This episode dives into the unique personalities and perspectives from across the Okayest Podcast Network, showcasing how there’s truly a podcast for anyone and everyone in the outdoors. From public land etiquette and gear tips to the challenges of late-season hunting and even trapping insights, the hosts share their expertise, humor, and stories. Whether you’re here for practical advice, entertaining banter, or just a deeper connection to the outdoor lifestyle, this episode—and the broader Okay...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Season 7Ep. 177
Derek sits down to talk to Justin Synan from lone Wolf Whitetail Addictions and host of Run & Gun podcast. Derek and Justin talk about his upbringing of hunting public land and suburban areas of Maryland in his youth. Later in life, Justin and his family decided to move to Kentucky to pursue trophy whitetails having lived in Kentucky the last five years they discuss how he’s been able to gain permission and hunt some trophy class deer in different properties around the area he lives. Even th...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 176
This episode was a whirlwind of hunting stories, gear talk, and camaraderie. From navigating icy marshes and late-season challenges to reflecting on the ethics of public land hunting, the crew shared insights and laughs throughout. Key takeaways included: Late-Season Hunting: Ice can shut down marsh access, pushing deer to higher ground or neighboring properties. Public Land Etiquette: Navigating territorial conflicts with respect and humor while keeping perspective on the shared nature of publi...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 7Ep. 177
In this episode of dropping pins, Derek sits down with Josh Beaman, a Wisconsin native who lives in the Fox Valley area. Josh talks about how he got interested in hunting big deer by going to college at UW Madison, and exploring the driftless region of Southwestern, Wisconsin. We dive into tactics for thinking about and starting to hunt hill country. Josh explained some basic ideas that he’s learned from the hunting beast and other resources throughout the years. Josh then discusses how he’s use...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 7Ep. 176
Ever wondered what happens when chaos meets the woods? This week, Eric and Greg sit down with Alex and Corey from Latitude Outdoors to talk about saddle hunting, product innovation, and the gritty reality of public land hunts. From getting stuck in muddy ditches to rethinking how you pack gear for efficiency, this episode is a masterclass in adapting to the unexpected. Alex and Corey share insights into the development of their products, emphasizing simplicity and practicality born from real-wor...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 6Ep. 175
Eric goes solo to chat with JD and Cody from Primal Pursuit, two Utah-based hunters turned entrepreneurs. They share how their passion for hunting inspired their game-changing archery targets, including the lifetime-warrantied Endura Cube and their unique self-healing foam. Along the way, they dive into the challenges of backcountry hunting, the grind of building a business, and why mule deer might just be the ultimate hunt. It’s a mix of hunting stories, and innovation. Learn more about your ad...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 174
This episode packs a punch—literally. From bourbon-fueled banter to hard lessons in deer drives, it’s everything you love about hunting stories with the "Okayest" twist. Eric, Derek, and Greg dive into chaotic coyote encounters, thick-cover tactics, and near-tree-stand disasters that somehow lead to success. We’ve got tips on keeping your feet warm, hilarious missteps, and a couple of killer bucks to round it out. Plus, live calls from our listeners that remind us why we all keep showing up. It’...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 6Ep. 173
In this episode, Derek talks with good friend and big buck slayer Blake Below. Blake comes from an incredibly dedicated hunting family of die hard archers and Blake fell right into line. Through the years Blake has created his own success and documented many of them while self filming for the Ghost Bucks YouTube channel. In this episode we dive into Blake’s 3 year quest to kill a mature buck on public ground here in WI. Blake walks us through the process of locating public properties that caught...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 6Ep. 172
Deer camp vibes are in full swing! We’re chatting coyotes, chili, and classic deer camp camaraderie. Friends of Eric's take the mic in place of Greg and Derek as the crew dives into everything from quick gear grabs to KwikTrip runs, sharing laughs and stories about public land struggles, predator encounters, and the timeless "scent control vs. luck" debate. With callers weighing in from South Carolina to the Nicolet National Forest, the hunting spectrum is as broad as the variety of firearms—30....
