Hunt the World (Rolling Bones Outdoors)

The most profound thing that will improve your hunting experience is your mastery and respect for your firearm. And to that end, becoming an accomplished shooter is the key to having a successful and humane hunt. And that is what we are MOST interested in helping you become here at Rolling Bones Outfitters. Today Brian, Bryan and Brad will tell you how they became accurate shooters through their own experience, shooting schools and options that are available to you to improve your skills.  

As dangerous bear-human interactions increase, more and more folks are realizing that Colorado has too many bears and not enough hunters. Our guest today knows that well. He’s retired Colorado Parks & Wildlife Biologist Jeff Yost. Jeff also happens to be Kelli Poole’s former boss. Kelli is Rolling Bone’s Applications and Adventures Coach and she joins Brian and Brad for this episode. Jeff has unique insight into this problem and pulls no punches when talking about the politics of wildlife management. He also describes the technique used by the CPW, with Kelli’s help, to determine bear density and population in certain areas of the state. At the end of the day- how does a state manage the population of an apex predator when politics collide with sensible conservation and an uninformed public is asked to vote on the issue.

If you have an elk hunting strategy you should include Wyoming. And January is when it’s time to apply. The problem is that Wyoming is one of the hardest states to understand when it comes to getting your elk tag for non-residents. But help is here. Host Brad Dana is an expert in applying in Wyoming and he de-mystifies the strategy with Brian Mehmen today. If you’ve ever thought about hunting elk in Wyoming, you NEED to hear this episode.  

On this week's podcast we welcome in the always interesting Dwight Settle, founder of Seal One Gun Care products. Dwight has been a part of our membership for many years and in today's episode he shares with Brian and Brad some stories about how it all got started for him. Dwight also talks about being a Navy Seal and outdoor experiences with the Rolling Bones crew. Always entertaining, never disappointing and even, at times, informational! Thank you for listening today and if you have podcast feedback, stories or ideas send them to Bleep by tapping HERE.

In this week’s Hunt the World podcast we travel to Kodiak Island in Alaska and here a first-hand account of RBO Senior Adventure Advisor Brandon Neal’s successful special bison hunt. No tag and no license required. Brandon describes the hunt to Brian, Brad and Bryan as he had the opportunity to harvest not one, but two bulls. This hunt is by special arrangement of RBO through our relationship with the specific outfitter. Check out our adventure catalog for details. RollingBones.com

In today’s episode we welcome Rolling Bones Ex. Director of Products and Marketing Kyle Sawatzke. Kyle is the company gear guru and is the man behind the Rolling Bones Outdoors Hunt Catalog and the RBO Product Catalog. We get to know Kyle today and his experience as a mountaineer and get a tour and a behind the scenes look at what goes into each catalog and how they work together. Our goal is to show you the vast array of hunting adventures available and to prepare you with the right gear to enhance your hunting success. Kyle describes how the catalog is meant to be not just a marketplace but a resource.

Today we talk about eyes and ears - the critical importance of range finders and wilderness communication. This is a can’t miss episode if you’re interested in a western trophy hunt. The RBO team has some tips and advice on finding and using a range finder. Without a good one or the proper knowledge of their use, your hunting success in long-range trophy situations is nearly impossible. Also, Brian, Bryan and Brad help you understand satellite phones, how they work and how easy it is today to have this invaluable piece of gear in your pack while you’re in “the middle of nowhere.”

In was a dream draw and an epic hunt. It took 14 days of tough hunting but it finally paid off. In this episode of Hunt the World Brian recounts the rest of the story (which began in Episode 127) of his quest to harvest his first ever bull elk with a bow. As you’ll find out, it was his most epic adventure ever! Thank you for listening and please share the podcast with friends. Give us an honest review and that will help others find the podcast. And, drop us a line at hello@rbohome.com to give us topic suggestions and feedback! 

We are well into the 2020 hunting season now. And with all that everyone’s had to endure during this year - the good news is - we can always go hunting! So today Brian and Brad decided to sit back and have a bit of fun by taking you along with them in a recounting of their DIY mule deer season thus far. They also touch on a few details of where and how they hunt and a bit about what you could expect with habitat and cost. The conversation includes the harvesting of a mule deer with very unusual fronts.

Joining the crew for the first time on the podcast is RBO's new Director of Adventures Eric Skavang. Eric, Brian, and Brad tell stories about booking hunting adventures and the fulfillment that it brings the crew. We also get into RBO's top-level membership - the Platinum Membership - and talk about a brand new benefit for our Platinum adventurers (a "Vade Mecum" as Brad likes to say... IDK, have to look it up). Thank you for listening and please share the podcast with your friends. If you have questions for us, or would like to have us cover a specific topic, let us know by dropping us an email HERE.

We’re talking tripods in this episode of Hunt the World. When hunting in the west or in any long-range shooting environment worldwide, a tripod is an indispensable piece of equipment. Getting the right one for your specific application is vital, most of the time to mount a spotting score - sometimes a camera. Today Brian and Brad review six tripods that they have used over their decades of hunting experience and rate them according to stability, durability, functionality, size, weight and price. Spoiler alert: it was a close score, but there was a winner.  

Long-range shooting accuracy is one of the most important fundamental skills in successful and humane adventure hunting. Practice is critical but before you can get into a successful routine on the range or have success in the field, having the right scope comes first. In this episode Brian Martin returns and joins Bryan Mehmen and Brad Dana as they discuss and debate reticle preferences. Subjects covered and defined include first and second focal plane, which do the guys prefer, and holdover vs turrets. It’s good information that may help you make a better decision regarding scopes.

Brian and Brad have just returned from the 2023 Sheep Show in Reno and on this week’s podcast they provide you with some of their expertise on traveling with a rifle. The two discuss what kind of gun cases they prefer and tips on how they pack their gun case. They also touch on traveling with your optics and ammo. Also, they go over any changes that they’ll make in their gear lists for 2023 as they plan their 2023 hunting trips. Thank you for listening and if you have any feedback for us, email Bleep at hello@rbohome.com  - Some of the gear mentioned today:

Pelican Gun Case

Mystery Ranch Mission Wheelie

Paka Socks

Buck 110 Hunter Sports Knife

Leatherman Signal

Kings XKG Paramount Rain Pant

MSR Polar Ranger -20 Sleeping Bag

Taking inspiration from one of our members the Rolling Bones team shares stories of hunts that didn’t go quite to plan. When you spend as much time in the field as these guys vetting hunts you’re bound to face challenges. And you learn a lot along the way. As Brian Mehmen likes to say “activity is your greatest teacher.” The guys have three things you should do to deal with tough hunting situations. Enjoy what wasn’t so humorous at the time, but looking back are lessons happily learned. Maybe you can relate, with or without the whale blubber.

