Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast

This week I’m joined by Kolton Schenker, and we spend some time talking through what it looks like when hunting starts to shift from something you do… to something you really commit to. We get into his background—years behind a compound bow, time spent out West, and what came with finally stepping into land ownership. But where the conversation really settles in is around his move to traditional gear. What that transition felt like, the frustration that comes with starting over, and why he stuck with it anyway. He shares a few stories along the way—close encounters, missed chances, and the one that finally came together with a stick bow. And like most guys who make that switch, it wasn’t about making things easier. It was about slowing things down and paying attention in a different way. A lot of it comes back to the same idea: the longer you do this, the more you realize it’s less about the outcome and more about how you go about it. The work, the reps, the time in the woods—and the people you get to shar

This week I’m joined by Will Coggin, and it’s one of those conversations where you realize pretty quick how many parallels there are between the things we spend our time on. We talk about how hunting and jiu-jitsu have a way of bringing people together fast, and how a lot of what Will learned in the military—discipline, structure, adaptability—shows up again in the woods. Not in some forced way, just in how you approach problems, deal with failure, and keep getting better over time. We also get into hunting in the Blue Ridge Mountains—what that terrain demands from you, how it forces you to adjust, and why the process ends up mattering more than the outcome. And somewhere along the way, it turns into a conversation about community too—why having the right people around you matters, and how things like the Veterans Mat Collective are giving guys a place to keep growing, both on and off the mat. Like most of these conversations, it comes back to a simple idea: if you stick with something long enough, stay op

This week I’m joined by Vince Battiata, and we spend a lot of time talking about what it really takes to hunt public land the way most guys say they want to—but don’t always follow through on. We get into the reality of balancing time, making decisions when things aren’t clear, and what it actually looks like to chase big deer that don’t give you many chances. Vince shares some stories from past seasons—some that worked out, some that didn’t—and what those experiences taught him about timing, access, and trusting your gut when it matters. A lot of this conversation comes back to putting in the work—scouting, learning from past hunts, and staying committed even when things aren’t going your way. And like most good hunting conversations, it ends up in a familiar place: the guys who stick with it, pay attention, and keep showing up are usually the ones who figure it out over time. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 487 Limited time forces better decisions and sharper focus in the woods. Confidence and timin

This week Chad Sylvester is back on, and we get into some of the parts of hunting that most guys would rather avoid. Not tactics. Not setups. The stuff underneath that. We talk about taking an honest look at yourself as a hunter—where ego gets in the way, how identity can start driving decisions, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is put yourself in a place you’re not comfortable. New ground, unfamiliar terrain, situations where you don’t have all the answers. A lot of it comes back to letting go a little bit. Trusting your instincts, staying present, and not trying to control every outcome. Because the longer you do this, the more you realize the hunts that teach you the most are usually the ones that don’t go the way you planned. And like most good conversations, it lands on something simple—if you’re not willing to sit in discomfort, stick with it, and keep showing up, you’re probably not going to get what you’re after. Not in hunting, and not in much else either. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST

I started thinking about something I’ve run into a lot lately—not just in the woods, but on a jiu-jitsu mat, and honestly even going back to my wrestling days. It’s that moment when things get hard and your brain starts trying to talk you out of it. Not because you’re in real trouble… just because you’re uncomfortable. I’ve felt it getting smashed by guys half my size, I’ve felt it sitting in a tree when nothing’s moving, and I’ve definitely felt it in a few other places along the way. And the more I’ve paid attention to it, the more I’ve realized that moment—right there—is usually where things start to go one way or the other. So this episode is really about that. About staying composed when it would be easier not to. About figuring out how to keep going without panicking or making a bad decision just to feel better. Because whether it’s hunting, jiu-jitsu, or anything else, the people who stick with it a little longer tend to be the ones who end up where they want to go. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST

This week Tony Peterson is back on the podcast, and we dig into the parts of hunting that don’t always follow the rules. We talk about how weather, pressure, and the difference between public and private ground shape deer movement—and why woodsmanship still matters more than most people think. A lot of the conversation centers on paying attention to what’s actually happening around you, spending more time in the woods, and being willing to adapt when the plan stops making sense. Like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on a simple truth: the longer you do this, the more you realize getting better mostly comes from time, observation, and learning something new every season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 484 Woodsmanship and observation still drive success, especially on pressured public land. Understanding how deer react to human presence is often the difference between close encounters and empty sits. Spending more time in the field increases opportunity and reveals patterns trail

This week I’m joined by Rendell Erik, and we cover a pretty wide range of things that all circle back to the same idea—getting better at the stuff we care about, whether that’s in the gym, on the range, or in the woods. We talk about the transition into traditional archery and how it forces you to slow down and really pay attention to your form, your shot process, and even the way your body moves. It’s a different kind of discipline, and in a lot of ways it mirrors the same mindset you need if you’re trying to stay consistent with fitness or mobility work. From there we get into the hunting side of things—postseason scouting, learning new terrain, and figuring out how deer actually move through the places we hunt instead of how we think they should. Rendell shares some experiences from this past season, including a few close calls and missed opportunities that most of us can probably relate to. And like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on the reality that the longer you do this, the mor

