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

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 an Angry Pika Food update and new releases.  Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news.

Luke Schultz's Rokslide article on identifying deer habitat

Muley Fanatic Foundation

Angry Pika

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 [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]

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

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 with practical insights and cutting-edge technology. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news.

Western Hunter article-https://westernhunter.net/information/the-arrow-ballistics-study-results/

Youtube-https://www.youtube.com/@YatesInTheBackcountry

Precision Cut Archery Data-https://www.precisioncutarchery.com/research/arrow-study-2025

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 [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

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

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 break down what the Hunting and Technology (H.A.T.) Working Group actually did, what proposals are heading to the Idaho Legislature, and why this is not a “ban” but a proposed prohibited timeframe from August 30 through December 31 for certain high-tech tools.

We talk real harvest data, opportunity vs. limited hunting, predator management carve-outs, long-range shooting, and the uncomfortable truth that hunters are the minority voice in today’s culture. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation matters for the future of hunting across the West. If you care about opportunity, the sustainability of hunting, and fair chase ethics, now is the time to get informed and get involved ahead of the 2026 Idaho Legislative Session. 

Enjoy this episode of the Rokcast! 

You can read other Rokslide articles, see videos, and listent to Rokcast episodes 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 [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 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 matters when you’re trying to make clean kills in the field.

Andrew wears a few hats. He’s a guide, a serious shooter, and one of the people behind Tenacity Firearms, a company focused on building production rifles that behave like true customs without the custom price tag or lead time. What makes this conversation valuable is that Andrew is a hunter first. We talk about shooting positions, managing recoil, reading wind, building stable platforms, and why most rifle mistakes come from rushing shots rather than lack of gear.

We also dig into the overlap and the gap between shooters who hunt and hunters who shoot. From managing adrenaline behind the rifle, to choosing prone at 400 yards over a sketchy seated shot at 150, this episode walks through the decision-making process that experienced hunters use to control variables instead of forcing opportunities. There’s a deep dive into smaller, more manageable calibers, suppressors, rifle setup, and why precision and consistency beat raw horsepower almost every time.

Enjoy this episode with Andrew Whitney of Tenacity Firearms. 

To learn more about Tenacity Firearms, visit tenacityarms.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 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, 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 [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 of the Rokcast, Jaden Bales sits down with Aquila Brown, a BC hunter who flat-out earned a monster timber giant mule deer the hard way. This wasn’t some glass-a-basin-and-pick-a-buck hunt. This was thick, steep, nasty timber on an over-the-counter tag, with almost no visibility and plenty of pressure. Aquila spent close to 20 days scouting and hunting one specific buck and made the decision early that he was either killing that deer or eating the tag.

We dig into how he hunted mule deer where glassing barely works. Trail cameras became his eyes in the woods, snow tracks kept him in the game, and still-hunting was the only real way to make something happen. Aquila breaks down how slow is actually “slow enough,” how he handled missing the buck by hours or a couple hundred yards, and why believing the deer was still there mattered more than anything. If you hunt dark timber, pressured OTC units, or country that just feels hopeless most days, this episode will hit home.

It all comes together on the very last day of the season with a fast, offhand shot through a tiny opening in the trees. We talk about passing good bucks late in the season, trusting the process, and what it feels like when everything finally clicks after weeks of grinding. This is a real look at killing a giant mule deer on purpose, not by luck, and why sometimes the hardest hunts are the ones that stay with you forever. Listen in to learn more about hunting a Timber Giant!

You can reach out to Aquila on Rokslide at Kootenaybackwoods at https://rokslide.com/forums/members/kootenaybackwoods.78840/

or discuss this episode here

https://rokslide.com/forums/forums/rokcast.129/

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