Sports

Drawn West

Drawn West is for the hunters who load the truck each fall — chasing bugles, big country, and something deeper than just filling a tag.
Host Brian Krebs dives into tag strategies, gear prep, and real-world advice to help non-resident hunters make the most of limited time out West. Each episode features expert guests and gritty stories from hunters you’ve never heard of — the kind who get it done with one week, one tag, and no excuses.

Latest Episodes:

SFP vs FFP Rifle Scopes: Which One Is Right for Your Hunting Setup? Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Trucker hats are live! Shop the most comfortable blaze orange hats and build some extra entries for the ARC!
https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop

First focal plane vs. second focal plane scopes does not need to be complicated. The right choice comes down to how you hunt, how far you shoot, and whether you want a simple point-and-shoot setup or more options for dialing and precision.

I break down how FFP and SFP reticles work, what changes as you adjust magnification, and how that affects holdovers, wind holds, and elevation adjustments. I also cover the scope features that actually matter when you are buying one: magnification, objective size, turrets, parallax, throw levers, and more.

Whether you are setting up a rifle for Minnesota whitetails, Western mule deer and elk, deer drives, an AR, or a farm rifle, this will help you choose an optic that fits the way you actually hunt.

What we cover in this episode:

· FFP vs. SFP reticles and what changes when you zoom

· When a simple SFP scope makes the most sense for whitetails and known-distance hunting

· Why I prefer FFP for dialing, wind holds, long-range practice, and Western hunting

· 200-yard zeros, MOA, holdovers, and when dialing is the better move

· Choosing the right magnification range, from 3–12x hunting scopes to 1–10x LPVOs

· Objective lens size, low-light performance, and the scope features worth paying for

· When an LPVO makes sense for deer drives, ARs, close-range hunting, and varmint rifles

I use Maven scopes as examples because they are what I have in the studio, but these same FFP vs. SFP principles apply across almost every optics brand.

If this helps you choose your next rifle scope, subscribe to the Drawn West Podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.

Don’t forget to claim your 50 bonus entries for the ARC and if you’re looking for even more entries, check out the Drawn West Apparel for even more entries!

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
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Check out Drawn West Apparel:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsors and Discounts:
GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
Save 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20
https://www.tactacam.com/
Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com
https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

Drawn West Apparel Is Here: 8 Hunting Shirts and Hoodies With a Story Behind Them Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Most hunting merch is a logo slapped on a shirt nobody actually wants to wear. I didn't want to do that. After months of sketching, the first Drawn West apparel line is live: eight shirts and hoodies built around real hunting stories, inside jokes, and a few statement pieces meant to start a conversation at the airport, at deer camp, or at the trailhead.

I go piece by piece through the launch lineup. That includes the OG Hoodie and OG Tee, the Classic Hoodie, the One Country topo shirt with a bugling bull set into the map where I shot my first elk, the Speed Goat pronghorn on a Drawn West chopper, the Spoon & Crockpot Buck, and the 98% Non-Res Plate. I also get into why resident vs non-resident tension out West matters to me, why hunting is more than a score, and how we chose blanks, fit, and halftone DTF printing so the shirts feel good to wear. Then I explain exactly how apparel entries work in the Mathews ARC giveaway, and why it's statistically impossible to buy your way to the bow.

No purchase is necessary to enter or win the Mathews ARC giveaway. If you like what we're building, subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. You can check out the apparel at getdrawnwest.com/shop, and you can enter the giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway and enter this episode’s code word for 50 bonus entries!

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
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Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter

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Check out Drawn West Apparel:
https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

00:00:00 Drawn West apparel is here + Mathews ARC giveaway update

00:02:20 Why we didn't make logo-slapped creator merch

00:03:10 OG Hoodie and OG Tee: colors, fit, and sizing

00:08:14 Classic Hoodie: lighter athletic fit vs heavyweight

00:10:35 One Country: USA topo design and where I shot my first elk

00:13:40 Speed Goat and halftone DTF printing

00:16:05 Spoon & Crockpot Buck: deer hunting is more than a score

00:19:00 98% Non-Res Plate: resident vs non-resident tension

00:24:04 Pricing, 10 entries per dollar, and why you can't buy the giveaway

00:27:52 Why launch apparel now + send in your shirt ideas

00:31:02 Where to shop, new giveaway dashboard, and October 7 live drawing

Best Deer Blind Yet? Maverick's New XLV Blind Reviewed Live from the Blind Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Shopping for a new box blind and wondering if the upgrades are worth it? I sat down with Kile from Maverick Hunting Blinds inside their brand-new XLV to get an unfiltered first look at what changed this year — nearly double-sized windows, fully pre-assembled panels, and a patent-pending 7-bolt system that builds the whole blind in about 20 minutes.

What we cover in this episode:

· What's new on the XLV: bigger windows, pre-assembled panels, and a redesigned insulated door with full overlap.

· The patent-pending 7-bolt assembly system and how it locks together in about 20 minutes.

· How scent-tight the blind really is, including where the sweet spot for deer downwind seems to land.

· Maverick's new adjustable platform — 5 to 10 feet in six-inch increments, including leveling on a hillside.

· Hunting with a newborn and young kids, plus a shotgun-to-rifle debate on deer herd quality.

Subscribe to the podcast and follow along on YouTube for the full walkthrough video, and head to drawnwest.com/giveaway to enter the Mathews Arc giveaway with this episode's code word.

Save 10% on the new XLV blind with code DRAWNWEST!

https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
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FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

00:00:00 Rolling for the first in-person episode & meeting Kyle

00:01:19 First podcast ever recorded inside a hunting blind

00:02:06 First impressions of the XLV: bigger windows, better visibility

00:03:40 Scent containment test: guests have no idea we're in here

00:04:20 Pre-assembled panels and the new insulated door

00:05:24 The patent-pending 7-bolt assembly system explained

00:07:09 Just how airtight is this blind? Scent control breakdown

00:10:13 Hunting with kids and a newborn this season

00:14:17 XLV dimensions vs. the all-new XLTM blind

00:15:29 New adjustable platform system: 5 to 10 feet

00:20:06 Bear hunting plans and a close call while turkey hunting

00:26:26 Shotgun vs. rifle: will it improve deer herds?

Why Bare Shaft Tuning Matters the Most, Yet Nobody Does It Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

GIVEAWAY: $4000 Mathews Arc Pacakge! Enter Now: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaways

Ever wonder why almost nobody in bowhunting content talks about bare shaft tuning — even though it might matter more than any broadhead you'll ever buy? I sat down with Troy Fowler, better known as Ranch Fairy, who's been in on hundreds of archery kills on hogs and whitetail and has helped test broadhead terminal ballistics on Cape Buffalo. We get into why bare shaft tuning gets skipped by almost everyone, why mechanical broadheads lose their cutting edge on impact, and why mass — not speed — is what actually breaks bone.

We walk through the real difference between single bevel and mechanical broadheads, how much arrow weight you need before a broadhead can call itself a "bone breaker," and why blood trail distance comes down to shot placement more than broadhead choice. Troy also breaks down lessons from Ed Ashby's terminal ballistics research, including why a blunter, single-bevel design outperformed sharper designs on Cape Buffalo. There's a bonus code word in this episode worth 50 giveaway entries for the Mathews ARC giveaway.

What we cover in this episode:

· Why bare shaft tuning is the one step nobody talks about, and why Troy himself still avoids it on his own arrows.

· Single bevel vs. mechanical broadheads — why mechanical blades take on damage the instant they deploy into hide, hair, and bone.

· Why you need 600+ grains of arrow mass before a "bone breaking" broadhead actually breaks bone

· The vital V approach for shortening blood trails in thick cover, and why aiming close to the crease matters more than broadhead choice

· What Ed Ashby's Cape Buffalo terminal ballistics testing revealed about broadhead shape, penetration, and pass-through rates.

· Why time-of-flight at 60 yards is roughly equivalent to a 600-yard rifle shot, and why that changes ethical shot distance.

If this helps you rethink your arrow setup, subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. And go enter the Mathews ARC giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway — the code word from this episode is worth 50 entries!

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.
Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article!

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

The Year of Suppressors: Buying, Trusts, and Hunting With Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Win our $4000 Mathews ARC Package:
https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaways

In this episode, Brian sits down with Brandon Maddox, founder of Silencer Central and creator of the Banish suppressor line, to unpack why 2026 is being called "the year of suppressors." Brandon has been in the industry since 2005 and breaks down what's actually driving the surge, how to judge suppressor quality when brands are popping up overnight, and why trusts still matter even after the tax stamp changed. He also gets into the real differences between titanium and aluminum cans, and what changes for hunters once they take the earplugs out in the field.

