I've changed this strategy quite a bit over the years. What y, younger than I am now it seemed like my number was a lot higher than it is. Now. And then, I guess that's thing to back to what my dad said. As you get older, any goals change a little bit or maybe an objectives change a little bit? The But I went from wanting to kill bigger animals, what I was the other to killing still everybody wants killed the animal. Right? But the reality
of it. Sometimes you're gonna a whole more often than not, maybe with an un unfiltered tank if you have expectations to The rock cast is powered by On x Hunt. The number 1 Gps app in the industry. Stay tuned for a rock cast promo code. Thank you, and welcome back. I'm Sam Weaver. Host up today's Tip see Tuesday. A short segment cover slide dot com tidbits, Honey news from across the west with just a sprinkling of tips and tricks to keep you well informed.
For your next adventure. Last tips, we learned from new secrets to ease scouting. This week, we stay focused on scouting. I've asked 1 of Brock light's most consistent killer a big bulls and big box to share some of his scouting tips and tricks. I'm excited to have Jared Blu with us today. And he's gonna hopefully share some of what makes him so successful. So welcome to S? Hey. How's it going, Sam. I'm good to be on. Yeah. I'm super excited. For those people that
don't know. To me, you're just 1 of the guys that's always getting it done and always on impressive animal. Why don't you kinda tell us where that kinda starts at? Well, it all starts with a luck. At wish it was just luck right. For a lot of it locked. But over the years, you know, I kinda come down with a a type of scouting I like to do, whether it's a play second. Step put on the ground or, like you're
you're in it towards your es county. And that requires a lot of times step behind computer or a tablet, on my solo and look that different. Maps, stick from the apps that you can use to to pick apart land and terrain. That's been a huge huge benefit over the years is the change in technology. It's kind of a 2 sided sword, I guess he will it. The days of 20, 30 years ago, having to drive 2 plates just sprout. A lot of people aren't
doing that anymore. You know, though the east scouting has become quite a popular thing and a very very good tool for a lot of our hunters to use anymore. Yeah. Do you find yourself, try to draw this same areas consistently or do you just kinda throw, like, a big net out there and and just hope to to see what you get and then figure it out So I used to be primarily before all the changes in map and that primarily used to put in for limited draw type areas whether it it'd be Montana Wyoming.
That over the years, as you know has changed a lot, the chances of drawing some of these limited entrant aids anymore you're looking at 8 plus years with points. Creep and everything else that's going on. So back in the day, it used to focus more on units that were known to hold some of the better animals I wish I could do that now. I've burned up all my points unlimited entry tags. So I started going more
to general areas now. And has become a bit more difficult cool to find really big quality animals in the general areas, but that's not to say they're not there as well. So it's a little bit of bolt. I guess, I have the experience of of looking for animals on units that are known to have some of the better animals. And then I've also been very lucky to pull some of the some good animals off some of these general units as well, which requires to me. I think more steady. So you mentioned
your east scouting. So once you've sort of kind of throughout your east scouting areas you wanna check out. Do you try and get boots on the ground do you... Just try to extend your trip into a few more days on your hunting and just kinda scalp and hunt together or how do you kinda prioritize that? So I I always try to get boots some around if I can. That always is a necessity for me if I can do it. There's been so many years where my family and I gl out. If I know I'm gonna have a
table. Go out in the summer months with boots summit around do a lot of... Lot of Scott Norway a lot of hiking covering terrain, marking way points. In a lot of those areas, the animals necessarily in this pretend wanna help. The animals necessarily aren't there during that time in the summer because it seemed to be a little higher in the terrain. So at that time, I'm looking for Signs that show they were there the last September runs, Wall
south of the such. I do run occasionally, but usually in the summer when hot a lot of those elk up higher. Above the timber line or close too and kinda focus on those areas and narrowed. Yes. I can't get boots on the your own. Great example. It's was this last year in Montana. Couldn't get boots on the ground. I was able to draw tank that I knew nothing about the area. Just didn't have time to get out there before season started the first time ever putting boots on that ground
was the weekend the season her. And my family was along with me trainee ended up being a rough than I had anticipated. So although it was hunting and season, and that was to my bow and it was more of a a camping shirt per with my family getting to All the land. So that time, it wasn't there to get ahead of time, they laid my hunt a little bit, but overall, it did allow me to take me grade last year as well. But leading up to that. I'm having boots all of ground, and I did spend a lot of time
east out prior to getting there. So once I was there, And we around the ground, and we hit it running and we knew the area somewhat. My anticipation was is a little bit different than what I thought it was gonna be, and maybe that's because I didn't realized that the impoverished lines were as close together as they were on my east scouting. I I never overlooked that part of it and we ended up in this... Up some train that was really nasty, really rough. Oh, we did see some melt in there.
