Mastering New Zealand’s Mountain Hunts: Challenges and Rewards

On today's Rokcast, Robby hosts Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (C.R.W.M.) Dan is a frequent guest on the Rokcast because we believe he's not only fighting for the Right to Hunt & Fish in Colorado, but in all of North America.  C.R.W.M. and it's supporters were crucial in defeating Colorado Ballot Proposition 127 back in 2024. The fight continues with protecting Colorado hunters by making sure that the Constitutional Amendment for the Right to Hunt & Fish in Colorado passes.  By passing this proposed Amendment in November of 2026, hunters are shoring up the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation as the best way to scientifically manage all wildlife on the continent. It's a quick listen and Dan explains the ways hunters--both resident and non-resident--can help get the Right to Hunt & Fish codified into Colorado's constitution. This includes the chance to hunt the famed Hill Ranch for bull elk this fall.  This license takes over 30 points to draw in the Ranching for Wildlife program and is only reserved for residents.  But with this Landowner tag opportunity offered up by the Hill Ranch, even a non-resident can participate.  Find more information or purchase tickets here This opportunity is made possible by Safari Club International Colorado Chapter here https://raffles.scicolorado.org/ the Hill Ranch here https://hillhunting.com/book-a-hunt and C.R.W.M. here

Mastering New Zealand Mountain Hunts: Join Joseph Peter from Hard Yards Hunting as he explores the challenges and rewards of navigating steep terrains and diverse wildlife in the Southern Alps. Perfect for hunters and adventure seekers, this episode delves into mastering New Zealand mountain hunts and embracing the journey to deepen your understanding of alpine terrains. Joe Elliston discuss Initial Ascent's durable and versatile pack systems, introducing new products like the Scout bag and Sawtooth duffel bags. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Hard Yards Hunting Initial Ascent Packs Cold Bow Challenge 2026 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 [email protected]   [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app]

Cody Schroeder with a Nevada Mule Deer Buck Nevada might be one of the most interesting mule deer states in the West, and in this episode, Nevada's Cody Schroeder joins the Rokcast to explain what’s happening on the ground with Silver State mule deer. From drought cycles and winterkill to buck ratios, tag allocations, and feral horses, this conversation digs deep into the trade-offs shaping modern mule deer management. We break down why Nevada manages for some of the highest buck-to-doe ratios in the West, why hunters continue pushing for even older age class deer, and what that means for opportunity moving forward. Cody also explains Nevada’s unique season structures, bonus point system, mandatory harvest reporting, and why some of the hardest tags in the state can still be brutally difficult hunts despite producing old bucks. The conversation also dives into the realities of managing mule deer in an arid state. We cover spring and fall fawn surveys, migration corridor work, wildlife crossings, drought concerns heading into 2026, and the massive challenge Nevada faces with feral horse populations on the landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how weather, predators, habitat, and hunting pressure all collide to shape deer hunting in Nevada, this episode gives you a candid look behind the curtain. Along the way, Cody shares stories from his own Nevada sheep hunt, thoughts on why hunters should still swing for the fences in the draw, and a reminder that hunting memories with family matter a whole lot more than waiting for “perfect” conditions. 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

This episode is a deep dive into pronghorn hunting with Chance Marshall of Extreme Outfitters, a Wyoming-based guide who’s spent nearly two decades chasing and helping clients kill big antelope. We cover everything from how his family built their outfitting business to why pronghorn are one of the most misunderstood animals in the West. If you’ve mostly hunted deer or elk, this conversation will open your eyes to how different pronghorn really are, especially when it comes to behavior, visibility, and how they use the landscape.  A big chunk of this episode focuses on field judging, which is where most hunters get tripped up. Chance breaks down why mass matters more than length, how prong placement affects score, and why so many “good-looking” bucks end up being average once you walk up to them. We also get into practical strategies for actually finding better bucks, whether that’s covering ground early season, glassing large groups later in the year, or learning how certain areas consistently produce mature animals. We also dig into timing and tactics, including when pronghorn are most predictable, how the rut can actually make big bucks harder to kill, and what approaches work best for both rifle and archery hunters. There’s a lot of real-world insight here on spot-and-stalk versus waterhole setups, how to recover after blowing a stalk, and why pronghorn hunting is one of the best ways to sharpen your overall western hunting skills.  To wrap it up, Chance shares a few standout stories from the field, including one of the wildest pronghorn ever taken, and we touch on Wyoming draw strategy and what it realistically takes to hunt quality units. Whether you’re planning your first antelope hunt or trying to level up and be more selective, this episode gives you a much clearer picture of how to approach pronghorn hunting the right way. 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

Discover how Bill Vanderheyden debunks myths about long-distance accuracy with science-backed insights. Learn how intelligent design and aerodynamic research can transform your bowhunting precision. This episode covers key factors like vein size, arrow spine, and airflow to optimize your gear for consistent, lethal results. Perfect for bowhunters ready to unlock their setup's true potential and hunt with confidence. Phil Francone with Meindl USA jumps on to talk boots. Followed by Cervara Gear new innovative ultra lite pulley setup. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Iron Will Outfitters Iron Will YouTube Meindl USA Cervara Gear Cold Bow Challenge 2026 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 [email protected]   [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app]

In this episode, Jaden Bales sits down with Luke Schultz to break down elk diets, habitat preferences, and how food availability shapes where elk live, move, and survive. Luke brings a unique perspective as a habitat-focused biologist who also spends plenty of time in the field hunting and scouting. They cover the difference between elk and deer diets, why elk thrive across the West, and how hunters can use plant knowledge to make better decisions in the field. This isn’t about becoming a botanist, it’s about paying attention and stacking small advantages to put you in elk.  The guys also hit a quick Wyoming herd update and talk about what current habitat conditions could mean for the next few seasons. If you’ve ever wondered why elk are in one basin and not the next, this one will help connect the dots and hopefully put more of them in your optics next fall.  If you want to follow along with Luke’s thread about “Plants Elk Hunters Should Know” here on the Rokslide forum. Learn about the upcoming Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Meeting 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

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a growing threat to wildlife in North America. This episode explores the disease's persistence in the environment and its impact on elk and mule deer populations. Jessica Jennings from Wyoming’s Wildlife Health Lab explains how CWD spreads and the challenges in managing it. They discuss new surveillance methods and the role of hunters and landowners in early detection. Advances like the RT-QUIC test offer hope for detecting CWD in live animals, potentially transforming management strategies. Experts Hank Edwards and Justin Binfet highlight the importance of proactive management and ongoing research into vaccines and environmental solutions. This episode is crucial for anyone interested in wildlife conservation. It emphasizes the need for immediate action and community involvement to combat CWD and protect North America's deer and elk populations. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Muley Fanatic Foundation Monteith shop fund raiser Luke Schultz's Rokslide article on identifying deer habitat 2026 cold-bow-challenge rules 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 [email protected]   [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app]

PC @bbrown What does 2026 hold for Wyoming's mule deer hunters? Are mule deer populations in Wyoming declining? What environmental factors are influencing their numbers and health? If you're a hunter, wildlife enthusiast, or concerned citizen, understanding the health and trends of mule deer can help you make informed decisions and advocate for conservation. In this episode, we dive into a detailed discussion with biologist Jeff Short, who provides expert insights into mule deer ecology, population trends, threats, and management strategies in Wyoming. Followed by Davis Tent and their latest innovations.  Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Muley Fanatic Foundation Monteith shop fund raiser Davis Tent Luke Schultz's Rokslide article on identifying deer habitat 2026 cold-bow-challenge rules 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 [email protected]   [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app]

In this compelling episode, Angi Bruce—Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Director and seasoned conservation biologist—shares the blueprint for a groundbreaking Mule Deer Conservation Strategy. She reveals how decades of efforts have plateaued, despite hundreds of millions already spent on habitat improvement, wildlife crossings, and research. The question is: what’s next when traditional methods hit their limit? Angi introduces a bold playbook that includes securing over $250 million in combined funding annually—targeted investments in habitat, invasive species control, and coordinated land use plans—to truly scale conservation. Wyoming's Mule Deer Conservation Strategy PDF Rokslide Mule Deer Forum Muley Fanatic Foundation 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 [email protected]   [ 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’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