Highlights:

· Why 2026 is being called "the year of suppressors"

· How to judge whether a suppressor is actually good quality, regardless of brand

· What an NFA gun trust does, and whether you even need one

· The real history of why trusts became popular (it's not what you'd guess)

· Titanium vs. aluminum: what actually matters long term

· What getting a barrel threaded for a suppressor looks like, start to finish

· The real hunting benefits: sound, recoil, and tracking your shot placement

If you've ever wondered why suppressors are suddenly everywhere, or you're weighing whether one is worth the paperwork, hit play. And don't forget — our Mathews ARC bow giveaway is live at drawnwest.com/giveaway, with a bonus code word dropped later in this episode for 50 extra entries.

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
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https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles

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00:48 Introduction to Suppressors and the Podcast

02:20 The Evolution of Suppressor Legislation

05:12 Understanding Suppressor Mechanics and Performance

08:02 Choosing the Right Suppressor

11:18 The Importance of Trusts in Suppressor Ownership

14:15 Navigating the Trust Setup Process

17:08 Benefits of Trusts for Suppressor Ownership

20:14 Final Thoughts on Suppressors and Trusts

28:46 Navigating Suppressor Ownership

29:53 Trusts and Inheritance Planning

31:48 Efficiency in ATF Processing

34:58 Simplifying the Suppressor Purchase Process

37:03 Fingerprinting and Trust Creation

39:01 The Role of Experts in Firearm Transfers

40:55 Understanding Firearm Trusts

42:48 Threading Firearms for Suppressors

46:00 Hunting with Suppressors: Expectations and Benefits

52:28 The Chaos of Shotgun Shooting

53:21 Benefits of Suppressors in Hunting

55:15 Tracking Shots and Confidence in Hunting

56:57 The Impact of Suppressors on Shot Visibility

57:45 Modular Suppressors and Recoil Management

01:00:58 Choosing the Right Silencer for Your Rifle

01:02:23 The Rise of Rimfire Silencers

01:04:29 The Importance of Silencers for Farm Life

The Maven Built Difference: Why These Optics Feel Better Than the Rest Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Ever pick up a pair of binoculars and feel like you're fighting it — a focus dial that's stuck or floppy, glass that gives you a headache after an hour? That's the opposite of what I noticed the first time I looked through a pair of Mavens. Everything just feels like it's in the right spot doing the job it was meant to do. So I got Craig and Jordan from Maven Built Optics on the podcast to explain why.

We get into the engineering and the "secret sauce" — the magnesium chassis, the knurling, why the focus dial is smooth but not loose, and how every optic that leaves Lander, Wyoming has been inspected by a real set of human hands. Plus how to pick between 8x, 10x, 12x, and 15x binos; why Maven's B2 is 11x45 instead of 10x42; and how the S3 spotting scope's interchangeable reticle eyepiece can tell you if a moose is legal before you pull the trigger. Then the origin story, the demo program, the new RS6 LPVO, and a code word worth 50 giveaway entries.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why Maven optics feel different — materials, tolerances, and edge-to-edge clarity

• How to choose 8x, 10x, 12x, or 15x binos for treestand, timber, or western glassing

• Why the B2 is 11x45 instead of the standard 10x42 (abakonic prism, light gathering)

• The S3 spotting scope and its interchangeable reticle eyepieces (MOA and MIL)

• How to measure a legal 50-inch moose at distance with a reticle and rangefinder

• Maven's direct-to-consumer origin story and the try-before-you-buy demo program

• The new RS6 1–10x LPVO: locking turret, toolless zero, 34mm tube

• What's next from Maven — plus this episode's code word for 50 giveaway entries

If this helps you sort your next optics purchase, subscribe, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. And enter the Mathews ARC giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway — secret code word for 50 extra entries in this episode!

Enter the Mathews ARC Giveaway: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaways

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.
Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20
https://www.tactacam.com/
Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com
https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

Mathews ARC vs Lift X: My Honest Review + the $4,000 ARC Giveaway Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Want to know if the new Mathews ARC is actually worth the upgrade over the Lift X? I shot both, carried both in the field, and I'm breaking down exactly what changed — the good, the small, and the stuff that probably isn't worth buying a new bow for. Plus, I'm giving away a fully custom Mathews ARC and over $4,000 in accessories in the biggest giveaway Drawn West has ever run.

I walk through my full 2026 bow build on the ARC 34, from the SWX Z comfort mods and integrated Silent Connect System to my stabilizer setup. Then I get into the arrow change I've been avoiding for a decade — moving off my trusty Black Eagle Deep Impacts to the X Impacts in a 200 spine, switching from right-hand to left-hand helical fletching, and dropping my broadhead weight from 200 grains to 125. There's a bonus code word in this episode worth 50 giveaway entries, so listen for it.

What we cover in this episode:

Mathews ARC vs Lift X vs my old Halon — what actually feels different at full draw and on the shot break.
The ARC features worth caring about: past-parallel cams, integrated SCS bow hoist, 7-degree angled stabilizer mount, and SWX Z comfort mods at 82 pounds.
Why I went with the 34" axle-to-axle and whether the longer bow is a problem in ground blinds, treestands, and saddles.
The full giveaway prize list: Dialed Proof slider sight, QAD IMX2 rest, Black Eagle arrows, custom wraps, VPA broadheads, Mod Saw cutter, Big Shot 24" target, Anchor Point bow holder, Conquest 3K carbon stabilizers, and a bonus Matthews Low Pro quiver.
How the new app-based giveaway works — email and phone entry, live winner announcement, ~6-week run, bonus entries for follows, ratings, and referrals.
My arrow overhaul: Black Eagle X Impacts in 200 spine, Bitzenburger jig, DCA Super Sabre fletchings at 2-degree left-hand helical, and left-hand bevel VPA Omega broadheads.
Why I'm dropping to 125-grain broadheads this year and targeting a ~525-grain finished arrow for whitetails and black bear.
This episode's bonus code word for 50 giveaway entries.

If this breakdown helps you decide on your bow or arrow setup this year, subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don't miss the rest of the build series. And go enter the ARC giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.
Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20
https://www.tactacam.com/
Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com
https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

First Time Bear Baiting: The Strategy We're Running This Fall Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

Ever wonder what it actually takes to pull a big bear into bow range, or how a guy with an old TV and a pull-up bar racked up 17 million views? This episode answers both. I sit down with Jared Lewis, the archer behind that viral saddle-hunting stunt, to break down his content approach and then dig deep into real bear baiting tactics ahead of fall season.

We cover how Jared built a following posting hilarious, high-risk archery content, then shift into the meat of the episode: scent strategy for pulling bears into a bait site, barrel setup, bullet and broadhead selection, and where to actually aim on a bear so you don't lose a blood trail in the swamp. If you're weighing whether to run a bait station this season, or just want to laugh at a guy shooting a TV while hanging from a saddle, this one delivers both.

What we cover in this episode:

• The real story behind Jared's viral 17-million-view "shoot the TV" archery video and why the stunt worked

• How Jared went from zero to over 30 million monthly views across Instagram and Facebook in just a few months of intentional posting

• Why scent, not bait itself, is what actually draws bears in from a distance, and how raccoons and squirrels help spread it

• Bait barrel setup: plastic vs. metal, hole placement, vertical vs. horizontal mounting, and what holds up to a determined bear

• Rifle bullet selection (45-70 with a 300-grain Barnes copper bullet) versus bow broadheads (expandable hybrids and VPA single-bevels) for bear

• Why bear shot placement is different from deer, and how to avoid a lost blood trail when their wound channels clog with fat

• Balancing a bear bait station with whitetail season on the same property

If this one gets you fired up for bear season, subscribe to the podcast and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don't miss part two, the bear season recap.

Check out more of Jared’s Content at:
https://www.instagram.com/thejaredlewis_/
Sign Up for the Monthly Reveal Giveaway & Claim Bonus points:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/reveal

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.
Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20
https://www.tactacam.com/
Get the BESTPRICES on your next firearm at Guns.com!
https://alnk.to/3yfWc6R

Best Prices on Trauma Kits & FirstAid at Jase.com
https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

00:00:00 – Intro and welcome to Jared Lewis

00:01:04 – Behind the viral TV-shooting archery stunt

00:09:37 – How Jared started making viral hunting content

00:12:36 – Bear sightings and population talk on Brian's farm

00:16:16 – New Hampshire vs. Minnesota bear seasons and baiting laws

00:20:18 – The real secret to attracting bears: scent over bait

00:24:43 – Picking the best location for a bait site

00:30:58 – Jared's bear bait recipe and barrel setup

00:41:07 – Rifle bullet selection for bear hunting

00:43:17 – Broadheads and bow setup for bear

00:52:30 – Bear anatomy and shot placement

00:56:04 – Running a bear bait alongside deer season

00:59:24 – Cooking and eating bear meat

01:03:41 – Wrap up and where to follow Jared

How To Pick the Right Ammo For Your Rifle Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

You've bought the ammo everyone swears are "the best," and they still didn't work in your gun. Ryan Burnett from Pattern Pro USA joins me to break down why that keeps happening, and why his company's brand new rifle ammunition variety packs are about to save western hunters a lot of money and a lot of frustration this season.

Ryan and I go all the way back to the origin story: how patterning a shotgun shell actually works, why his company started with a simple variety pack of shells, and how that idea is now expanding into rifle ammo. We get into the real differences between cup and core, bonded, partition, and monolithic bullets, and why the "best" bullet completely depends on your hunting scenario, not just what's sitting on the shelf. We also cover why trigger time matters just as much as a good zero, and Pattern Pro's brand new upland bird boxes and choke tube rental program.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why patterning your shotgun (not just sighting in a rifle) can save you hundreds of dollars a season and dramatically cut down on crippled birds

• The origin story behind Pattern Pro USA, and how a buddy's bad box of shells turned into a business

• Pattern Pro's brand new rifle ammunition variety packs: five calibers, four manufacturers, 20 rounds a box so you can find your best five-shot group

• The real differences between cup and core, bonded, partition, and monolithic bullets, and which one actually fits your hunting scenario

• Why a hunter shooting 500 yards on a CRP farm needs a completely different bullet than one shooting 75 yards in a Wisconsin food plot

• New upland bird boxes and a first-of-its-kind choke tube rental program for waterfowl hunters

If this gets you thinking about what's actually sitting in your ammo box, go follow Pattern Pro USA on Instagram and Facebook, and check back for more gear breakdowns like this one.

Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.
Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.
Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/best-elk-calls-for-beginners

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest
Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20
https://www.tactacam.com/
Get the BESTPRICES on your next firearm at Guns.com!
https://alnk.to/3yfWc6R

Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aidat Jase.com
https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

00:00:00 – Studio Renovation Update and Episode Kickoff
00:01:14 – Introducing Ryan Burnett and Pattern Pro USA
00:03:03 – Why Most Hunters Don't Just Do One Thing
00:09:08 – Ryan's Marine Corps Days and How He Met His Wife
00:15:47 – How the Shotgun Shell Variety Pack Idea Was Born
00:19:12 – Why Patterning Your Gun Actually Matters
00:26:46 – Ear Protection, Recoil, and a Pivot to Rifles
00:30:09 – Pattern Pro's New Rifle Ammunition Variety Packs
00:35:34 – Building a Bullet Toolbox for Every Hunting Scenario
00:41:57 – Why Trigger Time Matters More Than a Good Zero
00:44:50 – Cup and Core vs Bonded vs Monolithic Bullets Explained
00:54:41 – Why Hunters Wish Pattern Pro Existed Sooner
00:59:49 – New Upland Bird Boxes and a Choke Tube Rental Program
01:03:32 – What's Next and Where to Follow Pattern Pro USA

Best Over-the-Counter Tags Left This Season Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

It's July, your buddy's been talking points for years, and you still don't have a fall tag. Before you write off the season, there's a real list of over-the-counter and leftover tag options still on the table — and some of them are better hunts than people give them credit for.

Brian sits down with GoHunt's Dave Barnett to break down exactly where OTC opportunity still exists this late in the year, from Colorado's second and third rifle elk to Utah's OTC spike bull tags, plus Idaho's return tag sale and Nevada's first-come-first-served leftover tags. They also dig into GoHunt Insider Plus as a mid-season option for hunters who need a fast plan, and close out with an overrated/underrated tag debate covering Montana mule deer, Nevada return tags, and Utah spike elk.

Highlights:

• Where OTC elk tags still exist in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho after July 4th

• How Nevada's first-come-first-served return tag system actually works

• Why the Idaho OTC "DMV line" tag sale rewards solo hunters over groups

• What GoHunt Insider Plus actually includes and when it makes sense to sign up mid-season

• A strategy breakdown for hunting Utah's OTC spike bull tag

• Brian and Dave's overrated and underrated picks for backup tags, including Montana mule deer and Nevada return tags

• A caliber debate on sunsetting 30-06, 308, and 270 Win in favor of newer 7mm and 6.5 options

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00:00:00 — Intro and catching up with Dave Barnett

00:01:16 — Inside GoHunt's research content role and predictive draw odds accuracy

00:08:38 — Why state application systems feel outdated, and a dream fix

00:14:37 — What GoHunt Insider Plus actually includes

00:19:38 — Is Insider Plus worth it mid-season if you're scrambling for a tag

00:26:46 — Where the real OTC opportunity is right now (Nevada, Idaho)

00:32:00 — Colorado OTC elk, expectations vs reality

00:34:00 — Utah OTC spike elk strategy breakdown

00:37:33 — OTC options for mule deer and antelope

00:44:47 — Overrated vs underrated backup tags segment

00:53:33 — Rifle and caliber talk, sunsetting old cartridges

01:02:31 — Where to find Dave and closing GoHunt discount info