Rokcast

Rokcast

Gear reviews and tips and tactics for backcountry hunters

  1. 22 DEC

    Wyoming Elk with Biologist Lee Knox

    In this episode, Jaden Bales dives into Wyoming’s elk program with one of the most knowledgeable (and hardest-hunting) biologists in the state: Lee Knox of Wyoming Game & Fish. With Wyoming’s elk application deadline coming up fast, we wanted to give listeners a deeper look at how the Cowboy State actually manages its elk herds — from general tags to limited quota seasons to the bull ratios that drive opportunity across the board. If you’ve ever wondered why Wyoming’s elk hunting is so consistently good, this conversation breaks it down. Lee and Jaden talk through Wyoming’s entire elk framework: • What “general” vs. “limited quota” really means in practice • How bull:cow ratios influence special-management units • Why Wyoming posts some of the highest elk success rates in the West • How burns, drought, weather, and access shape elk behavior year-to-year • Why mature bulls can actually be easier to kill in November • What hunters get wrong about elk distribution, pressure, and “trophy” expectations • How to think about realistic goals when burning points or drawing a once-in-a-decade tag • Plus plenty of nerdy habitat, calf-ratio, and season-setting discussion you won’t hear anywhere else They also dig into one of the biggest issues facing elk management moving forward: access — and why social dynamics, not biology, often drive changes to season structure. Lee closes by explaining how hunters can meaningfully influence season setting (hint: social media posts don’t count). Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt: https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app If you want to understand Wyoming elk, set smart expectations for your hunt, or simply learn how biologists think about creating opportunity across wildly different landscapes, this episode is packed with insight. If you'd like to ask Jaden questions about this episode, click on this link to our Rokcast discussion forum

    1h 3m
  2. 16 DEC

    TT#70 Chasing the Grand Slam: A Sheep Hunter’s Journey

    TT#70 has Sam Hays sharing his incredible journey of completing sheep hunting's Grand Slam, which includes harvesting a Dall, Stone, Rocky Mountain, and Desert sheep. Sam discusses the challenges and logistics involved in each hunt, the importance of gear and preparation, and the physical conditioning required for such demanding hunts. Talk turns to the role of outfitters in facilitating successful hunts and offers valuable advice for all aspiring sheep hunters. His experiences highlight the thrill of mountain hunting and the significance of conservation efforts in preserving sheep populations. Next up is Austin Bernskoetter and the innovative products from Grakksaw, like the e-boiler, a game-changing tool for DIY European mounts. Austin and Sam explore the challenges faced during product development, then dive off script into this year's wild hunting experiences. Listen as Shaun Durkee of Angry Pika Food Company jumps in with the challenges his company faced due to a cease-and-desist letter from a larger corporation, leading to rebranding. He shares insights into the rebranding process and what the future holds. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Grakksaw-https://www.grakksaw.com/product-page/eboiler Angry Pika Food Co- https://angrypikafood.com/ 14 Month Calendar-CRWM Calendar CRWM Raffle-https://raffles.scicolorado.org/    Whitetail Photo contest-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-whitetail-hunt-photo-by-first-lite.417207/  Elk Hunt Photo contest- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-elk-hunt-photo-sponsored-by-kifaru.415560/    Mule Deer Photo contest-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-mule-deer-hunt-photo-contest-sponsored-by-kryptek.414318/    Wild Sheep Hunt Photo contest- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-wild-sheep-hunt-photo-by-stone-glacier.415317/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action   Check out Rokslide’s 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/   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 8m
  3. 8 DEC

    Utah Buck Data & New Co-Host Jaden Bales

    Special episode...we'll be talking about latest collar data out of Utah, and welcoming a new co-host to Rokslide. We had Randy Larsen of BYU on the Rokcast this spring here https://www.rokslide.com/bucks-vs-fawns-with-randy-larsen-wildlifeprof/ We're checking back in today with updated collar data from Utah. This info is hot off the press and can help you better understand buck harvest across both general and limited quota units in Utah. How many bucks do hunters really harvest compared to herds with no hunting pressure? The answer will surprise you. They also talk about what the collar data shows on a micro level when determining a buck's summer home range.  Is it huge like 10 square miles, or much smaller?  Does this home range vary among individual bucks, or tend to land around a tight average? It's fascinating stuff you may not know. Follow Randy Larsen's super interesting Instagram page "Wildlifeprof" here https://www.instagram.com/wildlifeprof?igsh=MTlnZWtrY3Y0cGNtYQ== Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app We also introduce a new co-host on the Rokcast: Jaden Bales.  He's a frequent contributor to Rokslide and is a natural fit for co-hosting the Rokcast.  Jaden and Robby talk about Jaden's hunting background and why he's the man for the job when it comes to talking about not only (big) mule deer, but all the major North American big game species. They also break down Jaden Bales' hunt for a giant mule deer that shattered the 200" mark. You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here https://www.rokslide.com/product-category/mule-deer-books/

    1h 26m
  4. 2 DEC

    TT#69 Colorado’s Battlefield Report with Dan Gates

    In this conversation, Dan Gates discusses the ongoing challenges and strategies in wildlife management in Colorado, particularly in the face of anti-hunting legislation. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, funding, and the role of women in conservation efforts. The discussion also highlights the persistence of anti-hunting organizations and the need for a united front among sportsmen and women to protect hunting rights and wildlife management practices. We then talk to Cody Rich and David Sharpe of Bridger Watch. They discuss the evolution of hunting technology, focusing on the challenges and limitations of using mobile maps for navigation in the outdoors and the potential for more efficient tools like smartwatches.  Afterwards SKRE Gear's Josh Jensen discusses the new Sawtooth jacket, highlighting its features such as the quiet fleece exterior and Sherpa fleece interior. Learn about the jacket's comfort, warmth, and functionality, like side zips for ventilation and harness compatibility. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. 14 Month Calendar-CRWM Calendar CRWM Raffle-https://raffles.scicolorado.org/ Though the Gates podcast-https://savethehuntcolorado.com/through-the-gates/ Bridger Watch-https://www.bridgerwatch.com/ SKRE Gear Sawtooth Jacket-https://skregear.com/products/1-2-zip-jacket Best Whitetail Photo contest-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-whitetail-hunt-photo-by-first-lite.417207/ Best Elk Hunt Photo contest- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-elk-hunt-photo-sponsored-by-kifaru.415560/   Best Mule Deer Photo contest-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-mule-deer-hunt-photo-contest-sponsored-by-kryptek.414318/   Best Wild Sheep Hunt Photo contest- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-wild-sheep-hunt-photo-by-stone-glacier.415317/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action   Check out Rokslide’s 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/   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 19m
  5. 4 NOV

    TT#67 Saddle Hunting Whitetails with Jordan Budd

    In this Tipsy Tuesday, Sam Weaver and Jordan Budd delve into the world of whitetail hunting, focusing on the saddle hunters latest gear and techniques. They discuss the transition from guiding to personal hunting, the advantages of using saddle hunting systems, along with the importance of comfort and mobility in the tree. The conversation also covers efficient packing strategies, the learning curve associated with saddle hunting, and the new gear offerings from First Light tailored for whitetail hunters. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Kifaru Hell Bender thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/kifaru-hellbender-my-pick-for-the-most-versatile-whitetail-pack.424671/ First Lite Source Vest review-https://www.rokslide.com/first-lite-source-vest-and-origin-pant-review/ Tethrd starter kit-https://tethrd.com/products/phantom-complete-starter-kit Best Whitetail Photo contest-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-whitetail-hunt-photo-by-first-lite.417207/ Best Elk Hunt Photo contest- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-elk-hunt-photo-sponsored-by-kifaru.415560/   Best Mule Deer Photo contest-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-mule-deer-hunt-photo-contest-sponsored-by-kryptek.414318/   Best Wild Sheep Hunt Photo contest- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-best-wild-sheep-hunt-photo-by-stone-glacier.415317/   Howl for Wildlife- Take Action   Check out Rokslide’s 2024 Best Gear- https://www.rokslide.com/best-gear-of-2024-rokslide-edition/   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

    49 min

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Gear reviews and tips and tactics for backcountry hunters

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