Roe Hunting Resources' Podcast

Part Two with John Leonard is here after a bit of a stressful and emotionally draining couple of weeks for Chris. The loss of friends/loved ones is always tough, but it helps being able to talk to someone who's walked that same walk, and who knows what you're going through. In this episode, Chris and John start off talking about personal loss, dealing with cancer, reminiscing about John's brother Joe, and providing some recommendations for those that might not have faced personal loss in their lives as of yet. From there, they finally dive into the conservation topics they didn't get to in Part One, namely: – State Governors' Auction and Raffle tags, and putting serious money on the ground for research and habitat conservation; – Wild sheep disease issues with domestic sheep and goats; – Should there/could there be more sheep (or even more goats) in Colorado; and – More!

Taking a little break from Colorado wolf discussions, Chris finally sits down with long-time friend and passionate sheep hunter John Legnard. The intent of this discussion was to dive into some pretty deep topics, but as Chris is known to do with good friends, the discussion doesn't even get to the planned "meat and potatoes" but instead burns through 3.5 hours of "drink and appetizers" in the blink of an eye! This was a fun conversation that'll need to continue, so this will serve as a "Part One" of the longer discussion. In this episode, John and Chris dive into: – First tastes of bighorn sheep hunting; – Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, its beginning and importance; – The origin of the S34 sheep herd and its conservation legacy; – Hunting (and debating ideas surrounding) human-habituated critters; – Old sheep and seasonal tastiness (is sheep meat actually any good?); – Brewing beer with the O.G.'s of "craft beer"; – The secret to brewing the perfect Hefeweizen; – Being the luckies S.O.B.!; – Giant rams of Colorado, with shout-out to Janet George for all she's done for hunter conservationists in Colorado; – Putting in the work; – Science in hunting, and teasing out the "Devil in the Details"; – Where to put your money if you want to fund conservation; and – More!

A shorter podcast for those weary of the 3+ hour marathons, we're diving into Part Two of the discussion with Mike Schlegel, formerly of the Idaho Fish and Game, regarding wolves, their impact on Idaho, and lessons for Colorado - should anyone be willing to listen! This discussion dives in head-first, so buckle up, and TAKE NOTES! ...if you want to chime in on the USFWS 10(j) rule public comment period, there are some serious points in here to consider! If you want to testify before the Colorado State Legislature on CO Senate Bill 23–256, listen closely and take notes – there are serious points to consider!!! Right out of the gate, this episode hits on: – Elk movement and the realities of the elk population in Idaho before and after wolf reintroduction; – Elk depredation on agriculture/hay stores/production vs. livestock depredation; – Federal land habitat quality and management; – The fallacy of the "Trophic Cascade" regarding wolves in many habitats; – The true "cost" of the wolf reintroduction – livestock vs loss of license sales vs game damage claims on ag products; – Who really decides who is a "wolf depredation" specialist; – A message to sportsmen for the USFWS 10(j) ruling public comment period; – What does the 10(j) actually give us???; – What exactly IS a "self-sustaining" wolf population???; – Where the hell are the "sportsmen's groups" that offer a "good investment?"; and – SOOOOooooo much more!

The Colorado Legislature recently introduced a "Wolf Bill" – Senate Bill 23-256 – that has everyone in a tizzy, and sportsmen hopeful for a way to stop the wolf reintroduction in its tracks. Chris says it's not going to even pass, BUT... For this episode, John McDonald and Justin Nolan join in to talk about the Bill, what it does, what it doesn't do, the Wildlife Commission meeting, the Senate Ag Committee hearing, and the reason Chris changes his mind regarding the Bill by the end of this conversation. There's a lot in here, so if you feel your time is limited, jump to 1 hour and 30 minutes, and start from there, otherwise, listen to it all, process it, and then reach out to Justin at HuntersforColorado@gmail.com and GET INVOLVED! ...we need CHEEKS IN SEATS!!!! Massive thanks to everyone who's reached out and extended their support! Like always, our members – YOU – make all of this possible! I can't thank all of you enough, other than to endeavor to keep these conversations going! Your financial support is the fuel that keeps this engine running!

