Drawn West

Drawn West with Brian Krebs
  • 5.0 (263)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. Why Hunters Eventually Get Into Trapping

    6D AGO

    Why Hunters Eventually Get Into Trapping

    If you’ve ever been curious about trapping but felt like it was confusing, intimidating, or just “not for people like me,” this episode is for you. I sit down with Zach from Okayest Trapper to talk through what getting started actually looks like when you didn’t grow up trapping. The mistakes, the learning curve, the frozen ground, the gear decisions, and why most people underestimate how much work (and problem-solving) is involved. We cover how trapper education works in different states, how trapping changes the way you think about animals and habitat, and why so many hunters eventually get drawn into it — even if they never planned to. We also talk honestly about fur, conservation, and whether trapping is something that stays a hobby or can turn into something more over time. If you hunt, own land, or just want to understand another side of the outdoor world without the gatekeeping, this conversation will give you a clear picture of what trapping really is — and whether it’s something you’d ever want to try. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this helped you see trapping differently, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who’s been curious but unsure where to start. Check out our latest article: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/elk-hunting-knives FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Collab kickoff + trapping bug 01:45 – How Idaho vs Minnesota trapping education works 06:15 – Early exposure to trapping culture (and what changed) 09:45 – “Why am I doing this?” — the addiction to challenge 14:10 – Trap prep debate: boil, rust, dye, wax… or just run them 18:10 – Anchors vs drags + frozen ground problems 23:00 – Cable restraints: lighter, faster, more scalable 26:10 – Collector mode: species goals (fox, coon, coyote, fisher, bobcat) 31:45 – Fur boom talk + could markets ever come back? 41:15 – Alternative markets: squirrels, gophers, skulls, and making it pencil

    56 min
  2. Arizona Elk and Antelope – Is It Worth It?

    FEB 2

    Arizona Elk and Antelope – Is It Worth It?

    Is it worth applying for Elk and Antelope in Arizona? Lets dive into it! In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down exactly what non-resident hunters need to know before deciding whether Arizona deserves a spot in their Western application strategy. From deadlines and costs to draw mechanics and realistic hunt expectations, this episode is built to help you avoid common mistakes and spend your application dollars smarter. You’ll learn how to legally cut Arizona application costs nearly in half using the license timing strategy, how loyalty and Hunter Ed bonus points actually impact your odds, and why Arizona’s modified bonus point system is confusing—but still gives every applicant a chance. Brian also explains why group applications can quietly destroy your odds, especially in units limited by the 5% non-resident cap. On the hunting side, this episode takes an honest look at where Arizona elk stands today. While it’s no longer the king of 400-inch bulls, Arizona still offers some of the best mid-range elk opportunities in the West if you’re willing to hunt late archery or late rifle seasons. Brian lays out realistic timelines for different hunt types and explains where Arizona fits compared to states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana. Finally, Brian addresses Arizona antelope head-on—why it’s largely overvalued for non-residents, when it might still make sense to apply, and why most hunters are better off treating it as a cheap lottery ticket rather than a long-term points investment. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this helped clarify your application strategy, leave a 5-star rating and share the episode with a buddy who’s still on the fence about Arizona. FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://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/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb 01:45 Arizona License & Application Costs 03:10 The Every-Other-Year License Strategy 05:00 Arizona Weather, Drought, and Herd Health 06:45 Arizona’s Modified Bonus Point Draw 09:10 Group Applications & Non-Resident Caps 11:40 How Good Is Arizona Elk Hunting Today? 14:00 Arizona as a Mid-Range Elk Strategy 18:00 Arizona Antelope Reality Check 21:30 Final Verdict & Application Advice