As we wrap up 2021 we’re sending out a previously unreleased podcast that was recorded last summer about our inaugural elite shooting school. This event is for our top member- hunters and shooters who are invited based on skill levels and we call it “The Argali Club.” Brian, Brad and Bryan describe the experience which takes place on Rolling Bone’s exclusive private shooting range. Brad says it is like a “golf course for long-range shooting.” At 11:05 Brian Mehmen begins to describe the itinerary of the event. Brad describes the shooting course at the 15:40 mark. The goal is to present the shooters with real-world hunting scenarios and testing their accuracy against the clock. The guys also discuss the most successful cartridges that were used on the course. At 30:37 Brian talks about the three things that contributed to the top scores. 34:32 Brian sums up the weekend. 40:22 Future of the Argali Club and how you might be able to attend. At 46:39 Brian talks about the biggest value attendees received from their attendance at the first-ever Argali Club event. 

This episode is a MUST listen if you’re going on a guided hunt; whether it’s your first or you are a veteran. In today’s episode Brian Mehmen, Brad Dana and Bryan Martin provide their best advice on how to manage your expectations before, during and after that guided hunt. The trio will break it into three parts: 1) How you use your time before the hunt to prepare physically and mentally. [3:48] 2) On the hunt, managing expectations when it comes to weather conditions, game density, physical conditions and gear issues [25:35] and 3) Reflecting on the experience after the hunt to truthfully evaluate the experience - it’s important to assess your hunt afterwards to gain knowledge moving forward. [52:35] Evaluate the guide, outfitter, overall location and the season (year-to-year) and consider one small thing [55:02] that will greatly improve your evaluation. 

If you have questions or feedback, drop us an email by tapping here.

You've just taken down that nice elk or maybe a trophy moose or mule deer. Now what? What is the best way to get your animal from the field to the freezer and from the mountain to a mount? On today's Hunt the World podcast Brian and Brad will go over the strategies that they have had the most success with in getting wild game safely home. As a meat science college student, butcher shop owner and avid adventure hunter there are things you need to know to get the meat and the hide home whether you're flying or driving. While the focus is on Canada, Alaska and the U.S., the same tips and strategies can apply wherever in the world you may be hunting. Thank youf or listening and click HERE to give us your feedback and stories.

Like most everything else around us things are getting more expensive. And that includes outdoor adventures. In this week’s Hunt the World podcast Brian and Brad lay out a few of the factors, some hidden, that are making hunts more expensive. Then they will provide you with ideas and strategies that can help you save on your next adventure. They also will give some real examples of our exclusive Hunt Expedition Layaway Plan (HELP) and how it can work to make expensive hunts more affordable for you. Thank you for listening! And if you have any feedback, thoughts, ideas and suggestions let us know by tapping here: hello@rbohome.com

In this episode of Hunt the World, a family vacation in Hawaii presented a rather unexpected opportunity for Brian Mehmen as he found himself on a one-of-a-kind (if unplanned) hunting adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along and learn a bit more about hunting opportunities in our 50th state. Thank you for listening! If you have any feedback, please tap HERE and let us know.

Yes you can - go on an adventure of a lifetime hunting Asia. We begin a two-part series on how to make that Asian hunt a reality for you. Brian and Brad have made multiple trips hunting the Asian continent and they bring their decades of experience to this definitive guide on how you can take advantage of what Asia has to offer. Rolling Bones will take you through step-by-step, including price (quite often cheaper than the states and Canada), game density and diversity, travel, gear, physical conditions you can expect, and the overall cultural experience. Don't miss this two-part series with the second half to follow next week. Thank you as always for listening and please share the podcast with friends and family.

Join Brian and Brad as they walk you through the things you should know as we begin to plan adventures in 2024 and beyond. Even though we are in the heart of hunting season, as we record this, it's also prime time to be thinking ahead to where you'd like to go next. Brian and Brad talk elk, mule deer, whitetail, antelope, moose, bear, caribou, sheep and more - with an eye to things you can do now to plan ahead. At present you have better options than you will in three months. Also on this episode, Brian, Brad and Bleep debate a hot button issue - high fence vs. free range hunting. Yeah... they digress (a little bit!). Thank you as always for listening. Please share the podcast with your friends who love the outdoors as much as you do.

Application season is winding down a bit but not before there were a bumps (i.e. Idaho). Preference points, drawing tags, odds, units and state-by-state regulations are a complicated business. In this episode of Hunt the World, the Rolling Bones team of Brian Mehmen, Brad Dana and Bryan Martin take you behind the scenes to show you how they navigate through their application strategy. It is important to pick a species, pick a style of hunting, stay flexible, plan ahead (sometimes years) and plan your budget.  

Hunting partners Jonathan Angner and Al Jones join Brian Mehmen on this week's podcast as they tell Brad the story of their muskox hunt above the Arctic Circle in Nunavut. The team was vetting a new outfitter and in this episode they detail not only the hunt but the accommodations, service and skill of the guides and reveal their final grade. Battling the cold and whiteout conditions the group came home with an experience that will last a lifetime. And as a special podcast listener promotion, the first eight people who book to go on this hunt in 2024 will get the opportunity to hunt with the hosts of Rolling Bones. Contact us at hello@rbohome.com and book through Rolling Bones Outdoors.

Wyoming opportunities for non-resident hunters seeking the Wyoming Big Five- moose, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, bison and grizzly bear - have taken a huge hit. The governor has signed into law a bill that allocates tags between residents and non-residents on a 90/10 basis. The law does not affect elk and deer… yet. Brian Mehmen and Brad Dana talk about what these changes mean to the non-resident who has built up points (lots of points - like Brad) or would like to put together a strategy to hunt the big five in Wyoming. The guys then talk about how it will change their personal strategy and what they expect the future to look like. 

