Rokcast

This Tipsy Tuesday is Everything Kifaru with Aron Synder and Anders Christianson. We cover Kifaru's move to Riverton Wyoming, jump into new material choices, and close out with what future holds for Kifaru. This week's reviews start with Les Welch's Mathews Lift https://www.rokslide.com/mathews-lift-review/. Sam then has Dustin Diefenderfer to talk about workouts and what's new at MTNTOUGH (https://mtntough.com/). Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest Western news. Kifaru- https://kifaru.net/ Half Ass Hunting Academy https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/half-ass-hunting-academy/. Mule Deer Days- Mule Deer Days Rock Springs Wy 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

Most of us have been there, it's the worst day you can have hunting. You tried to do everything right, yet somehow you made a bad shot and now you have a wounded animal. A truly emotional rollercoaster ride. Now, the trail has gone cold, and you just can't sort the track out any further. It doesn't get much worse than this when hunting. This is where Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery just might be able to help. I was recently at the Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo and a booth caught my eye. Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery, I walked up and met Scott Gillespie, the President and founder of sure enough, a non-profit organization out west that works to help hunters find wounded big game animals with leashed tracking dogs. How cool is that? In this episode, Scott highlights some of what they do, and how this all came about. I know I hope I never have to call them, but it's sure an awesome resource to know about if that horrible day ever does come. They are actively growing this organization, if this sounds like something you might be interested in doing they are also looking for trackers. To find out more, check out their website and if you're a facebook user, they also have a group there. www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery Facebook Group

Robby hosts Brandon Diamond on today's Rokcast. Brandon is the Area Wildlife Manager for Colorado's Gunnison Basin and beyond. Brandon has been on the Rokcast before here and brings a depth of knowledge and experience to managing Colorado's mule deer. They talk about the current over-winter survival for the Gunnison Mule Deer and other parts of Colorado. They talk about the challenges of managing for a variety of users, buck:doe ratios vs. age class, the increasing pressure from technology and motorized access, and the upcoming 5-year management plan for Colorado. There is still time for hunters to comment on the proposed changes to season dates and more. If you want more mule deer in Colorado, listen in and get involved in the upcoming Colorado Parks and Wildlife Meeting May 1-2 in Montrose here Colorado Parks & Wildlife - May 1 - 2, 2024 (state.co.us) 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! 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 Southeast Idaho Regional Wildlife Biologist, Eric Freeman, on today's Rokcast episode. Eric is tasked with the challenge of moving Idaho's Southeast mule deer herd into the future. Eric recently co-authored an article titled "Harsh Winters Mean Harsh Truths for Southeast Idaho Mule Deer". In this episode, they dive into over-winter counts on the Southeast Idaho Caribou mule deer herd, buck:doe:fawn survival and the interesting trend of bucks surviving at a higher rate than does. Eric also discuss these engaging topics: -Why the survival difference variability on individual winter ranges in same units? -Hunter participation vs. buck harvest graph -Mule Deer Advisory Group Forming -Is it realistic to expect mule deer numbers to climb back to previous highs? -Historical data on buck:doe ratios during that hayday See the co-authored article by Eric Freeman here https://www.idfg.idaho.gov/article/harsh-winters-mean-harsh-truths-southeast-idaho-mule-deer Follow IDFG on Instagram @idahofishandgame 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

This Tipsy Tuesday has experienced Bear hunters Roger Holscher and Chris Young walking us though their Tips for hunting Idaho. Roger and Chris are well-versed in the planning and logistics of this hunt, but every year is just a bit different. This trip is much earlier than in years past and we have a discussion about the best spring bear hunting time frames. This week's reviews start with Phillip Miller and the Rokslide members' giant optics review https://www.rokslide.com/the-rokslide-members-giant-optics-review/.Ryan Avery and Jake Mushaney gives us more details on the Half Ass Hunting Academy https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/half-ass-hunting-academy/. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest Western news. Mule Deer Days- Mule Deer Days Rock Springs Wy 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 Kevin Monteith of the Monteith Shop on today's episode. Kevin is one of the leading researchers on mule deer and other ungulates. Based out of the University of Wyoming, their mission statement is "Advancing Science and Management, One Data Point at a Time." You can follow the Monteith Shop here Robby and Kevin jump into the difference between a shop and a lab and why it matters to deer hunters. And they cover the emerging research on mule deer out of the Wyoming Range and beyond. Kevin answers the question: Are there big deer in Wyoming outside of the Wyoming Range? Good deer hunters stay up on the research and in these trying times for mule deer, good research is essential. They also give a preview to the upcoming Mule Deer Days to be held in Rocksprings, Wyoming Thursday May 2nd through Saturday May 4th by our friends the Muley Fanatic Foundation. Find more information here and we hope to see you at Mule Deer Days. Kevin Monteith and The Monteith Shop will be presenting current research at the 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

