable weather, international travel, and how they put the hunt together. They break down the gear, cost, rules and regs, and the challenges of spot-and-stalk hunting Tahr down under. Whether you're dreaming of an international hunt or just want to hear how you can put together a hunt of your own, this one's for you.

On this week’s episode of the Big Hunt Guys, we are joined by Corey Mason and Kevin Hurley from the Wild Sheep Foundation to dive deep into the West’s most iconic species— bighorn sheep. We explore wild sheep conservation, the challenges of disease and habitat loss, and how populations are being managed and restored across the West. Plus, we get into what makes these animals so incredibly cool. We also discuss WSF's generous donation as part of Omar’s quest to raise money to build a bighorn sheep guzzler. Omar is running a 100-mile ultra race on May 2nd...

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, the guys are joined by Jay Nichol — the man behind Mindful Hunter. Jay brings his experience hunting in British Columbia and his no-BS approach to gear reviews to the table. We dive into hunting in Canada, what makes BC such a wild and challenging place to hunt, his favorite hunts, and how he approaches choosing (and reviewing) gear with honesty. We also discuss some of Jay’s favorite gear pieces. If you're looking for legit gear advice or just want to hear solid stories from the backcountry — this one's for you.<...

It’s been a while since Lorenzo, Brady, and Trail had a chance to sit down and chew the fat together. On this week’s episode, the guys have a loose discussion on their applications, planned hunts for the year, and preseason prep. They also dive into Brady and Omar’s recent bear hunt. The discussion of ticks, tick bite prevention, and Lyme disease sparks up, and the guy's deep dive into spring bear hunting and ticks. The guys also talk with Omar about his upcoming 100-mile ultra race prep and utilizing it to generate funds to build a bighor...

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Cordero—NASCAR pit crew member, passionate bowhunter, and archery shop owner. Jeff shares his journey from the fast-paced world of NASCAR pit stops to precision bowhunting, discussing his experiences in both fields and how they intersect. We dive into his insights on archery and hunting strategies and discuss some of his recent archery elk hunting trips. Jeff also recently purchased Bare Foot Archery. We talk about owning an archery pro shop, discuss his goals for the shop, and what comes after racing. Whether you're a ra...

Nate Illingsworth joins the Big Hunt Guys Podcast this week! Nate's social media presence is notable, known for his humor, weight loss journey, and engaging presence in fitness and hunting. He has also joked about being the world's worst bowhunter, which we get into on this episode. Beyond the humor, Nate has worked really hard. He has completed ultra-marathons, competes in CrossFit, and continues to strive for personal growth. In this episode, the guys talk about his journey, content creation, archery, and elk hunting, and Nate relives the story of how he almost burned down his own house. Nate’s...

Jess Laughter joins Brady and Trail on this week's Big Hunt Guys Podcast. Jess grew up hunting, and her passion for the outdoors and archery has only deepened over the years. We talk about her journey into bowhunting, the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the sport, and the unforgettable moments she’s experienced. We discuss her journey into target archery and her experience at the recent Super Bowl of archery, The Vegas Shoot. She also recaps her Utah archery elk hunt from this past September, where she tagged out on her biggest bull yet.

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys podcast, we sit down with Drew Miles from Tricer to discuss the evolution of ultralight, high-performance glassing setups. Drew shares insights into Tricer’s innovative designs, why a quality tripod can make or break a hunt, and what sets their gear apart. Plus, a discussion on Tricer’s new hunting bipod. We also dive into hunting stories, gear tips, and the future of backcountry optics.

Within the last few days we became aware that new Utah legislation will increase the cost of hunting licenses and tags for nonresidents by 100%. The odds of drawing tags in Utah are already tough for nonresidents. Will a drastic increase in costs be too much for most nonresidents to continue? In this bonus episode Brady and Trail dive into Utah SB 008 and outline the potential new costs for nonresidents to apply and hunt in Utah. They speculate about the reasoning behind price increases, the potential fallout, and what this means for hunting as a whole.

Check out...

Mark Livesay joins the podcast to talk Insider tips and tricks for mapping and e-scouting. Mark continues to pursue elk in multiple states every year, spending 75+ days each fall in the backcountry and he’s almost always in elk due to the fact he has mastered the process of e-scouting. The guys discuss elk habitat, recognizing and identifying hunting spots, and how to create a plan. He also talks about data organization and how to get the most out of your maps in the field. The guys discuss mapping options, and Mark lays out several tips that will make a...

On this bonus episode of the Big Hunt Guys, Brady and Trail sit down with Nate Bare. Nate is a research specialist here at GOHUNT and is managing our new membership, Insider +. The Insider + is a new membership for GOHUNT. Just tell us what you want to hunt, and we’ll take it from there. Nate details the service, offering a full application service for every state we cover, one-on-one e-scouting and mapping walk-throughs, and curated gear lists. The guys also get to know Nate, and talk some hunting as well. If you are short on time, regularly missing th...

