Backcountry Rookies

About Backcountry Rookies

A Western Hunting Podcast dedicated to Preparing, Inspiring and Educating Hunters for Big Game Hunting!

Publisher

Chad Ryker

Category

education · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Feb 2022

Latest episode

23 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

1 of 205 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   23 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT

   New Mexico Non-Resident Opportunities for Big Game Hunting – Chad Nelson, NMDW

   This week on the Out of State Hunter Podcast, host Chad Ryker sits down in Santa Fe with Chad Nelson (Licensing Operations Manager for New Mexico Department of Wildlife) to break down non-resident hunting opportunities in New Mexico and how the 2026 draw works at a high level. They explain New Mexico’s three draw pools (resident, outfitted, and unguided non-resident) and why guided/outfitted applicants typically have better odds than unguided non-residents. The episode covers species-by-species opportunity—highlighting New Mexico’s reputation for trophy elk, solid mule deer and Coues deer potential, plus premium but low-odds hunts for bighorn sheep and pronghorn. They also clarify the E-Plus private-land elk system, including the difference between ranch-only vs unit-wide authorizations and why it can get expensive. For unique “only-in-NM” experiences, they dive into oryx, ibex, and Barbary sheep, with ibex noted as one of the toughest hunts around and Barbary offering accessible OTC options in certain areas. Finally, they stress doing your homework on hunt codes, tag numbers, and deadlines, staying on top of harvest reporting requirements, and watching for potential rule/proclamation changes heading into 2027. Key Takeaways No preference points in New Mexico — every applicant has a true random chance each year. Outfitted pool (10%) usually offers better odds than unguided non-resident (6%), but requires a signed contract and added cost. Avoid party applications, especially when tag numbers are low — it can dramatically hurt your odds. Tag numbers matter — small quotas can make some hunts essentially impossible for non-residents. E-Plus private land elk licenses create opportunity, but prices are set by landowners and can be expensive. New Mexico offers rare, unique hunts like oryx, ibex, and Barbary sheep, with some OTC options available. Do your homework: verify hunt codes, watch deadlines (March 18), complete mandatory harvest reporting, and stay alert for 2027 rule changes.

2. 

   26 Jan 2026

   The New Standard in Backcountry Cook Systems - RoughRidge Stove Co. – Chris Neville

   In this episode of the Out of State Hunter Podcast, Chad Ryker talks with longtime industry friend Chris Neville to introduce RoughRidge Stove Company, a new backcountry cook system Chris and his brother have been developing for the last three years. Built and developed for hunter, by hunters Chris shares his path through the hunting industry (from filming whitetail hunts in Iowa to working at GOHUNT) and explains the “why” behind Rough Ridge: most stoves are built for the backpacking/REI crowd, not for the abuse, wind, elevation, cold, and real-world conditions backcountry hunters live in. They break down what makes the RoughRidge system different, including an ultra-packable nested design, a unique shaped titanium pot, a removable wind guard for serious wind performance, true simmer control, and a protected igniter built for reliability. Chad also digs into listener Q&A covering weight, modularity, fuel regulation, and what it takes to build a product from scratch (hint: it’s not just rebranding off-the-shelf parts). If you’re tired of cook systems that fail when it matters, this episode is a deep dive into a fresh piece of innovation built by hunters, for hunters, with a spring launch planned. Follow along at the links below

3. 

   19 Jan 2026

   Arizona Elk and Pronghorn Draw Breakdown for Non Residents – Erin Butler, AZGFD

   Chad Ryker talks with Erin Butler (AZ Game & Fish Big Game Program Supervisor) about Arizona’s elk and pronghorn draw, how non-residents fit into tag allocation, and how to build a smart application strategy. They cover the 20% max-point pass / 80% random draw structure (meaning low-point hunters still have a real shot), highlight over-the-counter/non-permit elk options, and call out common application mistakes. They finish with deadlines, costs, bonus-point “boosters,” and Point Guard options.

Inside a recent episode

New Mexico Non-Resident Opportunities for Big Game Hunting – Chad Nelson, NMDW

Published 23 Feb 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] So it gives you kind of an idea. When you're looking at a unit like 16D in the Gila, they're very low tack numbers, right? The allocated licenses to that unit is very low versus some of the other ones where you can go and there's 250, 300, 400. Yep. So if your desire is really to go and hunt in New Mexico – You might want to look at some of those lesser quality units that have a lot higher tag numbers so that you can actually have better chances of drawing a tag, right? That's right. The number of licenses available is sort of predetermined. Yeah. Yep. Yeah. Yeah. Um, and that's why that was kind of goes back to that Gila and beyond. […]

Who has been a guest on Backcountry Rookies

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Bear Handlon
• CJ
• Jeromy
• Lane Colyer
• Jaryd Bernstein

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

43,509

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

35 ratings

Spotify

4.6 / 5

31 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 91 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

97

Social presence

97

YouTube

76

Engagement

90

Contact Backcountry Rookies

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Backcountry Rookies