The mule deer migration has begun in many areas of the West. Robby gives an update on that and then takes a look at the water situation across the West for mule deer. He also announces the 2024 Cold Bow Challenge starting in May. Get your bow & broadheads ready! Then he's back into Hunting Big Mule Deer: Obeying the Wind and Still-Hunting. If you want to tag better bucks, you can't ignore these techniques. Too many hunters only glass, and while a great technique (your #1 technique), there are times when the bucks just aren't glassable. You gotta get into thier living rooms to kill them and the best way to do that is with the wind in your favor and moving like a snail. It's tough to kill bucks this way but some bucks can only be killed this way. Listen in as Robby reads from his 2015 book, Hunting 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

This Tipsy Tuesday has Australians Clinton Miller and Mark Pitts walking us though the basics of tackling a DIY New Zealand hunting trip. Miller and Pitts have over a decade DIY New Zealand hunting trips under their belts so are well versed in the planning and logistics of this adventure. This DIY hunting trip is more attainable than most Americans think, listen to find out how. This week's reviews start with Unknown Munitions HAHA event https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/half-ass-hunting-academy/. Zach Harold talks about testing the Hoyt Alpha X bow https://www.rokslide.com/hoyt-alpha-x-bow-review/. Next up is Mike Moore's Hilleburg Niak review https://www.rokslide.com/hilleberg-niak-review/ and finally Justin Rasmussen from Razco Gear https://www.razcogear.com/ takes us though the ROMR setup. Sam then shifts the talk towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] and recaps the latest western news. New Zealand Dept of Conservation-https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/ Wyoming Wildlife Federation-Dream Big Commissioner Tag Raffle - Wyoming Wildlife Federation Western Hunter- Inside the chaos and secrecy surrounding the release of 10 wolves in Colorado by Mike Duplan-https://westernhunter.net/information/inside-the-chaos-and-secrecy-surrounding-the-release-of-10-wolves-in-colorado/ Join the discussion on Arizona's departure from wildlife auction tags-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/arizona-does-away-with-auction-tags.351967/ 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

Dr. Larsen and Dr. Mcmillan receive "Conservationist of the Year" at the 2023 Hunt Expo The last thing you are going to hear any "coffee shop biologist" say, is that fewer bucks on the landscape would make more fawns. In fact, every expert knows the only way we are ever going to "increase deer populations" is to cut tags and limit hunting bucks. I mean, look at all the units out west with extremely limited buck hunting, the mule deer populations are EXPLODING there! Right?! Well..... ok maybe not. Why? If reducing buck mule deer tags is beneficial, why aren't those populations exploding? The truth is, and yes, even in 2023 no matter how they identify, the doe deer or females in the population "grow the herd". Think of it like this, a rancher would never have a pasture full of bulls when he can have that same pasture full of mother cows. He is going to have enough bulls to breed his cows, that gives him maximum productivity. There of course comes a social component to hunting, and YES, hunters want to see bucks, big bucks. Where is the best place to manage buck to doe ratios? That is the million dollar question that; spoiler alert, we don't answer. However, Dr. Randy Larsen and Dr. Brock Mcmillan of the BYU Ecology lab jump on todays podcast to share some professional light on it, as well as talk about a variety of things involving mule deer biology and what they are learning. These guys are some of the best in their field and heavily involved with some of the foremost mule deer research there is. As always, I think this podcast will help hunters get a deeper understanding of some of the biology and science that is Mule Deer Management. Pregnancy Rates comparing 14:100 vs. 26:100 Buck:Doe Ratio Cause Specific Mortality is important information Dr. Brock Mcmillan on the Gohunt Podcast Dr. Larsen on the Rokcast Podcast last year with Robby Denning Dr. Larsen on Feeding Deer Podcast

Robby hosts Jeff Short, Wildlife Biologist for the Wyoming Game & Fish. Jeff is a previous guest on the Rokcast. Last summer he shared his research on Antler Point Restrictions. On today's episode, Jeff and Robby go over the recently released data on the survey of the Wyoming Range mule deer. Wyoming recently released the official report on the 2022/2023 winterkill on the Wyoming Range. This report indicates nearly two-thirds of that herd was lost to that winter, dropping from 30,000 deer to 11,000 deer between surveys conducted in February 2023 and February 2024 They define Wyoming Range Boundaries and discuss why the survey was conducted two years in a row. The survey showed fawn:doe ratios dropped to 34 while buck:doe ratios fell to 24. Jeff talks about what it will take to recover this herd and the fact that deer on the winter range now have already started their recovery with good body fat levels and range conditions. If you'd like to read more on this topic, see the article by Mark Heinz at the Cowboy State Daily here Game And Fish: Two-Thirds Of Prized Wyoming Mule Deer Herd Killed Last Winter | Your Wyoming News Source (cowboystatedaily.com)

Robby hosts his friend Cliff Gray on today's episode. Cliff was one of the most popular guests for 2023, and rightly so. Cliff has an extensive hunting background from DIY to Outfitter and all points in between. Cliff's hunted from the Caribbean to Colorado to Canada on everything from his own feet to horses and mules. Hard to find something he hasn't experienced. On today's episode, they chat on a variety of topics, including Cliff's newly launched podcast, Pursuit with Cliff Gray here Pursuit With Cliff - Cliff Gray on Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Other topics on today's episode: Colorado's wolf & mountain lion issues from a resident's perspective. Colorado's proposed regulation moving Archery Elk from OTC to Draw? And proposed changes to Mule Deer Seasons like an Archery opener on Aug 15, moving rifle seasons back to traditional dates, and adding a possible earlier opening 1st season deer. They wrap up with why the original Social Media--Forums--might still be the best Social Media for hunters Follow Cliff's Hunting Adventures at any of these links: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff Pursuit With Cliff Gray Podcast https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/ Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/ Hunt. Fish. Spear. (Experiences, Courses and Seminars) https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences Merch https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/ SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER: https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Travis Hobbs & Robby Denning host Phil Mendoza of the Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo slated for April 5th-7th in Denver. This is the maiden year of this Expo. They talk about how this Expo was designed from the ground up for building the hunting community--everything from conservation, to equipment, to entertainment. Read on to get the Mile High Hunt Expo Promo Code and more information on this very exciting event. Travis & Robby will be hosting a seminar to kick off the Mile High Hunt Expo weekend at 3:30 Friday, 4/5 titled "Hunting Big Mule Deer: Early to Late Seasons. Here's a preview of their seminar Hunting Big Mule Deer: Early to Late Seasons: Travis: Hunting Big Early Season Mule Deer Why hunt early season Two parts to early season Velvet Mule Deer Hard-Antlered Mule Deer Robby: Late Season Late Season includes the rut Three phases to the rut Early Rut Peak Rut Late Rut Tips for hunting all three phases. We hope to see you at the seminar and the Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo! Use Promo Code: ROKSLIDE2024 at Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo 2024 here Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo 2024 Tickets, Fri, Apr 5, 2024 at 12:00 AM | Eventbrite You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

Today's Tipsy Tuesday has Kyle Virgin sharing his insight on building one of the most adaptable rifles systems in Alaska - The Hobbit Rifle. It was dubbed the Hobbit rifle for its compact size, thirst for adventure and simple fact it loves to eat! This week's reviews start with Mike Moore's take on the Stika Ambient UL Hoody https://www.rokslide.com/sitka-ambient-ul-60-hoody-review/ we move on to Torrin Miller and the Echelon Ultralite rifle stock https://www.rokslide.com/echelon-cf-versa-ultralight-stock-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. The Hobbit Rifle thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/the-hobbit-rifle.181028/ 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

It seems that anywhere Boone & Crockett mule deer grow there is potential for solar development. On today's episode, Robby hosts Joel Webster and Rob Thornberry of the Theodore Conservation Partnership (TRCP) Recently the Bureau of Land Management proposed solar installation on public lands covering 22 million acres in 11 western states. This matters to mule deer hunters and other big game hunters because solar development is fenced, blocking Mule Deer Migration Routes and other wildlife from using an area. If the fencing occurs on critical mule deer migration routes, this could cut off big game from accessing important summer and winter ranges. With deer herds already down across much of the West, this could just make matters worse by making vital big game habitats unusable. They talk specifically about the hunting units at stake, especially Idaho deer and pronghorn units. Then they jump into the remaining western states, naming herds with significant conflict in each state, such as the Paunsaugunt in Utah and the Kaibab in Arizona. This important episode should serve as a reality check about the future. Joel and Rob wrap up the episode with information on what hunters and anglers can do about it. Involved hunters are conservationists and are the thin line between healthy and unhealthy big game herds, so please listen in and get involved. Protect Mule Deer Migration Routes by visiting TRCP website here at www.trcp.org/solar Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Below are the Mule Deer and Pronghorn migration routes referenced in today's episode: You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

If you want to hunt more big bucks, you have to learn what mule deer on the edge really means. Today, Robby hosts Habitat Biologists Troy Fieseler and Luke Schultz of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Stationed in the Pinedale Region, Troy and Luke are responsible for managing the habitat of the Wyoming Range mule deer herd and beyond. They discuss many topics that can make you a better mule deer hunter. Topics like the population dynamics in mountainous vs. desert climates and how they are almost polar opposites; one has no problem putting fawns on the ground while the other rarely experiences winter kill. They also define what mule deer habitat is, (summer and winter range) and go in to what mule deer prefer and need to not just survive but thrive. Finally, and most importantly, they discuss what we as hunters can do to improve and protect habitat for mule deer. Be a better buck hunter and learn about mule deer on the edge. 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

Today's Tipsy Tuesday is straight from the Western Hunting Expo featuring Rob Gearing from Spartan Precision Equipment https://javelinbipod.com/. Mr. G walks us through the Spartan Precision Equipment lineup and which applications best fit each of their multiple offerings of bipods, tripods, and even quad rifle supports. Listen as Mr. G gives Spartans answers from the competitive shooter all the way to the lightweight mountain hunter. We have Jessica Brown from Stocky Stocks https://stockysstocks.com/, and she takes us through Stocky new innovative in-house carbon fiber injection process. Brad Brooks co-founder of Argali Outdoors https://argalioutdoors.com/ talks about old favorites, new releases, and things coming down the pipe to watch for in the near future. Sam closes out with Dustin Defendeffer of MNTTOUGH https://mtntough.com/. The time is now to start thinking about getting up and down those steep mountains come fall. You can catch more Rokslide.com gear reviews [https://www.rokslide.com/category/gear/] at the link. MNTTOUGH's 6 weeks free with- MTNPOD Howl for Wildlife https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action Check out the 2023 Rokstaff Favorite Gear- 2023 Rokslide Staff and Moderator Favorite Gear Picks - Rokslide [ 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, Robby helps you be a better hunter. Better hunters stay up on the news and regulations in the hunting industry, and support conservation. His first guest is Jaden Bales of The Wyoming Wildlife Federation and Hunt West They touch on proposed changes coming to Colorado for elk and deer in the 2025-2029 Big Game Season Structure Then it's Travis Hobbs next. They chat about Idaho's proposed fee for shed hunters, and a possible change to Idaho's Non-resident tag allocation process. Then they're onto some good news coming out of Utah on the great winter mule deer are enjoying in 2024, and share some stats from Dr. Randy Larsen @wildlifeprof on fawn survival rates and more. Robby also congratulates Travis on his recent win of the Conservation Person of the Year awarded at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo for Travis' work on the mule deer feeding project in 2023 in Northern Utah. Like Travis, get involved in all things affecting big game hunting in the West. 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 .

Wanna be a better buck hunter? Then listen in... Based out of Green River, Wyoming & Established in 2012, the Muley Fanatic Foundation exists to ensure the conservation of mule deer and their habitat and to provide such supporting services to further the sport of hunting and sound wildlife management. The Muley Fanatic Foundation kicked off their Inaugural Event, Mule Deer Days, in 2023 in Rocksprings, Wyoming. That event alone allocated $472K to projects like the Wyoming Hiway 189 Wildlife Crossing, and other mule deer habitat projects. On today's episode, Robby hosts Joshua Coursey, President & CEO of the Foundation, to tell us more about this year’s Mule Deer Day's event that takes place May 2-4th in Rocksprings, Wyoming. Be sure and listen in and attend if you can. Learn more about the Muley Fanatic Foundation here Listen here for past episodes on Mule Deer Days

Today's Tipsy Tuesday has Josh Ellis sharing his insight to what you should be discussing with your guide before you arrive at camp. What expectations should you be discussing with your guide to ensure you have a great experience? For the DIY hunters we have Sam Britch from Alaskan 4X4 rentals to share some tips on getting to Dalton highway. This week's reviews start with Matt Cashell Outdoorsmans Innegra Tripod https://www.rokslide.com/outdoorsmans-g2-carbon-innegra-tripod-and-g2-pan-head-review/ move on to Brock Akers and Final Rise Summit XT vest https://www.rokslide.com/final-rise-summit-xt-vest-system-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. Josh Ellis Instagram- ellis_expeditions 2023 Rokstaff Favorite Gear- 2023 Rokslide Staff and Moderator Favorite Gear Picks - Rokslide Howl for Wildlife https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

Before diving into Hunting Big Mule Deer, Robby touches on the decline of Grip & Grin images that are winning the annual Rokslide Best Hunt Photo contests. Are people looking for something different when sharing hunt photos? Does it help our hurt hunting's image? Hunters always need to be careful when sharing images among mixed crowds. Non-hunters don't always understand the entire hunt process if they only see a grip & grin. They need to see the entire process of the hunt, from planning, to hunting, to harvesting & cooking the meat. Most non-hunters are supportive of hunting for the meat but the anti's try to cloud the issue with terms like "trophy hunting" to imply we don't use the meat. That's a crime! So be careful what you share and remember that we represent hunting to the millions of non-hunters who ultimately decide the fate of hunting. Robby then jumps into the next chapter of HBMD: Moving in Deer Country. How a hunter moves in deer country matters! Mule deer have great eyesight and hearing. To overcome those senses, Robby talks about slowing down in the deer woods. 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