In this episode, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Jason Spilker for a fun, informative conversation that covers everything from pack goats and big bucks to bad backs and The Lord of the Rings. Along the way, they share plenty of laughs, swap hunting stories, and dive into what makes backcountry hunting such a rewarding experience.

Jason also provides an update on antler growth in Southern Utah, discussing how this year's conditions are shaping up and what hunters can expect as the season approaches. Whether you're interested in mule deer behavior, scouting, or simply enjoy hearing experienced hunters talk about the West, there's something here for you.

To make things even more entertaining, Shane and Jason throw in a Lord of the Rings trivia challenge with a fun giveaway for listeners who know their Middle-earth lore. If you're a DIY western hunter, a pack goat enthusiast, or just enjoy great hunting conversations mixed with humor and friendship, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a fellow hunter.

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We are proud to announce that SKRE Gear is our official sponsor! I'll add a link to the website in the show notes below! Now about this episode! Success on mature mule deer isn't just about luck—it's about time in the field, tags in your pocket, and the experience that only comes from hunting season after season. In this episode, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with avid mule deer hunter Cody Christensen to discuss why the hunters who consistently find quality bucks aren't always the smartest or the luckiest—they're simply the ones who refuse to quit.

Cody shares how years of chasing mule deer have taught him that every tag builds knowledge, every failed stalk sharpens your skills, and every day spent in the mountains increases your odds of crossing paths with an old buck. Together, Shane and Cody dive into the value of hunting often, learning from mistakes, recognizing mature buck behavior, and staying persistent when others have packed up and gone home.

Whether you're new to mule deer hunting or have decades of experience, this conversation will remind you that success is earned through consistency, patience, and time afield. If you're passionate about DIY western hunting and chasing mature mule deer, this episode is packed with practical insights and motivation to keep hunting until the very end.

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In this episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with longtime friend and accomplished western hunter Spencer Gledhill. Shane and Spencer first connected through MonsterMuleys.com back in 2013, and over the years they've built a friendship that has included several memorable hunts together.

Spencer has harvested some incredible bull elk and outstanding mature mule deer, giving him firsthand experience with two of the West's most iconic big game animals. In this conversation, they dive into the fascinating differences between elk and mule deer behavior, discussing how each species moves, feeds, reacts to pressure, and what makes them so unique to hunt. They also share stories from the field, lessons learned through years of chasing quality animals, and practical insights that can help hunters become more successful.

Whether you're passionate about elk, mule deer, or both, this episode is packed with valuable hunting knowledge and entertaining conversation.

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We have an official sponsor of the podcast, SKRE gear! Get 15% off when you use code mmpodcast. Listeners will also be able to win free gear!

In this episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Utah Big Game Coordinator Michael Wardle for an in-depth look at Utah mule deer management, winter range surveys, and the science behind managing one of the West’s most iconic big game species.

Michael explains how the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) evaluates buck-to-doe ratios, why these numbers are important for mule deer populations, and how they influence hunting regulations and management decisions across Utah. Shane and Michael dive into the details of the winter range buck counts, including the exact methods wildlife biologists use to survey mule deer and estimate buck numbers throughout the state.

The conversation also explores mule deer age structure, including the percentage of 3½-year-old bucks remaining after hunting seasons, what those numbers mean for buck quality, and how hunters can better understand the factors that shape Utah’s mule deer herds.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about the potential introduction of bison on Utah CWMUs, examining the opportunities, challenges, and possible impacts on wildlife management.

For mule deer hunters, public land enthusiasts, and anyone interested in western hunting, this episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping the future of Utah mule deer.

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In this episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Randy Larsen, a professor at BYU who has spent decades studying mule deer and their behavior. Through years of research, Randy has become one of the leading experts on mule deer ecology and has played a significant role in helping shape mule deer management decisions in Utah.

Shane and Randy discuss the science behind managing mule deer populations, how GPS collar data has transformed researchers' understanding of deer movement and survival, and what that information means for hunters and conservationists alike. They also explore the challenges facing mule deer today, including habitat, migration, predation, and the factors that influence herd health across the West.

Whether you're a dedicated mule deer hunter, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply interested in the science behind wildlife management, this episode offers fascinating insights from one of the foremost experts in the field.

Also, listen for a chance to win free digi-scoping gear from Ollin. Check them out at https://www.ollin.co 

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Welcome back to the Monster Muleys Podcast. I'm your host, Shane Rasmussen. In this episode, I'm joined by longtime MonsterMuleys.com forum member Bryant Hemingway, better known online as "One Dry Boot."

Bryant has spent decades chasing mature mule deer across the West, and today we dive into one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of finding and harvesting truly big bucks: understanding body characteristics. We discuss how an old buck's body can tell a story, why body size is critical when judging antler size in the field, and how hunters can avoid being fooled by young deer with impressive-looking racks.

We also talk about the importance of hunting where mature bucks actually live and how location often plays a bigger role than hunting tactics alone. Finally, Bryant shares the story of a recent giant buck he harvested, including the lessons learned and the decisions that led to success.

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 On this episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast, host Shane Rasmussen sits down with Robby Denning, renowned mule deer hunter, author, and host of the Rokcast podcast. Robby is widely respected for his practical, down-to-earth approach to hunting mature mule deer and for sharing hard-earned lessons that hunters of all experience levels can apply. As a key contributor to the hunting community through Rokslide, Robby has helped countless hunters improve their understanding of mule deer behavior, scouting, and hunting strategy. The conversation covers big buck habits, lessons learned from decades of chasing mature deer, and the story behind Robby's incredible 208-inch mule deer harvested last season. Along the way, Robby shares entertaining stories, valuable insights, and realistic advice that will help hunters become more effective in the field while enjoying the adventure that makes mule deer hunting so rewarding. 

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 Monster Muleys founder Brian Latturner joins host Shane Rasmussen for a conversation about how mule deer hunting has changed over the years and what it takes to consistently find mature bucks in today's West. Shane and Brian discuss big buck behavior, how older deer adapt to increasing hunting pressure, and why giant bucks seem harder to locate than ever before. They also dive into the growing challenges hunters face, including limited tags, increased competition, crowded trailheads, and even backcountry areas that once saw little pressure. Drawing from decades of experience chasing mule deer, they share insights on adapting strategies, staying persistent, and continuing to find success in an evolving hunting landscape. This episode is packed with practical knowledge and perspective for serious mule deer hunters. 

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Welcome to the very first episode of the Monster Muleys Podcast! In this brief introduction, host Shane Rasmussen shares his excitement for launching the official podcast of Monster Muleys and discusses what listeners can expect in future episodes. Shane talks about the rich history of Monster Muleys, the original Western hunting website founded by Brian Latturner, and expresses his appreciation to Brian for the opportunity to host the show.

Throughout the podcast, listeners will hear conversations focused on backcountry hunting, DIY adventures, public-land opportunities, mule deer hunting strategies, and the challenges and rewards of Western hunting. Future episodes will feature members of the Monster Muleys community, hunters from across the West, as well as biologists, wildlife managers, and other experts who help shape the future of hunting and conservation. This episode serves as a quick introduction to the stories, knowledge, and passion that will define the Monster Muleys Podcast.

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