One of the first questions we get from hunters who are interested in going on an adventure hunt is what should I hunt for - and what does it cost? Today Brian, Bryan and Brad will take up the subject of what hunters hunt and where. Should I look in North America, Africa or Asia? Which is easier to draw for?What’s out there? We’ll give you some background on the variety of hunting options that are out in North America that feel like an international adventure hunt as well as look at options in other parts of the world.  

Our very special in-studio guest this week is Rolling Bones member Jim Bonanno. In this episode Jim tells the story of how Rolling Bones helped get him back into big game hunting. After spending a career hunting waterfowl and game birds Jim wanted to expand his horizons into hunting bigger game. He recounts the experience of his first sheep hunt in British Columbia where RBO helped him book the hunt, and guided him through the experience with one of our trusted and vetted outfitters (see episode 94). If you’ve been on the fence about upping your game as a hunter you’ll want to hear Jim’s experience as he goes from beginner to badass in pursuit of big game. 

On Hunt the World we talk a lot about shooting schools, dry firing and spending time at the firing range practicing. On today’s topic we present a live fire hunting experience that can take what you learn and practice to the real world. It’s a special kind of hunting that is easy to do and will help improve your long-range marksmanship dramatically. We’re talking about prairie dog hunting. That’s right. In this episode Brian, Brad and Bleep walk you through the experience of hunting prairie dogs and the important things that this exercise does to improve you as a hunter and help the ranching community at the same time. 

On today’s episode we welcome a special guest, Rolling Bones member Jonathan Angner. Jonathan is a successful businessman in the southeastern United States but he wasn’t always a successful hunter. Although no one in his family were hunters he started small and continually improved his skills and he has now hunted on nearly every continent and has had major success. Jonathan now mentors younger hunters. In this episode he tells his story to hosts Brian Mehmen and Brad Dana. Join us for tales of expeditions and meet some of the adventure seekers he’s met along the way. 

On this week's episode of Hunt the World we dive into the world of outfitting, and how outfitters and guides must manage their clients expectations leading into the hunt. Along with discussing how having proper expectations for your hunt can produce a more enjoyable experience for the client and the guide.

For Andy Miller it was a complete surprise. A surprise that he was able to draw a prime Wyoming sheep hunt with just 18 points. And then an even bigger surprise when he got on the mountain. In today’s episode we hear the story of Andy’s RBO adventure that even involved his wife and two young daughters in the pursuit of a trophy-class Rocky Mountain Bighorn. Our featured hunt today is a unique one: British Columbia Winter Wolf Trap Line Trip. This trip will be exciting from start to finish as you run traplines on snowmobiles. Check it out HERE.

After 20 years Brad finally drew his elk tag for a coveted unit in western South Dakota and it proved to be worth the wait. In this episode Brian Mehmen talks with Brad about the harvest of this state record elk that almost didn’t happen! And then there's the story that goes along with it that makes you feel good about the "hunting fraternity" we have in this country with quality sportsmen. Come along for the journey. 

On this Hunt the World podcast from Rolling Bones Outdoors Brad Dana welcomes in a longtime friend and boyhood hunting partner Dave Englehart. Along with Brian Mehmen the trio discuss the thrill and challenges of archery elk hunting. Also joining the team today is Ben Kreifels of our Rolling Bones Staff to produce the episode. Thank you for listening.

Wyoming is clearly a state of opportunity when it comes to elk and other big western game. But it can be a bit complex unless you know how it works. On this week's podcast RBO Ex. Dir of Applications Sophie Peterson and RBO Ex. Dir. of Adventures Kelli Poole join Brian and Brad to take the mystery out of the process. They do a deep dive into understanding the tags, points and units in Wyoming and how we work with the outfitters to make your Wyoming hunt a success. This episode's featured hunt is a once-in-a-lifetime rifle rut elk hunt in British Columbia. Find out more HERE.

With Brian and Brad just back from their Tajikistan expedition they are joined by Justin Sparks, Vice President at Kryptek Outdoor Group. The guys took Kryptek camo and gear on their trip and evaluate its performance. Justin talks about the company, it's military roots, the meaning of the name, and the range of high performance products they have introduced to the marketplace. Hunt the World also gives you an exclusive preview of Kryptek's newest line - Flyway - for the waterfowl hunter. Good stuff! Thank you for listening.

In today’s episode Bryan Martin takes us behind the scenes of his world-record class Marco Polo sheep hunt in Tajikistan. We’ll hear about how much it costs, the travel logistics in getting there, the various sheep species, and what it’s like to hunt on foot from a spike camp at 16,500 feet during November. Martin is one of the North America’s foremost hunting guides for big rams. If you’ve ever thought about going for the gold with Marco Polo, it may be closer to reality than you think, if you plan it right and give Rolling Bones a call.

At the Bone Cave we get a lot of questions about BDC turrets. BDC stands for Bullet Drop Compensation, and BDC turrets offer the easiest way to dial number of clicks to compensate for bullet drop when shooting at longer distances. These turrets are usually found on hunting scopes for long-range hunting. We call RBO's system a range, dial-and-dump system (shout out to Jeff Sipe). You range your animal (say 600 yards) and use your dope card (RBO has done the homework for you on knowing your bullet, and it's velocity) and then you apply the number of clicks needed to compensate for the bullet's drop over that distance. If you're hunting out west, long range shots are the norm and having a good BDC turret will add greatly to your hunting success. Rolling Bones does have a package where we take your favorite rifle and turn it into a precision, long-range firearm with a scope and BDC turret (26:12). At 28:55 Brian and Brad give the top three things they like about a BDC turret.

Our ultimate gear guide series continues. This episode begins with an experienced guide's advice on selecting and packing the proper knives and cutting tools. Brian, Bryan and Brad also cover trekking poles and we learn what “mountain money” is. You’ll need that. 

Brian and Brad take a close look at the 2023 deer season which can best be described as unusual up until now. With warmer than normal temperatures and less than average snow cover it’s been great for the deer, but (generally) not so much for the hunter. In this episode you'll find out how it could affect your hunt plans moving forward and how best to adapt. There are a few silver linings. As always, thank you for listening and contact us with your feedback and ideas. hello@rbohome.com

You’ll enjoy today’s episode as host Brian Mehmen introduces us to two integral team members from the Rolling Bones Outdoors staff who work daily in the “Bone Cave,” our corporate headquarters. Kelli Poole is the Executive Director of Applications and Adventures and she talks about the unique RBO software that matches the hunter with the hunt. And she answers the most frequently asked questions that hunters have. Also in today’s episode you’ll meet Lynley Mehman, RBO Co-Owner, who is usually the first person you hear from when you call. She covers the mission and vision that formed the company - (and the, uh, “pre-nup” that made it possible to live with Brian!). ;) Oh, and Ovis, the RBO mascot makes a brief appearance.

In this episode of Hunt the World the Rolling Bones team of Brian Mehmen, Brad Dana and Bryan Martin welcome into the Bone Cave a very special guest - Aaron, who is a veteran guide from British Columbia and a long-time friend of RBO. He is in the states for a few outdoor shows and stopped by the RBO HQ in Spearfish, SD, to talk about everything you need to know about hunting in Canada in 2022. Last year was a weird season in Canada by any measure and Aaron tells the guys what we can expect in 2022. From COVID protocols, to itineraries, to getting back to the states (or your home country) -- that and more is covered in this episode. 

Not only is it some of the most scenic country in the world but it has some of the very best big game hunting as well. Within its 365,000 square miles is an unmatched diversity of species such as Dall Sheep, Stone Sheep, Bighorn Sheep, mountain Goat, Elk, Deer, Caribou, Moose, Black Bear, Grizzly Bear and Wolf. In this week’s hunt the world, Brian and Brad welcome in one of the province’s top guides to discuss all the opportunities that await. The crew at Rolling Bones highly recommends putting B.C. on your adventure bucket list if you haven't already. Yes, it can be expensive, but with a little planning and patience our staff can put together a program that can help you realize your BC dreams. Thank you for listening!

Brian and Brad are on their way back from a huge adventure hunt in Tajikistan so Bleep fills In and we welcomes to this Hunt the World episode, Braydin Eastman, from the RBO membership services department, takes us through his first bow hunt for elk in New Mexico. Also on the podcast is RBO's Noel Erickson and Eric Skavang from RBO's Adventure Booking Department. They provide a behind-the-scenes look at how ROlling Bones works to make your adventure the best it can be. Congratulations Braydin - and thank you for listening!

No one knows for sure if the Canadian border will be open to non-resident hunters in 2021. So far in the spring of 2021 it is not. However, the USA is open for hunting and on today’s episode Brian, Bryan and Brad have been busy in the Bone Cave mapping out some strategies for you to put your 2021 hunting adventures back on track. We'll cover some of the hunting opportunities that are available - this year - in 2021 and beyond. From Idaho to Texas we’ll walk through a few practical scenarios that may perk your interest as we cover bear, turkey, aoudad, black deer, javelina, prairie dogs and more. Plus we’ll talk cost and hunt payment plan options. Check out our RBO memberships that cost less than 3 cappuccinos a month at Starbucks but save you big bucks on hunts while providing exclusive discounts on gear.

There are several important things to remember when selecting the proper pack for a backpack hunt. In this episode Brian, Bryan and Brad will cover selecting the right pack and how to properly wear it and use it- for example, some tips on stream crossings. Also covered in this edition of Hunt the World are the importance of rain flys and ways they can be multi-purposed. 

We are in the midst of "show season." Brian and Brad have just returned from the Western Hunting Expo in Salt Lake City and are getting ready to head out to more shows in the coming months. One question they have been hearing a lot this year is - "with so many shows to attend which ones should I go to and what should I look for when I get there?” The guys will toss that one around this week and give you their top observations from what they’ve see so far this year. Thank you for listening and please subscribe if you haven’t already. 

In today’s Hunt the World podcast from Rolling Bones Outdoors, Brian and Brad have been making a list and checking it twice when it comes to what they’d like for Christmas. After spending 2022 in the field with various makes and brands of gear they outline what they really liked and a few things they didn’t. And they’ll walk you through what they have on their Christmas wish list for 2022. From guns to camp, knives to packs, and socks to shooting sticks you may find something that you’ll want to put on your list too! If you like what you hear, please give us an honest review so more people can find the podcast, and if you haven’t already, subscribe today. Merry Christmas from all of us at Rolling Bones Outdoors!

The 2021 hunt season in North America is well underway. In this episode Brian Mehmen, Brad Dana and Bryan Martin bring back a report on how the summer drought in the western Dakotas, eastern Wyoming and parts of eastern Montana has affected deer numbers. Dry weather brought a shortage of grass and forage and also saw stagnant water leading to the midge-spread EHD and blue tongue. If you are planning a hunt into this area this would be a good episode to check out and as always feel free to give Rolling Bones a call with your questions. 

   Ibex are some of the most sought after trophy animals. In today’s episode we truly get a global view of hunting this species in Asia, Europe and North America. The Rolling Bones crew, with one of the foremost Ibex hunting experts, Bryan Martin, breaks Ibex hunting down into four categories: Species, regions, physical exertion and then price.  

  Ibex hunting certainly requires the hunter to be in good shape, have precision long-range shooting skills and depending on your hunting location a moderate to high financial commitment. But when you’ve won the ability to display one of these trophies it is truly an accomplishment.

We have new listeners all the time and we're often asked to explain our Rolling Bones Membership program and benefits. In this episode Brian and Brad outline the three membership levels inside Rolling Bones and also give examples of our exclusive H.E.L.P. (hunt expedition layaway plan) which will help you afford and adventure by paying for it over time. Even if you are a member, you're sure to learn something new. Thank you for listening and helping our audience to grow! Encourage your friends and social media followers to subscribe through iTunes, Spotify or Google Podcasts. We appreciate you!!

This week we welcome to the Bone Cave RBO member Jesse Simonson. Jesse was born and raised on the Big Island in Hawaii and lives there now. He sits down with Brad and Brian to discuss what it’s like to hunt Hawaii with it's wild game and hunting regulations. And then we takes us on his journey of how he grew his adventure experiences to include hunting on the continent and around the world. Thank you as always for listening.

