Big Hunt Guys

This is Part 2 of the "Drew a Tag, Now What?" series, and it's a full listener Q&A on one of my favorite ways to prepare for a hunt: e-scouting. A few weeks ago we asked for your e-scouting questions over on the GOHUNT Instagram, and you guys sent in some absolutely phenomenal ones. So in this episode I'm tackling nearly every single one. In my opinion, e-scouting is one of the most important tools we have as hunters because you can do it 24/7, 365. But it can also be overwhelming… so I try to break it all down into a process you can repeat.

I dive into: what actually makes a spot bucky (cover, security, feed, shade, glassing), which slopes I key on, identifying mule deer feed in satellite imagery, my waypoint color-coding system, e-scouting the thick PJ desert, finding water off the map, high alpine archery, third rifle transition range, October bucks, breaking down a big general state like Montana, and how to dumb it all down if you're brand new. I discuss elevation bands, road density, winter range and migration layers, terrain analysis, and historical imagery, so you can hear how I layer that data analysis into a real game plan. It's not about finding one magic waypoint. It's about layering the data, letting those layers converge, and building a plan you trust enough to act on. Put your reps in now, and come season you'll be hunting with confidence instead of guessing.

Learn more about GOHUNT.
Follow Brady on Instagram.
Follow GOHUNT on Social Media:
Instagram
YouTube - Podcast Channel
YouTube - Main Channel
Facebook

In this solo episode, Trail breaks down his complete approach to summer mule deer scouting. He explains where mature bucks spend their summers, the habitat features he prioritizes, and the key reasons certain areas consistently hold older-age-class deer. Trail also shares the exact notes he records on every buck he scouts—from antler characteristics, travel patterns, bedding locations, behavior, and vulnerability factors. These scouting details help build a reliable profile on each deer long before opening day. Trail also offers up the stats behind the best mule deer bucks he's harvested. He analyzes the elevation, slope, aspect and vegetation type for each buck. Whether you're trying to locate your first mature buck or refine your scouting system for bigger deer, this episode is packed with practical ideas and real-world lessons from chasing mule deer in the West.

In this episode of The Big Hunt Guys Podcast, Brady and Trail sit down with a friend of GOHUNT, Jess Laughter, to talk all things backcountry hunting. Jess shares her approach to archery, including how she selects a bow, dials in her setup, and prepares for hunting season. Jess also recounts her memorable archery mule deer hunt from last season, walking us through the scouting, challenges, key decisions, and the emotions of the hunt from start to finish. Whether you're new to hunting or a seasoned backcountry hunter looking to refine your setup, this episode is packed with practical insights, hunting stories, and lessons learned.

You drew the tag. The rush hits, you call your buddies, and then reality sets in. Now what? In this solo episode, I'm walking you through the exact prep sequence I try to use the second a tag lands in my hand. While some of these might seem very basic, the work happens between the draw results day and the season opener. Because in my opinion, that window right there is what separates a good hunt from a truly memorable one. Drawing the tag isn't the finish line. It's step one. Note: I left e-scouting OUT of this one on purpose. This episode is the foundation: knowing your tag, researching your unit, leaning on the community, understanding the biology, and getting your body and gear ready. The mapping deep dive deserves its own episode, and that's exactly what's coming next. Get this groundwork right, and your e-scouting and boots-on-the-ground scouting will actually pay off.

Check out an article on this process here that can be applied to any state/tag you drew: https://www.gohunt.com/browse/tips-and-tricks/insider/if-you-drew-a-deer-or-elk-tag-in-colorado-start-here-to-prepare-for-your-hunt

Learn more about GOHUNT.
Follow Brady on Instagram.
Follow GOHUNT on Social Media:
Instagram
YouTube - Podcast Channel
YouTube - Main Channel
Facebook

In this episode of the Big Hunt Guys Podcast, we sit down with Jenny Lesieutre for an update on one of the most controversial wildlife and public lands issues in the American West: feral horses and burros. Jenny breaks down the current status of feral horse and burro populations, how their numbers have grown beyond management objectives, and the impacts overpopulation can have on native wildlife, habitat health, water resources, and public lands. We also dive into the history and intent of the Wild Horse and Burro Act, how management has evolved over the decades, and the challenges agencies face today. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or rancher, this conversation provides important context on an issue that affects wildlife management across the West. We also discuss practical ways sportsmen can become informed, engaged, and involved in shaping future policy and management decisions.

Check out the article Brady referenced for population data: https://www.gohunt.com/browse/journal/the-life/the-colossal-backlash-of-wild-horses-on-wildlife