The Southern Collective Hunting Podcast

Alright, guys … it’s time to talk. This will be a longer post, but see it through. Y’all have probably noted that we haven’t dropped an episode in a few weeks, and there is a big reason why … we are stopping the podcast.  In truth, SoCo is stopping, but it’s not what you think!!! Hang in there for a minute. This thing has been a complete blast, and we have loved every minute of it, but we think a few things are hard to ignore at this point and so we aren’t. Here are a few things we noticed: It feels increasingly difficult to contribute positively in the form of a podcast.  There was a time when it felt like there were parts of deer hunting that weren’t talked about. These days, it feels like a lot of reaching to find something “groundbreaking” or regurgitating the same things every podcast is talking about.  The landscape for growth has changed. Business pages are finding it increasingly difficult to grow without paying for exposure.  This digital community is the core of why we do what we have been trying to achieve.  Y'all may have come to support the show, but it seems like DDC is it's own reason for many to remain. That last part is the important part. We love this community, and without it, we would have never had the tremendous friends and shenanigans that we get to celebrate daily. WE ARE DOUBLING DOWN ON THIS!!!! As any good business owner does, Parker and I spoke at length about what worked in the past year/years to make sure we are doing the most of what works best. The one thing we kept coming back to was that this group is our “why” for doing SoCo. The famous saying “Don’t half-ass a dozen things when you can do one thing whole-ass” applies right here.We have lamented how to do more for this community, but it meant pulling from other avenues, and the balance never felt sustainable. With its toxicity, jealousy, scandal, and censorship, social media today sucks for the deer hunter.  So with that being said, SoCo ends this month, and we’ll be focusing on building “Digital Deer Camp.” You’ve probably noticed an uptick in questions from Walt in the group about events and meet-ups. Our revived goal is to build this community up to be the IDEAL hunt camp for those stranded across the country without the sort of people who need the community. This includes off-season events, regular hunt camps, and new digital offerings.To be SUPER clear, nothing will happen with this group, and we have big plans to make this an even better experience for everyone. We also plan to continue to do video, but on our own individual channels so that our strengths are highlighted, and the current algorithm doesn’t hate us so much lol. Brett, Parker, Joey, Matt, and Walt are all still hunting together, still going to be at DDC hunts, and other events. This isn’t the end, it’s a refocus on what’s important … y’all and the connections you’ve made.  We cannot thank y’all enough for the support you have provided, the contributions to this community, and whatever may come. Y’all have inspired us to push for a better community for the outdoorsman, and we think we are about to rebuild the American Deer Camp! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you don't have a defined rut, or if you only have a few days to hunt with a good rut, THIS is one thing you need to hyper focus on! Do you want to support the show, and get access to the worlds greatest deer hunting community, click the link below! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food?! In the discussion about the rut? Yes! If you aren't keeping your pulse on food sources, their abundance, and how it impacts the landscape, you are missing out! Do you want to support the show, and get access to the worlds greatest deer hunting community, click the link below! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wished you could do something to tilt the odds in your favor? Did you watch as Mr. Big rode off into the sunset? These strategies could be what it takes to close the deal! Do you want to support the show and get access to the world's greatest deer hunting community? Click the link below! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are all-day sits worth it in the rut? What if you are on a trip with scarce time? How do you balance scouting vs hunting? Do you want to support the show, and get access to the worlds greatest deer hunting community, click the link below! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does deer bedding matter in the rut? Doe bedding, buck bedding ... should you focus on that over other features when bucks are running? Tyler Jones joins us from the road to give us his thoughts! If you like the show, want to help support it's costs, and want access to the worlds best digital hunt camp, click the link below! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know the story ... new guy goes hunting, 20 minutes go by, and they shoot a deer. Meanwhile, you spent all year scouting and bleeding to hopefully kill a yearling. That isn't that story. Heath worked hard for his deer, studied like a madman, and made it happen. This is his story. If you like the show, consider joining our Digital Deer Camp! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parker shares insights on his 10-mile trek to kill his first big buck of the 2025 season! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Deer Hunting Contest 02:21 Parker's 10-Mile Hunt Experience 05:23 Scouting Techniques and Strategies 08:10 Setting Up for Success 11:14 The Thrill of the Hunt 14:08 The Moment of Truth 17:05 Reflections on the Hunt 20:12 The Impact of Social Media on Hunting 27:38 The Thrill of the Hunt 30:52 Confidence in Early Season Hunting 33:03 Mastering Equipment and Skills 36:26 The Unpredictability of Bowhunting 40:17 Identifying Buck Sign and Habitats 42:56 The Impact of Broadheads on Recovery 46:49 Adapting Techniques and Mindsets 50:01 Looking Ahead to the Season If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introduction and Welcome- 00:00:00 Diverse Habitats and Hunting Success- 3:00 Public Land Hunting Challenges- 9:00 Trusting Your Hunting Plan- 15:00 Social Media and Hunting Perceptions- 21:00 Carrying the Deer: A Personal Story- 27:00 Understanding Deer Behavior- 33:00 Technology in Modern Hunting- 39:00 Persistence and Adaptability in Hunting- 45:00 If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walter Lee interviews Jonathan Stewart, a passionate hunter from Kentucky, who shares his journey in the deer woods. Jonathan discusses his evolution as a hunter, the strategies he employs to track and harvest big bucks, and the emotional highs and lows of the hunting experience. He reflects on the importance of preparation, the role of technology in modern hunting, and the joy of sharing these moments with his son. The conversation culminates in a celebration of Jonathan's recent success in harvesting a remarkable deer, highlighting the connection between hunters and the land they cherish. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Hunter's Journey 02:54 The Evolution of Hunting Skills 05:40 Tracking the Big Buck: A Year in Review 08:19 The Strategy Behind the Hunt 11:31 The Anticipation of Opening Day 14:17 The Moment of Truth: The Hunt 17:07 The Aftermath: Celebrating the Success 20:14 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walter Lee and Parker McDonald interview Derrick Dixon, a whitetail guru who has taken a unique approach to deer hunting through the use of drone technology. Derrick shares his journey from a tech job to pursuing his passion for wildlife photography and research. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of documenting deer behavior, the importance of environmental factors, and the insights he has gained about deer movement patterns. The conversation highlights the intersection of technology and traditional hunting practices, offering valuable tips for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. In this conversation, Derrick Dixon shares his extensive research on deer behavior, particularly focusing on the impact of moon phases, the effects of bumping bucks, and the significance of terrain features in deer movement. He discusses the late-season behavior of mature bucks, strategies for hunting on public land, and the importance of water sources. The conversation also touches on future research directions in diverse habitats, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of deer behavior in various environments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Whitetail Guru 04:37 The Genesis of a Dream: From Tech to Wildlife Research 13:59 The Journey of Wildlife Photography and Research 20:32 Data-Driven Insights: The Science of Deer Behavior 27:08 New Insights on Deer Behavior 35:27 Understanding Morning Movements of Mature Bucks 39:41 The Impact of Human Interaction on Deer Behavior 53:59 Challenging Common Hunting Beliefs 55:50 Exploring LIDAR Technology in Hunting 58:37 Understanding Deer Movement and Terrain Features 01:01:01 The Home Range of Mature Bucks 01:02:12 Behavioral Patterns of Bucks in Different Habitats 01:05:49 The Importance of Landmarks in Deer Travel 01:10:02 Water Sources and Deer Behavior 01:13:09 Researching Diverse Habitats for Deer Movement 01:16:08 Ethics in Modern Hunting Practices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had the opportunity to have Todd back on the podcast to discuss how they designed their newest bow, the Bowtech Ascend. This bow was made with you in mind, balancing all the features you need with the price point you deserve. Walt has this bow already and had the opportunity to sling carbon down range ... its a killer folks! Click here to learn more! https://bowtecharchery.com/bows/ascend/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't think we talk near enough about private lands in the hunting community and that is probably due to how popular public land has become in the last 10 years. However, private land continues to be a tremendous resource and the tactics that apply can be even more difficlt at times, especially when you are hunting small permission properties like Brandon Reed. If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So I took some liberties with the title, but PROVE ME WRONG and we will have you on the show. There are folks you talk to that you immediately build a connection with and know they are "your people," and Asher is one of us. The dude lives and breathes the outdoors, and is the kind of guy that zones out at a party because a cell cam picture came in. This story is full of the highs and lows of bowhunting whitetails and takes some of the craziest turns ever along the way!s If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Moody is a top tier fella. He's the kind of person who you trust with your OnX Pins if you get what I am saying ... While hunting private lands gets a bad rap for being easy, but the reality is that private land hunting comes with its own unique sets of challenges and its a different puzzle. Andrew was able to rely on the help of a forester to kill a stud early and this is that story! If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How many of us get the opportunity to chase, let alone see, a giant buck? The story of the Jake Benton buck is a three-year quest to kill an absolute giant Kentucky buck. Hard work and a close eye on year-over-year patterns were the keys to success! If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by a legend of the woods Mr. Shane Simpson to talk about the coolest app to hit the market in decades .. TRAKR!!! Click the link below to learn more! https://www.gettrakr.com/ If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're not done yet with Tennessee Velvet bucks! One of our longest Patreon members joins us after back-to-back velvet bucks in 2024 and 2025. Trevor, AKA Mr. Velvet, is an absolute riot and one of the most dedicated hunters we know! If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's back, it's finally back. Deer season is upon us, and we couldn't be happier. Parker and Clay fought the heat for an early-season velvet hunt and had the time of their lives chasing giant bucks. Clay came home with one less tag, and Parker came home with less in his heart. If you love the show, click this link and join our thriving online community! www.patreon.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week we went live with Jacob McCurry and broke down his approach to finding bucks to hunt on limited quota or permit properties. Most states in the south have quota or permit hunts that allow for a narrow window of access and making the most of it counts! Want to support the show? Go to Patreon and sign up! www.socohunt.com/socohunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices