DiscoverRookie Hunter
Rookie Hunter
Claim Ownership

Rookie Hunter

Author: Eighty Five Audio

Subscribed: 596Played: 12,336
Share

Description

Real stories. Wild places. Lessons learned.

Join Mike, Kelly, and Garrett as they navigate the ups and downs of hunting in British Columbia. It’s not about trophies—it’s about growth, conservation, and a genuine connection to the land.
187 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode, Mike gives a quick update on the start of the season.  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this Field Guide episode, Mike takes you through some considerations and expectations for your very first hunting season.  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this episode, we dive back into the vault with Episode 33, which featured Brian Chan. Brian is a fly fishing legend known for his expertise in stillwater fishing in British Columbia's Interior. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
179: Fly Fishing at 40

179: Fly Fishing at 40

2025-07-1201:00:55

In this episode, Mike and Kelly chat about their spring fly fishing trip, which was Mike's first ever attempt with a fly rod. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this Field Guide episode, Mike breaks down the pros and cons of hunting solo versus with a partner or group. From safety and success rates to personal preference and pack-out logistics. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this Field Guide episode, Mike breaks down the essential items you should pack in your safety kit—whether you're heading out for a day hunt or spending multiple days in the backcountry. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this Field Guide episode we reach into the vault and share Kelly's overview of doing your first DIY Euro mount.  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this Field Guide episode of Rookie Hunter, Mike preps you for your first backcountry backpacking trips and covers topics such as choosing the right trail, necessary gear, and what to expect during the trip. He also emphasizes the importance of preparation, both physically and mentally, and offers practical tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience in the wilderness. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this Field Guide episode of Rookie Hunter, Mike and Kelly dive into the topic of game processing. They cover the basics of what you'll need and what to expect when you bring home your first big game animal.  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this episode of Rookie Hunter, Mike and Kelly dive into the topic of gear regrets—those impulse buys and overpriced items that didn’t live up to the hype. They share lessons learned, highlight common gear failures, and stress the importance of research and reliable advice. From optics to camping essentials, it’s all about finding the gear that works without breaking the bank. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
We're switching things up today and playing an episode of Sheep Fever, which is the official podcast of The Wild Sheep Foundation. In Part II of their Spotlight on BC, Kyle Stelter, CEO of the Wild Sheep Society of BC, Scott Ellis, CEO of the Guide Outfitters Association of BC, and Sheep Fever host and Wild Sheep Foundation CEO Gray Thornton discuss the status of wild sheep and wildlife in the province. They also examine the state of wildlife conservation and management in light of recent political changes, including shifts within the Ministry and its staff. The trio explores the prospects of restoring the grizzly bear hunt, broader wildlife challenges, and the balance between funding conservation efforts and the impact on natural resources. They also address social license issues affecting conservationists' ability to secure funding.   We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
171: Chasing Whitetail

171: Chasing Whitetail

2025-02-0751:45

In this episode, Mike, Kelly and Garrett reflect on 2024, make plans for 2025 and cover Garrett's November whitetail hunt. We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
170: Happy Holidays

170: Happy Holidays

2024-12-2401:01:25

In this special holiday episode, we kick things off with a listener-submitted story and then dive into the vault to share a curated collection of hunting stories from 2018. Featuring Mark Hall, Mike Hawkridge, Gray Thornton, Ben O’Brien, Jeff Lander, Aron Snyder, and Shane Mahoney We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this episode, Mike chats with Joe Cermele for a rare fishing-themed conversation. They get into Joe’s extensive career in fishing media, cover all of the food they consumed on the East Coast and their failed attempts to catch striped bass along the Jersey shore. We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this episode, Mike, Kelly and Garrett cover their late September backpacking trip for elk, mule deer and black bear. We also announce the first winner of our listener submitted hunting stories series, brought to you by North Arm Knives. We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this episode, Garrett shares the story about his scouting trip that turned into a successful solo elk hunt.  We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
166: Misfire

166: Misfire

2024-10-0945:11

In this episode, Mike tries his best to recap 6 days in the backcountry while sitting next to the campfire on the final night. We're also sharing a few more of your hunting stories.  We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
In this episode, Mike shares your hunting stories. We’ve teamed up with North Arm Knives and will be giving away blades throughout the year to the best storytellers. If you’d like to submit your story, please send it to us at info@therookiehunter.com  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We’ve been using ZOLEO since the start of the spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!
164: The Wait Is Over

164: The Wait Is Over

2024-09-1430:54

In this episode, Mike goes solo to give an update on the start of the season, shares some basic small game hunting and cooking tips, and hints at an unexpected outcome to a last minute scouting trip.  We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org ZOLEO has joined the Rookie Hunter crew and from now until September 13th, you can save $70 on a new ZOLEO satellite communicator. Register your device before September 27th and you'll also receive a FREE six-month Gaia GPS Premium Membership (a $25 value)! To get yours, head over to ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the upcoming hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives! If you'd like to win a blade, send a hunting related story to info@therookiehunter.com 
In this episode, Mike and Garrett chat with longtime friend, Dusty Portz. Dusty shares his reasons for leaving a vegetarian diet and pursuing hunting for the first time at 40 years old. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. Registration for the 2025 Sheep Show in Reno Nevada is now live! To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the <1 Club, head over to wildsheepfoundation.org ZOLEO has joined the Rookie Hunter crew and from now until September 13th, you can save $70 on a new ZOLEO satellite communicator. Register your device before September 27th and you'll also receive a FREE six-month Gaia GPS Premium Membership (a $25 value)! To get yours, head over to ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the upcoming hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!  
loading
Comments (4)

braeden dennis

I love these podcasts when I'm travelling for work ! and the gear reviews they have are well worth it due to the knowledge and background research they have completed !

May 3rd
Reply

B M W

My brother pointed me this way and I haven't been disappointed. Great outlet for someone getting into hunting and for seasoned people. Never stop learning. Like how there's a lot of talk about BC conservation. Great podcast!

Aug 25th
Reply

Josh Doey

3 episodes in and I like your conversations. I'm looking to start hunting asap, but I still need to prepare and get all my gear still. until then I'm educating myself and your podcast is very helpful because you're asking the questions I'm asking myself. keep it up guys and thanks!

Apr 27th
Reply

Chris Pryn

entertaining podcast and a good follower along journey as these boys progress into solid hunters

Mar 8th
Reply