DIY western big game hunting is a lot of work. The planning, preparation, travel, and hunt all require time and dedication to put all the moving pieces together.

With thousands of days spent self-filming, I want to share the secrets I have learned over the years of capturing my hunts and help lessen the learning curve for those of you interesting in capturing your hunt on film.

We covered more than one hundred and sixteen miles total, and seeing the two float planes land on the smooth river surface made it all worthwhile.

We ventured off as planned, pulling a camping trailer with my 3500 Ram loaded down with two week’s worth of grub, 150 gallons of Avgas in drums, and 130 gallons of diesel fuel in the Tidy Tank. What could possibly go wrong?

We rolled into camp that night very late and shared the good news with Steve and Nate. We had more meat to pack out, but our hunt was over. Four bulls in 48 hours exceeded our wildest expectations.

I looked at 20 rams, walked countless miles, lost over 20 lbs, and spent the better part of summer in a tent. My goal was to take a mature ram and in the end, I surpassed my goal

Hearing that the results had been released, I opened up my oldest son Trey’s FWP profile and saw he was “successful” in the draw. Then I opened up my younger son, Tyson’s, and saw he was also “successful”!

After about 45 minutes, it finally happened. I felt the wind hit the back of my neck. I immediately drew back and like clockwork, the bull’s head whipped upright.

Being born and raised in Montana, I have been very fortunate to hunt big game every year. I have taken some respectable mule deer but have had a few giants escape my bullet in years prior.

Nate Simmons hunts Montana’s backcountry for elk during the peak of the rut.

Nate Simmons hunts Montana’s backcountry for elk during the peak of the rut.

Chris and his son Mark join forces to try and find a mature Coues deer buck to fill Mark’s tag with.