Rokcast

What separates the top 10% of Western big game hunters from everybody else? Is it time in the field, expensive gear, or something entirely different?

On this episode of the Rokcast, Jaden Bales sits down with Kelvin Eldridge of Western Big Game Scouting to talk about the skills, mindset, and decision-making that consistently put good hunters in opportunities.

Kelvin spends much of his time scouting elk and mule deer, developing hunt plans for DIY hunters, and guiding late-season elk hunts in Arizona. His methodical approach to hunting offers plenty of lessons for anyone looking to improve.

The conversation starts with mental toughness and why so many hunters struggle to stay motivated when things aren't going their way. But as Kelvin explains, persistence alone isn't enough. Having a solid plan, knowing when to adapt, and understanding what to do when things go sideways are just as important.

They also dive into hunting pressure, using other hunters' movements to your advantage, and Kelvin's systematic approach to glassing large expanses of country before narrowing down the search.

Finally, they discuss the importance of woodsmanship, including reading tracks, understanding animal behavior, and developing skills beyond simply spotting animals through binoculars.

Whether you're chasing elk or mule deer this fall, this episode is packed with practical advice for becoming a more effective hunter.

Learn more about Kelvin at westernbiggamescouting.com

The difference between an unforgettable hunt and a miserable one often comes down to your boots. Phil Francone, CEO of Meindl Boots, shares how to choose the right fit, socks, and footwear for the field—and avoid mistakes that can ruin a hunt. Drawing on his career in outdoor retail and hunting experiences around the world, Phil also explains boot care, insoles, waterproofing, and the traditions that make each hunt memorable. A practical conversation for hunters who want their gear—and their feet—to go the distance. Followed up by Matt Cashell review of popular digiscoping systems and found they’re becoming faster, lighter, and more phone friendly. His key advice: choose based on whether you value quick setup, MagSafe compatibility, low bulk, or maximum versatility. Rokslides newest sponsor MTN BONDED jumps in with how they make durable, lightweight backcountry hunting gear. Their focus is on shelters, trekking poles, and upcoming game bags, designed by hunters for reliable use in tough terrain. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news.

Meindl USA

Russian Loop Knot Video How-to

Phone Digiscoping review 2026

Phone Digiscoping Review 2023

MTN BONDED

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]

Finding and killing bulls during late October and November rifle seasons is a whole different ballgame than chasing bugling bulls in September.

Cody Rich of The Rich Outdoors joins Jaden Bales to talk Rifle Elk Hunting 201, focusing on the tactics that help experienced hunters consistently find elk after the rut and after hunting pressure has pushed bulls into their hiding spots.

We cover how to identify overlooked pockets of elk habitat, why the best-looking glassing country isn't always the best place to hunt, and how to use still-hunting, fresh snow, and changing weather to your advantage. Cody also explains why he sometimes eliminates his first three hunting spots before the season even starts and why finding elk sign can be more valuable than seeing elk themselves.

Plus, Cody shares some good old rifle elk hunting stories, including killing a bull with an open-sighted Sharps rifle, packing four bulls out of the backcountry with buddies, and losing a mule that wouldn't turn up again for six months.

If you're staring down the proverbial barrel of a rifle elk hunt this fall, this episode will help you think differently about finding bulls when everybody else is hunting the obvious spots.

Learn more from Cody at The Rich Outdoors and Elk Hunt podcasts.

This episode of Tipsy Tuesday brings together backcountry hunting gear reviews for hunters, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts preparing for their next trip. Sam Weaver covers backcountry meals from Peak Refuel, the KUIU Icon 6 pack system, Patagonia’s Nano-Air Ultralight jacket, and a detailed look at Lathrop Super Wides. The episode also includes an update on Colorado’s right-to-hunt-and-fish ballot measure.

Hailey Reeves of Peak Refuel discusses backcountry meals, including calories for weight, water needs, ingredients, protein, shelf life, and meal variety for longer trips. She also talks about favorite meals, limited-run flavors, and the value of finding meals locally before heading out.

Matt Cashell breaks down the KUIU Icon 6 pack system, covering its redesigned frame, load-hauling comfort, lightweight construction, interchangeable bags, fabric durability, and changes from earlier versions.

