Montana is one of the most opportunity-rich Western big game states, but for non-residents, understanding how to apply can feel like wading through a maze. In this episode, Matt Hartsky breaks down the Montana draw system step-by-step so you can approach your 2026 elk, mule deer, and pronghorn plan with confidence. Montana’s system looks complicated on paper because it uses multiple license types, preference points, bonus points, general tags, and limited-entry permits. But once you understand how these layers interact, the process becomes one of the most strategic ways to hunt consistently in the West. Matt begins with the foundation of all non-resident hunting in Montana — the combination license. Big Game, Elk, and Deer combos open the door to both general-season opportunity and the ability to pursue limited-entry hunts. Understanding the distinctions between the three options is critical because these licenses determine where you can hunt, what species you can pursue, and whether you can apply for special permits. He explains how preference points apply only to these combo tags, how they are awarded, and why staying consistent year after year keeps you from falling behind. He also covers how the Alternate List works, why it exists, and how some hunters quietly turn it into an annual shortcut into the state. From there, the discussion shifts to the second half of Montana’s dual system — bonus points. These apply only to limited-entry permits for elk, deer, and pronghorn. Unlike preference points, bonus points are squared, which dramatically increases your chances the longer you stay in the system. Matt explains how this mathematical model rewards persistence without shutting out newer applicants, and he walks through smart strategies for building points while still hunting the state regularly. Whether you’re dreaming of the Breaks or simply want a realistic chance at a quality hunt every few years, understanding how to stack and manage bonus points is the heart of Montana strategy. Matt also breaks down application timing and fees. The main application window occurs in early March and closes around April 1 each year. Miss that deadline and you’re waiting another full season. Because Montana requires applicants to pay license fees upfront, he explains how to avoid costly mistakes with payment processing and why expired cards derail applications every spring. He also walks through the summer point-purchase windows, when preference and bonus points can be purchased if you didn’t apply in the main draw, so you never lose your place in line. He notes that skipping two consecutive years wipes your preference-point history, a detail many hunters overlook. Next, Matt walks through the actual application process on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website, showing how to select your license type, apply for limited-entry permits, manage points, and finalize payment. He shares how to evaluate units using the Hunt Planner tool, interpret district boundaries, and avoid locking yourself into a permit with limited access. He also explains the importance of annual regulation updates, especially when winterkill or drought affects quotas and access. Once the mechanics are covered, Matt turns to strategy. He talks about the importance of building realistic multi-year plans based on your goals — whether you want high-odds general opportunity, a realistic mid-tier tag, or want to commit long term to a trophy unit. He explains point-creep, how to track trend lines instead of single-year results, and why hunters who stay flexible and organized draw more tags over time. He also highlights the value of general elk and mule deer hunting in Montana, noting that many hunters overlook high-quality public land opportunities while waiting for a permit. Finally, Matt outlines the most common errors non-residents make when applying, from missing the April deadline to misunderstanding the difference between combo and permit draws. He expla

