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Think rugby is rough? Try playing it on horseback while fighting for possession of a 70-pound goat. Nick Willert says he came out of professional MMA fights less injured than he has from Kok Boru and horseback wrestling—and after hearing his stories, I believe him. Nick joins me to explain two sports I barely knew existed: one where you wrestle another rider out of the saddle, and another where four riders work together to move a goat carcass into the opposing team’s goal. We get into competing at the World Nomad Games, drawing an unfamiliar horse, the match that left him with three broken ribs, and why he keeps going back. Then we shift into Forge Line fieldwear and the gear that has to survive all of it. I share my first impressions of the Oaks Camp pants and jacket after wearing them for projects around my property, and Nick explains the military clothing experience behind their fit, reinforced construction, and washable waxed cotton. We also talk through hunting applications, layering, and the difference between weather resistance and waterproof protection. What we cover: ·         How horseback wrestling works—and why grappling skills are only part of the equation. ·         What Kok Boru is, how teams score, and what makes it so physically demanding. ·         Nick’s World Nomad Games experience and the injury that ended his latest tournament. ·         The challenges of bringing horseback wrestling and Kok Boru to the United States. ·         How Forge Line carried its military clothing experience into civilian fieldwear. ·         My first impressions of the Oaks Camp pants for food plots, fence work, and everyday use. ·         Waxed cotton, reinforced panels, and building a layering system around your activity and conditions.   Check out the ForgeLine Oaks Camp Pant:https://alnk.to/btszPlK   Subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. Share this one with the buddy who thinks his favorite sport is the toughest.   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! Check out Drawn West Apparel:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop   FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest   00:00:00 Cold open and Drawn West apparel update 00:02:12 Meet Nick Willert: from MMA to horseback wrestling 00:10:02 Horseback wrestling rules, scoring, and strategy 00:18:02 Kok Boru explained: horseback rugby and its traditions 00:24:58 Injuries, weight classes, and competing overseas 00:30:10 Sponsor break: Maverick Hunting Blinds and Mathews 00:33:27 Forge Line fieldwear: military roots and waxed cotton 00:38:02 Oaks Camp pants: fit, comfort, and reinforced construction 00:44:58 Hunting layers, weather resistance, and moisture management 00:56:21 Building a clothing system: jackets, base layers, and rain shells 01:07:31 Nick’s background: Marines, skiing, MMA, and fatherhood 01:11:57 Bringing horseback sports to America and where to follow

How do you choose hunting optics without spending money on magnification and features you don’t need? I break down how to choose a spotting scope, binoculars, and a laser rangefinder for western hunting and whitetail scouting. From angled vs. straight spotting scopes to 10x vs. 12x binoculars, I explain the tradeoffs behind my glassing setup and what I’d look for before upgrading. I use my Maven S3 spotting scope, B6 12x50 binoculars, and RF1 rangefinder to demonstrate, but the buying considerations apply across optics brands. ·         Angled vs. straight spotting scopes—and why I switched to angled ·         Choosing spotting scope magnification to complement your binoculars ·         Why I prefer 12x50 binoculars for western hunting and whitetails ·         When higher-power binoculars might replace a spotting scope ·         Tripod mounting, binocular diopter adjustment, and digiscoping adapters ·         What rangefinder distance ratings mean for different targets ·         Angle compensation, brightness controls, and field/forest modes Subscribe to Drawn West and leave a rating and review. Sign up for the newsletter through the link below, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. For the hands-on demonstrations, watch on YouTube or Spotify. Stay drawn.   Check out the optics I run from Maven:https://mavenbuilt.com/?utm_source=&utm_medium=drawnwest&utm_content=archery&utm_campaign=bb_maven_2026   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! Check out Drawn West Apparel:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop   FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest 00:00:00 Intro & Drawn West Updates 00:03:40 Angled vs. Straight SpottingScopes 00:12:45 Scouting Whitetails From YourTruck 00:19:40 Spotting Scope Magnification& Digiscoping 00:22:55 Pairing Spotters With Binoculars 00:25:15 Tripod Mounts &Interchangeable Eyepieces 00:30:50 Choosing Hunting BinocularMagnification 00:36:05 How to Focus Your Binoculars 00:40:00 Rangefinders & AngleCompensation 00:43:20 What Rangefinder DistanceRatings Mean 00:48:50 Rangefinder Brightness &Field/Forest Modes 00:52:15 Tripod Ranging & Maven RFZZoom

