In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian sits down with Matt Waldron—well known for drilling through ice in search of giant crappies—to talk about a different kind of pursuit: Western big game hunting. While Matt is best recognized for his work on the Crappie Chronicles, he opens up about his growing obsession with elk and mule deer, his first western hunting trip to South Dakota, and how his drive to chase big crappies mirrors the ambition many hunters feel when heading west for the first time. Whether you're a die-hard ice angler or dreaming of your next elk tag, this conversation bridges both worlds with laughs, tactics, and relatable moments from two guys who just love the chase.Key Topics:• Matt’s transition from ice fishing to big game hunting• How western hunts compare to chasing giant crappies• The gear shift: saddle hunting vs. hub houses• Matt’s first DIY archery mule deer trip in South Dakota• The shared mindset between hardcore anglers and western huntersIf you’ve ever thought about heading west but haven’t pulled the trigger, Matt’s story might just tip the scales. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow along for more episodes like this one. For behind-the-scenes content and more, follow us on Instagram @getdrawnwest.Connect with Brian?linktr.ee/getdrawnwestHave Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected] Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE  https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbbMusic provided by: Slipstream Musichttps://slipstreammusic.com

Enter to Win a Free Mathews Lift! Details at GetDrawnWest.com/giveawayIn this intense episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian Krebs sits down with Stieg Phillips of Muley Maniacs to share one of the wildest hunting stories you’ll ever hear. Stieg opens up about his 2023 Nevada elk hunt — a dream tag he waited nine years to draw — that took an unbelievable turn when a landowner and his friends allegedly started shooting in Stieg’s direction to prevent him from harvesting a giant 380-class bull on public land. From dealing with cross-state law enforcement to the frustration of failed hunter harassment charges, Stieg gives a raw, firsthand account of what happened that night and how it’s shaped his perspective on hunting, landowner conflicts, and perseverance in the field.You’ll also hear about:• The challenges of hunting giant bulls that cross public-private boundaries.• The legal and ethical battles hunters face in high-stakes units.• Why Canady Tripods and Muley Maniacs are raising the bar for serious glassers.• How Stieg balances content creation, entrepreneurship, and hunting big mule deer.• Lessons learned from a near-deadly confrontation that could happen to any public land hunter.If you’ve ever hunted close to private land or wondered how to handle a tough landowner situation, this is a story you don’t want to miss. Listen now, subscribe to Drawn West, and share this episode with your hunting crew — because these are the conversations every public land hunter needs to hear.Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwestHave Questions or Comments? Send an email [email protected]! Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE  https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds &Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters withcode TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbbSave 20% on your firstorder at Bull Elk Beard Oil with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/X4mp2wWCRK

Welcome to the first episode of the Bridge-Lock Bonus Series brought to you by Mathews Archery and Drawn West. In this kickoff episode, Brian unboxes his complete 2025 bow setup—including the Lift X 33 in shale fade to black—and walks through every piece of gear he’ll be running this season. From sight to stabilizers, quiver to rest, you’ll get a full behind-the-scenes look at his complete build and the strategy behind every component.This episode also includes a special giveaway code for bonus entries to win your own Lift X—don’t miss it.________________________________________What’s Covered in This Episode:• Full unboxing of the Mathews Lift X 33• Why Brian chose green strings, 80 lb limbs, and a 30.5” draw• Deep dive on the Bridge-Lock compatible UV Slider and IMX Rest• Front and back stabilizer strategy for balance and performance• Quiver setup, dampeners, and other small custom touches• Bonus code word for 20 extra entries in the Lift X giveaway________________________________________To enter the Lift X Giveaway, head to getdrawnwest.comFollow the podcast and content series on Instagram: @getdrawnwestNew episodes of the Bridge-Lock Bonus Series drop throughout the summer as Brian sets up, tunes, and dials in this full 2025 bow build.FREE Western Rookie Application Calendarwww.westernrookie.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/thewesternrookie Have Questions or Comments? Send an email [email protected]! Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE  https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Mathews Bow Giveaway is LIVE!Enter now at www.getdrawnwest.com/giveawayIn this first full episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian and his wife Abbey sit down around a bonfire at their Back 40 farm to talk about Abbey's first western hunt, what it’s like preparing for out-of-state hunts, and the difference between hunting from your backyard stand versus hitting the road for a big trip. The two share stories from past hunts, discuss how they’re preparing for a Colorado mule deer hunt this fall, and break down the added pressure that comes with limited time and long-distance hunting.________________________________________Key Topics Covered:​ Abbey’s first western hunt and what surprised her​ Why traveling to hunt adds pressure (and how to handle it)​ Gear updates, sleep systems, and camping plans for Colorado​ Balancing bow vs. rifle confidence in the field​ Future dream hunts and the idea of bonus-state tripsIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Drawn West and leave a rating to help us reach more hunters who live for that one big trip each year. Follow us on Instagram at @getdrawnwest and visit getdrawnwest.com for bonus content, free resources, and the latest giveaways.________________________________________Win a Mathews Lift X!www.Getdrawnwest.com/giveaway  FREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.westernrookie.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/thewesternrookie Have Questions or Comments? Send an email [email protected]! Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE  https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Enter to Win a Mathews Lift X at getdrawnwest.comIn this pilot episode of the Drawn West Podcast, host Brian Krebs kicks off the new show with a behind-the-scenes look at what Drawn West is all about. Brian shares the origin of the new brand, how it evolved from his time hosting The Western Rookie, and why this podcast is laser-focused on the unique challenges and rewards of travel-based, out-of-state hunting. Whether you're a Midwest whitetail hunter heading west, or just trying to make the most of your one big hunt a year, this episode lays the foundation for what’s to come.Brian also reveals details on a huge Matthews Lift X bow giveaway, talks through some of his past mule deer hunts, and previews some of the free tools and downloads that are coming to help you plan and execute better hunts.________________________________________ Key Topics Covered:• Why Brian launched the Drawn West podcast• What makes this show different from The Western Rookie• What to expect as a traveling, DIY public land hunter• Behind-the-scenes of the Matthews Lift X bow giveaway• Upcoming free resources and how to get bonus entries________________________________________Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and share a screenshot to get bonus entries in the Matthews bow giveaway!Follow along on social: @getdrawnwestEnter Mathews giveaway & learn more at: getdrawnwest.com