Rokcast

Robby hosts Sean Clancy & Art Hayes from Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity. These guys are common-sense Montana residents looking for ways to get better Montana mule deer hunting.  And no, they don't hate non-residents! The Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity is a group of concerned hunters, landowners and outfitters looking at ways to change the existing season structure in Montana to address problems as seen by hunters and landowners. You can link their website https://mtseasonproposal.blog/ to view the data and documents. In this episode, they discuss what avenues there are to improve Montana mule deer hunting, and increase an individual hunter's chance at seeing older age class bucks.  They share wildlife data and look at potential biases in interpreting this data. The Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity recognize the importance of using incentives and season dates to improve hunting vs. just creating more and more limited opportunity hunts. This episode will help all hunters--resident and non-resident--understand the dynamics of hunting big mule deer in Montana. If you'd like to learn more, or get involved, you can email Sean at sclancy27@gmail.com. To participate in the season setting process, meetings are occurring now with their conclusion in December.  Link here for more information: FWP's Biennial Hunting Season-setting Process Begins In June | Montana FWP We recently hosted Brian Wakeling from Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks talking about the department's approach to these same issues. You can listen to that episode here https://www.rokslide.com/charting-a-future-for-montana-mule-deer or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Tipsy Tuesday #57 is Bear Defense with Justin Rasmussen owner of Razco Gear. Justin discusses firearms vs spray and where each shines in deterring an attack, along with the best practice techniques and insight on keying into a bear's body language. Next we jump into Rokslide's Cold Bore Challenge with Justin Crossley. Travis Hobbs covers drought and fire conditions and if they'll impact your hunting unit. All the details of G5 Outdoors newest release with Caleb Sorrells. Tyler Kath of T&K Hunting Gear outlines his company's mission and showcases some favorite products. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Razco Gear- https://www.razcogear.com/ Razco Bear Defense Basics video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHLM-pX3emA Bear Spray vs Bullets video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnfB4ZL9JTc Cold Bore Challenge-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge.408693/ Prime FORM 30 Bow- https://www.g5prime.com/prime-archery-hunting-bows/form-30/ T&K Hunting Gear- https://tandkhunting.com/ T&K 3.1 Binocular Harness review- https://www.rokslide.com/tk-gen-3-1-bino-harness-review/ Cold Bore Challenge Q&A thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge-q-a-thread.403820/ Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslide's 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

On today's episode of the Rokcast, Robby hosts Don Whittaker, Ungulate Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Don is on the forefront of redesigning Oregon's Wildlife Management Units to align with the latest research on Oregon mule deer herds.  These new "herd units" will replace the former unit boundaries and allow Oregon's wildlife professionals to better manage mule deer.  This is cutting-edge wildlife managament that other western states are likely to adopt as we learn more about mule deer and how they utilize a wide range of habitats across North America. A few of the talking points Don & Robby cover: Why is the change necessary? New naming system Larger hunt areas Fewer total hunts Tag adjustments Landowner preference tags Preference points Proposed hunts and tag numbers will be available online in July 2025 What about whitetails and elk—are there hunt areas changing? What about management objectives? MOs for population and buck:doe ratios were restructured to align with herd range Learn more on Oregon mule deer at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife here https://myodfw.com/articles/eastern-oregon-deer-hunts Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can also find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here https://www.rokslide.com/product-category/mule-deer-books/     

Tipsy Tuesday#56 Pushing Yourself to Do Hard Things with Dustin Diefenderfer. Dustin Diefenderfer creator of MTN TOUGH challenges us to Do Hard Things every day. Dustin goes into the science behind some of MTN TOUGH's workout programs, explains the four pillars of a balanced lifestyle and takes us though last year's epic Ibex hunt. Jordan Budd introduces the Kifaru Hoodlum generation 2 backpack, then compares and contrasts it to the original bag. Then Brigham Crane gives a deep drive into Outdoor Vitals new and exciting offerings. Ken Trapp from Salmon River Solutions covers their NRL and PRS shooting accessories in this episode. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Delayed Ibex hunt video- https://youtu.be/FjALfOCF_2I MTNTOUGH free trial- MTNTOUGH Rockslide's free trial Kifaru- https://kifaru.net/collections/packs Kifaru Hoodlum - Rokslide review thread Hoodlum review Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvz0Q8T6sXg Outdoor Vitals review thread- OV updates and release information signup Outdoor Vitals review thread- OV Rokslide review thread Salmon River Solutions-https://www.salmonriversolutions.com/ Cold Bore Challenge Q&A thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge-q-a-thread.403820/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslide's 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app  

Today's bonus episode is from the Hunt West Podcast by Jaden Bales Jaden and Robby dive into old school deer hunting tactics that too many hunters might not think about. The West is primed for a big growth in mule deer populations, though mature buck numbers in a lot of places are pretty low right now - let alone big special ones. On the back of this, hunters will need to think outside of the box to find bucks in places other hunters are not able to find them. How does someone do that? Topics discussed:  Adapting to Changing Hunter Habits Big Bucks in Easy to Glass Places vs. Thick Country. Are deer drives something guys should consider for big bucks? How to practice when long shots aren't your game plan. Tracking: How's a guy do it? How's a guy get good at it? and more on old school deer hunting tactics. You can find Jaden's podcast and more at https://huntwestplanning.com/ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can also find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here https://www.rokslide.com/product-category/mule-deer-books/         

