Rokcast

Rokcast
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  • WILDERNESS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Gear reviews and tips and tactics for backcountry hunters

  1. 14 HR AGO

    West-wide Snowpack & Precipitation Update with Josh Boyd

    If you’ve been hearing about historically low snowpack maps, hearing doom-and-gloom about drought, or trying to figure out if your hunt is about to get nuked by wildfires… this episode is worth your time. Today, Jaden sits down with Montana-based hydrologist Josh Boyd to break down what’s actually happening across the West right now. We dig into how this winter shaped up, why snowpack is all over the board depending on elevation, and why a “low snow year” doesn’t automatically mean bad hunting. One of the biggest takeaways: snowpack is just one piece of the puzzle. Fall moisture, soil saturation, and especially what happens in June and early July matter way more than most hunters realize. In fact, wildfire season in the Northern Rockies is driven far more by early summer heat and lack of precipitation than by how much snow fell in January. We also walk through what’s happening regionally right now. Montana and parts of Wyoming are hanging in there with decent snowpack, while Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico are staring at historically low levels. Oregon’s in a tough spot too. But even in those places, soil moisture and spring weather could still shift the outlook before fall. From a hunting standpoint, this conversation really comes down to how animals respond to moisture. In wet years, feed is everywhere and animals scatter. In dry years, they concentrate around limited water and quality forage. Neither is “better,” but they require completely different strategies. To learn more about west-wide snowpack & precipitation, visit the NRCS website here. If you want to keep an eye on the drought monitor, check out the U.S. drought monitor map 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

    59 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Backcountry Mule Deer Hunting with Braxton Hamilton & Storie Ratcliff

    Hunting mule deer in the rugged backcountry requires more than just patience and luck — it demands a deep understanding of deer behavior, smart gear choices, and tactical hunting techniques. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hunter looking to sharpen your skills, this comprehensive episode draws from expert insights and real-world experiences to help you succeed in the wilderness. Next is an Angry Pika Food update and new releases.  Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Luke Schultz's Rokslide article on identifying deer habitat Muley Fanatic Foundation Angry Pika 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]

    1hr 31min

  3. 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

    1hr 15min

  4. 10 MAR

    James Yates: Leveraging Data for Archery Excellence

    James Yates and Sam Weaver delve into the Arrow Ballistic study, highlighting arrow drag and lift quantification. Uncover key findings on vein configurations and broadhead dynamics. James then dives into the upcoming 2026 arrow study focusing on FOC. Explore Phone Skope's Mag 360 innovations and Magpie Precision's suppressor seal solutions. Elevate your archery, digiscoping, and shooting skills with practical insights and cutting-edge technology. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Western Hunter article-https://westernhunter.net/information/the-arrow-ballistics-study-results/ Youtube-https://www.youtube.com/@YatesInTheBackcountry Precision Cut Archery Data-https://www.precisioncutarchery.com/research/arrow-study-2025 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

    1hr 12min

  5. 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

    1hr 22min

  6. 26 FEB

    Banning Hunting Technology in Idaho?

    Technology in hunting is advancing faster than most of us can keep up with. Thermals. Night vision. Cell trail cameras. Drones. AI filtering game cam photos. The Idaho Hunting and Advanced Technology Working Group (here) spent months wrestling with one big question: at what point does modern advantage overwhelm wildlife and erode fair chase? In this episode, Idahoans Tal Sampson and Brock Maynard break down what the Hunting and Technology (H.A.T.) Working Group actually did, what proposals are heading to the Idaho Legislature, and why this is not a “ban” but a proposed prohibited timeframe from August 30 through December 31 for certain high-tech tools. We talk real harvest data, opportunity vs. limited hunting, predator management carve-outs, long-range shooting, and the uncomfortable truth that hunters are the minority voice in today’s culture. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation matters for the future of hunting across the West. If you care about opportunity, the sustainability of hunting, and fair chase ethics, now is the time to get informed and get involved ahead of the 2026 Idaho Legislative Session.  Enjoy this episode of the Rokcast!  You can read other Rokslide articles, see videos, and listent to Rokcast episodes here

    1hr 39min

  7. 24 FEB

    Hunting Gear: Insights from Western Hunting Expo

    In this episode, we explore the latest in hunting gear, apparel, and suppressor technology. Our guests from Kifaru, Unknown Suppressors, Sumet Stoves, On Glass Adapter, Bow Spider, Dead On Display, and Springbar tents share insights on their innovative products, design philosophies, and industry trends that are shaping the future of hunting equipment. Explore innovative gear and techniques for hunting, camping, and outdoor adventures. From suppressors and stoves to skull mounts and tents, learn how top brands are enhancing your outdoor experience. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. 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

    1hr 43min

  8. 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

    1hr 7min
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About

Gear reviews and tips and tactics for backcountry hunters

Information

  • Creator
    Rokcast
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2019 Rokcast
  • Show Website
    Rokcast

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