Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. Running out of time before elk season? Don’t panic—this episode is your no-BS survival guide. Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly what to focus on when you’re underprepared and overwhelmed. From quick fitness wins and gear triage to mindset shifts and a simplified hunt plan, you’ll learn how to show up sharp—even if you’re behind. Elk don’t care how prepared you feel—they care how smart you hunt. Let’s get to work.

Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the most overlooked yet game-changing skills in Western hunting—glassing. Learn how to glass like a predator, not a tourist. Discover field-proven tactics for picking glassing points, using thermals to your advantage, gridding terrain, choosing binos vs spotters, and knowing what to do after you spot an animal. Whether you’re chasing elk or high country mule deer, this episode will teach you how to slow down, see more, and make the mountain work for you.

Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. Want to find more elk in September? It starts with understanding where bulls are going and why. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly how to locate bull elk during the archery rut—based on behavior, food sources, thermals, pressure, and topography. From bachelor groups to bugling bulls, you’ll learn how to use the elk’s own biology and habits to your advantage. This isn’t guesswork. These are proven strategies from 33 years of Western elk hunting on public land. Whether you're still learning the game or trying to level up, this episode will give you the tools to hunt smarter, cover ground more effectively, and get in close on bulls this season.

Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. If you want to consistently find and kill mature mule deer, you need to stop thinking like a gear junkie and start thinking like a biologist. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down what mule deer actually eat—season by season, elevation by elevation, and region by region. From early spring forbs to late-season bitterbrush, this deep dive into mule deer forage will teach you how to scout smarter, glass more effectively, and hunt bucks where they actually live. Whether you're bowhunting high-country velvet or glassing winter range in the snow, understanding what mule deer eat is the key to finding the kind of bucks that survive pressure and grow old. This isn’t theory—this is the intel most hunters skip. Tune in, take notes, and start hunting where the feed is.

Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. Fall bear hunting is one of the most overlooked opportunities in the West—but it shouldn’t be. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down everything you need to know to turn your bear tag into a real adventure. You’ll learn how to locate food-driven bears, read terrain, master glassing techniques, dial in shot placement, and recover bears with confidence. Whether you’re hunting timbered ridges, berry slopes, or burned-out basins, these public land black bear hunting tips will give you a serious edge. This isn’t just about killing a bear—it’s about becoming a sharper, more disciplined hunter.

Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. If you're over 40 and wondering whether backcountry elk hunting is still in the cards, this episode is for you. Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly how to stay lethal in the mountains as a seasoned hunter—covering smart physical training, lighter gear loads, better recovery, strategic pacing, and the mindset shift that makes all the difference. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ll learn how to hunt elk smarter, not harder, and prove that grit, experience, and discipline still win. Age isn’t your weakness—it’s your edge. Let’s show the mountain you’re not done yet.

Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. Pronghorn hunting isn’t easy—and it’s not supposed to be. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky shares 33 years of real-world experience chasing public land pronghorn across the wide-open West. You’ll learn how to scout smarter, use terrain and wind to your advantage, select killable bucks, and stalk with patience whether you're hunting with a rifle or a bow. From water hole setups to glassing tactics and next-level shot execution, this is your complete guide to earning a speed goat the hard way. No fences. No shortcuts. Just honest, DIY pronghorn hunting tips that work.

Join TEAM BACKBONE at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle. Learn How to Stalk Mule Deer Like a PredatorIn this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky shares 33+ years of hard-earned mule deer stalking tactics. From high country velvet bucks to late-season rifle hunts, you’ll learn how to choose the right buck to stalk, master wind and terrain, close the distance undetected, and execute your shot under pressure. Whether you're bowhunting or packing a rifle, this is your complete guide to spotting, planning, and killing mature public land mule deer bucks.  

Archery Elk Hunting Tips From 30+ Years in the Field Where should you aim to ethically kill an elk with a bow? It’s one of the most searched—and most misunderstood—topics in archery elk hunting. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, I break down elk shot placement based on 30+ years of real-world bowhunting experience—not just diagrams or opinions from the internet. If you're serious about making clean, ethical kills and understanding vital zone anatomy, this is the deep-dive you need. Here’s what you’ll learn: Exactly where to aim on a broadside, quartering away, frontal, and steep angle shot How to visualize your exit point and avoid gut shots Which angles offer high-percentage kills—and which shots to avoid How to practice for high-pressure shots in real hunting conditions Why disciplined shot timing and body language reading are critical How to improve confidence and kill efficiency on public land bulls Whether you’re a new bowhunter learning how to shoot an elk or a seasoned elk hunter refining your kill zone strategy, this episode is packed with practical, proven advice. If you’ve searched “best archery shot on an elk,” “where to aim on a bull elk,” or “ethical elk shot placement,” you’re in the right place. This episode will help you draw with confidence, execute clean kills, recover faster, and honor every shot you take in elk country.  

Want to Kill More Elk This Season? Start by Understanding Elk Behavior5 Phases of the Elk Hunting Season – Strategy, Tactics, and Timing That Actually Work Whether you're new to elk hunting or have decades of experience, success starts with one thing—knowing what elk are doing and why throughout the entire season. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, I break down the five distinct phases of elk season—from early season to late season—so you can stop guessing, adapt your tactics, and finally hunt elk on their terms, not yours. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How elk behavior shifts from early season to post-rut Archery and rifle tactics based on real-time elk priorities When to call, when to go silent, and how to read elk body language How bulls and cows move, feed, and vocalize throughout each phase Why most hunters fail to adapt—and how to avoid their mistakes This is your complete seasonal elk hunting guide—packed with actionable advice for public land hunters. Whether you're dialing in your early season elk hunting strategy, learning how to call elk during the rut, trying to locate post-rut bulls, or chasing elk in the late season, this episode delivers the insight you need to make smarter moves and create more opportunities. If you're serious about tagging more bulls—and want to understand elk on a deeper level—this episode is a must-listen.

Why Bulls Hang Up—And What to Do Differently If you’re bowhunting elk and bulls keep hanging up just out of range, this is probably why. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down the #1 elk calling mistake most Western bowhunters make—calling too early and from too far away. This single error ruins more close encounters than a bad bugle ever will. And if you’ve had bulls respond, move in, then suddenly go silent… chances are you’ve made this mistake without even realizing it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why calling from 200+ yards away kills your setup How to get inside the “kill zone” (80–120 yards) before making a sound How elk use sight, sound, and scent to confirm danger—and how to beat all three Why outdated advice like “just bugle back” can get you busted How to call with purpose, not panic Strategic elk setups for bowhunters on public land How to move through timber, terrain, and thermals undetected How to close the gap and create real shot opportunities with less calling Whether you’re brand new to elk hunting or a seasoned bowhunter struggling with hung-up bulls, this episode will change how you think about calling, movement, and what it really takes to get within bow range.

Elk Hunting & Mindset Training That Actually Matters Welcome to Backbone Unlimited—I’m Matt Hartsky. This episode isn’t just about elk hunting strategies or backcountry gear. It’s about the deeper, harder lessons that only the wilderness can teach—the kind that don’t show up in books, podcasts, or hunting forums. These are the truths you earn when you’re ten miles in, soaked to the bone, and still pushing forward. Inside This Episode: You’ll hear the 5 biggest backcountry lessons that changed my life as a hunter, a father, and a man. These aren’t theories. They’re field-forged truths—shaped by real elk hunts, real pain, and real growth. We’ll talk about: How failure, pressure, and grit build better hunters The mental tools I rely on when the mountain gets brutal What elk hunting taught me about parenting, business, and grief Why the backcountry is the ultimate mirror for personal growth How to apply these hard-won lessons to your own life and hunts If you’re a public land elk hunter, backcountry grinder, or just a man in a hard season—this episode is for you. It’s raw, real, and built for those who live relentless.

