How To Plan Your First Western Hunt
How To Plan Your First Western Hunt  
Podcast: Drawn West
Published On: Tue Jan 13 2026
Description: 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/sIqJk35O7BsFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect 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-fbb00:00 – Why This Is the Start Here Episode05:00 – Choosing the Right First Western Hunt08:00 – Species & Weapon Reality Check20:00 – Understanding Tags, Points & Draw Systems30:00 – How to Pick a Unit Without Internet Noise38:00 – Realistic Budget & Hidden Costs48:00 – E-Scouting: Access, Habitat & Pressure55:00 – Timeline: When to Apply, Scout & Prep01:02:00 – Expectations, Mindset & Final Advice