Episode notes
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 keep hunters in the game when conditions get tough. We cover everything from water management and fire building to foot care, clothing systems, hypothermia prevention, and the mindset required to…
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6 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
The Fundamentals of Scouting For Mule Deer & Elk | Hunt West Crossover
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, hunt planning, and hundreds of days spent chasing mule deer and elk across the West. This episode has become one of the most popular in the Hunt West catalog, and we thought it was worth bringing…
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22 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
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18 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Mule Deer Days Wildlife Conservation Mashup
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 provide outdoor opportunities for disabled hunters, emphasizing accessibility and community support. Sam encourages listeners to support Mule Deer Fanatics and engage in conservation efforts to preserve…
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16 Jun 2026 · 1 hr
A Hidden Gem: Hunting Washington with Kari Thomas
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 nature. Then Sam Weaver and Tim Andrews discuss the hunting and archery experiences at Colorado Backcountry Precision, highlighting skill-building opportunities of long-range and archery 3d courses…
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2 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Unlock Precision Shooting: Master Your Hunting Game with Competitive Insights
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26 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Tony Trietch on Big Mule Deer, Desert Bulls & Western Hunting Evolution
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, why time in a unit still beats any shortcut, and how he’s adapted his approach as tags get harder to draw and mule deer populations continue to shift. The guys also get into scouting strategies,…
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21 May 2026 · 1 hr
The Right to Hunt & Fish Colorado (and North America)
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 Colorado hunters by making sure that the Constitutional Amendment for the Right to Hunt & Fish in Colorado passes. By passing this proposed Amendment in November of 2026, hunters are shoring up the North…
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11 May 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Nevada Mule Deer & The Trade-Offs in Wildlife Management
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 mule deer management. We break down why Nevada manages for some of the highest buck-to-doe ratios in the West, why hunters continue pushing for even older age class deer, and what that means for…
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