Big Hunt Guys

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.

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 to raise funds and awareness for sheep conservation. All donations raised will go directly back into the guzzler project! If you love wild sheep or just love wild places, this one's for you!Contribute to the Wild Sheep Foundation Here: https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/Fund Water Guzzlers In Nevada By Donating To Omar's Run Fund: https://www.gohunt.com/omars-cantina

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.Check out Jay's Gear Reviews: https://www.mindful-reviews.com/

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 bighorn sheep water guzzler in a critical area in southern Nevada. Fund Water Guzzlers In Nevada By Donating To Omar's Run Fund: https://www.gohunt.com/omars-cantina Watch Brady and Omar's Spring Bear Hunt Here: https://youtu.be/Dqyu4OPvc34

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 racing fan, a hunting enthusiast, or just love a good story, this episode has something for you!

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 a hilarious guy who has a ton of passion and drive and doesn't take himself too seriously. We could all learn a lot from Nate!

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 GOHUNT's article to learn more: https://gohunt.com/browse/news-and-updates/hunting-news/alert-utah-to-increase-nonresident-hunting-fees-100-percent-across-the-board

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 tremendous difference in the field. Mark is truly a wizard, a master at using maps to find elk. This is a must-listen for western big game hunters.Check out Mark Livesay's Courses: https://www.treelineacademy.net/

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 the draw deadlines, or the Western Hunt application process seems overwhelming, this is a great service and a must-listen!Reach out to Nate with any questions: nate@gohunt.com Join Insider+ here: https://www.gohunt.com/learn/insider-plus

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 as a nonresident. With Nevada's 2025 application guidebook recently being released, this is a must-listen for anyone planning to apply 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 fall. The guys wrap up with a discussion on having confidence in your craft. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting, this episode is packed with stories, tips, and wisdom from a true expert.

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 mindset it takes to push past limits. If you're passionate about hunting and looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with knowledge, experience, and straight-up hunting passion.

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 hacks on drawing tags this year.

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 for everyone prior to applying this year.

The Big Hunt Guys sit down to recap 2024! Lorenzo, Brady, and Trail work through their favorite new gear pieces of the year. They discuss their favorite moments in the field from this past fall, as well as where they are planning to focus their time and attention next year. They round out the discussion talking about what's new for GOHUNT and what new features are going to be hitting the platform. This year has been exceptional for the Big Hunt Guys Podcast. We greatly appreciate our listeners and GOHUNT Insiders; cheers to a great year, and we look forward to bringing you more episodes in 2025.

Eric Jackson is a prolific backcountry freestyle and freeride snowboarder with an expansive career in the sport. He is also a passionate outdoorsman with a love for waterfowl hunting, fishing, and more recently archery elk hunting. Eric joins Brady and Trail on this week's episode to talk about his pathway into the sport and his developing devotion to archery hunting. Eric talks about being comfortable being uncomfortable, facing fear, and compares archery elk hunting to his pursuits in snowboarding. Eric also discusses the film “River” that he did in conjunction with Sitka gear and elaborates on how bowhunting has challenged him in new ways. Eric's passion for big mountains and adventure is infectious and inspiring. This is a great episode with new perspectives on why hunters are so driven by the pursuit of big game and adventure.

Uncle Randy stopped by the Big Hunt Guys podcast studio to catch up with the guys. They discuss his 2024 hunting season and his plans for the upcoming year. Randy shares what initially sparked his interest in hunting, as well as his passion for public land preservation and wildlife conservation. The conversation also delves into several conservation issues, including the Prop 127 victory for sportsmen and the public land transfer lawsuit filed by the state of Utah. Randy consistently offers insightful perspectives, and this episode adds to his legacy as one of the most influential advocates for public land preservation and hunting.

With the NFR happening in our hometown, The Big Hunt Guys had the pleasure of sitting down with Doug Champion. Doug is a former competitive rodeo rider who now runs Champion Living Fitness, where he works with professional rodeo riders to improve their mobility and fitness. The guys explore Doug's background and talk about the lifestyle of competitive rodeo before diving into what is required to build strength and fitness for rodeo and hunting. Doug is an avid outdoorsman and a hell of a guy who has a genuine desire to help people improve their lives through fitness and nutrition. This is a perfect episode to help you establish goals and kick off the 2025 hunting season more physically prepared than you were last year.

On this week's episode of the Big Hunt Guys, Jenny Lesieutre and Joel Blakeslee join Lorenzo, Brady, and Trail to discuss feral horses and the ecological toll they are having on western landscapes. Jenny recently retired as the Wild Horse and Burro BLM Branch Chief in Reno, NV. Joel has a background in range management and has served as the policy director for the Nevada Trappers Association. The group discusses the history of the Wild Horse and Burro Act before digging into what the act actually mandates. They talk about horse and environmental activists and the lies and propaganda they promote to deter federal and state agencies from managing to proper objectives. The group also discusses population expansion and the detrimental impacts they are having on the natural landscapes throughout the west. The group rounds out the discussion with a rallying cry for sportsmen and women to become a more active voice in demanding that the federal government manage feral horses as outlined by law.

Chris Porter joins Lorenzo, Brady, and Trail to recap a recent successful 3rd season OTC Colorado elk hunt. Lorenzo and Chris were joined by good friends and coworkers for a traditional-style late-season elk camp. Listen in as they talk about the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned. This is an entertaining listen, where they recount delayed travel plans, broken down equipment, late-night cold weather pack outs, and the sweet taste of success.

With the launch of a new lineup of hunting bows from Mathews Archery, the Big Hunt Guys talk with Mathews own engineer, Mark Hayes. They talk with Mark about his background and love of archery before diving into the new Lift X bows. Mark expounds on Limb-Shift technology, the ARC7 limbs, and the new grip options. They also address the elephant in the room, which was the issue some Mathews bows had with limbs last year. Mark rounds out the discussion talking about arrow selection, vanes, and details his keys for getting great arrow flight.

For Episode 146, the Big Hunt Guys dive into the newly released Utah Mule Deer Management Plan. They discuss how the mule deer committee was formed and the plan developed from that committee. They break down the proposed change to reduce buck to doe ratios in many general season units of the state and what the potential outcomes could be. They discuss the data incorporated into the plan and new research studies that will be incorporated along with the proposed changes. They examine youth deer hunting opportunities and how some changes may improve youth applicant odds of getting a permit. The Big Hunt Guys round out the episode with a lively discussion on feral horse and burro management.

The Big Hunt Guys are back for Episode 145, where Trail sits down with Brady and Lorenzo to recap his late-season Nevada archery deer hunt from last fall. The GOHUNT original film of his hunt, “One Good Chance,” will be dropping on our YouTube page this coming Sunday, the 10th. Tune in to get insider information on how the hunt unfolded. We are also giving away a Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 along with the film; look for coming details on how you can enter to win on our social media pages.

On this Halloween episode of the Big Hunt Guys, Brady, Lorenzo, and Trail read strange and spooky stories submitted by listeners. Being stalked by a shadowy figure after dark in the woods, things that go bump in the night, and maybe even an alien encounter... You won't want to miss this episode!

The Big Hunt Guys cover some ground on this week's episode, starting with more information about Prop 127 in Colorado and moving into mule deer and bighorn sheep hunting stories for Trail and Brady. Brady and Trail talk about attending the rally at the Capital in Denver in opposition to Prop 127 and further discuss why it's important to vote. Trail later talks about a successful rifle mule deer hunt where he took his 11-year-old son out on an epic weekend adventure and Brady recounts his recent hunt where he took a desert bighorn ewe with an open sight muzzleloader. The experiences that hunting and the outdoors provides is our life blood, it's more important now than ever before that we fight for the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and the part that hunting plays in sound wildlife management.

The gang's back together for the first time in a while; Brady, Lorenzo, and Trail sit down to talk about Brady's recent mule deer hunt and his assessment of mule deer hunting currently across the west. They also do a deep dive into the competitiveness of rifle hunting and they recount stories and discuss some questionable behavior they have observed in the field. They debate hunting ethics and etiquette and offer ideas on how to approach tense situations that can arise during late-season hunts. Take home message, don't be a d&@! in the field this fall.

GOHUNT Cofounder and CEO Chris Porter joins Brady and Trail on this week's podcast to recap his successful hunt for a Nevada dream buck. Chris drew a special tag this year called a PIW (Partners in Wildlife) which allowed him to hunt any unit in the state during any open weapon/ season. The guys discuss the pressure of this type of tag and the scouting process, and Chris walks us through his hunt, including some frustrations and hilarious mishaps. The guys also talk about the reasons PIW tags and other raffle tags exist across the West, why they're important for wildlife, and where those funds end up. Spoiler alert, Chris takes an awesome buck. Tune in to hear how it all went down!

This week, Brady and Trail take on some light conspiracy theories as well as some politics before getting into the real topic of the day, late season mule deer hunt prep. While they may not be political experts, they do give you plenty to consider before getting into the backcountry this October. From dealing with hunting pressure, animal behavior changes/migration patterns, where you should focus your glassing efforts, to gear changes, this episode is packed with information to help you succeed.

We are approaching the Nov 5th vote when the future of hunting will be decided in Colorado. Dan and Karen Gates from Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management stop by to discuss the current status of the mountain lion and bobcat hunting ban, Proposition 127. We talk about how you can get involved and specific things we can do to help fight for our right to hunt. CRWM will be holding a rally at the Colorado Capitol on Oct. 18th from 10-2, we are urging all who can attend to show up and show support for sound wildlife management. Donate, repost, share, and educate the people in your lives. Now is the time to ramp up and do everything we can to ensure sportsmen and women win on Nov. 5th.

