The Tooth Tells the Truth: Aging Deer, Elk, and Bears

How old is that buck or bull, really? Jaden visits Matson’s Laboratory in Manhattan, Montana, to sit down with lab manager A.J. Stephens and learn how wildlife teeth are used to determine the ages of deer, elk, bears, and other mammals. A.J. explains how cementum age analysis works, why wildlife agencies send thousands of teeth to the lab, and why the method is especially valuable for understanding the age structure of an entire population. They also dig into the limitations of aging an individual animal and why antler size, body size, trail-camera history, and tooth wear can sometimes fool even experienced hunters. The conversation includes some wild examples from the lab, including two similar-looking Montana mule deer that were 2½ and 5½ years old, a giant Montana bull that was only six, a bull that lived to 21 and died of old age, and an Alaska brown bear that was still raising a yearling at 40. They also discuss hunter selection bias, whether passing a young animal really guarantees another opportunity, and why age is only one part of what makes a hunt meaningful. If you want Matson’s Lab to age one of your animals, remove one or preferably both front lower incisors, place them in a labeled paper envelope, and include your contact information. Paper is the key word here. Nobody at the lab wants to open a sealed plastic bag containing a rotten jaw. Matson’s Laboratory: https://matsonslab.com/ Use promo code ROKCAST for 10% off your submission.

Sam Weaver talks with Drew Foster and Todd Harney of Allterra Arms about the rifle system that turns one shot into total confidence. They discuss building a precision rifle system, why in-house manufacturing matters, and how their half-inch accuracy guarantee works. They also cover the Answer X folding stock, carbon barrel challenges, and why Allterra now provides ammo, scope mounting, and validation as part of a turnkey hunting setup. Next Howard Mee reviews Kifaru’s new clothing lineup, focusing on what actually matters in the field: comfort, durability, breathability, and how each piece performs in real hunting and outdoor conditions. He breaks down the merino layers, the Rome cross layer, the Point synthetic jacket, and the Pass Breaker and Torlander pants, highlighting what stands out and where each item fits best across the season. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Allterra Arms Allterra Carbon Barrels video Kifaru Clothing Review Kifaru Apparel 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]

This episode of the Rockcast features some of our favorite mule deer hunting guys, including Rokslide’s Robbie Denning, Travis Hobbs, Corey Dixon, and the show co-host Jaden Bales. They talk about summer scouting, what they've seen this year, and bucks they've checked up on from previous years. They also dive into how someone in the Rocky Mountain West can find success when they're chasing pre-scouted bucks during the hunting season.  As every good mule deer podcast does, it also meanders into some old stories of the ones that got away and some that didn't to help illustrate points, too. The guys also talk about an ethical dilemma with a giant mule deer and a trail camera image that was shared. Then, they touch on some of the newest in optical technology with stabilized optics. Whether you’re looking at the new Blaance optics from Swarovski or the popular Zulu series from Sig Sauer, the guys tackle the question: Are stabilized optics worth it? Stick around to the end of this episode, and you will find out. Whether you're a die-hard mule deer hunter or someone just hoping to increase the odds of success on your western hunting trips this year, there's something for everybody in this episode. 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

This episode covers elk trail camera scouting with guide Hunter McGuire. Hunter shares how he finds better camera spots, tracks elk through changing water and feed conditions, and turns scouting photos into a real hunting plan. He and Sam also cover camera setup, protecting gear, managing cards and batteries, and quickly judging bull elk in the field. Later, Kev Harlander from Tactacam breaks down new Reveal 4.0 X and Pro camera features, including longer battery life, solar power, sharper images, GPS tracking, and wind data—tools designed to help hunters gather more useful information with fewer trips into the field. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. DC Outfitters Tactacam Reveal How to kill giant bulls with Ryan Carter 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]