Robby hosts this multi-topic episode. Front and center is his review on the 2013 book: "Blood in the Tracks: A Mule Deer Manifesto" by Jim Collyer.  Robby shares some of the highlights of this great mule deer book on today's episodes. Jim Collyer spent 40 years hunting mule deer before he penned this book, and it shows. Jim has a deep experience hunting mule deer and this book can help anyone in their pursuit. Most mule deer books focus on high country/spot & stalk, but Jim writes about hunting in the timber and some of the old school tactics, like tracking--tactics that are more conducive to pursuing big mule deer living in the thicker country. Jim also dives into the proper mindset a successful mule deer hunter must adapt. Robby also shares some good news on the mule deer front: Idaho bringing back some opportunity previously lost to the hard winters of late. He wraps up the episode with a story about the first buck he ever killed after finding him in the preseason, nearly 60 days earlier. While that was over 30 years ago, the lessons learned still hold true. You can find Blood in the Tracks on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Tracks-Mule-Deer-Manifesto/dp/1470168987/ref=sr_1_1?crid=122KRBHUZO9TR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vqGr53Lp4718mhtPCtoyH7c6UbJEbXvxgytHS2yK9JtI66KDQ1iqyXKZvzTkyGqjtIj2KtbbyR35EW5mUWAoCQ.332x0vWwaPX-YUHQSdny2CQF8cXl1AQdUqKdueHF5t0&dib_tag=se&keywords=mule+deer+manifesto&qid=1747323379&sprefix=mule+deer+manifesto%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-1 Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can also find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here https://www.rokslide.com/product-category/mule-deer-books/       

Tipsy Tuesday#55 Hunting New Zealand with Spartan Precision's Rob Gearing. Rob takes us along his latest New Zealand hunting adventure, going though some of the terrain challenges and equipment necessary to be successful. Rob also introduces Spartan Precision Equipment's newest and most affordable offering the Javelin Lite.  Then Stephen Follett of LS Wild hunting gear takes a deep drive into all their new and exciting offerings. Barrels, Suppressor covers, Knives and Shooting bags are covered this episode. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Spartan Precision Equipment-https://javelinbipod.com/ LS Wild Hunting Gear-https://www.lswild.com/ Dixie Zipper thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/help-finalize-the-dixie-zipper-mini-cbk-for-a-group-buy.393007/ LS Wild Suppressor Covers thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/ls-wild-suppressor-covers.399929/ Cold Bore Challenge Q&A thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge-q-a-thread.403820/ Rokslide's Cold Bow Challenge- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bow-challenge.397922/ SCI Fund raising Raffle for COLORADANS FOR RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT- https://raffles.scicolorado.org/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslide's 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Randy Larsen, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at BYU is today's guest. A frequent contributor to the Rokcast, Randy brings a depth of knowledge to wildlife management, especially when it comes to mule deer. On today's episode, Robby and Randy dive into these topics Buck Survival: what percentage of bucks in the population do hunters really harvest? And are the numbers different in general vs. draw units? Collared Buck Harvest: Are hunters avoiding shooting radio collared bucks? Impact of Buck:Doe Ratios on population dynamics, female condition, fawn recruitment Fawn weights across Utah units Follow Randy Larsen super interesting Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/wildlifeprof?igsh=MTlnZWtrY3Y0cGNtYQ== Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here https://www.rokslide.com/product-category/mule-deer-books/     

Tipsy Tuesday #54 Selecting the right arrow with Jace Johnson. Jace's inside knowledge of arrow manufacturing highlights some of the nuances of carbon arrows. We chase down some rabbit holes and learn what is truly important when picking the right arrow. Then Caleb Sorrels from G5 Outdoors talks broadheads, bows, and Montana Rifle Company. Seek Outside's Ryan Sapena takes us though the 2.0 shelter and more. Justus Nielsen from Kings Camo covers some XKG favorites. Howard Mee walks us though how to enter Rokslide.com Cold Bow Challenge. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Rokslide's Cold Bow Challenge- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bow-challenge.397922/ G5 Outdoors-https://www.g5outdoors.com/ Montana Rifle Company review thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/montana-rifle-company-marshall-field-evaluations.394772/ Seek Outside-https://seekoutside.com/tipi-tents/ Kings Camo-https://www.kingscamo.com/collections/xkg-series SCI Fund raising Raffle for COLORADANS FOR RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT- https://raffles.scicolorado.org/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslide's 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Brian Wakeling, Game Management Bureau Chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is today's guest, hosted by Robby.  Montana is in the process of developing a new mule deer plan. This plan brings together biologists and the public to increase mule deer populations using the best science available. The plan will also address the real threat to mule deer from chronic wasting disease, and improving the hunting experience and landowner relations.  This is in important episode for hunters who want to participate in the future of mule deer management in Montana. You can find more information about Montana's mule deer management here: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission-councils-committees/mule-deer-citizens-advisory-committee Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here       

Whitney Tramel is the host of the Wild Strength Podcast. As a hunter and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, she blends the two worlds of fitness and hunting in a unique way.  On today's Rokcast episode, we play her interview with Dan Gates of the Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management here https://savethehuntcolorado.com/ at the recent Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo in Denver. They talk about how our win against the anti-hunters on the defeat of Proposition 127 (see We Won here) https://www.rokslide.com/we-won/ can be the framework for the battles to come, including bringing even more non-hunters under our tent of scientific wildlife management. Give it a listen and if you like Whitney's podcast "Wild Strength", give her a follow and a review where ever you listen to podasts here https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mp3bQdCA8FexXzLQnsSnE You can also follow Whitney from Wild Strength on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/whitneytramel_?igsh=MWpkMTdyZmRtbDNvYg== Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Tipsy Tuesday #53 features bowhunting authorities Tony Trietch and Jared Bloomgren. These bowhunting diehards give us insight into their bow setups, tuning processes, and tips and tricks they use for being so successful. Hear the stories how the 200+ inch Mule Deer and 400+ inch Elk hit the ground. Josh Jensen from SKRE Gear announces the Torrid hoodie and other new releases. Justin Rasmussen joins in and tells what's new over at Razco Gear. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Rokslide Cold Bow Challenge- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bow-challenge.397922/ SKRE Gear-https://skregear.com/ Razco Gear-https://www.razcogear.com/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslide's 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Robby recently interviewed Rebekah Rafferty and Kevin Monteith at the Mule Deer Days in Rock Springs, Wyoming.  They talk about what a recovering mule deer herd looks like in the Wyoming Range and beyond. Topics covered: Collaring fawns specifically in recent wildfire burns Determining mortality on adults bucks What reaching carrying capacity really looks like No matter where you hunt, there is something to be learned about recovering mule deer herds in this episode Learn more about Rebekah Rafferty and her Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project here See all that the Monteith Shop does here Monteith Shop – Advancing science and management, one data point at a time. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Tipsy Tuesday#52 Drew Miles of Tricer takes us though some of their newest products. Drew explains the design phase, testing process, and releasing the product. Tricer micro panning, window mount, weighted glassing and shooting tripods, the new bipod and so much more are covered in this episode. Jace Johnson explains Arrow-ID the Black Ovis custom arrow builder. Phil Mendoza takes us though the 2nd annual Mile High Hunt and Fish EXPO on April 11th-13th. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Black Ovis Custom Arrow Builder-https://www.blackovis.com/arrow-id Arrow ID Review-https://youtu.be/SKPPiFifs_0 Mile High Hunt and Fish EXPO- https://milehighhuntexpo.com/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslides 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.

Recorded live at the Muley Fanatics Foundation Mule Deer Days in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Robby hosts author Brian Stephens and Outdoor Channel personality Cody Robbins. They talk about Brian's new book, "Winning with the Wild Life".  If you want to be not only a better hunter, but a better human, then this book is for you. Brian explains why he wrote this book and shares some big buck mule deer archery hunts too. Cody pitches in with why Brian is the right guy to write this book. It's a book for the ages and will help hunters not only be more successful, but help us portray hunting in a positive light among the 75% of non-hunting Americans. Winning with the Wild Life is an enjoyable read that sportsmen and women will enjoy.  Find you copy on Amazon here Amazon.com: Books Cody visited the Rokcast in 2024 with one of our top 5 downloaded episodes of the year: Hunting the Biggest Mule Deer on the Continent here Hunting the Biggest Mule Deer on the Continent with Cody Robbins - Rokslide https://www.rokslide.com/hunting-giant-mule-deer-with-cody-robbins/ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

A different kind of episode today. We all agree breaking 200" of antler for a mule deer is pretty much the pinnacle of western hunting right now, but what if only half your body actually worked?  Robby hosts Jason Rindlesbach of Morgan, Utah on today's episode. Jason has taken some great mule deer but the story he tells today is the one of his very best buck--grossing well over 200" and probably netting all-time typical--but it was the physical odds that Jason is overcoming to stay in the game for as long as God gives him that is inspiring. This episode will make us all think about our finite life on this planet. So listen in to a great story about breaking 200. You can follow Jason's instagram here Instagram See his November 4th, 2024 post on this buck for more information.  

Tipsy Tuesday#51 Jeremy Dugger on killing coyotes and saving deer. Jeremy explains how a group of friends sharing information on coyote hunting stands has hugely impacted his local deer units. Jeremy takes us though his process of finding, calling, and efficiently killing coyotes. Mike Moore is back with his Argali Alpine sleeping bag review. Phil Mendoza takes us though the 2nd annual Mile High Hunt and Fish EXPO on April 11th-13th. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Argali Alpine sleeping bag review-https://www.rokslide.com/argali-alpine-sleeping-bags-review/ Mile High Hunt and Fish EXPO- https://milehighhuntexpo.com/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslides 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.

We're talking Colorado Bucks on today's Rokcast.  Robby hosts Brandon Diamond, the Area Wildlife Manager for Colorado's Gunnison Basin. Like previous episodes he's been on, Brandon brings a depth of knowledge and experience to managing Colorado's mule deer. They talk about buck survival after the 5-year plan, and its effect on buck:doe ratios, age class, and more. They also talk the challenges of managing for a variety of users with increased technology, communication among hunters, and why the rifle seasons in the next 5-year plan didn't move much earlier, even though there was support from the CPW for this change. They also talk about the number of Gunnison Mule Deer deer licenses issued under the current limited quota management verses the OTC management this system replaced in the late 1990s, including buck to doe ratios.  You might be surprised at this data! It's all about Colorado Bucks on today's episode. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app+ You can listen to previous episodes with Brandon Diamond here Gunnison Mule Deer and Beyond with Brandon Diamond - Rokslide and here Colorado Buck Hunting in 2023 - Rokslide  

Robby hosts RokStaffer Josh Boyd for a Western States Winter Update.  Josh is a professional Hydrologist and keeps a close eye on snowpack across the West. He's a frequent guest on the Rokcast because he is a great resource when determining how the weather affects our big game animals, especially mule deer. Today, Josh will be giving a West-wide Snowpack update and talk about other water issues like Snow Water Equivalent, Soil Moisture vs. the Drought Monitor, a dying La Nina and more. Please welcome Josh back to the Rokcast for your Western States Winter Update See snowpack map here: Snowpack and Precipitation Index Maps | Natural Resources Conservation Service Snowpack Maps (usda.gov) Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Tipsy Tuesday#50 HOWL for Wildlife on the Offensive features strategist Mike Costello. Mike walks us though the current state of affairs and outlines where hunting can be in 5 years. Learn how to help HOWL for Wildlife go on the offensive to give wildlife management back to the professionals in Colorado. The team from Zero Fox Given joins in to tell what they are all about. Luke Schultz takes us though his Pomoly Circle 6 tent, and Rich Cotte from First Hunt Foundation tells us about some opportunities to give back. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Zero Fox Given LLC- https://zerofoxgivenllc.com/ POMOLY CIRCLE 6 Review- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/pomoly-circle-6-review.385914/ First Hunt Foundation- https://www.firsthuntfoundation.org/ Howl for Wildlife- Take Action Check out Rokslides 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.

