Rok Blog Posts

[robby denning]

First Lite Catalyst Glove Review

 

[robby denning]

A review on Mendoza's latest book: "Shoot or Don't Shoot"

 

[dallinwood]

Awesome Thanks!

 

[Scogin]

Looks good man.

 

[robby denning]

SKRE Early Season Clothing review is up!

Rok Blog

www.rokslide.com

 

[robby denning]

Final Review on Nikon's 22 oz powerhouse spotting scope

Nikon Fieldscope ED 50mm Compact Spotter Review

 

[NTThunting]

Looks good.

 

[robby denning]

Book Review

Dennis Wintch Mule Deer Hunting Legend: 50 Years of Hunting Trophy Mule Deer in the Deserts of the West

 

[Whiskey Bizned]

Thanks! buying today!

Edit: I am seeing now that by "deserts of the west", Dennis seems to be referring to mainly Utah? Will this help me in Colorado? I am a novice, fyi

 

[robby denning]

Thanks! buying today!

let me know what you think after you get through it.

 

[robby denning]

Next Book Review is up! This one's a little dryer and deeper, but still a must read if you want to understand mule deer, biology, and the people who manage them (hint, this book is NOT just for Utah hunters):

Mule Deer: A Handbook for Utah Hunters and Landowners

 

[mfllood3800]

Robby,
I am interested in this book. I appreciate the heads up. I attend the local meetings with BLM, Biologists that come thru every year and inform us of deer/elk populations, possible permit allocations etc.
I don't always agree with what they report, based on my personal exploration during the pre hunt, hunt, and post hunt seasons. But I believe they don't get to the same areas I do, but more in general report what they know, which is most certainly more than me.

One thing I copied and pasted from your post:
"Scientists and wildlife managers have done much research over the decades on this subject. We know that in areas where the herd is at or near carrying capacity of the habitat, shooting does can benefit a herd."

I am not opposed to this at all. How ever I see every place we have deer and elk habitat, there are cattle every where. It almost seems like the ranchers in my units have some pull and great influence over grazing rights, and that drastically effects the deer and elk plots, especially the elk.
Many many areas have been chained to promote new growth. I am all for that. But we were told they would leave areas for elk and deer migrations, which they did not. later we were told the ranchers demanded the "pasture lands" they are leasing. I get that too.

Here it isn't just the food sources for wild life, but cattle, that is driving so much.
Maybe I'm just beating the same chest I had 5 years ago, 10 years ago, cause I don't read a lot of books.
But I do know what I have witnessed in wild life decline and it is alarming. In my area anyway.
It just sure seems like Utah is run by ranchers and driven by permits sold to hunters.

 

[Muley Buck]

Next Book Review is up! This one's a little dryer and deeper, but still a must read if you want to understand mule deer, biology, and the people who manage them (hint, this book is NOT just for Utah hunters):

Mule Deer: A Handbook for Utah Hunters and Landowners

View attachment 150033

I read this one once a few years ago. I still own it. Probably should give it a look again. Thanx Robby.

 

[robby denning]

I read this one once a few years ago. I still own it. Probably should give it a look again. Thanx Robby.

hey, you bet man. I surprised how many deer hunters have read this book. Good on you.

 

[Macegl]

Great book, read it about 5 or 6 years ago and it made me re-think alot of the views I had grown up with.

Sad how sometimes we as sportsmen know so little about these deer, and alot of what we "know" or what Robby refers to as bro science, is false.

Thanks for another great article Robby! Your blog and mule deer content is what got me on this site in the first place.

 

[robby denning]

Robby,
I am interested in this book. I appreciate the heads up. I attend the local meetings with BLM, Biologists that come thru every year and inform us of deer/elk populations, possible permit allocations etc.
I don't always agree with what they report, based on my personal exploration during the pre hunt, hunt, and post hunt seasons. But I believe they don't get to the same areas I do, but more in general report what they know, which is most certainly more than me.

One thing I copied and pasted from your post:
"Scientists and wildlife managers have done much research over the decades on this subject. We know that in areas where the herd is at or near carrying capacity of the habitat, shooting does can benefit a herd."

I am not opposed to this at all. How ever I see every place we have deer and elk habitat, there are cattle every where. It almost seems like the ranchers in my units have some pull and great influence over grazing rights, and that drastically effects the deer and elk plots, especially the elk.
Many many areas have been chained to promote new growth. I am all for that. But we were told they would leave areas for elk and deer migrations, which they did not. later we were told the ranchers demanded the "pasture lands" they are leasing. I get that too.

Here it isn't just the food sources for wild life, but cattle, that is driving so much.
Maybe I'm just beating the same chest I had 5 years ago, 10 years ago, cause I don't read a lot of books.
But I do know what I have witnessed in wild life decline and it is alarming. In my area anyway.
It just sure seems like Utah is run by ranchers and driven by permits sold to hunters.

Hi, agreed on the overgrazing and it is mentioned in his book. But he does make a strong case for the right amount of grazing helping mule deer. Most hunters (and me a few decades ago) think grazing is bad at any level.

Stay involved! The pursuit needs you, but we always need to have our facts straight and sometimes what we observe isn't necessarily the facts.

 

[robby denning]

Great book, read it about 5 or 6 years ago and it made me re-think alot of the views I had grown up with.

Sad how sometimes we as sportsmen know so little about these deer, and alot of what we "know" or what Robby refers to as bro science, is false.

Thanks for another great article Robby! Your blog and mule deer content is what got me on this site in the first place.

well here's another deer hunter who cares enough to read about the science behind hunting. Thanks for chiming in and glad you're a member.

 

[robby denning]

Fundamentals of Hunting Mule Deer
Seminar by Marc Smith

 

[robby denning]

This: Still-Hunting How-to (and a film release)

 

[Mike7]

I really enjoyed your "real" film Robby. It was a nice mix of vistas, hunting info/technique, and backcountry humor.