Buck Down Deer Hunting Podcast

Guest: Vince Battiata & Matt WilliamsWelcome back folks. This episode Alex is joined by Matt Williams and Vince Battiata for a  gear talk episode, covering the bows, accessories, and clothing systems they're running and trust in the field. They dive into favorite gear, what’s worth the money, and new equipment coming out this offseason. The conversation also hits on practicing with the bow, why consistent shooting pays off, and the goals / expectations they have set heading into next season. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Stealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Pete SixIn this episode, Alex sits down with Pete Six to break down a successful season in the Pennsylvania big woods, where Pete tagged a mature buck with a traditional bow. He walks us through the hunt from start to finish—what went right, what nearly went wrong, and how patience and woodsmanship played a major role in sealing the deal. The two then talk about post-season and late-winter scouting, where Pete explains how he approaches big woods country once the season ends. He dives into the specific sign he prioritizes focusing on fead. Since Alex knows nothing about turkey hunting, Pete wraps things up by looking ahead to spring turkey season and how the transition from deer season keeps Pete sharp year-round. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy.Stealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Bill ThompsonIn this episode, Alex is joined by Bill Thompson, owner of Spartan Forge, for a conversation on mapping, deer behavior, and how today’s technology should actually be used in the woods.Bill breaks down why Spartan Forge is different from other mapping apps and explains how the platform uses real collared deer data to identify movement trends and behavioral patterns, giving hunters insight that goes beyond pins, lines, and guesswork. But this episode isn’t about replacing hard work with technology. We spend time on the reality that mapping alone doesn’t kill deer. Boots-on-the-ground scouting, reading sign, adapting to conditions, and true woodsman ship are still the driving force behind consistent success — and the app is only as good as the hunter using it.Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy!Stealth Outdoors https://www.stealthoutdoors.com/

Kevin VistisenIn this episode, Alex is joined by Kevin Vistisen to break down the gear that truly matters in the whitetail woods. They talk about the single most valuable piece of gear we rely on every time we hunt, along with the crucial and convenient items that make time in the field more efficient and enjoyable. Kevin and Alex also dive into gear that didn’t live up to the hype, sharing honest takes on what worked, what didn’t, and why experience in the woods matters more than trends. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Stealth Outdoors (DB10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com/

Guest: Johnny StewartIn this episode, Alex sits down with Johnny Stewart to break down an incredible season where he was able to tag five mature public-land bucks. Johnny walks us through each hunt sharing the decision-making, patience, and woodsmanship required to consistently find success on pressured ground. We dive into how reading sign, understanding terrain, and adapting to changing conditions played a critical role in every encounter. The highlight of the conversation is an unforgettable hunt in the New England area where Johnny stayed on a buck’s trail for two days, only to discover he was chasing the  king of the mountain. This episode displays hard-earned lessons,  tracking tactics, and insights into what it really takes to kill mature bucks on public land. Thank you for listening and hope you enjoy it.Stealth Outdoors https://www.stealthoutdoors.com/

Guest: Jacob Sklenar / Episode 89In this episode, Alex sits down with Jacob Sklenar to break down a whitetail season that demanded adaptability—both in the woods and mentally. Jacob shares how his Kansas hunt challenged his expectations, forcing him to quickly adapt to unfamiliar terrain, pressure, and deer behavior that didn’t match the playbook. Jakes talk through how deer movement and patterns shifted from early season into the rut, and why being willing to abandon a plan can be the difference between success and frustration. The conversation also dives into the mental side of deer hunting—handling slow sits, watching others tag deer, and keeping the right attitude when things aren’t going your way. Jacob then walks us through his Wisconsin season, a roller coaster that tested his patience, but ultimately paid off through persistence and hard work. This episode is all about adapting on the fly, staying mentally strong, and continuing to grind when the season doesn’t unfold the way you expect. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Stealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Matt WilliamsIn this episode, Alex sits down with Matt Williams to break down his whitetail season, highlighted by buck harvests in both Indiana and Kentucky. Matt walks through how he approached each hunt, the differences between the two states, and how understanding access points played a major role in his success. A big focus of the conversation is avoiding hunter pressure, how he identified overlooked entry routes, adjusted setups based on human activity, and stayed mobile to stay ahead of pressured deer. The episode is a practical look at how smart access and pressure awareness can make the difference when chasing mature bucks.Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy.Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.comStealth Outdoors  https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Ty JenningsThis episode features Ty Jennings as the two dive into the realities of hunting pressured public land and how much more hectic it’s become with increased hunter traffic. Ty breaks down what he’s learned from following mature bucks over multiple years, including how their behavior and home ranges shift as pressure and age increase. The episode also recaps Ty’s season from start to finish — the bucks that seemed to vanish, close encounters that nearly ended with a punched tag, and what ultimately led to him harvesting his buck. Along the way, both talk about antler size versus age, and how social media has influenced hunters to chase a certain idea of a “trophy,” when in reality any buck is a great accomplishment to take. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy.Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.comStealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com/

Guest: John Prokop  In this episode, Alex sits down with John Prokop to break down his deer season split between Pennsylvania and New York. John walks through the bucks he was able to tag in each state, and how his approach shifted throughout the season. The two also dig into late-season priorities, focusing on the importance of food sources, security cover, and how deer behavior changes as pressure and winter set in.  John is also an avid shed hunter and elk hunter / guide, so John expands a bit about his passion with each of those. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy.Deer Hunter Synthetics Stealth Outdoors (BD10)