Joined by Luke Horak and Jake Richardson of Arrowhead Rifles, the guys take a super deep dive into everything surrounding muzzleloaders. What do you gain by going with a custom muzzleloader? How do you deal with moisture on a hunt with a muzzy? What type of accuracy should you expect from a muzzleloader? This episode is full of great tips no matter what muzzleloader you own and will ultimately make you more accurate with a muzzy.

The boys are all about to leave for hunts, and so this podcast covers everything that happens right before a hunt. Lorenzo, Brady, and Omar discuss last-minute backcountry food hacks, gear organization, why you need a gear checklist, and the importance of having everything you need to fix gear on a hunt or back at your truck. They dive into gear changes they have made leading up to the hunt and the importance of visualizing success and what that means to them. Lastly… They had a special guest call in for a brief segment.

September is finally here which means one thing and one thing only, archery elk hunting! On this week's episode the Big Hunt Guys are discussing elk hunting tips and tricks as well as running though the most common mistakes elk hunters make and how to avoid them. They talk about playing the wind, calling strategies, how to make the shot count and a ton of other useful information every elk hunter needs to hear right now. It's time to go elk hunting folks, the September Super Bull is here!

The Big Hunt Guys sit down to recap their recent deer and antelope hunts. Brady spent a successful weekend scouting for mule deer, where he found a couple of shooter bucks. Trail is fresh off an archery mule deer hunt and an archery antelope hunt, while Lorenzo is back from a New Mexico antelope hunt, where he helped UFC fighter Justin Gaethje and Gladiators Unleashed host Luke Caudillo both harvest great bucks. The guys talk about their hunts, touch on some gear they are using, and recommend them for your upcoming hunts.

On this week's episode of The Big Hunt Guys, young Omar joins Brady and Lorenzo to talk about his recent archery mule deer hunt. After seven grueling days spent solo in the backcountry, backup arrives to help Omar seal the deal on a solid Nevada buck. The season is in full swing, and this is the perfect episode to get you excited for your upcoming hunts.

On this week's episode of The Big Hunt Guys podcast, Kolby Hanley and Chris Bee from Ultraview Archery stop by to talk shop. Ultraview Archery started in Kolby's college dorm room and has developed into one of the most progressive manufacturers of quality archery sights, releases, accessories, and now arrows. Their focus on making the highest quality archery equipment is impressive to say the least. The guys discuss the beginnings of Ultraview and do a deep dive into the new 1k arrow system. Chris also talks about his recent hunt for water buffalo in Australia. This is an awesome episode packed with information for any bowhunter and archer.

The Big Hunt Guys are joined by young Omar this week to talk archery elk hunting. On the heels of the GOHUNT original film, they talk about the hunt, share tips and tactics and some laughs. Archery elk season is quickly approaching, this is a great listen to get ready to chase screaming bulls in September.

In episode 131 Chris Burandt, professional snowmobiler, stops by to join the Big Hunt Guys on the podcast. Chris has been riding snowmobiles since the age of 6 and has traveled all over the world freestyle riding, competing in hill climbs, and exploring the backcountry. He's an X Games gold medalist in freestyle and has ridden some of the most extreme mountain terrain in the world. He's also a die-hard bowhunter who spends most Septembers chasing bugling bull elk and velvet muleys. The guys discuss his journey into snowmobiling and what it's like to backflip a snowmobile over a 100-foot gap. We also talk about managing big moments when competing in contests or when a bugling bull is at 45 yards standing broadside with your bow in hand. Chris is an extremely hard working, optimistic, adventure seeker and this is a great episode to get you hyped for the upcoming season.

The Big Hunt Guys sit down with Dennis Stokes and Joe Elliston of Initial Ascent backpacks on this week's episode. Initial Ascent packs were born out of Dennis's desire to find a backpack that was comfortable for every body type but specifically for someone like him who was dealing with lower back pain. The guys discuss the start of Initial Ascent, the design of the frame and bags, their unique approach to frame materials and design, and why Initial Ascent has taken off as one of the leading backpacks in hunting. They also discuss backpack fit and what someone should look for in a hunting pack.

You've got questions, and we've got answers! On this week's episode, the Big Hunt Guys take a variety of listener-submitted questions. They cover questions such as how many calories might be required for a backcountry hunt, tips on finding a hunting partner, gear selection questions, managing hunt expectations, and more. This episode is packed with tips and information on a variety of topics that can help you prep for the upcoming season.

Hunting season is quickly approaching and with some luck many of you will fill a permit with a buck or bull that you would like to have mounted. On this week's episode the Big Hunt Guys have Calvin and Robin Ferguson from Trophy Room Taxidermy stop by and talk all things taxidermy. Calvin and Robin recount a recent hunt for Oryx in New Mexico before fielding a ton of questions from the guys about how to cape an animal to mount, how to preserve the cape and velvet, and how to pick the best position to capture the unique characteristics of your buck or bull. They also talk about their journey into the profession and share several interesting stories. You say you want to have your pet dog taxidermied?