This episode kicks off a brand-new, ten-month training series designed specifically for backcountry elk and mule deer hunters. As November rolls in and the season wraps up, most hunters shut it down and wait for spring to start preparing. That’s the number one reason so many guys feel wrecked halfway through a long hunt. Real preparation begins now. This is Phase One: The Foundation. It’s the base layer of strength, stability, and endurance that every later phase depends on. If you want to hunt harder next season, pack deeper, and perform at altitude without falling apart after a few days, this is where that journey starts. Matt breaks down what “building the base” actually means for mountain hunters. This isn’t bodybuilding and it’s not distance-runner conditioning. It’s about rebuilding your structure after a long hunting season so your movement patterns, connective tissue, and joints are ready for heavier training later. Most hunters come out of the fall with tight hips, cranky knees, achy shoulders, and inconsistent routines. Phase One is where you clean up movement, return to fundamentals, restore balance, and reset your disciplines around consistency and recovery. When you focus on full-range squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, and carrying with intention, you develop functional strength that actually translates to steep country and heavy packs. A major focus in this foundation block is rebuilding your aerobic base. Most hunters underestimate how important steady, moderate conditioning is for long hunts. When your low-end engine is strong, you recover faster between sessions, climb longer without redlining, and stack tough days back to back without losing power. Instead of high-intensity intervals, this phase emphasizes controlled strength work paired with longer, easier aerobic sessions that build capacity without beating you up. This is how you set the stage for later months, when strength and endurance will both ramp up aggressively. Matt also explains how to structure your weeks without overcomplicating things. Consistency is the priority. A handful of full-body sessions built around compound lifts, paired with a couple of sustainable aerobic days and regular mobility work, is enough to make real progress. Tempo, control, and quality are the themes. Hunters fail in September because they try to do too much intensity too late, rather than stacking smart sessions over time. This phase isn’t about crushing yourself. It’s about rebuilding efficiency and teaching your body to handle load again without pain or breakdown. A big part of this episode is helping hunters avoid the common off-season mistakes Matt sees year after year: skipping foundational work, doing random workouts without progression, overloading intensity without moving well, and ignoring mobility and recovery. He explains why poor movement quality and weak connective tissue are the biggest reasons hunters struggle with injury and why the biggest advantage you can give yourself is discipline over urgency. The mountain rewards structure, not chaos. Finally, Matt explains how Phase One sets up the next training block. Phase Two — Strength and Endurance — will introduce heavier, progressive lifts and more structured conditioning designed to improve climbing stamina and packout capacity. That work only delivers its full benefit if the foundation has been built. When connective tissue is reinforced, movement patterns are crisp, and the aerobic system is solid, you can train harder and progress faster without setbacks. The foundation month is the hinge that makes everything else work. If you want to arrive next September strong, durable, and confident, this first phase is where you earn that outcome. The guys who build now are the ones still grinding on day eight with their legs under them, lungs staying steady, and attitude intact. This is how you stop hoping you’re ready — and start knowing.

If you’ve ever considered applying for elk, mule deer, or pronghorn tags in New Mexico as a non-resident, this episode breaks down one of the most unique and misunderstood draw systems in Western big-game hunting. New Mexico does not use preference points or bonus points, meaning every applicant starts fresh each year with the same odds. Whether it’s your first time applying or you’ve been in the game for a decade, everyone enters on equal footing. That’s a huge advantage for newer hunters, but only if you understand how the system actually works. In this episode, Matt Hartsky explains the New Mexico draw from the ground up, including application timelines, full-fee payment requirements, how tag quotas are divided between residents, DIY non-residents, and outfitted hunters, and why your second and third choices actually matter. New Mexico’s draw is structured around three legally defined pools: roughly eighty-four percent of tags go to residents, ten percent are set aside for hunters applying through a licensed outfitter, and the remaining six percent are available to non-residents who apply on their own. That system is simple on paper, but it catches a lot of people by surprise because your odds change dramatically depending on which pool you enter. We explain the outfitter pool in detail, including how it works, when it makes strategic sense, and why some DIY hunters still take advantage of it through guide-only or semi-guided options. You’ll also hear how the random number assignment process works, how the state evaluates all three of your hunt choices before moving on to the next applicant, and why listing realistic backup codes matters if you truly want to hunt New Mexico. This episode also walks step-by-step through the full application timeline. The New Mexico big-game draw opens in mid-January and closes in mid-March, with draw results typically posted in late April. Because there are no preference points, staying consistent year after year is the only way to give yourself repeat chances at top-tier elk, mule deer, and pronghorn hunts. Matt covers required licenses, including the Game Hunting License and Habitat Stamp, and explains how New Mexico charges the full tag fee up front for every application. If you don’t draw, most of that fee is refunded automatically. Understanding these fees is critical, because payment failures are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected. For hunters new to New Mexico, this episode highlights the difference between high-demand units like the Gila and more attainable mid-tier units with solid public access and reliable harvest rates. Matt breaks down how to evaluate hunt codes, unit structures, weapon types, and season timing so you can build a realistic plan. The conversation explores why archery tags often provide better access to rutting bulls, how muzzleloader seasons create unique opportunities, and why practical hunt selection matters more than chasing legendary units with extremely low odds. If mule deer or pronghorn are your focus, you’ll hear how the northern deer units compare to the desert and prairie country farther south and east, and why certain pronghorn units give non-residents great opportunities with the right application strategy. This episode also explains why group applications can lower your odds in small pools, when it makes sense to apply individually, and how to balance your three choices to maximize opportunity. Matt shares practical strategies that veteran applicants use year after year: targeting overlooked units, mixing premium and attainable choices, and applying across weapon types to increase chances. He also covers the importance of reviewing the January proclamation each year to confirm hunt codes, weapon restrictions, and updated season dates, and how returned tags and reissued licenses offer a late-season opportunity for those willing to monitor the system. By the end, you’ll understand exactly how the New Mexico draw works,

If you’re planning to hunt elk, mule deer, or pronghorn in Colorado as a non-resident, this episode breaks the entire application process down step-by-step so you can approach it with confidence. Colorado offers more big-game opportunity than almost any state in the West, but navigating preference points, qualifying licenses, hunt codes, and non-resident tag caps can feel overwhelming without a clear roadmap. In this conversation, Matt Hartsky explains how Colorado’s primary draw, secondary draw, and leftover or reissued license sales connect, why understanding each phase matters, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that keep hunters on the sidelines for a year. We dive into Colorado’s true preference-point system and what that means for applicants planning hunts in 2026 and beyond. You’ll learn how and when points are earned, what it means to “burn” points, why only your first choice affects your total, and how group applications average points across multiple hunters. Matt explains how to use point trends to predict draw odds, how point creep evolves from year to year, and which strategies help non-residents build a realistic rotation of hunts rather than waiting endlessly on top-tier units. We also cover why mid-tier units often offer some of the best balance between drawability and hunt quality. The episode breaks down the tag allocation system that limits high-demand deer and elk tags to 20 percent for non-residents, while other units allow up to 35 percent. Understanding the difference is crucial because it determines where your points will go the farthest and how to spot hunts that are shifting into or out of high-demand status. Matt walks through recent Colorado changes, including the shift of most non-resident archery elk opportunities west of I-25 from over-the-counter to limited entry, which now requires a draw. He also details how leftover tags and reissued tags hit the system each August and why many serious hunters treat the secondary draw and leftover sale as key opportunities to get into the field, even without points. You’ll hear the full timeline for the Colorado application season, including the March through early April primary draw window, the June secondary draw, and the August leftover sale. Matt explains the qualifying license requirement that catches many new applicants by surprise, why you must purchase it before applying, and how to avoid losing a tag due to expired payment information. From choosing hunt codes to checking results, understanding your CID number, and avoiding duplicate profiles, this episode makes the process simple, predictable, and repeatable. To help you turn knowledge into strategy, Matt lays out how to build a realistic application plan, balance long-term point building with near-term opportunity, and focus on the best draw choices for your goals. The conversation highlights weapon-specific draw patterns for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunters, and shows how season timing influences movement, pressure, and success. Whether you’re after September elk in the timber, mule deer along the high ridges, or pronghorn on open sage, this episode will help you make smart, informed decisions. If you want to hunt Colorado consistently, this breakdown gives you the clarity to build points, protect points, and use the primary draw, secondary draw, and leftover license sales to your advantage. By learning how Colorado’s system works, how non-resident caps shape opportunity, and how to avoid simple mistakes, you’ll be ready to apply with confidence and line up more Western big-game tags year after year.  

