This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Little Mountain Outfitter's owner Devon Zimmerman and shop technician Terry Bergey. These boys are hard at it this time of year setting up, tuning, and getting everyone ready for the upcoming season. Hopefully you didn't delay your preparations too long! In this episode we will cover a variety of topics relating to daily life. It can be easy to think that working around bows and the hunting industry would lead to the perfect hunting lifestyle. These two shed light on the fact that while someone is hunting, the other guy needs to man the shop!Little Mountain Outfitters has been operating over 7 years now. Since then, a lot has changed. Not just the growth of the business but also the hunting dynamic and goals set with each season. We discuss our preparations going into season (or lack thereof), shop dynamics, equipment tendencies and experiences, the evolution of hunting goals through time, and much more. Make sure your equipment is ready to go if you haven't already, and if you need help these guys got you covered!
On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Matt Beisswanger for a traditional bowhunting conversation. Matt is a team member of Inside Twenty whose focus is sharing traditional bowhunting and their faith in Christ. Matt has been toting the stickbow since 2006 on and off and has wrapped a tag around numerous critters including some magnificent whitetail bucks. He's learned a lot when it comes to transitioning from hunting with a compound.The closer you need to get to your quarry, the more you need to learn about them in order to be successful. For those who have hunted with a crossbow or a compound, you'd think switching to a traditional bow would be as simple as changing equipment and hunting the same as with your modern bow. That has not been Matt's experience. In fact, Matt shares with us how he manipulates stand locations to cater to closer shot opportunities. He discusses stand height, cover needed within a set up, and different mindsets while scouting a location. There is some creativity in this episode you may or may not have heard before, and it all revolves around getting Inside Twenty yards.
Fall food plots greatly influence hunting success and wildlife attraction. Planting in August and September on the east coast can be sketchy, especially when late summer droughts can persist. This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is riding solo discussing a plan of action if disaster strikes in your fall food plots. Mitch shares personal experiences salvaging food plots that did not establish from drought stress in the past. Farming is always a gamble with the weather. After initially planting food plots, Mitch discusses when to scout your plots and how to help evaluate if alternative action is needed. He discusses what plant species work to salvage a food plot, when they can be planted, and how they can be planted. While the process of replanting may be repetitive, there are a few things to consider between species selection, weed management, and soil crusting which may occur from drought stress. All in all, doing something is better than nothing!
This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Rob Henne for a captivating journey through the Pennsylvania wilderness as they uncover the secrets of bear hunting. In this episode, they delve into the art of scouting and navigating the rugged terrain, sharing insights and experiences that span decades. From understanding the importance of food sources to identifying the perfect pinch points, their conversation offers a wealth of knowledge for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.As Mitch and Rob explore the intricacies of group hunting and the dynamics of solo adventures, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and strategies that make a successful hunt. Whether you're interested in the camaraderie of group drives or the solitude of a lone pursuit, this episode provides valuable tips and stories that highlight the challenges and rewards of bear hunting in Pennsylvania. Tune in to discover how to enhance your hunting experience and connect with the rich traditions of the great outdoors.
In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast, Mitch reflects on the delicate balance between his passion for hunting and the demands of daily life. Fresh from a family vacation, he shares insights into managing a busy schedule, including his wife's coaching commitments and his son's school activities. Mitch delves into the art of food plot management, discussing no-till techniques, seed selection, and the challenges posed by weather and timing. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family while pursuing personal goals, offering listeners a candid look at how he navigates the complexities of work, family, and his love for the outdoors. Join Mitch for an engaging conversation on finding harmony in the hustle and bustle of life, all while preparing for a successful hunting season.
On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Taylor Fleisher to discuss food plots. Taylor has a background in plants and soil, and has always been tinkering with food plot blends. That has motivated him to start his company Tractor Beam Attractants and food plot seed blends. This episode not only discusses food plots, it also highlights chasing down a dream within things of personal interest. Mitch and Taylor bounce around from the beginning of Taylor's food plot journey to the customization of blends he's developed. Not only do they discuss planting nuances like how to choose a good seed blend, they also tie in hunting strategy. Too often, food plots become night time use only due to their improper setup. Designing plots and planting season long food are critical. Take notes, planting season is right around the corner!
