The Rich Outdoors

EP 427: Mule Deer Biology Series – Nevada

by

Welcome to another episode of our Mule Deer Biology Series. Today, Jaden sits down with Cody Schroeder, the Mule Deer Staff Biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Nevada’s mule deer management is a really interesting contrast to states like Montana and Idaho since every hunt is a limited-quota draw hunt. As a result, Cody Schroeder covers the suite of topics in the state of Nevada and mule deer management there. The guys also basically touch on what’s happening with mule deer in every corner of the state, from wild horses and predators in the northwest corner, to fires outside of Elko, to drought in desert units just north of Las Vegas, and everything in between. Enjoy this super informative episode!

If you haven’t yet, be sure to go back and listen to all the different mule deer biology series to give you a good perspective on just how different states manage mule deer populations.

Show Notes: 
Intro – Cody’s Work & Background – 1m 45s
Management Overview – 5m 24s
Bonus Point System – 11m 52s
Impactful Issues on Mule Deer – 18m 59s
Mule Deer Herds on Western NV – 28m 20s
Keystone Requests From the Public – 35m 57s
Closing Thoughts – 43m 4s

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

EP 423: Mule Deer Biology Series – Idaho

by

Hey guys! I’m stoked to bring you this episode of the Muley Monday Biology Series all about Idaho mule deer. In this podcast, I talk with biologists Matt Pieron, the IDFG Mule Deer Initiative Coordinator, and Curtis Hendrickson, the Regional Wildlife Manager for the Upper Snack Region. We go in deep on habitat and what hunters should look for when identifying good mule deer areas, including some vegetation specifics and what they’re doing or need to do for habitat improvement in Idaho. Also, Idaho just adopted a new mule deer management plan in 2020-2025 and as a result, there are potential changes to the nonresident tag allocation structure in the legislature right now. While it won’t affect hunters in 2020, it’s something to keep an eye on. These are two great guys, and both sportsmen who have devoted their professional careers to working on wildlife issues and we touch on that as it seems to be pretty consistent with all biologists I’ve come across in this series. I really appreciated these guys taking time out of their busy days between winter range counts and crunching harvest data to sit down and talk mule deer.

Show Notes: 
Intro & Biologist Background – 0m 35s
Overview – Idaho Mule Deer Management – 6m 18s
Controlled Hunts & Buck:Doe Ratios – 11m 59s
Winter Herd Losses – 18m 41s
Populations, Habitat & Food Sources – 22m 9s
Hunter Data, Numbers & Opportunity – 47m 8s
What to Ask a Biologist When Researching – 63m 19s
Closing – 69m 19s

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

EP 419: Mule Deer Biology Series – Montana

by

Welcome back to another episode of the mule deer biology series. In these episodes of Muley Monday we are interviewing biologists across the west to discuss how mule deer are managed, issues impacting mule deer populations and what we as hunters can do to be active participants in mule deer management.

In this week’s episode, Jaden sits down with Montana biologist, Jay Kolbe. Jay has been a biologist in Montana for 25+ years in different areas and has a wealth of knowledge to share about how Montana manages mule deer. From how Montana got to having such long general season to buck to doe ratios to case studies on how special management units affect deer populations within the state, Jay and Jaden cover the gambit of topics in this super informational podcast.

Show Notes: 
Introduction – 1m 17s
MT’s Mule Deer Management Overview – 3m 44s
Population Densities & Winters – 16m 35s
Hunt & Season Change Process – 20m 37s
270 Case Study & CWD – 23m 43s
Fire Effects & Age Class Management – 38m 40s
Public Inquiries & Deer Expectations – 52m 41s
BMA – Block Management Program – 58m 10s
Your Feedback Matters – 65m 13s

You can find this episode and all Muley Monday’s exclusively on The Rich Outdoors Patreon feed.

Stay tuned for more of these conversations with biologists regarding mule deer and mule deer management across the west as we hope to get folks on from states like Colorado, Nevada, and others.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

EP 415: Mule Deer Biology Series – Wyoming

by

Hey guys! This is Jaden Bales from the Rich Outdoors. 2020 is the “Year of the Deer” for me, so you can expect a bit more coming from me in the future as I document how I’m trying to take my deer hunting skills to the next level this year. I wanted to kick off the Year of the Deer by getting biologists on from different states to better understand how mule deer are managed across the west. The hope is this can help me, and the rest of the listeners, better understand harvest states, mule deer populations, and hopefully make the right application choices this spring.

To kick off the series, I wanted to have on my good friend from Wyoming, Lee Knox. Lee and I became close when I lived down in Laramie and often times would ourselves deep in conversations about some of the data he’s gathering regarding mule deer age classes, antler sizes, the research that’s out about CWD, and much more. Without making too bold of claims, he does a good job at pointing to the best information managers in Wyoming have available that’s helped them make their management decisions. Importantly, he also covers how mule deer are managed in the public trust and how public input plays an important role in how seasons, and ultimately deer are managed in various regions around Wyoming.

Show Notes: 
Introduction – 0m 34s
Mule Deer Management in WY – 6m 11s
Special Management Units & Age Classes – 16m 12s
Age & Antler Restrictions – 40m 7s
CWD Management – 50m 7s
Contact Info – 72m 56s

You can find this episode and all Muley Monday’s exclusively on The Rich Outdoors Patreon feed.

Stay tuned for more of these conversations with biologists regarding mule deer and mule deer management across the west as I hope to get folks on from states like Colorado, Nevada, Montana, and others.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

EP 402: The 201 Rifle Mule Deer Podcast

by

Welcome to the show ladies and gentlemen. This past summer we launch a mini-course around archery elk hunting and how to take your elk hunting success to the next level. In this episode, Jaden and I break down some thoughts around a similar 201 Rifle Mule Deer version. We talk about the differences in what it means to be a 201 elk hunter in comparison to a 201 deer hunter. There are some major differences but also some similarities.

Show Notes: 
Lesson 1: Defining 101 & 201 – 03:42
Lesson 2: Choosing a Unit – 13:30
Lesson 3: Finding Deer – 17:06
Lesson 4: Quality VS Quantity – 26:34
Lesson 5: Find the Voids – Go Fast and Slow – 31:11
Lesson 6: Walk With Your Eyes – 36:30
Lesson 7: Weapon Proficiency – 39:58
Lesson 8: Adapt and Overcome – 46:00
Closing Thoughts, Goals, I Content – 52:12
This podcast is brought to you by Maven Optics. I’m sure you have heard of Maven Optics,  but maybe you are still wondering what they are all about if they are any good. Maybe you have been thinking about checking them out but haven’t got around to it yet. I have been using Maven glass for about 3 years now and I absolutely love their optics and everyone at the company. Maven is a small Wyoming based company that is taking High-quality optics direct to consumer, cutting out the middle man and bringing hands down the best bang for your buck when it comes to optics.
 As a direct to consumer company, they can launch amazing new products faster than any of their competitors by a long shot. The New B.5 Binoculars are one of their new releases and the new New B.5 won the Outdoor Life Editors Choice Award. I have been using these binos in the 18×56 and let me tell you this glass is a game-changer. These things are absolutely amazing. If you want to take your glassing game to the next level, or maybe you are just looking to upgrade your optics give Maven Optics a try. So far every single person I have recommended Maven to has loved their optics. Check them out at Mavenbuilt.com and use code “TRO-GIFT” at check out to get a free gift with your purchase.
This episode is brought to you by On X Maps. As if On X wasn’t one of the most used tools already, On X has launched some assume new features that make it even better. Sharing waypoints has been a great feature but now you have the ability to share where things like camp, the truck, treestands, and even complete routes with whoever you want. One cool way I have been using this as a solo hunter is that I can not only share a pin with my wife showing where my truck is but I am also able to send her the route I plan to take that way if anything happens they have some idea where I am. This great new feature is also great for sharing routes on how to get to a stand or glassing location. All of this is just one more reason why you need to get yourself the an On X Membership and truly start utilizing its potential. Signup at onxmaps.com and use the TRO code to save yourself 20% off.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS