Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast

In this kickoff episode, we break down the fundamentals of using trail cameras not as a gimmick, but as a strategic tool to scout smarter and hunt more effectively. This isn’t a gear review — it’s a deep dive into how real hunters use trail cam intel to gain a serious edge in the woods.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I sit down with Trent Wengerd—a dyed-in-the-wool bowhunter and a true craftsman when it comes to building stick bows that flat-out get the job done. We dig into Trent’s upbringing in the wide-open country of Montana, the early days that pulled him into archery, and how he turned a passion for hunting into an art form behind the bowyer’s bench. From chasing bugling bulls in the Idaho backcountry to dialing in every curve and limb of a hand-built bow, Trent shares stories and lessons that remind us why the old ways still matter. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build your own bows—or you just love hearing about wild places and the folks who thrive in them—this one’s worth your time. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 448 Hunting Transition: Explore Trent's shift from gun hunting to archery and the challenges of crafting bows. Memorable Adventures: Hear about Trent's thrilling elk hunts in Idaho and his insights into hunting mountain

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Joe Miles, and we cover a lot of ground—from the whitetail woods to the African bush. Joe and I get into that constant tug-of-war between old-school hunting instincts and the rapid rise of modern gear and technology. We talk about where tradition still matters, where innovation is helping, and how to walk the line between the two without losing your edge. Joe also shares the story of his recent leopard hunt in Africa, and if you’ve ever wanted a firsthand account of just how unpredictable and intense a hunt like that can be, you’ll want to hear this. We dive into what that kind of experience teaches you—not just about hunting, but about patience, respect for the animal, and how little control we actually have when we step into the wild. We also hit on business, teamwork, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can handle adversity—whether that’s in the boardroom or fifteen yards from a blind with your heart in your throat.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by traditional bowhunter Chris Parrino—a guy who’s lived a hunting life most of us only dream about. We dig into the roots of his passion, from growing up in a blue-collar family to chasing grizzlies, moose, and polar bears with a stickbow. Chris opens up about what it really takes to hunt at a high level with traditional gear—the failures, the close calls, and the quiet discipline behind decades of consistent success. We talk about the changing face of bowhunting, the importance of humility, and why doing it the hard way still matters. If you’re into wild places, serious challenges, and learning from a guy who’s been there and done it the right way, this is one you won’t want to miss. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 446 How a blue-collar upbringing shaped his bowhunting path. Building his own bows and sticking with traditional gear. Grizzly, moose, and polar bear hunts  - raw adventure. Chris explains why hunting stays a passion, no

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sat down with my buddy David Riley to talk about more than just killing deer. We got into what really makes this whole thing matter—building friendships through the hunt, learning from the folks you meet along the way, and keeping your passion alive by stepping out of your comfort zone. David’s coming off a hell of a season, with stories from solo trips out west to lessons learned hunting closer to home in Michigan and Illinois. We dig into scouting strategies, adapting to unfamiliar terrain, and how the best education often comes from boots-on-the-ground experience. We also talk about what happens after the shot—the gratitude, the reflection, and how those memories stick with you long after the freezer’s full. Whether you’re chasing whitetails in your home state or chasing a new tag across the country, this conversation is about growing as a hunter and appreciating the process every step of the way. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 445 Scouting, espec

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with Chad Sylvester for a no-BS conversation about the real stuff—missed chances, pressure-packed decisions, and why some of our best lessons come from the hunts that don’t end with a grip-and-grin - the harsh truths of bowhunting. We dig into the mental side of the game—why confidence matters, how deer behavior can turn on a dime, and why there’s no such thing as a universal strategy. Chad and I talk abou the myth of the perfect plan, and why understanding wind is probably more important than whatever new gadget you just bought. We also get into how gear helps—but only if you know how to actually use it—and how experience in the field, not the checkout cart, leads to consistent success. Whether it’s learning how to draw on a cagey buck or deciding when to back out, this one’s full of the gritty, nuanced reality of chasing mature deer. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 444 Hunting success hinges on tough decisions made under pressure—not perfe

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Redd, and we dive into one of those conversations that feels a little more like sitting around a fire than checking boxes on a hunting talk list. We cover everything from the pressure that comes with modern technology and constant communication, to how learning to unplug—both in the woods and in life—can reset your mindset in a good way. Jason shares how his approach to hunting has shifted over time, especially as he's taken on the challenge of chasing deer in low-density areas where patience, grit, and strategy really matter. We also get into how your instincts tend to sharpen the more time you spend in the woods, and how sometimes success comes down to timing, adaptability, and a little bit of luck. This one’s about the long game—learning from your hunts, trusting your gut, and remembering that the hunt is about a lot more than just punching a tag. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 443 Disconnecting from te

In this episode, I sit down with my buddy Michael Varady for a wide-ranging conversation that covers way more than just tagging a buck. We dig into the lessons learned from switching between traditional and compound bows, how target panic creeps in, and why consistent practice—both physical and mental—is critical if you want to stay sharp when it counts. Michael’s gearing up for a big move and exploring new hunting ground, so we break down what it takes to scout fresh terrain, build a plan from scratch, and adapt to unfamiliar areas. We also dive into blood trailing, shot placement, thermals, and the reality of marginal hits—stuff every serious hunter wrestles with eventually. Whether you’re slinging a stickbow or shooting a compound, this episode is about progression, patience, and owning every step of the process. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 442 Target panic is real—sharpening your mental game can help beat it. Practicing under pressure matters; you shoot how you train, especially when it counts.

