TT#58 Scouting Mature Bucks with Brad Carter

Tipsy Tuesday #58 Scouting Mature Bucks with Brad Carter owner of Altitude Outdoors in Afton Wyoming. The love of Wyoming's high country Mule deer inspired Brad to venture deep into the mountains, inspiring a whole collection of light weight products. Scouting mature bucks in the preseason has enabled Brad to harvest older age class bucks nearly every year. Brad shares his scouting preparation and secrets in today's Tipsy Tuesday. We then are joined by Kyle Sandusky to take us though Howard's Total Vise Legacy Bow Press and Ultimate Bow Vise. Sam then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. MTN HNTR- https://mtnhntr.com/ Ultralight Tripod review- https://www.rokslide.com/ultralight-tripods-tested-and-reviewed/ Howard's Total Vise- https://totalvise.com/shop/archery-tools/legacy-bow-press/ Rokslide Total Vise Review- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/howards-total-vise-system.395493/ Cold Bore Challenge-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge.408693/ Cold Bore Challenge Q&A thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge-q-a-thread.403820/ 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

Robby hosts Sean Clancy & Art Hayes from Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity. These guys are common-sense Montana residents looking for ways to get better Montana mule deer hunting.  And no, they don't hate non-residents! The Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity is a group of concerned hunters, landowners and outfitters looking at ways to change the existing season structure in Montana to address problems as seen by hunters and landowners. You can link their website https://mtseasonproposal.blog/ to view the data and documents. In this episode, they discuss what avenues there are to improve Montana mule deer hunting, and increase an individual hunter's chance at seeing older age class bucks.  They share wildlife data and look at potential biases in interpreting this data. The Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity recognize the importance of using incentives and season dates to improve hunting vs. just creating more and more limited opportunity hunts. This episode will help all hunters--resident and non-resident--understand the dynamics of hunting big mule deer in Montana. If you'd like to learn more, or get involved, you can email Sean at [email protected]. To participate in the season setting process, meetings are occurring now with their conclusion in December.  Link here for more information: FWP’s Biennial Hunting Season-setting Process Begins In June | Montana FWP We recently hosted Brian Wakeling from Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks talking about the department's approach to these same issues. You can listen to that episode here https://www.rokslide.com/charting-a-future-for-montana-mule-deer or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. 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

Tipsy Tuesday #57 is Bear defense with Justin Rasmussen of Razco. Justin discusses firearms vs spray and where each shines in deterring an attack, along with the best practice techniques and along with insight on keying into a bear's body language. We jump into Rokslide's Cold Bore Challenge with Justin Crossley. Travis Hobbs covers drought and fire conditions and how to see if they'll impact your hunting unit. All the details of G5 Outdoors newest release with Caleb Sorrells. Tyler Kath of T&K Hunting Gear outlines his company's mission and showcases a few products. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Razco- https://www.razcogear.com/ Razco Bear Defense Basics video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHLM-pX3emA Bear Spray vs Bullets video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnfB4ZL9JTc Cold Bore Challenge-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge.408693/ Prime FORM 30 Bow- https://www.g5prime.com/prime-archery-hunting-bows/form-30/ T&K Hunting Gear- https://tandkhunting.com/ T&K 3.1 Binocular Harness review- https://www.rokslide.com/tk-gen-3-1-bino-harness-review/ Cold Bore Challenge Q&A thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge-q-a-thread.403820/ 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

On today's episode of the Rokcast, Robby hosts Don Whittaker, Ungulate Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Don is on the forefront of redesigning Oregon's Wildlife Management Units to align with the latest research on Oregon mule deer herds.  These new "herd units" will replace the former unit boundaries and allow Oregon's wildlife professionals to better manage mule deer.  This is cutting-edge wildlife managament that other western states are likely to adopt as we learn more about mule deer and how they utilize a wide range of habitats across North America. A few of the talking points Don & Robby cover: Why is the change necessary? New naming system Larger hunt areas Fewer total hunts Tag adjustments Landowner preference tags Preference points Proposed hunts and tag numbers will be available online in July 2025 What about whitetails and elk—are there hunt areas changing? What about management objectives? MOs for population and buck:doe ratios were restructured to align with herd range Learn more on Oregon mule deer at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife here https://myodfw.com/articles/eastern-oregon-deer-hunts 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 also 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/

Tipsy Tuesday#56 Pushing Yourself to Do Hard Things with Dustin Diefenderfer. Dustin Diefenderfer creator of MTN TOUGH challenges us to Do Hard Things every day. Dustin goes into the science behind some of MTN TOUGH's workout programs, explains the four pillars of a balanced lifestyle and takes us though last year's epic Ibex hunt. Jordan Budd introduces the Kifaru Hoodlum generation 2 backpack, then compares and contrasts it to the original bag. Then Brigham Crane gives a deep drive into Outdoor Vitals new and exciting offerings. Ken Trapp from Salmon River Solutions covers their NRL and PRS shooting accessories in this episode. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Delayed Ibex hunt video- https://youtu.be/FjALfOCF_2I MTNTOUGH free trial- MTNTOUGH Rockslide's free trial Kifaru- https://kifaru.net/collections/packs Kifaru Hoodlum - Rokslide review thread Hoodlum review Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvz0Q8T6sXg Outdoor Vitals review thread- OV updates and release information signup Outdoor Vitals review thread- OV Rokslide review thread Salmon River Solutions-https://www.salmonriversolutions.com/ Cold Bore Challenge Q&A thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge-q-a-thread.403820/   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

Today's bonus episode is from the Hunt West Podcast by Jaden Bales Jaden and Robby dive into old school deer hunting tactics that too many hunters might not think about. The West is primed for a big growth in mule deer populations, though mature buck numbers in a lot of places are pretty low right now - let alone big special ones. On the back of this, hunters will need to think outside of the box to find bucks in places other hunters are not able to find them. How does someone do that? Topics discussed:  Adapting to Changing Hunter Habits Big Bucks in Easy to Glass Places vs. Thick Country. Are deer drives something guys should consider for big bucks? How to practice when long shots aren’t your game plan. Tracking: How’s a guy do it? How’s a guy get good at it? and more on old school deer hunting tactics. You can find Jaden's podcast and more at https://huntwestplanning.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 also 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/

Robby hosts this multi-topic episode. Front and center is his review on the 2013 book: "Blood in the Tracks: A Mule Deer Manifesto" by Jim Collyer.  Robby shares some of the highlights of this great mule deer book on today's episodes. Jim Collyer spent 40 years hunting mule deer before he penned this book, and it shows. Jim has a deep experience hunting mule deer and this book can help anyone in their pursuit. Most mule deer books focus on high country/spot & stalk, but Jim writes about hunting in the timber and some of the old school tactics, like tracking--tactics that are more conducive to pursuing big mule deer living in the thicker country. Jim also dives into the proper mindset a successful mule deer hunter must adapt. Robby also shares some good news on the mule deer front: Idaho bringing back some opportunity previously lost to the hard winters of late. He wraps up the episode with a story about the first buck he ever killed after finding him in the preseason, nearly 60 days earlier. While that was over 30 years ago, the lessons learned still hold true. You can find Blood in the Tracks on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Tracks-Mule-Deer-Manifesto/dp/1470168987/ref=sr_1_1?crid=122KRBHUZO9TR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vqGr53Lp4718mhtPCtoyH7c6UbJEbXvxgytHS2yK9JtI66KDQ1iqyXKZvzTkyGqjtIj2KtbbyR35EW5mUWAoCQ.332x0vWwaPX-YUHQSdny2CQF8cXl1AQdUqKdueHF5t0&dib_tag=se&keywords=mule+deer+manifesto&qid=1747323379&sprefix=mule+deer+manifesto%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-1 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 also 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/

Tipsy Tuesday#55 Hunting New Zealand with Spartan Precision's Rob Gearing. Rob takes us along his latest New Zealand hunting adventure, going though some of the terrain challenges and equipment necessary to be successful. Rob also introduces Spartan Precision Equipment's newest and most affordable offering the Javelin Lite.  Then Stephen Follett of LS Wild hunting gear takes a deep drive into all their new and exciting offerings. Barrels, Suppressor covers, Knives and Shooting bags are covered this episode. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Spartan Precision Equipment-https://javelinbipod.com/ LS Wild Hunting Gear-https://www.lswild.com/ Dixie Zipper thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/help-finalize-the-dixie-zipper-mini-cbk-for-a-group-buy.393007/ LS Wild Suppressor Covers thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/ls-wild-suppressor-covers.399929/ Cold Bore Challenge Q&A thread- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bore-challenge-q-a-thread.403820/ Rokslide's Cold Bow Challenge- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bow-challenge.397922/ SCI Fund raising Raffle for COLORADANS FOR RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT- https://raffles.scicolorado.org/   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

Randy Larsen, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at BYU is today's guest. A frequent contributor to the Rokcast, Randy brings a depth of knowledge to wildlife management, especially when it comes to mule deer. On today's episode, Robby and Randy dive into these topics Buck Survival: what percentage of bucks in the population do hunters really harvest? And are the numbers different in general vs. draw units? Collared Buck Harvest: Are hunters avoiding shooting radio collared bucks? Impact of Buck:Doe Ratios on population dynamics, female condition, fawn recruitment Fawn weights across Utah units Follow Randy Larsen super interesting Instagram page at 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 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/

Tipsy Tuesday #54 Selecting the right arrow with Jace Johnson. Jace's inside knowledge of arrow manufacturing highlights some of the nuances of carbon arrows. We chase down some rabbit holes and learn what is truly important when picking the right arrow. Then Caleb Sorrels from G5 Outdoors talks broadheads, bows, and Montana Rifle Company. Seek Outside's Ryan Sapena takes us though the 2.0 shelter and more. Justus Nielsen from Kings Camo covers some XKG favorites. Howard Mee walks us though how to enter Rokslide.com Cold Bow Challenge. Sam then shifts the talk toward the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and recaps the latest Western news. Rokslide's Cold Bow Challenge- https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2025-cold-bow-challenge.397922/ G5 Outdoors-https://www.g5outdoors.com/ Montana Rifle Company review thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/montana-rifle-company-marshall-field-evaluations.394772/ Seek Outside-https://seekoutside.com/tipi-tents/ Kings Camo-https://www.kingscamo.com/collections/xkg-series SCI Fund raising Raffle for COLORADANS FOR RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT- https://raffles.scicolorado.org/   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