Podcast Episodes

Connor Little and James Jordan discuss the start of deer season and their upcoming hunting trips. Connor says he has hunted only a handful of times so far, partly because of work changes and warm weather. Neither feels the rut is fully underway yet, and they talk about how conditions around Bowie can affect deer movement: in their experience, warm weather can keep deer tucked away and less active in daylight, while cooler temperatures make for better hunting. They share small opening-weekend stories, including the sound of nearby rifle shots and reports of several large bucks taken by people they know.

A major focus is the trips ahead. James is looking forward to returning to Bowie, even though he has not hunted much this year and is only beginning to feel excited. Connor is preparing for his first western hunt, a New Mexico mule deer trip with Parker. He describes being unsure what the terrain and access will be like, wanting to be prepared, and expecting mild but cooler weather. He may have a chance to bowhunt, but Parker will have first choice; if the group is not seeing deer, they joke about switching to coyotes. They also plan a Bowie outing afterward, hope to fit in a duck hunt, and consider bringing golf equipment for downtime.

The conversation wanders into golf, casino stories, rising everyday costs, hunting supplies, and local food stops. These sections are mostly personal anecdotes and banter; they return several times to the friends’ shared hunting plans and memories.

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Brad Bowen along with co-host Tucker and Sawyer welcome outdoorsman Joseph Webster to Bama Wallhangers. The conversation opens with Webster's professional bass-fishing career, which began after he qualified through a tournament and moved through the FLW, MLF, and Bassmasters circuits. He describes fishing as a lifelong interest and talks about the demands of travel and sponsorships. He recalls losing a potential $100,000 prize by a few ounces. He favors Smith Lake and spinnerbaits, and says modern forward-facing sonar can change anglers' habits and become frustrating.

The group then turns to hunting and tree-stand safety, after Webster mentions friends who recently fell from stands. They discuss wearing a harness and Webster's own experience of seeing a climbing stand's bottom slide away. They also cover the need for care at height. The hosts share stories about missed deer, difficult shots, and the challenge of recovering wounded animals.

Webster explains how he moved from professional fishing toward drone work after getting a pilot's license. He now uses thermal drones to locate wounded deer and supports agricultural work with spraying and spreading. He shares recovery statistics from his first season and describes how canopy, weather, and flight angles affect searches. He recounts memorable calls, including finding a deer that had been shot but was still walking and helping track down a runaway cow. The conversation also touches on property boundaries, asking permission, and being respectful when flying over neighboring land.

The episode closes with talk of outdoor work and local hunting. Webster says he is willing to travel for deer-recovery calls and encourages hunters to let an animal settle before searching, so they do not push it farther away. He shares observations about deer bedding and feeding in crop fields, mentions his drone services and how to find them online, and reflects on the unusual stories that come with working outdoors. The hosts thank him, give sponsor acknowledgments, and invite him back for another conversation.

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The November deer woods can test your patience. The sightings are there, the opportunities seem to be slipping away, and the pressure to fill a tag starts to build. In this episode of Huntavore, we're talking about something every hunter experiences at one time or another: the frustration of a hunting season that isn't going according to plan.

Don't panic. It's easy to let unsuccessful hunts, social media success stories, and the shrinking calendar get inside your head. But a successful hunting season isn't defined by the animal you bring home. It's about the experiences, lessons, adjustments, and memories made along the way. We'll talk about keeping perspective, controlling what you can control, and remembering one important word: YET.

Then we head into the kitchen for a seasonal twist on a family favorite: venison-style hamburger helper with a roasted butternut squash sauce. Inspired by Matt Boussard (@acooknamedmatt), this dish takes a familiar comfort food and gives it a seasonal makeover with roasted vegetables, savory seasoning, and plenty of room for wild game.

In This Episode

• Don't Panic in the Deer Woods: Dealing with the pressure and frustration of a slow hunting season without making decisions you'll regret.
• Don't Let Success Define You: Why another hunter's big buck shouldn't determine how you feel about your own season.
• Control What You Can Control: Staying focused, being observant, adjusting stand locations, and making the most of every opportunity in the woods.
• Finding Success Beyond the Harvest: Lessons learned, time spent outdoors, family experiences, and even the opportunity to pursue a new species.
• The Power of Yet: Changing "I haven't gotten a deer" to "I haven't gotten a deer yet." A small change in perspective can make a big difference.
• From the Woods to the Kitchen: Turning a familiar family meal into something new with a seasonal butternut squash sauce.

From the Kitchen: Butternut Squash Hamburger Helper

This isn't your traditional hamburger helper. Instead of a cheese-based sauce, we're building a rich, savory sauce around roasted butternut squash, charred onion, and bell pepper.

The process is simple:

• Roast butternut squash until tender.
• Char an onion and bell pepper to develop deeper flavor.
• Steam and peel the pepper before blending.
• Blend the roasted vegetables with broth and olive oil until smooth.
• Season with salt, cayenne, and nutmeg.
• Combine with browned ground meat and your favorite pasta.
• Finish with Parmesan cheese and grated cured egg yolk.

Use venison burger, turkey burger, or whatever ground meat you have available. Spiral pasta works particularly well because all those nooks and crannies hold onto the sauce.

It's a family-friendly, seasonal meal that comes together in about 30–45 minutes.

Recipe inspiration: Matt Boussard – Instagram @acooknamedmatt. Check out his Substack for the full recipe and instructions.

The Takeaway

Hunting is full of things we cannot control. We can't make deer show up, guarantee an opportunity, or force a successful harvest. What we can control is our attitude, preparation, decisions, and willingness to learn.

So don't let frustration dictate your season. Don't compare your journey to someone else's highlight reel. Keep showing up, make adjustments, enjoy the experience, and remember that three little letters can change everything.

You haven't gotten your deer YET.

Thanks for listening to Huntavore! Whether you're chasing whitetails, learning a new hunting skill, or finding creative ways to put wild game on the dinner table, keep enjoying the journey.

And remember, keep your knives sharp and your perspective sharper.

I can also put together a shorter, SEO-friendly episode description for Apple Podcasts and Spotify to accompany these show notes.

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Dan J. shares the hunting gear and choices he credits with helping him harvest his biggest whitetail buck—a deer he’d tracked for three years. He walks through the November 5 hunt and explains how adjusting his stand setup and deciding to sit all day gave him more time in the woods.

Comfort takes center stage as Dan talks about his Summit tree stand and Arctic Shield boot covers, along with the clothing layers that helped him stay out longer. He also discusses a Half Rack Bow Wing, his Wasp three-blade Jackhammer broadhead, and how he used OnX to map deer activity and track the buck.

Dan explains how Reveal trail cameras and a Code Blue mock scrape kit helped him keep tabs on the deer over several seasons. He also shares his personal approach to solid-color clothing, scent control, and Ozonics—emphasizing that gear is a matter of individual preference and experience.

In this episode:

• The stand adjustment that put Dan closer to a key terrain feature
• Why comfort helped him commit to an all-day sit
• Gear he relies on for warmth, bow setup, and shot recovery
• Using trail-camera intel and mock scrapes to monitor a buck
• Dan’s personal thoughts on clothing, scent control, and hunting technology

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Dan J. and Jason T. catch up on the November rut and the realities shaping their hunting season. They talk trail-camera strategy, what cameras can—and can’t—tell you about the bucks nearby, and how terrain can help hunters decide where to focus their efforts.

Standing crops are another big part of the conversation. The guys weigh how corn can provide deer with food and cover while also keeping them tucked away on ground hunters may not be able to access. When crops come out, deer movement can shift quickly.

Jason shares how work, family, and an upcoming knee surgery are limiting his time in the woods. He’s making room for one dedicated rut hunt, but says taking his kids hunting—and helping them enjoy their own success—matters most.

With Veterans Day marking a favorite stretch of the season, Dan and Jason discuss making the most of the days ahead, including all-day sits and decoys. It’s an honest conversation about chasing the rut while balancing hunting with everything else life demands.

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In Episode 2 of The Old Camp Road, I take you back to when I was 12 years old and tell the story of the hunt that started it all — my first deer. It was a trip with my dad to hunt Army Corps land during the Georgia rut, and it became one of those experiences that has stuck with me for the rest of my life.

This episode is about more than filling a tag. It’s about being a young hunter, learning the woods, experiencing the rut for the first time, and sharing a hunting tradition with my dad that would help shape my love for the outdoors. It’s a look back at where my deer hunting journey began and another story from down The Old Camp Road.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch welcomes Ron Hartman, father of Axel Hartman from Rack Daddies Hunting and Fishing, for a conversation about a lifetime of hunting, family, and Pennsylvania deer camp traditions. Growing up around a family hunting camp in Potter County, Ron developed an appreciation for the outdoors that eventually became an important part of raising his own children. He shares memories of introducing Axel and his daughter Maggie to hunting, balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities, and watching his passion for the outdoors take on a different meaning as he grew older. Along the way, Ron recounts some memorable hunts, including a snowy rifle season with his kids, doubling up on bucks with Axel, and an unforgettable encounter with the biggest buck of his life.

As the conversation continues, Mitch and Ron reflect on how hunting priorities change through different stages of life. From chasing bucks during the rut to introducing grandchildren to the outdoors, Ron explains why spending time with family and friends has become more rewarding than simply filling a tag. The two discuss the camaraderie of deer camp, the traditions surrounding Pennsylvania's rifle season, and the challenge of balancing limited hunting time with work and family. They also explore how filming hunts can preserve memories and share an appreciation for wildlife beyond the harvest. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that hunting is about more than the animals we pursue—it's about the people we share it with, the traditions we carry forward, and the memories that last a lifetime.

In the first episode of The Old Camp Road, we head back to where a lifetime of hunting memories began — an old hunting camp in Central Georgia. I share the story of my first weekend at the club at 15 years old, hunting alongside my dad and uncle during a rare Georgia snow. From sitting in a ladder stand with a borrowed .45-70 to following my first blood trail through the snow, that weekend helped shape my love for hunting and the outdoors.

But The Old Camp Road is about more than the animals we bring home. It’s about the places, people, traditions, and stories that stay with us. More than 25 years later, that same dirt road, old camp, pond, and brick chimney are still part of my family’s story — only now I get to watch my own boys make memories there. Episode 1 is where that story begins, and where I introduce what The Old Camp Road is all about: hunting, fishing, family, and keeping the outdoor traditions of the South alive.

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On this episode of The Wisconsin Sportsman, Pierce flies solo again to deliver a rallying cry for all of us still running around with tags in our pockets now that the "best" day of the rut is behind us! Whitetail hunters know all to well the weight of an unpunched tag in your pocket, and in an age of social media and constant communication, it can feel like everyone is killing deer except you. The mid to late part of the rut is arguably the most psychologically trying part of the deer season, because by now we've all had enough time to screw something up, we're all tired, and we're all having to rely fully on the fact that a big buck can come by at literally any moment and we just have to be there and be lucky. But our minds and attitudes are our sharpest weapons this time of year, and we all can use a pep talk from time to time to stay after it. That's what this episode is: a long-winded voicemail to you all to keep your chin up, control what you can control, and stay positive because if you don't believe it'll happen, it won't!

Big thanks to our fantastic partners:

Hoksey Native Seeds: www.hokseynativeseeds.com

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

onX Hunt: www.onxmaps.com

Huntworth: www.huntworthgear.com

Good Chance Fly Fishing: www.goodchanceflyfishing.com

Wisconsin Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: www.backcountryhunters.org/wisconsin

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In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater and Ty Jennings discuss the intricacies of hunting strategies, focusing on the importance of mindset, location, understanding deer behavior, and utilizing technology effectively. The conversation highlights personal hunting experiences, the significance of scouting, and the ethical considerations surrounding modern hunting practices. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of hunting technology, discussing the ethical implications of tools like drones and cell cameras. They explore the balance between utilizing technology for scouting and traditional hunting methods. The dialogue shifts to the importance of understanding deer behavior and habitat, emphasizing the value of scouting over hunting. The speakers also share insights on calling techniques and the emotional journey of hunting, reflecting on the fulfillment derived from the experience rather than just the success of the hunt.

Takeaways

• Being in the bubble of a deer is a significant win.
• Mindset plays a crucial role in hunting success.
• Choosing the right day to hunt can make all the difference.
• Weather conditions greatly influence deer behavior.
• Scouting and observation are essential for understanding deer movement.
• Using cameras can provide valuable insights into deer activity.
• Technology can enhance hunting strategies but must be used ethically.
• Fair chase is a fundamental principle in hunting.
• Finding success in small wins is important for hunters.
• Understanding deer relationships can aid in hunting strategies. There's a framework of fair chase in hunting ethics.
• Technology can enhance scouting but raises ethical questions.
• Using drones for scouting can be beneficial if done responsibly.
• Scouting is often more effective than hunting in unfamiliar areas.
• Understanding deer behavior is crucial for successful hunting.
• Calling techniques can significantly impact hunting success.
• The emotional fulfillment of hunting evolves over time.
• Finding joy in the challenges of hunting is essential.
• Using all available resources is a responsible approach to hunting.
• The journey of hunting is as important as the outcome.

Social Links

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https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en

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Dan Johnson and Pierce Nelles talk about the pressure of November hunting, when social media fills with big-buck photos and advice. They share a laugh about scoring deer and remind listeners that getting any whitetail within bow range is an accomplishment, regardless of antler size.

Pierce describes how mobility and reading terrain helped him find success in Iowa. Dan sets up the story of his own buck, including the role of wind, thermals, and hunting strategy.

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On this episode, I sit down with Adam Dempsey to talk all things hunting in Georgia! We discuss what we’re looking forward to this season, what we hope to see in the woods, and our expectations for the months ahead. We also dive into the topic of anti-hunters, sharing our honest opinions on the criticism hunters face and why we believe hunting is about more than just harvesting an animal.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, just getting started, or simply curious about the hunting lifestyle, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Good conversation, honest opinions, and plenty of excitement for another Georgia hunting season!

Podcast brought to you by:

Sportsmen’s empire

LWCG https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

Asio : SEBH for 15% off https://asiogear.com/

Bowtique: SEBHP https://thebowtiquellc.com/

G5 Outdoors https://www.g5outdoors.com/

Prime Archery https://www.g5prime.com/

Dialed Archery https://dialedarchery.com/

Moultrie https://www.moultrie.com/

BHL https://bowhuntingleague.com

Scrape doctor SEBH15 for 15%  https://scrapedoctor.com/

Victory Archery  https://www.victoryarchery.com/

Catalyst archery https://catalystarchery.com SEBH10

Unbound Archery SEBH10 for 10% off https://www.unboundarchery.com

Rapid raxx https://www.facebook.com/share/19LDT2obmT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Everybody sees where you are today, but not everybody knows what it took to get there! On this episode of the We Do This Too Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with the fellas from Public Ground Outdoors to talk about their journey, humble beginnings, the grind behind the scenes, and how their passion for hunting turned into something bigger than they ever imagined. We talk about the challenges, the lessons learned, the brotherhood, and what it takes to keep pushing when nobody's watching. This one is about more than hunting. It's about believing in your vision, staying consistent, and never forgetting where you came from!

In this episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas, host Connor catches up with Shane O’Connor about his first year bowhunting. Shane’s path to hunting came through a lifetime of fishing and spearfishing, including time in the Marine Corps. After moving to Central Texas, he bought a bow, chose a manageable draw weight, and practiced nearly every day—often shooting around 50 arrows. With little bowhunting experience or instruction, he learned mainly by getting out in the field and figuring things out.His first major challenge was turkey hunting. Shane went out with basic gear and a fixed-blade broadhead, called turkeys in, and hit one—but it flew off with his arrow. Over many more hunts, he adjusted his setup and moved his decoy closer, learning how difficult it is to get a clean shot at a turkey with a bow. Though he didn’t harvest one, the experience taught him a lot about concealment, patience, and how close animals can be without seeming to notice a motionless hunter.The payoff came during deer season. Shane recounts taking his first buck from a tripod stand after spotting a distinctive nine-point deer he’d been given permission to hunt. Despite his adrenaline and a long hold at full draw, he stayed focused and made a clean shot. He later took another, larger nine-point buck from the ground on his parents’ property—an encounter that required turning around for the shot and staying composed at close range.A key part of Shane’s approach was preparing for pressure, not just practicing the mechanics. Drawing on Marine Corps training, he paired a simple phrase—“up the leg, two inches over”—with his shot routine until it became automatic. The conversation also touches on reading deer behavior, field-dressing and processing his harvests, and how bowhunting builds close-range observation skills. Shane’s takeaway is simple: do the preparation, get out there, and learn by doing.

This episode of Bama Wall Hangers is recorded at Bowen Taxidermy. Host Brad Bowen is solo in the studio, with his son Tucker out deer hunting and Sawyer at home resting from football practice. His remote guest is Dan Johnson of the Nine Finger Chronicles on the Sportsman's Empire Podcast Network. Brad credits Dan as a big reason the show exists. He heard Dan on another podcast in late spring or early summer, messaged him on Instagram asking who he listened to, and was encouraged on a phone call to just try starting a podcast.Dan describes his hunting life in Iowa and the places he has lived. He explains Iowa's seasons, including a long archery season through November with no gun season that month, and says only about six or seven percent of the state is timber. He shares a story of getting lost for eight or nine hours while turkey hunting in Bankhead National Forest in Alabama around 2005. The two compare notes on baiting permits in Alabama, the long Alabama rut, bow setups, tree stands and favorite hunts. Dan names mule deer as the animal he's most excited about. Brad names a South Texas aoudad hunt as a dream hunt, and mentions Tucker's interest in a Maryland sika hunt.In the later part of the conversation, both hosts trade stories. Dan tells of chasing a once-in-a-generation buck he guessed at about 220 inches, then heading to his stand without his bow and never seeing the buck again. Brad tells of taking his young cousin hunting, where the rifle jammed as a deer walked in. He also tells of a friend who didn't show up for a hunt, which let Brad take the biggest buck of his life. Brad also explains the Memory Mount chip that lets a phone replay a hunt from a mount.The episode closes with shout-outs to sponsors King Kutter, the Fayette County co-op and Jeremy Alman. Dan encourages listeners to relax and enjoy hunting, since no one knows how many seasons they have left. Brad shares his appreciation for Dan and for the people the show has let him meet. He says one reply to a message started it all, so never downplay anyone. Brad asks Dan to send a picture if he gets a big deer, and they talk about doing another episode after the season to share the mistakes they made.