Hunting mountain whitetails in the West is nothing like chasing farmland deer back East. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to hunt western whitetails across rugged terrain in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. These deer live in steep ridges, broken timber, river bottoms, and foothills where elevation, thermals, and weather dictate every move. You’ll learn how western mountain whitetails behave differently than their flatland cousins, how they travel longer distances, bed in vertical country, and use wind and terrain to stay alive. We cover how mountain whitetails choose bedding based on slope direction, how thermals control daily movement, and how changing snow depth and pressure shift deer from higher ridges to lower wintering areas. Matt explains how to scout effectively using maps, terrain features, habitat transitions, and elevation bands to find dependable travel corridors connecting feed and cover. You’ll hear how benches, saddles, and creek bottoms play into whitetail survival, why burns and logged areas produce great feed, and how to identify rubs, tracks, and browse patterns in the mountains. We also dig into how to choose access points that avoid pressure and how even a short hike away from roads can put you into untouched habitat. From early season bachelor groups to the pre-rut and full rut, this episode shows how mountain whitetail behavior shifts rapidly with temperature, snow, and hunting pressure. Matt explains when to glass and when to set up, why thermals matter more than wind direction, and how bucks cruise long distances between doe pockets during the rut. Post-rut and winter strategies include targeting lower-elevation habitat, south-facing slopes, and security cover where food and thermals overlap. We talk about stand placement in big country, how to still-hunt and spot-and-stalk effectively, and why adaptability is everything when you’re hunting whitetails in steep terrain. Matt also lays out practical three-day and week-long hunt plans—how to locate deer fast, when to push, and how to read terrain to move stands or change drainages. You’ll learn why snow is an asset, how to track fresh sign, and how to use mirrors of behavior from mule deer and elk to predict where western whitetails will travel. The episode wraps by emphasizing preparation, self-assessment, and building your own mountain-whitetail system that works season after season. If you want to sharpen your approach to western whitetail hunting and hunt mountain whitetails in rugged public land, this conversation gives you a complete roadmap. Whether you’re glassing big basins, still-hunting timbered saddles, or hanging stands along contour trails, you’ll walk away with the knowledge you need to confidently hunt mountain whitetails all season long.

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, host Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly how to apply for Wyoming big game as a non-resident — one of the most misunderstood but opportunity-rich draw systems in the West. If you’ve ever logged onto the Wyoming Game and Fish website and felt confused about the difference between preference points, regular and special draws, or the 90/10 tag split, this episode walks you through every detail step by step. Matt explains Wyoming’s hybrid draw system—how it blends preference points with random odds—and what that means for elk, mule deer, and antelope hunters looking to plan for the 2026 season. You’ll learn how to navigate the Regular vs. Special Draw options, when to apply for each species, how to manage your preference points, and how to avoid costly application mistakes that can sideline your season. He also unpacks key strategies for building points wisely, understanding how point creep impacts your odds, and using Wyoming’s draw odds reports to identify realistic, attainable hunts rather than chasing point-heavy dream units. From understanding the difference between General and Limited Quota licenses to timing your applications correctly and managing your payment and refund details, this episode covers everything you need to apply with confidence. Matt closes by outlining how to read trends, plan multi-species strategies, and use short-term opportunity hunts to stay active while building for long-term tags. Whether you’re brand new to applying in Wyoming or fine-tuning your strategy for 2026, this episode gives you the full blueprint for success in one of the West’s best non-resident systems.