Today's host is Robby Denning. He recently attended the triennial Nevada Mule Deer Summit held in Ely, Nevada July 23rd-25th, 2026. The Summit hosted a plethora of wildlife professionals speaking on everything about mule deer Mule Deer Survival Migrations Mule deer response to fires (this one was super interesting) Population Densities Predation Hunting for a better future Competition between elk and deer The downside of high Buck:Doe ratios and so much more. Speakers included Kevin Monteith of the Monteith Shop, Randy Larsen of BYU, and Toby Boudreau of Idaho Fish and Game.  All of these speakers have been guests on the Rokcast. Besides these, at least 10 other wildlife professionals shared how the various Western wildlife agencies are working to ensure a future for mule deer. One of these, Cody Schroeder of Nevada Division of Wildlife stepped up to the Rokcast mic to discuss his topic for the Summit: "Understanding the Primary Drivers of Mule Deer Survival in Nevada".  This is Cody's 2nd time on the Rokcast (his episode on Nevada Mule Deer Management Trade-offs is here https://www.ndow.org/) So listen in to understand how Nevada's mule deer can recover from this latest downturn.  We saw a similar population decline in the early 1980s, but by the later years of that decade, Nevada herds were peaking again. Cody shares what it takes to get a mule deer herd growing and thriving again. 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

Rokcast co-host Jaden Bales sits down with Makeda Hanson, Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, to explore what GPS collar data is teaching biologists about wildlife movement across Utah. Utah has collared thousands of animals and collected roughly 80 million location points from mule deer, elk, pronghorn and other species. That data helps researchers understand where animals spend each season, how they move between seasonal ranges and which habitats become especially important during drought, deep snow and wildfire. The conversation also covers what collared deer are revealing about their response to Utah’s recent wildfires, along with a Paunsaugunt buck that made an impressive jump between two and three years old. The young three-point returned as a wide four-point carrying several extras, giving researchers a rare, verified look at how quickly an individual buck can change. Most importantly, this episode shows how migration research becomes real conservation work. Better data guides habitat restoration, fence modifications, wildlife crossings and future development decisions. Hunters can help by reporting roadkill, identifying problem fences and participating in land-use planning—because healthier herds depend on protecting the places wildlife need to survive and move. You can learn more about Utah’s Wildlife Migration Initative at wildlifemigration.utah.gov Thanks to Makeda for taking the time to share this awesome information with us. 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

This conversation centers on Finding Nowhere, the hunting and storytelling series that climbed to #4 on Prime Video in Canada, a signal of both audience interest and cultural relevance. Joel and Ryan Primus talk about how the show blends hunting, mentorship, conservation, and the emotional reality of trying to capture something meaningful on film without losing the experience itself. A key part of the discussion is the positives and negatives of filming a show: the joy of sharing the outdoors and telling a richer story versus the way cameras can pull you out of the moment and make the hunt feel more like work. They also explore how British Columbia’s landscape shapes the series, why the show resonates with both hunters and non-hunters, and how the project evolved from a personal idea into a widely watched story. Then Kyle Sandusky reviews the 2025 Prime Divide bow and highlights why it impresses so much. The main takeaways are its lightweight carbon-and-aluminum riser, center-grip design for better balance, comfortable cold-weather Nano Grip, easy tuning with strong arrow flight, and Prime’s dealer-backed warranty/support program. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Finding Nowhere show Prime Divide Bow Review 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]

This week on the Rokcast, co-host Jaden Bales sits down with his friend Jason West, a former sponsored backcountry skier turned diehard hunter, llama packer, physical therapist, and mule deer advocate. Jason shares the full story of a spring black bear hunt that turned into a life-or-death encounter with a charging grizzly. He breaks down the warning signs, the first charge that his dog Odin helped deflect, and the 10mm handgun shot that stopped the bear at just 18 yards. They also talk about preparing for emergencies in grizzly country, practicing with the firearm you actually carry, and how Jason stayed calm when things got western. The conversation wraps up with Jason’s work through the Wyoming Mule Deer Alliance, efforts to protect the Sublette mule deer migration corridor, and his new physical therapy practice focused on keeping hunters strong and capable for years to come. After the main episode, stick around for a bonus conversation with Lyle Hebel from MTNTOUGH. Jaden and Lyle cover the new Preseason Prep 3.0 program, upcoming training for hunters over 50, the Army Fitness Test program, updates to the MTNTOUGH+ app, and the Tough Sheep and Tough Buck conservation events. If you want to keep the Sublette Mule Deer Migration Corridor the way it is, learn more and comment on this BLM mountain biking trail proposal found here >>  Wyoming Mule Deer AllianceEmail: [email protected] can request talking points or information about becoming involved. Wild Strength Physical TherapyEmail: [email protected] Wild Works Precision Hunting SolutionsEmail: [email protected]