Hey everyone, welcome to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In this episode, I’m catching up with Tom Murphy—a guy who knows his way around a ball field, and the big woods! We cover some ground in this one. We dig into how growing up with rock and metal shaped us, how pro sports and bowhunting both demand a gritty mindset, and how the traditions we’re raised with show up in the woods whether we realize it or not. Tom opens up about a specific buck that taught him hard lessons—the kind that don’t show up on a trail cam. We talk about swampy, unforgiving terrain, and why sometimes, in both hunting and life, your best bet is to stop chasing perfection and just trust your gut. This one’s about the crossover—where baseball meets bowhunting, where mindset trumps data, and where growing up with a little chip on your shoulder turns out to be your greatest asset. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 441 Lifting weights, chasing deer, and traveling for pro sports all come with discomfort—but they build resilience. Hu

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Brian Dombrowski—a guy who’s put in more than his fair share of miles chasing deer across a range of terrain, from flatlands to big woods. We dive deep into what makes mature bucks tick, how scouting plays a role beyond trail cams, and why visual confirmation still trumps digital data. Brian shares his approach to patterning deer by behavior, not just sign, and we get into everything from the strategic use of mock scrapes to the rising cost of deer mounts and the real reason some guys just burn out. We also hit on the value of solitude, instinct, and pushing yourself past the easy button in both public and private land settings. This one’s for the folks who are still grinding and still learning—season after season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 440 Scouting and understanding deer movement  Simple strategies often beat overcomplicated setups Property lines and public/private dynamics  Mature bucks don’t move like the rest Early

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In today’s episode, I’m catching up with my buddy Johnny to talk about life’s evolution—balancing family, chasing whitetails, and pursuing personal passions like jiu-jitsu. We dive into how parenting and the pressures of the hunting industry shift your perspective, and why finding community and staying true to your pursuits matters more now than ever. We also dig into the parallels between hunting and jiu-jitsu—how real growth usually comes from leaning into discomfort, and how being intentional, whether you're in the woods or on the mats, makes all the difference. Johnny and I talk about confidence, the struggle with promotions, and how competition (in any area of life) sharpens you if you let it. We also dive into  Iowa whitetails, lessons learned from missed opportunities, and how planning—whether for a big hunt or the next tournament—is what really sets you up for success. It's a conversation about preparation, grit, and why shared experien

This week on the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m catching up with Jake Hofer. If you’re into getting better at hunting and managing ground the right way, this one’s for you. We talk about the real work behind whitetail management, the kind that doesn’t show up in a highlight reel—tree planting, fixing screw-ups, and learning to let the land teach you a few hard lessons. Jake also talks about stepping into ownership at Whitetail Master Academy, and how diving deeper into habitat work and smarter hunting strategies has changed how he approaches chasing big deer. We cover everything from balancing work, life, and whitetails, to late-season muzzleloader success, to how traditional archery will flat-out expose your weaknesses. If you want the honest version of what it takes to get better in the deer woods, it's all packed into this episode. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 438 Balance the chaos—hunting, work, and life all even out over time. Smarter hunting starts with efficient scouting and patient land

On this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Tyler Jones—someone you probably know from The Element crew. We get into the thick of it: deer hunting, turkey hunting, road trips, and all the curveballs that come from chasing critters in places you’ve never stepped foot in. But this conversation goes deeper than just chasing mature bucks and birds. We talk about how life on the road chasing music dreams actually mirrors the pursuit of becoming a better hunter. Tyler shares what it’s like trying to balance it all—travel, family, and the grit it takes to keep moving forward when everything tells you to quit. There’s plenty of humility, a fair share of laughs, and some honest talk about the kind of perspective that only comes after missing more than you hit. We dig into how failure can be the best teacher, why staying grateful matters more than you think, and how adapting in the field—and in life—is what separates those who keep growing from those who give up. This one’s as much abo

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with my buddy Brandon Barlow to talk through some of the more nuanced aspects of deer hunting that go way beyond just putting a stand in a good spot and hoping for the best. Brandon’s the kind of guy who’s not just chasing deer—he’s breaking down their behavior, layering in camera data, and making sense of the landscape they live in. We take a deep dive into the Magnolia Buck—one of those hunts where patience, timing, and knowing the local deer intimately made all the difference. We also cover Brandon’s “70 Rule” for aging fawns based on track size, why understanding bedding and social structure matters, and how using historical camera data can help build better strategies season after season. Whether it’s trail cam placement, identifying browse damage, or reading subtle travel corridors during the rut, this conversation is packed with real-world insight you can use. If you’re serious about understanding why bucks do what they do—and how to bu

