Brian Murphy and Jim Heffelfinger are the minds behind HuntStand’s new Western Species Activity Forecast and Rut Maps. Built from decades of Western big game knowledge and real biological data, these tools were created to give hunters a clearer picture of what’s happening in the mountains.
After helping bring those tools to life, Brian and Jim headed into the high country of Colorado to do what they’ve always done — chase mule deer in big, unforgiving country. What follows is a week of long glassing sessions, hard-earned stalks, and the kind of moments that only happen when two lifelong Western hunters put their work to the test.
This film isn’t about how-to steps. It’s about the people, the process, and the pursuit behind the next evolution of Western hunting.
Check out HuntStand’s breakthrough mapping tools for western big game hunters. Explore HuntStand Ultimate and the Western upgrades.
Live from deer camp in Kansas, HuntStand Podcast Host Will Cooper sits down with longtime friend Cody Butler to tell the story of one of the most unreal bow seasons ever experienced.
Two bucks. Both over 180 inches. One season. And 360-plus inches of whitetail in one season with a bow.
Between late-season sits and cold Kansas nights, Cody walks through the moments that led to tagging two absolute giants, the highs and lows in between, and the quiet moments where you realize how little of this is actually in your control.
Some seasons you grind. Some seasons you wait. And every once in a while, you’re simply blessed.
This is a raw, camp-side conversation about gratitude, patience, and a season that felt bigger than the inches on a tape. The kind of year that humbles you and reminds you why we step into the woods in the first place.
No filters. No hype. Just the story behind 360-plus inches of whitetail and how it all came together.
Today is launch day for the all-new Bowtech Alliance and Alliance 33, and HuntStand is excited to officially announce our new partnership with Bowtech Archery as we kick off 2026.
In this episode of the HuntStand Podcast, Will Cooper gives his first impressions of Bowtech’s next-generation hunting bow, built for balance, stability, and confidence when it matters most. The Alliance platform brings together Bowtech’s DeadLock tuning system, CenterMass balance, and the new GripLock adjustable grip into a lightweight, refined package that feels custom-fit the moment you draw it back.
Will breaks down how the Alliance is built for both tight-quarters whitetail hunting and longer-range western setups, and why this bow stands out as one of Bowtech’s most intuitive hunting platforms to date.
Whether you’re in a tree stand, tucked into a ground blind, or stretching shots in open country, the Bowtech Alliance is built to remove guesswork and let you focus on the shot.
Check out the Alliance from Bowtech here.
After a hard week chasing aoudad in the rugged country of West Texas, Will Cooper shares his first impressions of the Lathrop & Sons Custom Boot System — and it made an immediate impact.
Built around a custom-mapped fit, the system delivers serious support, stability, and comfort in steep, rocky terrain. From long glassing sessions to aggressive climbs, Will noticed his feet stayed locked in with no hotspots or fatigue, even during long days in unforgiving country.
These boots don’t feel like something you have to break in. They feel right from the start, which matters when every step counts.
After one demanding week in West Texas, it’s clear this system is built for hunters who push deep and stay on their feet in tough terrain. It’s the best mountain hunting boot system.
After wrapping up an unforgettable aoudad hunt in the West Texas desert, Will Cooper breaks down the exact gear he relied on to make the trip a success. From rifles and optics to packs, boots, and camp essentials, Will walks through what worked, what mattered most in rugged desert terrain, and why each piece earned its place on this hunt.
This episode is a practical, no-fluff gear dump straight from the field — covering what it takes to hunt steep mesas, navigate extreme temperature swings, and stay efficient in one of the most unforgiving landscapes in Texas.
Desert Ghost | Hunting Aoudad in West Texas [HuntStand Original]
After an unforgettable week chasing aoudad in the West Texas desert, Will Cooper sits down with longtime friend and mentor Cody Roberts at Desert Ghost Distillery to wrap it all up. From successful hunts and hard miles on the mesas to campfire meals and conversations, the two reflect on what made this trip special.
Will and Cody dive into the story behind Desert Ghost Distillery, Cody’s deep family ties to Marathon, Texas, and the legacy passed down from his great-great-grandfather.
Desert Ghost | Hunting Aoudad in West Texas [HuntStand Original]
The West Texas desert has a way of pulling you in. In Desert Ghost, Will Cooper heads west to Marathon, Texas, with longtime friend and mentor Cody Roberts to hunt aoudad in one of the most remote landscapes in the state. Rooted in family legacy, this film explores Cody’s deep ties to the desert, the story behind Desert Ghost Distillery, and the mystique of a western oasis near Big Bend National Park.
More than a hunt, Desert Ghost dives into the role of aoudad management and its importance to desert bighorn sheep conservation efforts led by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Wild Sheep Foundation. Sometimes, to protect what belongs here — you have to chase the ghosts.
You really do have to be tough, determined, or lucky to tag out on a big aoudad. Check out this recap of hunting aoudad in West Texas.
OTC Rifle Elk Hunting Tactics [The Setup]
In this episode, Josh breaks down a simple upgrade that can completely enhance your cold-weather hunting boots: replacing your stock boot insoles with the Lathrop & Sons Non-Typical Insole. He explains how its insulating foam barrier, 3-D heat-trapping design, and solid arch/heel support help keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable when temps drop.
If you struggle with cold feet in rubber boots, waders, or late-season pack boots, this small switch can make a big difference. Josh shares why it works, how to set it up, and why a better insole is one of the smartest cold-weather gear hacks you can make this season.
Crossbows vs. Compounds: The Bowhunting Method Debate
In this episode of “The Setup,” host Josh Dahlke catches up with Caleb Condit, the man behind all of HuntStand’s wild-game recipes. to relive a frenzied public-land saddle hunt during the rut. After scouting the area, Caleb and his buddy slipped into the timber with their bows and were immediately surrounded by action. Bucks fighting, chasing, and grunting all around them — it’s a great time.
Caleb breaks down:
- How he set up.
- What the deer activity told him.
- And the moment a rut-charged buck finally closed the distance.
It’s a quick hit of public-land strategy and pure November chaos. Hear all about this public-land saddle hunt.
OTC Rifle Elk Hunting Tactics [The Setup]
While crossbows continue to grow in popularity and acceptance in the bowhunting community, the crossbow vs. compound debate can still get awfully heated. Here’s what we have to say about it. Check out this video where HuntStand’s own Josh Dahlke and Will Cooper tackle the topic of crossbows vs. compounds.
OTC Rifle Elk Hunting Tactics [The Setup]