Mike Moore reviews Patagonia’s Nano-Air Ultralight jacket as a lightweight insulating layer for active use. The discussion covers where it fits in a layering system, how it handles wind and light moisture, and pairing it with a wind shirt for changing mountain conditions.

Robby Denning and Stephen Lathrop discuss mountain boot fit and Lathrop Super Wides. They explain why foot shape matters, how wide and super-wide boots differ, what to look for in heel hold, and how supportive boots can help with comfort and stability over long days in rough terrain.

Finally, Grant Jerry shares an update on Colorado’s right-to-hunt-and-fish ballot measure, including what it would protect, what it would not change, and ways sportsmen and women can stay informed.

Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news.

Peak Refuel

Kuiu Icon 6 Review

Patagonia Nano Air Ultra Review

Lathrop and Sons-Super Wides

Right to Fish & Hunt Amendment 83

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]

Legendary outdoor writer Jim Zumbo has spent more than six decades hunting across the West, writing over 20 books, serving as hunting editor for Outdoor Life, and chasing everything from mule deer and elk to all four species of wild sheep. Jaden Bales caught up with Jim at the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation's Sportsmen's Expo in Casper, Wyoming, for a conversation packed with hunting stories, hard-earned lessons, and a look at how Western hunting has changed over the years.

Jim takes us back to the glory days of mule deer hunting in the 1960s with greenhorns who wanted to shoot off their horse, recounts a disastrous desert bighorn sheep hunt that ended with his truck burning to the ground, and shares stories from horseback elk hunts and Alaska Dall sheep adventures. 

Beyond the stories, we get into old-school still-hunting techniques, finding mule deer in sagebrush country, the evolution of hunting technology, fair-chase ethics, and what today's hunters can learn from previous generations. Jim also shares his advice for first-time Western hunters, including managing expectations, preparing for the physical demands of elk hunting, and having a solid plan before heading into the mountains.

Originally recorded for the Hunt West Podcast, this episode is being shared on Rokcast while Jaden is out in the field during hunting season. We hope you enjoy!

Links Mentioned:

Jim Zumbo's website and books 

Hunt West Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Four pounds of glassing gear, a free AI scoring app, and a lightweight rifle built for the mountains. This episode explores gear upgrades that can improve your hunting season. If you hunt the West and want to save weight without losing performance, this conversation is for you.

Host Sam Weaver talks with Brad Carter of Altitude Outdoors about lightweight tripod systems for glassing, shooting, and scouting. Brad explains the Nano Pro fluid head, Mountain SS, and Swift TS tripods. He also shares how tripods can improve shooting positions on steep slopes, in thick brush, and during hunts with new hunters. Brad also introduces Vizirack, his AI-powered scoring and decision-making tool. The app estimates gross scores for elk, mule deer, and whitetails. In addition, it includes Quick Judge, score sheets, trophy-room organization, and hunting hit lists. Brad explains why photo quality matters and how actual score sheets can improve the system over time.

Next, Mike Moore reviews the Sitka Dew Point Ultralight Jacket. He compares the seven-ounce, three-layer shell with the regular Dew Point. He also covers durability, venting, hood design, and wind protection. As a result, listeners can better understand when ultralight rain gear makes sense in the mountains.

Closing out, Jared Bauder of Echelon Rifles discusses custom lightweight rifles, carbon fiber stocks, carbon ARCA rails, and suppressor-friendly barrel lengths. He also explains why steel barrels remain his preference and how barrel coolers can improve zeroing and load development. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news.

Vizirack - see it, score it, save it

Altitude Outdoors

Stika Dewpoint UL Review

Echelon Rifles

Echelon CF Ultralight Stock Review

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]

Ryan Avery joins Jaden this week for a no-frills conversation about choosing a suppressor for a Western hunting rifle. Ryan has owned, transferred, tested, or worked around dozens of suppressors, and he explains which features actually matter once you leave the range and start carrying one through the mountains.

They break down suppressor builds, recoil reduction, and the differences between traditional and reflex designs. Ryan explains why he prefers a lightweight, one-piece, direct-thread suppressor, how caliber-specific cans can perform differently, and how adapters, hubs, end caps, and poorly cut barrel threads can introduce additional failure points. They also discuss why decibel ratings are difficult to compare and why hunters should pay attention to measurements taken at the shooter’s ear.