This week Brian Dombrowski is back on the podcast, and we spend a lot of time talking about what actually happens after the plans fall apart—which, if you hunt long enough, is most of the time. We get into his season bouncing between Wisconsin and Illinois, the reality of hunting pressured ground, and why mature bucks have a way of simply disappearing when you think you’ve got them figured out. We also dig into the growing role of technology—from trail cameras to drone recovery—and where that line sits between being helpful and changing the hunt altogether. More than anything, this conversation is about adapting in real time… learning terrain instead of fighting it… and accepting that success usually comes from covering ground, paying attention to historical sign, and sticking with the process long after confidence starts to fade. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 482 rian wrapped up a strong season, including multiple successful hunts across Wisconsin and Illinois. The guys discuss using a drone for deer

This week I’m joined by Nathan Killen, and we get into the stuff that doesn’t show up in highlight reels — weather that doesn’t cooperate, thermals that don’t do what you expect, and seasons that force you to adjust whether you want to or not. We talk traditional archery, food sources, scrapes, rattling, and the little woodsmanship details that still matter no matter how much technology creeps into the picture. Nathan and I both share seasons where patience mattered more than aggression, and where trusting your gut made more difference than any piece of gear ever could. There’s a thread running through this one about balance — using tools without losing the mystery, learning without overcomplicating it, and remembering that comparison will rob the joy out of this faster than a blown wind ever will. This episode is about instinct, adaptability, and keeping the hunt honest. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 481 Weather, thermals, and food sources dictate deer movement more than anything else. Traditional a

Alright, so this one’s just me. I dug into a pile of listener questions and it turned into something bigger than I expected. We talk about antlers, sure—but mostly we talk about reps. About why the time in the woods matters more than the score on a tape. About building a life that actually lets you hunt the way you want to hunt, instead of squeezing it in around everything else. I get into scouting in big woods, what’s changed for me with a traditional bow, and why humility shows up real quick when you put the wheels away and go back to wood and string. There’s some nuts-and-bolts stuff in there too—how I approach out-of-state hunts, what I’ve learned the hard way, and even a breakdown of the hunting trailer and cabin projects that are shaping the next few seasons. But if there’s a thread running through all of it, it’s this: hunting isn’t separate from the rest of your life. Your fitness matters. Your recovery matters. Your mindset matters. If you want to do this for decades, you’d better treat it like so

Tim Palmer and I sat down in that quiet stretch after the season—the part of the year where the noise fades and you’re left with what the year actually gave you. We talk winter weather, ice fishing, and why water deserves more respect than most people give it. We get into this past season—what went right, what didn’t, and how Tim shifted his approach away from pressure and back toward enjoyment. There are stories from the high country, close calls, grizzlies, and the kind of lessons you only learn when things don’t go perfectly. A lot of this conversation lives in the mental space—trusting your prep, staying present when it counts, and understanding how mindset can either free you up or get in your way. This one’s about reset, perspective, and remembering why being out there matters in the first place. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 479 Letting go of pressure can bring the enjoyment—and performance—back into hunting. Time in nature has real therapeutic value when you allow it to slow you down.

On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Joe Miles, and we’re digging into the kind of hunting that doesn’t get easier with better gear—cold sits, traditional bows, and the work it takes to stay honest in the woods. We talk longbows, confidence at the shot, and why preparation matters more when you strip things back instead of piling them on. Joe shares what drew him deeper into traditional archery, how projects like Brothers of the Bow shaped his perspective, and why legacy and authenticity still matter in modern hunting. We also get into the reality of public versus private ground, work ethic in the field, and even what it’s like stepping into truly dangerous game—where mistakes don’t get forgiven. This one’s about doing things the hard way on purpose, and what you gain when you do. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 478 Cold weather exposes preparation gaps fast—wind, not temperature, is usually the real enemy. Traditional archery rewards discipline; expensive gear means nothing wi

This week on Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Chad Sylvester for a conversation that started light and ended up digging pretty deep. We talk about whether hunting has become watered down, and what that question really means in a world shaped by technology, influence, and constant noise. Somewhere along the way, we get into old boots, old lessons, and the kind of hunting experiences that leave a mark because they’re earned, not curated. We unpack how modern tools, social media, and shifting expectations have changed the way a lot of us experience the woods—and how easy it is to lose sight of why we started hunting in the first place. Chad and I get honest about influence, ego, motivation, and the tension between chasing outcomes and honoring the process. At the heart of it all is a reminder that woodsmanship, awareness, discomfort, and humility can’t be watered down—and that the best parts of hunting still live in the friction, the uncertainty, and the quiet moments when nobody’s watching. T

On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Travis Keith, and we wander through the overlap between hunting, wrestling, and the kind of mindset it takes to stay in the fight when things don’t go your way. We talk about tracking—both deer and personal progress—the role mentors play whether you realize it or not, and how most of the real learning comes from the hunts that don’t end the way you planned. Travis shares stories from recent seasons, close calls, and creative ways he’s gained access to overlooked spots, along with the unexpected generosity he’s found from other hunters along the way. It’s a conversation about patience, effort, faith, and listening to your gut—about remembering why you picked up a bow in the first place and how the woods have a way of giving back if you’re willing to slow down and pay attention. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 476 Tracking skill, effort, and mindset often matter more than gear when it comes to recovering deer. Wrestling and hunting share the same fo

On this episode, I’m sitting down with Jace to talk about what the season actually looks like when you strip away the highlight reel. We get into chasing specific deer that seem to vanish overnight, the mental grind that comes with late-season decisions, and how scouting, fitness, and intention all start to overlap when you’ve been at this long enough. We talk about the moments that don’t make social media—the near misses, the unexpected encounters, and the quiet wins that only mean something if you were there. At its core, this one’s about staying present, trusting the process, and remembering why the chase still matters when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 475 Targeting mature, homebody bucks requires patience, flexibility, and a long view. Scouting—especially for acorns and seasonal shifts—is the foundation of consistent deer encounters. Late-season conditions change deer behavior, demanding adaptation rather than force. Fitness and longevity matter more as the yea

This episode feels like one of those late-season sits where you’re not just watching the woods—you’re taking inventory of yourself. John and I talk about rolling into 2026, how fast time keeps moving, and what it means to stay sharp when life, injuries, and expectations start stacking up. We get into the reality of hunting seasons that don’t always go as planned, a knee injury that forced John to slow down and rethink how he moves, and how recovery, discipline, and mental reps matter just as much as physical ones. We also dig into the pressure that comes with the outdoor industry, walking away from familiar paths, and having the guts to choose work that actually lines up with who you are. This one’s about paying attention—to your body, your goals, and the direction you’re headed—before the next season ever starts. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 474 The turn of a new year often feels familiar, forcing honest reflection on where growth actually happened. Hunting seasons—and bodies—don’t follow plans, mak

On this episode of Truth From The Stand, Aaron Hepler and I catch up after a long season and miles on the boots, talking about how seasons evolve and expectations need to with them. We get into adapting under pressure, trusting your gut when plans fall apart, and why dogs and bird hunts can be the best reset a big-game hunter can get. It’s a conversation about balancing technology with instinct, passing on what matters to new hunters, and learning when to let go of old goals so the hunt stays honest and fun. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 473 Hunting pressure forces flexibility—new spots and fresh thinking often pay off. Technology can help, but instinct and woodsmanship still drive success. Hunting is about the journey, lessons learned, and time spent outdoors—not just the kill. Hunting with dogs and bird hunting offer a mental reset from big-game pressure. Mentoring new hunters strengthens the community and reshapes perspective. Letting go of rigid expectations makes hunting more rewardin

In this episode, I sit down with Andy May to talk bowhunting the hard way—how weather and wind messes with your shot, why traditional archery forces honesty, and what you give up when you decide to really chase mastery. We get into the mental side of hunting, the tension between time, technology, and ethics, and why the real competition is always with yourself. This one’s about sacrifice, perspective, and protecting the kind of hunting that still means something. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 472 Wind exposes flaws in shooting and forces you to practice with intention, not comfort. Traditional archery demands efficiency, close-range decision-making. Limited time can sharpen focus, while unlimited time often leads to overthinking. Technology has made hunters more effective, raising hard questions about ethics and the future of the sport. Growth in bowhunting comes through adversity, sacrifice, and learning from past mistakes. The real competition in hunting is internal—measuring progress ag

In this episode, I sit down with Cameron from Hawk Optics and we dig into the nuts and bolts of actually learning deer—how pressure, access, and human movement shape their behavior more than most folks realize. We talk about deer living in cattails, how their senses change with terrain, and why wind and entry routes quietly decide most hunts before you ever climb a tree. From a memorable Halloween sit to hard lessons pulled from past mistakes, this one’s about paying attention, adapting on the fly, and letting experience—not shortcuts—do the heavy lifting. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 471 Access routes and human pressure often dictate deer movement  Deer use their senses differently depending on terrain, especially in cattails and open cover Wind direction quietly determines most encounters before a hunt ever starts Bedding preferences shift with pressure and environment, requiring adaptable setups Experience sharpens shot selection and decision-making in tight windows Patience and observ

If you’ve ever hit that point in the season where you feel stuck—like the woods went quiet, the weather won’t cooperate, and your free time evaporated—this episode is for you. Chad Sylvester and I sit down and unpack everything from post-rut recovery to why late season success has far more to do with mindset and time management than perfect conditions. We get into the trap of comparing your season to anyone else’s, how to qualify your own process so you're actually improving, and what it looks like to reset and find opportunity when the plan starts to unravel. If you’re trying to figure out how to make the most of what’s left of the season—or how to learn from it—this is the kind of conversation that brings you back to center. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 470 Late-season hunting demands adaptability, strategic thinking, and realistic expectations. Feeling “stuck” is common in the deer woods, and shifting your perspective can open new opportunities. Time management and planning hunts around the bes