Guest: Andrew Fitzgerald  In this episode, Alex and Andrew break down the buck Andrew has been after and how the hunt is shaping up as they move into the late season. They talk through the tactics, the conditions, and what they’re seeing on the ground. The conversation also hits on the kind of deer encounters that get your heart going and why hunting isn’t all about antler size — it’s about the moments that make you want to get back in the woods. The two talk about how every hunter is at a different place than one another and have their own goals to meet. Never is it alright to shame another hunter for their successes. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy!Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.com/Stealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Zach Robb In this episode, Alex and Zack talk through the hunt for a mature buck on a big, mountainous property Zack has spent five years learning. They cover how understanding how deer use the terrain, combined with in-season scouting and finding fresh sign, eventually led Zack to the buck he was after. The conversation follows the progression from years of figuring out the property to making the right moves in-season that put him in front of the deer he ended up harvesting.  Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy!Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.comStealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

In this episode, Alex sits down with Cody Halblieb to break down his action-packed deer season and all the opportunities it brought. Cody walks through a spot-and-stalk encounter in the big woods, breaking down the sign, strategy, and decisions that led to the close call. He also talks about a buck he shot earlier in the season, while non-fatal, still taught him valuable lessons about shot choice, recovery, and staying confident in the woods. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Deer Hunter Synthetics https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://deerhuntersynthetics.com/&ved=2ahUKEwiEyKqzuZKRAxXfg4kEHS-nFBwQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3kXokI1fzuqGPE0U_sCReoStealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Aaron HeplerIn this episode, Alex sits down with guest Aaron Hepler to break down the 2025 deer season. Aaron walks through the highs and lows of his year in the woods, ultimately culminating in a successful buck harvest. Alex guides the conversation as Aaron recounts the key moments, decisions, and sign that led up to the kill. Together, they reflect on lessons learned, what made this season stand out, and how hunters can make the most of every opportunity in the whitetail woods. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.com/Stealth Outdoors https://www.stealthoutdoors.com/

Guest: Ben MartinIn this episode, Alex sits down with Ben, the creator of the Hunt Regs app, to dig into how his platform is making life easier for hunters across the country. Ben breaks down how the app streamlines access to hunting regulations for different states and WMUs, helping hunters stay legal and informed with just a few taps. The conversation also dives into the app’s deer-tracking tools, including wind direction, wind speed, and other useful features that help hunters make smarter decisions in the field. Ben shares the story of the buck he tagged in Kentucky and how reading fresh sign put him in the right spot at the right time. A great blend of tech, strategy, and real-world success.Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.com/Stealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com/

In this episode, the Alex is joined by Jacob Dykes of MSU Deer Lab for a deep, practical breakdown of the whitetail rut. Jacob explains how buck and doe behavior shifts as breeding kicks in, how bedding and movement patterns change, and what hunters should pay attention to as fresh sign appears. He also brings science-backed insight from his work at MSU to highlight why deer do what they do during each phase of the rut, while offering clear, effective strategies hunters can use to capitalize when deer movement is at its peak.Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.comStealth Outdoors (DB10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Greg KazmierskiThis weeks episode Alex talks with Greg Kazmierski and focus majority of the episode talking about the rut. The two talk about hunting strategies specifically for the pre rut and rut timeframe, from doe bedding, scrape activity, and terrain. Thank you for listening, and home you enjoy.Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.comStealth Outdoors https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Ryan GlitskyIn this episode, Alex sits down withRyan Glitsky to dive deep into hunting scrapes and capitalizing on pre-rut behavior. The two discuss how Ryan approaches scrapes—both natural and mock—and the strategies he uses to get aggressive as the rut draws near. From reading sign and timing hunts to understanding when to move in on a mature buck, Ryan shares his tactics for success during one of the most exciting times of the season. This episode is full with practical insight for hunters looking to up their game as the woods start to heat up. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy.Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.comScrape Rope Co (Buckdown) https://huntingcampoutdoorsupplies.com/collections/the-scrape-rope-companyStealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Robert McIntyreIn this episode, Alex sits down with Robert McIntyre to talk about their strategies, and mindsets behind chasing October bucks. The two discuss shifting deer behavior throughout the month, changing food sources and weather fronts impact movement, and the subtle signs. Robert shares lessons learned chasing a couple specific deer this season and how he plans to capitalize. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.com Stealth Outdoors (BD10) https://www.stealthoutdoors.comScrape Rope Co (BUCKDOWN) https://huntingcampoutdoorsupplies.com/collections/the-scrape-rope-company

Guest: Troy PottengerIn this episode, Alex sits down with seasoned big woods hunter Troy Pottenger to dive deep into the world of scrapes. Troy shares his approach to building and hunting scrapes, breaking down how bucks use them and how hunters can use that knowledge to their advantage. The discussion covers everything from setting up effective mock scrapes to understanding wind and thermals when hunting over them. With decades of experience chasing mature bucks in the western side of the country, Troy offers valuable insight into consistently finding and targeting mature whitetails in vast timber country. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Deer Hunter Synthetics:https://deerhuntersynthetics.com/Scrape Rope Co. use code BUCKDOWN for 10% off: https://arnhcx-eu.myshopify.comStealth Outdoors. use code BD10 for 10% off: https://www.stealthoutdoors.com

Guest: Kevin VistisenIn this episode, Alex is joined by guest Kevin for a dive into whitetail hunting strategies focusing on scrapes and the effective use of scent. Kevin breaks down his approach to building scrape systems and explains how Deer Hunter Synthetics can be used to draw in bucks. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy. Deer Hunter Synthetics https://deerhuntersynthetics.comScrape Rope Co. code BUCKDOWN for 10% off only in October https://arnhcx-eu.myshopify.comStealth Outdoors. code BD10 for 10% off. https://www.stealthoutdoors.com