Rokcast

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

Travis Hobbs is today's host. He dives into a recent hunt that Corey Dixon and Robby Denning just finished up. These guys may have just pulled the proverbial rabbit-out-of-the-hat.  Listen in to hear how one incredible hunt on a really big buck came together. They talk about planning migration hunts that may or may not occur during the rut, hunting solo in grizzly country, shooting a 6UM in the wind, and when to get a 10K view of deer country vs. getting in close. If you like hunting big mule deer migration, mixed in with the rut, this is an episode you can't miss. You can find Robby’s books, Hunting Big Mule Deer and The Stories on Amazon here or signed copies from the Rokslide store here

Robby hosts today’s Tipsy Tuesday while Sam is deep in the Montana woods. On the guest mic is renowned Wild Game Chef, John McGannon of Wild Eats. Hunters are not getting the best possible taste and texture from their wild game unless they are dry-aging. This is an ancient technique mostly forgotten by today's run-n-gun society. Dry-aging helps hunters achieve the best tasting wild game possible. Robby has used these techniques for almost 20 years since attending John's seminar at Western Hunt Expo back in the day. They also talk about the steps from field to table to ensure the meat is properly cared for, and some hunter hacks to use if you don't have a walk-in cooler. Give it a listen and if you like what you hear, you can read more on John's website here https://www.wildeats.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

Robby hosts today's hunting big mule deer episode with a few of his buck-huntin' friends, Travis Hobbs & Corey Dixon. Rumor has it that Travis broke his 2-year slump on big mule deer. They break down what it took and share a few things they've learned about hunting big mule deer that could help you. See the score sheet at https://www.rokslide.com/category/podcast/ Then Corey and Robby give a run-down on hunting mid-October big mule deer.  While you can leave your kill-kit at home for many of these hunts, they can also turn on a dime if you have some big bucks pre-scouted...listen in for the whole hunt story. They talk about the logistics of horse packing, picking campsites, keeping a big camp running, and if only seeing one nice buck in a week is worth it. 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

In this Tipsy Tuesday, Sam Weaver and Jordan Budd delve into the world of whitetail hunting, focusing on the saddle hunters latest gear and techniques. They discuss the transition from guiding to personal hunting, the advantages of using saddle hunting systems, along with the importance of comfort and mobility in the tree. The conversation also covers efficient packing strategies, the learning curve associated with saddle hunting, and the new gear offerings from First Light tailored for whitetail hunters. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Kifaru Hell Bender thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/kifaru-hellbender-my-pick-for-the-most-versatile-whitetail-pack.424671/ First Lite Source Vest review-https://www.rokslide.com/first-lite-source-vest-and-origin-pant-review/ Tethrd starter kit-https://tethrd.com/products/phantom-complete-starter-kit 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