If you're hunting elk on public land this fall and struggling to get into bow range, there’s one tactic most hunters overlook—and it just might change everything: still-hunting. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, I’m breaking down how to still-hunt for elk the right way—based on over 33 years of boots-on-the-ground Western hunting experience. Still-hunting is one of the most effective, underused tactics for creating close-range encounters with pressured bulls, especially when calling fails, bugles go silent, and hunting pressure pushes elk into thick cover. But it’s not just about sneaking through the woods—it’s about learning how to move with purpose, read fresh sign, and let the mountain tell you where the elk are right now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• How to still-hunt elk effectively in thick timber and rugged terrain• When to go stealth, when to be aggressive, and how to know the difference• Reading fresh elk sign and understanding how elk use cover during daylight hours• How to stay in the game during midday with the right backcountry elk hunting mindset• Using wind, thermals, shadows, and silence to your advantage• E-scouting tactics to locate terrain that actually holds elk• Gear tips for staying quiet, mobile, and mentally locked-in during long days afield Recommended For:• Public land elk hunters looking for more consistent encounters• Archery hunters in pressured OTC units• DIY backcountry hunters learning to adapt when calling fails• Hunters who struggle to get close to bulls in silent woods• Anyone wanting to hunt elk without relying on calls or bugling If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still not finding elk, this episode might be the shift you need. Still-hunting isn’t easy—but when it works, it’s deadly. Tune in and learn how to slow down, sharpen your awareness, and start killing more elk on public land—one silent step at a time.

Public land hunting isn’t just about tags, bulls, or big bucks—it’s about who you are when no one’s watching. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, I’m laying out the unwritten rules of public land hunting—what I call the Code of the West. These aren't printed in a game regulations booklet, but they matter just as much. Because in the backcountry, your reputation is built on how you hunt, not just what you kill. I’m Matt Hartsky, and after 33+ years of hunting the West, I’ve seen the best and worst of public land behavior. If you’ve ever said “It’s public land, I can do what I want,” this episode will challenge your thinking. And if you already believe in hunting with character, this will help you lead by example and pass that mindset on. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• How to handle trail encounters, stock animals, and shared access• Respecting active stalks, setups, and camps in the field• First blood and recovery zone ethics—how to avoid ugly situations• Prime-time etiquette—why your choices affect more than your own hunt• Glassing spot protocol and how to avoid unnecessary conflict• The difference between entitled behavior and earned respect• How character in the field creates better hunts for everyone This episode is built for:• DIY public land hunters—elk, mule deer, antelope, and more• Backcountry hunters who take pride in doing things the right way• New hunters who want to learn the culture and unwritten ethics• Anyone who values respect, discipline, and shared wild places The Code of the West isn’t about rules—it’s about respect. And it’s not about being soft—it’s about being someone others would be proud to hunt with. Listen now to sharpen more than just your tactics—sharpen your standard. Because how you hunt is who you are.

Struggling to tag bulls on public land? You might be following the wrong advice. In this episode, I’m busting the top 3 elk hunting myths that keep DIY hunters stuck, frustrated, and empty-handed. If you’ve been told calling is the only way, that the moon phase controls elk movement, or that bugling scares off bulls—you need to hear this. I’m Matt Hartsky, founder of Backbone Unlimited. After 33+ years of public land elk hunting across Colorado, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, I’ve seen the same myths repeated by well-meaning hunters year after year—and I’ve also watched those myths destroy confidence and ruin otherwise good hunts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why some of the most common elk calling advice is flat-out wrong• The truth about bugling vs cow calling elk in high-pressure units• How to hunt elk when they’re silent or call-shy• The real story behind moon phase elk hunting—and why it’s often irrelevant• How to adapt your public land elk hunting strategy for better results• Solo elk hunting tactics and when to ditch the calls altogether• Why reading wind, pressure, and behavior beats any one-size-fits-all tactic This episode is built for:• Public land elk hunters chasing bulls in western states• Archery hunters in OTC or draw units• Rifle hunters learning to call, stalk, and adapt• DIY elk hunters tired of second-guessing their strategy• Anyone ready to stop repeating bad advice and start hunting smarter If you’re looking for elk hunting tips for public land that are based on experience—not hype—this is the real talk that cuts through the noise. We’ll help you sharpen your mindset, reset your strategy, and get back to what actually works in the field. Hit play now and start hunting elk with the confidence and clarity that leads to filled tags—and full freezers.

