Rokcast

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 open your eyes to how different pronghorn really are, especially when it comes to behavior, visibility, and how they use the landscape. A big chunk of this episode focuses on field judging, which is where most hunters get tripped up. Chance breaks down why mass matters more than length, how prong placement affects score, and why so many “good-looking” bucks end up being average once you walk up to them. We also get into practical strategies for actually finding better bucks, whether that’s covering ground early season, glassing large groups later in the year, or learning how certain areas consistently produce mature animals. We also dig into timing and tactics, including when pronghorn are most predictable, how the rut can actually make big bucks harder to kill, and what approaches work best for both rifle and archery hunters. There’s a lot of real-world insight here on spot-and-stalk versus waterhole setups, how to recover after blowing a stalk, and why pronghorn hunting is one of the best ways to sharpen your overall western hunting skills. To wrap it up, Chance shares a few standout stories from the field, including one of the wildest pronghorn ever taken, and we touch on Wyoming draw strategy and what it realistically takes to hunt quality units. Whether you’re planning your first antelope hunt or trying to level up and be more selective, this episode gives you a much clearer picture of how to approach pronghorn hunting the right way. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app If you want to get your animals aged, consider using new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.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

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 hunters can use plant knowledge to make better decisions in the field. This isn’t about becoming a botanist, it’s about paying attention and stacking small advantages to put you in elk. The guys also hit a quick Wyoming herd update and talk about what current habitat conditions could mean for the next few seasons. If you’ve ever wondered why elk are in one basin and not the next, this one will help connect the dots and hopefully put more of them in your optics next fall. If you want to follow along with Luke’s thread about “Plants Elk Hunters Should Know” here on the Rokslide forum. Learn about the upcoming Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Meeting here. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app If you want to get your animals aged, consider using new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.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

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 detailed discussion with biologist Jeff Short, who provides expert insights into mule deer ecology, population trends, threats, and management strategies in Wyoming. Followed by Davis Tent and their latest innovations. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Muley Fanatic Foundation Monteith shop fund raiser Davis Tent Luke Schultz's Rokslide article on identifying deer habitat 2026 cold-bow-challenge rules 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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app]

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 the board depending on elevation, and why a “low snow year” doesn’t automatically mean bad hunting. One of the biggest takeaways: snowpack is just one piece of the puzzle. Fall moisture, soil saturation, and especially what happens in June and early July matter way more than most hunters realize. In fact, wildfire season in the Northern Rockies is driven far more by early summer heat and lack of precipitation than by how much snow fell in January. We also walk through what’s happening regionally right now. Montana and parts of Wyoming are hanging in there with decent snowpack, while Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico are staring at historically low levels. Oregon’s in a tough spot too. But even in those places, soil moisture and spring weather could still shift the outlook before fall. From a hunting standpoint, this conversation really comes down to how animals respond to moisture. In wet years, feed is everywhere and animals scatter. In dry years, they concentrate around limited water and quality forage. Neither is “better,” but they require completely different strategies. To learn more about west-wide snowpack & precipitation, visit the NRCS website here. If you want to keep an eye on the drought monitor, check out the U.S. drought monitor map here. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app If you want to get your animals aged, consider using new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.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

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 perspective as both a hunter and someone who has spent his career around high-performance gear. We dive into what separates top-tier optics companies, why glass quality matters for low-light performance, and how modern optics are starting to integrate with things like ballistic solvers, weather meters, and mapping apps. This conversation is more about understanding what these tools can do and how hunters can take advantage of them than anything. We also talk through practical optics setups for different styles of hunting, from archery elk hunts in tight country to long-range rifle hunts for mule deer in big open terrain. Ryan also shares some simple but often overlooked tips that can dramatically improve your ability to get accurate ranges in the field. Stabilizing your rangefinder, using tripods, understanding beam divergence settings, and properly calibrating the compass in modern rangefinding binoculars can make the difference between a confident shot and bad data. If you’ve ever struggled to get a clean range in brush, timber, or broken terrain, this episode will help you understand why and how to fix it. If you want to become a better hunter behind the glass and get more reliable information before the shot, this conversation is worth your time. To learn more about the technology & optics discussed in the podcast, visit the Leica website here. Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app If you want to get your animals aged, consider using new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.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

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, including 15 that grossed 200 inches or better. What we found might surprise you. Most of the biggest deer weren’t ancient. They were five- and six-year-old bucks. Some giants were only three. And some grandpa bucks at seven- and eight-years-old barely cracked the 160s. We dive into what tooth aging has taught us about judging bucks on the hoof, the myth of regression, how hard winters really affect antler growth, and why security matters more than limited tags. If you care about big mule deer, management, or just want to know how old your buck really was and some tips to find out, this one’s for you. To learn more about tooth aging, visit matsonslab.com To join the Rokslide Forum conversation on lab-aging, click here https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/how-old-was-he-really-big-buck-hunters-talk-age-vs-score.442710/#post-4597670 Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app And please welcome new Rokcast sponsor, Matson's Lab. Matson's is the go-to for lab-aging your wild game and used by everyone on this episode. See all they do at https://matsonslab.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

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 hunting, camping, and outdoor adventures. From suppressors and stoves to skull mounts and tents, learn how top brands are enhancing your outdoor experience. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. 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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ 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, Sam Weaver hosts Henry Ferguson to discuss his recent moose hunting experience. They delve into the preparation, challenges, and the importance of community support in hunting. Henry shares insights on scouting, equipment testing, and the emotional journey of hunting, culminating in a successful moose hunt. Then Dave Cameron shares his head-to-head titanium suppressor show down. Find out which suppressor came out on top for the best back country hunting suppressor. Chris Neville, co-founder of Rough Ridge Stove Company, shares all about their innovative all-in-one cook system designed specifically for backcountry hunters. The inspiration behind the product, detailing the frustrations that led to its creation and the unique design features that set it apart from existing options. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news. Colorado Bowhunter Association-https://coloradobowhunting.org/ Badland Game bags-https://www.badlandsgear.com/products/badlands-game-bags Titanium Suppressor Review-https://www.rokslide.com/titanium-suppressor-shootout/ Titanium Suppressor comment thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/results-are-in-reaper-vs-airlock-vs-ptr-vent-1-vs-nomad-ti-xc-vs-dd-enticer-lti-titanium-shootout.427266/ Zero Gravity suppressor review thread-https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/airlock-industries-zero-gravity-7mm-suppressor-field-test-and-review.426778/ Roughridge Stove Co-https://roughridgestove.com/ 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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ 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 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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ 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 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 Sam@Rokslide.com [ Rokcast is powered by onX Hunt. For 20% off, use Promo Code “Rokcast” at onX Hunt here https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app