In this episode of Hunt the World we take a deep dive in hunting clothing with special guest Ryan Foutz, Managing Parter at King’s Camo. We’ll introduce you a new pattern that will be coming out in 2021, talk about getting the most out of your hunting performance clothing. Ryan talks with Brian and Brad about the XKG line, layering and tips on clothing maintenance.

Today on Hunt the World Brian and Brad turn the mic over to you with your hunting and outdoor questions. This is our first listener Q&A episode and we hope you enjoy it. We'll cover a variety of topics from questions about Rolling Bones as a company, to questions about advice for beginning hunters, Fred Bear, and what Bone Cave trophies gave the guys their fondest memories or were the toughest harvest. We'll have another batch of listener Q&A's about gear and ballistics very soon. Thank you for listening! Submit your questions here: hello@rbohome.com

Welcome to Hunt the World. This podcast is built for you if you’ve ever thought about going on an adventure hunt in the western US, Canada, Alaska or anywhere in the world but didn’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Even if you’d just like to take your hunting experience and skills to the next level our hosts from Rolling Bones Outfitters are here to answer your questions. In today’s episode meet the hosts - Brian Mehmen, co-founder of Rolling Bones Outfitters who grew up hunting in Iowa with dreams of adventure hunting throughout the world; Bryan Martin, an adventure guide and host with more than 3 decades of world-wide adventure hunting, a former writer with Hunting Fool he joins the Rolling Bones team from Asian Mountain Outfitters; and Brad Dana, DDS, who grew up in western South Dakota and is a successful dentist in Spearfish, South Dakota, (the headquarters of Rolling Bones Outfitters) an avid adventure hunter and co-founder of Rolling Bones.  

This week we have a major announcement to make as Rolling Bones Outdoors has partnered with Zero Outfitter Fees (ZOF) to bringing even more value and opportunity to your membership. In this episode Brian and Brad welcome in ZOF founder Dan Adler as they tell you what this collaboration means to you and how it can help you leverage hunting opportunities and applications in all 50-states. Spend less and hunt more!

Now that summer is officially here many of us are looking forward to some vacation time. Rolling Bones can help with that. We have some ideas about family fun outdoor adventures that can create lasting memories. In this Hunt the World episode Lynley joins Brian and Brad to talk about a family adventure to Alaska that includes trophy fishing, boat trips, glaciers, bear viewing and plenty of good food. You'll get details on checking availability, activities to include and cost - including our HELP layaway plan. There is no debate- this getaway is great for couples too! If you're already booked on a vacation this summer, this episode can give you some ideas about planning a trip next summer! Thank you as always for listening and please share the podcast with family and friends.

In this episode of Hunt the World, Brian, Brad, and Bryan revisit a popular topic - which kind of hunt serves you best? Do-it-Yourself (DIY) or guided? DIY plays an important role in nearly every outdoorsman’s hunting career. But there are times when a guided hunt is a must. And in between the guys talk about how semi-guided and dropped hunts figure into your strategy. Each RBO team member gives you their take on DIY and guided hunts. Brian also dispels a false perception that RBO does not serve DIY hunters, in fact he talks about how Rolling Bones Outdoors helps DIY members. And in the end, the team talks about a strategy that will help you afford a guided or semi-guided hunt when you're ready to take that step.  

A shrewd investor knows that in tough economic times there are rare opportunities. In the hunting adventure space we are seeing that everywhere. There are golden opportunities to book an adventure hunt at a healthy discount. In fact, we've never seen so many and Brian and Brad will cover a lot of those in this week's podcast. Now is a great time to put together a strategy and book that adventure. Thank you as always for listening and we'd love it if you'd let others know about the podcast.

During the summer of 2021 it seems the western United States is on fire. As of late July there are massive ongoing burns in Oregon, California, Idaho and Montana. In this episode of Hunt the World Brian, Brad and Bryan discuss the situation and assess how the fires may change your early season hunt plans. Also the guys talk about how wildfires actually benefit wildlife in the years following the burn. For the latest fire information you can go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Jeff Leisy of Wyoming Arms joins Brian, Brad and Bryan Martin to talk suppressors and solvent traps. Wyoming Arms pioneered and developed the best suppressors for the A/R platform on the market today. He tells the story of how that came about. Also the RBO guys add their thoughts on Wyoming Arms titanium solvent traps, which are very light, and how you can legally create a “polite” gun that is optimized specifically for hunting. At the 22:00 mark you’ll also hear the benefits of hunting with a suppressor and how it can aid your success. Check out our Rolling Bones Outdoors online product catalog for Wyoming Arms solvent traps. This episode was the final one recorded on location at Black Hills Harley Davidson during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Today’s episode is all about black bear hunting. The Rolling Bones crew discusses the intricacies of spot and stalk, using dogs and bait hunting. Brian, Bryan and Brad describe their first-hand experiences with each and some tips and advice you should consider. This episode covers the best locations for hunting in North America, color phases, methods of baiting, packing bears and taxidermy. And, something you may not know, black bear hunting is surprisingly inexpensive. 

This week Brian is preparing for an upcoming Muskox near the Arctic Circle later in April. He talks with Brad and Bleep about how he came to book this particular RBO catalog adventure and what gear he's planning to take. Since this is a newer outfitter the crew also talks about the process Rolling Bones uses to vet outfitters in an effort to make sure we have the highest quality selection of adventures. There's lots to evaluate and Brian talks about the important things he's looking at: logistics, accomodations, and overall knowledge, experience and temperament of the guides. If you're interested in checking out this adventure just tap HERE. Thank you for listening and please leave us an honest review as we hope to build our audience.

As this is recorded in late July it’s time to get ready for hunting season. Brian, Bryan and Brad give us a (rather humorous at times) behind the scenes look at what they are doing right now to prepare for the upcoming season. We cover getting clothes, boots and gear ready, firearm preps, a lot of shooting practice and physical conditioning. And it’s a good idea to schedule your butcher shop and get your ammo. Oh, and, you’ll also hear the story of the black widow bite and the “invisible” mule deer at the recent shooting school.  

This week we present a Hunt the World classic episode, one of our top ten. In today's podcast Brian and Brad are back in the states after an epic adventure hunting Marco Polo Sheep and Ibex in Tajikistan. They are joined by their expedition partner Jonathan Angner. In this episode they describe in detail the logistics of travel, what to expect and how to adapt to the culture and climate. They each filled their tags and describe the hunt, which includes what is probably a book Ibex that Jonathan harvested. If you're thinking of an international adventure, this is a can't miss episode. Thank you for listening and share the podcast with a friend. We appreciate you!

Today Brian, Brad and Bryan deal with the timely topic of COVID travel restrictions. If you have a hunt booked and are worried about traveling to your hunt location, or are planning to book but are not sure what to expect when travel is involved, this episode is made for you. The RBO team lets you in on what they are telling clients right now. It’s useful and important guidance on what to expect this year, next year and in 2022. And sure, once we’re past COVID, we can look back on this episode and ask - what was all that about?

On this week’s Hunt the World podcast from Rolling Bones Outdoors Brian Mehmen, Brad Dana and Brian Martin will let you know what's up with hunting in 2021. After a rigorous hunting season and after talking to hundreds of hunters, outfitters and Rolling Bones members they have compiled their list of trends they have observed during the past 12 months. What species seem to be gaining in popularity? What species are seeing a downward trend? What style of hunting seems to be falling out of favor and what seems to be popular. And along the way you might be able to pick up a piece of advice to use while planning your hunting adventures in 2022 and 2023.

Having good glass is vital to a successful hunt. In this episode of Hunt the World Brian and Brad review their choices for the best rifle scopes, binoculars and spotting scopes. They also provide advice on what to look for when choosing based on the application that you need. In our Rolling Bones online store and Adventure Hubs we feature the brands we feel offer you the highest quality for the price. Be sure to check things out at RollingBones.com. Thank you for listening! And if you have any feedback, thoughts, ideas and suggestions let us know by tapping here: hello@rbohome.com 

Often overlooked when considering adventure hunting is black bear. On this Hunt the World podcast from Rolling Bones Outdoors, RBO advisor Dr. Blake Kramer, takes us along on a black bear hunt in Idaho. It's one of several bear hunts that Blake has been on over the years and he talks about why you should not overlook this species - especially in the lower 48 states. Learn the what and where on bear tags and hunting locations. If you have any questions Blake would be happy to answer them at bkramer.rbo@gmail.com. As always, thank you for listening and please share the podcast with friends and family.

On today’s podcast we welcome in Matt Dye and Adam Keith of Land and Legacy. They discuss with Brian and Brad the one big thing which outdoorsmen who wish to manage their land for wildlife overlook. We think you’ll find the information useful, especially for land owners, but also for anyone who’s heading out to hunt deer and other wildlife this fall. Our featured hunt this week is the Alberta Wolf Hunt, one of our top-rated wolf adventures in terms of success. Tap here to learn more.

We’re happy to welcome in Greg Glesinger to the Bone Cave this week! Greg is an accomplished bow hunter who in the last five years has harvested a 203-inch whitetail, following that up with a 239-inch buck, 175 and 194-inch bucks and a 233-inch buck in 2020. Probably one of the top five whitetail archery hunters in the country he tells us the approach he has taken to account for this success. It all goes back to the old saying “you can’t hunt something that isn’t there.” As a result, Greg became a land steward and in this podcast takes us through his process for creating the best environment possible to raise huge deer. To take your career as a hunter to new heights visit Rolling Bones.com and become a member today!

It took a while but Bryan Martin finally had the points to draw into a prime region of northwest Wyoming for elk. In this episode he takes us on the hunt beginning with details of scouting the area, packing in, watching a huge bull that seemed to just disappear and what he was able to come home with. Along the way he gives some experienced advice as a lifelong guide himself on the hunt and the strategy of choosing between limited entry and general entry areas. 

Improving your long-range shooting accuracy will be nearly impossible without a good bipod for your rifle. It is an essential tool for anyone hunting in the western US, Canada, Alaska or mountainous terrain in Asia and Europe. A bipod stabilizes and supports your shooting position and provides better accuracy which increases your confidence as a precision shooter - as long as you have a good one. So which do I choose? Today Brian Mehmen and Brad Dana review six bipods that they have spent countless hours using in the field. They review bipods made by Harris, Atlas, Hatch, Spartan, Warren and Magpul. They rate them according to stability, durability, weight, functionality and price. And at the end, there is a clear winner. Thank you for listening and subscribing to Hunt the World from Rolling Bones Outdoors.  

In the next couple of hunting seasons Brian and Brad are planning a trip to the "Stans - referring to Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan or any of the other former Soviet republics that end in "stan" - in the region of central Asia. In this episode the guys talk about the three things that cause a lot of hesitation among hunters who are considering Asia: (1) Will I get my animal back? (2) Will I be able to communicate? (3) Can I physically do it? The 'Stans feature high-altitude rugged terrain where some of the world's most exotic big-game species call home. Brian and Brad then talk about budgeting for the trip and some of the travel logistics you can expect. Check out our Rolling Bones online Adventure Catalog for more on these adventures. Thank you as always for listening and please share the podcast with friends and associates.

When you're ready to begin looking at your next hunting adventure should I choose a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approach or should I choose a guided hunt? This is a good question and often the subject of debate. In today’s Hunt the World, Bryan, Brian and Brad talk about how they approach the subject. Sometimes it’s better to choose DIY, sometimes it is better to choose a guided hunt. DIY is tempting because it’s generally less expensive, but is it really? Conversely guided hunts can be more expensive but is there more value to them than meets the eye? Drop in for some good advice from three hunters who’ve hunted in their own backyards and around the globe. 

After a grueling Dall sheep hunt in 2002 Jim Winjum harvested what he came for - but on the way down the Mackenzie Mountains in the NWT things almost came to halt as Jim’s boots gave out. That trip sparked this engineering graduate from Montana State University’s mission to design the world’s best boot for mountain hunting. Now, 20 years later, Kenetrek is one of the world’s premiere manufacturers of quality hunting boots. In this episode, Brian, Brad and Bryan Martin re-live the story of Kenetrek as well as talking about what goes into the design and manufacture of a great boot (and socks). They also swap stories of favorite sheep hunts.  

