The Game Trail

The Game Trail

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The Game Trail is Trail Kreitzer’s biweekly deep dive into gear, hunting, and whatever else comes to his mind. Trail has over two decades of western big game hunting experience and is a professed gear junkie and constant tinkerer. Join him and a variety of experienced guests as they discuss everything from boots to backpacks, bows to baselayers, tents, tripods, tuning, tactics and everything in between.

GOHUNT- Trail Kreitzer


    • Apr 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 21m AVG DURATION
    • 31 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Game Trail podcast is a must-listen for hunters of all levels of experience. Hosted by Trail, this podcast offers a down-to-earth and informative approach to hunting. The episodes cover a wide range of topics, providing listeners with lots of usable information. Trail's no-nonsense attitude makes the show engaging and relatable.

    One of the best aspects of The Game Trail podcast is the wealth of knowledge shared by Trail and his guests. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, there is something for everyone in each episode. The conversations feel like a group of friends sitting around, discussing their experiences and sharing valuable insights. Trail's humble nature and willingness to admit failures and successes add authenticity to the discussions.

    Another great aspect is the frequency at which episodes are released. While some listeners may wish for more frequent releases, the podcast still offers a decent amount of content. It's a great way to pass the time on your way to work or during any leisurely activity.

    However, one minor downside mentioned by a listener is an issue with audio quality on one episode. Although this seems like an isolated incident, it can be frustrating when only one side of the headphones plays sound. However, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Game Trail podcast is highly recommended for hunters seeking both entertainment and useful information. With its refreshing approach and knowledgeable host, this podcast stands out from others in the genre. From heartfelt hunting memories to discussions on gear and strategies, there is something for everyone in each episode. Keep up the great work, Trail!



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    Latest episodes from The Game Trail

    Ep. 31 | Backpacks & Big Bucks w/ Kifaru's Kenneth Thrall

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 71:00


    On this episode of The Game Trail, Kenneth Thrall joins the podcast. Kenneth works for Kifaru, but when he isn't in the office, he is pounding the hills, scouting and hunting for mule deer, bears, elk, and antelope. The guys dive into the topic of mule deer hunting before getting to the meat and potatoes of the episode, Kifaru packs. Kenneth outlines what he's looking for in a hunting pack before sharing tips on getting your pack to fit and ride comfortably. He also talks about his favorite packs and accessories and shares ideas on the size of pack you might choose for any given style of hunt. Kenneth is a die-hard hunter, loves the outdoors and adventure, and always has a positive outlook. This is a great episode if you are gearing up for the season!

    Ep. 30 | Bullseyes & Big Mistakes: Chris Neville on Archery & the Vegas 2025 Shoot

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 75:49


    Trail is joined by his friend and hunting partner, Chris Neville, to recap their experience at the 2025 Vegas Indoor Archery Shoot. They discuss equipment, practice and preparation, expectations, as well as what went well and what didn't. They talk about identifying holes in their archery game, and how they will approach it in the future. The guys also discuss how the pressure and anxiety of competition archery relates to bowhunting and what lessons they learned that will translate to hunts later this fall.

    Ep. 29 | Broadheads & Bowhunting Talk w/ KC Davies from Sevr

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 75:50


    On this week's episode, KC Davies from Sevr broadheads joins Trail to talk broadheads and bowhunting. KC talks about his experiences working in an archery pro shop before diving into the details of Sevr's mechanical broadhead design, materials, and function. The guys talk about accuracy and penetration and whether one is more important or if you can have both. They also discuss arrow builds, including weights, spine, and FOC.

    Ep. 28 | Hunting Roots: w/ My Brother, Tyler Kreitzer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 90:00


    On this week's episode, Trail's older brother, Tyler Kreitzer, joins the podcast. They talk about their roots growing up in rural southern Utah. They discuss the role that hunting and the outdoors played in their upbringing. They dive into the topic of hunting in grizzly country and how Tyler deals with the intimidation and fear that some feel when hunting big bear country. The guys also talk about antelope and bear hunting, two of Tyler's favorites. They wrap up talking about meat care, and they recount a story of an archery elk hunt they shared.

    Ep. 27 | Hit the Mark; Archery Tips & Gear You Need

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 95:22


    On this week's episode of The Game Trail podcast, Trail spends time diving into his archery goals for this year and some tips and tricks that are making a difference. He talks about grip, tuning, setting your peep height, and several other tips and tricks. He wraps up the episode with an overview of new gear you may want to look into from the recent Archery Trade Association show.

