Rokcast

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...

Want to kill giant bulls? Keep listening as most hunters underestimate how much effective elk hunting depends on understanding seasonal patterns, long-term intel, and strategic patience. Ryan Carter from DC Outfitters reveals behind-the-scenes tactics that have consistently put trophy bulls in the spotlight, including how they target and outsmart these elusive giants amid Utah’s ever-changing rule...

Our friend, Jordan Budd returns to the Rokcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from a great 2025 spring bear hunt to big mule deer to building a hunting system you can trust when the pressure is on. Jordan starts us off by sharing updates on ranch life in Nebraska, elk management, upcoming mule deer and antelope hunts, and the lessons she's learned from years of western hunting...

Sam Weaver delves into Wyoming wildlife conservation at Mule Deer Days. John Eddins discusses successful wildlife crossings that reduce deer-vehicle collisions by 80%, focusing on projects near Kemmer and Pinedale. Macy Jacobson highlights the crucial role of beavers in restoring ecosystems and supporting habitats for big game. Braden Tethal, Aiden Ray, and Luke Schultz share their mission to prov...

Discover Washington State’s hidden hunting gems with Karie Thomas. This episode offers valuable insights into hunting regulations, scouting tactics, and essential gear tips for women. Karie shares transformative stories of mentorship and conservation, highlighting hunting's role in healing and community building. Perfect for hunters eager to explore new terrains and deepen their connection with na...

Most hunters spend plenty of time thinking about tags, gear, optics, rifles, bows, and where to find animals. Far fewer spend time learning how to take care of themselves when things don't go according to plan. In this episode, Jaden sits down with retired Navy diver, survival instructor, and Sitka’s big game product development lead, John Barklow to talk about the often-overlooked skills that kee...

Unlock precision shooting secrets to elevate your hunting and competitive game without breaking the bank. Whether you're experienced or new, this episode shows how competitive shooting enhances skills and decision-making. Dan Bertocchini and Justin Crossley explore how match scenarios mimic real hunting challenges, teaching ethical shot placement and gear refinement. Discover how competition boost...

Longtime Rokslide writer, film host, and friend of the show, Tony Trietch, joins the Rokcast to talk about what it really takes to consistently find success out West. From giant mule deer and desert bulls to decoying rut-crazed whitetails, Tony breaks down the lessons he’s learned after decades of hunting the West as a nonresident. Tony dives into how western hunting has changed over the years, wh...

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 Colorad...

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 Initi...

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...

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 o...

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 hu...

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 hunte...

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 detect...

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 detaile...

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...

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...

Hunting mule deer in the rugged backcountry requires more than just patience and luck — it demands a deep understanding of deer behavior, smart gear choices, and tactical hunting techniques. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hunter looking to sharpen your skills, this comprehensive episode draws from expert insights and real-world experiences to help you succeed in the wilderness. Next is...

High-end hunting optics have changed a lot in the last decade. Better glass is part of the story, but the real shift is happening in how optics connect with the rest of your hunting system. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Holm from Leica to break down where optics technology is today and how hunters can actually use these tools to become more effective in the field. Ryan brings a unique pers...

James Yates and Sam Weaver delve into the Arrow Ballistic study, highlighting arrow drag and lift quantification. Uncover key findings on vein configurations and broadhead dynamics. James then dives into the upcoming 2026 arrow study focusing on FOC. Explore Phone Skope's Mag 360 innovations and Magpie Precision's suppressor seal solutions. Elevate your archery, digiscoping, and shooting skills wi...

This week we go full mule deer nerd mode on the Rokcast. We brought together a room full of big buck hunters with Travis Hobbs, Corey Dixon, Braxton Hamilton, and Robby Denning to talk buck age versus score based on the deer they’ve had aged. These aren’t guesses. Not “he looked mature on the hoof” conversations.  Everyone lab-aged their deer and the guys dive into that data from over 70 bucks, in...

Technology in hunting is advancing faster than most of us can keep up with. Thermals. Night vision. Cell trail cameras. Drones. AI filtering game cam photos. The Idaho Hunting and Advanced Technology Working Group (here) spent months wrestling with one big question: at what point does modern advantage overwhelm wildlife and erode fair chase? In this episode, Idahoans Tal Sampson and Brock Maynard...

In this episode, we explore the latest in hunting gear, apparel, and suppressor technology. Our guests from Kifaru, Unknown Suppressors, Sumet Stoves, On Glass Adapter, Bow Spider, Dead On Display, and Springbar tents share insights on their innovative products, design philosophies, and industry trends that are shaping the future of hunting equipment. Explore innovative gear and techniques for hun...

In this episode of the Rokcast, Jaden sits down with Andrew Whitney for a conversation that starts on the range and carries straight into real hunting application. We spent the day shooting rifles, testing different ammo, talking fundamentals, and then hit record while everything was still fresh. This is not a theory-heavy or internet-driven episode. It’s a grounded discussion about what actually...