With good fawn to doe ratios being reported in multiple western states, Robby talks about how he uses this information to decide where to hunt now and in the future. He also jumps into other topics: The National Deer Association report on shifting hunter harvest to more mature bucks You can read that report here Mature Buck Harvest Rises to Another New U.S. Record https://deerassociation.com/mature-buck-harvest-rises-to-another-new-u-s-record/ Also, Robby shares four gross scores from mule deer vs. their lab age results, sent in from a listener. The bucks ranged from four to seven years old. The size of their antlers vs. their age might surprise you. Robby also talks about the slider feature on the National Drought Monitor in anticipation of his upcoming episode with Josh Boyd, Hydrologist for U.S.F.S, on the water season update for 2025 in the next few weeks You can link to the Drought Monitor here Comparison Slider | U.S. Drought Monitor https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Maps/ComparisonSlider.aspx Learn about fawn to doe ratios and a lot more in this latest episode. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Tipsy Tuesday #49 Gear Straight from the Expo in Salt Lake City Utah. After roaming every nook and cranny at the Expo here's some gear you might have missed. The newest and best water filtration systems, delicious freeze-dried food, innovative digiscoping setup, micro panning ball head, minimal effort European mounts, supporting veterans in need. All that and more in this Gear Straight from the Expo episode. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Hardside Hydration-https://www.hardsidehydration.com/ Grakksaw- https://www.grakksaw.com/ Kapture Gear- https://kapturegear.com/ Trail Goods Co- https://trailgoods.co/ Wiser Precision- https://www.wiserprecision.com/ Grayl-https://grayl.com/ SGT. Daniel Gurr Foundation-https://www.danielgurrfoundation.org/   Howl for Wildlife-https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action Check out Rokslides 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/ Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.  

Bonus episode! Due to Western Hunt Expo, we're a bit late getting this to the Rokcast listeners. Idaho released their Idaho Mule Deer proposals to grow more big mule deer, recently. Problem is, now you only have 4 days to comment on these proposals to grow more big bucks. Robby hosts David Vedder of the Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Advisory Group. David explains the proposals they want to send to the Idaho Fish and Game commission if the public approves them, but the comment period is only open until Sunday 2/23/25. This is your chance to have a say in your mule deer hunting future. The Idaho Mule Deer proposals are some of the most aggressive ever to come out of Idaho to help grow more big bucks. So listen to the episode and then head over to Southeast Region Deer Proposals | Idaho Fish and Game here https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game/seasons/southeast/deer to leave your comment. There are also proposals for all of the 7 regions in Idaho that you can comment on.  Both residents and non-residents can have their voice heard. The episode with Idaho Biologist Eric Freeman mentioned in this episode can be found here Idaho Mule Deer Management with Eric Freeman - Rokslide https://rokslide.com/idaho-mule-deer-management-with-eric-freeman/

If you've ever wondered what mule deer eat and what it looks like, today's episode is your huckleberry (possible pun intended). Luke Schultz is a Habitat Biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish and a wealth of knowledge for mule deer hunters (listen to his last visit on the Rokcast here Mule Deer on the Edge). Luke and Robby dive into identifying the major (and some minor) plant types that mule deer in the Intermountain West and beyond eat throughout the year.  It's an in-depth discussion that also includes a visual aid: A complete thread on Rokslide.com's mule deer subforum. You can see many of the plants they discuss in this episode here https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/plants-every-mule-deer-hunter-should-know.395040/ Plants every mule deer hunter should know: Big Sage Brush Bitterbrush Oak Brush Aspen Serviceberry Mountain Mahogany Sticky Geranium Willow and more. Learning what mule deer eat is one of the top questions Luke Schultz and Robby get from mule deer hunters and this episode aims to answer that question. There is also a sweet app available that can help you identify plants. Check it out here. Wyoming Wildflowers on the App Store Also, if you're an iPhone user, your camera app has a plant identifying feature. Just snap a photo of any plant, and look for a button to auto-populate at the bottom of the image.  It's an " i " inside a circle.  Press that and it should link you to a suggested plant species/genus.  It's not perfect, but a great way to start learning about what mule deer eat. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Tipsy Tuesday#48 Everything Argali with Brad Brooks, takes though the origin, and thought process behind Argali Outdoors products. Everything Argali gives Brad's take on best uses of each shelter, gives up the details the new sleeping bag, and even dives into knife design. Brad closes with Argali's vision of the future and ways customers can impact those designs features. Rokslide member Kyle Sandusky reviews the SecureIt Agile Model 52 Pro. Brad Carter joins in to tell us about MTN HNTR out of Afton Wyoming. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Lea's Bighorn Sheep Ultralight Tripod Review Selway 6P Review Yukon 8P Review Alpine Sleeping Bag Review Carbon X Trekking Pole Review Howl for Wildlife Check out Rokslides 2024 Best Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.

Robby hosts Marc "muleyslayer" Smith on today's Rokcast.  They talk about their upcoming QnA session at the 2025 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City February 13-16th Western Hunting & Conservation Expo – This is Conservation! They also get into Marc's evolution as a buck hunter.  With the sharp and noticeable decline in mule deer buck numbers in the Colorado units Marc has traditionally hunted, he's changing his mindset on just what he'll pull the trigger on in the near future. Most hunters come to this crossroads in their lifetime and it's a good listen to hear Marc talk about his journey and his future.  This mindset could be good for conserving mature mule deer bucks for the future. We'd love to see you at the Expo Salt Lake City. Our seminars are scheduled for Friday 2/14 at 5:30 PM and Saturday 2/15 at 4:15 PM in room 150G. All seminars are free. You can download the Hunt Expo app here for full seminar schedules and so much more: Free Seminars – Western Hunting & Conservation Expo Hope to see you there. Correction to note: The QnA Seminar on Saturday not the final Seminar. Remi Warren comes on at 5:30 PM so be sure and stick around for that.  Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here       

Image Courtesy of Blacktail Deer Foundation Another ADD episode from Robby today. He's all over the place from old mule deer books, to listener feedback on the 2024 mule deer rut, to a brighter future for the Blacktail Deer with the creation of the Blacktail Deer Foundation. Robby also mentions a great mule deer film from a great mule deer hunter that you're gonna wanna watch.  Jared Bloomgren just released his short film "Monster Buck with the Mach 30 on Public Land".  Besides his Mach 30 PSE bow, he walks us through a recent hunt where he took a good mature mule deer in coulee country here Video Link - Mule Deer Archery Hunt | Rokslide Forum From the moon's effect on the mule deer rut to getting better venison through dry-aging, to making venison jerky to supporting the Blacktail Foundation, you'll be a better deer hunter for listening in to today's Rokcast. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here       

Tipsy Tuesday#47 Draw Strategies with Robert Hanneman of Hunting Fool. Find out how to use On X Elite tools to build 5-year, 10-year, and longer-term draw strategies. Robert explains the difference between Hunting fool memberships and OnX Hunt Elite tools and the benefits of each. Robert and Sam dive headfirst into the Wyoming elk application and what you need to know before you apply. Rokslide member Torin Miller reviews the Coros Vertix 2 GPS watch review. Brock Akers is back with a First Lite 308 pant review. Initial Ascent co-founder Dennis Stokes talks packs and new products Rokslide review here. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Tipsy Tuesday #37 Youth Hunting Opportunities Hunting Fool Draw Deadlines Complete Grand Slam Raffle Initial Ascent Cliff Test Howl for Wildlife Check out Rokslides 2024 Best Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.

A guy meets a lot of people on a hunting forum.  While you need a good BS detector on forums, you can meet some very knowledgeable people on the interwebs.  Robby hosts Rokslide forum member Aaron Tammi on today's episode.  Aaron has years of experience in maximizing bowhunting accuracy, competition shooting, and running arrows through the vitals. Robby's always on a quest to improve his archery skills and after giving "heavy" arrows a try, he's going back to his roots: reasonably lighter arrows with more speed. So far he's liking what he's experiencing, including a noticeable increase in accuracy at his Maximum Effective Range.  Listen in as Aaron and Robby break down why--all other things being equal--a faster arrow can mean better bowhunting accuracy. It does no good to hunt your guts out and then blow the shot, and Robby knows the pain of the miss on big mule deer. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here       

Robby hosts Woodrow "Woody" Myers on today's episode. Woody was a wildlife biologist for the state of Washington for 40 years before retiring and joining the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Commission members | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife He's been instrumental in conserving mule deer in Washington and has a deep historical perspective on challenges for mule deer in the Evergreen State. Woody helped pioneer net-gunning for mule deer, helped defeat development that would have killed critical winter range and migration corridors, and accomplished much more for mule deer. His latest battle is winning for hunters at the Washington Commission level. He explains the challenges he's up against and how hunters can help him help not only help mule deer in Washington, but all big game species. Also joining the episode is Daniel Russell, Target Shooting Program Manager for Washington Department of Natural Resources Recreational Target Shooting | WA - DNR Daniel brings a hunter's perspective to the episode concerning growing big mule deer and recruiting hunters to fight the challenges mounting against Washington hunters. Listen in for some good perspective on managing wildlife in the Evergreen State of Washington. The net-gunning stories alone are worth the listen. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

The Best Gear of 2024. Today's Rokcast features all the Rokslide Staff and their Best Gear of 2024 recommendations. Take a listen and see if your favorites made the list. You might just hear about something new that will make your 2025 season that much better. Read the Best of 2024 Review here- Best Gear of 2024 Rokslide Edition - Rokslide Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.  

Tipsy Tuesday#46 NRL Hunter with President Travis Ishida along with top contenders Justin Crossley and Travis Bertrand. Find out what exactly NRL Hunter is, why it benefits hunters, how to get started, the basic required equipment, finally the tips and tricks to make you successful. Kyle Sandusky is back with a Seek Outside Twilight tent review. Matt Cashell pulls all the stops with his Kifaru KU4300 bag and ARK frame cliff test review. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews  and recaps the latest Western news. NRL Hunter Howl for Wildlife Vote on the Rokslide best Hunting Photo contest below- Whitetail Deer-2024 Best Whitetail Photo Contest, sponsored by First Lite Check out Rokslides 2023 Favorite Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here.