    Ep. 26 | Antlers and Adventure: Rise & Shed w/ Weston McArthur

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 83:04


    On this week's episode of The Game Trail, Trail chats with Weston McArthur. Weston has a unique story, leaving his full-time job to pursue his passion for the outdoors and build the Rise and Shed brand. Rise and Shed focuses on content creation and merchandise, with a desire to inspire and encourage people to get outdoors and discover nature. Weston talks about his love of shed antler hunting and later recaps his 2024 archery elk and mule deer season.

    Ep. 25 | The ElkShape Evolution w/ Dan Staton

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 85:00


    Dan Staton joins Trail in this week's Game Trail episode. Dan is a die-hard bowhunter who brings a blend of physical and mental motivation to the archery hunting community. He's also a technical gear tinkerer when it comes to tuning and selecting his setup each year. Dan talks with Trail about his background in physical fitness and bowhunting and offers insight into his own personal diet and exercise routine. He also discusses mental focus and the process of picking and making a shot in the field. The guys conclude with a discussion on arrows and broadheads. Dan is a hardworking, disciplined guy worth listening to and emulating if you want to improve your own success each fall.

    Ep. 24 | Colorado Archery Hunting Insights w/ Henry Ferguson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 85:04


    On this episode of The Game Trail podcast, Trail talks with Colorado Bowhunters Association chairman Henry Ferguson. They discuss the recent conversion of all nonresident elk units in Colorado to a draw system and what it might mean for both residents and nonresidents. The conversation then moves to Henry's true passion, spot and stalk mule deer. Henry offers tips and tricks for stalking mule deer and how he maintains his composure in the heat of the moment. They talk about archery practice, shot execution, bow selection, and the keys to becoming a better shot with your bow.

    Ep. 23 | Once in a Lifetime, Moose, Sheep, Goat and Bison Application Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 67:10


    Per request, on this episode of the Game Trail, Trail breaks down the draw options for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison tags in the west. The odds of drawing these tags are tough, but for many applicants, the dream is to one day draw one of these highly coveted tags. Trail talks through each state draw and offers input on which state and species make the most sense.

    Quick Catchup and My Gear of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 54:31


    Trail is back with a Game Trail Podcast! This week he sits down for a solo episode to talk about his thoughts on the outcome of Prop 127. He also discusses the recent film, “One Good Chance.” Specifically, what it's like to hit and lose an animal and what he is working on to try to eliminate those misses in the future. He concludes the podcast talking about some of his favorite gear pieces from this year.

    Ep. 21 | Back Again with a Question and Answer Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 67:32


    It's been a while since Trail was at the mic, but he's back with a postseason Game Trail podcast. This week, he focuses on answering your questions, including several that focus on obtaining permits for next year and, where you should be applying, and buying points. He talks about buying OTC tags in Idaho and what the nonresident OTC archery elk change to draw hunts in Colorado might mean for 2025. He also answers questions about pack recommendations, glassing from a tripod vs the Sig ZULU6 binoculars, and he also talks about the new Dialed Pruf sight and UV 1K arrows.

    Ep. 20 | The story of a giant whitetail and archery insights w/ Chris Neville.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 96:56


    On this week's episode, Trail catches up with Chris Neville, where Chris recaps the wild hunting story for a giant Iowa whitetail. They also talk about their summer preparation for the upcoming mule deer and elk season and offer archery insights on form, shot execution, and equipment in their quest to become more confident and accurate when the moment matters most.

    Ep. 19 | The right sleep system for your hunt; bags, pads, and shelter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 92:07


    This week I go down the rabbit hole of sleep systems for hunting. I discuss sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and shelters and offer ideas on why picking the right gear is important for your success. I discuss the pros and cons of down and synthetic bags, what does Power Fill rating really mean, and why the fit of your sleeping bag matters. I also talk about selecting the right air mattress in regards to comfort, insulation, durability and weight. I round out the podcast comparing traditional freestanding shelters, and floorless shelters. Along the way I offer my thoughts on several brands and sleep system pieces.

