Rookie Hunter

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. 

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. 

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

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

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  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.    

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.

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.

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! 

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. 

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.

  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.  

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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. 

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. 

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     

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. 

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 

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

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

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