Last Day to Win a Custom Bow! Enter at:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaways And get 10x entries when you shop Drawn West Apparel!https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop Your broadhead might work great when everything goes right. But what happens when an elk turns, your arrow catches a shoulder, or the blood trail disappears? I sit down with Dr. Ed Ashby to talk arrow penetration, single-bevel broadheads, and building a hunting arrow for more than a perfect broadside shot. I’ve followed his research since I started changing my arrow setup for elk hunting, and I brought out a box of broadheads to ask the questions I’ve always wondered about. We get into the Natal study, why structural integrity and arrow flight come before chasing high FOC, and what the roughly 650-grain heavy-bone threshold actually means. I also push on the other side of the equation: if my arrow already passes through, could a wider cut help me recover a deer in thick Minnesota cover? Ashby shares his perspective on blood trails, bleeder blades, and why breaking through bone doesn’t guarantee lethal penetration. What we cover: ·         How four unrecovered whitetails sparked Ashby’s arrow-performance research. ·         Lessons from testing 32 broadhead designs during the Natal study. ·         Why you shouldn’t sacrifice arrow flight for higher FOC. ·         How tip shape, ferrule design, and single bevels affect penetration. ·         What the 650-grain threshold does—and doesn’t—tell you. ·         Cutting width, blood trails, and recovering animals when the hit isn’t perfect. If this gives you something to think about before your next hunt, follow the podcast and share it with someone working on their arrow setup. Follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram to keep up with what we’re doing.       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! Check out Drawn West Apparel:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop   FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest   00:00:00 ARC giveaway final announcement 00:04:09 Dr. Ed Ashby and the origins of his research 00:14:18 Natal study: testing broadheads on real animals 00:22:52 Broadhead failures and bone penetration 00:29:39 Bone deflection, tip design, and single bevels 00:40:57 Recovery records and modern arrow setups 00:45:29 High FOC versus proper arrow flight 00:50:28 The 650-grain threshold and shot selection 00:54:56 Blood trails, cutting width, and bleeder blades 01:14:59 Modern bow testing and African dangerous game 01:31:07 Conservation and close calls in Africa 01:40:04 Heavy-bone thresholds, shot placement, and final takeaways

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.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! Check out Drawn West Apparel:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop   FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

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.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! Check out Drawn West Apparel:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/shop   FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/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

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.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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/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?

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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

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.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!https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles   FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave 10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest 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

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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!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/e75Pm4uSave 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!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/e75Pm4uSave 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest

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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!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/e75Pm4uSave 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://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.comhttps://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

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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!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/e75Pm4uSave 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://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.comhttps://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest 00:00:00 – Studio Renovation Update and Episode Kickoff00:01:14 – Introducing Ryan Burnett and Pattern Pro USA00:03:03 – Why Most Hunters Don't Just Do One Thing00:09:08 – Ryan's Marine Corps Days and How He Met His Wife00:15:47 – How the Shotgun Shell Variety Pack Idea Was Born00:19:12 – Why Patterning Your Gun Actually Matters00:26:46 – Ear Protection, Recoil, and a Pivot to Rifles00:30:09 – Pattern Pro's New Rifle Ammunition Variety Packs00:35:34 – Building a Bullet Toolbox for Every Hunting Scenario00:41:57 – Why Trigger Time Matters More Than a Good Zero00:44:50 – Cup and Core vs Bonded vs Monolithic Bullets Explained00:54:41 – Why Hunters Wish Pattern Pro Existed Sooner00:59:49 – New Upland Bird Boxes and a Choke Tube Rental Program01:03:32 – What's Next and Where to Follow Pattern Pro USA

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 If this helped you find a plan for fall, subscribe to the show and check out GoHunt Insider Plus using code Drawn West for $50 gear shop credit! Enter the Reveal Giveaway! One winner every month for therest of the year! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/revealStay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn WestNewsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking 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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!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/e75Pm4uSave 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestSave 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/Get the BESTPRICES on your next firearm at Guns.com!https://alnk.to/3yfWc6R 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

