Forget generic “ultimate gear lists.” This is the real story behind how nine years of elk hunts turned into the free Drawn West Pack List — a practical, field-tested elk hunting checklist built to help you pack smarter, hunt farther, and never forget your tag again.

Navigating the maze of application deadlines and draw systems for western big game hunts can be overwhelming. With nearly 75 different deadlines and over 150 applications, it’s easy to feel lost. But creating an application strategy tailored to your goals and using tools like GoHunt Draw Odds can make managing the chaos a lot simpler. Start planning your hunts around your top priorities and use backup plans like Over-the-Counter tags to ensure you’re always ready for the fall!