    22 min
  3. Wyoming Elk Applications 2026

    JAN 30

    Wyoming Elk Applications 2026

    Apply, skip, or just buy a point — this is how to make the right Wyoming elk decision in 2026. In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down everything non-resident hunters need to know before applying for a Wyoming elk tag in 2026 — including deadlines, costs, point strategy, and when it isn’t worth applying. This episode covers how Wyoming’s elk system really works, from the confusing regular vs. special draw and preference vs. random pools, to tag types, regions, group applications, and realistic draw odds at every point level. Brian also explains why Wyoming’s early deadline and full upfront payment change the math for many hunters — especially those with low point totals — and offers honest guidance on when to apply, when to skip, and when to simply buy a point later in the year. If you’re trying to decide whether Wyoming fits into your 2026 elk plan, this episode gives you the clarity to make a smart call instead of guessing. Key Takeaways: • Non-resident Wyoming elk deadline: February 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT • Upfront cost required: Full tag + fees charged at application • Draw results: Tentatively May 21, 2026 • Preference points: No longer automatic — must be purchased separately July 1–Nov 2 • Regular vs. Special draw: ~4-year point reduction for ~$1,250 more • General tag reality: Now takes ~3–6 points depending on region • When NOT to apply: Low-point hunters in South & West regions • When to apply: Borderline odds (30%+) or high-point limited entry plays Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this helped, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy stressing over applications. GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4 FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://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/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Wyoming Elk Deadline & Fees02:35 – Preference Points Are No Longer Automatic03:48 – How the Wyoming Elk Draw Works07:25 – Wyoming Elk Tag Types Explained09:45 – General License & Regions12:15 – Group Applications & Point Averaging13:54 – General Tag Draw Odds by Region16:18 – Regular vs Special: Is It Worth It?18:40 – Limited Entry Options by Point Level21:03 – When You Should Skip Applying23:25 – Elk Herd Health & 2026 Outlook25:57 – Final Recommendation & Wrap-Up

    27 min
  4. Best of SHOT Show 2026

    JAN 27

    Best of SHOT Show 2026

    Inside SHOT Show 2026: the biggest hunting and shooting industry trends, gear, and surprises from the show floor. SHOT Show 2026 just wrapped, and this was my first-ever SHOT Show experience—so I went in expecting a hunting trade show and walked into one of the biggest shooting sports and firearms industry events in the world. In this episode, I break down what SHOT Show is really like, how it compares to other outdoor expos, and the new hunting gear, firearms technology, and outdoor products that stood out most this year. From suppressor-ready rifles and long-range cartridges to innovative hunting packs, coolers, blinds, and knives, this episode covers the products and trends that matter most to serious hunters. I also share my Top 3 things from SHOT Show 2026, including: • The new 7mm Backcountry cartridge designed for 20” suppressor-ready rifles • Why Beretta’s 500-year history might be the most impressive story in the firearms industry • Benchmade’s brand-new bi-metal blade patent that could change how hunting knives are built If you’re curious about SHOT Show, the future of hunting gear, or what new products are actually worth paying attention to in 2026, this episode gives you a ground-level look from the show floor. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this episode helped you, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy heading west this fall. FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

    50 min
  5. Rifle Gear 101

    JAN 20

    Rifle Gear 101

    SHOT Show week in Vegas, so we’re doing something a little different: a throwback “Rifle Gear 101” episode from the Western Rookie days, republished here on Drawn West. It’s a full, practical walkthrough of what actually matters for a western rifle hunt: layering for chaotic October/November weather, keeping feet dry with gaiters, and building a clothing system you can mix and match instead of buying one “mega jacket.” From there we get into camp comfort (truck-seat mattress vs. tent, propane vs. wood heat, and why warm food matters more the colder it gets), then the unsexy-but-critical stuff: tools, tow straps, shovels, chains, and spare tires so a broken rig doesn’t end your hunt. We wrap with the “gear brain” section: kill kit + game bags, pack setup, glassing systems, and then a straight-shooting breakdown of calibers, bullet types, and rifle optics so you can keep it simple and still be effective. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend. FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 — 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Lead-In 00:33 — Shot Show Week + Throwback Episode Plan 03:15 — Rifle Season Weather + Layering Strategy 12:59 — GOHUNT Draw Odds + Insider Plug 14:15 — Gloves + Cold-Hand System 16:23 — Camp Styles + Heaters (Propane vs Wood) 25:17 — Truck Tools, Straps, Chains, Spares 31:14 — Kill Kit + Game Bags + Pack Setup 41:26 — Glassing System: Binos, Tripod, Spotter 48:37 — Calibers, Bullets, and Rifle Optics Wrap-Up

    1h 17m
  6. How To Plan Your First Western Hunt

    JAN 13

    How To Plan Your First Western Hunt

    Never hunted the West before? This episode is where you start. This is a full, start-to-finish breakdown of how to plan your first Western hunt without wasting time, money, or an entire season learning the hard way. We walk through every major decision — species, weapon choice, tag systems, budget, gear, scouting, and expectations — so you can stop overthinking and start taking action. This episode is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’ve never stepped foot out West or you’ve gone once and want a cleaner, smarter process, this framework gives you clarity on what to do next — and how to build hunts that fit your life, not your ego. This is the foundation everything else at Drawn West builds on. If this episode helped you, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a 5-star rating — it helps more hunters find the show. And if you know someone who’s always said “someday I want to hunt out West,” send them this episode. Follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more Western hunting strategy, planning, and real-world hunt breakdowns. Up Next: Watch our full Colorado Mule Deer Hunt where we TAGGED OUT on public land! https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersSave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb 00:00 – Why This Is the Start Here Episode 05:00 – Choosing the Right First Western Hunt 08:00 – Species & Weapon Reality Check 20:00 – Understanding Tags, Points & Draw Systems 30:00 – How to Pick a Unit Without Internet Noise 38:00 – Realistic Budget & Hidden Costs 48:00 – E-Scouting: Access, Habitat & Pressure 55:00 – Timeline: When to Apply, Scout & Prep 01:02:00 – Expectations, Mindset & Final Advice

    1h 7m
  7. Long Range Muzzleloaders

    JAN 6

    Long Range Muzzleloaders

    Dogs running deer, a 200-yard muzzleloader shot, a misfire on the follow up, and an 8-point that somehow stood there forever… this one was chaos in the best (and worst) way. Brian kicks off with two quick updates: the 2025 Colorado mule deer full film is live on YouTube, and a listener question from Joe that turns into a solid breakdown on picking your anchor elk state as a solo hunter. He talks rifle vs archery realities, why repetition matters more than “perfect” tags, and how he’d rotate Montana/Colorado (and maybe Idaho) to stack reps without waiting 10–15 years. Then we get into Minnesota muzzleloader season: a herd gets pushed by two pet dogs, a big buck pauses at 200, the shot breaks, and the follow-up turns into click… click… click. Next morning: blood, pines, and a fast recovery—plus what this long-range muzzleloader setup has changed for his CRP farm hunts. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend. Watch the full Colorado Mule Deer Film:https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs   FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://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/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb 00:00 Colorado mule deer full filmannouncement 02:08 Listener question: solo elkstruggles + point situation 04:35 What makes an “anchor elk state” 06:00 Rifle vs archery elk when you huntsolo 08:04 Why Wyoming general isn’t a truecornerstone state 10:24 Colorado as a cornerstone (pressure+ future changes) 12:43 Montana general strategy and the“point weirdness” 14:30 A practical rotation plan for elkhunting more often 16:49 Minnesota muzzleloader: whylong-range matters 23:08 Dogs push deer + the 200-yard shot+ misfire chaos 34:17 Blood trail, fast recovery, andseason wrap

    45 min
  8. 11-Day Montana Ice Fishing Trip

    12/30/2025

    11-Day Montana Ice Fishing Trip

    An 11-day winter road trip, four Airbnbs, overloaded trucks, and some of the most remote ice fishing in the Lower 48. In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian sits down with Matt Waldron to break down an 11-day western ice fishing road trip across Montana and Wyoming—what went right, what went sideways, and why destination ice fishing deserves way more attention from hunters and anglers alike. Matt walks through the logistics of hauling machines, gear overload, rotating Airbnbs, and filming a full multi-episode series for Crappie Chronicles. They dig into the mental shift between hunting and fishing trips, why ice fishing feels more relaxed, and how preparation, flexibility, and experience keep trips like this from falling apart. The conversation covers everything from remote lake trout fishing on Fort Peck Reservoir, destination walleye fisheries like Devils Lake, and why western fisheries offer a completely different experience than pressured Midwest lakes. Along the way, they get into gear systems, truck builds, safety in remote country, filming realities, and why nothing ever goes exactly as planned on long trips. This episode is part trip recap, part strategy session, and part encouragement to think bigger—whether that’s ice fishing out west, planning destination trips, or simply getting more intentional about how you travel and prepare. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave a 5-star rating, and share the show on social media to help Drawn West keep growing. FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

    1h 48m
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Drawn West with Brian Krebs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Drawn West with Brian Krebs
  • Show Website
    Drawn West

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