Elk Talk

In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey discuss a mix of elk hunting strategy, application systems, and current issues in wildlife management. Topics include frustrations with complex draw systems in states like Montana, Utah, and Nevada, as well as concerns about wildlife commissions (looking at you, Washington) arguing that mismanagement and political influence can undermine hunting opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Elk Talk features a wide-ranging conversation about elk hunting logistics, especially navigating complex tag application systems in states like Colorado and Montana. Randy and Corey discuss upcoming changes to preference point systems, how increasing demand and policy shifts will make drawing tags more difficult, and encourage hunters to use points sooner rather than later. They also cover broader issues like access to land, growing hunter pressure, and the importance of conservation organizations in supporting habitat and research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey take a deep dive into the confusing, and often frustrating, world of western hunting applications. This podcast looks at why hunting systems have become so complex, specifically how state legislatures (rather than biologists) often create "harebrained" rules like Montana’s "one-point sandwich" and New Mexico’s 0.75 rounding rule. Other key highlights include: Why applying as a party in New Mexico can actually hurt your odds. Explaining how you can be "unsuccessful" and "successful" at the same time in the Montana draw cycle. A candid look at how Montanan legislative "handouts" and carve-outs have pushed nonresident numbers far beyond the original 17,000 non-resident tag caps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Randy and Corey dive deep into the "ditch" of the hunting world, working through rabbit holes that range from the current state of tag applications to the gritty reality of physical fitness as we age. Randy talks up about the "Always Ready 50+" grind, sharing his struggles with a new 12-week fitness course at 61 years old. Then they move onto the "Point Trap," providing a deep dive into the complex math of tag applications across the West. The conversation shifts to a "State of the Union" for elk, then they discuss the critical need for advocacy, specifically discussing the threat of Oregon's "IP 28" initiative. Finally, Randy shares a touching story about connecting with a young fan battling Perthes disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Elk Talk Podcast, Randy asks Marcus Hockett to fill in while Corey is on the road. Topics covered include the Raghorn Express, where elk hunting passion comes from, benefits of kids in elk camp, Cow Party, offseason is elk season, overcoming health issues, a broken leg mountain goat hunt, and a lot of other perspectives from a guy who grew up living the life of an elk hunter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast Corey and Randy wrap up their thoughts on the 2025 season and start planning ahead for the new opportunities that might come in 2026. Topics covered include the Wyoming and Arizona non-resident elk draws, Randy's archery elk debacle, post-shot recovering challenges, shot angles, when things seem perfect but they aren't, and many other side channels that may or may not have anything to do with elk hunting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Elk Talk, Corey Jacobsen and Randy Newberg dive deep into Idaho's brand-new nonresident draw system for general deer and elk tags. They break down the critical December 5th-15th application window, explain the new party application rules, and walk through the confusing but crucial deadlines you can't afford to miss. But they also swap stories from the season, from tough late-October hunts to helping Ted Roosevelt IV fill his elk tag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey take a practical deep dive into late-season elk hunting. They break down why November and December can be one of the most effective times to fill a tag, shifting the focus from the post-rut to the predictable patterns of bachelor groups and food sources. They cover essential strategies, from understanding elk dispersal based on forage and sanctuary to leveraging migration maps and identifying landscapes untouched by cattle. Randy and Corey also discuss how to stay warm and glass all day, turning the harsh conditions of late fall into your greatest advantage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy Newberg and Corey Jacobsen dive deep into one of the most challenging phases of the season: the post-rut rifle hunt. They break down exactly how mature bull behavior changes after the peak rut, explaining why these smart, pressured animals become solitary and retreat to secure "sanctuaries" other hunters avoid. If you're struggling to find bulls after the rut shuts off, this episode is your essential guide to hunting smarter in the post-rut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Elk Talk Podcast, Randy interviews Corey to cover the most effective tactics for the 2025 archery season. This podcast covers September 22-30, what we define as the Peak Estrus Season that is a continuation of the Peak Rut. We account for the moon phase (new moon to half moon), the influence fall equinox has on rutting activity, difficulty of pulling herd bulls from their cows, best tactics for bulls at this time of the season, the opportunity at mature satellite bulls, and many other ideas to consider at you hunt bulls during this Peak Estrus period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Elk Talk Podcast, Randy interviews Corey to cover the most effective tactics for the 2025 archery season. This podcast covers September 15-21, what we define as the start of the Peak Rut Season, accounting for moon phase (new moon), even more hunting pressure, location of bulls in relation to cows with older bulls now controlling the herds, best calling tactics for bulls at this time of the season, how to use water as a tool, and many other ideas to consider at you hunt bulls during this Peak Rut Season period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Elk Talk Podcast, Randy interviews Corey to cover the most effective tactics for the 2025 archery season. This podcast covers September 8-14, what we define as the Pre-rut period, accounting for moon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Elk Talk Podcast, Randy interviews Corey to cover the most effective tactics for the 2025 archery season. This podcast covers September 1-7, what we define as the Early Season, accounting for moon phase (full moon), hunting pressure, location of bulls in relation to cows, best calling tactics for bulls at this time of the season, how to use water as a tool, and many other ideas to consider at you hunt bulls during this Early Season period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey and Randy take a few listener questions and talk about what they are doing to get ready for the upcoming elk season. Archery practice, broadhead selection, equipment tuning, scouting with maps and boots on the ground, getting things taken care of for extended times from home, and a few tangents about Randy's summer projects as a handyman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey and Randy are joined by Steve Decker, Chief Revenue Officer at RMEF. Topics covered include the mission priorities of RMEF, how such mission work is accomplished on the ground, and how it is funded. Insight to the expectations members, volunteers, donors, and other supporters have of RMEF. And a lot of other discussion as to how RMEF is the effective advocate for elk and elk hunters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Corey and Randy go through the latest updates on the public land sales proposed by Senator Mike Lee. Midway through they are joined by Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho, a person known for taking strong stances in favor of public lands. The topics covered are all public land and access topics that are currently being determined in Congress. We are asking you to stand up, speak up, and make your voice heard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey and Randy go into a deep dive of how Legislative and Congressional actions impact elk hunting and public access. Corey cues up questions for Randy related to recent budget amendments to sell public land and other efforts to make elk hunting access harder. At the time of publication, many of you took action and have defeated the most pressing amendments, showing how Elk Hunter Civics can provide more opportunity for all of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode (#146) of the Elk Talk Podcast, Corey and Randy are joined by Brice Bishop and David Brinker of PEAX Equipment. A lengthy discussion covers how technology has impacted elk hunting, elk seasons, elk distribution, and the manners in which we hunt. Does technology improve success rates or just make us more comfortable and comforted? What impact does technology have the future of elk hunting and how opportunity must be managed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Elk Talk Podcast, Corey and Randy are joined by Dustin Diefenderfer of MTN TOUGH. Three elk hunters tell some stories, give some ideas of their physical and mental challenges with elk hunting, and offer ideas of how to excel in the mountains, even if you are not a gym rat. And even if you're an older elk hunter, like Randy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey and Randy cover the many issues related to deadlines and applications in Utah and Nevada. Corey also asks Randy for an update from a week in DC lobbying on public land issues. Other topics (stories) Randy and Forrest Gump, Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday, Montana draw correction, Utah fee increases, Wyoming tag allocation changes, Nevada's new elk plan, RMEF putting more elk on the ground, Congressional delisting under the ESA, wolf intro history, negotiating for state management, and many other topics related to policy that affects elk hunters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices