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Eastmans' Elevated

Episode 539: Western Full Send Hunting With Jaden Bales

·1 hr·5 clips
How does trail running shrink the mountains and let you cover more country than the average hunter?
The episode begins with host Brian Barney introducing guest Jaden Bales, praising his knowledge of Wyoming and Montana hunting. After sponsor ads for Matthews bows, OnX maps, and Stone Glacier gear, the conversation starts with Jaden and Brian recalling a recent trail run together. They discuss how trail running builds mountain fitness and mental perspective, shrinking the perceived size of terrain. The dialogue shifts to hunting philosophy, contrasting aggressive pursuit with patient timing, using examples from elk and mule deer hunts. Brian recounts a specific elk hunt where aggressive cow calling after a spook resulted in a bull charging to 27 yards. Jaden and Brian analyze wind and thermal dynamics, with Brian detailing a personal failure where a wind switch at the last moment spooked a bull. They explain the hand method for estimating sunset time, a practical tool for timing stalks. Jaden talks about using pronghorn and Argentina black buck hunts as training for spot-and-stalk skills. Brian presents his theory of the five pillars of successful bowhunting: instincts, physical fitness, mental toughness, shooting skill, and planning/glassing. They discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with passionate hunters to improve. Jaden mentions his Hunt West podcast focused on planning and contingencies. The conversation touches on bear hunting as wind-reading training and offseason preparation. Brian closes with updates on his bow tuning, training regimen, and upcoming hunt plans for 2026.

As heard by us

A field-minded conversation about reading wind, moving with elk, and preparing for the season ahead.

Elk hunting is framed as a discipline of reading movement across the mountain, where wind direction and thermals shape nearly every choice. Jaden Bales and Brian Barney dig into practical details, from shadowing a herd from the side to looping ahead when a quartering wind leaves…

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Why you'd press play

Want to read elk movement through thermals and wind when the herd tightens up?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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