Out of State Hunter

This week on the Out of State Hunter Podcast, host Chad Ryker sits down in Santa Fe with Chad Nelson (Licensing Operations Manager for New Mexico Department of Wildlife) to break down non-resident hunting opportunities in New Mexico and how the 2026 draw works at a high level. They explain New Mexico’s three draw pools (resident, outfitted, and unguided non-resident) and why guided/outfitted appli...

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad Ryker talks with longtime industry friend Chris Neville to introduce RoughRidge Stove Company, a new backcountry cook system Chris and his brother have been developing for the last three years. Built and developed for hunter, by hunters Chris shares his path through the hunting industry (from filming whitetail hunts in Iowa to working at GOH...

Chad Ryker talks with Erin Butler (AZ Game & Fish Big Game Program Supervisor) about Arizona’s elk and pronghorn draw, how non-residents fit into tag allocation, and how to build a smart application strategy. They cover the 20% max-point pass / 80% random draw structure (meaning low-point hunters still have a real shot), highlight over-the-counter/non-permit elk options, and call out common applic...

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad Ryker welcomes back Jaden Bales of Hunt West Planning for a deep dive into the Wyoming non-resident elk draw. Together, they break down everything hunters need to know—from application dates, special vs. regular draw options, and preference point strategies, to understanding tag types, season structures, wilderness rules, and common applicat...

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad Ryker kicks off 2026 by outlining what listeners can expect over the next few months and how to best prepare for the upcoming hunting year. Chad breaks down why now is the time to focus on application strategies, non-resident opportunities, and smart planning rather than getting ahead of yourself on fall hunts. The episode previews upcoming...

Jaryd Bernstein from RPM FLG joins the Out of State Hunter Podcast for a fast-paced “Stories From the Season” recap covering an Arizona archery elk and Kaibab mule deer hunt. After nearly a week of dead elk activity, things flipped fast, Jaryd blew a five-yard encounter when a crow spooked a bull, then regrouped and killed the same bull later that day with a 48 yard shot in the rain. The Kaibab de...

In this episode, Chad sits down with Shane Weigand of New Mexico Pack Burrosto explain why pack burros may be the most underrated tool in the backcountry. From the unique world ofpack burro racingto real-world hunting applications, Shane breaks down how to acquire a burro(private sale, rescues, or the BLM program), what gear and home setup are required, and how much weight they can realistically c...

Muzzleloader Mayhem In The Elk Woods - George Bermudez In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad sits down with his friend George Bermudez to break down an unforgettable Arizona muzzleloader elk hunt that almost fell apart—twice. George’s father drew a rare tag with minimal points, but the excitement quickly turned to frustration when a primer mix-up and a stuck bullet sidelined the...

In this Out of State Hunter Podcast episode, Armando from The Bow Hitch joins the show to share his experiences as a hunting guide in New Mexico. Armando provides an inside look at the joys and challenges of guiding, from dealing with unprepared hunters to helping older hunters achieve their hunting dreams.  Armando also discusses The Bow Hitch's incredible "Random Acts of Kindness" initiative, wh...

How to Find the Right Hunt for You – Jaden Bales In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad and Hunt West Planning Co. owner Jaden Bales break down how to intentionally choose and plan Western hunts, using Idaho’s new draw system as a loose template. Jaden shares a simple framework: decide what you really want out of a hunt, match terrain and access to your physical ability, pick a p...

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 import...

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad shares some of his favorite items on sale at the GOHUNT Black Friday Sale. He breaks down the best deals with a practical, hunter-focused approach. He highlights top picks across every budget, under $50, $50-$100, $100-$250 and beyond, from must-have essentials like sleeping pads, headlamps, and medical kits to premium optics, bow sights, an...

Idaho’s New Non-Resident Tag Draw Explained – Tara Reichert, IDFG License Operations Manager 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...

This week on the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad Ryker sits down with returning guest Jordan Stailey as he breaks down his recent barbary sheep hunt in the rugged landscape of West Texas. Jordan walks us through the planning, the unforgiving terrain, and the unforgettable time spent hunting alongside his father. From picking apart distant ridgelines with glass, to close encounters with cagey ram...

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...

In this episode, Jason Dyer joins the show to share the story of his Utah limited entry mule deer hunt. Jason talks about his shift from East Coast hunting to the demanding world of Western big game and the challenges that came with it to include, wildfires, missed opportunities, and tough country. He explains how scouting, trail cameras, and patient stalking played a key role in finally finding s...

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 PR...

On this Out of State Hunter Podcast episode, Andrew Giesler recounts his unforgettable high-country mule deer hunt, where he successfully harvested a massive buck with his bow after a tough but rewarding stalk. Andrew breaks down his gear setup, including his broadhead selection and optics, and shares the grueling details of the pack-out. He offers valuable takeaways that will shape his future hig...

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 mus...

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad talks with Moose and Zack Stephenson about the story of their once-in-a-lifetime oryx hunt on the White Sands Missile Range. From Moose’s successful long-range shot to Zach’s missed opportunity and then connecting with a successful shot, they relive the highs and lows of the hunt while reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges unique to h...

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 car...

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad talks with Jason Holiday, host of the Harvest Holliday Podcast. Jason shares why he made the tough decision to skip elk season this year to focus on studying for an important exam, and how family conversations helped shape that choice. He offers valuable advice for new elk hunters, like the importance of rest, hydration, and soaking in the f...

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...

In this special episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast , Chad is joined by Austin and Bo Prieskorn to relive a truly once in a lifetime elk hunt in the mountains of Virginia. After a rare stroke of raffle luck, Bo won a transferable Virginia elk tag from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in a state where elk are just beginning to make a comeback. Bo was able to gift the tag to his son Austin and t...

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 heartwarm...