This week's episode starts off a multi-part discussion with Mike Schlegel, former [elk] Research Biologist and Regional Wildlife Manager with the Idaho Fish and Game about Idaho's history with wolves, and the wolves that were released/reintroduced there. Although there were at least five topic/bullet points to dive into at the start of this conversation, Chris and Mike only got to point number two in the span of three hours, so follow-up discussions are in order, and are definitely forthcoming! LOL! In this episode Chris and Mike talk about: – Kansas whitetail and turkey realities of today; – Spring elk calving habitat vs. spring bear habitat and ungulate predation; – Idaho's history regarding their wolf reintroduction; – Chris playing "devil's advocate" and the return of Chris's "Black Hat"; – Colorado's proposed reintroduction timeline/release schedule; and – More! Enjoy!

This week we listen in on the discussion recorded by Jim Huntsman of "The Western Huntsman Podcast" back in early March, continuing the "Is Hunting Conservation" themed discussion between Chris, Jim Huntsman, and Guy Duplantier of "The Western Contours Podcast. In this extremely fun "Part 4" of the discussion, the guys dive into: – Responses to critics; – Can sportsmen not learn from the mistakes of the past?; – The shifting "Overton Window" of sportsmen's issues; – Rallying around issues vs. our collective culture; – Putting the cost of sportsmen's "tags" into perspective; – Colorado Parks and Wildlife expenditures and where sportsman dollars go; – Where sportsmen can spend money for habitat; – What should sportsmen post on Social Media; – The importance of the "Neutral Middle"; and – Much more! Enjoy!

Well, the first one was so fun, Chris and Cliff decided "Why not?!?!" and turned-and-burned a "Part 2" discussion to continue discussing Colorado wolves, elk, and several more things to include: – The intangible costs of effective sportsmen advocacy; – Science vs. "science"; – Embracing "wokism" and capitalizing on culture in the 10(j) Rule; – Money vs. "sound investment" in advocacy; – Thoughts on future elk hunting [draw] strategies; – Private habitat partnerships with the USFS; – The future of Colorado's moose populations; – Hunter "investments with assurances"; and – More! Enjoy!

For this episode, Chris brings in Cliff Gray to talk about Cliff's knowledge of elk movement, behavior, hunting, and outfitting in a variety of northwest Colorado Elk/Deer Game Management Units, and get his thoughts on the upcoming wolf reintroduction, and "what could be" with the reintroduction effort, and if sportsmen got their $#!+ together! Cliff was the owner/operator of Flat-tops Wilderness Guides for nearly 10 years (amongst other guiding/outfitting activities), and now has a very informative YouTube channel called "Pursuit with Cliff" (along with his Instagram page under Cliff Gray) where he shares a TON of knowledge from his direct experience for those just getting started in the hunting/elk hunting. Cliff is also a great "critical thinker," while being a humble dude, so he's a great person to dive into a variety of topics with, and especially those that might be tricky, controversial, and uncomfortable. In other words... another great "intellectual sparring partner" for some of the discussions we've had on here of late! For this discussion, we touch on: – Guiding/outfitting in Colorado – Forest Service management of guides/outfitters/habitat management/fire fuels mitigation, and more – Elk movement and behavior now vs. "what could be" once wolves hit the landscape – What Colorado sportsmen "might/could" do, and what they darn-well "should" do in response to what we're seeing with the wolf reintroduction, and – More

Public comment on the Colorado Wolf Reintroduction and Management Plan is pretty much over, and after the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on February 22, 2023, it looks like Colorado's elk hunting future is uncertain at best, to down-right over as we all currently know it, at worst! From Chris' perspective, having worked across from – having to deal with – animal activists throughout his professional career in Colorado for more than 20 years, he's not too optimistic, and believes Colorado's elk hunting [possibly most, if not ALL, hunting] is nothing more than a "dead man walking" at this point. In this discussion, Chris outlines: – Why he thinks that; – What his professional experience with animal activist groups is; – His experience with what happens when activists drive public policy; – What sportsmen can/might want to "do about it" with regard to the current climate of activism driving wildlife policy in Colorado.

This is a long discussion, covering a bunch of topics regarding the Colorado Wolf Reintroduction and Management Plan – SPECIFICALLY – the realities surrounding the process, the Wildlife Commission, and what sportsmen "can do about it." This discussion covers a bunch of questions that folks have been asking/talking about, with Chris giving you the cold hard truth, as he sees it, for what is REALLY going on, and what will REALLY happen as this Plan moves forward; there's been a lot of misinformation, misunderstanding, and inadvertent wasted effort on the behalf of sportsmen, so it was time to have a "different discussion" regarding this issue to cut through some of the B.S. Obviously, these are Chris's opinions, but they are based on his more than 10 years of direct sportsman's political advocacy in Colorado, and more than two decades of working with controversial wildlife species conservation and management WITH AND AGAINST animal activists/"advocates" who gain/are afforded the opportunity to drive public policy. Best listening for this discussion will probably be achieved by setting your playback speed to 1.25 or faster; the intro explains why. As always, fire away with your thoughts/input once you chew through it!

