Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast

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

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Jace to talk about the raw journey of chasing particular mature deer . We dive into setting goals and learning from mistakes, and how true fulfillment comes from the chase itself—not just the kill. Jace and I break down how a mindset built on gratitude and preparation can transform the hunting experience, turning personal success into a way to give back. We also explore the evolution from opportunistic hunting to targeted strategies, discussing everything from understanding deer behavior across seasons to the pressure and solitude that come with the pursuit of a singular mature buck. If you’re looking for honest insights into the passion that drives us and the lessons learned in the field, this conversation is for you. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 429 Opportunistic and targeted strategies Learn from every hunt—reflect on mistakes and successes to refine your approach Recognize and track deer behavior patterns for targeted, patient pursuit Embrace t

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Chad for a conversation about the raw realities of hunting and personal growth. We dive into everything from battling brutal winter weather to the highs and lows of hunting in Idaho, Ohio, and the Pennsylvania big woods. We dig into the highs and lows of chasing a buck, the emotional rollercoaster of committing to one animal, and the vital role of mindset in the field. From swapping gear tips to sharing motivational quotes that keep you locked in, our conversation is all about personal growth, gratitude, and adapting your strategy when things don't go as planned. Whether it's learning from mistakes or reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges of the hunt, this episode is packed with raw insights to help you evolve and stay hungry for the chase. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 428 Adapting to winter weather Scouting and more scouting…in season and post season Reflect on past hunts and set clear goals Trust your instincts and embrace the

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Cam to talk about some big life changes—his recent engagement, a new farm, and, of course, chasing big deer. We break down the lessons learned from hunting in the plains, the importance of reading deer behavior, and why sticking to a plan can be just as important as knowing when to adapt. Cam also shares the story of an Ohio mega buck, the struggles of hunting pressured ground, and how he shifted strategies to zero in on a new target. We wrap things up with reflections on past hunts, his new role at Hawk Optics, and how preparation—both in the woods and in life—makes all the difference WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 427 Understanding deer behavior and make more strategic moves. Hunting pressure forcing pattern changes and quick adaptations. Sticking to a plan is important, but knowing when to adjust is critical Trail cameras provide real-time intel that can make or break a hunt Targeting a specific buck: patience, discipline, a