Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast

What To Expect From Podcast #86: —Swamp bucks getting the better of Clint —John's public land encounter —Scrape patterns —Rut plans —Listener Q&A —And much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex is from Minnesota and today we're talking about his North Dakota hunt for a velvet buck and how he's adapting his hunting tactics as he's moved from North Dakota to Minnesota. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 foundation: discipline, resilience, and learning through discomfort. Most real growth comes from failed hunts, missed opportunities, and honest self-reflection. Mentorship and community quietly shape better hunters, even when lessons come indirectly. Patience, faith, and trusting your instincts can open doors that strategy alone can’t. Creative access and adaptability often lead to overlooked opportunities in pressured areas. Hunting is ultimately about the journey, gratitude, and the people you meet along the way—not just the kill. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 years stack up, both in the woods and in life. Trail cameras help, but understanding movement and timing still wins hunts. Unexpected encounters often become the most meaningful moments of the season. Camaraderie, reflection, and enjoying the process matter more than the final outcome. Link in Bio:  SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, making adaptability and patience essential. Injuries and setbacks can become teachers when mindfulness and recovery take priority. Mental reps, scouting, and preparation matter just as much as physical execution. Managing expectations is key to keeping hunting fun instead of turning it into pressure. Stepping away—whether from a season, a sport, or an industry—can restore clarity and passion. Real fulfillment comes from doing work and pursuits you’d still choose without an audience. Link in Bio:  SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 rewarding and sustainable. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 against who you were last season. Preserving public land and long-term opportunity matters more than short-term success. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 observation reveal patterns that cameras alone can’t teach Learning from past mistakes is the foundation for future success SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 best weather windows greatly improve success. Every hunt—successful or not—should be treated as an intel-gathering mission for future decisions. Comparison to other hunters derails progress; the real work happens in qualifying your own process. Regularly evaluating and adjusting your strategy is essential for long-term growth. Hunting is a slow burn—patience, mindset, and continuous learning matter more than short-term results. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is one of those conversations that feels more like sitting around a tailgate after a long hunt than recording a podcast. Tony and I get into all the stuff most folks don’t ever say out loud—the weird mix of privilege and pressure in modern hunting, what ‘authenticity’ even means anymore when everything online looks perfect, and how easy it is to forget what actually matters in this whole deal. We swap some stories about blown opportunities, the headaches of losing access and trying to scratch out a hunt on public, and the kind of hunts that shape you—especially the ones where nothing comes easy. We get into family hunts, the pull of different landscapes, and what it looks like to reevaluate your goals after a few seasons that didn’t go the way you planned. It’s raw, honest, and exactly the kind of conversation I think hunting needs more of. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 469 Authenticity matters more than ever in a digital world full of curated hunting content. Access—both private and public—shapes nearly every part of a hunter’s experience and opportunity. Missed chances and lost hunting ground take an emotional toll, but they’re also part of what makes the journey meaningful. Financial privilege and trophy-driven expectations can distort what real hunting success looks like. Family hunts and genuine time outdoors provide the fulfillment that social media can’t replicate. Link in Bio:  SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this one, we’re talking gear. Not a gear breakdown that’s chalked full of “here’s the free gear I received that I’m obligated to tell you about”…there are plenty of people who do those. I’m going to focus on …you know…things I actually use. With a heavy focus on stuff I keep in my truck as everyday carry for hunting season or just general preparedness. Lots of deals for the holiday season, so I figured I may be using something you could benefit from, and you may be able to find a deal on some of these items  this time of year! WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 468 Truck prep for the bug out hunt and everyday carry  Power and water scarcity - not just for hunting Boots and socks Key apparel pieces If I had to pick my go to pieces SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this one, I walk you through a hunt that didn’t go the way I drew it up on the map. I lost access to ground overnight, the weather shut deer movement down, and I spent most of the trip bouncing around trying to find doe groups and make something happen with a longbow. It was frustrating, humbling, and honestly exactly the kind of hunt that teaches you more than a filled tag ever will. If you’ve had a season where nothing comes easy, this episode will probably hit close to home. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 467 Losing access to ground mid-trip can derail a hunt fast and forces you to rethink your entire plan. Weather swings can shut deer movement down, making it critical to adapt and stay mobile. Hunting pressure and limited access can shrink your options and demand better decision-making. Longbow hunting magnifies every mistake—five yards or a split-second can make or break an encounter. Every hunt—successful or not—adds to your understanding of deer behavior and sharpens your instincts. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠⁠⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠ —Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠⁠⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠⁠⁠⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spartan Forge⁠⁠⁠⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠⁠⁠ —⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Dan Johnson to talk about the chaos and beauty of the late rut — that unpredictable stretch when bucks are worn down, patterns fall apart, and you’ve got to grind for every opportunity. We swap stories from this season’s hunts, including Dan’s tough-as-nails mule deer trip and the lessons that came with it. From landlocked access battles and busted stalks to adjusting when the weather and the deer both refuse to cooperate, this one’s packed with hard-earned truths.  WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 466 Every day after the peak rut gets tougher, so you’ve got to work smarter, not harder. Cattle, terrain, and pressure can flip a hunt upside down — adaptability is everything. Missed shots and hard hunts teach more than perfect ones ever will. Humor and perspective keep the grind fun, whether you’re in the stand or in business. At the end of the day, it’s not about the tag — it’s about loving the process. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠⁠ —Check out ⁠⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠⁠⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠⁠⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠Spartan Forge⁠⁠⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠⁠ —⁠⁠⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠ —Check out ⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠⁠Spartan Forge⁠⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠ —⁠⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Pennsylvania hunter Dominic Palombo to talk about what it really takes to find success in the deer woods. We get into his journey as a hunter, the value of putting in the miles and hours before the season, and how patience and humility shape the kind of hunter you become. Dominic breaks down his approach to scouting, how he uses trail cameras to build a plan, and the importance of developing real relationships with landowners. He also walks us through the story of a buck that taught him more about persistence than any tag ever could. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 465 Preparation and hard work in the off-season set the stage for success. Scouting and understanding deer behavior are key to consistent results. True hunters carry humility and learn from missed opportunities. Finding the right spot takes persistence and creative problem-solving. Trail cameras can enhance strategy but never replace woodsmanship. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠ —Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠ —⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Chad Sylvester to break down what it takes to level up. We dig into his recent trip to Idaho—a hunt that didn’t exactly go as planned but came loaded with lessons that stick. We talk about when to double down on what you do best and when to push past your comfort zone to grow as a hunter. From understanding terrain-specific deer behavior to balancing specialization with adaptability, this one’s all about the mental side of the game—how you think, adjust, and evolve season after season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 464 Mastering your whitetail hunt requires a diverse toolkit and adaptable mindset. Specialization builds confidence but can narrow your perspective. Chad’s Idaho hunt delivered hard-earned lessons and real-world insights. Micro-terrain and historical data hold the keys to consistent deer encounters. Familiarity bias can stall growth—explore new ground and learn from it. Listening to what the hunt tells you is often more valuable than any plan. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices