Best Gear of 2025

In this episode of the Rokcast, Jaden Bales sits down with Aquila Brown, a BC hunter who flat-out earned a monster timber giant mule deer the hard way. This wasn’t some glass-a-basin-and-pick-a-buck hunt. This was thick, steep, nasty timber on an over-the-counter tag, with almost no visibility and plenty of pressure. Aquila spent close to 20 days scouting and hunting one specific buck and made the decision early that he was either killing that deer or eating the tag. We dig into how he hunted mule deer where glassing barely works. Trail cameras became his eyes in the woods, snow tracks kept him in the game, and still-hunting was the only real way to make something happen. Aquila breaks down how slow is actually “slow enough,” how he handled missing the buck by hours or a couple hundred yards, and why believing the deer was still there mattered more than anything. If you hunt dark timber, pressured OTC units, or country that just feels hopeless most days, this episode will hit home. It all comes together on the very last day of the season with a fast, offhand shot through a tiny opening in the trees. We talk about passing good bucks late in the season, trusting the process, and what it feels like when everything finally clicks after weeks of grinding. This is a real look at killing a giant mule deer on purpose, not by luck, and why sometimes the hardest hunts are the ones that stay with you forever. Listen in to learn more about hunting a Timber Giant!   You can reach out to Aquila on Rokslide at Kootenaybackwoods at https://rokslide.com/forums/members/kootenaybackwoods.78840/ or discuss this episode here https://rokslide.com/forums/forums/rokcast.129/ You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

Best Gear of 2025. Listen in as the Rokslide staff weighs in with their favorite gear of the year. Some amazing trophies hit the ground this season and these guys put it all out there. No two items are repeated, which means there is something for everyone. Tune in and find that special piece of gear you didn't even know you needed. Check out Rokslide's Homepage for the in-depth article and product links. https://www.rokslide.com/ 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

Art “the Shedaholic” Hayes joins Jaden & Robby today for a deep, story-driven dive into shed hunting that goes way beyond picking up bone. Art shares the unforgettable moment that started it all, finding a massive whitetail deadhead as a 12-year-old in Montana, and how that single day launched a lifetime obsession. From the wild early days when antlers piled up untouched on public land, to today’s reality of pressure, boot tracks, and competition, Art walks listeners through how shed hunting has changed over the last four decades. Along the way, he tells incredible stories of giant mule deer and whitetails, tracking individual bucks through years of shed finds, and what those antlers taught him about home ranges, migration, genetics, and age. The conversation digs into high-level shed hunting strategy and ethics: glassing before walking, grid patterns, working areas “backwards,” human funnels, and why low-impact shed hunting matters more now than ever. He also breaks down locating new shed areas, why big deer concentrate in surprisingly small pockets, and why chasing sheds for money doesn’t pencil out. This episode is packed with hard-earned insight from someone who’s found and documented more giant antlers than most of us will ever see, with a clear message at the end: respect wintering deer, move thoughtfully, and let shed hunting make you a better woodsman, not just a better bone collector. You can reach out to Art on Rokslide at AHayes111 at https://rokslide.com/forums/members/ahayes111.90118/ or discuss this episode here https://rokslide.com/forums/forums/rokcast.129/ You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

In this episode of Tipsy Tuesday, host Sam Weaver interviews hardcore hunter Mike Kentner, who shares his journey towards completing the Super 10 hunting challenge. Mike discusses the various species he has hunted, the challenges he faced, and the importance of preparation, equipment, and mental fortitude in hunting. He emphasizes the value of experiences over trophies and encourages listeners to pursue their hunting goals, regardless of their background or resources. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including hunting techniques, equipment choices, and the emotional highs and lows of the hunting experience. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Bow Spider-https://bowspider.com/ Kentner Taxidermy-Pavillion Wy   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 [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

Spring black bear hunting is one of the most misunderstood and hardest hunts in the West. In this episode of the Rokcast, Jaden sits down with Joe Kondelis, founder of the American Bear Foundation, to break down what it actually takes to find and hunt black bears in the spring. From early failures and lost bears to dialing in habitat, green-up, and timing, Joe shares the hard lessons that turned frustration into long-term success in the bear woods. They dig into what makes good black bear country and how spot-and-stalk and still-hunting strategies change as spring progresses. The conversation also dives deep into black bear conservation and why hunter advocacy matters now more than ever. Joe explains Wyoming’s bear quota system, groundbreaking research on bear movement and harvest vulnerability, and why mature boars are harder to kill than most hunters realize. They wrap up by talking utilizing bear meat, bear fat, and how bear hunters can use a ton of the animal. Plus, they talk about how organizations like the American Bear Foundation help protect future bear hunting opportunities. This is a practical conversation for anyone planning a spring bear hunt this winter, or wanting to better understand bears on the landscape. Links: American Bear Foundation Brown Bear Hunt Raffle >> The 6th Annual Bear Banquet in Cody, WY >> Emily Davis' Bear Research (Mentioned in the Podcast) >> You can discuss this episode with Jaden here

TT#71 kicks off with Luke Pearsall from Trail Goods Company, who shares insights into the challenges and successes of producing freeze-dried meals for hunters. Luke discusses the importance of creating meals that are both delicious and practical for backcountry adventures, bringing the comfort of home-cooked food to the wilderness, enhancing the overall experience for hunters. Next, Brad Brooks from Argali Clothing Project talks about the launch of their new technical clothing line, designed specifically for Western hunters. Brad emphasizes the need for high-quality, functional clothing that meets the demands of serious outdoor activities and shares the meticulous process behind developing their products. Finally, Dioni Amuchasti from Deadfall Designs introduces the Guardian chest plate, an innovative product designed to enhance the functionality of binocular harnesses by allowing users to mount a holster for easy access to their firearm. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Trail Goods Company-https://trailgoods.co/ Build a Freeze-dried meal- Rokslide thread Argali Clothing Project-https://argalioutdoors.com/pages/argali-clothing-project Join in the discussion-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/the-argali-clothing-project.418073/ Deadfall Designs Guardian chest plate-https://sandsarchery.com/products/guardian-chest-plate   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 [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 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

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 [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

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/

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 [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