In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down the full strategy for applying in New Mexico’s big game draw, one of the most unique systems in the West.

Unlike most states, New Mexico has no point system, meaning every applicant has the same odds each year. Brian walks through how the three-choice draw system works, how to structure your hunt choices, and why New Mexico can be a great “swing for the fences” state—especially for elk hunters chasing giant bulls.

He also explains the resident vs non-resident tag allocations, the cost structure for applications, and how the New Mexico deadline lines up with other states like Wyoming. Finally, Brian breaks down each major species—elk, mule deer, pronghorn, sheep, ibex, and oryx—and shares when it might make sense to apply and when it might not.

If you’re building a western hunting application strategy, New Mexico might be the wildcard tag that changes your season.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.

If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
HowTo Draw a Tag in the West

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

0:00 – Intro & Maven Sponsor2:05 – New Mexico Application Deadlines3:20 – How the New Mexico Draw System Works5:00 – Using Your Three Hunt Choices Strategically7:00 – Non-Resident Tag Allocation Explained9:20 – Costs and Application Fees12:15 – Elk Strategy & Trophy Units17:30 – Mule Deer Opportunities in New Mexico21:15 – Pronghorn Draw Odds and Access Challenges24:50 – Sheep, Ibex, and Exotic Species28:30 – Is New Mexico Worth Adding to Your Strategy?

In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian Krebs breaks down one of the most common dilemmas Western hunters face: when should you keep hunting the same unit—and when should you move on and try somewhere new?

After a recent ice-fishing trip to Devils Lake, Brian reflects on a conversation with friends about choosing between several Montana elk units. From thick black-timber grizzly country to open terrain better suited for spot-and-stalk, each unit has strengths and weaknesses. Brian walks through the exact criteria his group uses to evaluate hunts over time.

He explains why elk encounters, terrain, travel distance, hunting style compatibility, and public access all matter when deciding whether a unit deserves another chance. He also shares real examples from hunts in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and antelope country—highlighting both successes and lessons learned.

If you’re building a long-term Western hunting strategy or trying to find your own “cornerstone” unit, this episode will help you evaluate hunts more objectively and make smarter decisions year after year.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.

If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
How to GoElk Hunting for $1500

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://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/g3aa8L4
GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Imagine this: Wyoming. Antelope tag in your pocket. Tough hunt. Then a giant buck steps out at 400 yards. You’re seated. Bipod down. Crosshairs steady. And you’re asking yourself one question: Do I take the shot?

Last week we talked long range. Today we’re talking about the part nobody really wants to admit — just because you can hit steel at 400… doesn’t mean you should shoot that buck at 400.

Brian breaks down the Shot Decision Triangle — the three variables that actually determine your effective range:

• Your caliber and bullet construction (energy, velocity thresholds, expansion windows)

• Your personal shooting ability and practice standard

• The real-time scenario (wind, animal movement, angle, stability, time of flight)

He walks through minimum energy benchmarks for common western species, explains how different bullet types behave at varying impact velocities, and lays out a practical field rule: cut the animal’s vital zone in half during practice to establish your real effective range.

The episode then transitions into archery — fixed vs expandable broadheads, penetration vs cut width, pass-through priorities, deer ducking strings, and how to honestly evaluate your range with a bow.

This isn’t about giving you a magic number. It’s about building a system so the answer becomes obvious when the moment arrives.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this episode sharpened your thinking, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy who needs to hear it.

Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/how-to-draw-a-tag-in-the-west

FREE Gear Checklist:

https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST
https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u
Save10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

00:00–08:45 — The 400-Yard PronghornDecision
08:45–24:30 — Bullet Construction, Energy & Velocity Explained
24:30–34:45 — The Practice Standard: Cut the Kill Zone in Half
34:45–44:30 — Wind, Angles, Stability & Time of Flight
44:30–56:45 — Archery: Broadheads, Penetration & Range Limits