On this week’s episode of The Big Hunt Guys, Brady and Trail are joined by Nevada Department of Wildlife Deputy Director Mike Scott, Game Division Administrator Shawn Espinosa, and Wildlife Staff Biologist Joe Bennett. The guys discuss the current drought and what it means for some of Nevada’s most prolific desert bighorn sheep herds. They later discuss mule deer populations, buck-to-doe ratios, and habitat concerns. Before diving into other topics like feral horse expansion and what can be done, the guys also talk about elk, pronghorn, the Nevada draw system, and whether it’s worth applying in Nevada...

Craig Francis joins Brady and Trail on this week's episode of the Big Hunt Guys. Craig grew up hunting the woods of South Carolina but has found opportunities to explore and hunt many of the West's most magnificent landscapes. He is a talented photographer and visionary, capturing images and creating stories that invoke emotions and remind us all why we hunt. Craig talks about his upbringing, the influence of his grandpa on his life, and how his love of wild places developed. He also shares experiences from the field and recounts a memorable archery elk hunt from this past...

Brian Barney and Scott Reekers of Eastman’s Hunting and Bowhunting Journal join the Big Hunt Guys on this week’s episode. Brian Barney is a hardcore bowhunter; he shares his insights on mental toughness, extreme backcountry hunts, and the dedication it takes to consistently find success on public land. He talks through his bow and arrow setup for Western big game. Scott Reekers, gear expert and seasoned hunter, offers tips and tactics for rifle hunters as well as discussing current conditions and hunting opportunities in states throughout the West. The guys swap stories, discuss challenges, and break down the...

In this week’s Big Hunt Guys episode, we had the pleasure of being joined by Sidney Smith. Sidney is the true embodiment of grit, growth, gratitude and has a pure passion for hunting Sidney continues to overcome incredible challenges to pursue his passion for hunting and the outdoors. He shares his journey, mindset, and lessons learned along the way. This was one of our favorite episodes yet. Listen in for inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, perseverance, and motivation to be a better hunter and human.

The Big Hunt Guys have a conversation about the current snowpack and drought conditions across the west and what that will mean for antler growth and herd health. The guys also talk about GOHUNT’s new predictive draw odds that will help subscribers to predict their odds of drawing tags this year. They discuss the Super Bowl, performance psychology, and how it relates to making a shot in the field.

Link to snowpack map article mentioned: https://www.gohunt.com/browse/tips-and-tricks/insider/why-drought-snowpack-maps-are-important-for-hunters

Lane Colyer, GOHUNT Director of Marketing, joins Brady, Lorenzo, and Trail on this week's episode to talk hogs! Brady and Lane have recently returned from a California pig hunt; they talk about the history of pigs in California pig hunting opportunities, and they recap their stories. The guys also discuss the California draw system and perhaps overlooked opportunities there to hunt deer. Tune in to get to know Lane and hear an entertaining story of how Brady ended up with a 299.9-pound hog!

While Brady is out hunting hogs, Trail and Lorenzo sit down to answer your questions. They cover application and hunt strategies, gear questions, and they throw in some fun ones too. If you’re trying to draw a tag, pick up a new piece of gear, learn how Lorenzo is physically prepping for his hunting season, or what the Big Hunt Guys Madden scores might be, this is a great listen!

On this week's Big Hunt Guys podcast, Brady and Trail sit down with Dale Evans, marketing manager for Barnes/Sierra bullets. We dive into the origin story of Barnes and discuss the pros and cons of copper bullet construction. Dale talks about what ideally a bullet should do on big game and why energy, weight retention, and penetration are all important. The guys work through calibers, weights, and the performance of a variety of calibers and ammunition. They round out the discussion by talking with Dale about his incredible hunting season.

In the New Year we continue to offer you the Insider details on how to draw tags in the West! On this week’s Big Hunt Guys episode, we discuss the draw systems in Colorado, Utah, Montana, Nevada, and Idaho. We dive into the details of the new draw system that will be implemented in 2028 in Colorado and what that means for your application this year. We also discuss at length how you can use Filtering within your GOHUNT Insider account and the mapping platform to help you find the right hunt. This episode is packed with information and ha...

To kick off a New Year and a new application season, the Big Hunt Guys are doing a deep dive into draw odds. Understanding draw odds, point creep, and point systems is vital for drawing tags in the West; in this episode, the guys break down how they use the Insider research platform and draw odds to guarantee they draw tags each year. They also do an overview of some common terminology used in the application game, and they go in-depth on the draw systems for Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico, which are upcoming draws. This is a must-listen...