In this episode of Hunt the World today (Sept. 1) marks the opening or archery season for elk in many areas including South Dakota. Brian got lucky and drew a prime Black Hills unit and today he talks with Brad about his preparation and strategy for the upcoming hunt. They discuss their bow setup, equipment, scouting reports, the effects of weather and what the overall plan for the month-long season might be. Our featured adventure for this episode is an Alberta Mule Deer/ Moose/ Whitetail Combo Hunt. To scope it out click or tap here.  Also, let us know your bow hunting plans and Brad would love to know if you prefer a mechanical broadhead or a cut-on-contact style - send us your feedback at hello@rbohome.com - we’d love to hear from you and if you’d like can share your comments on a future podcast. 

Brian and Brad are preparing to leave for a Fannin sheep hunt in the Yukon Territory. In this episode they review their gear preparations and provide some sage advice that you can use as you prepare for your next wilderness adventure. Thank you for listening and helping to make Hunt the World success. If you have any questions, comments or topic suggestions contact our producer Bleep right HERE.

We shift gears a bit in this episode of Hunt the World as Brian, Bryan and Brad take up fishing. Actually they take you along fishing in the great state of Alaska - arguably the best fishery in North America. They’ll cover opportunities, expectations and cost. If you’ve ever considered this, you’ll want to listen to this episode for some insight and advice as the Rolling Bones teams has vetted numerous world-class fishing opportunities in our 49th state. The guys talk about the various salmon, char, and halibut fishing along with one of the best “chicken holes” they’ve ever visited. 

Perhaps the most important aspect of successful hunting in the western states and internationally is becoming proficient with your rifle. That means knowing safety, how your firearm operates and how to use it well at long range. In this Hunt the World episode Brian and Brad take you inside what goes into an RBO Precision Mountain Shooting School. They just returned from Utah after completing their first shooting school of 2022 and fill you in on what to expect if you decide to attend, the curriculum, why you should consider going and what students learn after going through the course. 

On this week's Hunt the World we go big cat hunting with RBO member Craig Reiman. Craig's adventure in Colorado yielded a Boone & Crockett giant mountain lion and he talks about the hunt and cat hunting in general with Brian and Brad this week. If you've ever thought about it, we've got some options for you to consider in this episode. Thank you as always for listening!

Today on Rolling Bones Hunt the World we continue our off-season guide. In this episode Brian, Brad and Bryan take on the topic of keeping your shooting skills sharp during the off season. Just because it may not be hunting season where you are it doesn’t mean you can leave your rifle or bow in the rack collecting dust. It’s important to make part of your off-season regime a regular shooting routine. It could be time at the range, it could be dry firing. But there’s no substitute for trigger time to keep you sharp. And there’s no better hunter than an accurate hunter. So today the guys talk about taking the time during the off-season to clean and maintain your weapon, whether it’s a rifle or bow, zero your scope and using it to practice and get better at long-range shooting. 

Brian and Brad get into ballistics in this episode of Hunt the World. Specifically they are discussing the right cartridge for the right situation and let you know what their favored cartridges are. After spending hundreds or hours in the field each year RBO has done the research to help you understand what’s behind the proper cartridge selection. We look for the right bullet and bullet performance, the right cartridge and shootability. After all, you won’t use the same bullet in Africa that you use to hunt Dall sheep in Alaska. Let RBO be your resource.

Our featured hunt today is the Kyrgyzstan mid-Asian Ibex hunt. Check it out here. 

And, we’d like to know what you shoot. What is your favorite cartridge and why? Let us know at hello@rbohome.com

You’ve just harvested that nice mule deer or that massive elk. Now you’ve got to get that meat back to the truck or back to camp and on to the butcher shop. In today’s episode Brian Mehmen and Brad Dana from the Rolling Bones front lines give you valuable advice on how to preserve that wild game meat. Brian studied meat science in college, was a butcher and currently owns a meat shop so the RBO guys know this topic very well. And today they give you some important tips that you’ll want to know. 

On today's episode, two of our RBO adventure hunters, Jim Bonanno and Scott Palmer join Brian and Brad to swap sheep stories and talk about their plans to complete their sheep grand slam. The pair of worldwide hunters are in town for the Argali Club weekend and stopped by the Bone Cave for a little fun and storytelling. Thank you for listening! If you have thought or comments drop us a line at hello@rbohome.com

In this episode of Hunt the World Brian, Brad and Bryan outline ways to keep your shooting skills sharp during our current ammo shortage. Also in this episode we’ll explain the method of “dry firing” and how useful that can be in making the shot. And of course, whenever we get into an episode involving rifles and ballistics Brad and Bryan seem to get a bit side tracked. But no bulls, pigs or roosters were harmed in the making of this podcast.

There’s an old Powerball saying that goes “you can’t win if you don’t play.” The same might be said when if comes to applying for tags. In this episode Brian talks with Brad about how he almost didn’t bother to apply this year and Brad convinced him otherwise. The result was pretty amazing for the particular tags that Brian ended up applying for - and the lessons he learned for all hunters when it comes to applying. It's our final podcast recorded in Bone Cave II before the crew moves into the brand new studio, Bone Cave III. And this week’s podcast is brought to you by our featured hunt - DIY Alaska Range Caribou / Black Bear and Wolf Combo Hunt catalog number RB-19397-09 or click here. 

With every Rolling Bones membership you’ll get a personal hunting advisor, someone to help you with applications, points, strategy and booking that next adventure. But some of you may be asking, why should I bother hiring a hunt advisor? Isn't it cheaper and just as good if I do it myself? In this Hunt the World episode Brian and Brad answer that question and three other often asked questions regarding this: 1. Is my outdoor adventure more expensive when I book through my advisor? 2.How do I know my advisor has my best interest in mind? 3. Will I have the same quality relationship with my outfitter if I book through my advisor? All great questions, join us for the answers. And remember, our most popular membership is $150 per year. Where else can you hire a specialist for $150 PER YEAR? (And that includes application services in ALL 50 states!!) 

Many of us have an international hunting adventure on our bucket list. RBO member David McBride did. In fact not only was he planning on going overseas, he decided to take the family with him. So David and his two sons, Lincoln and Calvin, made the trip of lifetime as they went in search of Ibex and Marco Polo sheep in Asia. Find out how they were able to plan the trip and learn what the outcome was on this week's podcast with Brian Mehmen and Brad Dana. There's only one thing better than going on an international hunt and that's sharing the experience with your family. The McBride's did it - and you can too! As always thank you for listening and please spread the word about our podcast to family and friends.

The guys are getting ready for one of Rolling Bones' premiere events - it's Argali Club weekend. And Jeff Sipe of Badlands Rifle has dropped by as they plan to take this brand new precision shooting platform to the range. In this episode you'll get a tour of RBO's unique shooting golf course - "Argali International." Brian and Brad describe how the golf course works and Jeff joins in with more on the design of Badland's first rifle, the new "Langt Svero" (LSR) 6.5 Creedmore.

It has taken master rifle builder Jeff Sipe a lifetime to get to where he is today. Now, with multiple career awards, Rolling Bones Outdoors gave him a blank canvas to design the best rifle he possibly could. After forming a brand new partner company, Badlands Rifle Company, Jeff released his first top-to-bottom premium design in late summer of 2023 - the BRC "Langt Svero" Rifle (LSR). It has proven to be a huge success and it is a rifle we are proud to offer to our members and the hunting community at large. And today on Hunt the World, Brian and Brad go deep with Jeff on the specifics of the design and what makes this rifle stand apart. Thank you for listening and if you have any feedback, contact our podcast team at hello@rbohome.com

This week we’re paying tribute to our good friend and RBO Advisor Dave Cooley. He died suddenly on a solo hunt last month. Minutes before, he had harvested a Rocky Mountain sheep, completing his North American grand slam. Dave was a one-of-a-kind and today we share the story of this hunt and the story of what made Dave a friend to so many. Today's featured hunt takes us to Alaska - a Kodiak Island Sitka black-tail deer adventure. Brian describes this adventure from first-hand experience. Click HERE for details.

In this episode of Hunt the World, RBO member Shay McGowen is our guest as he talks with Brian and Brad about what it’s like to go for the North American Super Slam. That list includes 29 big game species found in North America. We’ll learn how far along Shay is on the list and the strategies it takes to achieve this rare hunting achievement, which only 220 hunters have ever accomplished.

We get a lot of calls into the Bone Cave from hunters who would like to hunt the Great Northwest. The Great Northwest, to us, includes British Columbia, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Alaska (and even western Alberta). Where would you go if you were only to go a couple of times in your hunting life? What type of hunt would you choose - spot and stalk or horseback? What species - fannin sheep, big moose, muskox, Dall sheep, grizzly bear, billy goat, wolf, caribou, elk? The list seems endless. In this episode Brad and Brian answer some of these questions using their vast experience hunting in the Great Northwest. Thank you for listening! For more head to RollingBones.com

Covid may have closed Canada to non-resident hunters but the lower 48 states are open! In today’s episode of hunt the world Brian Mehman and Brad Dana discuss some adventure hunting opportunities that you may not be aware of that you can book right now in the lower 48 states of the USA. They will cover opportunities for mountain lions, antelopes, black bear and aoudad sheep and give you their personal experiences with each. 

In today's episode go behind the scenes at two of the Midwest's largest outdoor show - the Iowa Deer Classic and the Illinois Deer Classic. Our guest is the Ex. Dir. John Bunge who oversees both shows. We'll hear about what goes into a show of this size, the hottest trends in the hunting world and some of the things that make these two shows so popular and unique. We'll also talk hunting and land management, which is a hot trend right now. Our featured hunt for this podcast is a New Zealand Red Stag and Free-Range Tahr adventure. Check it out here.

In this edition of “Hunt the World” from Rolling Bones Outdoors, Brian and Brad talk about what it takes to prepare for a hunting expedition in Kyrgyzstan. For most of us we couldn't find Kyrgystan on the map, let alone spell it. But the guys are getting ready for a super challenging, high altitude hunt in pursuit of big game. Thank you for listening!

***LISTEN TO THE EPISODE FOR A FREE RBO GIVEAWAY***. In this episode of Hunt the World Brian Mehmen and Brad Dana welcome in Rolling Bones member Bob Miller. Bob is a blue collar guy from Michigan who has put to use our Hunter Expedition Layaway Plan to go on hunting adventures with a working man's budget. Be sure to listen for our very special podcast giveaway while it lasts. Thank you for listening and hopefully this episode will inspire you to start planning today for a great adventure tomorrow!

Hunting season 2021 is fast upon us and this is one of those questions we get a lot at the Bone Cave, headquarters for Rolling Bones Outdoors. When is the best time to hunt? Is it early in the season, the middle or later in the season? In this Hunt the World podcast Brian, Brad and Bryan explore the answer to this question with a detailed look at what factors can help you make this decision.

In today’s episode Brian Mehmen goes behind the scenes with Brad Dana to unpack his recent experience hunting for Dall sheep in the Alaska Range. Going into the hunt, the scouting reports indicated it could be a challenge. And it ended up being just that. So what do you do when the hunt doesn’t end the way you planned? And even more than that, as the founder of the company how does the result of the hunt affect the way you may promote it to Rolling Bones’ members in the future? 

Today Brian covers three areas: (1) Why he booked where he did, (2) What worked and what didn’t on the hunt, (3) How the results will influence the RBO hunt catalog which is a continually updated resource.  

Time stamps: 

10:01 Why Brian booked where he did

19:18 The logistics of the hunt, flying in, etc. 

26:10 What worked well on the hunt

30:42 What didn’t work well on the hunt

38:15 What else worked on the hunt (gear)

47:45 How the hunt experience affects the updating of the RBO adventure catalog for the benefit of our RBO members. 

Rolling Bones Advisor Brett Miller is now hooked on western hunting. A life-long friend of Brian's, Brett, along with Brad, recently returned from a mule deer hunt in Montana. Listen in this week as Brett talks with Brian and Brad about the experience, the steps he needed to take to make a western US hunt a reality, and why it's probably ruined him for deer stand hunting in midwest. We thank you as always for listening and please share the podcast with a friend.

Brian and Brad have just returned from Canada's Yukon Territory and a Fannin sheep wilderness hunt. They’ll have more details on that hunt in a later episode. But this week they reflect on their overall hunt experience through the lens of three important areas that may help you in creating the most successful outcome possible from your next guided wilderness hunt; your physical ability, your mental capacity and your gear knowledge. Thank you for listening! And if you have any feedback, thoughts, ideas and suggestions let us know by tapping here.