Lucky Tag Draws & Hunt Strategy

Published on August 2, 2025
Duration: 37:45

This episode of Gun Talk Hunt features Gary Killingsworth discussing his exceptional luck in drawing multiple high-demand tags in Oregon for buck deer, antlerless deer (Wamit unit), and an elk spike tag. The conversation delves into draw strategies, the emotional aspect of long-term applications versus first-time success, and the practicalities of hunting in diverse terrains. Gary also shares his gear choices, including a Christensen Arms 7 PRC rifle for all hunts, and emphasizes the importance of physical conditioning and meticulous gear preparation for successful hunting expeditions.

Quick Summary

Gary Killingsworth achieved exceptional luck drawing three Oregon hunting tags: a buck deer tag, a Wamut antlerless deer tag, and a Mount Emily elk spike tag. He plans to use a Christensen Arms 7 PRC rifle for all hunts and emphasizes thorough gear preparation and physical fitness, including weighted vest training, to maximize his hunting success.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Lucky Tag Draws
  2. 00:09KJ's Hunting Passion
  3. 00:26Guest Introduction: Gary Killingsworth
  4. 01:25Gary's 2024 Draw Success
  5. 01:34Oregon Draw System Explained
  6. 02:03Buck Deer Tag Draw
  7. 02:21Wamit Antlerless Tag
  8. 02:40Mount Emily Elk Spike Tag
  9. 02:51Total Tags Drawn
  10. 03:03Big Horn Sheep Tag Application
  11. 03:32Alligator Tag in Louisiana
  12. 04:05Story: Long-Time Draw Applicants
  13. 06:04Draw Hunts: Scam or Investment?
  14. 06:48Alternative Draw Systems
  15. 07:32Essay Contest & Video Portion
  16. 07:43Bugle Call Practice
  17. 08:30Karma and Hunting Luck
  18. 08:39Hunt Schedule and Scouting
  19. 09:21Oregon Elk Draw Odds
  20. 09:35Mount Emily Unit Details
  21. 09:56Strategy for Spike Tag Hunt
  22. 10:16Oregon Terrain: Mount Emily
  23. 10:42Gear Strategy Break
  24. 11:13Savage 110 Carbon Predator
  25. 12:06Snapsafe Security
  26. 12:37Firstperson Defender YouTube
  27. 13:54Back from Break: Gary's Luck
  28. 14:15Gear Strategy: Buck Deer Hunt
  29. 14:32Central Oregon High Country
  30. 14:49Run and Gun Strategy
  31. 15:09Ebike or Horse for Hunting?
  32. 16:13Ebike vs. Side-by-Side
  33. 16:56Ebike Market Discussion
  34. 17:49Terrain Variation
  35. 18:01Deer Movement and Weather
  36. 18:31Scouting High and Low
  37. 18:42Deer Behavior Under Pressure
  38. 19:14Changing Strategies Mid-Hunt
  39. 19:45Defining Success on Hunts
  40. 20:05Success: Time with Dad
  41. 20:24Tandem Ebikes and Sidecars
  42. 21:00The Value of Moments
  43. 21:17Firearm Choice for Spike Tag
  44. 21:39One Gun for All Hunts
  45. 21:57Christensen Arms 7 PRC
  46. 22:23Intimate Firearm Knowledge
  47. 23:05Kuiu Pack Recommendation
  48. 23:13Camp Setup: Canvas Tent
  49. 23:29Hunting with Family
  50. 23:56Timney Alpha Competition Trigger
  51. 24:30Optics Planet Promo Code
  52. 25:10Remington Ammo
  53. 25:39Advice for Draw Strategy
  54. 25:56KJ's Draw Strategy: Diversify States
  55. 26:55Over-the-Counter Tags
  56. 27:28Gary's Draw Strategy: Research
  57. 28:43Luck vs. Strategy
  58. 29:04Don't Burn Points on Unwanted Tags
  59. 30:12Party Hunt Caution
  60. 31:17Party Hunt Point System
  61. 32:08Additional Draw Tips
  62. 32:38Using Hunting Services
  63. 33:23Random Draw States & Leftover Tags
  64. 34:23Final Thoughts: Gary's Focus
  65. 34:51Gear Check and Preparation
  66. 35:16Importance of Physical Fitness
  67. 35:57Weighted Vest Training
  68. 36:28Gear System Dialing
  69. 37:20Minimizing Surprises
  70. 37:29Conclusion and Sign-off

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gary Killingsworth's successful draw hunts in Oregon?

Gary Killingsworth had a remarkable year drawing three tags in Oregon: a 100 series buck deer tag with no points, a 600 series antlerless deer tag for the Wamut unit (valid September to February), and a coveted Mount Emily elk spike tag.

What is Gary Killingsworth's gear strategy for his diverse hunts?

For all three hunts, Gary is using a single firearm: a Christensen Arms 7 PRC rifle, emphasizing comfort and familiarity. He also plans to use a Kuiu pack and is focusing on physical conditioning with weighted vests to prepare for the demanding terrain.

What advice is given for improving draw hunt odds?

Key advice includes diversifying your state portfolio by applying in multiple states, researching past success rates, being selective with tag choices to avoid burning points on unwanted hunts, and proceeding with caution on party hunts due to point averaging.

How does Gary Killingsworth prepare for his hunting trips?

Gary emphasizes meticulous gear preparation, including checking and packing everything in advance to ensure functionality and minimize noise. He also stresses the importance of physical fitness, using weighted vests to improve stamina and lung capacity for long days in the field.

More from Gun Talk Media

View all →