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 6Ep. 172
Eric's redemption hunt took center stage as he shared the story of his spike buck success on public land after a tough season. Battling a cough and missing gear, he adapted, hunted from the ground, and made it happen with a well-placed shot. The episode wove humor and heart, from close encounters with bucks and lessons learned on scent and setup to candid reflections on hunting challenges. Listener calls added depth, with tales of mishaps, food plot tweaks, and grappling with CWD realities. The ...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 6Ep. 171
In this video blog segment of Dropping Pins, Derek is scouting the National Forest in Northeastern Wisconsin for potential stand locations for next weekend's Firearms season opener. Derek revisits some of his old honey holes, but things are different…VERY different! After a large straight-line wind storm hit the area about 8 years ago, logging crews have been busy clear-cutting most of the area. This has added plenty of browse and new food sources for the wildlife, but it definitely requires boo...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 6Ep. 171
This week, Derek recaps an unforgettable blacktail hunt in the rugged beauty of Oregon. From high-stakes moments to laid-back camaraderie, this is what hunting is all about. The team battled through steep shale bluffs and shifting winds while adapting to a new hunting style. But the pressure didn't stop them. Supported by friends old and new, they came together for an experience more about the journey than the trophies. Derek’s 783-yard shot on a forked horn buck was a personal victory. Keegan's...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 6Ep. 166
In this Dropping Pins episode, Derek dives into the mindset and strategies behind successful hunts, especially with his upcoming Illinois trip. Between old spots and fresh sign, Derek breaks down the tendencies hunters have to rely on familiar locations versus taking on new territory. Through stories of past hunts with his dad, Derek shares how sticking to the “known” can pay off—like it did during a memorable rut hunt up north—and how it can backfire when you’re too married to a spot that just ...
Nov 14, 2024•44 min•Season 6Ep. 169
In this week’s episode, the guys were all over the place—in the best way possible. They started off chatting about gear, sponsors, and some fresh Okayest Hunter merch, like the "hunting season survivor" crewnecks and new flannels that’ll keep you warm and lookin’ okay. They took some calls from listeners, each sharing rut updates from Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, and beyond. Sounds like bucks are starting to shadow the does, but the does aren’t quite ready for them yet. The crew had a good laugh...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 6Ep. 168
The crew brings relatable stories from hunting the rut, with stories every hunter can appreciate. From last-minute second-guessing things to the thrill—and heartbreak—of tracking deer, they talk about the emotional rollercoaster of being out in the field when things don't go to plan. We dive into recent hunts, close encounters with elusive bucks, and the different challenges faced on both public and private lands. We also share practical tips, like using drones for recovery, handling nerves, and...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 6Ep. 170
Derek shares the story of a textbook rut hunt that came together perfectly, showing just how unpredictable and rewarding deer season can be. After scouting a promising area and setting up quietly, he was ready to go—until a mature 10-pointer responded to his calling sequence and stepped into range. With a well-placed shot and the support of Eric and Tyler for the track and drag-out, Derek tagged a solid buck on public land, a true highlight of the season. His persistence, from preseason scouting...
Nov 06, 2024•2 hr 10 min•Season 6Ep. 169
In this episode, we take the podcast on the road, recording live from the Majestic Theater with serial entrepreneur Andy Wines. While Andy dives deep into his productive and intentional approach to work, he shares how he balances his entrepreneurial ventures with deer hunting. The conversation flows naturally from tactical hunting insights—like scouting with trail cams and choosing the right stand—to the profound, almost spiritual aspects of harvesting your own food and passing down traditions t...
Oct 15, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 166
Joe Van Beek joins this episode of Dropping Pins with an epic early-season deer hunting success story. As a new dad juggling family and hunting, Joe shares the detailed strategy that helped him bag one of his best bucks yet. He dives deep into how he scouted the area, set up trail cameras, and utilized unique access points to outsmart mature deer during a hot and dry early fall. With confidence, patience, and meticulous attention to detail, Joe’s plan paid off, resulting in a thrilling encounter...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 6Ep. 164
The Okayest Hunter Podcast kicks off with Greg’s return, bringing plenty of classic OHP banter. The crew dives into early-season hunting updates as Greg shares his recent bowhunting experiences, including a few close encounters but no shots fired. They strategize around an incoming cold front and juggle hunting plans with family commitments. The conversation heats up with gear talk, featuring Muck Boots’ new Alpha Pursuit ankle boot, and they explore its benefits for Midwest hunting. The highlig...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 6Ep. 164
