Rookie Hunter

Follow Rookie Hunter
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Stories of hunting, fishing, hiking and backpacking in British Columbia from the perspective of new hunters. Follow Mike and Kelly's adventures in the backcountry and hear stories from special guests that include other rookie hunters, experienced outdoorsmen and experts in the field

Mountain Stream Audio


    • Oct 30, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 145 EPISODES

    4.9 from 83 ratings Listeners of Rookie Hunter that love the show mention: get into hunting, new hunters, new to hunting, hunting podcast, outdoors, job guys, beer, experienced, keep it up guys, dudes, tons, cheers, good job, starting, straight, keep up the great work, honest, great podcast, love the podcast, learning.



    Search for episodes from Rookie Hunter with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Rookie Hunter

    140: Full Circle

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 88:56


    Mike and Kelly return to the mics after a very long hiatus to discuss a recent moose hunt that involved Kelly's dad and father-in-law. 

    139: The Moose Hunt

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2021 75:18


    On this episode, the guys catch up and do a recap on their October moose hunt. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com Don't forget to become a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation and support our good friends at North Arm Knives. 

    138: Chasing Moose with Family and Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 77:29


    On this episode, Mike returns to the show to interview Kelly and Garrett before they take off on their 2021 moose hunt. You'll also get to hear about a new four-legged addition to the team.  For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    137: Peter Gutsche

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2021 47:46


    On this episode, Kelly and Garrett are joined by friend and Director at the Wild Sheep Society of BC, Peter Gutsche. Peter describes the Bluetongue virus event currently impacting wild sheep in the Gilpin Grasslands (Southern BC), the importance of conservation and participation, and hunting plans for 2021. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    director bc gutsche bluetongue wild sheep society
    136: Bear and LEH

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 43:47


    On this episode, Kelly and Garrett catch up and discuss the spring bear hunt, horse training, Traegers, the LEH Limited Entry draw and a shift in their fall plans.   For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com  

    135: Spring Has Arrived

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2021 45:18


    On this episode, Kelly and Garrett discuss the opening of spring bear and turkey, rifles in general, calibers and gear.   For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    134: Catching up with Mike

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 77:15


    On this episode, Kelly and Garrett touch base with Mike. They discuss spring plans, dogs, conservation and hunting in BC, and some ideas for the future. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    133: Jesse Zeman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 64:45


    On this episode, Kelly and Garrett are joined by Jesse Zeman, Director Fish and Wildlife Restoration at BC Wildlife Federation, to discuss anti-hunting pressure in relation to black bear and large carnivores. The crew also catch up on the Southern Interior Mule Deer Project, and Jesse and Garrett talk horse programs. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    132: Horse Tales & Sheep Projects with Chris Barker

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 101:34


    On this episode Kelly and Garrett are joined by Chris Barker, Project Chair at the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Chris has served on the board of the Wild Sheep Foundation and has been involved the WSSBC for over 20 years in various roles including President, Treasurer, and Director. Given his dedication to conservation, Chris talks about finally having some time in 2020 to hunt, Garrett seizes the opportunity to chat about horses and gear, and Chris provides an update regarding WSSBC projects across the province. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    131: "The Dog Is A Gentleman..."

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 46:45


    On this episode Kelly and Garrett discuss Oscar, dogs, motion sickness, Garrett's quest for wild cats, horses and horse care, iPhone apps for hunting, and a recap of WSF Sheep Week 2020. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    130: Best Foot Forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 59:01


    On this episode Kelly and Garrett touchbase for the first time in 2021: Garrett and the dogs continue their winter pursuit of cats, cat hunting and social media, shed antlers vs heads, and a thorough discussion about hunting boots and boot selection. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    129: Season's Greetings

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2020 63:29


    On this episode Garrett provides an update on the horses, Kelly and Garrett answer listener questions, talk wall tents and end the year with a Rookie Hunter tradition: a story from our friend in conservation Mr. Shane Mahoney. Happy Holidays and wishing you the best in 2021! For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    128: Mountain Whitetail and Cat Tracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2020 37:39


    On this episode Kelly and Garrett wrap up whitetail season with a couple hunts in different locations, each calling for a different approach. Garrett recaps two hunts with dogs Waylon and Willy, the first hunts of their career.  For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    127: A New Era

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 45:37


    On this episode Kelly welcomes Garrett as the incoming Rookie Hunter co-host. Garrett describes his background, hunting experience, and passion for all things outdoors. They catch up on their 2020 to date, and discuss what the future may hold including hounds, horses, cougar, elk and plenty of other ideas for 2021. For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    126: A Change in the Wind

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2020 43:44


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly finally catch up over Zoom to chat about what they've been up to, the challenges and unexpected positive outcomes of a strange year, and most importantly, they discuss the future of Rookie Hunter.  For more on the show head over to therookiehunter.com

    Faces of Wildlife - Funding Fish, Wildlife and Habitat

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2020 29:29


    On this special release of Rookie Hunter, Mike shares an episode of Faces of Wildlife which was created for 1Campfire. Find the entire mini series wherever you get your podcasts, or go to 1Campfire.com On this episode, Mike travels to Victoria, British Columbia to speak with Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation CEO, Brain Springinotic. HCTF came into existence because its major contributors (hunters, anglers, trappers, and guide-outfitters) were willing to pay for conservation work above and beyond that expected by government for basic management of wildlife and fish resources.

    125: Swapcast - EatWild

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 65:41


    On this episode Kelly joins Dylan Eyers on the EatWild Podcast to discuss the origins of the Rookie Hunter Podcast, and what it takes to build a successful podcast. They chat about the challenges and opportunities of building community around hunting and we dig into the importance of mentorship.    

    swapcast eatwild
    124: Spring Hunting Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 50:37


    On this episode Mike and Kelly are finally back together (sort of) to discuss their hunting plans for 2020.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    123: Live Show - Vancouver

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2020 90:26


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly travel to Vancouver for a live show at the Gastown Filson store with Chasing Food Club, Eat Wild and The Hunter Conservationist to explore the topic of "Why is Hunting So Hard".  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT - Get Your Tickets!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 1:55


    We're partnering with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to bring you a live show at the Vancouver Filson Store on January 30th 2020. We'll be sharing the stage with our friends from The Hunter Conservationist, Eat Wild and Chasing Food Club.  Tickets are limited and going fast, so click HERE to get yours before they're gone. See you in Vancouver! 

    122: Wild Sheep with Chris Barker

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2019 78:25


    On this episode Chris Barker, Committee Member of the Wild Sheep Society of BC, and Secretary on the Wild Sheep Foundation Board of Directors, joins Kelly in the studio to discuss 2019 and an in-depth review of Wild Sheep projects across BC. 

    121: Kyle's Buck Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2019 56:20


    On this episode Mike and Kelly are joined by good friend Kyle to discuss a successful deer hunt. Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    120: Wild Meals and South America

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2019 38:55


      On this episode Mike and Kelly discuss cooking harvested game and the tabletop discussions that result. Mike travels to Eastern Canada and Chile. Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.  

    119: Dad Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2019 40:32


    On this episode Mike returns from travels in South America to discuss dad life with Kelly, 2019 hunting season, moose, mountain goat vindaloo, mule deer, and turkey fans. Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    118: Hook In The Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2019 74:26


    On this episode Kelly joins Adam Janke from Beyond the Kill to discuss kids, priorities, mountain hunting, whitetails and an overall recap of our 2019 hunting seasons thus far. Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.  

