How To Hunt Deer

The advice most deer hunters get about access routes is backwards. If you want more daylight deer sightings this season, start thinking like the deer do, not like the guy walking straight to a stand.Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau break down the route-planning mistakes that cost hunters their best chances, and the simple shifts that can make a small property huntable again. If you’re juggling family schedules, limited days in the woods, or a piece of ground that only offers one way in, this conversation gets practical fast.Dan shares the moment that changed how he hunts forever: when he stopped marching directly to tree stands and started reverse-engineering his approach from the deer’s point of view. Jason adds the realities of hunting smaller parcels, big properties with only a few access options, and what happens when wind, terrain, and pressure all collide.You’ll discover:Why the best access route often starts with the destination, not the truckHow to use fence lines, waterways, terraces, and terrain breaks to stay hiddenWhy the “rule of ninety” can help you slip into a stand without blowing everything outHow thermals and water can move scent farther than most hunters realizeWhen to hunt aggressively, when to back off, and when to move your stand altogetherDan also shares a real-world example of tearing down a setup mid-hunt and relocating just 15 to 20 yards to get within range, then killing the buck that evening. Jason explains how he thinks through exits as carefully as entrances, especially when hunting staging areas and bedding areas where one bad walk-out can burn a spot for good.If you’ve ever wondered whether access routes matter more than stand locations, or how to balance wind, terrain, and limited time in the woods, this episode gives you the kind of field-tested guidance you can use right away. Essential listening for bowhunters, public-land hunters, and anyone trying to turn a good piece of ground into a better one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September deer hunting is changing fast, and the hunters who keep using August tactics are about to get left behind. Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau break down the second half of September, when drying beans, dropping acorns, shifting deer movement, and early crop harvests start rewriting the map right under your feet.If you need to figure out where deer are moving now - and how to stay ahead of them before the October opener - this conversation gives you the playbook. Dan and Jason get into what the landscape is telling you, why trail cameras are already revealing key clues, and how to adjust when bucks go from patternable to unpredictable.You’ll discover:Why green food sources, water edges, and fresh acorns matter more as crops dry downHow to read trail camera photos differently when a buck only shows up at nightWhen an observation sit is more valuable than a “normal” huntHow harvested fields can suddenly make deer feel exposedWhat small-property hunters should do with the early season vs. the rutWhy access, wind, and scent control matter even more as cover thins outDan also shares a real-world strategy for hunting his best spots earlier than usual this year, while Jason pushes the conversation toward practical judgment - when to pressure a property, when to let it cool off, and how to keep from burning out your best ground. They also touch on a critical mistake many hunters make: obsessing over strategy while neglecting shooting practice, effective range, and gear prep before season hits.This is essential listening if you hunt whitetails in the Midwest, manage small parcels, or want to tighten up your September-to-October strategy before the woods change again. If you want to be ready when the deer shift, this episode will help you make smarter decisions the next time you step into the timber. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September deer hunting is all about reading the landscape before the deer read you. If your season opens now, Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau break down exactly how they’d attack the first week of September - from scouting from the road to picking apart food, cover, water, and the subtle pressure points that actually reveal deer movement. The big question is simple: if opener was tomorrow, where would you start? Dan and Jason answer that with a practical, boots-on-the-ground plan for early season whitetails, whether you’re hunting private ground, public land, or a short out-of-state trip. They dig into why the first move is often glassing field edges at last light, how to use maps and OnX layers to identify bed-to-food transitions, and when it makes sense to stay aggressive with in-season scouting instead of burning a stand too early. You'll discover: How to scout a September opener without overhunting your best spots Why drought, crop production, and water sources can completely change deer behavior How acorns, mast years, and shaded bean fields can create or kill a setup Why one buck may go hard-horn fast and shift movement earlier than you expect When to hunt from the road, when to go inside-out, and when to stay out entirely   Dan also shares a real-world look at what’s happening on his properties right now - from changing crop color to early hard-horned bucks and the possibility that deer movement is already shifting. Jason adds a state-by-state perspective, comparing dry western ground to moisture-rich eastern states and showing how the same September tactics need to change based on terrain, crop conditions, and deer density. If you hunt a September opener, have limited time in the woods, or are trying to avoid blowing up a good property before the season even starts, this episode gives you a clear framework for where to look first and what sign matters most. Essential listening if you want to make your first hunt of the season your best one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Early-season deer hunting is changing fast - and if you miss the shift, the woods can feel empty before the real action even starts. Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau break down what they’re seeing right now: a possible EHD threat, disappearing mature bucks, dropping acorns, shifting food sources, and the subtle changes in wind, thermals, and deer movement that can make or break your first sit. This episode starts with real life, not theory. Jason opens up about the chaos of family life, stress, injuries, and trying to hold everything together as a dad while still staying ready for the season. Dan jumps in with the kind of hard-earned perspective that only comes from living the same pressure and still finding a way to lead, stay accountable, and keep moving forward. You’ll discover: Why EHD rumors have both hosts paying close attention to low spots, muddy water, and deer movement How acorn drops are already reshaping early-season patterns in both big woods and ag country Why deer may disappear from bean fields as the landscape transitions into September How leaf drop changes wind behavior, thermals, and stand setup in ways most hunters underestimate What to look for if you’re scouting for a new hunter, especially on a budget and without a lot of gear Jason also shares practical, boots-on-the-ground tactics for beginners, including how to hunt from the ground with a handsaw, deadfall, and a little creativity. Dan adds a simple but powerful reminder: observation, documentation, and adaptation beat overcomplication every time. If you’re trying to get ahead of early-season deer movement, put a kid on deer, or just understand what the woods are telling you right now, this one is packed with useful, timely insight. Essential listening for whitetail hunters who want to make smart moves before the season gets hot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The best deer hunting season prep is happening right now, and if you wait until opening week, you're already behind. Dan Johnson breaks down the late-summer decisions that can make or break your fall, from access routes and wind shifts to scouting acorns, reading tracks, and avoiding the mistakes that blow deer out of small properties. With season approaching fast, Dan shares what he's doing on his own farms to get ready, including shooting his bow, dialing in lighter arrows, checking gear, and planning around changing crop fields and new access opportunities. He also digs into why smaller properties demand more precision, how thermals and scent can betray you farther than you think, and why a smart J-hook or water-based entry can be the difference between a clean hunt and a busted setup. You'll discover: Why early-season scouting matters more than ever when deer are keyed in on acorns and browse How access routes, wind direction, and thermals work together on small and big properties Why bringing your bow on camera checks or scouting trips can create unexpected opportunities The gear and body-prep details that keep you sharp in the stand, from bow tuning to diet and caffeine How to avoid overthinking your setups and stay confident when it's time to hunt Dan also shares a practical mindset for balancing family, work, and hunting season, plus why he's aiming to make the most of every limited day in the woods without losing the fun in it. If you're trying to turn a short season into real results, this episode gives you the kind of field-tested planning that helps you hunt smarter, stay safer, and enjoy the grind. Essential listening for bowhunters, public-land hunters, and anyone trying to make the most of an early season opener. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.