The conversation eventually expands into the entire hunting rifle system. Ryan and Jaden discuss shorter barrels, manageable recoil, spotting your own impacts, realistic rifle weight, and the value of practicing with a suppressed .223 trainer. They also talk about how only one-third of rifle shots are usually taken prone, reinforcing why hunters need to practice sitting, kneeling, and building positions with a backpack, bino harness, or trekking poles.

This episode is ultimately about keeping things simple. Build a dependable rifle, eliminate unnecessary variables, practice from positions you will actually encounter, and quit trying to buy your way around a lack of experience. Buy less gear, shoot more ammunition, and put the remaining money toward tags and time in the field.

Links Mentioned:

How Loud Is It Really? from Shoot2Hunt

Sound Testing Popular Hunting Suppressors

Sound Testing Suppressors with Muzzle Brakes

Unknown Munitions and Unknown Suppressors

Rokslide Suppressor Forum

Rob Gearing explains how Spartan Precision Equipment designs field-tested bipods, tripods, and shooting support systems for hunters, long-range shooters, PRS competitors, and defense users. From Arctic testing to mountain hunts, discover how better stability leads to greater accuracy and cleaner shots. Afterwards Sam talks with Mike Smith of Rolling Bones Outdoors about helping hunters plan smarter, more successful adventures. They discuss personalized hunt strategies, vetted outfitters, gear consultations, community events, international hunts, and how expert guidance can make once-in-a-lifetime trips more accessible and less overwhelming. Followed up with Grant Jerry sharing an update on Colorado's Amendment 84, which would constitutionally protect hunting, fishing, and trapping while preserving science-based wildlife management. The campaign now heads toward the November ballot and needs everyone's support. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news.

Spartan Precision Equipment

Altai Knife

Rolling Bones Outfitters

Yes on 84

Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management

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]

How old is that buck or bull, really? Jaden visits Matson’s Laboratory in Manhattan, Montana, to sit down with lab manager A.J. Stephens and learn how wildlife teeth are used to determine the ages of deer, elk, bears, and other mammals.

A.J. explains how cementum age analysis works, why wildlife agencies send thousands of teeth to the lab, and why the method is especially valuable for understanding the age structure of an entire population. They also dig into the limitations of aging an individual animal and why antler size, body size, trail-camera history, and tooth wear can sometimes fool even experienced hunters.

The conversation includes some wild examples from the lab, including two similar-looking Montana mule deer that were 2½ and 5½ years old, a giant Montana bull that was only six, a bull that lived to 21 and died of old age, and an Alaska brown bear that was still raising a yearling at 40. They also discuss hunter selection bias, whether passing a young animal really guarantees another opportunity, and why age is only one part of what makes a hunt meaningful.

If you want Matson’s Lab to age one of your animals, remove one or preferably both front lower incisors, place them in a labeled paper envelope, and include your contact information. Paper is the key word here. Nobody at the lab wants to open a sealed plastic bag containing a rotten jaw.

Matson’s Laboratory: https://matsonslab.com/

Use promo code ROKCAST for 10% off your submission.

Sam Weaver talks with Drew Foster and Todd Harney of Allterra Arms about the rifle system that turns one shot into total confidence. They discuss building a precision rifle system, why in-house manufacturing matters, and how their half-inch accuracy guarantee works. They also cover the Answer X folding stock, carbon barrel challenges, and why Allterra now provides ammo, scope mounting, and validation as part of a turnkey hunting setup. Next Howard Mee reviews Kifaru’s new clothing lineup, focusing on what actually matters in the field: comfort, durability, breathability, and how each piece performs in real hunting and outdoor conditions. He breaks down the merino layers, the Rome cross layer, the Point synthetic jacket, and the Pass Breaker and Torlander pants, highlighting what stands out and where each item fits best across the season. Talk then shifts towards the other Rokslide.com gear reviews and a recap of the latest Western news.

Allterra Arms

Allterra Carbon Barrels video

Kifaru Clothing Review

Kifaru Apparel

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]