Really good bulls, but there were mile or 2 away in some really deep rugged country and at at that time I wasn't gonna take my, 12 and 13 year old lift and that stuff and and rub rain, how for them and said, we stepped back a little bit and Qantas made was stop check before lit. Need to get out there 2 weeks later. And what are some of the things that you're you're focused on? Like, for that camping trip with your kids there? Mean, what were you looking for then? The
season was open? Were you mostly looking for animals or this still concentration of sign or what exactly were you kinda keen on? Little bit of bull there, you know, and then kind of the way of the train, but visually see the animals make sure they're even there was a was a big priority for it. And like I said, we were able to sell some bolts on dis ridges went through the glass and then on the stuff that we could hide tea remotely close. We were looking for a
fresh sign. Are we weren't planning a whole lot of fresh sign in that area which told me maybe the elk there till later in the season But at that present time, first part of September, it seemed like they're deeper into the area out farther away the main roads. Farther than what I wanted to take to change on at that time. And when you're east scouting and you laid out, how many plans do you how typically do you try and get, like, ABC in b just 3 or 4, or 5 or 6. I mean, kind of... How's that
shake out for you? I always have a plan a, And then, you know, that's always what you think is going to be in the best who's fault hard. A lot of times as well, those plan don't turn out into it. A great avenue of approach per s. And then there's times were plan Dc d and e does over her cow I left scratching my head and and wondering if Size I was even picking the right stuff spot to the begin well, but, yeah. I'm always of course an action kinda guy being
hatch military and all that. So I always have at least that like to have an Ab and see. Ab in areas I expect to find the animals, and the reason I picked that as area a is is the scouting that I've done the call to ph looking at past weather patterns, picking the areas that have had more rainfall in anticipation that the grass is gonna mean there if the feeds there, I think the animals are gonna be there. So a lot of times my course of action, my a plan is going
to be the area that is hat... Maybe a little bit more moisture in the past, between more grass, creating the more animals, and hopefully leading the more success. I theory of that I would choose for b is gonna be another area that's decent, it might not have about the moisture content is in the first 5. But it still has the tree you'll still find animals in there as well as much as they browse them the for
food. It seems like they're gonna be a little bit everywhere, maybe not as much as spot and plan a, but you should still
be able to get into animals there. And then the seed plan is going to be Thing, you know, some some of those places that maybe hunted as much as as other areas and a lot of times on the math or if that don't look like would be a spot you maybe 1 but surprisingly enough if there's been times where I've ended up in clan c and half found really good animals and and maybe it's because people aren't more there is off. Do you decide when you're gonna jump from, let's say, plan a
to plan b? I mean, how does that normally shake out? Do you have a set amount of time or just like a feeling? How You just feel like you've exhausted day and it's just not gonna work out for you and then go to be? I mean, how's that... How do you decide that? So Lot of times it's gonna be based on how much time do I have a hunt particular area. Yep. I'm not finding animals within then first. 2 to 3 days, especially if
there's not fresh sign. By mining sand, it's gonna extend my time in those areas a little bit longer, but if I'm not finding fresh sign within that first couple days, maybe 3 days, I wanna move off into another area and and try it. You know, it's a that's a good point. You gotta give it enough time that it can develop, but not too much time that you can't shift gears to somewhere else. Absolutely. I guess 1 of the questions is and I know seems like you hunt a by
yourself a lot. How do you decide how far and you wanna go and what variables playing into that. So so many different variables. First and foremost. Is gonna need the weather. Is it gonna be hot? Is he gonna be cool? That's gonna determine how far and getting into some of these areas. If the weather's is gonna be too hot, and I can get an talent successfully by myself in time without it spoiling, I'm gonna pull back terrain bit and maybe not go as deep as I win some many other times. So
this last year was great. Great example. I got into really rough terrain. The terrain was just talking about a little bit ago where I saw those bulls. I went about 2 weeks later and his family wasn't with, and I hiked into that that country by myself really the nasty stuff a lot steeper than I anticipated, but I got into a really really amazing country. And I had camp set up and we're was that was within a couple hundred of the yards where I seen all those goals who leaks prior. So, I
expected come daylight. I'm gonna be in... The thick of it. And I'm gonna have a alcohol over. Right? And that wasn't the case. No. I put all cars in for that in 2 weeks after I saw... The bulls there wasn't a a single help to be found in that immediate area. I step around that area for 2 days. Did a lot of hiking, a lot of scouting Again, scouting during hunting right, it shouldn't be that way I should been just hunting, but it didn't pan out the way I it just faded I did end up finding a
on my way out. But I could've made a play on that hole. The problem was I got in a little bit too deep. And the weather was hot. We were pushing up in in the eighties. And it un a season warm weeks that week and and against, you know, I all judgment told me and I leave the ball alone. I think I couldn't killed that mold, but would've been lucky it to get 2 quarters out, and what I lost a lot of meat. So, you know, I'm not all about just killing the animal, the spoils are taken. Taking holding
the meat is the a huge priority. On that hunt, I did pull back. Move back closer to trail threads and bumps some of those areas at that time you know, typically, when I think of you, I think of you kill them some really good animals, how do you base that judgment on when you're in a general season area. I mean, How do you get a idea of the bulb that you're looking for? Is it just a set number in your mind already? How do how does that work out for you? Typically?
So I've changed this strategy quite a bit over the years. What out y? Younger than I am now it seemed like my number was a lot higher than it is now. Then, I guess that's the thinking back to what my dad said as you get older, any goals change a little bit or maybe your objectives change a little bit. But I went from wanting to kill bigger animals when I the at killing still everybody wants to killed the angle. Right? But the reality of it. Sometimes you're gonna the whole more often
than not, maybe with them on film. If you have your expectations too high. Again, we're gonna be looking at those areas. And if it's a limited draw area, my number gonna be quite a bit higher than it it's gonna be on a general area, limited entry. It's gonna be again back to the research. What's been killed in that area past what time of box are taken out of there. A lot time of have been taken out of in that area.
Antenna base that number off of that. If I'm in the general area, still, you can get statistics on past Hans kinda lay your average. Scoring doctor Bull is in that area, and they off that. And then the experience, you know, it's hard to put a score on on the experience that you get while out the woods and a lot of times if the experience is there that animals gonna be laid in mega animal than what you will would have taken? Without having all the experience. I'm missing kinda...
I'm kinda all over the place on that. Everybody wants to kill off, a ball over tree after I everybody wants to kill buck over 1 80, any anymore of the real reality of that happening has scheduled less and less over years. Especially when you're getting into these january years. Well, I thank that, and I'm sure that this all is true for you, but, you know, there was a time where archer season wasn't as popular as it is now. There's a lot less people out. A lot less
bug being thrown around. And I think it really has made a lot more challenging. In a lot of these spots in a lot of these general areas just amount of pressure. Just a number of bug or calls in general that these elk hearing on the daily. From people, and then, you know, you get older, like you you have your kids, your kids straw tags, you gotta try to balance your time off for you and your kids and and get all that worked out too and that plays a part for sure. It
really does. It changes a lot of it. You know, You go back 15 years ago, 20 years ago or longer than that when I was... The only 1 I had to worry about is, like, So I had more time to spend out of the woods. I only have to worry about my time off of board. I didn't have to worry about kids school and... Have to very worried about my wife concur work. So it has come harder over the years to spend more time out there. So I guess that... Maybe that quality, I have of animal that I expect just came
down a little bit. Yeah. Likelihood of finding animals like used in the past definitely choose. It's not same. You know, everything was changed from online, you know, all the really great forums out. They great odd. Out there it really has Changed dynamic I'm and and it has to become more competitive over the years. Yeah. Just the amount of knowledge out there in general, And my guess last week, a mark say. That was 1 of his things, you know. There's only 2 ways to get better,
and that's experience or knowledge. And the experience level is how many days you can get out in the field. And the only way to up that without getting more days in the field is to expand your knowledge level And there's so many resources for that right now. There. And it's kinda funny and there's gonna be a lot of pun intended here, but... And There are a lot of expert hunters out there now. A lot more than they used to be in the past you contribute that a lot to...
