The Game Trail

Latest Episodes:

Why Bowhunters Miss: Paige Pearce on Mental Mastery & Shot Execution | The Game Trail, Ep. 46 Jan 24, 2026

Show notes

World champion archer and bowhunter Paige Pearce joins The Game Trail Podcast to break down what actually separates great shooters from elite ones. We dive deep into her new mental performance program, Insight, and how archers can build a repeatable shot under pressure. From shot execution and tuning fundamentals to managing nerves, and confidence in the field, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for bowhunters and competitive archers alike.

Bow Buying 101 | The Game Trail, Ep. 45 Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Most bow buying mistakes happen before you ever draw the string. In this solo episode, Trail walks through how to prepare for the pro shop experience and how to avoid buying the wrong bow for the wrong reasons. He covers realistic budgets, fit over hype, how to test bows properly, and why “shooting the best in the lane” doesn’t always mean it’s the right hunting bow. Practical advice for bowhunters who are buying a new or even used bow this year.

Ep. 44 | Epic Archery Elk Hunt & New Year Hustle w/ Dave Brinker Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Game Trail Podcast, Trail sits down with Dave Brinker to relive his epic elk hunting story from last fall. They also dive into the new year mindset—discussing goal setting, building strong habits, and creating systems to get healthier and stay disciplined. Whether you’re chasing big game or chasing personal growth, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few good laughs along the way.

Ep 43. | Setting Kids Up to Hunt: Western Application Strategy for Youth Hunters Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Application season is here. Brady and Trail break down how they’re approaching the 2026 Western draws—where points still make sense, where opportunity outweighs odds, and how point creep and tag changes are shaping real-world decisions. From elk and deer priorities to risk tolerance and expectations, this episode lays out the mindset behind every application. If you’re trying to hunt more—and plan smarter—this one’s for you.

Ep. 42 | Trail’s Approach to Points, Picks & Plans: 2026 Application Strategy Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Trail walks listeners through his full 2026 application playbook — species priorities, state-by-state reasoning, risk tiers, backup plans, and how he balances premium long-term goals with hunts he wants to draw now. If you’re looking to refine your own strategy for 2026, this is a blueprint worth copying.

Ep. 41 | Unpunched Tags: Lessons from Hunts That Didn’t Go as Planned Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Trail reflects on the unsuccessful hunts — the hunts that didn’t end with a filled freezer or a grip-and-grin photo. He digs into what those experiences taught him about preparation, decision-making, patience, and what really matters in the field. From missed opportunities to hard-learned lessons, this is a real conversation about learning through failure and why sometimes the best takeaways come from the tags that stay uncut.

Ep. 40 | Through Trail’s Eyes: Building the Perfect Optics System Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Trail takes a deep dive into his personal optics system — from binos to spotters and tripods. He breaks down why he chose each piece, what he prioritizes in the field, and how to find the right balance between cost, weight, and performance. A must-listen for anyone obsessed with glassing and gear refinement.

Ep. 39 | Matt Tillotson’s Mule Deer Mindset Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Trail talks with Matt Tillotson about the craft of spot-and-stalk mule deer hunting and the stories that come from time on the mountain. From tips and tactics on stalking mule deer to capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments on camera, Matt shares how he balances the hunt, filming, and the memories that keep him coming back. Matt later discusses mule deer conditions in western Wyoming and how they are rebounding from the tough winter of 22/23. You can check out Matt's YouTube channel to follow along with several of his hunts, highly recommended!

Ep. 38 | Inside the Draw: Montana, Idaho, and an Utah Elk Hunt with Dave Barnett Oct 12, 2025

Show notes

GOHUNT’s Dave Barnett joins Trail to talk through the ins and outs of Montana's draw system and the changes to Idaho’s nonresident general elk and deer system for 2026. From preference points, bonus points, and the new random draw for nonresident general elk and deer in Idaho, they cover how to approach these states for upcoming seasons. Dave also gives a full recap of his latest Utah archery elk hunt—what went right, what went wrong, and what he learned along the way.

Ep. 33 | Bowhunting Stabilizer Breakdown w/ Earl Stroh of Cutter Stabilizers Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Game Trail Podcast, Trail sits down with Earl Stroh from Cutter Stabilizers to dive into the topic of bow stabilization. Cutter stabilizers are hand built in Colorado from materials sourced and machined in the USA. Earl discussed set-up strategy, stabilizer lengths for hunting, weight distribution, and how stabilizers can improve your hold. He also talks about using a backbar for hunting and why he thinks every bowhunter would benefit from using one. This is a technical conversation with practical takeaways for every western bowhunter.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected