Hunt West Podcast

Jaden Bales
  • 4.9 (30)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Weekly

The Hunt West Podcast is for hunters who'd rather wear out a pair of boots than a YouTube playlist. Most hunting podcasts give you campfire stories, gear hype, or endless tag talk. Hunt West is different. This is applied hunting wisdom — the stuff that actually helps you find critters and fill tags in the wild country west of the 100th meridian. Hosted by Jaden Bales — hunt consultant, mule deer junkie, and professional tag nerd — the show mixes solo riffs, guest conversations, and hard-earned lessons from real hunts. You'll get strategies for e-scouting, application hacks, mindset shifts, and the kind of woodsmanship that still matters when the Wi-Fi goes dark. If you're the kind of hunter who loves general seasons, sharp steel, glassing knobs, and planning three tags ahead — welcome home.

  1. Jim Zumbo: Lessons from a Western Hunting Legend

    2d ago

    Jim Zumbo: Lessons from a Western Hunting Legend

    Jim Zumbo has spent more than six decades chasing adventure across the American West. From writing thousands of hunting articles and more than 20 books to following in the footsteps of Jack O'Connor at Outdoor Life, few people have witnessed the evolution of western hunting quite like Jim. In this episode, Jim shares stories from the golden age of mule deer hunting, horseback elk camps, and some unforgettable sheep hunts, including a desert bighorn hunt that featured a grizzly attack story assignment, a truck burned to the ground, and a ram that got away. Along the way, we dive into what hunting was like before GPS, rangefinders, trail cameras, and social media changed the landscape. We also discuss the challenges facing modern hunters, the value of traditional skills like still-hunting and tracking, how technology has changed the way we hunt, and why planning and realistic expectations are still some of the most important tools a western hunter can carry. Whether you're dreaming about your first western hunt or looking back on decades in the mountains, this episode is packed with stories, wisdom, and perspective from one of hunting's most recognizable storytellers. We hope you enjoy it half as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. You can learn more about Jim Zumbo's collection of books at JimZumbo.com Show Links:  Additional Links: Gear Geek: Argali Clothing and Gear >> Lee Hemp CBD Lotions & More >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    1h 25m
  2. Optics Basics for Western Hunting | Solo Round

    Jun 6

    Optics Basics for Western Hunting | Solo Round

    Most optics conversations eventually turn into a competition over who owns the most expensive glass. This one goes a different direction. In this solo episode, Jaden breaks down the craft of glassing and why finding more animals has far more to do with patience, technique, and time behind your optics than it does with owning the latest and greatest gear. From mule deer to elk to pronghorn, he explains how successful hunters use binoculars, tripods, spotting scopes, and terrain to systematically pick apart country and uncover animals that most hunters walk right past. Along the way, Jaden shares his own optics evolution, from bargain-bin binos to more advanced setups, and discusses where hunters should actually spend their money. If you're wondering whether you need premium glass, image-stabilized binoculars, a spotting scope, or just more reps behind the tripod, this episode will help you build a practical optics system while avoiding the trap of thinking gear alone creates success. The message is simple: learn to glass first, then worry about upgrading equipment. Additional Links: Gear Geek: Argali Clothing and Gear >> Lee Hemp CBD Lotions & More >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    1h 7m
  3. Solo Elk Packouts, Wolves, Big Deer, and New Gear Hunters Need | Beau Pullin of Cervara Gear

    May 31

    Solo Elk Packouts, Wolves, Big Deer, and New Gear Hunters Need | Beau Pullin of Cervara Gear

    This week on the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with Beau Pullin of Cervara Gear to talk about solo elk hunting, brutal packouts, scouting for mule deer, predator encounters, and the ultralight pulley system he created after learning the hard way just how difficult meat care can be deep in the backcountry. Beau shares the story that sparked the idea for Cervara Gear after killing his first backpack elk solo in Idaho and spending sleepless nights listening to wolves circle his meat pile in the dark. From trying to hang heavy elk quarters with paracord to dealing with heat, bears, and long packouts, this episode dives deep into the reality of what happens after the shot. We also get into: Why meat care is often the most overlooked part of hunt planning Solo elk hunting lessons learned the hard way Predator encounters around downed game Knife injuries and safety while processing game Using lightweight pulley systems for hanging meat and handling animals Beau's transition from elk addict to serious mule deer hunter This is a fun one packed with real hunting stories, practical backcountry problem-solving, and a look at a piece of gear that actually solves a legit issue for western hunters. Check out Beau and Cervara Gear here: Instagram: @cervaragear Website: CervaraGear.com Additional Links: Eastman's Elite Membership & Reserach Sections >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    56 min
  4. The 3 Phases of Scouting For September Elk Hunts

    May 24

    The 3 Phases of Scouting For September Elk Hunts

    Most hunters think scouting means hiking around and hoping to stumble into elk. In this episode, Jaden breaks down the actual system I use to scout elk hunts before season ever opens. From e-scouting to boots-on-the-ground work, we talk about the three phases of scouting that help you stay in elk and avoid wasting precious hunting days figuring things out on the fly. The Three Phases Jaden Dives into are:  Getting a Lay of the Land Developing an Area Actually Scouting He also shares real examples from past hunts, including what worked during his 2019 breakthrough archery elk season and what burned him on a more recent limited-entry hunt when he skipped important scouting steps. If you're staring at a fresh elk tag and wondering where to start, this episode will help you build a better plan before September gets here. LINKS: Hunt West Planning Services >> Hunt West Digest Sunday Email >> Bridger Reckon Watch >>  Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    57 min
  5. Archery Hunting Fundamentals with Keifer Rogers

    May 16

    Archery Hunting Fundamentals with Keifer Rogers

    This week on the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with guide, archery coach, and all-around bowhunting addict Keifer Rogers to talk about what actually matters when it comes to becoming a better hunter. We dive deep into shot process, target panic, offseason preparation, and the biggest mistakes most archery hunters make long before the season ever opens. Keifer shares how he went from a Pennsylvania whitetail hunter who barely practiced to killing his first bull elk on opening day of his first-ever elk hunt in Colorado. Along the way, we break down lessons about thermals, patience, drawing early, and why smooth execution matters more than brute force. And then there's the story of the "Michael Phelps elk"... a giant Wyoming bull that took the crew on a 38-hour rodeo involving multiple stalks, private land, game wardens, and a mile-long swim across a reservoir. One of the wildest elk hunting stories I've ever heard. If you're serious about becoming a more effective archery hunter this fall, this episode is packed with practical nuggets you can apply right now instead of scrambling in August wondering why your setup and shooting feel shaky. You can find Keifer at: Instagram: @keiferrogers_hunts The Hunting Consultant Website LINKS: Hunt West Planning Services >> Bridger Reckon Watch >>  Eastman's Elite Membership >>  Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    1h 19m
  6. How To Manage Hunting Pressure | Solo Round

    May 9

    How To Manage Hunting Pressure | Solo Round

    Using real stories from Wyoming elk camps, OTC mule deer hunts, and Nevada trophy deer tags, Jaden explains how understanding how other hunters move through the landscape can completely change your success. Sometimes the guy "stormtrooper-ing" through the woods isn't hurting your odds at all. Other times, a single serious hunter on the right angle can completely change the game. This episode dives deep into: Why "pressure" and "competition" are not always the same thing The importance of hunting angles and visibility How arriving early creates options and backup plans Why most hunters aren't actually hunting effectively When you should pivot to Plan B immediately How to structure hunts around weekdays, season timing, and hunting culture Why some of the most "crowded" hunts still hold incredible opportunity Jaden shares detailed stories about doubling on mule deer during a packed general season opener, managing guided-hunt competition on a premium Nevada tag, and learning that elk don't magically disappear just because you see other hunters in the woods. If you've ever looked at a crowded trailhead and thought, "Well… this hunt's blown," this episode will help you rethink the way you assess pressure and build better hunting strategies moving forward. LINKS: Wyoming Mule Deer Webinar >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Bridger Reckon Watch >>  Eastman's Elite Membership >>  Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    57 min
  7. Chubby Athletic & Dangerous: Always Hunt Ready with Lyle Hebel of MTNTOUGH

    May 2

    Chubby Athletic & Dangerous: Always Hunt Ready with Lyle Hebel of MTNTOUGH

    In this episode, I sit down with Lyle Hebel from MTNTOUGH to talk about what it really means to be prepared for a Western hunt. We dive into everything from long-range shooting and gear choices to spring bear hunting tactics and how fitness actually plays into success in the field. Lyle shares how he went deep down the shooting rabbit hole, and how chasing improvement across different skills has shaped the way he hunts. We also get into bear hunting strategy, including how to approach early vs late season bears, why getting on the same hillside matters, and how consistent effort beats "perfect timing" more often than not. On the fitness side, we break down how MTNTOUGH has evolved over the last decade from hardcore sheep-hunter prep into something that actually meets hunters where they're at. From beginner programs to full preseason prep, the goal is simple: build hunters who are always ready, not just hoping to survive their hunt. If you want to hunt harder, shoot better, and stop making excuses… this episode is for you. LINKS:  Hunt West Webinars May 7th & 12th >> Bridger Reckon Watch >> Hunt West Planning Services >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    1h 7m
  8. Spot & Stalk Lessons You Can Use This Fall: Stories from Argentina

    Apr 27

    Spot & Stalk Lessons You Can Use This Fall: Stories from Argentina

    Fresh off a trip to Argentina, this episode breaks down what happens when you treat a hunt like a training ground instead of a one-shot opportunity. Jaden spent the week chasing blackbuck with a bow while the rest of the crew hunted red stag, stacking reps in open country that feels a lot like pronghorn or mule deer terrain. The result? A pile of blown stalks, a couple missed opportunities, one clean kill, and a ton of lessons that translate directly to Western hunting. This episode dives into what actually matters when you're trying to close the distance: using subtle terrain, waiting for high-percentage setups, and not forcing bad opportunities. There's also a deep look at string jumping, including why mid-range shots can be the most dangerous and how alert animals completely change your odds. If you've ever rushed a stalk, taken a shot you shouldn't have, or felt like you just needed more reps to figure it out, this one will hit home. LINKS: Randy Ulmer's Multi-Part String Jump Articles >> Eastmans' Elite Membership >>  Check out Kifaru Gear >>  Learn about Hunt West Planning Services >>  Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

    51 min
See All (96)

4.9
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Hunt West Podcast is for hunters who'd rather wear out a pair of boots than a YouTube playlist. Most hunting podcasts give you campfire stories, gear hype, or endless tag talk. Hunt West is different. This is applied hunting wisdom — the stuff that actually helps you find critters and fill tags in the wild country west of the 100th meridian. Hosted by Jaden Bales — hunt consultant, mule deer junkie, and professional tag nerd — the show mixes solo riffs, guest conversations, and hard-earned lessons from real hunts. You'll get strategies for e-scouting, application hacks, mindset shifts, and the kind of woodsmanship that still matters when the Wi-Fi goes dark. If you're the kind of hunter who loves general seasons, sharp steel, glassing knobs, and planning three tags ahead — welcome home.

Information

  • Creator
    Jaden Bales
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Hunt West Podcast

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