Rokcast

Rokcast

Gear reviews and tips and tactics for backcountry hunters

  1. 16 MAR

    The Next Level in Optics with Ryan Holm of Leica

    High-end hunting optics have changed a lot in the last decade. Better glass is part of the story, but the real shift is happening in how optics connect with the rest of your hunting system. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Holm from Leica to break down where optics technology is today and how hunters can actually use these tools to become more effective in the field. Ryan brings a unique perspective as both a hunter and someone who has spent his career around high-performance gear. We dive into what separates top-tier optics companies, why glass quality matters for low-light performance, and how modern optics are starting to integrate with things like ballistic solvers, weather meters, and mapping apps. This conversation is more about understanding what these tools can do and how hunters can take advantage of them than anything. We also talk through practical optics setups for different styles of hunting, from archery elk hunts in tight country to long-range rifle hunts for mule deer in big open terrain. Ryan also shares some simple but often overlooked tips that can dramatically improve your ability to get accurate ranges in the field. Stabilizing your rangefinder, using tripods, understanding beam divergence settings, and properly calibrating the compass in modern rangefinding binoculars can make the difference between a confident shot and bad data. If you’ve ever struggled to get a clean range in brush, timber, or broken terrain, this episode will help you understand why and how to fix it. If you want to become a better hunter behind the glass and get more reliable information before the shot, this conversation is worth your time. To learn more about the technology & optics discussed in the podcast, visit the Leica website here. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app If you want to get your animals aged, consider using new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.com/ You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

    1h 15m
  2. 2 MAR

    How Old Was He Really? Big Buck Hunters Talk Age vs. Score

    This week we go full mule deer nerd mode on the Rokcast. We brought together a room full of big buck hunters with Travis Hobbs, Corey Dixon, Braxton Hamilton, and Robby Denning to talk buck age versus score based on the deer they’ve had aged. These aren’t guesses. Not “he looked mature on the hoof” conversations.  Everyone lab-aged their deer and the guys dive into that data from over 70 bucks, including 15 that grossed 200 inches or better. What we found might surprise you. Most of the biggest deer weren’t ancient. They were five- and six-year-old bucks. Some giants were only three. And some grandpa bucks at seven- and eight-years-old barely cracked the 160s. We dive into what tooth aging has taught us about judging bucks on the hoof, the myth of regression, how hard winters really affect antler growth, and why security matters more than limited tags. If you care about big mule deer, management, or just want to know how old your buck really was and some tips to find out, this one’s for you. To learn more about tooth aging, visit matsonslab.com To join the Rokslide Forum conversation on lab-aging, click here https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/how-old-was-he-really-big-buck-hunters-talk-age-vs-score.442710/#post-4597670 Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app And please welcome new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.com/ You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

    1h 22m
  3. 16 FEB

    Tenacity Firearms with Andrew Whitney

    In this episode of the Rokcast, Jaden sits down with Andrew Whitney for a conversation that starts on the range and carries straight into real hunting application. We spent the day shooting rifles, testing different ammo, talking fundamentals, and then hit record while everything was still fresh. This is not a theory-heavy or internet-driven episode. It’s a grounded discussion about what actually matters when you’re trying to make clean kills in the field. Andrew wears a few hats. He’s a guide, a serious shooter, and one of the people behind Tenacity Firearms, a company focused on building production rifles that behave like true customs without the custom price tag or lead time. What makes this conversation valuable is that Andrew is a hunter first. We talk about shooting positions, managing recoil, reading wind, building stable platforms, and why most rifle mistakes come from rushing shots rather than lack of gear. We also dig into the overlap and the gap between shooters who hunt and hunters who shoot. From managing adrenaline behind the rifle, to choosing prone at 400 yards over a sketchy seated shot at 150, this episode walks through the decision-making process that experienced hunters use to control variables instead of forcing opportunities. There’s a deep dive into smaller, more manageable calibers, suppressors, rifle setup, and why precision and consistency beat raw horsepower almost every time. Enjoy this episode with Andrew Whitney of Tenacity Firearms.  To learn more about Tenacity Firearms, visit tenacityarms.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 find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

    1h 7m
  4. 10 FEB

    The Thrill of Moose Hunting with Henry Ferguson

    In this episode, Sam Weaver hosts Henry Ferguson to discuss his recent moose hunting experience. They delve into the preparation, challenges, and the importance of community support in hunting. Henry shares insights on scouting, equipment testing, and the emotional journey of hunting, culminating in a successful moose hunt. Then Dave Cameron shares his head-to-head titanium suppressor show down. Find out which suppressor came out on top for the best back country hunting suppressor.   Chris Neville, co-founder of Rough Ridge Stove Company, shares all about their innovative all-in-one cook system designed specifically for backcountry hunters. The inspiration behind the product, detailing the frustrations that led to its creation and the unique design features that set it apart from existing options. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Colorado Bowhunter Association-https://coloradobowhunting.org/ Badland Game bags-https://www.badlandsgear.com/products/badlands-game-bags Titanium Suppressor Review-https://www.rokslide.com/titanium-suppressor-shootout/ Titanium Suppressor comment thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/results-are-in-reaper-vs-airlock-vs-ptr-vent-1-vs-nomad-ti-xc-vs-dd-enticer-lti-titanium-shootout.427266/ Zero Gravity suppressor review thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/airlock-industries-zero-gravity-7mm-suppressor-field-test-and-review.426778/  Roughridge Stove Co-https://roughridgestove.com/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action   Check out Rokslide’s 2025 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2025/   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

    1h 18m

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Gear reviews and tips and tactics for backcountry hunters

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