The WhitetailDNA Podcast

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by Jaden Bales of HuntWest. Jaden is the owner and operator of HuntWest, a hunt-planning company that helps prepare for a western big-game hunt. Jaden shares his roots growing up on a farm in Oregon, hunting at every opportunity he could before heading to Wyoming for college, and how those experiences shaped his approach to western hunting. We dive into the story behind the giant 226" buck he killed in 2025, break down what HuntWest offers Midwest and East Coast hunters looking to head west, and how hunts are planned and tailored for every type of hunter and desired experience. Jaden covers his first Midwest whitetail hunt in Michigan, and what he learned from the experience. Enjoy the show! New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday @ 6AM CST Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Proudly Presented By: Dark Energy - Save 10% (code: WDNA10) Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors  Kifaru

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! Today, we are joined by Matt Payne to dig into his story that goes beyond hunting. Matt opens up about his battle with alcohol and how hunting became the catalyst for completely saving his life—dropping over 100 pounds and finding a new purpose. Matt chats about growing up chasing whitetails on the East Coast, then fast-forward to his wild 2025 season out West, from a brutal hamstring blowout before a mule deer hunt to grinding it out and arrowing a velvet mule deer buck in the high country and a bull elk days later. He also shares what it meant to get the call to join the Lone Wolf Custom Gear team, why he believes hunting low to the ground is beneficial, and how he approaches runnin' and gunnin' hill-country bucks. Lastly, the guys look ahead to his hunting plans for 2026 and what's next on his journey—both in life and in the field. This is a great story of resilience and how to answer adversity when you are faced with the unexpected. Enjoy the show! New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday @ 6AM CST Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Proudly Presented By: Dark Energy - Save 10% (code: WDNA10) Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors  Kifaru

Welcome to this weeks podcast episode! Today on the show, we sit down and chat with Aaron Olsen from Next Step Outdoors to recap his 2025 deer season where we talk all things public land hunting, a little about small permission pieces, a thermal drone recovery and what to do scouting this time of year! It was a great chat with Aaron!  New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we recap year one on the River Farm that Jeremy purchased in June of 2025. It was a full sprint to get the property ready for the 2025 hunting season. From improving access and dialing in travel corridors to building water holes, planting food plots, installing stands and blinds, and setting up mock scrapes, an incredible amount of work was packed into a very short window. The guys talk over reality when it comes to your first hunting season on a new property, and what expectations should be like. Looking ahead, Jeremy explains what worked, what failed, and what is planned for 2026 on the River Farm. This is a great episode of transparency and reflection when it comes to buying and owning a farm. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! This week, we sit down and dive into off-season work that builds better hunts long before opening day ever arrives. We break the year down by season and walk through the chores, decisions, and strategies that shape successful whitetail seasons. We cover the winter months of January, February, and March with topics like shed hunting, scouting, and tag applications. As Spring rolls in during April and May, the focus shifts to turkey hunting, door knocking, scouting, and more shed hunting. Throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, we go over trail camera strategies, farm preparation, last-minute summer scouting, 3D archery, and fine-tuning setups before opening day. From habitat management to hunting strategy and under the radar preperation tips, this is a great episode to get ready for 2026. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by Jared Mills. When it comes to consistently killing big bucks, Jared is one of the first names that comes to mind. He breaks down what it really takes to bowhunt and consistently chase mature whitetails. Jared dives into his background in bowhunting from Midwest Whitetail to doing his own solo content. He covers the camera gear he uses to self-film his hunts and how difficult it can be to capitalize on both the camera and the shot. Jared discusses his new farm acquired last year and what the priorities have been since acquiring it, and what the end of the late season is shaping up to look like. This episode is packed with valuable information from one of the best to do it. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by Todd Bumgardner of Pack Mule Training to break down what we should be doing in and out of the gym to boost our performance in the woods. Todd shares his extensive background and education in strength and conditioning, and what shaped Pack Mule's training approach to building hunters who can perform year-round when it matters most. We dig into common red flags in the hunting industry, how to spot fluff vs function, and why credibility and real-world experience are critical when choosing a coach. Todd also walks through the different levels of training offered by Pack Mule Training and what the average hunter should be doing to maximize results. Whether you're chasing whitetails close to home or grinding it out on an out-of-state hunt, this episode is packed with actionable insight to help you hunt harder. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we sit down with Nathan Nelson of Still Water Outdoors to talk about the art and grind of tracking bucks in the snow on public land. Nathan shares how his passion for tracking first began, how that obsession eventually grew into filming and starting Stillwater Outdoors, and the unique challenges that come with tracking down big woods bucks in the harsh conditions of northern Wisconsin. We dive into how he identifies big buck tracks from the rest, and how to tell fresh tracks from old tracks. Nathan explains the ideal snow and weather conditions for successful tracking and how to approach each track. He also recounts memorable encounters from this past season that highlight both the highs and lows of hunting on the ground. Lastly, the guys dive into hunting over bait and why it isn't nearly as effective as many people might think. If you're curious about woodsmanship, late-season strategy, and learning deer behavior, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru  

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we go over some of our favorite hunting gear that would make great gifts for the hunter in your family. We cover everything from clothing systems, trail cameras, stands and sticks, backpacks, and much more. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned bowhunter, a hardcore rifle hunter, or just someone who loves to be outside, this episode will help you fill those last-minute Christmas lists that every hunter will appreciate. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we cover all things late season—and right now, for most of the Midwest, the conditions are near perfect. Snow-covered ground, frigid temperatures, and food sources are shaping up to be the perfect recipe to kill a late-season buck. We break down how to key in on a variety of food sources, identifying transitional areas between bedding and food, and locating the hidden pockets where the deer are now. Lastly, we cover cold-weather gear that will keep you warm and lethal during those cold, brutal sits. If you're looking to capitalize during the toughest stretch of the season, this episode is for you. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are back in our favorite bow shop, Custom Archery & Outdoors, catching up with Randy Graber as he recaps his bow season chasing big bucks in Wisconsin and Illinois. We dive into all things bowhunting deer, recapping Randy's seasons in Buffalo County and Illinois. Randy explains his decision to commit fully to a traditional bow this season, and what challenges come with hunting with a trad bow. The guys discuss the benefits of using a bright white headlamp vs a red light headlamp, and how it affects deer behavior. The episode closes out with winter leagues coming up at Custom Archery, why they're exploding in popularity, and why you should get signed up to hone your archery skills for next season. We love popping into our favorite bow shop and shooting the sh*t with Randy. Make sure you visit Custom Archery & Outdoors for all your archery needs. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode of the podcast, Jeremy breaks down the full story of how he managed to tag his target buck in just two sits. The guys uncover the history of this deer, including the tactics used to get an arrow in this buck, and the in-season clues that confirmed the rut was underway. Jeremy showcases a decision he made that ultimately led him to wrap his tag around "Bogey." This is a great conversation filled with real-world takeaways and offers a look at what it takes to target a specific deer during one of the most frustrating yet exciting months of the year. Be sure to head over to the YouTube channel to watch the full hunt for "Bogey." Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we break down what the first half of November has really looked like in the whitetail woods and why things may not be as "finished" as some hunters think. We dive into why this window can actually be one of the best times of the entire season to kill a mature buck you've never laid eyes on before, and why committing to all-day sits is still absolutely worth it. We also get into the specific areas you should be honing in on right now, how to effectively call and decoy mature bucks into bow range, and why many rut reports you're hearing might be skewed or misleading. If you're wondering whether to stay in the tree or hang it up, this is the episode you don't want to miss. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! There's no better time to be in the woods than November, and to top it off, we spent the last week in southern Iowa. On today's episode, we recap the week of rut hunting in Iowa. Garrett walks us through his first trip to Iowa in late October, what lessons he learned when chasing mature bucks, shuffling cameras, and dialing in a game plan for November. The guys head back down for a week of prime rut hunting and, surprisingly, face a slow start. With some great encounters and some slow days, that's exactly the recipe for November, even in Iowa! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, the team sits down and shares Luke's story of the buck he killed in October, named "Vanilla." Luke breaks down the hunt from start to finish, dating back to the last two years. He covers door knocking, scouting, setup, and tactics that came together to make it happen. The team dives into lessons learned from Luke's October success, discussing what worked, what didn't, and how those takeaways can be applied in November. As the rut heats up, they also look ahead to what's next for the WhitetailDNA crew, sharing proven rut tactics, hunting strategies, and insights to help you tag your own November buck. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are covering our top 5 "never forgets" every deer hunter needs to keep in mind during the whitetail rut. Physically and mentally, these are the essentials that can make or break November. Some of these topics, many of us have fallen victim to and get caught up in. Never forget what's most important to you. Whether you're after a target buck or soaking in the chaos of the rut, this episode is your reminder to stay focused, hunt smart, and enjoy every second of the most exciting time of the deer season. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru  