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, host Matt Hartsky breaks down the mindset and process that separates casual hunters from consistent ones — the off-season planning that starts long before next year’s tags are even available. Success in the mountains doesn’t begin on opening day; it starts months earlier with the decisions, habits, and preparation you build when everyone else is shutting down for the year. Matt walks through his complete system for post-season reflection, goal setting, budgeting, and hunt planning, showing exactly how to evaluate your past season, identify what worked and what didn’t, and turn those lessons into actionable steps for next year. He explains how to set clear hunt and development goals, build a realistic time and financial plan, and strategically choose states and species that align with your long-term hunting strategy. You’ll also learn how to research effectively — breaking down draw odds, harvest data, and terrain layers to find consistent opportunity instead of chasing luck. Matt shares how he uses e-scouting to study terrain and movement patterns before setting foot in the field, along with how to organize your year-round training and preparation phases so you hit the next season ready, not rusty. This episode goes beyond hunting tactics — it’s about building the discipline, structure, and mindset that create lasting success. Whether you’re planning your first Western hunt or refining your multi-state strategy, you’ll come away with a repeatable blueprint for year-round readiness that keeps you one step ahead of the pack.

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the most misunderstood transitions in all of elk hunting—post-rut elk behavior. When October rolls around and the bugles fade, most hunters walk into the woods wondering where the elk went. The same basins that were loud with bulls a week earlier suddenly fall silent. But they didn’t disappear—they changed everything about how they move, feed, and survive. Matt explains how bulls shift from high-energy rut mode to pure recovery. He dives deep into where they go after breeding season, how their priorities flip from dominance to survival, and why traditional September tactics fall flat in October. You’ll learn how to locate post-rut bedding zones, recognize subtle feeding patterns, and use terrain and thermals to your advantage when bulls go quiet. This episode covers how hunting pressure, early snow, and dropping temperatures shape bull movement across the West. From mid-elevation timber to shaded north slopes, Matt breaks down how to identify recovery areas most hunters overlook—and how to adjust your glassing and stalking approach to match the elk’s new rhythm. If you’ve ever hunted through October and thought the elk had vanished, this conversation will change how you see the season. It’s not about chasing bugles anymore—it’s about reading sign, trusting stillness, and anticipating recovery patterns before other hunters even realize what’s happening. Learn how to adapt your mindset, slow your pace, and hunt the quiet season with precision. Because when everyone else thinks the mountain has gone silent, that’s when the smartest hunters start filling tags.

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the biggest reasons elk seem to “vanish” in October—hunting pressure. When the rut ends and bugles fade, most hunters think the elk have moved miles away. The truth is, they’re still there—but they’ve adapted. Pressure from hunters changes everything about how elk behave: where they feed, how they travel, when they move, and even where they rest. Learning to read those changes is what separates frustrated hunters from consistent ones. Matt explains exactly how pressured elk react after weeks of calling, traffic, and scent in the woods. He details how bulls shift their bedding habits, compress their travel routes, and go silent to survive. You’ll learn how to identify refuge pockets other hunters overlook, recognize the signs of educated elk, and understand when it’s time to move to a new drainage entirely. He also covers how to hunt quietly and deliberately when the woods go silent—adjusting your pace, reading subtle sign, and mastering wind discipline to stay undetected. This episode dives deep into October elk hunting tactics for both archery and rifle seasons—how to locate sanctuary zones, interpret pressure flow, and predict where elk will settle after being bumped. Matt shares insights on terrain, thermals, scent control, and mindset, helping you rebuild strategy when the mountains feel empty. If you’ve ever found yourself in a quiet basin wondering where all the bulls went, this episode will change how you think about October hunting. Learn how to hunt the recovery phase, track the flow of pressure across the mountain, and stay one step ahead of every other hunter out there. Because when the noise dies down, the elk don’t disappear—they just move smarter.

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the most overlooked factors in successful mule deer hunting—weather. Every front that sweeps across the West changes everything about how deer behave. It affects where they feed, bed, travel, and rut. Whether you hunt in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, or Colorado, understanding how weather drives mule deer movement from October through November can completely change how you plan your hunts. Matt explains how early cold snaps, shifting wind, and temperature drops cause does to move first—and how those movements trigger bucks to follow. He covers the patterns before, during, and after a storm, revealing how pressure changes and snow depth determine whether deer stay high or start migrating down. You’ll learn how to identify productive mid-elevation transition zones, how to time your glassing sessions around weather windows, and why post-storm recovery periods often offer the best visibility of the year. From high-country bachelor groups in early October to full rut activity in November, Matt shows how to read the signals—frost, wind shifts, and barometric drops—that predict deer movement days before most hunters see it coming. He also breaks down how terrain, elevation, and sunlight exposure combine with weather to shape mule deer behavior across the West. If you’ve ever shown up to a basin that felt empty overnight, this episode explains why—and how to stay one step ahead of every weather front that moves through the mountains. Learn to hunt the rhythm of the weather, not the forecast, and you’ll start finding deer where everyone else just left.

The late season is where the real divide between archery and rifle hunting begins. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how everything changes from mid-October through November—the weather, the animal behavior, and your tactics. As the rut fades and survival takes over, elk and mule deer transition into new patterns that demand totally different approaches. Whether you’re carrying a bow or a rifle, adapting to this phase is the difference between hiking home empty and tagging out when most hunters have already quit. Matt explains how post-rut elk behavior and the early mule deer rut create two very different challenges on the same mountain. He covers how to adjust your timing, terrain strategy, and decision-making depending on your weapon. Archery hunters will learn how to hunt tighter to cover, manage fickle thermals, and stay deadly quiet when animals are most alert. Rifle hunters will discover how to use reach, glassing strategy, and patience to capitalize on short daylight windows and unpredictable movement. This episode also dives into judgment and ethics—how to know when to take the shot, when to wait, and how late-season conditions test your discipline more than any other time of year. Matt closes with the mental edge it takes to keep pushing when the mountains turn cold and quiet—because success now isn’t about luck, it’s about grit, strategy, and relentless persistence. If you’re serious about improving your late season elk and mule deer hunting, this is the deep dive that separates the hunters who adapt from the ones who pack it in early.

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, host Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the most overlooked but consistently productive parts of November hunting strategy—how to find and hunt transition zones for elk and mule deer. When the rut ends and the mountains go quiet, many hunters assume the animals have vanished. The truth is, they’ve just shifted into smaller, safer corridors that connect everything they need: food, cover, and movement routes. Matt explains what transition zones really are, why they matter most in November, and how to locate and hunt them with precision. He covers how to identify these critical habitat intersections on your map, what sign to confirm on the ground, and how to interpret the subtle changes in elevation, slope aspect, and vegetation that mark late-season travel corridors. You’ll learn how elk and deer tighten their patterns when energy conservation, pressure, and weather collide—and how to use that knowledge to intercept them instead of chasing ghosts. Matt also walks through real-world tactics for setting up on edges, reading thermals, and timing your hunts around predictable daily movement patterns. From recognizing how storm fronts, pressure, and elevation changes push animals into new micro-habitats, to mastering the patience and discipline needed to hunt them effectively, this episode dives deep into the late-season mindset that separates successful hunters from the rest. If you’ve ever struggled to find animals after the rut or wondered why “empty” country suddenly comes alive once you slow down and read the terrain differently, this is the episode that connects all the dots. #ElkHunting #LateSeasonHunting

When elk seem unpredictable, the terrain is telling you exactly where they’re going—you just have to learn how to read it. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the most overlooked tactics in elk hunting—how to find and hunt natural funnels that guide elk movement between feeding, bedding, and safety zones. Every herd on the mountain follows a rhythm shaped by food, security, and terrain. By understanding how ridges, saddles, benches, and drainages quietly funnel elk through specific corridors, you can start predicting movement instead of chasing it. Matt explains how to identify these natural travel routes both on a map and in the field, how wind and timing affect elk use of each funnel, and how to set up effectively for both archery and rifle hunts. From early-morning transitions to late-season travel between habitats, you’ll learn how to intercept elk where terrain forces them to move—and how to read sign, pressure, and thermals to stay one step ahead. This episode is packed with actionable tips for Western hunters who want to move from guesswork to precision. Whether you’re hunting high-country basins or timbered draws, learning to use natural funnels will transform how you scout, plan, and execute. Elk aren’t random—they’re predictable when you understand the mountain the way they do.

When the bugles fade and the mountains go quiet, most hunters call it a season. But that’s when the real challenge begins. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to spot and stalk lone bulls after the rut—when survival, not dominance, drives every move they make. You’ll learn how to read post-rut elk behavior, where bulls go to recover after weeks of chaos, and how to use glassing, wind, and terrain to move in without being detected. Matt walks through every phase of this process in detail—from finding quiet mid-elevation sanctuaries and breaking down north-facing slopes, to planning stalks around shifting thermals and executing calm, precise final approaches. This is elk hunting stripped to its purest form—no calling, no chaos, just patience, discipline, and pure fieldcraft. If you’ve ever wanted to master post-rut elk hunting or elevate your spot-and-stalk skills across the West, this episode delivers hard-earned insight built on decades of experience. Learn to hunt with intent, move with purpose, and finish with control. Because when the noise ends, the mountain belongs to those who slow down and think like a bull.

October separates hunters who chase elk from those who understand them. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to glass October bulls in transition zones—the overlooked pockets where post-rut elk recover, feed, and survive when the mountains go quiet. After the chaos of September fades, bulls retreat into small, protected sanctuaries that hold feed, water, shade, and safety. Learning how to find and glass these zones is what turns October from a frustrating lull into one of the most rewarding times of the season. Matt explains how to identify productive mid-elevation transition areas, how post-rut bulls use them day to day, and how to adjust your glassing position, timing, and angles for maximum visibility without blowing your scent. You’ll learn how light, thermals, and terrain all interact to expose hidden elk—and why patience, not mileage, kills more bulls this month than any other factor. This episode teaches you how to hunt October elk by reading the land instead of chasing noise. From understanding slope aspect and wind behavior to interpreting subtle movement through your glass, it’s a masterclass in post-rut precision. If you’ve ever stared across empty drainages in October wondering where all the elk went, this one shows you the truth—they didn’t leave. You just need to learn how to see them.

When the bugles fade and the herds scatter, most hunters think elk season is over. But it isn’t—it just changes form. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky explains what really happens to elk herds after the rut ends—and how to hunt smarter when the chaos turns quiet. September’s unity gives way to October’s separation as bulls peel off to recover, cows and calves regroup into smaller family units, and pressure, weather, and predators reshape the mountain. Matt breaks down how herd dynamics fracture after breeding, why bulls vanish into recovery pockets, how cow-calf groups reorganize for safety and efficiency, and how outside factors like temperature swings and hunting pressure accelerate those shifts. You’ll learn how to read this “reset” phase—spotting micro-movements, glassing subtle edges, and identifying those overlooked transition zones that hold elk long after the bugles stop. This conversation is packed with insight on post-rut elk strategy, behavior, and terrain use across the West—helping you adapt your mindset from chasing sound to interpreting patterns. Because the quiet season isn’t the end of elk hunting; it’s the most calculated phase of it. If you’ve ever wondered where the elk go after September, this episode will show you they never left—you just have to learn how to see them differently.

After the rut ends and the mountains go quiet, most hunters think the elk have disappeared. The truth is—they’ve just changed the rules. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of October elk hunting: how cow and calf movement shifts after the rut and how that change dictates where bulls, pressure, and opportunity all stack up on the mountain. Matt explains the full post-rut reset—how big herds dissolve into smaller family groups, how those cows and calves move down through elevation bands, and why the transition zone becomes prime habitat through mid and late October. You’ll learn how to identify benches, glades, and slopes that offer the perfect mix of food, cover, and consistent thermals—and why that’s exactly where the herd settles when the chaos fades. He also dives deep into daily rhythm and survival behavior: how cows time feeding, bedding, and water runs, how weather fronts and frost push movement, and how pressure and predators tighten their range. You’ll hear how understanding the subtle routine of these family groups gives you a roadmap to find bulls nearby—since post-rut bulls always shadow where cows and calves feed and rest. This episode teaches you to stop chasing sound and start reading the mountain. When you can interpret elk behavior by rhythm, feed, and wind—not bugles—you’ll find more elk in October than most hunters see all season. If you’re serious about mastering post-rut elk hunting, this is the one to study before heading into the next season.

In October, the mountains change every day—and so do the elk. One day it’s hot and still, the next it’s snowing sideways. Those shifting weather fronts don’t just change how it feels to hunt—they completely rewrite how elk move, feed, and bed. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to read the sky the same way you read sign on the mountain. You’ll learn how barometric pressure, wind, and temperature swings shape elk movement before, during, and after a front, and how to time your hunts to line up with those exact behavior shifts. Matt explains how bulls feed aggressively right before a storm, where they hole up when the wind hits, and why the 24 hours after a front passes are often the best hunting window of the entire fall. He covers how to interpret weather-driven elk behavior—from feeding urgency to bedding decisions—and how to predict elevation shifts, thermal changes, and leeward slope movement that most hunters overlook. If you’ve ever wondered why the elk vanished after a storm, or why a single cold front suddenly fills an empty basin with fresh sign, this episode breaks it all down. You’ll walk away knowing exactly when to push, when to wait, and how to stay one step ahead of every system that rolls through. For hunters who want to master October elk hunting, this is the playbook for turning bad weather into your best advantage.

Snow changes everything in the elk woods—and in October, it can make or break your hunt. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky dives deep into how October elk behavior shifts when storms roll in versus when the mountains stay bare. You’ll learn exactly how snow vs no-snow conditions affect elk movement, bedding, and feeding patterns—and more importantly, how to adapt your tactics to stay in the game when everyone else is lost. Matt breaks down what happens during warm, dry Octobers when elk linger high, scattered across post-rut zones, and how early snow compresses herds, funnels movement, and exposes travel corridors. He explains how to read elevation shifts, glass smarter when visibility changes, and predict where bulls will relocate as forage and pressure collide. You’ll also hear detailed insight on elk feeding priorities, thermal cover, and survival behavior—why bulls focus on calories and comfort, how weather alters their diet, and how wind, terrain, and hunting pressure shape every move they make. From dry-year patience hunts to snow-year mobility strategies, Matt lays out the blueprint for reading conditions and reacting in real time. Whether you’re glassing timber edges in a no-snow year or tracking fresh sign through mid-elevation benches after an early storm, this episode gives you the roadmap for adapting your October elk hunting strategy to the conditions in front of you.

By October, the rut is over—and so is the chaos. The bulls that were screaming across the mountain just weeks ago are silent, thin, and focused on survival. That’s when everything about elk behavior changes, and the hunters who understand what drives them now keep filling tags long after everyone else goes home. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly what elk eat in October and how their entire survival strategy revolves around food. You’ll learn why bulls shift from high-protein summer forbs to energy-rich shrubs and browse, how frost and slope aspect change feeding patterns, and how to pinpoint the micro-habitats where calories, cover, and moisture come together. Matt explains how to read terrain for hidden green pockets, identify prime browse zones, and use slope angle, moisture retention, and sun exposure to find active feeding areas when the rest of the mountain looks dead. You’ll also hear how bulls shorten their movement loops, feeding for efficiency instead of distance, and why locating the overlap between good feed and dark timber is the secret to consistent late-season elk hunting success. This is the episode that teaches you to stop chasing sound and start reading the mountain like a recovering bull—one focused on calories, security, and efficiency. If you want to find elk after the rut, this is how you do it: follow the feed, read the slopes, and match your strategy to their survival instincts.