    Ep. 18 | Jason Wittwer, archery mule deer and elk tips and tactics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 99:18


    Jason Wittwer is a Nevada born and raised firefighter, bowhunter, and guide who continually has success across the west on great bucks and bulls. On this weeks episode Jason joins me to talk tips and tactics for scouting, stalking mule deer, archery practice and what it takes to make the shot when it counts. He also shares some hunting stories and lessons he has learned that we can learn from and apply to our own efforts in the field this year. We wrap up talking about what it's like being a hunting guide and shares some ideas on what a client can do when going into a guided hunt to help them find success. This is a great preseason preparation episode for the bowhunters out there that are planning on getting out this fall. Bowhunts across the west will be kicking off in short order!Follow along:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 17 | Time for a New Bow Sight?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 93:21


    On this week's episode of The Game Trail podcast, I tackle the topic of buying and setting up a new bow sight. I discuss what I like in a sight, the number of pins, pin sizes, and if you should buy a slider sight. I also talk about peep sight sizes and alignment. I work through the process of setting up a slider sight and weigh in on which option might be the best for hunting situations out west. Finally, I wrap up with a review of four of the top-selling sights on the market. Whether you are buying a new sight or working to dial in the the sight you already have for the upcoming year, this is a good episode with several tips and ideas to consider.

    Ep. 16 | Random questions about hunting w/Brady Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 87:33


    On this episode of The Game Trail, I sit down and spend time talking with GOHUNT's Brady Miller. I've known Brady for a number of year's but we rarely get a chance to have a long conversation. I ask him some random questions to get to know him better and a bunch of hunting related questions to discover more about how he approaches adventure hunting. Topics include, what's more important physical or mental preparation, what food he craves on a long hunt, why did Brady stop bowhunting, and much more!Follow along:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 15 | All about arrows

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 69:18


    Arrow selection and build process are among the most commonly asked questions we receive, so for today's Game Trail podcast, Trail talks at length about all things arrows. He discusses arrow spine, arrow straightness, total arrow weight, and FOC and offers opinions on brands and components. Trail also talks about his own personal arrow building process and weighs in on the most critical elements of selecting and building arrows. It's that time of year when we are all tinkering with arrow builds, and this is a good listen to help you make the best choice to ensure you are accurate and successful in the hills this fall.Follow along:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 14 | Experience is the ultimate teacher w/ Sam Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 78:59


    Sam Davis joins Trail on this week's episode of The Game Trail podcast. There's a saying that 10% of all hunters fill 90% of the tags each year. Sam is in the 10% club. He has the experience, attitude, and determination to fill permits every single year. He talks about gaining experience and his approach to hunting and drops a ton of knowledge in this episode. He shares his experiences that can, in turn, hopefully help you be more successful this fall. He also talks about Wyoming elk, deer, and antelope conditions and shares his approach to archery and gear selection.Follow along:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 13 | Archery lessons from the pros

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 56:07


    On this week's episode of The Game Trail podcast, Trail talks about attending the Super Bowl of archery and the lessons he learned from watching the pros. He talks about form, release selection, shot activation, and several other factors that can help you be more consistent with a bow and arrow.Follow along:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 12 | The StHealthy Hunter, Ryan Lampers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 94:13


    The StHealthy Hunter, Ryan Lampers, joins The Game Trail podcast to chat with Trail this week. Ryan talks about recently testing his mental and physical abilities with his diet choices and what he has learned. He also discusses using pack animals and other strategies to ensure he can continue hunting as he ages. Ryan and Trail also talk about the hunt application strategy; he shares some tips on picking an area and finding older age-class animals.Follow along:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 11 | It's application season, here's how I prepare

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 63:46


    Like most things, the key to opportunity in hunting is in how well you prepare and the first piece of the puzzle is how you obtain a permit. The western states primarily allocate hunting permits through state lotteries or selling permits over-the-counter. Trail breaks down his planning process to ensure he obtains permits each year. He discusses requirements to apply, application deadlines, costs/fees, draw systems, preference and bonus points, draw odds, and the tools he uses to get organized and ultimatly draw permits. If you want to hunt elk, mule deer, antelope and other speices in the west, those opportunities are avaiable and this podcast is a great first step. Now is the time the time to prepare and apply!

    Ep. 10 | The Glassing Guru, Cody Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 116:47


    Cody Nelson is our optics manager at GOHUNT. He has probably forgotten more about optics than most will ever know. If you have a question about optics Cody has an answer. Trail and Cody talk about optics selection, glassing techniques, and Coddy offers feedback on some of the industry's most recent releases, including the Swarovski ATC/STS spotting scope and the Sig Sauer ZULU6 binoculars. Quality optics are among the most critical pieces of gear every hunter should have, if you are considering new optics or if you are looking for tips on how to glass more effectively, this is a a great episode

    Ep. 9 | Lessons Learned on a Colorado Elk Hunt

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 84:42


    Even with close to thirty years of hunting, there are still lessons to learn. Trail does a recap of his recent Colorado OTC archery elk hunt and ties in some tips and tricks that aided in his success. He also shares some of his favorite gear pieces from this fall and talks about why he made those selections. No matter how long you've been hunting, it's possible to overlook the details and there is always ways to improve. Trail shares some of those, hopefully they will help you as well!This podcast is presented by Mathews Archery

