Opening day is in the rear view and for many, early season aspirations have turned to broken dreams. Now the deer movement seems to have dried up in all of our tried and true spots. What happened? Is this the (cue the ominous music) OCTOBER LULL?! Well, yes and no. Studies Show that deer movement increases throughout the month of October with no decrease. But the experience of many hunters is that deer sightings by mid October have slowed to a trickle. What's going on here? In this episode of th...
Oct 12, 2023•34 min•Ep. 116
It's your state's archery opener. You make the long hike back to a secluded spot where you never run into people. You know there's a big buck in the area, and that you have a good chance of running into him if you play your cards right. As you ascend the tree, you all of a sudden hear someone yelling to you. Your heart sinks as you realize there's another hunter already setup 50 yards from your tree. What do you do ? This, and many situations like it, happen all the time when hunting land that w...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 115
It's no secret. Hunting on relatively lightly pressured, manicured private land is very different than hunting the highly pressured public piece down the road. But is one really better than the other? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and both can afford you a great time chasing whitetails! In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Greg Kazmierski of Whitetail Partners about Greg's take on hunting public vs private land. Greg is a Habitat Consultant with Whitet...
Sep 28, 2023•59 min•Ep. 114
For deer hunters, the early season is often where the high hopes of summer fade into disappointment and confusion. But it doesn't have to be that way. If you're tired of blanking early season and wondering where all those bucks you had on trail cam throughout the summer went, then this episode is for you! In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Jacob Sklenar about how Jacob finds and hunts mature bucks in the early season. The guys discuss map scouting, in season scoutin...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 113
How much thought have you put into your camo system heading into the season? Sure you've got your treestands dialed in, you know how to get that saddle feeling just right, you've shot your bow and have your pack filled with just the right gadgets. But your camo is some of the most important gear you bring into the woods with you. It's often responsible for you spending more time on stand or heading back to the truck. That means it's often the one thing that had, or didn't have, you in the stand ...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 112
This week on the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with the National Deer Association's Chief Conservation Officer, Kip Adams, about trends reported in the 2023 Deer Report. Each year, the National Deer Association produces the Deer Report, covering the latest in deer harvest reports, management trends, and challenges face by deer and deer managers. The guys discuss some of the surprising trends from the report, some challenges facing whitetails, and how we can all become better deer managers...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 111
Early season whitetails. Some people hate 'em. Some people love 'em. Everyone agrees that deer hunting early season can be a challenge. While it's true that success rates in the early season are lower than say the first week of November, the early season really does provide a great opportunity to arrow a great buck while others are still waiting for it to "feel like fall". The challenges of hunting the early season have led many to overthink what's actually pretty simple. Notice I didn't say it'...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 110
Ever wish you could piece together on of those DREAM seasons? Like one where you get to hunt FOUR DIFFERENT destination whitetail states in a single year? Such is the case for John Hudspeth for the 2023-2024 season. John is the host of the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcast and knows a thing or two about whitetails. His success speaks for itself, and he regularly kills top-tier bucks. But this year, John will be testing his bowhunting skills in a broad range of new settings. John will be hunting Septembe...
Aug 24, 2023•50 min•Ep. 109
If you've been hunting very long, you've probably though to yourself, "Man, I wish someone else could see what I'm seeing out here!" And so the desire to self film is born. There are lots of options out there for filming your hunts, from professional grade camcorders to cell phone mounts, and each option has its pros and cons. But if you're looking for an affordable, simple, lightweight option that will still provide top notch video and sound quality, TACTACAM's point of view cameras are your be...