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by our friend Jeff Sturgis. Jeff is the owner and operator of Whitetail Habitat Solutions and Pure Wildlife Blends Seed Company. As October heats up, so does buck movement—Jeff breaks down exactly how to capitalize during the critical pre rut phase. We dive deep into strategies that include hunting water sources, food sources, active scrapes, and why understanding the difference between a morning and evening stand can make or break your hunt. Jeff shares decades of insight on stand timing, buck behavior, and how to put yourself in the right place at the right time for a shot at a mature buck before the chaos of the rut kicks in. If you're looking to up your odds late October, this is a must-listen. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru  

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we're joined by Derrick Dixon of Whitetail Research — a whitetail behavior expert who's taking deer scouting to the next level. Using thermal drone technology, Derrick tracks mature bucks in real time and records their every move, creating data-rich YouTube videos that reveal the untold story of how these elusive deer truly behave. We dive deep into the patterns, tendencies, and behaviors of mature bucks, the kind most hunters never witness from a treestand. From unexpected movement times to off-the-grid bedding areas to thermal hubs and wind funnels, Derrick breaks down what he's learned from endless drone footage and meticulous documentation. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just obsessed with big bucks, this episode will challenge what you think you may know about mature whitetails. Enjoy the show! New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru  

Welcome back to another episode of the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by Jared Larsen of OnX Hunt. Jared has worked for OnX for over the last 8 years and has been a part of the rapid growth over the years. Jared has grown up chasing whitetails in Wisconsin and currently resides in Montana. Jared talks about the importance of utilizing OnX before your hunt, whether it's e-scouting or developing a hunt plan for your next adventure. The guys dive into early October whitetail hunting, the challenges it can present and what favorite days to hunt during the rut. Jared discusses some of the best, overlooked features OnX has that have become a game-changer in the years. We hope you enjoy this conversation!  New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website Shop WDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru  

Welcome back to the show! In today's episode, Alex and Kaleb Comstock sit down to chat through everything that goes into whitetail hunting during the month of October. October is quite an interesting month to hunt whitetails, as there's a lot of change from the beginning of the month to the end of the month. The guys talk through all these changes, how to combat them and how to make game plans to strike thorughout the month while hunting mature bucks. Enjoy!  New episodes drop every Wednesday at 6AM CST LINKS: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Shop WDNA Merch Follow along on Instagram and Facebook Check out the Website The WhitetailDNA Podcast is presented by: Dark Energy | 10% OFF (code: wdna10) Rack Hub | 10% OFF (code: whitetaildna) Pnuma Outdoors | 20% OFF (code: wdna20) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Tactacam Reveal Accessories  Custom Archery & Outdoors Kifaru