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Peterson for a conversation that starts with deer and turkeys—and then runs as wide and deep as the backcountry itself. We get into the real nuts and bolts of hunting: why in-season scouting often trumps postseason planning, how observing deer in real time teaches more than any app ever could, and why flexible strategies almost always beat rigid ones in the whitetail woods. We talk about reading deer behavior, understanding annual patterns, and the critical role of food sources and bedding in getting close to mature bucks. Tony breaks down how deer navigate pressure and terrain, and why adapting to those conditions is non-negotiable if you want to be successful. There’s also some real talk about what it means to hunt well—how note-taking, self-awareness, and a healthy dose of humility can shift the whole experience. And yeah, we even veer into fishing, failure, outer space, and the human condition. Because at the end of the day, it’s all connected—hunting, learning, gro

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Lucas Benoit—a lifelong New Hampshire deer tracker with a deep understanding of big woods bucks. We dig into the realities of hunting low-density whitetails in the rugged backcountry of New England, where every step counts and patience is currency. Lucas talks about how terrain, pressure, and age class play into buck behavior, and why spending time in the woods is the only way to really learn it. We also get into tracking deer in snow, hunting mixed timber and swamp country, and the mental grit it takes to chase deer where seeing even one is a win. Lucas shares the story of chasing a ghost of a buck for 4 years and what it taught him about persistence, heartbreak, and how to adapt when the deer have the upper hand. This one’s packed with hard-earned knowledge from a guy who’s made a lifestyle out of chasing mature deer the hard way. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 434 Big woods hunting, patience and woodsmanship. The weight of it all. Trapping builds s

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Chris Weist, a Pennsylvania native with deep roots in both hunting and competitive powerlifting. We cover a lot of ground in this one—from what it means to chase big deer on pressured ground to what it takes to recover from serious injuries and still get after it. Chris shares the story of his first deer, what he learned growing up in a hunting family, and how the lessons from the gym carry over into the woods. We talk about the mental side of training, how injuries like a torn pec tendon shift your perspective, and why being mindful in both your training and your time afield matters more than you think. We also dive into scouting, the difference between hunting with a compound and a trad bow, and why post-season prep is where the real work gets done. If you’re into the grind of deer hunting and the grit it takes to stay in the game—whether you're in the gym or up a tree—this one’s for you. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 433 Postseas

In this episode, we’re talking about setbacks, comebacks, and the kind of grit it takes to keep hunting when life throws you a curveball. Injury and recovery aren’t just physical hurdles—they test your patience, adaptability, and mental game just as much. We dive into how time off can shift your perspective, sharpen your focus, and make you appreciate the small victories that come with getting back in the woods. We also break down the raw beauty and brutal lessons of longbow hunting—why it challenges everything you think you know, how ground hunting changes the game, and why confidence with your gear is just as important as picking the right tree. From tuning a bow to adjusting your expectations in the field, we get into what it really takes to become a better hunter, not just a luckier one. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, diving into traditional archery, or just looking for ways to hunt smarter, this episode is all about learning, adapting, and getting after it. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 432 H

On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Joel Turner, a guy who knows more about the mental side of archery than just about anyone. We’re not just talking about shooting—we’re talking about the mind game behind every release, every draw, and every moment of high-stakes hunting. Joel breaks down the difference between thoughts and thinking, why what you say to yourself before a shot matters, and how to control adrenaline when everything is on the line. We get into the transition to traditional archery, why shot control is everything, and the blueprint for building a rock-solid shooting process. If you’ve ever struggled with target panic, blown a shot at the worst possible time, or just want to be more deliberate and lethal with a bow in your hands, this episode is for you. Joel’s approach to mental performance and archery mastery will change how you think about shooting—and maybe even how you think about hunting altogether. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 431 Your mind matters more than your mus

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I catch up with Aaron Hepler to talk about everything from hunting strategy to the value of good hunting partners. We dig into the highs and lows of the season, the lessons learned, and the balance between solo and group hunting. Whether you're the kind of hunter who thrives on the camaraderie of a deer camp or someone who prefers the mental clarity of a solo sit, we break down the benefits and challenges of both. We also get into the essentials—why scouting and gathering intel are game-changers, how boredom can actually spark creativity in the field, and why critical thinking separates successful hunters from the rest. Aaron and I swap stories on traditional archery, working with hunting dogs, and the nuances of scent and wind direction. At the end of the day, it’s about mastering the basics, learning from mistakes, and staying adaptable. If you're looking to sharpen your skills and rethink your approach, this one’s for you. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 430 Solo and