Rookie Hunter

In this Field Guide episode, Mike dives deep into backcountry shelters, from budget-friendly starter tents to high-end options like Hilleberg and wall tents. He breaks down the pros and cons of different designs, materials, and season ratings, plus shares tips on tent care, maintenance, and how to make your gear last. Whether you're gearing up for your first hunt or planning a northern expedition, this episode will help you find the right shelter for any adventure. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We've been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

Wind, rain, and doubt fade into one of the most rewarding hunts we’ve had in years and a reminder of why we keep going back. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

After six years without pulling the trigger, Mike finally punches a tag on a quick solo mule deer hunt. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

In this episode, Mike takes you on a three-day solo hunt with his dog Earl. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

In this episode, we travel back to 2016 for Mike’s first buck and our most successful season ever. Enjoy! We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

In this episode, Mike gives a quick update on the start of the season. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this Field Guide episode, Mike takes you through some considerations and expectations for your very first hunting season. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this episode, we dive back into the vault with Episode 33, which featured Brian Chan. Brian is a fly fishing legend known for his expertise in stillwater fishing in British Columbia's Interior. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this episode, Mike and Kelly chat about their spring fly fishing trip, which was Mike's first ever attempt with a fly rod. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this Field Guide episode, Mike breaks down the pros and cons of hunting solo versus with a partner or group. From safety and success rates to personal preference and pack-out logistics. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this Field Guide episode, Mike breaks down the essential items you should pack in your safety kit—whether you're heading out for a day hunt or spending multiple days in the backcountry. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this Field Guide episode we reach into the vault and share Kelly's overview of doing your first DIY Euro mount. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this Field Guide episode of Rookie Hunter, Mike preps you for your first backcountry backpacking trips and covers topics such as choosing the right trail, necessary gear, and what to expect during the trip. He also emphasizes the importance of preparation, both physically and mentally, and offers practical tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience in the wilderness. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this Field Guide episode of Rookie Hunter, Mike and Kelly dive into the topic of game processing. They cover the basics of what you'll need and what to expect when you bring home your first big game animal. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this episode of Rookie Hunter, Mike and Kelly dive into the topic of gear regret—those impulse buys and overpriced items that didn’t live up to the hype. They share lessons learned, highlight common gear failures, and stress the importance of research and reliable advice. From optics to camping essentials, it’s all about finding the gear that works without breaking the bank. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

We're switching things up today and playing an episode of Sheep Fever, which is the official podcast of The Wild Sheep Foundation. In Part II of their Spotlight on BC, Kyle Stelter, CEO of the Wild Sheep Society of BC, Scott Ellis, CEO of the Guide Outfitters Association of BC, and Sheep Fever host and Wild Sheep Foundation CEO Gray Thornton discuss the status of wild sheep and wildlife in the province. They also examine the state of wildlife conservation and management in light of recent political changes, including shifts within the Ministry and its staff. The trio explores the prospects of restoring the grizzly bear hunt, broader wildlife challenges, and the balance between funding conservation efforts and the impact on natural resources. They also address social license issues affecting conservationists' ability to secure funding. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this episode, Mike, Kelly and Garrett reflect on 2024, make plans for 2025 and cover Garrett's November whitetail hunt. We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this special holiday episode, we kick things off with a listener-submitted story and then dive into the vault to share a curated collection of hunting stories from 2018. Featuring Mark Hall, Mike Hawkridge, Gray Thornton, Ben O’Brien, Jeff Lander, Aron Snyder, and Shane Mahoney We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this episode, Mike chats with Joe Cermele for a rare fishing-themed conversation. They get into Joe’s extensive career in fishing media, cover all of the food they consumed on the East Coast and their failed attempts to catch striped bass along the Jersey shore. We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this episode, Mike, Kelly and Garrett cover their late September backpacking trip for elk, mule deer and black bear. We also announce the first winner of our listener submitted hunting stories series, brought to you by North Arm Knives. We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!