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In this solo episode, Jeremy takes a step back to reflect on his hunting season so far, including his recent trip to Ohio, the experiences along the way, and what's still ahead as November unfolds. From time in unfamiliar woods to the anticipation of the weeks ahead, it's a reminder that hunting has always been about more than filling a tag. It's about the experiences, the challenges, the people, and the memories that keep us coming back year after year.

Jeremy also dives into something that applies well beyond hunting: the importance of doing what you love and not losing sight of why you started in the first place. Between hunting, fitness, family, and the everyday demands of life, it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to constantly produce, perform, and keep moving. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is slow down, appreciate the opportunities in front of you, and remember that the experience itself is what matters most. Don't lose sight of why you started. Antler Up!

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So, grab your gear, sit back, and join us on this episode as we Antler Up!

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www.tethrdnation.com

www.huntworthgear.com 

www.sportsmensempire.com

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In part two of the rut series, Dan J. and Jason T. look at Nov 9-13 and the weekend of the 15th. They cover what changes after the first week of November and how they plan to hunt it.They cover:

• Moving trail cameras off scrapes and field edges and onto major trails, funnels and pinch points
• Why bucks stop hanging in bedding areas and start cruising, and why Jason's favorite window is Nov 10-17
• Hunting big transitions and terrain features, like a river-cut ridge that narrows deer movement to 80 to 100 yards
• Calls, rattling, decoys and scent: what each host uses, and what hasn't worked
• Why you can get away with more this time of year, especially around bucks tied to does
• When to get aggressive as your hunting days run out
• Balancing the hunt with family, including Dan's daughter's wrestle-offs on Nov 12-13
• Dan's "sliding scale" on which deer to shoot
  

The episode is short, so you can listen on the drive to or from the farm. Wear your safety harness, because no deer is worth your life.Send your success photos to the How to Hunt Deer or Nine Finger Chronicles Instagram pages. If you like the show, subscribe and leave a five-star review wherever you listen.

Thanks to our partner Reveal Trail Cameras. Check out their cameras at tacticam.com/cameras.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch sits down with Brandon Adamczyk, a New Jersey blood tracker who helped recover Nick Otto's first black bear during their recent hunting adventure. After sharing the story from the hunters' perspective, Mitch wanted to revisit the experience through the eyes of the man behind the tracking dog. Brandon shares how his frustrations with losing wounded deer led him into tracking, the time and dedication required to train a reliable dog, and the lessons he's learned along the way. The two discuss shot placement, fixed versus mechanical broadheads, animal reactions after the shot, and why a tracking dog's nose can often tell a different story than what a hunter sees from the stand.Mitch and Brandon then break down Nick's bear recovery, where Brandon and his Bavarian Mountain Hound, Laney, worked through thick cover, difficult terrain, and virtually no visible blood to locate a wounded bear. Brandon explains how he reads Laney's body language, what gives him confidence during a track, and the remarkable relationship between handler and dog. Along the way, they share practical lessons about preserving a blood trail, knowing when to back out, and making better recovery decisions. It's an insightful conversation about woodsmanship, learning from experience, and the incredible abilities of man's best friend.

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In this episode of Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan J. sits down with David of Tag and Brag during the Code Blue Scents "scrape week," just as the pre-rut is heating up. Dan opens with his New York City trip, then the two get into the hunting life. They talk about the pressure of turning a passion into a job, the guilt of leaving family behind in November, and staying present instead of wishing the season away. They also cover how age changes what a big buck means to you.

Then the conversation turns to strategy. David explains why scrapes are a top priority right now. He covers how to read fresh sign and licking branches, and why trail cameras tell you when deer are moving but can also leave you with "coulda, shoulda, woulda" regrets. Dan and David compare notes on hunting terrain features like thermal hubs instead of a single scrape, and on how scrapes matter less as the rut gets going. They also cover longer sits, when to move stands, and reading a doe that's about to be pursued. David shares a story of a giant buck trotting right under his stand.

Thanks to this episode's partners: Code Blue Scents (codebluescents.com, code NFC20 for 20% off), Wasp Archery (wasparchery.com, code NFC20 for 20% off), Vortex Optics (vortexoptics.com), Vapor Trail Archery (VaporTrailArchery.com), Reveal Trail Cameras (tacticam.com/cameras) and Ozonics (ozonicshunting.com).

On this episode of The Wisconsin Sportsman, Pierce flies solo to recap his best October yet, and shares the story of how he tagged his biggest buck to date! October is a special month and a lot changes in a short amount of time. Gardens ripen, trout seasons close, migratory fish move inland, and the whitetail woods goes from okay, to questionable, to red hot in a matter of days. In this episode, Pierce shares some of the good luck he's had this month from catching a tiger trout, to spotting a badger in the wild, to crossing paths with a one-eyed buck, headlamp mishaps, and finally... paddling in and sending an arrow through a beautiful Iowa buck!

Big thanks to our fantastic partners:

Hoksey Native Seeds: www.hokseynativeseeds.com

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

onX Hunt: www.onxmaps.com

Huntworth: www.huntworthgear.com

Good Chance Fly Fishing: www.goodchanceflyfishing.com

Wisconsin Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: www.backcountryhunters.org/wisconsin

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On this episode, I’m joined by Brian Anderson from Prime Archery to talk all things archery, hunting, and big bucks! We dive into the new bows coming for 2027, what’s new from Prime, and what hunters can look forward to in the upcoming season.

We also get into the excitement of the current deer season, as Brian shares the stories behind both him and his son tagging some incredible big bucks this year. From bow technology and hunting setups to putting in the work and making it happen in the woods, this episode has a little bit of everything for the bowhunter.

Whether you’re a diehard bowhunter, a Prime Archery fan, or just love hearing stories about big deer, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Tune in, enjoy the conversation, and as always, keep chasing those big bucks!

Podcast brought to you by:

Sportsmen’s empire

LWCG https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

Asio : SEBH for 15% off https://asiogear.com/

Bowtique: SEBHP https://thebowtiquellc.com/

G5 Outdoors https://www.g5outdoors.com/

Prime Archery https://www.g5prime.com/

Dialed Archery https://dialedarchery.com/

Moultrie https://www.moultrie.com/

BHL https://bowhuntingleague.com

Scrape doctor SEBH15 for 15%  https://scrapedoctor.com/

Victory Archery  https://www.victoryarchery.com/

Catalyst archery https://catalystarchery.com SEBH10

Unbound Archery SEBH10 for 10% off https://www.unboundarchery.com

Rapid raxx https://www.facebook.com/share/19LDT2obmT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Sometimes the best podcast episodes happen when there’s no topic, no outline, and absolutely no plan. My boy Trey Reed, aka The Dreaded Archer, pulled up for another episode of the We Do This Too Outdoors Podcast, and this one was nothing more than two friends hitting record and letting the conversation go wherever it wanted to go.

We talk hunting, the outdoor industry, life, things we’ve seen and experienced along the way, and probably a few things we had no business talking about in the first place.  No interview questions. No polished answers. No trying to make everything sound good for the internet. Just an authentic BS session between two outdoorsmen who have been doing this long enough to have some stories—and some opinions.

If you’ve ever sat around hunting camp with your boys talking about everything and absolutely nothing at the same time, this episode will feel familiar. Pull up a chair and come kick it with us. WE DO THIS TOO!

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The rut is about to kick in, and Dan and Jason T. break down what the next week of whitetail season looks like. This is part one of a two-part series, covering Friday, Oct 30 through Saturday, Nov 7.

They start with the weather. Several days of rain are coming through the Midwest, followed by a big cold front and a drop in temperature. Dan explains why he sees the first days of November as the best of the pre-rut, and why he'll sit in the rain even though he hates it, because deer get up and freshen their scrapes in the breaks. They also take on a listener question: if your PTO is flexible, would you trade two rainy days this week for Nov 9–10?

They cover how each of them runs trail cameras right now, and how to use scrapes, staging areas and doe groups this week. They also go through calling without overdoing it and rotating your stands. Dan shares the first mature buck to daylight on his camera this season. They also talk through what to do with a big buck that only shows up between 1 and 3 AM.

The episode is short, so you can listen on the drive to your stand.Thanks to our partner Reveal Trail Cameras. Check out the new four-point system at tacticam.com/cameras.The transcript spells the show name "How to Hunt Dear". I left it out, so add the correct name if you want it in the description.Do you want me to add this to an episode in your podcast? If so, tell me which podcast and the episode title.

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Dan and Pierce Nelles of the Wisconsin Sportsman talk about what's on their minds as the whitetail rut gets close.

The conversation starts with election ads and mailers, the Pepto Bismol jingle, online gambling and betting on politics. From there it moves to AI, drones and data centers near farmland. They also get into the proposed Wisconsin power line, solar fields on wildlife habitat, and whether you sell the family land or conserve it. Along the way they recommend Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac.

Then it's back to the woods. Pierce tells the story of a hunt where he left his headlamp on while a mature 10-pointer stared him down at 20 yards. They swap stories about forgotten bows and harnesses. They also talk about how a cold front after days of rain could set off the rut, and how Dan plans to cycle through his best stands by wind and access. He also explains the one-grunt call he trusts on cruising bucks.

Thanks to our partners: The Wisconsin Sportsman, Wasp Archery, Ozonics, Vortex Optics, Code Blue Scents, Vapor Trail Archery and Reveal Trail Cameras. Use code NFC20 for 20% off at Wasp Archery and Code Blue Scents.

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Connor records a mostly solo episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas. He's running late after a day of work golf, and he looks ahead to deer season. He says it's still warm, but a gradual cool-down should help the rut and the rifle season later on.

**First blood in Bowie.** His cousin Trey shot a big 8-point, roughly 130–135 inches. It was a last-minute Sunday evening hunt. The arrow showed liver-type blood, so Trey backed out instead of pushing the deer. Connor uses that to explain how to read blood on an arrow:

- Pink and bubbly usually means lung.

- Darker blood can mean heart.

- Flaky red blood means liver.

- A shoulder hit usually means the deer lives.

Liver-hit deer die, but pushing them too soon can send them miles away. While they waited for a tracking dog, everything went wrong. They got a bad waiter at their favorite Tex-Mex place, then hit a dead deer's antler and got a flat tire. A deputy sheriff questioned their friend at the gate, and Connor worried a game warden might show up. The dog found the buck 25 yards from the stand in seconds. Connor calls the whole night a "Murphy's Law" story.

**Lessons from hard seasons.** Connor shot nothing in 2024 and had to grind out a deer on December 28 last year. He says his biggest growth came in those years. He used to be a "slave to the corn." He now studies travel routes and bedding, and he thinks deer hunting is built on trial and error. He gives this advice:

- Take more risks if you have a lot of land, and compare it to diversifying investments.

- Be patient on strong spots like pinch points.

- Move cameras that show only cows and hogs.

- Trust your gut.

- Focus on the process, not the results. In his words, deer mounts end up in a landfill anyway.

**New Mexico mule deer.** In about three weeks he goes after desert mule deer near the Magdalena Mountains with Parker Webb. It's a low-density, high-quality unit with the rut starting. He expects to know within a day or two whether they'll find deer. His main goal is to get Parker on a buck.

**Jeffro joins.** Jeffro drops in unannounced, fresh from his nine-year anniversary dinner. They tell the story of Connor's 2021 deer, which interrupted Jeffro's fourth-anniversary dinner and ended with Jeffro helping track a deer that was 10 steps away. After that the talk wanders:

- Jeffro's son Brooks makes an appearance.

- Old Duck Commander DVDs.

- Plans to hunt Sunday.

- Broadhead debates (Rage, Muzzy, Grim Reaper, Swacker).

They end on rifles. Both swear by the .30-06, and Connor's hot take is that shooting past 300 yards is long-range shooting, not hunting. He signs off hoping to have his own deer story next week.

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Brad Bowen welcomes Michael O’Neill of Whitetail Rage to talk about the hunting-scent business and how it grew after Michael and his sons bought it from its previous owner. Michael explains that the company has expanded from a small range of urine products into new cover scents and scrape-rope kits, while growing its retail presence and launching a website.

A major focus is freshness and proper storage. Michael says heat and air can break down urine, so he keeps it refrigerated, ships it cold, and advises hunters not to heat or freeze it. The group discusses how to use buck and doe scents, scent wicks, mock scrapes, and scrape ropes, including placing ropes low enough for deer of different sizes to reach. They also share common mistakes, like spraying while standing downwind.

The conversation turns to hunting strategy: where to place scent around a stand, how wind and weather affect scent travel, and how timing can influence whether hunters use buck scent or doe estrus. Michael shares a story about a buck responding to scent, while the hosts discuss their own experiences, including a steep deer drag and the challenge of hunting around limited access and changing deer movement.

The episode closes with funny and dramatic hunting stories, including Michael’s account of finishing a wounded doe with a rock after his gun malfunctioned. The group also talks about family involvement in the business, social media, supporting smaller hunting companies, and the enjoyment of time in the woods—even when a shot is missed. They end by encouraging listeners to share their hunting stories and take young people hunting.

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In this episode of Huntavore, Nick welcomes Mitchell Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast back to the show to finish telling the story of Nick’s first Pennsylvania black bear hunt. What began as a promising morning hunt quickly turned into an emotional roller coaster involving a difficult recovery, thick briars, challenging wetlands, and a tracking dog that ultimately made all the difference.

Missed Part ? Head over to Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sportsmens-empire-whitetail-hunting/id1062077484?i=1000798492824

Together, Nick and Mitch recount the highs and lows of recovering the bear, the importance of making ethical decisions in the field, and the responsibility hunters carry when taking an animal’s life. They also discuss the field care and processing of Nick’s first bear, along with his plans to turn the harvest into meaningful meals for his family.

The conversation goes beyond the hunt itself, exploring the respect, humility, friendships, and appreciation for wild game that make the full hunting experience so rewarding.

In This Episode

• The recovery challenge: After the initial shot, the bear disappeared without leaving an obvious blood trail. Nick and Mitch decided to bring in Brandon and his tracking dog, Laney, rather than risk contaminating the trail by searching the area themselves.
• Following Lainey through tough terrain: The tracking team worked through dense briars, thick grass, and wetlands before the dog picked up the trail and led them to the wounded bear.
• Brandon Bowkill Tracking: https://youtu.be/3iKfZs9-Hi0?si=rPNlpV8afAwwY6i4
• A difficult final encounter: Finding the bear alive in extremely thick cover forced Nick to confront the uncertainty and danger of the situation. With Mitch and Brandon alongside him, he worked to bring the hunt to a close.
• The weight of taking an animal’s life: Nick reflects on his shot placement, the excitement that affected his trigger control, and the responsibility he felt to ensure the bear was recovered. Both hunters discuss why a successful hunt should include humility, respect, and an appreciation for the animal.
• Building friendships through hunting: Brandon and Laney became essential parts of the experience, demonstrating how hunters can come together to help one another and make lasting connections.
• Field care and processing a bear: The conversation covers skinning, quartering, keeping the meat clean, and taking advantage of cool nighttime temperatures to help the quarters cool properly.
• Letting the animal guide the cooking: Nick rethinks his original plans to cook bear like other proteins and embraces the value of low-and-slow cooking to make the most of the animal’s dense meat, connective tissue, and rich flavors.
• Making the most of the harvest: Nick shares plans for braised bear roasts, slow-cooked shanks, shoulder cuts prepared like short ribs, rendered bear fat, and a bear pot pie made with pastry incorporating the rendered fat.
• Celebrating the first bear: Mitch reminds Nick that the significance of a harvest isn't measured by the animal's size. Nick explains that feeding his family with the meat is what ultimately completes the hunt.

The Takeaway

The full bear experience wasn't a perfectly planned hunt, but it became an unforgettable lesson in persistence, humility, and respect for wildlife. Nick's story highlights that hunting doesn't end when the trigger is pulled. It continues through recovery, careful field handling, processing, cooking, and sharing the harvest with family.

For Nick, the real reward is not simply having harvested his first bear. It's the opportunity to use the animal fully, learn from the experience, and turn the harvest into nourishing meals that give the hunt a meaningful conclusion.

Listen in for a candid conversation about the realities of bear hunting, the people who make recovery possible, and the connection between hunting, food, and gratitude.

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The title says it all! I took my daughter with me for her first sit in years and the good Lord blessed us with my biggest doe to date!I wanted to share this and let her tell the story from her perspective!

Podcast brought to you by:Sportsmen’s empireLWCG https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

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Bowtique: SEBHP https://thebowtiquellc.com/

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Prime Archery https://www.g5prime.com/

‍Dialed Archery https://dialedarchery.com/

‍Moultrie https://www.moultrie.com/BHL https://bowhuntingleague.com

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch welcomes back his good friend Nick Otto, host of the Huntavore Podcast, to relive their recent black bear hunting adventure in New Jersey. After years of hearing Mitch talk about bear hunting, Nick finally made the trip from Michigan to experience it firsthand. His only request? He wanted the full bear hunting experience. From hauling bait and studying bear movement to long days in the stand and sharing stories with the guys at camp, Nick was ready for whatever the hunt had in store. What neither of them anticipated was just how many little things could go wrong along the way.

Over three days, Mitch and Nick battled shifting winds, heavy rain, disappearing bears, last-minute changes in hunting locations, and a few questionable decisions from the self-appointed Pennsylvania Woodsman guide service. With time running out, their persistence finally paid off when Nick got his opportunity at his first black bear. But the excitement quickly turned to uncertainty when the bear disappeared without leaving a blood trail, leading to a call for a tracking dog. The guys recount the highs, lows, laughs, and lessons of the hunt before leaving listeners with a cliffhanger. Be sure to catch the conclusion of the recovery story on Nick's Huntavore Podcast!

Listen to part 2 coming soon on: https://sportsmensempire.com/network/the-huntavore

Watch the recovery with Brandon from Bowkill Deer Tracking on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iKfZs9-Hi0

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Rut season is almost here, and Dan and Bob Barlau are talking whitetails on the Nine Finger Chronicles.

Dan kicks things off with a water park bucket comparison for the rut. He also tells us about the nocturnal bucks on his trail cameras and the 3-year-old 10-pointer he's hoping makes it to next year. Then the conversation goes off track: R&B in the truck, CDs thrown out car windows and the Columbia House CD club.

They get sentimental over their favorite coffee mugs, shout out Dan's grandma and Bob's mom, and challenge you to call your mom or grandma.

After a round of thanks to the show's partners, Bob tells the story of his Minnesota metro bow hunt. He covers how the draw works, how he picked his stand and how he took a buck on opening day. Dan and Bob then get into wind, pressure and first-time-in stands, and what the rest of the season looks like in Wisconsin.

Partners: Wasp Archery, Vortex Optics, Vapor Trail Archery, Code Blue Scents, Reveal Trail Cameras and Ozonics.

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What does it take to build success in the woods? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Smoke of Lone Wolf Custom Gear to talk about his journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it really takes to turn passion into success in the outdoor industry.

We dive into how Tim found his path, overcame challenges, and built his success by learning through experience. One of the biggest takeaways? Fail fast, learn faster, and keep moving forward. Sometimes, the failures that frustrate us the most are the very things that push us toward success.

Whether you’re a hunter, an outdoorsman, an entrepreneur, or someone chasing a goal that feels just out of reach, this conversation is a reminder that success doesn’t come from getting everything right the first time. It comes from taking action, learning from your mistakes, and having the grit to keep going.

Tune in for an honest conversation about the outdoors, business, perseverance, and why failing fast might be one of the most important keys to long-term success.

Podcast brought to you by:

Sportsmen’s empire

LWCG https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

Asio : SEBH for 15% off https://asiogear.com/

Bowtique: SEBHP https://thebowtiquellc.com/

G5 Outdoors https://www.g5outdoors.com/

Prime Archery https://www.g5prime.com/

Dialed Archery https://dialedarchery.com/

Moultrie https://www.moultrie.com/

BHL https://bowhuntingleague.com

Scrape doctor SEBH15 for 15% https://scrapedoctor.com/

Victory Archery https://www.victoryarchery.com/

Catalyst archery https://catalystarchery.com SEBH10

Unbound Archery SEBH10 for 10% off https://www.unboundarchery.com

Rapid raxx https://www.facebook.com/share/19LDT2obmT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

‍

Brad and Tucker welcome longtime hunting writer and broadcaster Ron Spomer to discuss shotguns, rifles, cartridges, and the choices hunters face in the field. They compare classic firearms such as the Remington 1100 and Browning A5, and talk about how gun quality, fit, maintenance, and the shooter all shape performance.

The conversation turns to rifle cartridges and the debates that surround them. Ron explains that successful hunting depends less on chasing a supposedly perfect caliber and more on choosing a suitable bullet, placing it well, and understanding how a rifle shoots. He discusses familiar options such as the .243, .270, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, and 6.5 Creedmoor, as well as straight-wall cartridges like the .350 Legend. 

Ron’s advice is to prioritize familiarity over novelty: practice with the same rifle and ammunition, know its trajectory, and don’t take a new rifle into the field before you’re comfortable with it. He also shares thoughts on choosing a manageable rifle for young hunters, using a firearm when traveling to hunt, and the growing interest in suppressors.Alongside the technical advice, Ron recalls a lifetime of hunting across different landscapes and for many kinds of game. His standout memory is a Dall sheep hunt in Alaska: after a hard week in the mountains, he and his companions rode back through snow beneath a full moon, startled a grizzly, and watched wolves cross a riverbed near camp. For Ron, moments like that capture what makes the hunt meaningful: the people, place, challenge, and shared experience.

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Halloween hits the deer woods hard. One strange sound in the dark, one set of eyes in the timber, and suddenly every walk back to the truck feels a little less ordinary.In this Halloween edition of Deep in the Hunt of Texas, Connor and Jeffro swap hunting stories, creepy encounters, and the kind of campfire tales that make you listen a little closer to what’s moving in the brush. They joke about using an Aztec death whistle to clear out a crowded public-land spot, then get into the real things that unsettle them: big cats in the woods, strange lights, and the uneasy feeling that something may be following you through the dark.The conversation moves between laughs and genuine nerves. Jeffro recalls a frightening walk across a field after an evening hunt, when a sound kept getting closer until he turned around and found a cow just feet away. Connor shares a night in the stand when the noise of a hog under his tree had him scrambling for his light and pistol. Their stories capture the unpredictable side of hunting: animals can appear from nowhere, a familiar path can feel strange after dark, and even experienced hunters can find themselves rattled.They also revisit a different kind of haunting: the deer that got away. Jeffro tells the story of a giant six-point he had in his sights but couldn’t bring himself to shoot without being sure. 

Later, a trail-camera photo showed the buck had been around all along. Connor remembers two remarkable bucks he never managed to catch up with. Those missed chances still linger, along with the familiar hunter’s debate over patience, ethical shots, and knowing when to take an opportunity.From there, the episode heads deeper into paranormal territory. Connor recounts the Cash-Landrum incident, a famous Texas UFO case in which three witnesses described a bright, heat-producing object over a rural road, followed by a formation of helicopters. The mystery, the witnesses’ reported symptoms, and the unanswered questions make it a story that continues to invite speculation.The unsettling stories continue with a reported thermal-scope sighting of a figure that appeared human, then dropped to all fours and disappeared into the timber. Connor also shares an East Texas hog-hunting account about a large, upright creature that seemed to stalk the hogs before launching at one. 

The hosts consider ordinary explanations, acknowledge the lack of verified evidence, and still wrestle with the details that make these stories hard to forget.Throughout the episode, Connor and Jeffro bring the humor and honesty of longtime hunting partners to stories about public-land pressure, deer-season timing, trail cameras, and the strange sounds that seem louder when you’re alone in the woods. It’s part hunting talk, part Halloween storytelling, and part reminder that the walk back to the truck can be the most nerve-racking part of the hunt.Whether you’re a deer or hog hunter, a fan of Texas mysteries, or simply someone who enjoys a good story told by the campfire, settle in for a spooky trip through the woods with Deep in the Hunt of Texas.

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Blacktail deer might be one of North America’s most underrated big-game hunts—and Mark Boardman is here to explain why. From Washington’s rugged high-country rifle hunts to the rain-soaked timberlands of the Pacific Northwest, he shares what makes these elusive deer so challenging and rewarding to pursue.

Mark has spent nearly 18 years at Vortex Optics, but his connection to blacktails goes back to growing up hunting them in western Washington. In this conversation, he explains what makes Columbia and Sitka blacktails unique, where hunters can find them, and how a memorable high-country hunt produced a buck of a lifetime.

You’ll hear about:

• Why access can be more challenging than getting a tag
• How to scout habitat edges, rubs, and overlooked logging roads
• Why rainy days can be productive for still-hunting
• When blacktail rut activity typically picks up
• How high-country hunts differ from low-country timber hunts
• Which whitetail tactics can also work on blacktails

Mark also shares stories from hunts in Washington and Alaska, discusses his upcoming Oregon hunt with his dad and brother, and explains why he keeps pursuing blacktails even when bigger-antlered deer are an option. For hunters looking to explore new country and try a different kind of deer hunt, this episode offers useful insight and plenty of inspiration.

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The advice hunters get online is often backwards. Stop chasing the perfect setup, obsessing over every rule, and letting other people define what a “good” hunt looks like. Dan J. shares a raw, funny, and honest reality check on modern deer hunting—and what can happen when you stop overthinking and just hunt.

Dan takes on the pressure to manage every inch of ground and hunt by committee, then makes the case for trusting your woodsmanship, reading the sign, and spending more time in the woods. He shares his plans for the rut and explains why staging areas are among his favorite low-impact setups.In this episode, Dan talks about wind, access, fresh sign, trail cameras, and knowing when to take the shot instead of chasing the perfect hunt. He also reflects on hunting with kids, setting expectations, filling the freezer, and how a phone-free sit reminded him to slow down and enjoy the woods.

Along the way, Dan makes the case for less social-media ego, more gratitude, and celebrating hunters on their own terms. Not every deer has to be a giant to make the season memorable.For bowhunters heading into the rut—and anyone ready to stop overcomplicating the hunt—this is an unfiltered reminder to get outside, enjoy the moment, and make the season your own.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Axel Hartman of Rack Daddies Hunting and Fishing to talk about life in the outdoor industry, hunting adventures, and the experiences that keep drawing them back to Pennsylvania. Axel shares what it's really like making a living in the hunting industry, from filming and editing to running an apparel business, along with his recent experience filming a Pennsylvania elk hunt. The two discuss the opportunities and challenges of social media, staying positive in an increasingly critical hunting culture, and why Pennsylvania remains one of their favorite places to hunt despite opportunities to travel across the country.

As the conversation unfolds, Mitch and Axel find common ground in their appreciation for the traditions and camaraderie of Pennsylvania deer camp. They reminisce about childhood memories, the excitement surrounding opening day, and how changing seasons and lifestyles have influenced hunting camp traditions. Axel shares his efforts to rekindle those experiences through archery camp, while both reflect on the importance of introducing new people to the big woods, stepping outside familiar hunting routines, and preserving these traditions for future generations. Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that some of the most meaningful hunting memories aren't necessarily made in the woods, but around the people and places that bring us together.

What does it take to become a successful deer hunter when public land is your only option? In Episode 205, I sit down with Jason Griffin to talk about his journey as a deer hunter and how he’s built his success hunting exclusively on public land.

Jason shares his experiences, lessons learned, and the strategies that have helped him consistently find and harvest deer on ground that anyone can hunt. We dive into the challenges of public land hunting, learning how to read the woods, adapting to hunting pressure, finding overlooked spots, and putting in the work it takes to get it done.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can consistently kill mature deer on public land, this episode is packed with insight, real-world experience, and motivation to help you become a better hunter.

No private leases. No exclusive access. Just public land, hard work, and figuring out how to make it happen.

Podcast brought to you by:

Sportsmen’s empire

LWCG https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

Asio : SEBH for 15% off https://asiogear.com/

Bowtique: SEBHP https://thebowtiquellc.com/

G5 Outdoors https://www.g5outdoors.com/

Prime Archery https://www.g5prime.com/

Dialed Archery https://dialedarchery.com/

Moultrie https://www.moultrie.com/

BHL https://bowhuntingleague.com

Scrape doctor SEBH15 for 15% https://scrapedoctor.com/

Victory Archery https://www.victoryarchery.com/

Catalyst archery https://catalystarchery.com SEBH10

Unbound Archery SEBH10 for 10% off https://www.unboundarchery.com

Rapid raxx https://www.facebook.com/share/19LDT2obmT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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On this episode of The Wisconsin Sportsman, Pierce is joined by Thomas Mlsna of The Untamed Ambition, to discuss how to make the most of the October lull, and set yourself up for success throughout the pre-rut and rut! Thomas is a holistic land management specialist and avid whitetail hunter from the driftless region of Wisconsin. In this conversation, the guys dive into managing pressure from yourself, neighbors, and farming activity, why habitat with less funneling can actually hold more bucks, prime trail camera locations and how to interpret data from them, October scouting, and tons more. Check it out in this week's episode!

Huge thanks to Thomas for coming back on the show! To learn more about his land management services, visit theuntamedambition.com and follow along with his season @theuntamedambition on social media

Big thanks to our fantastic partners:

Hoksey Native Seeds: www.hokseynativeseeds.com

Lone Wolf Custom Gear: www.lonewolfcustomgear.com

onX Hunt: www.onxmaps.com

Huntworth: www.huntworthgear.com

Good Chance Fly Fishing: www.goodchanceflyfishing.com

Wisconsin Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: www.backcountryhunters.org/wisconsin

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The best deer hunting lesson in this episode has nothing to do with antlers: stop chasing social media pressure and start hunting your actual property. Dan and Jason break down a real weekend in the stand, and it turns into a brutally honest conversation about cold fronts, PTO, deer movement, and why a "good hunt" is not the same thing as a dead buck.

Dan shares a Friday night sit where he confirmed a key river-bottom setup, watched nine deer come through shooting range, and learned more from the hunt he didn't tag out on than he would have from a rushed kill. Jason adds his own read on the same weather shift, explaining why the cold front didn't create a magical October explosion and why crop harvest, travel corridors, and local terrain matter more than blanket advice.

You’ll discover:

• Why a late-October or November PTO day usually beats chasing a random cold front
• How to decide whether a stand is truly "hot" based on doe movement, access, and wind
• Why cell cameras, trail intel, and social media advice only matter if they fit your specific land
• What Dan’s river-bottom setup revealed about thermals, staging cover, and deer behavior
• Why leaving the phone in the truck can make a hunt feel like hunting again

Jason also explains how limited time, kids, work, and real-life pressure change the way hunters approach the season - and why that makes the simple act of sitting still in the woods even more valuable. If you’ve ever felt behind because you’re not chasing 180-inch bucks on command, this conversation will reset your expectations in the best way.

Perfect for deer hunters who need a reality check, a confidence boost, and a reminder that the story, the process, and the quiet moments still matter more than the grip-and-grin.

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What does it take to build a name in the hunting industry? On this episode of the We Do This Too Outdoors Podcast, I'm sitting down with Hunter Flanders of RETAY USA for a conversation about the brand, the firearms industry, and the world of hunting.

We get into the people and passion behind the name, what makes the outdoor industry tick, and the importance of connecting with the hunters who make this community what it is. Whether you're a RETAY fan, a waterfowl hunter, a shotgun enthusiast, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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Mule deer are Ethan Eskew’s obsession—but the real story is how he turns a full-time corporate job into a nearly year-round Western hunting routine. In this episode, Ethan and Dan talk about hunting bigger bucks, scouting with purpose, and making the hard choices that can bring a dream within reach.

Ethan shares his journey from hunting whitetails in West Virginia to building a life in the West. He and Dan discuss the sacrifices of moving away from family, the risks involved in pursuing what matters to you, and how Ethan balances a regular job with an intense hunting schedule.

They also get into the details of Ethan’s approach in the field: how he scouts before the season, why he’s become more selective, and how he keeps track of deer while planning a stalk. The conversation leads to the story of a challenging five-mile hike, a close encounter with a wide buck he chose to pass, and a tense wait before Ethan finally took his shot at an old, character-rich mule deer.

Whether you hunt mule deer or simply want to hear how someone makes room for a passion alongside everyday responsibilities, this episode brings together practical hunting insight, a memorable hunt, and an honest conversation about what it takes to follow your own path.

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Cold fronts are overrated if you do not know what the deer are already telling you. Ross Cady joins Dan Johnson for a brutally honest deer hunting conversation about when to hunt, when to wait, and how to stop letting analysis paralysis ruin your season.

Ross breaks down a real-time decision on whether to hunt an October cold front, using trail camera intel, crop progress, scrape activity, and property layout to weigh a risky sit against a better window in late October and early November. If you have ever stared at OnX too long, second-guessed a stand setup, or worried about “blowing” a spot before the rut, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.

You’ll discover:

• Why standing corn can completely change buck movement on Iowa farms
• How Ross evaluates mature buck activity on the north end of his property versus doe-heavy southern cover
• Why a cold front alone is not enough to justify burning a hunt day
• How mock scrapes, trail cameras, and transition points can reveal what deer are actually doing
• The mental trap of social media hunting pressure and unrealistic trophy expectations
  

Dan and Ross also get real about what it means to actually enjoy hunting again. They talk through the freedom that comes from trusting your instincts, the value of making the best decision with the information in front of you, and why a successful hunt is about more than inches on a rack.

Ross also shares his perspective as someone who works with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, giving a unique look at how farmers, deer hunters, and land managers see the same landscape through very different lenses. Along the way, the two compare notes on overanalyzing setups, calling your shot, and knowing when to stop worrying and just go hunt.

Essential listening if you are trying to make better late-October decisions, manage your hunt days wisely, or break free from the obsession with perfection. If this season has you overthinking every move, this episode will help you get back to what matters most - being in the woods, making a plan, and letting the hunt happen.

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What happens when a professional chef, hunter, and angler sets out to make wild game cooking easier for everyone? This week on Huntavore, Nick welcomes back Jeff Benda of Wild Game and Fish to talk about his journey from professional chef and Uber driver to full-time wild game recipe developer and cookbook author. Jeff shares the story behind his new Wild Game and Fish Cookbook, a resource designed to help hunters and anglers turn their hard-earned harvests into delicious, approachable meals.

Jeff explains how years of experimenting in the kitchen, drawing inspiration from international cuisines, and cooking with whatever ingredients were available helped shape his approach to wild game cooking. His cookbook focuses on practical, family-friendly recipes with accessible ingredients, clear instructions, and meals that fit into busy schedules. With more than 100 recipe testers helping refine the dishes, Jeff has worked to ensure that home cooks can confidently prepare everything from venison and waterfowl to freshwater fish.

The conversation also explores the challenges of building a business around a passion, the importance of perseverance, and why supporting independent authors by purchasing directly from their websites matters. Jeff discusses the value of trustworthy, thoroughly tested recipes in an age of AI-generated cooking content and encourages listeners to visit the original creators for reliable instructions and inspiration.

Whether you're looking for new ways to use what's already in your freezer, hoping to introduce your family to wild game, or searching for a cookbook to give a fellow hunter this holiday season, this episode is packed with ideas to help you make the most of your harvest.

In This Episode

• From passion to profession: Jeff's journey from chef and caterer to building Wild Game and Fish into a full-time business.
• The story behind the cookbook: How years of recipe development, experimentation, and inspiration from other cuisines led to the Wild Game and Fish Cookbook.
• Wild game cooking for busy families: Simple recipes designed for weeknight dinners, with many taking around 30 minutes or using a slow cooker.
• Making ingredients accessible: Why Jeff tested recipes using ingredients available at everyday grocery stores.
• Cooking with what you have: Adapting recipes to the species, cuts, and quantities of wild game and fish in your freezer.
• The importance of recipe testing: How feedback from more than 100 testers helped make the recipes detailed, reliable, and approachable.
• Preserving the art of recipe development: Why Jeff encourages cooks to visit original recipe websites instead of relying solely on AI-generated summaries.
• Supporting independent creators: The impact of purchasing cookbooks directly from authors and helping them sustain their work.
• A cookbook built for real kitchens: Hardcover construction, full-color photography, one-page recipes, and practical instructions designed for everyday use.

About Jeff Benda

Jeff Benda is a hunter, angler, former professional chef, and the creator of Wild Game and Fish. Through his website and new cookbook, Jeff helps people discover approachable ways to prepare wild game and fish using accessible ingredients and dependable recipes.

Find Jeff and His Recipes

• Website and cookbook: wildgameandfish.com
• Instagram: @wildgameandfish
• Direct link: Wild Game & Fish Cookbook – Wild Game & Fish Media

Visit Jeff's website for the cookbook, hundreds of wild game and fish recipes, and a newsletter featuring new recipes and hunting stories.

Takeaway

You don't need complicated ingredients or professional kitchen skills to make great wild game meals. Start with what you have in the freezer, find a recipe you can trust, and make wild game a regular part of your family's table.

Thanks for listening to Huntavore! Whether you're filling the freezer this season or figuring out what to cook from last year's harvest, keep exploring new ways to enjoy wild game—and remember to keep those knives sharp.

This episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas follows host Connor Little and returning guest Travis Miller as they swap stories and advice from the early deer season.

Travis recounts taking a buck on his first sit of the season, despite a less-than-ideal wind. He describes how he gained access to an 80-acre property through a landowner’s generosity, and how creek-bed terrain, familiar background noise from a gas compressor, and steady corn and mineral sites may have helped make the hunt work.

The conversation also covers practical challenges of hunting in Texas: finding quiet access routes, unpredictable deer movement, changing thermals, heavy rain that can leave roads impassable, and mosquitoes that can make a sit miserable. They compare notes on processing deer and doing European mounts, then discuss how weather, forage, and the rut may influence buck activity. Connor shares that his own season has been unusually quiet for bucks so far, while Travis is looking ahead to another mature buck and hopes his daughters might get a chance at it.

The episode works as a relaxed, relatable hunting conversation: Travis’s first-sit success gives it a clear story, while the practical details and shared frustrations make the advice feel grounded in real experience.

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A mid-October cold front is rolling in—but should you use a day of PTO to hunt it? Dan shares a practical way to weigh the forecast against your trail-camera data, deer patterns, property, and schedule.

Drawing on years of hunting experience, Dan explains why a cold front doesn’t automatically mean deer will move in daylight or make the breeding season arrive sooner. He discusses when rain may create a better opportunity, what daylight activity can tell you, and why he often prefers saving time for late October and early November.

If you’re deciding whether to hunt now or wait for a better window, this episode offers a grounded perspective on making the call for your own farm—and balancing hunting with work and family. As always, check your tree stand and safety gear before heading out.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Chris Stivers, co-host of the Average Joe's Hunting Podcast. Growing up in central Illinois, Chris cut his teeth hunting small game before following his dad into the whitetail woods and eventually developing a lifelong fascination with black bears. Chris shares how his perspective on hunting has changed over the years, including the story of passing a big Illinois buck so a young hunter nearby might get his chance. Two days later, that same 13-year-old killed the buck, and Chris was there to help him track and recover it—an experience that helped reshape what success in the woods means to him.

From there, the conversation heads into the mountains of West Virginia, where Chris pursued a childhood dream of hunting black bears and eventually experienced hunting them behind hounds. Mitch and Chris discuss the challenges of mountain hunting, the culture and camaraderie surrounding houndsmen, disappearing small-game traditions, and how social media and trophy expectations have changed hunting. Ultimately, the conversation comes back to getting more enjoyment out of the hunt, appreciating the opportunities we've already had, and occasionally putting our own ambitions aside to help create an experience for the next hunter.

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The season is underway, and we're just getting started. In this solo episode of the Antler Up Podcast, I'm breaking down my first few hunts of the year, the deer I've seen, and why I haven't been in a rush to force an opportunity. From hunting with Jim to spending time in the stand locally, I'm reflecting on what these early sits have taught me about patience, preparation, and sticking to the standards I've set for myself this season.

With a major temperature swing on the horizon and the best stretch of the whitetail season still ahead, it's a reminder to stay focused on what you can control. You can't dictate deer movement or force the perfect opportunity, but you can control your preparation, your decisions, and your willingness to keep showing up. Whether you're chasing your next buck or working toward a goal in your own life, don't get discouraged when the results haven't come yet. Stay patient, trust the process, and don't check out before the moment arrives. Antler Up!

So, grab your gear, sit back, and join us on this episode as we Antler Up!

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Is the October lull real, or did the deer just hear you’re coming and decide to take the week off? Dan Johnson and Pierce Nelles debate the seasonal mystery, swap whitetail advice, and ask the important questions—like whether a cold front is worth spending PTO on, and whether a giant buck photo means you’re actually good at hunting.

They get into fresh scrapes, trail-camera tricks, hunting pressure, and why advice from a guy with a giant food plot may not exactly fit your five-acre setup. There’s also talk about teaching young hunters, career regrets, Amish hats, baby names, and Dan’s ongoing battle with drywall.Come for the October-lull argument. Stay for the detours. Leave with a reminder to trust the sign in your own woods—and maybe hire someone else for the bathroom remodel.

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This episode explores Jon Teater interviews Perry Battin about his successful deer hunting strategies, property management, and food plot techniques. They discuss how habitat improvements, food sources, and strategic planning contribute to big buck success.

Takeaways

• Deer habitat management and food plots
• Strategic use of camera data and deer census
• Property layout and layering for deer comfort
• Impact of weather and acorn cycles on deer movement
• Strategies for controlling deer herd size and quality

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In this episode, I sit down with Clifton Denney to talk about his success on YouTube and what it takes to consistently tag big bucks year after year. We dive into his journey as a content creator, how he’s grown his YouTube channel, and what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to finding and hunting mature whitetails.Clifton shares his approach to scouting, patterning deer, and making the most of early-season opportunities. We also discuss the hard work, preparation, and decision-making that go into consistently putting yourself in position for a shot at a big buck.Whether you’re looking to grow your own hunting channel, improve your early-season strategy, or learn from someone who has found success both in the woods and behind the camera, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Podcast brought to you by:Sportsmen’s empireLWCG https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.comAsio : SEBH for 15% off https://asiogear.com/Bowtique: SEBHP https://thebowtiquellc.com/G5 Outdoors https://www.g5outdoors.com/Prime Archery https://www.g5prime.com/Dialed Archery https://dialedarchery.com/Moultrie https://www.moultrie.com/BHL https://bowhuntingleague.comScrape doctor SEBH15 for 15% https://scrapedoctor.com/Victory Archery https://www.victoryarchery.com/Catalyst archery https://catalystarchery.com SEBH10Unbound Archery SEBH10 for 10% off https://www.unboundarchery.comRapid raxx https://www.facebook.com/share/19LDT2obmT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of The Wisconsin Sportsman, Pierce is joined by Max Kulick to hear the story of Max's latest big buck hitting the ground! Max is a Wisconsin-native, husband, father, and lifelong outdoorsman. In this conversation, the guys dive into Max's upbringing in the outdoors, the importance of being a good generalist outdoorsman, his approach to getting kids into the outdoors, whether early success is a good thing or a bad thing, whether public land or private land is a better teacher, Max's hunting journey with his father, and how he got an arrow in a huge buck out of the tree above his dad's grave. All that and more in this week's episode!

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If you know Dustin Aburn, you know he doesn't hold back! 

After meeting Dustin at the Dive Bomb Festival in St. Louis, I knew we had to get him on the We Do This Too Outdoors Podcast. This Maryland-born waterfowl hunter brings serious passion, strong opinions, and a whole lot of personality to the conversation—and when it comes to RETAY USA, he's all in!

Dustin joins us to talk about growing up hunting the Chesapeake Bay, his passion for RETAY shotguns, and why reliability matters when you're deep in the marsh, the temperatures are dropping, and the ducks are finally working. We get into shotgun performance, natural point of aim, waterfowl hunting traditions, and why he believes hunters should put a RETAY in their hands before judging it.

And yes… we get into the other shotgun brands, too! Dustin doesn't hold back when defending a brand he believes in, and some of these conversations had us rolling.

But this episode goes deeper than shotguns. We talk about sharing knowledge instead of keeping secrets, bringing more people into the blind, making memories with friends and family, and passing our outdoor traditions down to the next generation. We also touch on the challenges hunters face as access to hunting land continues to get tougher.

This is what the outdoor community is all about: passion, honesty, good conversation, and helping keep the hunting tradition alive.

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A family-owned blueberry farm the size of a small company. A hunter who packs out elk, chases bucks across state lines, and still walks 13 miles a day switching irrigation valves. Eric McKay returns with the kind of farming-and-hunting conversation that makes you rethink what it takes to stay in the game.

Dan J. sits down with Eric to unpack how a 1,000-acre Michigan blueberry operation actually works - from processing 5 to 7 million pounds a year to battling frost, extreme heat, and the brutal timing of spring freezes that can wipe out a crop without killing the bushes. Eric breaks down how weather changes sugar content, why Lake Michigan helps and hurts at the same time, and what it really means to keep a multi-generation farm family-owned when bigger buyers are always circling.

We also get deep into the hunting side of Eric's life, including what keeps him coming back to southern Illinois, why his favorite Michigan window is late October, and how his western addiction started in 2012 and never really stopped. He shares what makes Colorado his favorite elk destination, why Montana tested him harder than almost any trip he's taken, and how altitude, dehydration, and sheer pack-out misery separate a fun hunt from a true grind.

You'll discover:

• How a blueberry farm processes, packages, and markets fruit at massive scale
• Why late frosts, summer heat, and rainfall can change both yield and flavor
• What deer do around blueberry farms and how hunters use that to their advantage
• Why Eric prefers specific timing windows in Michigan and southern Illinois
• What makes western public land hunting so addictive, physically brutal, and worth it

Eric also talks about hunting with his kid and wife, managing tags across multiple states, and why this season is more about family, freezer fills, and being in the woods than chasing giant score numbers. If you love whitetail strategy, western hunting stories, or the reality of making a living on the land, this one is loaded.Perfect for hunters, farmers, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of hard work, weather, deer movement, and chasing big country.

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Most deer hunters are sitting on years of trail camera intel and never using it. Deer ID turns those scattered photos into buck-specific patterns, weather trends, and hunt-day predictions so you can stop guessing and start hunting with purpose.

Nate Crick breaks down how Deer ID was built from a simple but powerful idea: the deer you chase are often showing up on repeat cycles, and the clues are already in your camera roll. From Half Rack daylighting on the same dates year after year to Tommy and Tyson revealing their own seasonal patterns, Nate explains how historical sightings can uncover what a single trail cam photo never will.

You'll discover:

• How Deer ID builds a separate profile for every buck
• Why uploading old trail cam photos can make your intel dramatically more accurate
• How the app reads location, time, wind, pressure, moon phase, and cloud cover from photos automatically
• Why the hunting calendar gives a day-by-day score instead of just a generic weather forecast
• How notifications can alert you when a buck's historical pattern lines up with current conditions

Nate also explains what Deer ID deliberately leaves out, like mapping and heavy location automation, because the goal is to improve woodsmanship, not replace it. The app is designed to help hunters stay sharp, not turn deer hunting into a cheat code. That philosophy sets it apart from the rest of the market and makes it especially useful for hunters who want better information without losing the challenge.

Dan J. digs into the details on how the app works, how data gets batch uploaded, and how public-land hunters can even use location-based scrape history to spot annual trends. The conversation also covers why the app can still help hunters who only have a season or two of data, and why more years of history make the predictions lock in harder.

If you keep trail camera photos, hunt specific bucks, or only get limited days in the woods, this episode shows you how to turn the data you already own into a real edge. Essential listening for serious whitetail hunters who want to be a little more dialed in this fall.

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This episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas begins with Connor talking about the start of bow season in Texas, cooler weather, and the deer he’s watching on camera. He shares his thoughts on whether to pursue a promising buck early in the season or keep waiting for a mature “tree buck” he has followed for several years. He also mentions upcoming hunts in South Texas and New Mexico.

The main focus is a step-by-step discussion of what to do once you’re heading to your stand. Connor recommends planning an access route that accounts for wind, deer movement, and the terrain. In the morning, deer are often still on their feet, so he suggests approaching carefully, especially near feeders, and avoiding unnecessary ground scent. He favors moving quietly and steadily rather than rushing, which can create noise, sweat, and avoidable mistakes.

When setting up in a tree, Connor advises taking your time with climbing and organizing gear. He notes that hauling equipment up can be noisy, especially when leaves are still on the trees, and recommends having essential gear ready. Before settling in, he suggests nocking an arrow and putting on your release so you’re prepared for a possible opportunity at first light.

Once deer appear, Connor emphasizes watching their body language. Calm deer may feed and move casually, while alert deer may pause, look around, or repeatedly lift their heads. He cautions against drawing a bow while a deer is looking directly at you, since that movement can quickly give you away. If you make eye contact, he recommends avoiding sudden movements and slowly closing or squinting your eyes rather than staring back.

The episode then turns to shot placement. From an elevated stand, the downward angle changes where the arrow enters and exits, so hunters should account for the steepness of the shot and aim to achieve a good path through the vital organs. Connor also discusses how broadhead and arrow setups can influence where a hunter chooses to aim. His general point is to understand the strengths and limitations of your equipment, including how much margin for error it offers, and to practice with the setup you plan to use.

Connor wraps up with good wishes for the season and hopes to get out hunting soon. Overall, the episode is a field-oriented guide to access, setup, reading deer, staying concealed, and making thoughtful shot decisions.

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Jesse Wiggins, a professional bass angler from Addison, Alabama, joins Brad Bowen to talk about turning a love of fishing into a career. He shares how he worked his way up to the highest levels of tournament fishing, and how winning an early tournament gave him the confidence to believe he belonged.

Jesse explains why the shaky head helped launch his fishing career and why the chatterbait remains one of his favorite all-around baits. He recounts catching a 10-pound, 1-ounce bass at Lake Guntersville and offers practical advice on keeping fish hooked, choosing line, and knowing when to move on from a fish you see on sonar. 

The conversation also explores how Jesse balances professional fishing with hunting and family life. He describes taking his young son fishing, talks about turkey and deer hunting, and shares stories of frog gigging, bow fishing, and growing up in North Alabama’s outdoor culture.

From childhood memories of dog hunting to the early tournaments that opened the door to a pro career, Jesse reflects on the experiences that shaped him. His story offers encouragement to young anglers: build experience step by step, make the most of opportunities, and keep pursuing what you love.

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If you care about Western hunting, public-land strategy, or want to understand what makes mule deer so different from whitetails, this conversation is packed with insights.

Dan J. talks with Trevor Hubbs, editor-in-chief of Mule Deer magazine for the Mule Deer and Blacktail Deer Foundation. They discuss deer genetics and hybrid zones, and the challenges of hunting animals that can migrate hundreds of miles and rely on suitable habitat to survive.

 Trevor explains why mule deer are sensitive to environmental change, why they can’t simply be managed like whitetails, and why their numbers are lower today than decades ago.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Where mule deer and whitetails overlap—and how to spot hybrids in the field
• How antlers, gait, and behavior can help identify different deer
• How fire, drought, agriculture, and human expansion affect mule deer country
• Why mule deer need native vegetation
• Hunting seasons, migration, draw strategy, and the realities of pursuing mature bucks in the West

Trevor also shares stories from his work as an editor and his experiences hunting in Montana and Wyoming, including a hunt affected by wildfire. Along the way, he and Dan discuss public-land access, muzzleloader opportunities, decoy tactics, and why longer hunts can help when you’re looking for a mature buck.

The conversation also explores the bigger conservation picture: why some wildlife adapts to human-shaped landscapes while other species struggle, and how habitat changes can reshape mule deer populations and hunting opportunities.

If you love Western hunting, want to learn more about mule deer, or are interested in the challenges facing this iconic species, add this episode to your queue.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Pennsylvania native Chad Hodge for a conversation that starts with old-school deer camp and eventually finds its way deep into a wood duck swamp. Chad shares how growing up between Pennsylvania and Florida pushed him to find his own place among the seasoned hunters he looked up to. What started with archery and learning to work on his own equipment eventually grew into a passion for shotguns, patterning, turkey and waterfowl hunting, product development, and a lifelong pursuit of becoming a better woodsman.

The conversation eventually turns toward Chad's true obsession: hunting drake wood ducks. Chad shares the story of calling in his 500th career drake on the final day of the season, his pursuit toward 1,000, and the lessons learned from decades spent creeping through creeks and beaver swamps. He breaks down calling and identifying wood ducks, hunting without piles of expensive equipment, protecting productive areas, and why this style of hunting can be an incredible way to introduce a kid to the outdoors. Along the way, Mitch and Chad discuss hunting culture, social media, old-school hunting traditions, and the danger of measuring your success against someone else's tailgate. At its core, this conversation is a reminder to learn from the hunters who came before us, pass that knowledge along, and find the part of hunting that means something to you.

Hunting Mature Bucks: Trail-Camera Clues, Access, and Public-Land Pressure

When a mature buck appears on camera in the middle of the night, is it a real opportunity—or just another clue to file away? Dan and returning guest Pierce dig into how they interpret trail-camera photos, plan hunts, and make decisions when a buck only shows up a few times each season.

They discuss the role of wind, thermals, access routes, and historical movement, along with why sitting a proven setup can sometimes beat constantly moving. The conversation also explores the challenges of hunting small parcels and public land, where pressure and limited access can change a carefully made plan.

Dan and Pierce share hard-earned lessons from missed opportunities, close encounters, and years of hunting. They also talk about earning landowner trust and finding a respectful path to hunting permission.

Whether you’re trying to make sense of nocturnal trail-camera activity, hunt a pressured property, or get closer to a mature buck, this episode offers grounded strategies and honest perspective from the field.

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In this episode, I sit down with my buddy Hunter Edwards to break down a hunt we won’t be forgetting anytime soon. On this year’s opening day, Hunter connected with the biggest buck of his life—and the story behind it is just as wild as the deer itself.

We dive into how the hunt unfolded, the decisions that led up to the shot, and the adrenaline of opening morning when everything comes together. But that’s not even the craziest part… this buck has the potential to be a new county archery record.

If you’re into deer hunting, big bucks, and real, in-the-moment stories from the woods, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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