Podcasts and forums platforms that are out there inmates people have a lot more knowledge at a lot or faster time than what it used to be in the past You and I can talk from experience with that. A lot of these young guys coming in into it now. They might know more than I did. 5 years I'm. They might know more in their first year hunting that I ever did in inside use that. It's the dynamics rule changed. Well, I think even for me, I'm constantly learning, you know, like, we'll get
in and I don't know. Who's maybe not for you, but sometimes I feel like Giving a rut or something works for me so much that I don't try other stuff. And then, you know, I'll hunt with people and they'll have fiber or 6 different ways that they do it. I'll have 1. Just because it always typically pans out for me. Oh, yeah. Yeah. There's course of actions. Right? We gotta get stuck in ride just like you say, something's worked for you in the past, you wanna keep coming back in that, and,
you know, being... Having a little bit more diversity in different ways to do so school definitely change the outcome. Hold alright. I kinda wanna shift gears just a little bit and talk about white tail season. I know when you're talking white tails, you're talking at home that you're... Your scouting game is different, but it does to next level using a lot of different resources. Why don't you just touch on that as it calls out in this
podcast. You bet describing for White tel. Yeah, drastically different than what it is for meal and and el. It's local. It's within a hundred miles from home have several cameras up there. A water sources, trails, and I tran check those cameras once a week once every 2 weeks. Some of them once every 3 weeks. And I... It's... My cameras are in a a big location now within the next few weeks until we're getting into late part of August, those cameras and
will tighten up into smaller areas. A trying to narrow down certain bucks and went whatnot. The season here South Dakota for White hail, and air both and out starts all September ones. Quite a bit different Scouting Yeah. Learning where the box are and trails, bedding scenarios, feeding scenarios and kind in travel corridors in between. The white tail gonna be a little bit different this year. Because... September 1. I might add a target knock
this year. And not really narrowed it down to a target month, month 13 13 year old son. He's been helping me check cameras and he's got. So Oh, a couple different mo where pip names for and pops you wants to go after. And September will now the actor all in South Dakota 19 years to dr hey. I was lucky that's a jaw on archer intake here in South Dakota. So that's spent a lot of scouting throughout throughout chris summer. Oh, yeah. That that's super exciting.
I mean, just the excitement of finally drawn the tag after you wait 2 decades is is next level to the anticipation of what you can turn up. It's it's sad to see, you know, I'm in the South dakota, but it's the way they manage your elk. It's technically used it works in a lifetime tag anymore. It took me 19 years. I gotta wait line years before I can apply again and shoot by then. You know, or knows what's gonna blood direction in my life is gonna be. So I really look at it
as a once a lifetime tight. So I'm gonna go all in in September and and draw everything I can at that hunt to to tree hunt and and see what happens this point And are you approaching that a little bit different since that's more of a local... Hana are you... Are you approaching that more like you do White tel? Or more like... You do the same kind of touting for Montana. It's kind of a mix and ball I spent a lot of time on the Internet you using different resources looking at
now. So I have called and talked to biologists about certain areas, but the nice thing with the beauty about it, it's it's within an hour hour and a half drive from Home. So I've been... Doing a lot of boots out your a lot of hiking. I'm staying out of the thick timber because I know that's where the elk bedding night I wanna be pushing out those areas, but I'm doing a lot of hiking along. Creek beds
and anywhere where there's of water. And kinda looking for areas that shows heavy sign, heavy use come September rubs, swallow, stuff like that. And I'm binding the wall, I know they're not yet yet in hell. But that's gonna change here in the next 12 3 weeks. It's gonna really And but... So as I get closer, they said, September, I'll probably pull back and maybe not scout as much. So I'm not in there educating me or pushing around there. Nice. What of the things I'm curious about you
know, what my this lt tag? You found a lot of buddies you know since this is such a special limited. Deal a lot more community we'll share information with you or where they're seeing these bowls Or is it still kind of pretty secretive do you find? It is it can be... 30 secret still even know it it takes
time to draw hey. I imagine if I reach out 2 more people, I would probably get more gel, but 30 I'm kind of approaching this as I want as much experience as I can join this state on my own, reached out to a couple guys. A couple buddies that I... No. No the area as well, and they've been a huge asset. But I guess, I haven't cast out there that I hand the day and a kinda rewire on myself in a couple of friends just to get as much
knowledge and ted. Yeah. And sometimes being loki, pays off a lot, I know 1 of my buddies be a really good tag, and it seemed like anytime he pretty recognizable truck. And any anytime a that parked to bear. I started to see a couple trucks not parked too far away every time that we get out have out. So I do think that sometimes that can be a problem also. Absolutely. And and don't wanna advertise. Openly as much as... You see on some of the forums that are geared towards hunting
it sounds. Kona people are saying, oh, I drew this tag. This is the area. I'm going to, and that's just not something I've ever done, but you hit the nail on the head. You people know my vehicle, they see it somewhere and and you're absolutely ready to start showing up more and more, the more I park there. Well, I don't know about anybody else but yeah. I'd probably fall you around. I like to... No. I no doubt you'd be on a
big bull. I do find it, you know, The first time my dad ever drew Utah, and it was the same way he had 16 points or something which was Max points at the time, and It was just... I don't know. We just didn't really know how to do it because we we never experienced it in 16 years. You know what I mean, it was our first. Limited entry hunt in Utah, we didn't really
know what to expect. And after that, we've been lucky enough to draw a couple different limited entry tags and get a feel for it, but that first time you don't really don't know what to expect because I had... It was the first time really that we focused about hunting Elk the rut normally. We hunt him later in October. During the general season and and it was just tell overwhelming experience right off. Yeah. Yeah. I could imagine. And I'm doing with a lot of pressure.