    117: Hunting Season Upon Us Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2019 44:23


    On this episode Mike and Kelly discuss additional lessons learned on the 2019 Sheep Hunt, listener questions, and upcoming hunting plans. Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    116: The 2019 Sheep Hunt - Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2019 59:31


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly meet in the studio to cover the second half of the 2019 Sheep Hunt. Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    115: The 2019 Sheep Hunt - Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2019 72:06


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly meet in the studio to cover some pre-hunt details, unexpected changes in their plans, play some audio from the trip, and do a recap on the first half of the adventure.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    114: Ready to Head North

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2019 38:24


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly cover some last minute preparations and thoughts before they head north for their 2019 sheep hunt.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    113: August Snowshoe Hare

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2019 46:21


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly are in the studio to discuss snowshoe hare, final gear prep for sheep country, smoking hams and the ongoing threat of CWD in British Columbia.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    112: Heather Kelly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2019 67:34


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly chat with Heather Kelly from Heather's Choice and discuss how starting a dehydrated food company lead her to becoming a hunter.  If you haven't check out Heather's Choice, they make some of the best dehydrated backpacking meals available, including their now famous Packaroons plus a range of delicious breakfast and dinner options for your next adventure. We'd love it if you supported Heather's Choice and you can save 20% OFF your next order by using the promo code ROOKIEHUNTER at checkout from heatherschoice.com Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    111: Alaska and Trail Running

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 46:18


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly are in the studio to discuss running, maps, Alaska, an update on chronic wasting disease, hunting in Africa and also answer a few listener questions.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    110: Dodgers & Hoochies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2019 56:31


    On this episode, Kelly talks to Danny Coyne (BCFishn) and Jason Webster (Fish Biologist) about Kokanee in BC's Okanagan region and the importance of anglers and hunters when it comes to conservation. Warning: this episode may be interrupted by a bent rod! Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    Introducing Faces of Wildlife

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2019 6:44


    Over the past few months, Mike has been traveling throughout British Columbia to produce a new podcast series for 1Campfire called "Faces of Wildlife"  If you're interested in learning more about wildlife conservation, please subscribe to the series on iTunes and head over to 1Campfire.com to receive updates each time a new episode is released.  The first official episode goes live on July 16th. 

    109: Spring Bear Hunt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 30:51


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly finally escape the studio and head for the backcountry for an overnight bear hunt.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    108: Cold Beer, CWD and LEH

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2019 41:40


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly are back in the studio to catch up on a few things including CWD, Limited Entry Hunting, and the final push for sheep country.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.  

    107: Dog Days

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 36:28


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly meet up after missing a week in the studio. You'll hear the four-legged reason for the delay, some more input on packing for sheep country, a limited entry hunting concept that has been implemented in one region, and even a bit of sports talk.... We'd love to hear your feedback! Send an email to info@therookiehunter.com   Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    106: Putting Plans in Action

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2019 43:04


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly are back in the studio with a recap on packing, to chat more about the Kaitum 3 GT, weekend fishing trips, and an imbalance in the outdoor space.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    105: Packing for Sheep Country

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2019 55:37


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly are in the studio to chat about beer, tents and their goals for a lighter backpack. What stays, what goes, and what gets split between the group.   Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    104: Jesse Zeman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2019 60:53


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly welcome back Jesse Zeman from the BC Wildlife Federation for his fourth appearance on the show to talk about caribou, wolves, mule deer and anti-huntng groups in British Columbia.  The Adaptive Management paper Jesse mentions can be found HERE Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    103: Turkeys, Bears & Spring Training

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2019 39:28


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly are in the studio to chat about turkey hunting, bear season, spring training and gear purchases that will get you out on your first hunt.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    102: Spring Gobblers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2019 44:43


    On this episode, Kelly packed up the recorder and headed east to hunt turkeys near his hometown with his father-in-law Randy, and his dad Wayne. You'll hear some pre-trip conversations, some sounds from the field, and some post-hunt discussions.  Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives.

    101: One Hundred - Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2019 85:13


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly welcome back listeners as their guests to celebrate 100 episodes with Part II. Listeners had the opportunity to submit questions, comments and hunting stories to the show, so the guys sit down in the studio to share some more of their favourites. We're also very pleased to announce SITKA Gear as a new sponsor and also want to thank The Wild Sheep Foundation and North Arm Knives for their continued support.  Thanks again for your continued support and for getting us to 100 episodes! 

    Bonus Episode: Chewing the Cud with Nolan Osborne

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2019 52:40


    On this bonus episode, Nolan Osborne from the Journal of Mountain Hunting invited Mike, Kelly and Jesse Bone from Filter Studios to chat  while attending The Wild Sheep Society of B.C.'s  Spence's Bridge Sheep Count.    Please consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation by clicking HERE. To see our complete lineup of SITKA clothing head over to our website and click on the GEAR TAB. And don't forget to check out North Arm Knives. We'll be back next week with a regular schedule and Part II of Episode 100. 

    journal chewing sitka wild sheep foundation mountain hunting wild sheep society nolan osborne
    100: One Hundred - Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2019 99:22


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly welcome listeners as their guests to celebrate 100 episodes. Listeners had the opportunity to submit questions, comments and hunting stories to the show, so the guys sit down in the studio to share some of their favourites. We're also very pleased to announce SITKA Gear as a new sponsor and also want to thank The Wild Sheep Foundation and North Arm Knives for their continued support.  Most of all, we want to thank you, the listeners, for supporting us and for getting involved in this very special 100th episode. 

    99: Guiding and Sheep Hunting with Nolan Osborne

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2019 54:40


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly chat with Nolan Osborne while at the Sheep Show earlier this year. Nolan talks about how he got into guiding, his time outdoors and also shares some good sheep hunting tips for their August hunt.  Follow Nolan on Instagram - @nmo     

    sheep hunting guiding sheep show nolan osborne
    98: Bear to Sheep with Jeff Lander

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2019 59:48


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly welcome back Jeff Lander for his third appearance on the show. Jeff is the man behind Primitive Outfitting which operates out of British Columbia and Alberta.  Jeff is also preparing for a mid-August sheep hunt in B.C. so the guys get deep into their plans and preparations for their hunts. 

    bear sheep british columbia jeff lander primitive outfitting
    A Quick Update on Episode 100

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2019 4:40


    We want you to be our guest for Episode 100 and we're going to be giving away a bunch of awesome gear including a Mountain Hauler 6200 from SITKA Gear for your contribution to the show.  Listen to all the details and send an email to info@therookiehunter.com if you'd like to be a part of this special episode.  Thank you for all your support and for making 100 episodes possible. We couldn't do it without you guys.  Cheers!  Mike & Kelly 

    97: Capturing the Hunt with Connor Gabbott

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2019 62:29


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly sit down with Connor Gabbott from Talus Creative to discuss photography and filmmaking in the field. Capturing a hunt can be a difficult task, but the photos we bring back are often the real trophies of our time spent outdoors and always worth the extra effort. Connor breaks down equipment, techniques and even shares some simple tricks for your iPhone that will help you bring home better images. He also leaves the guys with some excellent advice for their August sheep hunt.  If you have more questions about capturing your hunt, get in touch with Connor on Instagram @taluscreative

    iphone hunt capturing connor gabbott
    96: Clothing Systems with Sitka Gear's Corey Piersol

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2019 62:03


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly welcome back Corey Piersol from Sitka Gear to discuss clothing systems. There's a lot of science that goes into each piece of clothing you wear, and Corey breaks down what you might want to consider when investing in clothing for your next big hunt.  The guys use their August sheep hunt as an example and find out what they need for a hunt where weather conditions are extremely unpredictable. They also get into backpacks and finish things off with a good ole hunting story.  If you'd like to see what Mike and Kelly are currently using for their clothing systems, go to our website and click on the gear tab.  If you’re ready to get yourself into some new gear for 2019, head over to sitkagear.com Support our sponsors The Wild Sheep Foundation and North Arm Knives

    95: Rhino Darts

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2019 46:13


    On this episode, Mike and Kelly return to the studio to discuss, shooting rhinos with darts, caribou, wolf bounties, equipment, and spraying herbicides on B.C.'s forests.  Don't forget to support our sponsors The Wild Sheep Foundation and North Arm Knives

    Claim Rookie Hunter

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel