This is the second year I’ve joined some buddies for the first week of the year to chase Coues in the backcountry right in the peak of the rut. There were bucks everywhere, stalks every day, arrows flew, and meat came out of the backcountry with us. There was also the accidental shooting of the “wrong” deer who was one of two with a very distinct antler situation. Too many bucks to keep track of is exactly the problem you want to have out there, and it’s what this area seems to deliver every year. GOHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to GOHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

This year my wife and oldest son drew pretty great rifle Coues deer tags in the Arizona desert, and for a number of reasons my wife ended up not going. So, me and my two sons (ages 13 & 10) set out for a 3-day boys trip to try and get my oldest a shot at a buck. The weather was cold, the hikes were long, and the bucks were in short supply. At the end of the day, though, we had a great time hanging out together in the wild. We pushed ourselves, saw some great country, and made memories that will last a lifetime. This episode is all about that experience, and some pretty poignant thoughts about hunting with your kids. GOHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to GOHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

This is honestly one of the coolest stories I’ve been able to share on this podcast! Today I’m joined by Caleb Brewer, a double amputee Army Special Forces Vet, who was given an Arizona Bighorn Sheep tag at the last minute. Also on the line are the two Ryans - Ryan Gentry and Ryan Smith - two active duty Air Force guys who jumped in to help with Caleb’s hunt. This tag was in rugged and remote country, so they knew they’d face some challenges getting Caleb around in there. But, the way the hunt came together and the story unfolded was absolutely amazing! More than that, the camaraderie between everyone involved and the lengths these guys were willing to go to help a fellow Vet is nothing short of inspiring. To connect with the organization that made this all possible, check out Outdoor Experience 4 All and get involved. To connect with Caleb, you can follow him on Instagram @ckbrewer or check out his bow shop and support a veteran-owned business at Stick Sniper Archery. You can also connect with Ryan Smith over at @hunt_az or Ryan Gentry at @ryan.the.creature. Also, head over and subscribe to the Hunt AZ YouTube Channel to see when the film of this hunt goes live. GOHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to GOHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

Today I’m joined by Garrison Sexson who hails from the Bay Area of California. He cut his teeth chasing mulies and blacktail deer in his home state, but an injury forced him to replan his fall and he found himself heading with a buddy to Arizona to chase the legendary and elusive Coues Deer for the first time. They put in the work, got on deer every day, and ultimately found success. In fact, his buddy was able to harvest his first deer ever, and it just happened to be a Coues. It’s a great story that I’m sure you’ll enjoy! If you want to connect with Garrison, you can hit him up on Instagram @Gsexson GOHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to GOHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

Once again I’m joined by my good friend, Josh Kirchner from Dialed-In-Hunter, as he shares two incredible stories from his fall mule deer adventures. One was an Idaho rifle hunt and the other was high country archery, but the similarities and incredible success in these two hunts is mind-boggling. To see the films of both of these hunts, head over to Josh’s YouTube Channel, and go pick up a copy of his book, Becoming a Backpack Hunter, if you’ve ever considered diving into the backcountry hunting world. GOHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to GOHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

This is a very special episode for me because I’m joined by my oldest son to tell the story of his first ever harvest. Hendric finally drew the AZ Youth Rifle Cow Elk tag, and that meant we were heading to my favorite elk spot…the exact area where I harvested my first bull. In just two days we had a several really cool encounters, the bulls were still bugling, and he finally connected on the morning of day 2. I’m still beaming with pride over this one, and it’s a hunting memory I’ll cherish forever. I was also fortunate enough to capture the adventure on film, so if you’d like to watch the hunt unfold, you can see that HERE. GOHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to GOHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

This year I didn’t have an archery elk hunt in my fall calendar, and I just couldn’t stand it! So, at the last minute, I decided to make a quick trip up to Utah to try and chase some elk on a quick solo backcountry hunt. From the minute I left the pavement, things started to go wrong, and they only got worse as the trip went on. It definitely became one of the sketchiest solo backcountry experiences I’ve ever had, and at the end of the day I was just thankful to get back home safely. Follow along on my cautionary tale of woe and hopefully pick up some tips to keep you from meeting a similar fate in the backcountry. GOHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to GOHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

This is the story of my first-ever antelope hunt in my home state of Arizona. Lots of bad luck and obstacles to overcome, but finally on day 5 of the hunt, a gorgeous buck came within range. It’s a great story of overcoming adversity, refusing to quit when things aren’t going right, and dealing with the pain of a shot not unfolding the way you want it to. I also got terrific footage of this hunt and the film will be coming out soon, so make sure you’re subscribed to the Late to the Game Outdoors YouTube channel to see it when it comes out. goHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to goHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

Today was I able to have Bob Baldwin and Jay Ledbetter back on the podcast. They’re the authors of the book Proper Care and Feeding of a Huntin’ Buddy. Bob and Jay are absolute riots, and I was so happy to have them back on the show. What I missed in the first episode was the story that started it all - their mishap-filled Colorado elk hunt that sparked the idea that they should share their hilarious hunting stories with the world by writing this book. Check out their book at the link above, or go connect with them at bobnjay.com or on their Facebook page. goHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to goHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

Today I’m joined by Matt Chambers from Mississippi with a CRAZY story about whitetail hunting and his blood trailing dogs! Matt reached out with a quick synopsis of the story and a video clip that I absolutely couldn’t believe…I knew I had to have him on. What follows is one of the most astounding hunting stories I’ve ever heard of. To catch up with Matt and see the clip of the world’s greatest hunting dog, give him a follow on Instagram @mattcham08 goHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to goHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

Today I’m joined by Keith Ward from Alberta Canada. Keith is certainly an experienced hunter, but decided to try his hand at hunting mule deer for the first time last year. There were blown stalks, missed shots, and a whole bunch of shenanigans, but he ultimately connected on this massive buck who had given him the slip once before. It’s a great story and a terrific buck that any hunter would be proud to lay his hands on. To connect with Keith, give him a follow on Instagram and keep your eyes peeled for his upcoming YouTube Channel. goHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to goHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

Today I’m joined by Bob Baldwin and Jay Ledbetter, authors of the book Proper Care and Feeding of a Huntin’ Buddy. Bob and Jay are absolute riots, and it really felt like I was sitting around a campfire listening to two great friends tell stories and joke with each other. I could have talked with them for much longer, but had to keep it short (though we’re already working on a second episode with them). Check out their book at the link above, or go connect with them at bobnjay.com or on their Facebook page. goHUNT is the only resource I trust for draw odds, e-scouting and maps, and they’re my go-to gear shop as well. Head over to goHUNT to join as an Insider or an Explorer and use the code LATE to get an instant credit to the gear shop ($50 for Insiders // $20 for Explorers). OutdoorClass is the e-learning platform for the outdoorsman. They have the top experts giving incredible lessons, and there is so much more already being created by the best in class in the outdoor industry. Check it out HERE and use the code LATE to save 20% on your membership. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also putting out fresh video content regularly, so subscribe to the YouTube channel and you won’t miss any future hunting films and how-to content.

Today I’m joined by Perry Snowden from Kentucky, a fellow late to the game / married into hunting guy, who tells the story of his first ever day of hunting that turned out better (and wilder) than he would have ever imagined. This massive buck showed up in the right spot at the right time, but the story surrounding getting him and even getting him out of the woods takes a few crazy turns along the way. If you want to catch up with Perry, you can find him on Instagram or Twitter. As he said in the episode, “Come for the deer pictures, stay for the steaks!” If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also posting regular hunts and how-tos on the YouTube channel so head over and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