Sad to say that I know areas in wyoming Montana, more than I know areas right here in my backyard within an hour's dry. And it's sad to say I lived here as long as I have, but you know, I've never never went off to me on here in my own state, and it's sad to say I know more about Elk, other seats or the new. So that does put a little pressure on me to find a dead. Yeah. The nice thing is once you learn out behavior, you find over the broad that they do the same thing. They're they're looking...
They're keen in on the same features of the terrain, the same feed the same looking for cows. So, I mean, at the end of the day, if you're hunting them in September, they're doing what they do in September If you're hunting them in October, they're doing what they do in October. Yep. That's why lot my doubting, but it's been un hot the last seems like a couple weeks here. So the time I spend out there... Early in the mornings late evenings, Think it's a cool day. Spend most of
the day out there. Yeah had just checking mainly water. I'm focused on water right now, and we've had some bear mount rain, checking some areas where there's been burns in the past or some clearing of the forest, and just kinda taken a big area each time I go out I tried to arrow down just a little bit more, But wanna a step, but there, there might be a be done a whole different bridge than when I'm thinking I'm gonna find them come arrow September.
So we'll see. Alright, Garrett. I'm super excited. I can't wait to see how that South Dakota Elk shakes out for you. I know you got a lot of other hunt coming up this year too So it'd be exciting to follow you along the season. If anybody has any questions, wants to follow you? Or can I find you at? Primarily Facebook. Blue grade, pretty easy to find and then instagram is jared underscore blue. No. Talk channels and none of that jazz, but just Little Facebook and.
Alright. And of course, They can always private message there on Rock? Jared Bloomberg. Yes. Yeah. That's been a great resource over there. Get a lot of messages issues on aux like. Alright, Darren and I appreciate it. And like I said, we'll catch out the view here after a while. Sounds good. Thank you, Saying. You love been full. On x Hunt is the number 1 Gps app in the industry. I guarantee you won't spend a benjamin on something. You use more than on x hunt elite.
Every hunt, every planning session, every gear purchase. Besides the best an online mapping tools with On x On elite. You have access to application and draws tools, exclusive pro deals for leading industry gear. It's an educational resources for all species, exclusive mapping and scouting tools, and last, but not least, access to map coverage, nationwide and now Canada. On Hunt is the Hunt out trusted by millions. On Hunt elite will make you more successful on your next hunt.
So if you're ready to make the jump, Head on over to on x hunt and try it for free for 7 days or go to on x maps dot com forward slash hunt and use the code rock cast for 20 percent off on your new on hunt elite membership. Alright. Move it on. I'm excited to have Will fry back. On the show, he's gonna tell us about some expensive optic testing that he's been doing, and I'm excited to hear the results. So welcome to the show, Will. Hey Thanks for having me
back on. Sam. So I saw these 2 setups at the expo and try them out a little bit myself, but why don't you just go ahead and jump in tell everybody what you've been up to? Hey Well, I think about the little over 2 years ago, I haven't to have the Vg x. I think I and Robbie review and I've been knew this spotting stop and looking for your 1 eye and finding these dear box and,
you know, realizing that a lot. A lot of bucks are just locked a list somewhere or they're easily glass up and either you've gotta be right on top them, which is fine or really look at them from a had an last point or very far away on and so, you know, Dot the Bc. I tested out all 3 objectives that they had it back. Time, And then I settled on at Millimeter are objective. And I've been using that as really not only spotting to for the past couple years now, a lot
of different. I would say Helen Elk. Deere. A little bit of everything. And really just had no no problem with it. Really, there was no problem. Like, you know, I thought maybe the 30 power fix would be a huge share kinda let down, but really didn't when me looking at both eyes, even, it's only third power, you see so much more. And so I, I kinda of realize that that was plenty of power. It was doing everything I needed it to do.
And I thought I'd be done for a long time until I realized that if Sw, the S ftc doing spotty still existed. And on paper, it seemed to kind of yeah that jean mean, you know, over the 12:12 power hand or 10 power hand all way to that 30. So just a wire you're going need to mac vacation in Zoom, which is final don't, on paper the big issue with the D e as you're stuck with 1 power or, you know, 2 powers if you add on my ex And I ended up just getting 1 of
the single Scc. I sold and traded and and done some fin enabling and decided to have 1 of those from my back spotter, but look through it and realize like, wow. This stays they're like an incredible image and such a small package. And and then from there, I a sort reading I think travis was have said the cheesy big eyes and intrigued me.
And decided I was gonna little into set, put it together and then compare sonic body saw that or T x. And try to use it for, you know, a month or 2, at least enough time at least in that hours really feel for it and not just a quick glance. You know, off the whatever I. Yeah. That's 1 of the big things that I really liked about the review is you know, A Bt is expensive. But 2 S it's probably pretty close to similar price. That's a lot of money to have tied up in optics for a long term. It was.
And, you know, I knew I was gonna fell or return or It was not gonna cheap to than forever, but I figured here I might as well, probably log Guys I said the same question. I'm like, oh, well, these 2 things are pretty similar so accomplish the same task. Which 1? And I figured if I could just, you know, hold on do it for a month or so longer than I anticipated, or then I plan to, Maybe get some good information out there. Sure. So why don't you tell us a little
bit about your testing how that all? I'll 1 together. So the the first kind of fertile, I guess is getting those S c's set up for no eyes, and I had already measured my intra distance. So I knew that it should fit. You have to have somewhat of a wide set eyes or at least a lot of average, I think for them to actually work for your eyes. But I got the bracket yet, and I got the sc set on the bracket... And from there you have to make small adjustments to
rocket. So essentially, each scope is pointing at exactly in the same spot. And that's took a little bit of trial error. Adam s adapter has got some great instructional videos and kinda literature on how to do that. But until you mess with it, Well, does it all kind of click and so Spent some just, you know, after work messing with them I'm getting perfect get 1 set until I
really kinda met side by side. Because if you don't have them perfectly set up, you'll still see 1 image, but suddenly just doesn't quite feel right, Google's feels like a cheap pair locking, and you just know that something's things off. Yeah. I little about high strain doesn't have that honesty natural feel and look luxury it. Yeah. Took me a couple of days. I even went badly layers or well, we try readjust and just make sure that this is, you know,
this is perfect. I'm eventually figure like, okay. This is good. And kinda went out to 13 from here. The evans adapter with that micro adjust system allows you to fine tune it and indefinitely really. And I think that that really is what opened. Yeah the gateway to a lot of these big guys that I'm starting to see pop up. In case people don't know. I tried the the big guys at the Expo with the Sd and my eyes, I think we're a little bit too narrow. You gonna have 2 inch 2 dot 562
0.6. Yeah. Yeah. To get in. And then just Don't know of course I was inside the building, but I just didn't feel super comfortable with me. I couldn't really get lined up. Yeah. It's it's not something that you can just... Quickly easily jump right in. It's not something that you'd wanna set up the neck before a hans. Really, it's not something you'd want to go wrong in a field either necessarily, which Yeah. Maybe that's a day drawback and that I kinda talked about marvel.
Might have not will become misaligned. I've been taking them on little scouting trips and shooting, and, they're in my, date pack out here not to go to the cold challenge. But, yeah, That getting them set up perfectly. It's not as easy as just a para of or anything like that. They're But you you, man the view is is really good. Well, I wondered if that was part of my problem too, Like, say it's the guy that owned it had set it up for him, and it just wasn't set up for me.
And Might gave me a little off putting view. Yeah. Definitely. So, you know, I had, like, there's the general just... How do these work? Out of these look? And so I started going out on our winter range. I wonder there's still some dear this spring. And just blasting with both D etfs with those playing with you know, using an our modifications and really just get me possible with
them. And I did that for and number of trips and kinda, you know, took nodes and collected my thoughts, and then I, ended up getting 1 of those Us air force resolution checks. Because to my high, I felt like there was maybe a slight difference in the resolution. I felt like the Bt bts was maybe a little bit better, but I, you know, I wanted to get some objective information on that. And so I put it up.
Outside the back works. So I do at it in different light levels we'll look at it a couple days in a row and try to really see if there was a difference and in terms of just pure what, you know, what resolution, what element can I see? It was the same. But to my eyes, I felt, like, when I'm looking at that smallest little element Bg x was just a little easier to tell what it was and so resolution wise and they were really, really close. And I don't think that's everything.
I think that's very important, but, you know, I went into a lot of the other kinda staff I, guess if you will, and and some that we're just like feeling it out. About the lines and I would fall. Yeah. And not read to review And I mean, for the most part, they're pretty close all the way neck and neck through all of the testing that you did Yeah. I mean, you you really can't go wrong with you 1. Know, also wouldn't say, you know,
go out and get alone. You, you know, take a second word job of your house if buy 1 of these because, you know, it's... You gotta have 1. It's a niche thing. This kinda of long range, glass. But if you're already kinda, you know, into that or have 1, then, you, for sure to S ftc maybe guy said it as something they could consider. Yeah. Go ahead. I just gonna say, why don't we just jump right into kind of the size and the weight comparison, which I found super interesting in
your review. Yes. So weight wise, they're almost the same for the VTX 85, and the S t big guy set up. I put him on my scale with, you know, a plate and air will it would then 2 for that 85 millimeter setup. The 95 stand be able to add your by 6 or 8 ounces something like that. The size is what I really I appreciate on the Scc. It's a small little almost square box 6 package. So I don't have a case for it yet. There's
not 1 available. I've just been sliding it in my hydration pouch of 2 different date packs, and it's small look they can actually fit in there where the B x is is longer, and it's got that, you know, curve kinda awkward angle to it, so I don't can't send that in the day pack. It rival that awkward in the pack. It it seems like a small thing, but really got compact package on Medici is... This needed
to be nice. The size and space is is a lot more than weight and a lot of times for me too, just that super large spotting and scope can be hard to find the spot that it rides nice. Let's see. What else? They're pretty neck and neck. They weigh about the same, which surprised me. Obviously, the S c's are a little more compact like a big pair of bin vernacular. I can just joke right in this it would it be. Big. Yeah. Whole difference
is there. And really, the the first thing, a that is a a major difference is the ability to go all the way down to 17 hour on past Gc and there that field view is very, very large. I don't have a way to measure it, but I think, you know, it it compares to S c 15. The field view is a little bit narrower, but that magnification is a bit bigger. So it's it's a very wide, very bright view on 17. Is excellent for, you know, searching across escape and and turn to pick up. Pick movement.
And then you've got the ability to zoom all the way into to 45 power and you can stop really any power in between, know, sometimes garages is an issue and and then the lobby has really got at 35 power. But if you dial all back to 1 5 or 20. Also sudden that mu is gone and you've got image that doesn't have any extra movement and so you can kick out animal movie view the brush
much easier. And so just that functional component was just a huge difference in a think being able to settle in at a lower power lower than 30 is gonna just make for a more versatile overall useful. Pocket tool. F 30 power on at VTX, you know, if you're looking at close, if you're looking within a mile mile a half, if field view is small that you may be missing step just outside of your field of view, and you end up moving the optic more, you're not sitting there, just kinda
watching for that. Subtle. And so I really want the ability to have actually the last password from the X on a bond and I think that's gonna really just gonna be more useful. It's gonna me that I use this than more often than maybe it didn't my Pt, which them it's a long... Is. For sure, just being able to turn something up into lower power and then being able to zoom in to it get a closer look and go back to lower power is put around more Zoom back in. Yeah. I can imagine that
that's a a huge upgrade. Yeah. So other evening, I I did some shooting and I stock by on 1 of these... Migration ra. Just to look quickly for sand deer. What I did, I was kinda scanning around at about 40 25 power looking a mile, mile a halfway at a old brush side. I picked up a deer, and so I wash it for a minute and it couldn't tell if it was a buck or a dough, you know, so she have little tell and n right now. I assume all
winds you're 45, which is Okay. This is too much stacked it out to 80 35 40 in Washington for a second. And I can tell he had, you build a nuts on there. And so just the ability to kind quickly change that power, And not... You can look through 1 eye and do that and go back to where word, being will look with both eyes 30 power or 40 power 45. All just so much work with the bulb dean and inspiring scale. It's really hard for imagine it been... Yeah. I think that was
the draw to the beat. T ryan is 2 wires are obviously better than 1 for all aspects and plastic. Yeah. I think just being able to stay in the glass longer
and... Sit there comfortably watching. You know, sometimes the years far away and the lighting is turn off and really you just need it to turn its habit right way for you to tell, what you're looking at and be able to sit there with 2 eyes and watch it comfortably, and it's just a more effective, more effective way and that's not even, you know, talking about. Greeting and scanning and looking over lots of country trying to picks out the new.