In this episode, Derek sits down with Big Buck Killer Ryan Glisky of Pennsylvania. Ryan starts off by talking a little bit about his early season success in Maryland this year with a great buck he took on an early season betting pattern. Ryan relates a lot of his decision-making with confidence that has been built up over the years in the areas and styles of hunting he incorporates. The conversation turns from early season to Ryan‘s favorite time of year to hunt which is the rut. He talks about ...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 164
Ryan Shutts joins Eric and Derek from Bear Archery to talk about the latest lineup of Bear bows, including the highly anticipated Persist 33, Whitetail INT, and the Legit Max. They dive into Bear Archery's mission of making hunting accessible to everyone by offering bows that are not only packed with innovative technology but are also highly adjustable to fit a wide range of hunters. Ryan shares his passion for archery and breaks down each bow’s unique features while the hosts throw in a bit of ...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 6Ep. 163
In this episode of Dropping Pins, Derek talks with good buddy Matt Streim who owns Weathered Oaks Game Calls and is co-host of the Okayest Fisher Podcast. Although Matt cut his teeth as a Northwoods tree stand hunter, circumstances have since changed and Matt has found himself hunting areas that are lacking trees large enough to hunt from. This has created the opportunity for him, along with the family members he hunts with, to explore ground hunting mature whitetails. No blinds, no enclosed hun...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 6Ep. 163
Eric flies solo this week, catching up with everyone right before heading off on a family vacation. With hunting season underway, he shares a sweaty 90-degree hunting recap, dealing with malfunctioning trail cams and some seriously obnoxious doe blowing his cover. You can expect the usual Okayest humor, a bit of gear talk (spoiler: mosquitoes hate Sitka), and the stress of juggling family life, work, and hunting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 25, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 162
This episode starts off a little unexpectedly as Derek and Tony are just chit chatting before hit the record button, but things escalate quickly as they often do with good hunting stories, and Derek hits record after Tony dives into a great story about one of his first travel public land hunts. This hunt takes place before the public land DIY hunting craze hit and many of Tony’s fellow outdoor industry insiders didn’t think hitting the public would pay off in any way. But Tony had to prove them ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 6Ep. 162
This week Derek and Eric chat with Ryan Shutts, the Product Manager behind Bear Archery’s compound and youth bow lines. Ryan shares insights on Bear’s deep-rooted tradition in archery and how they're keeping Fred Bear's blue-collar, accessible ethos alive in a world where prices keep going up. We chat about the resurgence of traditional archery, the smooth draw of single-cam bows like the Adapt 2, and why balance is something to strive for in a bow in contrast to shaving pounds. Ryan also shares...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 6Ep. 161
Today Derek talks to Devin Duncan of Virginia. Devin grew up hunting the vast public land mountains of western Virginia and learned the ropes from his father. Devin talks about how his dad had used mules for years to pack into remote steep terrain and also for packing out the harvest. Devin talks about the woods of his area and how the deer survive in pockets of terrain. We discuss an awesome hunting story from Devin’s largest buck, takes a couple seasons ago. Devin goes into detail about how an...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 6Ep. 160
In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, Jace Martinetto shares his journey from being a landscaper to becoming the producer and videographer for outdoor hunting shows, including Okayest Hunter and Jake Break Hollow. Jace discusses how his passion for videography led him to take big risks, invest in his craft, and eventually transition from his media business to focusing full-time on building Jake Break Hollow—a unique hunting show inspired by camaraderie and the "good life" of the outdoor...
Sep 11, 2024•2 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 160
In this episode, Derek sits down to talk with another big buck killer from the North East. Rodney Elmer of Mountain Deer Taxidermy is a generational hunter from Vermont who chases big buck tracks through New England when the snow flies. He has been a hunter safety educator, taxidermist, and seminar speaker and most recently created a successful YouTube channel focused on having fun with family and friends in the deer woods. Rodney and Derek start by chatting about the terrain and territory that ...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 6Ep. 159
Greg Tubbs is back in studio! We dive right into the chaos of Foam Fest 2024, where apparently, three bows met their unfortunate demise! From near-misses to unexpected bow mishaps, we recount the highlights and memories from the event. We’re not out here trying to break bows, but hey, it’s better to work out the kinks at Foam Fest than from a treestand! With Eric, Derek, and Greg in the studio, you know it’s going to be a wild ride. We talk about the event’s great turnout, awesome giveaways, and...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 6Ep. 159
Today we talk to Jeff Doyle, a renowned buck tracker from the Northeast. Jeff has an awesome YouTube channel and tracking series called “Tracking 200” that focuses on using snow and a hunter’s wits and knowledge to follow bucks and kill them in an intense moment. Jeff talks about his upbringing in hunting with his dad and how he really began to sprawl out and learn as he moved from his beginning hunting areas. We discuss some tracking stories and how sometimes getting caught up on the “hot area”...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 6Ep. 159