Ever thrown your bow in the backseat only to find your fletchings crushed, your sight bumped, or fresh scratches on your door frame? That annoying, expensive problem is exactly what pushed two Utah hunting buddies to design one of the coolest truck bow mounts on the market. In this episode, Logan Cornwall and Dave Hansen of Anchor Point break down how a bumpy elk hunt turned into a universal bow-storage system that sold out its first batch overnight. They cover the messy prototyping process, why grabbing the bow by the grip (upside down) solved the fit problem across different bow models, and how they're bootstrapping production with a basement full of 3D printers while gearing up to scale into injection molding. The conversation also drifts into classic Western hunting talk — road hunting strategy, Utah's weapon-and-season draw restrictions, elk calling stories, and trail camera setups for summer scouting. Highlights: • The bumpy elk hunt that sparked the idea for a truck-mounted bow holder • Why flipping the design upside down solved compatibility across bow brands and models • How Anchor Point sold out 20 units overnight on launch night, before HuntExpo • The tradeoffs between 3D printing and injection molding for a scaling hunting brand • How to spot (and avoid) scam websites copying small outdoor brands' products • Logan's solo, limited-entry Utah bull elk story and Dave's plans for next season • Trail camera picks and cellular coverage tips for summer e-scouting Check Out ANKR Point: https://www.getankrpoint.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ankr.point/ If you enjoyed this one, subscribe to the podcast and follow along for more gear breakdowns and Western hunting strategy talk every week. Enter our Reveal Cell Cam giveaway — sign up at https://www.getdrawnwest.com/revealto be entered to win. And stick around for the whole episode: there's a secretcode word in this conversation you'll need to get 20 extra entries, so don'tskip ahead. 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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!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=getdrawnwestSave20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/00:00:00 – Intro:welcoming Logan and Dave from Anchor Point00:01:13 – Guest backgrounds: growing up hunting in Utah00:03:16 – What is Anchor Point? The elevator pitch00:04:05 – The bumpy elk hunt that sparked the idea00:06:21 – The "flip it upside down" design breakthrough00:08:04 – Launch story: sold out overnight before HuntExpo00:12:26 – 3D printing now vs. injection molding for scale00:15:29 – SLS printing and modern manufacturing options00:19:45 – Why road hunting is underrated in the West00:24:38 – Trail camera picks and cellular coverage for scouting00:27:00 – Protecting your bow: dinged doors and busted sights00:36:05 – Left vs. right handed setups and backseat fit00:42:20 – Upcoming Utah tags and elk hunting plans00:47:36 – Logan's solo limited-entry bull elk story00:53:04 – Watch out for scam Anchor Point websites00:56:19 – Where to buy and follow Anchor Point

The 6.5 Creedmoor has always taken heat for being underpowered on elk — until now. Federal's engineers sit down to explain how their new Peak Alloy case technology closes that gap by packing 300 extra feet per second into the exact same cartridge millions of hunters already own. Federal design engineers Ben Carlson and Brad Abramowski, along with product line manager Josh Vickers, break down how a U.S. Army next-generation weapons program in 2018 led directly to Peak Alloy, a case material designed to beat the pressure limits of brass. From there, the conversation covers why they picked the 6.5 Creedmoor for this upgrade over more exotic calibers, how modern bullet technology like Terminal Ascent changes the terminal-performance math on smaller cartridges, and where the industry is headed with older rounds like the 30-06. • How Peak Alloy case technology started inside the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon program back in 2018 • Why Federal picked the 6.5 Creedmoor, not a magnum, as the first commercial cartridge to get the Peak Alloy treatment • How Peak Alloy pushes 155-156 grain bullets in a 6.5 Creedmoor faster than stock 6.5 PRC velocities • An engineer's honest take on whether 6.5 Creedmoor Plus Peak replaces a 300 Win Mag for elk • Why bullet design (Terminal Ascent, bonded bullets) matters as much as raw velocity for clean, ethical kills • Real hunting stories, including a mule deer taken at 15 feet, an elk shot with a 6mm Creedmoor at 700 yards, and doubling on whitetail does in the same food plot • Whether classic cartridges like the 30-06 and 270 Winchester are ever likely to disappear If you're rethinking your next big-game rifle setup, hit follow and share this one with your hunting crew — it might change what's in your safe this fall. Check out more from Brad, Josh, and Ben on Instagram: Ben: https://www.instagram.com/ben_carlson_/ Brad: https://www.instagram.com/real_gunnerdog/ Josh: https://www.instagram.com/vickers.josh/ 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 Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]! 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/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Save 20% On Reveal Cell Cams & Accessories with codeDRAWNWEST20https://www.tactacam.com/ 00:00:00— Meet the Federal team: Ben, Josh, and Brad 00:04:36— Backstory: the 7mm Backcountry launch 00:06:55— Why brass limits cartridge performance 00:09:15— Origin of Peak Alloy: the Army's next-gen weapon program 00:11:33— Beating the 7mm PRC: designing a better big-game cartridge 00:13:55— How the "Backcountry" name came to be 00:16:19— Announcing 6.5 Creedmoor Plus Peak 00:18:35— Making the 6.5 Creedmoor more versatile 00:20:53— Is 6.5 Creedmoor really an elk cartridge? 00:23:17— Terminal Ascent and choosing the right bullet 00:25:43— Ben's honest take: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 Win Mag for elk 00:32:41— Should older calibers get Peak Alloy too? 00:35:06— Will classics like the 30-06 ever sunset? 00:39:47— Choosing a first rifle for mule deer hunting 00:42:07— Suppressed rifles and the Peak Alloy advantage 00:44:26— Draw results and fall hunting plans 00:48:53— Minnesota whitetail stories and early doe season 00:53:34— Bear baiting tips and strategy00:55:56 — Elk hunting stories and hunting withfamily