On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Mike Tussey from Nomad Outdoors. Mike shares his journey from being a middle school PE teacher to becoming a prominent figure in the hunting industry. He discusses the dynamics of the hunting business during the offseason, the importance of managing turkey populations, and the unique challenges faced as a hunting guide. Mike also shares memorable client interactions, including experiences with high-profile hunters, and reflects on the diversity of hunting experiences in Florida. The conversation touches on sustainability issues in hunting, the significance of scouting, and the unique aspects of hunting in Florida, including deer and bear hunting. Mike concludes by discussing the future of Nomad Outdoors and the importance of building a community around the brand.
In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Al Tomechko to discuss the intricacies of establishing successful food plots for deer hunting. They explore various topics including the challenges of planting, the importance of setting clear goals, and the techniques for effective food plot management. The discussion also covers the significance of soil health, seeding rates, and the timing of planting in relation to weather conditions. Albert shares insights on equipment for smaller plots and emphasizes the value of diversity in food plot blends to attract deer throughout the hunting season. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of understanding deer density and its impact on food plot success.
On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Rob McCanna, CEO of Dallas Safari Club. Rob shares his journey from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to leading a prominent organization focused on wildlife conservation and hunting heritage. He discusses the importance of engaging the next generation, the challenges facing hunters and conservationists, and the need for unity within the hunting community. Rob emphasizes the role of Dallas Safari Club in promoting sustainable hunting practices and invites listeners to get involved in conservation efforts.
On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Dakota Gray who shares his journey of being a passionate hunter and his treestand accident that led him to become a paraplegic. He reflects on his early experiences in hunting, the life-changing fall from a deer stand, and the miracles that surrounded his recovery. Dakota discusses the importance of faith, family support, and mental health in overcoming challenges. He also shares how he adapted his hunting practices post-accident and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of a positive mindset and the role of God in his life. This episode is your pre-season reminder to WEAR YOUR SAFETY HARNESS!!
This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by some family for a bear hunting conversation. The family guests are his younger cousins Jacob, Josh, and Isaac Mengel, who've recently begun a journey of starting their own bear hunt tradition at their cabin in northern PA. Previously their camp did not have a consistent tradition of hosting a bear hunt, and the times it did turned into solo endeavors. For the last four hunting seasons, they have started their mission to learn how to bear hunt their historic hunting grounds, and how to do it with a group. The guys share their experiences of how they got started, the obstacles along the way, the mess ups, and the successes, including Isaac's first bear harvested from a drive with only five people! This conversation sheds light on perspective from new bear hunters and how they overcame the intimidation factor of hunting a new species in a tough environment.
This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by friends Clayton Good and John Kolb of Suffering Outdoors YouTube channel to discuss a unique outdoor experience. Clayton and John are both avid fly fisherman and are trying their best to capitalize a narrow window of casting an uncommon dry fly: a cicada. As this week's episode is rolling, cicadas are buzzing throughout the keystone state creating a feeding frenzy and fishing experience like no other. The two discuss the past week of fishing experiences, what they have learned so far, and what they look forward to. Along the way they share advice, knowledge, and insight from both the fishing side as well as biology side. There is still time for you to enjoy this experience too, so get out fishing NOW!
On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by friend Clayton Good to discuss Clayton's remarkable hunting season, where he achieved the coveted triple trophy. They delve into the challenges faced during the season, the importance of scouting and understanding food sources, and the emotional highs and lows of hunting. The discussion also covers strategies for success in bear hunting and the significance of collaboration among hunters. The guys delve into their recent hunting experiences, sharing insights on strategies, the thrill of the hunt, and the importance of patience and scouting. They discuss the dynamics of group hunting, the significance of food sources in attracting game, and the emotional reflections that come with successful hunts. Clayton's achievement of a triple trophy is highlighted as a testament to perseverance and strategic planning in the face of hunting pressures.
