Out of State Hunter

This week Chad welcomes back Jaden Bales for a special Stories from the Season episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast. Jaden breaks down the highs and lows of an unforgettable year in the mountains, from a high-country mule deer double up with his buddy, to a tough cow moose hunt and the camaraderie that comes from sharing the field with friends and family. The conversation explores the importance of communication and teamwork on group hunts, the mental and physical grind of backcountry adventures, and the lessons learned from pushing through challenging seasons. Jaden also reflects on years of scouting new terrain, the value of persistence, and how those efforts finally paid off. Plus, you’ll get updates on what’s new with Hunt West Planning, upcoming educational webinars, and a special personal milestone that wrapped up his season.

In this episode, we break down Idaho’s major overhaul of its non-resident hunting tag system. Chad has special guest, Tara Reichert, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, License Operations Manager on to discuss the new system and how it impacts non-residents. For 2025, Idaho has moved away from the chaotic first-come, first-served OTC scramble and shifted to a randomized draw designed to level the playing field for everyone. We walk through how the new system works: a 10-day application window in December, the ability to list up to five hunt choices per species, and the option to apply as a group. There’s no application fee, but hunters do have to buy a license up front — a change that’s already sparked a lot of conversation. Tag results will be released in January, and successful applicants must pick up their tags by the deadline before any leftovers go into a second drawing. Idaho plans to use the data from this new process to better understand demand and guide future wildlife management decisions. If you're planning to chase elk or deer in Idaho, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about navigating the new system. The Important Dates Purchase your 2026 license after December 1 but prior to entering the draw Draw opens December 5 Draw closes December 15 (11:59pm MST) Results in early January Tags must be purchased by January 20 See the brochure in the show notes for all the information

In this special episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad talks with the Brad Brooks from Argali about their transparent and customer driven approach to developing a new hunting clothing line. Instead of chasing trends or flashy features, Argali is focused on building high-quality, functional gear that prioritizes fit, comfort, and durability in real backcountry conditions. Argali launched “The Clothing Project” to gather direct feedback from hunters and refine each piece, from pants to mid-layers, before releasing it. These guys dig into lessons learned, why subtle color choices matter, and how listening to everyday hunters can lead to better gear. This is a look at thoughtful design in an industry that often gets it backwards.

In this episode, of the Out of State Hunter Podcast Chad shares the story of his private land pronghorn hunt in New Mexico. This hunt almost didn’t happen after scrambling to secure last-minute landowner permission. Hunting alongside his friend Vince and Trek, the guys spent time scouting the ranch before spotting a solid buck. Despite challenging wind conditions and a tricky first shot, his 25 PRC rifle proved its accuracy, sealing the deal on a great pronghorn. Chad breaks down the process of obtaining a private land tag in New Mexico, the gear and optics that made the difference, and lessons learned from the field. It’s an honest, detailed recap of a memorable hunt that capped off a strong run of tags and big bucks in recent seasons.

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Henry Ferguson shares his unforgettable hunting season that few could dream of. From finally fulfilling a 17-year pursuit with a massive bull moose to tagging a giant mule deer, Henry takes us through the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments of these hunts. Packed with adventure, camaraderie, and bucket-list success, this episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing their own dream hunts.

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Lane Colyer shares the story of his recent DIY caribou hunt in Alaska, a true backcountry adventure filled with challenges and rewards. Lane walks through the planning process, from choosing an over-the-counter tag to navigating the logistics of traveling and camping in the Alaskan tundra. He details the unpredictable weather, encounters with caribou and grizzlies, and the physical grind of packing out meat. Along the way, Lane offers practical advice on gear, transporting meat and antlers home, and mistakes to avoid. Listeners will also hear about the camaraderie among hunters, the unique culture of Alaskan hunting, and the fulfillment of achieving a lifelong goal. The conversation closes with Lane’s reflections on the hunt, future plans, and some exciting updates from GOHUNT.

In this solo episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad shares updates from a busy few months of preparation and adventure. He dives into recent rifle builds and reloading work, highlights his current bow setup for an upcoming mule deer hunt, and discusses his evolving fitness journey, including training for a half marathon and dropping 25 pounds to get ready for the season. Chad also talks about a recent family vacation that included a trip to the GOHUNT gear shop, testing new gear like the Revic Acura RS25i Rifle Scope and the new Revic BR10 Rangefinding Binoculars. Chad previews several exciting hunts on his calendar, including New Mexico antelope and oryx on White Sands Missile Range. Plus, hear what's coming soon on the podcast in the Stories from the Season series.

In this inspiring episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad talks with Johnny Plowman, the New Mexico and Arizona representative for the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA). This remarkable nonprofit organization grants free outdoor adventures—such as hunting and fishing trips—to critically ill and disabled youth, as well as disabled veterans across the country. Johnny shares heartwarming success stories, walks listeners through how individuals can become candidates, and highlights the life-changing impact of these outdoor experiences. Tune in to hear how USSA is restoring hope and creating unforgettable memories for those who need it most.