    Ep. 8 | Backpacks, layering systems and shelters w/ Stone Glacier's Andrew Whitney

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 69:41


    Andrew Whitney of Stone Glacier sits down to chat about picking a backpack, what layering systems to use for early and late season hunts and his favorite shelter choices. More specifically, Trail and Andrew talk about the difference between Stone Glaicer's Krux and XCurve frames and why he believes the Krux is the better choice for most people. Andrew also talks about how to load a backpack and how you should consider packing each item of gear. He talks about the reasons why he prefers merino layers for early season hunts and synthetics for late season and why a down vest is a great piece of gear for early season hunts. They round out the discussion discussing sleep systems and why a 15° bag is likely the only bag you need.This podcast is presented by Mathews Archery

    Ep. 7 | You take the shot, now what?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 49:35


    September is synonymous with archery elk hunting. On this week's episode Trail recaps a couple archery elk hunts and lessons he's learned about what to do after the arrow is released. He offers tips and tricks that will help you find your bull, including what the reaction of the bull at the shot can tell you and what the color of blood and sign left behind might mean. He also recaps a hunt with his dad and lessons learned on anticipating what elk might do and why. The goal of every archery elk hunter is to make that shot and harvest the animal, this is a great episode to help you ensure you recover your bull!

    Ep. 6 | Spot and Stalk Mule Deer with Jared Knighton

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 96:27


    As archery hunts are opening up across the west, Jared Knighton joins Trail to discuss high country spot and stalk mule deer hunting. Jared has found success consistently over the past several years on great bucks and offers some tips in tricks to both find bucks and how to close the distance. The guys also talk about bow and arrow setups, boots, and other gear required to give yourself the best chance in the high country. Jared has released films on his own Youtube channel that we highly recommend, including Cliff Dweller and Chasing Ghosts. Make sure to watch those, listen to the podcast, and get ready for one of the west's most challenging and rewarding hunts…spot and stalk high county mule deer!

    Ep. 5 | Trail's Preseason checklist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 50:05


    On this weeks episode, Trail runs solo to cover his preseason checklist. He covers arrow selection, broadhead tuning, and discusses some tips to make sure your bow stays dialed throughout your hunt. He also covers his checklist of “to do's” before hunting season kicks off. Hunting season is just a few short weeks away, listen to this episode to help you identify and prep your own gear before it's go time.Follow Along:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 4 | The Bugler, Dirk Durham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 93:58


    Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls sits down to talk elk calling strategies and selecting calls. Dirk offers a wealth of knowledge that can help any level of elk hunter fill their tag this fall. Give this episode a listen, break out the calls, and get ready because it's almost elk season!Follow Along: GOHUNT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 3 | Everything you ever wanted to know about bowstrings with Austin Kincaid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 107:10


    Austin Kincaid owns High Voltage bowstrings. His obsession began in a two-car garage several years ago where he researched what equipment was necessary to build bow strings, what fibers and supplies are required and he started building strings. Austin built strings over and over and over again until precision met performance. Austin joins Trail to talk about bowstring materials, maintenance, serving, and how often you should change your strings out. This podcast goes deep into all things bowstrings.Follow Along: GOHUNT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 2 | BeeReal with Chris Bee

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 65:51


    Chis Bee joins Trail on the second episode of the Game Trail Podcast. Chris is an avid bowhunter, content creator, Mathews Archery Team Shooter, accomplished archer, and heavily involved in product design and direction at Ultraview Archery. Trail picks Chris's brain on practicing, shot process, arrow and nock setup, and explores several of the new products that Ultraview Archery has rolled out recently.Follow Along: GOHUNT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

    Ep. 1 | GOHUNT's Chris Neville, Man, Myth, Legend

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 104:35


    The Game Trail Podcast is officially live! In the first episode, the host Trail Kreitzer of GOHUNT, catches up with good friend Chris Neville. Chris is the video content specialist at GOHUNT and has produced many of the GOHUNT Original Films for several years. Chris and Trail have shared several hunts together, including elk hunts in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and the Alaskan caribou hunt as featured in the film “Nothing but Daylight.” The guys catch up on Chris' recent move to Ft. Collins, Colorado, before they dive into topics covering bow setup and tuning, practice routines, archery equipment selection, and key factors in making a shot under pressure.

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