In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Chris Romano, host of the Wing and Tail Outdoors podcast. Chris shares his experiences in archery, including his recent participation in the TAC event. The discussion delves into the importance of mental preparation, the balance between equipment and shooter skills, and the intricacies of arrow mechanics. The archery industry has done an excellent job of marketing to consumers without consumers truly understanding arrow flight. Chris shares his knowledge behind the physics of arrow flight and penetration, emphasizing the significance of understanding kinetic energy and momentum in archery. He also shares insights on building the perfect hunting arrow and the impact of noise on hunting success. Further navigating the top, Chris breaks down more intricacies of archery, focusing on arrow dynamics, the importance of speed, and the evolution of bow technology. They discuss the journey of improvement in archery, emphasizing the significance of long-distance shooting and debunking common myths surrounding arrow design. The conversation also touches on the contradictions in archery science, the personal experiences of an archer, and the need for education in the archery community.
In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch reflects on the challenges faced during the turkey hunting season and transitions into discussing the complexities of food plot management. He emphasizes the importance of patience, the impact of weather on planting conditions, and the balance between tillage and no-till practices. Additionally, he shares his plans for transforming unused land into a more beneficial wildlife habitat, highlighting the role of herbicides and the significance of establishing switchgrass for wildlife. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on future plans and the excitement for the upcoming fall season.
In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch and Bryan Hale explore various complexities of elk hunting regulations in Pennsylvania, discussing recent changes aimed at managing crop damage caused by elk and the implications of new tag regulations. The discussion highlights community feedback on these changes and the evolving landscape of hunting in the state. In this conversation, Bryan and Mitchell discuss allocation of bull tags, the impact of non-resident hunting licenses, and upcoming changes in elk management. They explore the implications of new regulations on hunting success rates and the overall experience for hunters, particularly in light of changes to tag allocation and elk zone boundaries. The discussion highlights the balance between providing hunting opportunities and maintaining the quality of the hunting experience.
In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Kevin Creeley of the Mid Atlantic Outdoorsman Podcast. In this conversation the guys delve into the intricacies of turkey hunting, discussing the seasonal variations across different states, the impact of weather and barometric pressure on turkey behavior, and the challenges hunters face due to hunting pressure. They share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability in the field. Turkey hunting can be a mentally draining pheet when the 20 pound birds don't want to cooperate the way we think they should. This episode highlights how pushing through it during the season can result in late season success!
In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Dan Johnson to explore the multifaceted world of podcasting, hunting, and fatherhood. They discuss the evolution of podcasting, the challenges of information overload, and the deeper meanings behind hunting as an outlet. Dan shares personal stories about how fatherhood has transformed his perspective on life, emphasizing the importance of communication and emotional expression in parenting. They also touch on the launch of Dan's new podcasts, 'Man Therapy' and 'Two D's One Podcast', which aim to provide relatable content for fathers navigating the complexities of family life.
On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch and Paul Campbell delve into the world of turkey hunting, exploring the resurgence of camouflage styles, the mastery of mouth calls, and the insights gained from legendary turkey hunters. They discuss the importance of patience and understanding turkey behavior, as well as the impact of hunting pressure on turkey populations. The dialogue emphasizes the evolution of hunting techniques and the joy of interacting with the environment while pursuing turkeys. In this conversation, Mitch and Paul discuss various aspects of turkey hunting, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding turkey behavior, and the effectiveness of different hunting strategies. They explore the nuances of roost hunting versus mid-morning hunts, the significance of calling techniques, and the commitment required to become a successful turkey hunter. The discussion also touches on personal experiences and future hunting plans, highlighting the evolving nature of their hunting practices.
On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is riding solo sharing some turkey hunting experiences. Most turkey hunters would agree that chasing gobbling turkeys and calling aggressive to a red hot gobbler is hard to beat. However, the amount of times throughout a season that happens can be on the low end. In reality, turkeys are creatures of habit that are seeking refuge from predators, feeding, and breeding is mixed in throughout the spring. Patience is a virtue in the spring woods at times!Mitch shares two different hunting experiences from the past and draws his learning points from them. While there are no concrete rules in hunting strategy and the words "always" or "never" don't come into play, Mitch's "style" of turkey hunting was molded by his own learning experiences. He shares his style in slowing down, listening, planning moves accordingly, calling softly, and being patient to hunt a gobbler later in the morning or even on another day of season. Lastly, he chats about a few other overlooked benefits of hunting slowly, ones you don't want to miss!