I guess in closing out, there was only 1 potential negative that you found with the S big guy guys what you wanna talk about that just a little bit. Touch on them again? Yeah. I think I think what you're referring to is the just kinda to penetrate into the shadows? And it's not something that I've seen in a lot of other reviews, but it's something that's very important as,
you know particularly a deer hunter. And so the sort of the main test I had for that was a mountain near my house where there's some resident deer that occasion with And I was glass it was... I remember about 4 miles off on this big shaded hillside pretty early in the evening, but early out that something might come out. Now it could really tell that the V x could really pick out your details of rocks and bushes on that mountain in shadow, much better than the S scc.
And I shouldn't say mush carrier, it's if you were to whole look through the S ftc, you wouldn't necessarily fault. But when you're looking donny by side going back and tour. Really that Bt has just an additional hole and what, I think contrast and maybe just some additional optical elements or coding something about it, this makes that image in the shadow pop much better. And so I don't know that that's gonna, you know, make or break I've run it for me. It was significant. I felt like
I I needed to comment. I'm I'm not sure I would information, because I still chose to keep the Sd seats. I felt, like, it just a much or so. But on miso package. I think the 1 last thing that you kinda mentioned there, and we hit on kinda early is, you know, when you adjust... The culmination to your eyes. You know, is that gonna be affected during field use. You really haven't got them out throughout the year. I'll be interested the find a follow up and
see how well your adapter held together. And if you had make an adjustment or 2 throughout the season. Yeah. I really I really hope they do you boulder up. Know, not banging them around. I'm not gonna do the rock side... The rock slide drop tests on these things. Certainly, they're gonna get quite bit use this fall. And for now, I'm gonna, you pack an allen wrench just in case
of the needs so tightened up. And now that I really know that confirmation process, it shouldn't be too difficult if I if I had to do that in the field, but, you know, that bracket is is really well made. It's a quality piece craftsmanship ship. And so... And hope both screws all hold tight, but think I might lock tight some of them down, torque down really good, but, yeah, that's expensive I can drown down where that thing's gonna
hold up. Alright, Will. Congratulations on having 2 of the best optics in the world and getting to choose between the 2. I appreciate you, and I appreciate your wife letting you do some testing force. I know my wife wouldn't have any part of that. So big shout out to her, and I appreciate you just coming back and we'll have you back later in the season after you've drug these things around a little bit up on the mountain and and see how it all comes back together. Absolutely. Pace against have
me same. Alright. If anybody has any questions where can they, find you at. I'm on Rocks slide. It's will 05:02 7. And I'll link up your review article and you guys can click on that and he'll Take me questions right to them. Thank you. You pursue them. You cherish them, and now it's time to protect them. This. Is the mule foundation. Our mission is the conservation of Mule deer black tailed deer in their habitats the heart and soul of the west.
Join the herd today and help us preserve the legacy of these majestic creatures for generations to come. Your membership supports essential conservation projects, research and niche initiatives, and educational programs that secure a future from Mule deer and black tailed deer, our dear our heritage, our responsibility. Don't just witness their journey, be a part of it. Join the herd, Together, we can make a difference. Visit mule dot org today. Alright. Moving on. Lucky to catch up with cad.
Again, over there at M, he's gonna be telling us a little about 1 of my favorite rifle scope. The rs 1 point tube. So it's getting some rave reviews over there. So I'm super excited to dive into it. Welcome to S Kate? Yeah. Thanks for having me man. I appreciate it. So why don't you, go ahead and tell us a little bit about the 1.2. Some of its features and then we'll talk about how it's been thrown on the ground and still working like a shit. Sure. The Rs s 1.2
is a... Second generation of our Rs 1. Basically, in our naming conventions for products are we call them what they are. Numbers that they released, And then if they have if they say basically within the scene format, but have some major changes that we do a point to and their next generation I. Software update. And so Rs 1 was our very first rifle scope we put out and put it out in 20 17 name. That's great.
2 and a half to 15 by 44 and kind of follow along with our tradition of not wanting to, you know, follow the pack. 3 to 9 by 4 is the standard rifles scope that you don't know what my grandpa had on his bounds. And so the logic thing for a company to do is that a first rifle scope would have been a 3 to 9 by 4. The technologies come along the ways. More partnered over in Japan, make some fantastic optics and have some great engineering is wizard, well why
not why not broaden that. Spectrum. So the 3 to 9, the 2 and a half to 15 pitch a little bit more low end a little bit more on the high end, but still is a dew wall onto go. And so we released the the Rs 1, and the intention was it because of primarily a hunting and a little bit lower magnification we launched it without, exposed turret.
Oral illumination, but that time, there were still about 12 seats that didn't allow illuminated rifle scope for running as a small company wash and push pile, but legal in some states, kinda. That make some choices there. We went non eliminated and we went non turret. Don't we release additional Life dose? Rs 2 also lightweight weighed 2 to 10 by 38, still on my favorite rifle scope that we make. I've killed rounds with that and
I think all our other scope. Combined, an Rs 4 were based on the same platform size to 30, 10 fit long range. Rs 5 set in full. 9. And the rs 3 was the first 1 we didn't update. Rs 3.2. You added. Turret that we did on the old. An qui, we did it from mai week decided that it was with a little extra wait town the through system all I with my back did the 3.2 with the new
turret. And like the church so much. We decided that maybe it was tied to update her at 1, add that to it to an add elimination now that there's just moving down to a couple of states it'll allow elimination, and we would add both models. So early last year, we sat down and sort of work on the design for that. Got some prototypes out and set them around to a few people and that's positive reviews. But Ross Wanted to wave we had production
to make sure that it was... Anyone maybe golden sample it can lean team, and we wanna do make sure that we're were telling the right stories. So we got rock slide, a production sample, delicious smith. Yeah form. That's how we call Now we can say his name. Just out form. Yeah. So foreign tested and did via get the drop test. You either said it on other podcast podcasts and there'd beat loa
if I didn't say here. And the 1 thing I have credit up form list and actually a whole lot light brew on the drop test is that it it is now standardized. Like it doesn't matter if Sand man's doing the test, if chuck doing the test. Whoever does them, that they're they're doing them the same way on the same materials at the same heights. And so I feel like we're getting some, you know, some consistent results. And a lot of times those results are failure.
We're not just on our products, but across the board, They think do the lot that don't don't make it. Rs 1.2 test well at held 0 of follow brew on the tests fail and those results came out, that made it a very desirable scope. It's it's an anomaly for us in that. It is 1 of 10 total scope we make where the mill is more popular than the Moa.
Attribute, that to the Ross light crowd, I'm not sure if it's because loss lighter shoot mill a lot more or because fun tested the mill and they think that's all in under shade sea because that has nothing to been with it, but I think it could be, just, you know, that particular combination worked very well. I think the Jar Re is a great re. I developed that in a really close conjunction some conversation with Ryan Avery.
Spends a lot of time behind scope and had some very strong opinions and some great feedback on making that a a better re So I think a lot of lot of things came together, we kinda mentioned in the pre conversation about, you know, what did we... You different on this? Let we go on the others and it was the Rs s 5, which was the the first 1 that went through the drop test that did not
pass when That was a prep production. I did go back to our engineers and asked on what was difference including the 5 at the 1.2 on why it holds and why Dublin Par they believe it should hold or test on on it. But really it is a different optical system. It's a second focal plane. Gets a little bit longer to a little bit more things to tweet. But what we cheese internally from Rs 1 was nothing, except for the turret components that babe the top turret exposed and at a deal of
an issue. There might be some generations of materials just this to pause and stuff come through through, but rs S1R1 0.2 have the same species. To my knowledge, rs s 1 has never been on through the drop test, And I'd be happy to send 1 in It's is that something people wanna review. I know I personally drop tested the rs 1 on a hunt in South
Africa 2 years ago. The swivel team off of my rifle and the sling dropped and it fell and landed directly on the bell and tee in a athens dent in the top of the bell, makes checked my 0, the range of the yearly that the guide had set up. And without making an adjustment, A I shot 4 more animals on that trip with it. You was a shot. Now that's an anecdotal. Right? That's not a scientifically can full test, but I do believe or 1 stands up with Rs s 1.2.
I'll take all the praise you can get for it because it's it's... It isn't great scope up glad that it passed there's test. And really insight the the lot slimy crowd are very passionate group of people and they move the needle. To city Why the product we're putting out and they're happy with what we're doing and I'm happy that we can put provide the product full. For sure, when it first came out, I didn't know
what to think. If you had told I would put a 27 ounce rifle stop on the top of my light right, light, rifle, I would never believed it. I mean, it is a tool, and at the end the day, you want your tool to work. I mean, I have 1 on my rifle currently, I paid full price for it. Happy to do it. The most frustrating part right now is you can't get 1 Right? Like, I think that can be super frustrating when you want it so much and and you just You don't know when the next one's
gonna come... Yeah. There's a... That's an interesting solve for us to have. I read a forum them. Post about drop culture on rock slide on how. We're doing these limited releases to keep the, keep interest stop. Let me tell you how untrue that is. If I could get a thousand them tomorrow, I would buy a thousand owned. Lead time on on the school production time is 5 months. So yours some in November and we mixed between mill and Moa. You got in, you know,
a hundred of each. In November, and the forms post team out, like a week before we released it, and we sold out that first hundred mills in 4 or 5 days then buzz started generating, so I immediately. I... At that point, I did
not have another order then coming in. I immediately placed a another rush orders splitting the difference again, the next batch came in 5 months later like, they are we gonna see this a satisfy the crowd is the last 80 people that wanna scope couldn't get their scope and these things pull them back to the little interest levels and that sold out in 4 hours. Since then, I think I've got it a total of another 400 because we're basically 5 months from that window,
and they're selling out in hours. I've got 80 more coming in next week. I don't have any anymore coming in talk to because they'll... The first time I wrong by 2000 sat on the shelf and then I saw 80 and solomon did. I correct. And so it says fine balance of satisfying the means without going out of business because I have a house of say shelf. The October shipments will be much more substantial they'll be in the hundreds of pieces. But 5 months is just you can react.
So I'll sell he's in October and if he sell at all, while being a panic because I'm 5 months out from being able to doing anything about it. Yeah. I know when I read the post that they had some in stock. I had to pullover over. My wife was, like, what are we even doing us? And, I gotta do something... My credit card out. Try to get it in there. Hoping I could get 1 in the cart. And get it checked out before they sold out. I know it's been super frustrating
for a lot of other people. So I hope everybody that wanted 1 can get it when they release this next time, but I don't foresee that happening. Well, we have some very specific instructions in A right mail how they have it. On the email list is
is cold. Now some mind get, the email and then immediately jump on last and say they're in stop and some people that aren't on the list like Sue jumped we are not holding any of set the the limit earth of 1 at a time on Wednesday, normally try to keep on keep chance and getting them. And I have Moa and Hr. You're willing to shoot in the circles instead of the tens there's we're sitting on the shelf without the whole pass the draw test to you. Yeah. For sure. Well, I appreciate you laying it Out
forest, K there. Let us know a little bit about the in and outs of optics industry when you hit a home run, just trying to get the back in the bag. And I think it is good to note, you know that Yeah. This is a home run. But if we haven't tested the other products, most likely, there's a good chance from your experience that they're built the same on the internals? So be some definitely to look at. People wanna check out more of your rifle scope working they go to find you
guys at... This check this out it and even built. Dot com. We've got them all on there. They can check them out and then I'll also check out our Youtube seeds at m and look some of the reviews and some of the stories and mouth and stuff we have on there at transformation. Alright. Thank, Kate. I look forward to trying to pick up another 1 of these sounds good Thanks. Alright, guys. Moving on. We're lucky enough to catch up with the guys at Black Office. We have Jason Johnston and tie.
Good to be with the sam and the rock cast fruit. So why don't you guys just go ahead and just tell us what you guys do over there Black os for the people that never heard of you. Yeah. For sure. I know a lot of people heard of camel fire. That's our that's our sister brand, if you will. And then there's Black o with So black. We've kinda focused on premium haunting brands. Focused out west, but we are growing a ton with a White tail crowd
back east as well. All the, you know, tree stands and those types of accessories, but we we've really just started to started small, and it's grown into kind of a mega storm. Where... We're based out of here in West. Valley Utah. We have a storefront, but we also have a huge online presence. And Carrying, know, a ton of those big name brands out there, you know, Sit k, mystery Ranch. I mean, I really list is endless, but I I just encourage anybody
jump on black dot com. Cool thing is is we do have a special makeup brand of art own brands. So it's all black o branded products, everything from merino Wool to a synthetic pieces as well if you're looking for a synthetic top, keep of sun, different her pants, for logo wear, the Black Of brand is really just kinda become, like a bang for your buck really solid hunting gear for a really good price. It's on a
huge growth spurt these last few years. We're seeing ton of customers jump from other big names that may not see the benefit of the price tag, of some of that really high end gear, and they're looking to get into something that's dang equivalent for, you know, in some cases half or Less. So a little snapshot about us, but we're, you know, we're growing all the time and and our retail store is growing as well. We're getting
ready to do a revamp on that. So You know, if you've been in here before, you're gonna see a lot bigger things out of our our storefront are here in West Valley as well. So we we definitely encourage people to come in and check it out. What did I miss Tie? 1 thing, Jason hit all that right on the head that we're really excited for for the only 24. This year, and and it seems like it's kinda common in in the hunting industry is new property. We've got some awesome pieces coming
out for 20 20 before. And without without giving too much away, or excited to offer a a new heavyweight marino top, that'll be coming down the pipeline As Jay alluded to a a synthetic, we're gonna be offering a p loft vest for for our our consumer, along with a a new pant. That's coming out. And we're really excited for this. You know, the 1 that we've already that you were aware of Sam is is our our plateau standing tripod.
And so we're stoked to continue to offer killer pieces in the black Line to our consumer base. Yeah. I really like your house brand. You know, 1 of the things I like. It's... It's reasonably priced for the average sports man. You know, you don't have to go and get a second mortgage on your house, try and get a couple new pieces for the upcoming hunt season. Yeah. A lot of folks there there significant other spouses are
gonna appreciate the price tag. The here. You know, you you mentioned our game bags earlier. I feel like that's 1 piece of gear that a lot of people kinda start with from Black And then kinda snowball balls from there. We offer a standard game bag, and then we offer an ultra july aim bag in multiple sizes. So whether you're hunting beer or moose or whatever you've kinda got some sizing options there. They're same thing. Just a really cool game bag, especially for the money.
You know, I've been reusing mine for a few years, and they wash. They look like new again and I take him out the next fall again. So, really cool game bag. I think that if anybody's like, I've never heard of these guys. Like, that's probably the first piece Tell you to go check out, try them out. And I think he'd be really happy with them and gone are the days I happened to use the cheap cheese cloth game bags. Like, we're better than that.
We we owe it to the animal to take care of you know, the meat that we are lucky enough to harvest. Our game bags are phenomenal... Well, I think the do technology and game bags, you know, justifies our price point. But not only that I agree you ad, black o game bags. I don't know. 5 or 6 years, and I'm a wash and reuse, and I got the deer size ones, and I don't know. They've had sheep in them. They've had ante open in there. You know, I've bone out of Elk
and had them in the deer bags. And I get a lot of bag choices, and it just seems like every time I wash them, they get put back in my pack and they're the ones that get pulled out. The best ones are the ones that you're using, You know? But I mean, I should that. To that point, Sam, I think a couple weeks ago as was we corresponding on email. I had asked you the question, do you hone or having used any block covid.
Gear and he immediately said, man, I've had your gang bags for a couple years now. And we love hearing that from from our consumers. You know, we... Again, we'd like to produce quality hunting year that lasts, but is it going to to break the bank? Yeah. And the
1 thing I really enjoy your website. Is you can pull up what you want and compare the brands all right there, so you can stack them all up and and look at the features you know, not only your house brand, black o, but any sick pieces and all that and have the comparison right there, super simple. Yeah. We... Yeah. We've talked a lot about our house brand, and it's a huge player for us, but we couldn't do this without of our without our strong vendors. Right? They're all huge partners with us.
We appreciate all of them at... I mean, they built some phenomenal year and we all are aware of the quality of the your nowadays versus 20 years ago. It's just night and day. So you're right. Like, you know, if you've got money to spend, there's some awesome gear out there. We... You know, if it's available in the retail space, you could pretty much find it on a Block. We try to carry it all and all that there's gonna be some people that call me out. Like, well, you don't have this and,
you know what? We're an open book, call us if you think we should be carrying it. You know, We always are trying to get better. To Jason's point, you know, anyone listening on on the rock cast. And whenever hunts you have coming up this fall, she felt. Moose, Caribou, any type of hunts, you know, our our gear guide team, they they get after
it. And so when you need recommendations for these very specific hunts, you know, whether it be clothing, optics, tripod pods, apart re tackle, boot socks, anything, man, we really encourage everyone to either call us or shooting an email in. And these guys love talking and gear and talking hunting, but also specifically tailoring it to, you know, that hunt to that that you're going on. So we encourage everyone to to reach out with any questions about about their
hon or type of gear. Alright, guys. I appreciate you coming on. And I do encourage everybody to reach out to Black office. They carry most of the name, brand stuff, all the big players in the game, and those guys get after and over there. And if you need a gear recommendation, those guys have been there and done it, and it's just a simple phone call. We appreciate it, Sam. Thank you for having us and wish you the best luck on the following. Sure we'll
be in touch. If for anyone who has any, you know, any questions or has an awesome hunt coming of this fall. Best way to to reach us as black over stock. Sure shop all of our a blackout branded product and our other retailers or help on the phone and give us a call. Alright. Thank you. It's closing out. Remember the fight in Colorado isn't over and has moved to the ballot box. Please support how for wildlife with donations, and the biggest thing we can
do. Is sharing the facts with people we encounter that are outside the Huntington community unit. Together, we will win this fight until next time, this is span, Sam were. With the help of sports men and women and concerned citizens, we can defeat the hunting bands here in Colorado. Go to save the hunt colorado dot com. Thanks for listening.