A Western Hunting Podcast dedicated to Preparing, Inspiring and Educating Hunters for Big Game Hunting!
Backcountry Rookies
Claim This Podcastby Chad Ryker
4.8(65 reviews)
205 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
91
Podcast Authority
BetaExcellentBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality97
Social97
YouTube76
Engagement90
Podcast Overview
A Western Hunting Podcast dedicated to Preparing, Inspiring and Educating Hunters for Big Game Hunting!
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/23/2022
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91
Podcast Authority
BetaExcellentBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality97
Social97
YouTube76
Engagement90
9
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2
Good Performance
8
Growth Opportunities
excellent
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Every 7 days
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3.0/5
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Recent Episodes
February 23, 2026
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.
January 26, 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
January 19, 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.
205 total episodes available with 1 transcripts
Recent guests on Backcountry Rookies
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Bear Handlon
Guest
CJ
Guest
Jeromy
Guest
Lane Colyer
Guest
Jaryd Bernstein
Guest
Aaron Martin
Guest
Ryan Corkwell
Guest
Alex Mader
Guest
Ryan Martin
Guest
George Bermudez
Guest
Jaden Bales
Guest
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Backcountry Rookies?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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