Hunting mule deer on public land is one of the most mentally and physically demanding challenges in the West—and one of the most rewarding. In this episode, I share hard-earned lessons from 33+ years of chasing bucks across high country basins, rolling foothills, desert flats, and pressured public land. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the honest, boots-on-the-ground truth about what works, what doesn’t, and how to become the kind of hunter who consistently tags mature bucks in big country. Whether you're planning your first DIY mule deer hunt or refining your backcountry strategy for a high-pressure rifle or archery season, this episode gives you the real-world knowledge to hunt smarter, last longer, and close the distance. What You'll Learn in This Episode:• How to scout and glass mule deer effectively in high country, desert, and transition zones• Mule deer behavior and how to use it to your advantage based on terrain, pressure, and time of year• Spot-and-stalk tactics for both solo and partner hunts• Identifying bedding areas, feeding zones, and escape routes• When to move, when to sit tight, and how to close the gap• Thermals, wind, terrain, and how to adapt as conditions change• How to build fitness and gear systems for western backcountry hunts• Mindset shifts that separate consistent hunters from tag soup Recommended For:• Public land mule deer hunters• DIY western hunters (archery or rifle)• First-time backcountry hunters preparing for tough terrain• Hunters learning how to hunt the pre-rut, rut, and post-rut phases• Anyone serious about shortening the learning curve in the West If you're tired of glassing empty hillsides, blowing stalks, or getting outworked by the terrain, this episode gives you the tactics, confidence, and mindset to show up different this season. Listen now and take the next step toward becoming a more effective public land mule deer hunter.

Planning your first public land hunt in the West? Whether you're chasing elk in Colorado, mule deer in Idaho, or trying to draw your first tag in Wyoming, this episode gives you the truth most hunters won’t tell you. No hype. No fluff. Just 100% real-world insight on how to prepare, hunt, and survive your first or next DIY western hunt. I’m Matt Hartsky, and after 33+ years of Western big game hunting, I’ve learned what it really takes to succeed on public land elk and mule deer hunts—and in this episode, I’m giving you the crash course I wish I had when I started. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• How to access and navigate Western public land hunting opportunities• Tag strategy: understanding draw vs OTC elk and mule deer tags• Essential backcountry hunting gear and packing tips• How to train for altitude, steep terrain, and back-to-back hunt days• E-scouting strategies for elk and mule deer• How to mentally prepare for tough, pressured hunts• Solo vs partner dynamics—what to expect and how to decide• Mistakes most first-time western hunters make and how to avoid them• How to hunt smarter when the pressure is high and the bulls go silent Perfect for:• Public land elk hunters• DIY mule deer hunters• First-time Western hunters heading to Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, or Utah• Archery and rifle hunters building their first backcountry strategy This isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation, strategy, and mental grit. If you're looking for public land hunting tips, want to understand how to hunt elk in high-pressure units, or need a clear blueprint for planning your first western backcountry hunt, this episode delivers. Listen now to learn how to hunt with purpose—and make every step in the West count.

Solo elk hunting on public land is one of the toughest challenges in Western hunting—and it’s not for the faint of heart. In this episode, I break down exactly how to prepare for and succeed on a DIY solo elk hunt, whether you’re heading deep into the backcountry with a bow or a rifle, in search of bulls with no backup and no margin for error. I’m Matt Hartsky, founder of Backbone Unlimited. After more than 33 years of Western hunting, I’ve learned that solo elk hunts require a whole different level of mental toughness, physical prep, and tactical thinking. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I have what it takes to do this alone?”—this is the real-world advice you need before boots hit the dirt. What you’ll learn in this episode:• Solo elk hunting mindset – how to become your own team• How to train and condition for solo backcountry elk hunts• Solo e-scouting strategies to pre-plan every move• Backcountry safety protocols, gear, and solo check-ins• Calling and closing tactics when hunting elk solo• Mental strategies to overcome fear, fatigue, and isolation• How to pack out elk meat by yourself without breaking down• Solo camp setup and tips to stay sharp in total silence Whether you’re hunting OTC units, preparing for your first public land solo elk hunt, or just looking to test your limits in the mountains, this episode is packed with hard-earned insight, practical strategies, and mindset tips to help you go further—alone. Recommended for:• DIY solo elk hunters• Public land archery or rifle hunters• First-time backcountry hunters• Western hunters preparing for a solo mission Listen now and build the skills, toughness, and confidence you’ll need when it’s just you, your pack, and the wild.

Want to become a more effective public land hunter? In this episode, we break down the top 3 backcountry hunting tactics every serious hunter must master: Still Hunting, Ambush Hunting, and Spot-and-Stalk. Whether you're chasing elk, mule deer, or other big game on public land, knowing when and how to apply each of these strategies is the key to consistent success in high-pressure units. You’ll learn how to:• Hunt elk on public land using terrain, wind, and pressure to your advantage• Use still hunting tactics to quietly cover ground in thick timber and bedding zones• Set up effective ambush hunting locations based on travel corridors, feed, and thermals• Execute smart, calculated spot-and-stalk plays in open or broken terrain• Manage wind, scent, and visibility in high-odds setups• Adjust your backpack hunting strategy based on real-time conditions Whether you're bowhunting elk during the rut or rifle hunting during late season, this tactical breakdown gives you the decision-making framework to adapt and succeed. We focus on how to match each hunting method to the landscape, pressure level, and animal behavior you're facing—so you stop guessing and start getting into more game. Built for:• Public land elk hunters• DIY backcountry hunters• First-time western big game hunters• Archery and rifle hunters looking to sharpen their field tactics Perfect to listen to while scouting, training, or heading into camp—this is your practical field guide for hunting smarter and staying lethal in the backcountry.

Hunting elk on public land and want real tactics that actually work in high-pressure units? This episode breaks down 7 field-proven elk hunting strategies to help you kill more bulls—especially if you're going solo, backpacking deep, or bowhunting elk in over-the-counter units. Whether you’re preparing for your first DIY archery elk hunt or dialing in your plan for another backcountry elk hunting trip, these are the exact tactics I’ve used for over 30 seasons to locate, call in, and kill bulls on public ground. In this episode, you'll learn how to:✔️ Use predawn locator bugles to control the first hour of daylight✔️ Build cow calling setups that work when bugling fails✔️ Identify rut refuge zones and terrain “stalking ribbons”✔️ Time thermals, control wind, and read elk movement patterns✔️ Run real-world elk calling sequences that sound like a herd, not a hunter✔️ Apply the “Glass-Before-Push” method to avoid blowing opportunities✔️ Use my IF-THEN elk playbook to adjust on the fly and stay lethal These aren't gimmicks or guesswork. These are high-level, field-tested public land elk hunting tactics that work when bulls go silent, when pressure spikes, and when you’re grinding through tough country alone or with a tight crew. You'll also learn how to:• Call elk in pressured units without sounding like every other hunter• Hunt transition zones from nighttime feeding areas• Read terrain features and adapt when bulls don’t play by the rules• Build a decision-making process that keeps you calm, confident, and effective This is a must-listen for DIY backcountry elk hunters, whether you’re chasing September bugles with a bow or pushing ridges with a rifle later in the season. If you're tired of coming home empty and want to consistently put yourself in elk—this episode delivers. For the serious public land hunter ready to level up their elk game, this episode is loaded with practical advice you can apply this season.