Elk Talk

In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey break down effective elk hunting strategies for the post-rut and late-season periods. They discuss how pressured bulls seek out secluded sanctuaries near water sources and heavy cover, and share expert tips on glassing, mobility, and weathering harsh conditions.

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On this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey discuss the realities of public land elk hunting, challenging field experiences, and post-rut strategies. They look back on the highs and lows of the September season, encounters with wolves, and what hunters can expect during the transition into the post-rut period.

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In episode 172 of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey discuss strategies for hunting elk during the rut and cover the differences between the pre-rut and the peak rut periods. They offer advice on calling techniques, elk behavior, and the importance of adapting strategies to match where the elk are in their mating cycle. Finally, they talk about how understanding the "why" behind elk ecology provides a foundation that hunters can use to find consistent success.

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In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey are joined by guest Remi Warren to share strategies for early-season archery elk hunting. They discuss how to handle the transition from late summer to pre-rut, covering scouting tactics, calling techniques, and adapting to variables like heat, drought, and moon phase. They then shift to one of everyone's favorite topics - gear.

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In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey recap their experiences attending the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's first Big Game Week in Missoula, Montana. Corey talks about winning the world elk calling championship, and then they cover effective hunting strategies, essential gear choices, and the value of hunting dark timber. Finally, they explore important conservation topics, such as the impact of logging and invasive species on elk habitat during drought conditions, and celebrating the dedicated efforts of RMEF volunteers.

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Randy and Corey recorded this episode of Elk Talk in front of a live audience at RMEF's Big Game Days in Missoula. They cover a wide range of audience topics, from elk strategies in different seasons, gear preferences, and upcoming hunting plans.

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Randy and Corey discuss their preparations for the upcoming elk season and answer listener questions on hunting tactics, rifle gear, and the mental discipline needed for successful solo outings. Other discussion points include forest management strategies, the importance of public land access, and legislative efforts aimed at wildfire prevention.

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Randy and Corey talk off-season preparation, including physical training, gear testing, and the challenges of both archery and rifle hunting. They answer listener questions about hunting partnerships and strategy and wrap up with an update on the upcoming World Elk Calling Championship in Missoula.

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Randy and Corey discuss the latest elk hunting draw results across several states, including Colorado, Wyoming, and Nevada, and talk about their own application strategies. They then cover the ongoing legal controversy surrounding corner crossing in Montana and wrap up with practical tips for hunting in grizzly country and managing ballistics at higher elevations.

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In this episode of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey cover updates in Western hunting, including Idaho's new technology regulations and important draw deadlines in Wyoming and Nevada. They answer some viewer questions and also go into how mild winter and dry summer conditions could affect elk concentration during fall hunts. They wrap it up by talking about the upcoming RMEF Big Game Days in Missoula.

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In episode 164 of the Elk Talk Podcast, Randy and Corey talk about the impacts of growing nonresident demand for tags, the responses from the states, and the impact on neighboring states. Then they spend some time going through the Elk Talk mailbox, answering the questions submitted from listeners.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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