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Mile High Conversations: Colorado Changes, Tag Strategy & Why It’s Not Always About Bigger

After a bit of a break, we’re back — recording live from the Mile High Hunt Expo in Denver.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Kyle Lopez to talk about what’s happening right now in the hunting world — from major changes to Colorado’s draw system to the reality of chasing points, expectations, and what actually matters as a hunter.

We dive into strategy, mindset, and something that doesn’t get talked about enough… when is enough, enough?

And of course, we get into the stuff that really matters — hunting with your kids, passing it on, and why those moments mean more than anything hanging on the wall.

If you’ve been playing the points game, planning your next hunt, or just trying to figure out what your goals are as a hunter… this one hits.

• Live from the Mile High Hunt Expo

• Conservation efforts and donated hunts

• Major changes coming to Colorado’s draw system (2028)

• Hybrid draw system breakdown (points vs random draw)

• Why hunters are dumping points right now

• Arizona vs Colorado draw strategies

• Late season vs early season opportunities

• The reality of “top tier” hunts vs second tier hunts

• When to burn your points (and when not to)

• Elk vs deer — how your priorities change over time

• The trap of chasing bigger and bigger animals

• Why some hunters stop pulling the trigger

• Hunting with your kids and passing it on

• The new Colorado system is moving toward a 50/50 split between point holders and random draw, giving everyone a chance.

• Point creep is real — but the system may actually normalize over time.

• You don’t need a “top tier tag” to have a great hunt experience.

• At some point, hunting becomes less about size and more about experience and meaning.

• Hunting with your kids will change your perspective completely.

• “I’ve probably got five elk hunts left in me… after that, I’m good.”

• The reality of sitting on points for years and never “catching” the tag you want

• A powerful story of a father hunting with his daughters — and his daughter finding his buck

• The shift from chasing trophies to chasing experiences

There’s a point in every hunter’s journey where things change.

You start asking different questions:

• Why am I doing this?

• What am I really chasing?

• And who do I want to share this with?

This episode is about that shift.

Recorded live at the Mile High Hunt Expo in Denver — one of the premier hunting expos bringing together conservation groups, outfitters, and hunters from across the country.

If this podcast has ever brought you value — whether it’s knowledge, perspective, or just something to think about — make sure you’re subscribed.

Episodes won’t always be weekly… but when they drop, they’ll be worth your time.

Colorado draw changes, hunting points system, elk hunting strategy, mule deer hunting, Arizona elk tags, hunting with kids, hunting podcast, Days in the Wild, Mile High Hunt Expo, hunting conservation