In this episode, Chad sits down with Shane Weigand of New Mexico Pack Burrosto explain why pack burros may be the most underrated tool in the backcountry. From the unique world ofpack burro racingto real-world hunting applications, Shane breaks down how to acquire a burro(private sale, rescues, or the BLM program), what gear and home setup are required, and how much weight they can realistically carry. The conversation also tackles the “stubborn donkey” myth and highlights why burros are safe, intelligent, and beginner-friendly pack animals.

Shane also shares insights from his book,The Backcountry Burro, (linked below) a practical, no-nonsense guide built from real hunts and real miles, designed to help hunters confidently get started with packing donkeys in the backcountry.

SHANE WEIGAND

NEW MEXICO PACK BURROS

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nmpackburros/

Website - https://www.nmpackburros.com

BUY THE BOOK - https://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Burro-Guide-Packing-Donkeys/dp/B0F7CB6JPW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26SLV65RLVBRO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CydRwdClr8HUrfqg8kRttA.SdFq-rbhr6lWG6aEPedX39emKSd76esnkC8OTtkgsnY&dib_tag=se&keywords=backcountry+burro&qid=1765742925&sprefix=backcountry+burro%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter - https://www.instagram.com/outofstatehunter/

DEFIANCE MACHINE

Save 10% off at Defiance Machine with the code OUTOFSTATE10

Website -https://defiancemachine.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/defiancemachine/

REVIC OPTICS

Website - https://www.revicoptics.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/revicoptics/

ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

GOHUNT

Use the code OUTOFSTATE when you become an Insider and get $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop Credit

https://www.gohunt.com

MCMILLAN STOCKS

Save 10% at McMillan Stock with the code OUTOFSTATE10

Website - https://mcmillanusa.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcmillanstocks/

#outofstatehunter #elk #elkhunting #arizonaelk #muzzleloaderhunting #westernhunting #publiclandhunting #huntingstories #storyfromtheseason #longrangehunting #glassing #backcountryhunting #huntingcommunity #fatherandsonhunt #neverquit#giveaway #outdoorsman #publiclands #conservation #huntingpodcast

Muzzleloader Mayhem In The Elk Woods - George Bermudez

In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad sits down with his friend George Bermudez to break down an unforgettable Arizona muzzleloader elk hunt that almost fell apart—twice. George’s father drew a rare tag with minimal points, but the excitement quickly turned to frustration when a primer mix-up and a stuck bullet sidelined the muzzleloader early in the hunt. What followed was a whirlwind of problem-solving, a bent ramrod, multiple trips across the state, and an outpouring of support from the hunting community to get the rifle back in action.

Despite the setbacks, George and his dad stayed in the unit, kept grinding, and eventually relocated the bull they had glassed days earlier. After a fast-paced stalk and a perfect shot at under 300 yards, the bull went down—only to stand back up moments later, creating a tense, unforgettable sequence that capped off the rollercoaster week. The story has everything: gear mishaps, community generosity, long-range glassing, miles of hiking, emotional highs and lows, and the payoff that only comes when hunters refuse to quit.

If you love stories of perseverance, tough hunts, and family traditions in the elk woods, this episode delivers in a big way.

GEORGE BERMUDEZ

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_g/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter - https://www.instagram.com/outofstatehunter/

DEFIANCE MACHINE

Save 10% off at Defiance Machine with the code OUTOFSTATE10

Website -https://defiancemachine.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/defiancemachine/

REVIC OPTICS

Website - https://www.revicoptics.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/revicoptics/

ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

GOHUNT

Use the code OUTOFSTATE when you become an Insider and get $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop Credit

https://www.gohunt.com

MCMILLAN STOCKS

Save 10% at McMillan Stock with the code OUTOFSTATE10

Website - https://mcmillanusa.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcmillanstocks/

#outofstatehunter #elk #elkhunting #arizonaelk #muzzleloaderhunting #westernhunting #publiclandhunting #huntingstories #storyfromtheseason #longrangehunting #glassing #backcountryhunting #huntingcommunity #fatherandsonhunt #neverquit#giveaway #outdoorsman #publiclands #conservation #huntingpodcast

In this Out of State Hunter Podcast episode, Armando from The Bow Hitch joins the show to share his experiences as a hunting guide in New Mexico. Armando provides an inside look at the joys and challenges of guiding, from dealing with unprepared hunters to helping older hunters achieve their hunting dreams.

Armando also discusses The Bow Hitch's incredible "Random Acts of Kindness" initiative, where they provided hunting gear and equipment to those who lost everything in the Ruidoso, New Mexico wildfires. Armando highlights a special hunt giveaway The Bow Hitch did in 2025 and tells the story from his perspective. Additionally, Armando reveals that The Bow Hitch will be giving away another fully guided elk hunt next year, in 2026.

Throughout the conversation, Armando offers valuable advice for hunters working with guides, emphasizing the importance of trust, patience, and flexibility. This episode provides a unique perspective on the guide-hunter relationship and the power of generosity within the hunting community."

ARMANDO MARTINEZ – THE BOW HITCH

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thebowhitch/

Website - https://thebowhitch.com/

OUT OF STATE HUNTER

@outofstatehunter

DEFIANCE MACHINE

Save 10% off at Defiance Machine with the code OUTOFSTATE10

Website -https://defiancemachine.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/defiancemachine/

REVIC OPTICS

Website - https://www.revicoptics.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/revicoptics/

ARROWHEAD RIFLES -

Website -https://arrowheadrifles.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/arrowheadrifles/

GOHUNT

Use the code OUTOFSTATE when you become an Insider and get $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop Credit

https://www.gohunt.com

MCMILLAN STOCKS

Save 10% at McMillan Stock with the code OUTOFSTATE10

Website - https://mcmillanusa.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcmillanstocks/

#outofstatehunter #bowhitch #westernhunting #muledeerhunting #highcountrymuledeer #bowhunting #archeryhunting #publiclandhunting #diyhunter #backcountryhunting #newmexicohunting #elkhuning #huntingguide #huntingadventures #huntinglife #huntinggear #randomactsofkindness #giveaway #outdoorsman #publiclands #conservation #huntingcommunity #huntingpodcast