Aug 17, 2023•56 min•Ep. 108
Hunting season starts just next month for many in the whitetail's range. Stands are being hung, velvet pics are rolling in, and hit lists are being built. Unless you hunt large parcels of primo whitetail ground, you might think that being able to target and hunt specific bucks just isn't a possibility on your property. Well Nate Thomas from the Missouri Woods & Water podcast has been successful doing just that for a number of years on the small parcels he hunts. Though the deer aren't necess...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 107
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Pierce Nelles of Wisconsin about their 2023 hunt plans and "shooter" standards. Chances are, the 2023 deer season is going to look a little different than previous years for Josh and Pierce. They both had great deer seasons last, tagging nice bucks with their bows and learning a ton along the way. This year, both of them find themselves in a growing season as entrepreneurs. This means full plates and less time to hunt. With this in...
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 106
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Alex Christianson, Ryan Corkwell, and Jeff Stringer from Vantage Point Archery about what makes their broadheads stand out. Vantage Point Archery produces a head to make just about anyone happy. Single bevel, double bevel, two blade, three blade, 100 grains or 300 grains, they've got you covered! In this episode, the good folks from VPA discuss what makes their products different, what sets their process apart, and a new and exciti...
Jul 28, 2023•57 min•Ep. 105
Right now, much of the whitetail's range is experiencing pretty significant drought conditions. Whitetail destination states such as Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Missouri are among the worst hit. This will certainly affect ag production, food plots, mast production, and even browse. If the drought continues into the fall, these conditions will create a difficult hunting season for many. But if you know how to adjust for drought conditions, you could be on your way to one of your best whitetail ...
Jul 20, 2023•38 min•Ep. 104
Though it's hot and buggy, the summer is a great time to get boots on the the ground for some deer scouting. The woods are thick and green, but there is still much that can be discerned this time of year, such as preferred bedding, food sources that will be prime come opening day of deer season, and what bucks are hanging around the areas you hunt. One guy that scouts hard during the summer and has a solid strategy for hanging trail cameras is Brian Dombrowski of Wisconsin. In this episode of th...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 103
Late July/early August is a great time to do some digital scouting and hang some stands. Understanding thermals and their impact on wind currents can help you take your scouting and stand sight selection to the next level. Thermals can make or break a hunt. Not only do they influence how deer move across the landscape, but hunting with thermals in mind can be the difference between you watching as a white tails bound off through the timber or you getting a chip shot at your target. But thermals ...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 102
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last several years, you know about saddle hunting. While saddle hunting has been around for a long time, the resurgence in its popularity recently had many asking the question, Is saddle hunting just a fad? While it's not for everyone, most deer hunters could benefit tremendously from having a tree saddle as another tool in the belt. They're undoubtedly lighter, quieter, and some argue safer than a tree stand. And for many, they can also make you a ...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 100
It's late June! Hopefully you're ironing out your hunting plans for this fall. If your like many hunters, those hunt planning conversations with your spouse can look more like arguments, with neither side walking away very happy with how things went down. What if there's a better way? A way to argue less AND hunt more? And what if that way is NOT a divorce? In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with his wife, professional counselor Tiffany Raley, about how spouses can spend...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 99
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Clint Campbell about how Clint finds velvet bucks in the big woods of PA. Clint is the host of the Truth from the Stand Podcast and he KNOWS how to locate big bucks in the big woods. In this episode, we talk about some of Clint's favorite spots to hang cameras, how he interprets the intel, and how he turns that intel into a fall hunting plan. Connect with Clint on Instagram or online . Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Netwo...
Jun 15, 2023•55 min•Ep. 98
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with outdoor writer Tony Peterson about hunting public land bucks in the big woods. Tony is an avid whitetail deer hunter who travels the country every fall in pursuit of whitetails. He gets to hunt big deer in some of the coolest places, yet the big woods of Wisconsin draw him back year after year. From e-scouting to mobile hunting to where Tony would key in during different parts of the season, this episode is a great start for those ...
Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 97
When you think of food plots, what comes to mind? For many, food plot seed blends get all the attention! Though only a piece of the equation (food plot placement, planting methods, and soil tests are all crucial!), choosing the right seed for your specific setting can make or break your food plot. Do you know how to make sure your using the best seed for your situation? In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Company about choosing a food plo...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Mitchell Shirk about how soil testing can lead you to better food plots. Mitch is the host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast and a row crop agronomist. He makes a living helping farmers increase their yields by promoting healthier soils. The carryover to food plots is obvious! In this episode, the guys discuss why soil tests are so important, how to go about taking soil samples, and some common mistakes people make when it comes...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 95
If you're a deer hunter with some level of control over the land you hunt, chances are you have dabbled with food plots. Food plots can be great, leading to tons of fun hunts and great memories in the field. OR, they can be a major headache, and actually HURT the deer hunting on your property. What factors make the difference? In this episode, Josh talks with Jake Hendrickson about two very important factors: food plot placement and design. Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for mo...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 94
Food plots... all the rage just a few years ago, there is perhaps no other deer hunting tool that promises as much for the hunter as a food plot. But there is probably no other deer hunting tool that leaves more hunters frustrated, shaking their fists at the sky, and disappointed with the results. What if I told you there's a better way of planting food plots? One that is cheaper, easier, better for the environment and the critters that live on your ground, and will likely help you avoid many of...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 93
Deer hunting or turkey hunting, what's your favorite? For many of us, deer hunting is our first love. There's nothing like a crisp November morning in the stand, blind, or saddle to get the blood flowing. But for the hunter looking to broaden his horizons, there are tons of opportunities out there. While there are a wide variety of species to chase come fall and winter, there aren't very many seasons open as the temps warm up and the days grow longer. Enter spring turkey hunting. An absolute bla...
Apr 14, 2023•36 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh tlaks with Idaho big buck killer Troy Pottenger about how Troy uses mock scrapes to make bucks hunt him! Troy Pottenger hunts some of the most unforgiving whitetail terrain in the country. Tough weather conditions, large expanses of timber, apex predators, and low deer densities make finding any deer a challenge in Troy's neck of the woods. But Troy has found a strategy that works to consistently get him on some of eh biggest bucks in his reg...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 91
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Levi Dixon of Whitetail Partners about the land and hunting strategy for a giant Tennessee buck called Lefty. Lee is a whitetail habitat consultant with Whitetail Partners. Over the years, he's learned a thing or two about growing, holding, and harvesting mature bucks. Just last fall, Lee was able to harvest the buck of a lifetime he called Lefty. Lefty is a truly special buck for Lee for lots of reasons beyond his impressive rack....
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 90
Back by popular demand, Josh and Pierce chat for part 2 of the Hot Topics series. This week, they discuss the recent ban of trail cameras on public land in Kansas and the hunting fitness movement. The Kansas trail camera movement my be the beginning of a slippery slope for midwestern deer hunters. What's most interesting about this decision might be less about WHAT was done in Kansas and more about WHY the decision was made. Is this a good move? Let us know what you think! Another hot topic is t...
Mar 23, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 89
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Ryan Glitsky shares how his bigwoods post-season scouting leads to rut hunting success. Ryan Glitsky is know for being a public land killer. He consistently harvests mature bucks on highly pressured public land. What are the keys to his success? Without a doubt, one is his post season scouting. In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Ryan Glitsky shares how his bigwoods post-season scouting leads to rut hunting success.
Mar 17, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 88
This week on the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Greg Rosa about his journey from growing up in Brazil to bowhunting whitetails in Tennessee. Greg grew up in Brazil where hunting isn't allowed. After moving to the US with his wife, Greg met some guys who took them under their wing and introduced him to deer hunting. Since then, his passion for hunting has grown all the more, and Greg now has a few successful seasons under his belt. In this episode, Greg shares about his early days hunt...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 87
In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, Josh talks with Pierce Nelles about a few Hot Button Topics in the hunting world, live-stream cell cams and scent control. Live-stream cell cams have caused quite a stir in the deer hunting world over the last couple of months. Are they ethical? Are they fair chase? Do they set a dangerous precedent? Are they going to RUIN DEER HUNTING?! What about scent control and attractant scents like doe in heat urine? Do they work? Is it all a sham? Is the t...
Mar 02, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 86
