Finding Backcountry Podcast

Dustin Wittwer

When I was 18, I saw a picture of a successful backcountry hunter packing a mule deer buck out of the high country on his back. Until then, I did not know that was possible. That was over 14 years ago. I have been searching for that experience ever since. I have been improving my woodsmanship and hunting skills. I have been learning any chance I get. In short, I have been on the journey of Finding Backcountry ever since. This podcast is my journey.

  • 1 hour 18 minutes
    Henry Ferguson - Colorado Changes Coming

    Henry and I jump on to discuss all the major changes coming to big game hunting in Colorado, some as early as this year. The three big changes we discuss are the end of over-the-counter archery elk tags for non residents, the addition of some "first rifle" deer permits in a number of units, and the change from a pure preference point system for deer, elk, and antelope to a hybrid 50/50 preference and random pool drawing. We discuss how these changes will affect the draws and how to best use your points. Enjoy!

    Instagram: @bigchiefwhackabuck @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

     

    5 March 2025, 1:05 pm
  • 14 minutes 57 seconds
    New Mexico 2025 Overview

    I give you all the basic information you need to know before applying in the New Mexico big game draw. I include permit, application, and hunting license fees. I breakdown permit allocation percentages. I briefly explain the youth opportunity. I end with a 30,000 foot view of each species category. This podcast will be followed by a more specific breakdown of each species and unit overviews. Enjoy!

    Remember, if you are going to hire a tag application manager, hire the most personal, one-on-one and focused service in the industry! Hire me at The Huntian!

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

    3 March 2025, 8:07 pm
  • 45 minutes 5 seconds
    Jeremy Dugger - The State of Mule Deer Hunting

    I catch up with Jeremy Dugger to review the current state of mule deer across the west. We present some out-of-the-box ideas to help increase herds and grow bigger deer. Jeremy shares his favorite new mule deer conservation activity to directly impact the mule deer herd in his core hunting areas. Enjoy!

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @muleymojo

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

    26 February 2025, 12:30 pm
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    Terran Leavitt - A Big Buck Story

    I sit down with long time friend Terran Leavitt at the Western Conservation & Hunting Expo. We talk about him getting into archery and helping guide hunts with Deep Creek Outfitters. He tells the story of his 200"++ Nevada public land archery buck from this past season. Enjoy!

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

    Instagram: @terranleavitt @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @deepcreekoutfitters @hubba_3

    20 February 2025, 2:56 pm
  • 41 minutes 53 seconds
    Hunt Expo 2025 & Application Plans

    In this episode I discuss the Great American Outdoor Show in Pennsylvania and the upcoming Western Conservation & Hunting Expo in Salt Lake. I breakdown the Nevada Guide Draw, New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana all coming up soon. I finish off with status update on The Huntian and reasons NOT to use the service. Enjoy!

    Email: [email protected]

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

    14 February 2025, 2:00 pm
  • 31 minutes 35 seconds
    Arizona Elk & Antelope + Wyoming Landowner Tags

    Everything you need to know before applying for AZ Elk and Antelope. AZ is a "must apply" state for anyone interested in great elk or deer hunting, although it is a more of a long term play state. I also touch on a Wyoming bill proposing transferrable landowner tags.

    Last, we will be at the Great American Outdoors Show in Harrisburg, PA starting this weekend, February 1-9, 2025. Come find us at booth #6323 in the Outfitter Hall, chat western big game hunting permits, and get entered to win a new rifle!

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

    27 January 2025, 4:59 pm
  • 1 hour 52 minutes
    New Rifle Build Basics with Corey Beckendorf

    Awesome episode where Corey and I break down the basic thought process of building a new rifle, choosing a cartridge, scope, overall rifle weight, barrel length, bullet performance, etc. We dive into some ballistics, explain the difference between FFP and SFP scopes, the importance of rangefinders, and much more! You cannot miss this episode if you plan to build or buy a new rifle setup this year. Enjoy!

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @enjoyingthepursuit

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

     

    20 January 2025, 3:16 pm
  • 13 minutes 10 seconds
    My 2025 Mule Deer Hunt Plans

    This episode is unique. I do a quick hitting breakdown of my general plans for mule deer applications across the west. Use it to get ideas for your own applications. Feel free to reach out with specific questions about each state.

    I give what I consider the must-apply-for states for western mule deer hunting. 

    As always, if you'd like me to manage your western mule deer applications this year, contact me!

    Email: [email protected]

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Website: www.thehuntian.com 

    13 January 2025, 1:21 pm
  • 1 hour 20 minutes
    Jace Guymon

    I connect with Jace Guymon, a Utah hunting guide and pure bred killer. We discuss his guiding business, tell hunting stories, and dive into the Utah deer herd management. Enjoy!

    If you'd like more information or help in your Utah hunt applications this year, contact me!

    Email: [email protected]

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Website: www.thehuntian.com

    10 January 2025, 2:16 pm
  • 50 minutes
    Wyoming Elk 2025 - Everything You Need to Know

    Attention! The first big application period for the lower 48 is here. Non-resident Wyoming elk applications are open. I break down all the details you need to be successful in the draws. If you want or need help in the western hunt application process, I can help. Enjoy!

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://thehuntian.com/2024/12/19/apply/

    6 January 2025, 1:16 pm
  • 18 minutes 53 seconds
    APPLY. SCOUT. HUNT.

    I kick off the new year with a new business venture offered through The Huntian. Officially launching January 1, 2025, the Apply. Scout. Hunt. service will use our T.A.G. (Tailored Application Gameplan) to custom build your application plan. Thank you for following along and I am beyond excited to start this journey!

    Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://thehuntian.com/2024/12/19/apply/ 

    1 January 2025, 4:00 pm
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