Today I tell the story of my Idaho Spring Bear hunt from deep in the backcountry of Idaho. We were on the mountain for a full seven days, battled rain/snow/fog every single day, and when an opportunity finally presented itself, I was “indisposed.” But at the end of it all, my buddy, Josh, and I had a terrific hunt through the wet and the cold, saw plenty of bears, and made some great memories on this suffer-fest of a backcountry hunt. The fitness program I mention at the end is called HillStrong from Omnia Performance. It’ll kick your butt, but (see what I did there) it’ll get you in the best hunting shape of your life. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also posting regular hunts and how-tos on the YouTube channel so head over and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

Today I get to welcome back to the podcast my good buddy, Josh Kirchner, from Dialed-In-Hunter. Josh tells the story of last Fall’s October bear hunt where he harvested what will possibly always be the biggest bear of his life. Along the way, he encounters attempted poachers, a hunting partner who just barely ran out of shooting light, and a murderous packout that almost took out three experienced hunters. To see the film of this incredible hunt, head over HERE. To catch up with Josh, find him on Instagram, YouTube, or his Website. Also, if you’re thinking about getting into backcountry hunting, Josh wrote an absolute must-read book that you can find HERE. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also posting regular hunts and how-tos on the YouTube channel so head over and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

My guest today is Ryan Smith, owner of the highly popular @hunt_az page on Instagram. Ryan shares an incredible story of a Colorado moose hunt deep in the backcountry with his brothers-in-law. Horses, life-threatening situations, missed shots, and redemption are all a part of the adventure…I know you’re gonna love it. After the story, Ryan and I have a conversation about the recent scare we had in AZ with some groups trying to shut down bear/predator hunting, how Ryan inadvertently found himself on the forefront of that issue, and what we as hunters can do to better support each other and speak up for our way of life. To keep up with Ryan, go give him a follow @hunt_az, and you can check out his youtube channel. You can also go join the pack at howlforwildlife.org to protect hunting and our way of life in America. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also posting regular hunts and how-tos on the YouTube channel so head over and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

In this episode, I talk to Elias Benson about his first archery mule deer buck in Northern California. Elias grew up hunting but recently caught the bowhunting itch. He went through two seasons of grinding it out in the backcountry, and in an amazing story of missed shots and follow-ups, finally made a perfect shot on a really nice muley buck. To keep up with Elias, go give him a follow on Instagram @bent_on_hunting. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also posting regular hunts and how-tos on the YouTube channel so head over and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

In this episode, I break down the exploits of my January 2022 season chasing both mule deer and javelina in the desert with my bow. It was a crazy month with a ton of opportunities, some massive bucks, stink-pigs protected by a moat like medieval royalty, and one of the best single days of spot-and-stalk deer hunting I’ve ever experienced! If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also finishing editing all the footage of this adventure, so subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don’t miss when the film drops.

In this episode, I’m joined by Mark Huelsing from EXO Mountain Gear and he shares the story of his first ever trip to Alaska to chase caribou with some good buddies. It’s a terrific story of grinding out a hunt that didn’t go as planned, but finding incredible success anyway. After that, we talk about the backcountry in general and a few pack-specific details every hunter should consider. To follow up with Mark, head over to exomountaingear.com or follow them on Instagram @huntbackcountry. You can also email him directly at mark@exomountaingear.com. If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also finishing editing all the footage of this adventure, so subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don’t miss when the film drops.

In this episode, I finally tell the story of my epic week-long hunt in Utah during the early archery season this past year. High country backpack hunting for giant velvet bucks in some of the most technical terrain I’ve ever been in. We saw bucks every day, made stalks every day, and even encountered an almost definite serial killer on the way home…it was an amazing hunt! If you’re a newer hunter (or an experienced one just looking to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your hunting game), check out my book How to Hunt: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Hunting Big Game. To stay up on everything going on, follow us @latetothegameoutdoors or check out the website. I’m also finishing editing all the footage of this adventure, so subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don’t miss when the film drops.