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 deer hunt felt tougher than past years, likely impacted by fire and pressure, but he eventually killed a nice heavy buck that appeared with almost no warning. Jaryd also shares a frustrating late-rifle elk assist where off-road ATV pressure blew a great bull out of the area. The episode wraps with lessons on staying positive during slow hunts and updates on RPM’s growth and upcoming products.

JARYD BERNSTEIN

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jaryd_burnstein/

Ruffs Precision Manufacturing

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rpmflg/

Website - https://www.rpmflg.com

Use the code OUTOFSTATE10 and save 10% off your order from RPM

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter - https://www.instagram.com/outofstatehunter/

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Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

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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 carry. The conversation also tackles the “stubborn donkey” myth and highlights why burros are safe, intelligent, and beginner-friendly pack animals.

Shane also shares insights from his book,The Backcountry Burro, (linked below) a practical, no-nonsense guide built from real hunts and real miles, designed to help hunters confidently get started with packing donkeys in the backcountry.

SHANE WEIGAND

NEW MEXICO PACK BURROS

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nmpackburros/

Website - https://www.nmpackburros.com

BUY THE BOOK - https://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Burro-Guide-Packing-Donkeys/dp/B0F7CB6JPW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26SLV65RLVBRO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CydRwdClr8HUrfqg8kRttA.SdFq-rbhr6lWG6aEPedX39emKSd76esnkC8OTtkgsnY&dib_tag=se&keywords=backcountry+burro&qid=1765742925&sprefix=backcountry+burro%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter - https://www.instagram.com/outofstatehunter/

DEFIANCE MACHINE

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ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

GOHUNT

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https://www.gohunt.com

MCMILLAN STOCKS

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Website - https://mcmillanusa.com

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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 muzzleloader early in the hunt. What followed was a whirlwind of problem-solving, a bent ramrod, multiple trips across the state, and an outpouring of support from the hunting community to get the rifle back in action.

Despite the setbacks, George and his dad stayed in the unit, kept grinding, and eventually relocated the bull they had glassed days earlier. After a fast-paced stalk and a perfect shot at under 300 yards, the bull went down—only to stand back up moments later, creating a tense, unforgettable sequence that capped off the rollercoaster week. The story has everything: gear mishaps, community generosity, long-range glassing, miles of hiking, emotional highs and lows, and the payoff that only comes when hunters refuse to quit.

If you love stories of perseverance, tough hunts, and family traditions in the elk woods, this episode delivers in a big way.

GEORGE BERMUDEZ

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_g/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter - https://www.instagram.com/outofstatehunter/

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ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

GOHUNT

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https://www.gohunt.com

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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, where they provided hunting gear and equipment to those who lost everything in the Ruidoso, New Mexico wildfires. Armando highlights a special hunt giveaway The Bow Hitch did in 2025 and tells the story from his perspective. Additionally, Armando reveals that The Bow Hitch will be giving away another fully guided elk hunt next year, in 2026.

Throughout the conversation, Armando offers valuable advice for hunters working with guides, emphasizing the importance of trust, patience, and flexibility. This episode provides a unique perspective on the guide-hunter relationship and the power of generosity within the hunting community."

ARMANDO MARTINEZ – THE BOW HITCH

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thebowhitch/

Website - https://thebowhitch.com/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter

DEFIANCE MACHINE

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ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

GOHUNT

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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 tointentionallychoose 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 primary hunting style (calling, glassing, tracking, or smart road hunting), and be honest about how much time you can scout and hunt. Through examples from Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Montana, they show how this approach works across the West. Whether you’re chasing bugling bulls, glassing high-country mule deer, or targeting underrated cow elk opportunities this system works

JADEN BALES – HUNT WEST PLANNING CO

Website - https://huntwestplanning.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/huntwestplanningco/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter

DEFIANCE MACHINE

Save 10% off at Defiance Machine with the code OUTOFSTATE10

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ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

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GOHUNT

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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 importance of communication and teamwork on group hunts, the mental and physical grind of backcountry adventures, and the lessons learned from pushing through challenging seasons. Jaden also reflects on years of scouting new terrain, the value of persistence, and how those efforts finally paid off.

Plus, you’ll get updates on what’s new with Hunt West Planning, upcoming educational webinars, and a special personal milestone that wrapped up his season.

JADEN BALES – HUNT WEST PLANNING CO

Website - https://huntwestplanning.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/huntwestplanningco/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter

DEFIANCE MACHINE

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ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

GOHUNT

Use the code OUTOFSTATE when you become an Insider and get $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop Credit

https://www.gohunt.com

MCMILLAN STOCKS

Save 10% at McMillan Stock with the code OUTOFSTATE10

Website - https://mcmillanusa.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcmillanstocks/

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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 first-come, first-served OTC scramble and shifted to a randomized draw designed to level the playing field for everyone.

We walk through how the new system works: a 10-day application window in December, the ability to list up to five hunt choices per species, and the option to apply as a group. There’s no application fee, but hunters do have to buy a license up front — a change that’s already sparked a lot of conversation.

Tag results will be released in January, and successful applicants must pick up their tags by the deadline before any leftovers go into a second drawing. Idaho plans to use the data from this new process to better understand demand and guide future wildlife management decisions.

If you're planning to chase elk or deer in Idaho, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about navigating the new system.

The Important Dates

Purchase your 2026 license after December 1 but prior to entering the draw

Draw opens December 5

Draw closes December 15 (11:59pm MST)

Results in early January

Tags must be purchased by January 20

See the brochure below for additional information

TARA REICHERT, IDFG

Website - https://idfg.idaho.gov

Nonresident General Tag Brochure - https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-big-game-supplemental-proclamation-2026-2.pdf

Go Outdoors Idaho - https://license.gooutdoorsidaho.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/idahofishandgame/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter

GOHUNT

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