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A record is a number; a trophy is a feeling. That line sets the pace as we sit down with Smokey Crews to unpack the mindset, effort, and odd twists of fate behind a lifetime of tags—from a rare, double-shovel caribou taken on the first morning to a hilariously gnarly velvet bull chosen for pure character the next day. We explore how to decide what you’re hunting for, how to hold out when it matters, and when to shoot the one that makes your heart jump.
Smokey breaks down the myths around blacktails, arguing they’re no mystery if you treat them like deer—calls, scrapes, predictable patterns—while being honest about what really limits success: access and effort. We talk timber company gates, paid permits, and the Western shift toward leased ground, plus the unglamorous work of baiting legally, setting cameras, and logging dawn-to-dark sits. Then we dive into moose calling and two unforgettable bulls that died in the road, proving that preparation can turn “luck” into inevitability.
Along the way, Smokey pays tribute to Chuck Adams and Randy Ulmer—mastery forged by practice, not chance—and lays out a practical blueprint: practice three to four times a week to weld form; scout year-round with a map in one hand and edges in your eyes; and build next season from a clear-eyed review of the last. If you’ve ever wondered why some hunters fill tags year after year, you’ll hear the truth: extreme dedication, smart access, and a personal definition of a trophy that keeps the fire alive.
If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a hunting partner, and leave a review with your definition of a “trophy.” Your take might spark our next conversation.

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