<p>Never hunted the West before? This episode is where you start.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>This is the foundation everything else at Drawn West builds on.</p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Up Next: </strong><br>Watch our full Colorado Mule Deer Hunt where we TAGGED OUT on public land!</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs">https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>FREE Gear Checklist:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear">https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Brian Krebs</strong><br><a href="https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest">https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest</a> </p><p>HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!<br><strong>Sponsorsand Discounts:</strong><br>GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST <br><a href="https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4">https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4</a><br>GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST <a href="https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u">https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u</a><br>Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds &amp; Accessories with code DRAWNWEST <a href="https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest">https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest</a><br>RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!<br><a href="https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers">https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers</a><br>Save$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE <a href="https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q">https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q</a><br>Save10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS <br><u>https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb</u></p><p><br></p><p>00:00 – Why This Is the Start Here Episode</p><p>05:00 – Choosing the Right First Western Hunt</p><p>08:00 – Species &amp; Weapon Reality Check</p><p>20:00 – Understanding Tags, Points &amp; Draw Systems</p><p>30:00 – How to Pick a Unit Without Internet Noise</p><p>38:00 – Realistic Budget &amp; Hidden Costs</p><p>48:00 – E-Scouting: Access, Habitat &amp; Pressure</p><p>55:00 – Timeline: When to Apply, Scout &amp; Prep</p><p>01:02:00 – Expectations, Mindset &amp; Final Advice</p><p><br></p>