Oh...buddy! ...this one is gonna be a DOOZY with the audience! ...a few of you will love it. Some of you will consider it. A $H!+ ton of you will CRUCIFY us for even discussing it! But... come hell or high water, we're damn sure gonna talk about it; ...the Kifarucast discussion between Aron Snyder and Josh Bowmar, regarding the conclusion of the Bowmar case in Nebraska! We're not even going to give you any spoilers... if you follow Aron Snyder or Kifarucast, or you follow Chris through Roe Hunting Resources on social media, you KNOW what we're gonna discuss here, the controversy, and the PUBLIC OPINION of it all! Well... how about we have a DEEPER level of discussion than just plain primal emotion? I know... scary, right?!?!? Well... Buckle up, because here...we...go!

Episode 64 is an "early release" over the weekend to give folks coming back from the Western Hunt Expo some more entertaining "meat, gristle, and bone" to chew on for their trips back home! In this episode, Aron Snyder of Kifaru, Kifarucast, and Born Primitive Outdoor jumps over onto THIS side of the podcast universe and joins Chris in the continuation of the discussions from the most recent 5+/- hour marathon Chris just did over on the Kifarucast podcast last week. For this discussion, Chris and Aron dive into thoughts revolving around proposed changes to Colorado's next season structure, wherein hunters – both Resident AND Non-Resident – may end up seeing big changes. Some of the topics covered include: – The crazy differences in value-sets that apparently Colorado hunters have for their reason for hunting. – Should Over-the-Counter (OTC)licenses be modified for Non-Residents? ...ALL public land hunters – Resident and Non-Resident alike??? – Will Resident hunters be willing to accept a massive fee increase to cover the loss in revenue typically brought in by high numbers of Non-Resident hunters? – Will Colorado simply "trade evils" to address an "issue" that may be closer linked to habitat issues and elk numbers, as opposed to actual "hunter dissatisfaction/crowding" issues? – And more!

How in the WORLD does one synthesize a response to the volume of comments and input generated from the previous discussions of "is hunting conservation" over the past few weeks into ONE podcast episode? In short... you DON'T! ...you CAN'T. Chris set out for this week's podcast to address many of the comments, and engage the feedback, from his previous discussions – found both here, as well as The Western Huntsman podcast and The Western Contours podcast – only to find the topics and discussions to be covered were WAY too involved, lengthy – and specific – to wrap ANYONE'S head around into one podcast episode. So, this episode shifted to simply providing a partial explanation of what has been heard previously, to provide context as to where things are headed, and extend a commitment from Chris to try and "do better" in the realm of providing mentorship for the "younger/newer" generation of consumptive wildlife users in this Sportsman lifestyle and community we all love and cherish.

Chris has spent a considerable amount of time, of late, being somewhat/relatively/extremely (depending who you are) critical of the sportsman community, and there are a few folks that are uncomfortable about that. Well...why? ...is it that Chris is saying something wrong, or is it that he's saying something that makes you THINK – and that, as of yet, you don't have a response to??? In this podcast, Chris goes over where he feels he "stands" within the sportsmen community in recent days/weeks/months, and offers a series of metaphors to better frame where his mindset is, and how it relates to the broader sportsmen community. In this discussion, Chris will: – Start with a children's nursery rhyme; – Set the stage for the underlying metaphor of the "North American Model of Wildlife Conservation" being the perfect example of a frat house; and then – Dive into our "house", the activities within it, the players, where they stand, our neighbors, the community, and what the hell Chris is hoping to do these days. Enjoy! ...and if this discussion pisses you off... make an argument. Make your case – unemotionally – and continue the discussion/dialog. Otherwise, just chew a little longer on the gristle that Chris just fed you, and swallow it! How's THAT for a closing metaphor?