This episode explores how hunters can communicate the value of hunting to non-hunters in a way that builds understanding instead of conflict. Sam Weaver and John Radzwilla of Hook and Barrel Magazine discuss how to talk about hunting, conservation, food, travel, and outdoor culture with people outside the hunting community. They also share stories about memorable hunts, the role of print magazines in a digital world, and why shared interests can bridge very different backgrounds. At its core, this episode is about preserving hunting by expanding the conversation. John explains how Hook and Barrel Magazine helps introduce more people to the outdoor lifestyle through storytelling, education, and relatable content that connects hunting with travel, food, fitness, adventure, and modern culture. Afterwards discover how Iron Will's new SLR broadhead’s aerodynamic design reduces drag and lifts forces by up to 50%, making it incredibly forgiving—even if your bow isn’t perfectly tuned. Bill Vanderheyden shares the secret behind their years of fluid dynamic modeling to optimize accuracy at speeds exceeding 400 feet per second, from crossbows to high-powered bows. Whether you’re shooting at 40 or 100 yards, this broadhead's remarkable stability and low-force penetration ensure pass-throughs on big game like elk and deer, even at extended ranges. Closing out Brandon Allred talks through how AKEK packs started as a family business, how the packs have evolved over time, and what makes them stand out, including adjustable fit, included accessories, meat shelf carry options, quick-release weapon storage, and a try-before-you-buy program. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Hook and Barrel Magazine SLR Broadheads AKEK Packs AKEK Striker Review 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]

Our Rokcast co-host, Jaden Bales spends a lot of time diving into the nuts and bolts of western hunting through his own Hunt West Podcast. While the Rokcast is focused on episodes of the most experienced hunters in the industry and the latest big game research across the West, The Hunt West Podcast is a place where Jaden and his guests unpack the systems and lessons they’ve learned through guiding, hunt planning, and hundreds of days spent chasing mule deer and elk across the West. This episode has become one of the most popular in the Hunt West catalog, and we thought it was worth bringing over to the Rokcast feed because it's timely, and the ideas translate no matter where you hunt. Whether you're planning your first western adventure or you've been doing this for decades, there's value in stepping back and thinking about how animals use country and how we can become better at finding them through scouting fundamentals. Rather than focusing on specific locations, this conversation is about developing a framework for scouting. Jaden walks through the way he thinks about terrain, animal behavior, seasonal movements, and hunting pressure, all with the goal of helping hunters become more confident when they step into unfamiliar country. Along the way, he shares stories that shaped his own approach. He talks about finding three bucks during a July scouting trip and helping a friend kill one of those same deer three months later. He discusses the frustration of chasing a target buck that seemed to disappear, only to discover it had been living within a few hundred yards of its summer range the entire time. He also explains why scouting for mule deer often centers around individual bucks, while scouting for elk is more about finding cows and understanding how entire herds move across the landscape. The conversation covers everything from high-country basins and fresh burns to sagebrush deserts and pinyon-juniper country. You'll hear why some meadows consistently produce elk while others don't, how hunting pressure changes where animals spend their time, and why understanding bedding areas, travel corridors, and feed is often more important than simply finding animals once. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your scouting this summer or just enjoy hearing how another hunter breaks down country, we think you'll find something useful in this crossover episode from the Hunt West Podcast. Check out the Hunt West Podcast here >> 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