Robby hosts Kerry Gold & Max Ludington from the Jackson Hole Land Trust on today's episode.  Find out how private land that is protected by conservation easements is actually more protected than public land in many cases.  They dive deep into everything that conservation easements protect, from big-game migration corridors to prime fawning areas, to stopover areas where big game should spend 95% of their migration if they're to survive the winter.  A great in-depth discussion.  Learn more about the Jackson Hole Land Trust here Jackson Hole Land Trust | Protecting Land. Connecting People Be the best conservation minded hunter you can be by listening in.  More conservation episodes here Fighting for Big Mule Deer with Darby Finley - Rokslide Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Tipsy Tuesday#45 Maven Optic's Cade Maestas gives us their origin story and insight into their business model. Cade then moves to some of his favorite Maven Optics and what sets them apart. Mike Moore is back with a Peax vs Stika sleeping bag shootout https://www.rokslide.com/peax-solace-vs-sitka-hyperdown-sleeping-bags/ Brock Akers gives us the low down on Nemo Hornet elite tent https://www.rokslide.com/nemo-hornet-elite-osmo-1p-tent-review/ We find out what Total Vice is all about https://totalvise.com/ Kyle Sandusky brings us the Kuiu Upland vest https://www.rokslide.com/kuiu-upland-field-vest-review/ Sam then shifts the talk towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest Western news. Some of Sam's favorite brands Black Ovis LS Wild hunting gear SKRE gear Howl for Wildlife https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  Details on the Rokslide best Hunting Photo contest below- Elk-2024 Best Elk Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kifaru Mule Deer-2024 Best Mule Deer Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kryptek Sheep-2024 Best Wild Sheep Hunt Photo Contest, by Stone Glacier Whitetail Deer-2024 Best Whitetail Photo Contest, sponsored by First Lite   Check out Rokslides 2023 Favorite Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

  Robby hosts today's special "Merry Christmas" episode of the Rokcast.  Besides finishing up the "Complete Mule Deer Hunter" chapter of his book, he also shares the final chapter of the book "Stuff for Christians and Those So Inclined."  It's the perfect episode for the season. God bless us all! Here is last year's CHRISTmas message: Merry CHRISTmas! - Rokslide

Late archery mule deer hunting is a unique but very challenging opportunity, yet Brian Barney tags big mule deer frequently on these hunts. Robby hosts Brian on today's Rokcast to talk about this specific season and how he's been consistently successful.  Here's just a few things they talked about on this episode: Definition of “late archery mule deer” How are tactics adapted to expected buck behavior? Hunting with a bow during rifle seasons How hunting late archery is different than early seasons How does the stalk to ambush ratio change from early to late season? Does Brian prefer snow or no snow during the late archery seasons? Equipment considerations in late vs early: bow brand/model, sight system, broadhead, arrow type/weight, bow mods & clothing, footwear, camp Tag availability for late archery mule deer seasons. You can find Brian's Eastman's Elevated & Life of a Bowhunter podcasts here: Late Season Mulies with Brian Barney | Eastmans' Elevated Podcast EP#193 https://youtu.be/qILzzzU3Fxw?si=x6_qjS0tXE_jTnPg More archery mule deer hunting here: Archery Mule Deer Hunts! - Rokslide

Robby hosts a great buck hunter on today's Rokcast: James Yates.  James has taken nine big bucks in the last several seasons on mostly easy-to-obtain tags, but it was the 2024 season that pushed him over the top. James took three big bucks in just a few weeks' time across three western states. Two of those bucks are knocking on 200" gross, too. James and Robby jump into how this incredible season unfolded, from the scouting to the starving, the lack of sleep to the seconds leading up to the shots, to the weapons, the areas, and much more. This is a big episode with many takeaways on what it takes for a guy to find big bucks in this day and age. James is also the Archery/Hunting Editor for Western Hunter Magazine.  Check out one of his recent articles here Backcountry Passage: The Best Methods of Transit in the Wilderness - Western Hunter See some of James Yates winning photos here (2020 Best Bull Elk Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kifaru | Rokslide Forum

Tipsy Tuesday#44 Steve Evans and his journey to build the perfect custom rifle. While Steve has only been into big game hunting for a handful of years, he has built multiple high end custom rifles. He shares experiences along the journey of what to look for in a smith, parts and calibers. Matt Cashell then reviews the Vortex Razor UHD 32mm https://www.rokslide.com/vortex-razor-uhd-32mm-binoculars-review/. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest Western news. Huntnful review thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/custom-rifle-journey-review-pic-heavy.344621/ Howl for Wildlife https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  Details on the Rokslide best Hunting Photo contest below- Elk-2024 Best Elk Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kifaru Mule Deer-2024 Best Mule Deer Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kryptek Sheep-2024 Best Wild Sheep Hunt Photo Contest, by Stone Glacier Whitetail Deer-2024 Best Whitetail Photo Contest, sponsored by First Lite   Check out Rokslides 2023 Favorite Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Robby hosts whitetail hunter Beau Martonik of the East Meets West podcast.  In this episode, they dive deep into the intersection of hunting big mule deer and big whitetails.  Although two different species living in different habitats, these guys have discovered there is an overlap in behavior of the big bucks of both species.  Overlaps like an affinity for heavy cover, similar home ranges (at certain times of the year), and the ability to evade most hunters.  They also discuss the differences in the pursuit of the best bucks of each species. Beau Martonik talks about how he uses trail cameras as one tool for finding big bucks, but not the only tool, and Robby agrees.  They talk about specific tactics for the specific times of the fall like pre-rut, post rut, late season and nuances in between. Whitetail hunters, especially those hunting the big woods of the Eastern US, have a lot in common with mountain mule deer hunters of the West.  Listen in and enjoy the discussion with Beau Martonik and Robby. You can follow the East Meets West Podcast here East Meets West Hunt Podcast - Apple Podcasts Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Mule Deer Hunting on Antlelope Island in the Great Salt Lake is probably one of the more unique hunting opportunities in the world. At auction, this tag broke multiple records for dollars raised. What most people forget, is the other tag available through the Utah draw process to a lucky recipient. Chuck Carpenter was the guy that drew the 2024 public tag on the Island and his story has to be one of my favorite stories from this hunting season. We dive into the history of the island, how he kept drawing the tag a secret between him and a few close friends, his scouting process, the terrain, habitat and big buck behavior. A great tale of what it was like to be able to hunt and squeeze the most out of a super rare opportunity with his hunting buddies. This was a lot of fun to be able to hear this story, and I think you'll appreciate how much Chuck enjoyed this experience and all the work they put into getting the most out of it. Chuck with his 2024 Antelope Island Buck..... Look at those bases! See more from Chuck here on his Instagram Page Some more similar content on getting really special tags- If I had a Governors Tag Podcast As always, join the thousands of discussions on Rokslide.com

Tipsy Thursday #43 is Travis Hobbs Alaskan Brown Bear hunt. Travis walks us though the entire process from outfitter selection to the gear he used that made this adventure successful. If an Alaskan Brown Bear hunt is on your bucket list give Travis's tips and tricks a listen. then Matt Cashell reviews the Kowa 55 TSN. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest Western news. Matt Cashell Kowa 55 TSN review-https://www.rokslide.com/kowa-prominar-tsn-55a-review/ Howl for Wildlife https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  Details on the Rokslide best Hunting Photo contest below- Elk-2024 Best Elk Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kifaru Mule Deer-2024 Best Mule Deer Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kryptek Sheep-2024 Best Wild Sheep Hunt Photo Contest, by Stone Glacier Whitetail Deer-2024 Best Whitetail Photo Contest, sponsored by First Lite   Check out Rokslides 2023 Favorite Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Corey's Big Buck Taken at 70 yards It's all about rifles for hunting big mule deer on today's episode.  Robby hosts fellow buck hunter Corey Dixon to talk about how they both arrived at similar rifle systems independent from one another.  They talk about average shot distance on their last 10 big mule deer and why this distance requires a certain class of rifles and optics (they're not saying other systems won't work).  These 10 different scenarios also demonstrate why a hunter needs to be able to react quickly on some shots and needs a fast-handling, quick-shooting rifle. A few highlights of their rifles: -Less than 7.75lbs -Non dialable scopes -Flat shooting calibers with bullets under 143 grains They also talk about how they practice in the off-season with these rifles.  Listen in to their interesting discussion on rifles for hunting big mule deer. You can listen to a previous episode with Corey on his 192 NET B&C buck here 192 Net Boone & Crockett Typical Mule Deer - Rokslide Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Photo Courtesy of Dustin Wittwer/The Huntian Everyone wants better mule deer hunting, but what is that really? Bigger herds? Better bucks? Better draw odds? Less opportunity for other hunters besides ourselves? Or something else altogether? Travis and Robby discuss some changes that could be on the horizon in at least three western states: Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Travis also shares some of scouting experiences since his seasons closed. If you want better mule deer hunting, you need to get involved now.  Below are links to some of the proposals discussed, and links to public meetings (some can be attended virtually).  The future is ours, we just need to get involved and debate all the ideas out there to make the best decision for the future of mule deer. Utah Division of Wildlife 2025 Mule Deer Proposals https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/2014-dwr-recommends-updates-to-deer-management-plan-and-hunt-strategies-research.html Idaho Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Committee https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/southeast-idaho-mule-deer-advisory-committee-efforts-are-underway Idaho Technology Committee https://idfg.idaho.gov/hat-working-group Wyoming Mule Deer Community Conversation Meeting times and Locations https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events?type_1=event   Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Hey Rokcast world! it's a good day when we can defeat one of the biggest threats mounted against the North American Wildlife Conservation model in decades. Colorado Voters recently defeated Colorado Proposition 127 which would have taken management of Colorado's mountain lions, bobcats--and potentially all huntable species--out of the hands of wildlife biologists. It was a big win for hunters. The defeat of Colorado Proposition 127 was led in part by Dan Gates of the CRWM here, among others. Dan was a frequent guest on the Rokcast here Podcast Archives - Rokslide during the last year, helping hunters understand what was at stake if Proposition 127 would've passed. Today we host Dan again to tell us how we won, and what the future holds if we want to ensure sound wildlife management continues in the USA. Besides a big thanks to some of the industry names that came together like HOWL, Steve Rinella/Meateater Randy Newburg, GoHunt, Cam Hanes, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Derek Wolf, Jason Matzinger, the Mule Deer Foundation and many others, we want to thank some of the Rokslide members who helped out too. From money donated, to time spent, to talking to non-hunters, here are just a few (there were many more) of the Rokslide members who helped defeat Colorado Proposition 127: Corbland Bluumoon gburk Ucsdryder wyogoat LFC911 Nicaburns sndmn11 BTLowry Poser sodaksooner h2so4 Turkeygetpwnd38 ElDiablito Thanks to these and all these Rokslide members who helped defeat this major threat to scientifically based wildlife management. You can view just a few of the many threads created by members on the Rokslide forum here Please continue to support C.R.W.M. here as there are already more battles to win. Travis Hobbs wraps up this episode with a preview to an upcoming episode he's working on about managing for better bucks without continuing to just decrease licenses.

Robby hosts today's episode.  He gives a Mule Deer Rut update and how it relates to the moon phase. Tapping into previously published whitetail research by the late Charles Alsheimer, Robby relates it to what he and other hunters have observed in the field. Robby also dives into a recent successful buck hunt and an unsuccessful one too, further illustrating the difference in simply moving in deer country and actual still-hunting. He also documents the furthest distance between two sightings of the same buck in the same season but outside of the migration.  Even he was surprised. Finally, he talks about the typically necessary amount of time a hunter needs to give a fresh snow before looking for those big blocky tracks that make our hearts jump. He wraps up the episode with a discussion on "hunting burnout", something that is experienced by many hunters who push the limits.  Learn to recognize burnout and how to keep it from ruining your hunt. From the mule deer rut update, to a buck story, to managing burnout, there is something for everyone in this episode. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here     

Tipsy Tuesday #42 has Mark Denham general manager of Outdoorsmans sharing his company's history and innovations. Everything from their humble beginnings, to building a product lineup that has revolutionized how hunters use their optics, no stone is left unturned. Mark even spills the secrets of what Outdoorsmans innovations are in the works. Matt Cashell takes a deep dive into the Ziess Conquest HDX. Lathrop and son's details what's important with boot outsoles. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest Western news. Outdoorsmans Tripod Holster-https://outdoorsmans.com/products/outdoorsmans-tripod-holster Matt Cashell Innegra Tripod & Gen 2 head review-https://www.rokslide.com/outdoorsmans-g2-carbon-innegra-tripod-and-g2-pan-head-review/ Matt Cashell Ziess HDX review-https://www.rokslide.com/zeiss-conquest-hdx-review/ Lathrop and Son's-https://lathropandsons.com/collections/mountain-hunter John Stallone Prop 134-https://johnstallone.me/arizona-prop-134-just-my-take-important-for-sportsmen/   Details on the Rokslide best Hunting Photo contest below- Elk-2024 Best Elk Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kifaru Mule Deer-2024 Best Mule Deer Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kryptek Sheep-2024 Best Wild Sheep Hunt Photo Contest, by Stone Glacier Whitetail Deer-2024 Best Whitetail Photo Contest, sponsored by First Lite Vote No Proposition 127 and Donate to CRWM here-https://secure.anedot.com/colorado-s-wildlife-deserve-better/donate Howl for Wildlife https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  Check out Rokslides 2023 Favorite Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Robby hosts today's Rokcast. He's been in mule deer country a lot lately, so these tips are hot off the press. He talks about the short window of opportunity to find big bucks that leaf-off offers. It's a prime but limited opportunity to catch a big buck with his pants down (Robby once saw a buck wearing pants...First Lite if he remembers correctly.) Robby tells a story of finding bucks right after leaf-off.  Listen in to also understand the difference between just moving in mule deer country and effectively still hunting. Learn to hunt leaf-off and polish your still hunting game on this Rokcast episode.  He also mentions a great buck recently taken by James Yates. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here       

Tipsy Tuesday #41 has Jordan Budd who is notorious for finding and killing the big one of whatever species she is chasing. Today Jordan takes us through her eyes as a whitetail guide in Nebraska and drops her tips for finding and killing the big ones in the semi open mid-west. Ty Hinds from BlackOvis is back sharing the terrace pant, mesa heavyweight hoody, and palisades glassing mitt. Mark Olis from Moultrie shares tips to maximize the effectiveness of your camera setup and takes us though the features of the Edge 2 Pro cellular camera. Steven Follet with LS Wild talks about Optic Armor for your expensive hunting Optics.  Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest Western news. Running Water Hunting-https://runningwaterhunting.com/ Black Ovis-https://www.blackovis.com/ Moultrie-https://www.moultrieproducts.com/ LS Wild-https://www.lswild.com/ Details on the Rokslide best Hunting Photo contest below- Elk-2024 Best Elk Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kifaru Mule Deer-2024 Best Mule Deer Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kryptek Sheep-2024 Best Wild Sheep Hunt Photo Contest, by Stone Glacier Whitetail Deer-2024 Best Whitetail Photo Contest, sponsored by First Lite Vote No Proposition 127 and Donate to CRWM here-https://secure.anedot.com/colorado-s-wildlife-deserve-better/donate Howl for Wildlife https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  Check out Rokslides 2023 Favorite Gear- Here Visit Rokslide's Rokcast Forum to submit questions, request a topic or give feedback. To be a guest on Tipsy Tuesday please send an email to Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

With the Rokcast hosts in the hills, we dug through the archives and found our #1 downloaded episode of all time for this Rokcast Reload. What made this episode our most popular of all time? A rockstar guest? Top secret knowledge shared? The hottest units to hunt? Nope, none of that silly stuff... Listen in and find out what Jordan Budd, Travis Hobbs, and Robby Denning are busting up about in this Rokcast reload episode. Then they round out the episode with discussion on hunting the mule deer rut and their late season thoughts. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here       

Vote No On Prop. 127 This is one of our most--very most--important episodes of 2024.  Sam Weaver hosts Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Managment (C.R.W.M.) Dan is the tip of the spear in defeating Colorado's proposed ban on mountain lion and bobcat hunting: Proposition #127.  Dan lays out why every voter in Colorado needs to Vote No On Prop. 127. This Proposition is worded in a way that it will set a precedent to take away your right to hunt all big game in Colorado and eventually all of the United States. Please take the time to listen to this issue and pitch in where you can, whether it is helping fund C.R.W.M, sharing on your social media, and most effectively, talking to your non-hunting friends, ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE IN COLORADO! Please do all you can to help get the word out on Vote No On Prop. 127. Learn more here at www.wildlifedeservebetter.com and https://savethehuntcolorado.com/ Enter the SCI Raffle Fundraiser here- https://raffles.scicolorado.org/ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Listen to a previous Rokcast episode with Dan gates here

Robby hosts Marlon Holden on today's episode. Marlon, also known as Graylight Hunter on Instagram, was on the Rokcast in 2023 here. That was one our most downloaded episodes for the year. Listen to today's episode and see why he's so popular.  With more than 60 mule deer bucks taken with a bow in less than 20 years, Marlon Holden is beyond a high level of experience in the mule deer mountains. Find out why some of our preconceived notions about hunting mule deer might be wrong--like shooting at a feeding buck vs. a buck with his head up and alert. The answer to this choice will surprise you, along with other observations Marlon has made over nearly two decades of hunting big mule deer with a bow.  Muzzleloader and even rifle hunters will benefit from this episode! Marlon is also the creator of the Graylight app and you'll hear more about it in this episode. Robby also talks about why all hunters need to VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 127 in Colorado. He also gives mention of many of the successful hunters who tagged out on good archery bucks so far this season. Robby offers some of his own tips on seeing more big bucks and getting the most out of your high-end cooler. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app You can find Robby's books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here