I'm baaaaaaaack.... I know, I know... it's been a while... BUT... It's time to get back in the saddle so-to-speak and jump back into the fray of podcasts regarding all sorts of pertinent issues – especially sportsman advocacy issues. We'll eventually talk about my 2022 elk season, this past deer season, etc... BUT... right before Christmas, Jim Huntsman of the Western Huntsman Podcast, asked if I'd be willing to be a part of a multi-part series podcast discussion exploring – essentially – my criticism of the #huntingisconservation sportsman advocacy movement, with Jim, myself, and Guy Duplantier of the Western Contours podcast. Of course I said yes. So....a few days before Christmas, we dove into "Part 1" of that discussion on the Western Huntsman's podcast, with the intent to continue that discussion on my podcast, as well as Western Contours. Well... here's Part 2 of that discussion. For the first part, folks need to go the Jim's podcast over at The Western Huntsman podcast and give it a listen. This... well, this is a "Part 2" of the topic, and for this discussion, we get a bit more organized, and a HELL of a lot more "RAW" with the conversation asking the question: IS hunting conservation? Give it a listen, and send us your feedback! ...the conversation will continue after this over on Guy Duplantier's "Western Contours" podcast in the near future.

This episode has "flowery language" right out of the gate! Chris is back home for a little bit, so he sat down with Guy Duplantier of Western Contours Podcast for a little bit of a "bonus" episode, and had a great conversation catching up on all things life, the Colorado elk season so far, and what's to come this season. Regardless of what we see on Social Media, life is LIFE, and sometimes it's challenging. Chris has been dealing with a variety of challenges this year, and the attempt at recording this podcast was just another in the string of many ridiculous roadblocks, pot-holes, pitfalls, and other random BS that served to challenge his sanity and whether or not the podcast was even going to be. So Chris was a bit "frustrated," shall we say, coming right in at the gate of this conversation. Little did he know, Guy had just got done dealing with HIS version of life's "kick in the nuts!" This is a great conversation covering a variety of topics, with some good laughs thrown in along the way. From dealing with pets, people, and who we'd extend our hand to in an emergency, to the Colorado opening week of elk season, to reviewing Guy's epic elk melee and his reaction to it, to Chris's opening week and more, this episode is a good one to settle in and enjoy!

It's almost time to leave for elk camp, people! In this episode, Chris covers: – What he's been recording/working on these past few weeks, and the need for uncomfortable, but honest, dialog; – Recent "Subscriber Only" podcast discussions; – Leaving for elk camp on Wednesday and the options between two weeks of "play" or "putting the first acceptable bull on the ground and getting back home"; – Checking in on friends, family, and ESPECIALLY the landowners you plan to hunt with (at least in western Kansas) regarding their mental health/well-being, and the conditions of the farms and ranches you plan to hunt on in the aftermath of this brutal heat and drought; – Social Media; and – More!

Subscribers' Only podcast edition talking about: – ACTUAL elk reproductive/mate selection strategy; – Herding behavior (especially of young bulls); – Do bulls only chuckle at other bulls???; – Why Chris prefers to go after bulls that ONLY chuckle; – Use of Contact Bugles on OTC public ground; and – More

Steve Chappell of Elk Camp TV and Elk Camp Guide Service rounds out this season of the Philosophy of Elk Calling series in spectacular form! This is a GREAT discussion that every elk hunter should listen to, whether you're a beginner, or you consider yourself to be as experienced as they come! Steve is one of the most humble, while being one of the most consistently successful, elk hunting human beings you'll ever find in the field, and his experience across more than 20 years in some of the most challenging units, through all of the challenging seasons, gives his perspective on elk calling a weight that can't be ignored. There's too much in this episode to even try to list, so just get comfortable, hit play, and take notes!

We're getting close people!!! Many folks are roughly two-weeks out from their respective elk season openers, so it's time to focus on elk related content. In this episode, Chris covers several questions, including: – Is it too late to subscribe to the RHR Elk Hunting Institute/Elk Module (spoiler alert – HECK no!); – Best mechanical broadheads for elk; – Moon phase and the elk rut; – Picking the best Bugle tube; – Calling a herd bull out of a large harem; – Do Moose displace Elk when they're in the same area?; and – More!

Continuing with the discussion, this week we talk with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls about HIS philosophy in elk calling, and why he leans toward the calling strategy he does. In this episode, we talk about: – Initial response to the EZ Suk'r Cow Call; – The Idaho draw, and picking up leftover tags; – Dirk's elk hunting "Origin Story"; – Conditions that "grew" Dirk's calling philosophy; – Dirk's calling vs. "Doug Flutey"; – Aggressive calling vs. "Reckless" calling; – Elk in the wolf areas of Idaho; – Horrible elk calling/callers; – Having a "musical ear" vs. not; and – More!

The 2022 elk season is just around the corner for most of us, so it's time to start getting serious about figuring out what we're going to do, where, how, and most importantly – WHY! One of those things is choosing a calling strategy for the elk we'll be chasing, within the context of the different herd dynamics, hunting pressure, habitats, and environmental conditions we'll be chasing them in. In this podcast – the first of at least three during the month of August – we're going to talk to Jay Scott, of Jay Scott Outdoors, and deep-dive into his preferred elk calling strategy, how he came to "develop" it, why it's worked for him for so long, in so many different places, chasing some of the biggest bulls on the planet, and why he thinks it's a sound strategy for MOST elk hunters, regardless of where they are hunting. By now it's no secret that Jay and Chris think alike when it comes to talking to elk, but here, we focus on Jay's insights, opinions, experiences, and analysis. Coming up in this particular series will be Steve Chappell of Chappell Guide Service and Elk Camp TV, and Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls.

Anyone... any time... any where [above +/- 10,000 feet]... Altitude sickness, or "Acute Mountain Sickness [AMS]" can strike and leave you feeling absolutely WRECKED! It is NOT something to be ignored or disregarded... it can end your high-country adventure before it can even begin! If you RESPECT the symptoms, understand the issue, and act accordingly, you can save your hunt, save your "high country adventure" and drive on. Ignore the symptoms, be too proud to recognize the issue, and well... you'll be spending a MINIMUM of three days in bed wondering what the heck you just got steamrolled by! That is...if you got off the mountain to survive it!

Ep. 50 makes a quick change in the previously planned direction, and covers a few topics regarding where things are headed, namely: – Feedback on the podcast and where things are likely to go from here; – Upcoming Elk related podcasts, the guests, and the reason; – Wildlife habitat/crops/water in NW Kansas/SW Nebraska, and the outlook for this fall; – Checking in on neighbors, landowners, farmers/ranchers, etc.; – Wildlife Biology vs. Management and opportunities for folks to put their money where their #huntingisconservation "mouth" is; and – More!

Chris covers some ground on THIS one! ...from his thoughts on the Uvalde school shooting, to the 2A community and certain "sportsmen's advocates" and talking about the "RETURN Our Constitutional Rights" Act, to a variety of elk-related questions, to the current "situation" in NW Kansas, there's a BUNCH to unpack and contemplate in THIS one (...like there isn't in MOST of what Chris shares)!

Dirk Durham – The Bugler – of Phelps Game Calls is the guest for this Monday's podcast, talking about the NEW "EZ SUK'R" elk call, making sense of all the different Phelps elk mouth diaphragms, general small business challenges these days, his elk hunting plans for this fall, and SO much more! ...There's a BUNCH in this conversation, so just sit back, settle in, and give it a listen!

This "BONUS" episode is brought to you by everyone that wants to manipulate you into acting upon your initial emotional reaction to their very narrow, carefully crafted – and often leftist, liberal progressive – view-point regarding a very specific, cherry-picked Sportsmen's issue (and, of course... your's truly, who vehemently says "SCREW THEM" in their B.S. liberal progressive tactics). In this episode, Chris goes off on the latest "the sky is falling" sportsmen issue regarding the perceived "gutting" of the Wildlife Restoration Fund/Pittman-Robertson Act, and the details surrounding the Legislative issue, its players, the overall implications, and the general "B.S." that sportsmen are being fed these days. The episode is NOT child/"delicate-ear"–friendly; flowery language is contained herein; listener discretion advised.

Two hundred and forty-six years ago today, a group of courageous people had had enough. Today... you enjoy an extended weekend, and a day or two off of work. Why? Well... in THEIR words... THIS is why!

Chris is done, people!!! ...the spring/early summer round of. NW Kansas whitetail and turkey food plots/habitat work is done – for now – anyway, so it's time to switch gears and start talkin'/focusin' on elk! In this general discussion, Chris touches on: – Conquering an area/Being "One-track minded" in certain areas trying to pull the best/oldest bulls out; – Drawing a Limited Draw license in CO; – Recent Instagram Posts/Reels and the elk vocalizations heard in them; – Questions regarding cow vocalizations, emotion, and the difference between Contact Mews and Lost Mews; and – More!

Yep... A whole bunch of nuthin'... That's what's in this week's podcast. It is what it is; sometimes you just don't have anything meaningful, engaging, important, humorous – or whatever other adjective you're looking for in your podcasts – to say. But rather than fake a discussion with no heart in it, I'd rather just keep it real with you, and put a pin in this week's dialog, get my lingering projects done, and then hit you guys with a fresh brain and more enthusiasm in a few days! I'd rather drive REAL discussions for this podcast and the RHR "platform", rather than just drive CONTENT (this 30 minutes notwithstanding. LOL!).

In this episode, besides the update on what Chris has been up to since last week, he asks a very "interesting" question: "Should Kansas Outfitters (or any outfitter for that matter) have to be "licensed" to be able to Guide/Outfit – AND – obtain that license buy providing actual, measurable, habitat/population productivity enhancements or funding?" ...if "hunting is conservation" shouldn't those doing some of the most "taking" be the ones providing some of the most "producing?" In the eternal words of Bill O'Reilly, "What Say You?" This one ought to ruffle a few feathers! LOL!!!

Chris just got back from the Kansas City area and the elk seminar he did on Saturday night in conjunction with John Overton and the KS City area chapters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at Overton's Archery Center. A great turn-out resulted in some great discussions that made the four hours of the evening fly by! In this episode, Chris touches on: – Some of what was discussed at the seminar; – What RHR's Elk Hunting Institute Elk Module has inside the "walls" of its on-line video "Library"; – Working Smarter vs Harder; – Thoughts on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and how it relates to State agencies and non-resident hunters; – Colorado wolf ballot initiative that SHOULD be happening, and the apparent lack of sportsmen leadership on the issue these days; and – More!

Chris is finally back behind the microphone after a bit of a delay, and covers: – What's been going on since last week's podcast; – The state of habitat work so far this season; – General "shittery" in people – sportsmen or otherwise; – Corn piles, and a lovely thing called Aflatoxin (and implications for deer and turkey); – RHR Elk Hunting Institute/Elk Module guidance for new subscribers; – and More!

Wild turkey populations are in decline across much of the U.S., and northwest Kansas (heck...Kansas in general) is right there in the thick of it, despite what the State, and many hunting outfitters, may want you to believe. In this episode, Chris dives into what his observations lead him to believe to be the cause of the catastrophic decline of Rio Grande wild turkeys populations in northwest Kansas – BEYOND just the brutal drought cycle that part of the State is in – and what might need to be done to get [at least] this region OUT of this troubling trend. In this episode, Chris discusses: – Agricultural crop rotation changes, and the move away from a winter wheat dominated landscape; – Changes in cattle/pasture/"waste-ground" management; – Changes in native habitat landscapes; – Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) changes/management; – The subsidization of raccoon and other mesopredator populations; – Realities surrounding the mantra of "It's just habitat, habitat, habitat!"; – Possible "what–to–do–about–its"; and – More

After a timely professional publication came in the mail last week that had so many articles in it that perfectly dove-tailed into what Chris has been talking about recently, there was no way he couldn't NOT talk about them! This podcast covers: – How Chris evaluates where to put his money with regard to Conservation and/or Sportsmen's Advocacy groups; – The possible return of the "Old Man" buck from last fall/winter; – Acceptable predator management (and by the way, yours isn't); – Captive breeding/rearing efforts for conservation of species; – Why are certain things OK for non-game species that sportsmen can't get a conversation on regarding game species; and – More!

It's Monday morning again, and Chris is behind the microphone late on Sunday night – this time talking about: – How he blew out his vocal chords resulting in this squeaky podcast discussion; – The challenges associated with land management and Mother Nature screwing you (aka Extreme Drought); – CWD in Northwest Kansas and implications on deer management/harvest potential; – Habitat management for ground-nesting birds versus predator management, and the realities of each; – Another brief touch on "Is Hunting Conservation???"; – A teaser regarding Chris' "Sportsmen's Advocacy Burnout"; – Turkey "Reaping" aka "Fanning" and is it the cause/major contributor of turkey population decline?; and – What's ahead for future discussions!

Chris drags himself into the studio absolutely WOOPED after two long days of hard labor simply because he didn't listen to the "little voice" in his head last summer when he put up the steel buildings at the horse property, and so in this episode, he cautions you to NOT do the same, and: – Shares updates on what's been going on; – Talks about the challenges/status of habitat projects; – Shares his observations regarding "social media hunters" and their perceived "conservation" focus; and then – Finishes by teasing the question, "IS hunting conservation???"

Chris has been friends with Bill Vanderheyden of Iron Will Outfitters for some time now, so when Bill called him last week to chat about a segment he heard in the nearly 8-hour Kifarucast podcast marathon with Aron Snyder, it quickly became evident that the quick chat to catch up was going to be oh-so-much more than that, and that their discussion ought to be a podcast in and of itself. Two days later, they sat down, and talked about all SORTS of broadhead engineering topics that many of you might find interesting. Give it a listen, and let us know what you think! Just like Roe Hunting Resources, you can find Iron Will Outfitters website info/social media pretty much anywhere you want to find them under their name – Iron Will Outfitters.

The original intent of this podcast episode was to deep-dive into Roe Hunting Resources' first turkey hunt of the 2022 season – the youth hunt with the Matheson family. But...as usual, life happens, and an unintentional result of watching the series finale of Ricky Gervais' "After Life" sent Chris in an entirely different direction. Give it a listen – regardless of whether you're a parent or not, whether you take youth hunters into the field or not, or whether you give a rip about turkey hunting or not. At some point, you'll look at life – your hunting, your family, your kids, or whatnot – from BOTH sides, now; take stock in the "Good 'ol Days" you're living through right now, appreciate them, soak them in, and set yourself up for success – and minimal regrets – later. [and I mentioned Ricky Gervais hosting the Oscars... I meant the Golden Globe Awards ceremony]

2022 Kansas turkey season is upon us, and there are some things folks ought to keep in mind before they head this way this year; the downward trend in numbers seems to be continuing! In this episode, Chris touches on a few topics related to this, including: – Maybe holding off on getting your second "Game Tag" (or even your license in general)before scouting your bird numbers/public ground; – Habitat changes and statements regarding what Chris refers to as "Pollyanna" wildlife/habitat management; – What crop rotation changes over time have likely contributed to turkey declines at least in parts of NW KS; – The need at some point to talk predator management; – Those who say "I'll Never Pay a DIME!" to hunt on private property; – Not over harvesting your birds; and – More.

Jay Scott of Jay Scott Outdoors joins the discussion once again, this time talking: – How he manages hundreds of hunts in Mexico each year; – Turkey hunting, calling, and what could make folks more successful; – Sportsmen "issues" these days and the future of hunting; – The U.S. Economy, Russia issues, and how he's planning for the near future; – The New World Order and the Great Reset; and – His offer to Extra-Terrestrial Aliens should they come to Earth and want to go on a hunt! This one has some substance! LOL!

For this episode we dive into a variety of topics revolving around game cameras and elk behavior with Ryan Carter of DC Outfitters, ranging from: – The Utah game cam Reg changes; – Bull elk movement patterns and behavior; – Pre-rut and rut elk behavior – both bull and cow; – Sportsmen perceptions of various topics and their resultant "advocacy"; and – More *Note: During the later part of the discussion I reference us talking for 3.5 hours, but I was mistaken – I forgot about the time change and added the hour difference between Ryan and I. We chatted for roughly 2.5 hours, not 3.5. ...you don't miss a thing in this discussion!

We're taking a break this week from pointing out how we as sportsmen can/need to be better on the public/political landscape, and diving into a number of RHR Subscriber/social–media–follower questions regarding: – Thoughts on, and fairness of, the recent Regulations/Non-Resident hunter quota changes in WY and MT; – Lighted nocks and mechanical broad head discussions/issues in ID (and the progression of hunter technology in general); – Gambling on Limited Entry units this year/how current events might affect hunters/hunter crowding this season; – Holding Preference Points vs cashing in on lower-point units; – New elk hunters (especially those coming from a white-tailed deer hunting perspective) and how they can shorten their learning curve; and More!

With all of the attacks on sportsmen's values and opportunities these days by animal activists and/or anti-hunting organizations, pro-hunting advocacy from the sportsmen community is on the rise. Incredibly so. But exactly what IS the nature of our advocacy? Is it reasoned? Is it balanced? Is it thoughtful? Or is it based purely on emotion – the same type of emotion we criticize the activist organizations for? And what about dialog and advocacy/opposition to ideas within the sportsmen's community? Again, is it reasoned and balanced, or is it fired from emotion? In this episode, Chris goes through four examples of current events (in his own life and elsewhere) where sportsmen have – at least in some ways – triggered off of emotion, and thrust their personal advocacy into the public forum in what often seems like a "Fire, Aim, Ready!" manner. ...a manner that quite likely represents a losing strategy for all of us in the long run.

In this episode, Chris dives into a pile of different updates regarding: – Recording for/Uploading audio and video to other platforms; – Questions/Comments regarding Rumble; – Feedback from Episode 28 with Josh Benton (going cold-turkey on quitting all alcohol and caffeine for the month of February); – Quick Colorado work trip; – "Summer-izing" deer season treestands; – Getting ready for turkey season; – Opportunities for folks that are interested in coming out to hunt turkeys this season; and – Upcoming podcast guests and topics that might ruffle a few feathers.

For this episode we dive into a completely different type of conversation with long-time RHR subscriber Josh Benton. As the title suggests, we dive into a lengthy discussion that ranges from: – Chris going cold-turkey on quitting alcohol and caffeine for at least the month of February; – High-functioning alcoholics, and the addictions for so many folks these days; – The idea of Motivational Interviewing/how to conduct meaningful dialog; – How a kid from Martha's Vineyard got into elk hunting; and – Why don't we see western hunters going "out-of-State" for fishing trips to experience the feeding frenzies of Striped Bass and Tuna off the New England coast?

Unless you're one of the smart ones and have abandoned all social media, and most podcasts (other than this one, of course), you're keenly aware of the flurry of both animal activist activity/policy efforts of late, as well as the new flurry of sportsmen advocacy/engagement/involvement in response to the activist efforts. Some of the engagement is good, some bad, and some is downright ugly – on BOTH sides of the spectrum I could probably argue. So why the flurry of activity now? And how do sportsmen stay on the good side of advocacy and resist being bad, if not down-right ugly? Well... let's discuss. ...after, that is, a brief discussion regarding rifle shooting, choosing factory ammo, and getting the best group possible – aka sub-MOA groups at 100 yards (

In this episode we'll dive into a variety of listener/follower questions that have come up either recently, or repeatedly (or both), ranging from: – Deer movement/home ranges/why don't deer just move to water/the value of older female elk/deer on the landscape(?); – Habitat, management, and/or hunt planning consulting – what Chris WON'T do; – State Trust Lands (Colorado) and public access – or not; – Utah Game Camera ban/cellular cameras/unintended consequences(?); – Recent political "victories;" – Books/resources for those interested in reading about wildlife/habitat management/what's on the table behind Chris in his videos.

From the Tool concert, to trying to wrap my head around people being stupid, to finding my new love (Sig's M18), to the travesty that was Kansas CRP management last year that nuked all our pheasants, this discussion is "diverse" to say the least! LOL! Enjoy! Topics include: – Get your sorry butts to the next Tool concert in your area; – The stupidity of continuing Kovv!d policies – Stupid people doing stupid things and getting exactly what they asked for; – Choosing/purchasing your next handgun; – Why NW KS pheasant numbers are so different from last year.

You just gotta love social media; ...one picture, one "snap-shot in time," can set off a whirlwind of reaction and comments! Such was the case for my pic/question a few days ago on Instagram/Facebook regarding folks' preference between deer/elk tenderloins and backstraps, and the associated pic that went with it. In this episode, we dive into the ideas/discussions/opinions/dogma around meat, water, bacteria, and how "best" to take care of your game meat before, and during, processing.

In this episode, Chris pulls in the experience of Idaho resident Rob Patuto of "The Stickbow Chronicles" podcast to talk about the future of Over–the–Counter (or OTC) hunting licenses. Recently, the State of Colorado changed two OTC archery elk hunting units into Limited Draw units due to excessive hunter pressure and declining hunter satisfaction in those areas, but it is far from an isolated move; over the years – and likely continuing into the future – "demand" for hunting opportunities has exceeded the "supply" when it comes to quality hunt experience and hunt satisfaction. With interest in archery hunting (and quality hunt experience in general)on the rise, Chris and Rob talk about the likely future – or imminent death – of OTC hunting licenses. Not surprisingly it turned into a GREAT discussion that included: – The history of Idaho's elk hunting, and Non–Resident license quota changes; – General OTC units turning into Limited Draw; – Wolves, and wolf management; – Hunter "Carrying Capacity"; and – New hunter value-sets, and a possible glimmer of hope for the future of "success" of R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation)efforts.