Claim OwnershipThe WHTL Podcast - Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests
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© Jake Hofer
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Welcome to Trail Cam Radio, as we dive into all things trail cameras, deer hunting, whitetails, wildlife research, outdoors, camera traps, and expert guest advice. Speaking from our own experience of running a trail camera company over the years, we hope to share as much valuable information through this deer hunting podcast.
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Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we’re back in the studio with Ron Willmore. We Discuss: Ron Willmore transformed Clinton Lake into a deer hunting hotspot 75% of bucks killed during the hunt made Pope and Young Ron has over 50 years of bowhunting experience He started bowhunting before compounds were available Clinton Lake had a deer density of 440 per square mile at one point Ron implemented a doe-first policy for hunters to manage the deer population The first hunt with this policy began in 1991 70% of antlerless deer killed were button bucks initially The iconic deer "Old Rivals" was a smart, elusive buck that evaded hunters for years Ron emphasizes hunting pressure management for successful deer hunting And So Much More! If you’re serious about whitetail hunting tactics, understanding mature buck behavior, and staying ahead of the curve, you don’t want to miss this episode. Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Derrick Dixon from Whitetail Research has been blowing up on YouTube — and for good reason. He’s using thermal drones to uncover whitetail deer behavior in a way that hunters have never seen before. In this episode, Derrick shares how he quit his job (actually got fired the day his second child was born!) and went all-in on his dream: studying whitetails with cutting-edge drone technology. The result? Groundbreaking insights on mature buck bedding, travel routes, scrapes, rubs, morning vs evening movement, and thermals that could change the way you think about deer hunting forever. We dive into: Why thermal drones may be the biggest breakthrough in whitetail research since GPS collars How bucks really move in the rut — mornings vs evenings The truth about buck bedding and if “J-hooks” really happen What scrapes, rubs, and travel efficiency reveal about mature deer Why some spots look un-huntable (and how to approach them) Derrick’s personal story of betting it all on a drone and exploding on YouTube And So Much More! If you’re serious about whitetail hunting tactics, understanding mature buck behavior, and staying ahead of the curve, you don’t want to miss this episode. Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we’re back in the studio with Greg Glesinger. We Discuss: Plan for the unfortunate shot; mistakes will happen in hunting Greg Glesinger shares his perfected arrow setup for whitetails A front-end weight of 175 to 200 grains improves arrow performance He shifted from a fast, light arrow to a heavier, more effective setup Consistent penetration and blood trails improved with the new arrow weight A one-pin sight setup simplifies aiming for shots under 30 yards Late-season does are harder to hunt than rutting bucks due to their wariness Decoys can be effective but require understanding deer behavior High-scoring deer tend to be loners and avoid confrontation with other deer CWD management in Wisconsin has been controversial and ineffective And So Much More! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we’re back on the road in Iowa with Part 2 of our Candid Discussion on the Future of Hunting with Skip Sligh. . We Discuss: Healthy debate is essential for addressing issues in hunting and unifying hunters. Access to hunting is declining, risking the sport for average people. Poaching is a significant problem, often involving advanced technology. Younger hunters are more educated but need to focus on the right reasons for hunting. Social media can both help and hurt hunting by promoting unrealistic expectations. Hunting celebrities should advocate for better regulations and resources. Complacency in older generations has negatively impacted hunting's future. Effective deer management requires understanding local populations and dynamics. Businesses in the hunting space should be tasteful and support conservation efforts. The future of hunting depends on engaging the next generation and improving regulations. And So Much More! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by JJ Dukart of the Deer Society—a hunter and educator who has helped shape modern calling and communication strategies in the whitetail woods. JJ shares the story of how his family business evolved from goose and turkey calls into building some of the most widely trusted deer calling systems. From there, we dive into the tactics that separate casual calling from true communication—and the lessons learned after decades of testing strategies on pressured deer across the Midwest. We discuss: Why subtle, natural sounds kill more bucks than loud, aggressive calling The “bubble” for effective calling—and how to avoid over-educating deer Why sometimes the smartest move is not calling at all The right time of year (and conditions) for rattling in mature bucks How to sound supernatural when hunting high-pressure states Why JJ sometimes chooses cameras for success, but calls for fun The three biggest mistakes hunters make when calling deer Scent control, gear prep, and how to avoid sabotaging your own setups Why “competing with a live doe” might be the hardest challenge in November And So Much More! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we’re joined by a guest who’s been on the front lines in Washington D.C., fighting to keep Iowa’s hunting regulations intact. We dig into the critical issues that could make or break Iowa’s deer herd — from gun season changes to crossbows in archery, baiting debates, and how other states can learn from Iowa’s management model. This one’s a must-listen if you care about the future of whitetail hunting. We Discuss: Why one change could ruin Iowa’s deer hunting forever The three biggest threats to Iowa’s whitetail herd What other states can copy to improve deer hunting quality How baiting and poor regulations are crippling some states The importance of one-buck rules and moving gun seasons And So Much More! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Join us as seasoned bowhunter Jason shares his deep-rooted passion for whitetail hunting. From public lands strategy to the art of the perfect shot, Jason's tales and tactics will both inform and inspire as you prepare for the season ahead. Tag along for an episode packed with genuine experiences, clever insights, and tips that could be the difference between an average and outstanding hunting season. - The different discpliines of hunting public and private land for whitetails - Fruit tree hacks - OnX Maps for Scouting (300 acres and 2 good spots) - Master Awkward Shots Before Season Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we’re bringing you a brand new format. We spent the summer talking to 8 different whitetail experts as part of a mini series for The Wired To Hunt Podcast on the MeatEater Podcast Network. We asked Bobby Kendell, Skip Sligh, Bill Winke, Don Higgins, Jeff Sturgis, Steve Hanson, Thomas Mlsna, and Mark Kenyon 8 different questions to see how each is different/the same in the whitetail ideology and tactics. This is the first episode in the mini series, with the remaining 8 going live over on The Wired To Hunt Podcast. We discuss: Don't panic if you haven't set up your trail cameras yet; there's still time. Historical data is crucial; lean on past experiences to guide your scouting. Focus on food sources and pinch points when placing cameras. Use glassing to identify deer movement before deploying cameras. If you can't glass, look for mineral spots or use corn to attract deer. Set cameras at stand locations to monitor deer movement effectively. Don't be afraid to scout aggressively; it can provide valuable intel. Use mock scrapes to attract deer and gather information year-round. Remember, deer behavior changes; summer patterns may not reflect fall movements. Take a breath and develop a plan; you're not as behind as you think! And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we’re joined by public land hunter and whitetail strategist Jon Lewis, who shares how chasing mature bucks across the East Coast and Midwest shaped his unique approach to deer hunting. We discuss: Why Eastern terrain, pressure, and deer density forge more adaptable hunters How Jon arrowed a mature public land buck on opening day by sticking to a simple but effective plan The key difference between scrapes that get hit once and scrapes you can kill over - Misconceptions Midwest hunters have about hunting in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire How Jon scouts smarter when summer glassing isn’t an option The importance of reading subtle sign and why most hunters overthink trail camera data His framework for breaking down new properties—public or private Why terrain, access, and consistency matter more than the size of your farm How to keep things simple and build a system that works season after season What Midwest hunters can actually learn from the East And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Bobby Warner. We discuss: Bobby Warner shares his journey of hunting and land ownership. He emphasizes the importance of security on hunting properties. Growing up in West Virginia, he developed a passion for the outdoors. Bobby transitioned from corporate law to representing working-class clients. He bought his first farm in 2000 after years of hunting in Ohio. Building relationships helped him gain access to prime hunting land. He advises on the importance of cover for deer habitat. Bobby believes land is a superior investment compared to stocks. He stresses the value of experiences and relationships over material wealth. Owning multiple smaller farms can reduce hunting pressure and enhance deer management. And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Jack Huston of Midwest Deer Surveys. We discuss: Jack has flown over 30,000 deer across 200,000 acres in eight states Most landowners underestimate their deer populations by about 25% Deer behavior varies significantly between rut and late winter seasons Timber generally holds more deer than warm season grasses Heavy timber stand improvement (TSI) can attract deer to a property A balanced buck-to-doe ratio is crucial for healthy deer management Drones can achieve about 95% accuracy in deer surveys Observing deer with drones reveals their constant browsing behavior The best time for deer density surveys is during the rut and late winter Jack's company, Midwest Deer Surveys, offers thermal drone surveys for deer management And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
1Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back on the road in Illinois with the man himself Don Higgins. We discuss: Don Higgins reflects on his first 150-inch buck and the rarity of such achievements back then. He emphasizes being a lifelong student of whitetails, always seeking to learn more. The 1990s marked a shift in deer hunting, making Pope and Young bucks less rare. Don shares a regret about shooting a smaller buck instead of a larger one he had seen earlier. He discusses the importance of preparation over simply spending time in the woods hunting. Observing deer behavior has helped him fine-tune his hunting strategies on his property. He believes many hunters underestimate the value of preparation and scouting. Don highlights the mystery of how mature bucks survive against numerous threats. He reflects on his journey from financial struggles to becoming a respected figure in hunting. Integrity and principles guide his choices in the hunting industry, impacting sponsorships. And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back on the road bringing you one of the podcasts we recorded on our latest trip to Tennessee with Bobby Worthington. We discuss: Bobby Worthington emphasizes that deer hunting lacks exact rules, making it a unique challenge for hunters Many hunters misinterpret success, thinking luck equates to skill, leading to confusion in their strategies Time spent in the woods, especially during the rut, significantly increases chances of success in hunting mature bucks Woodsmanship is about understanding what matters in hunting, not getting lost in irrelevant details or trends Identifying significant funnels is crucial; not all funnels are equal, and some carry more deer than others E-scouting can help, but real-world scouting is essential to find effective funnels and deer trails Mature bucks often stay close to their core areas, especially if they’re not in bachelor groups with other dominant bucks Mock scrapes should be set up correctly; height matters, as mature bucks prefer higher branches for scraping Mistakes in mock scrape setups can lead to missed opportunities; understanding buck behavior is key The importance of evaluating deer trails: heavier trails indicate more deer movement and potential hunting success Bobby shares that hunting is about playing the odds; experience and observation are the best teachers The conversation highlights the joy of learning and adapting in the woods, making every hunting trip a valuable experience And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with antler collector Jamie Martin talking about the latest bombshell regarding The General Sheds. We discuss: The breaking news about the General Cody Idol announced the General was recently sold for a seven-figure price Photos surfaced showing the General with two sticker points The General's sheds changed hands multiple times, including a long tenure at Cabela's The recent discovery of altered points has surprised many in the antler collecting community The timing of the photo release, shortly after the sale, raises questions about the transaction's validity Altered antlers can significantly reduce their value in the collector's market The North American Shed Hunters Club may remove the General from their record book due to the alterations The Aiuppa buck is trending towards being larger than the Huff buck, with a new score expected soon And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back on the road for another Whitetail Cribs and Podcast with Michael Perry. We discuss: Patterning the deer and other hunters on public Hunting trails instead of scrapes Seeking creek crossings for sign Swing shift work doesn't stop a dedicated hunter Patience and timing are crucial for big bucks Don't over-rely on trail cams Michael's state record public land muzzleloader buck Trail camera angles can make or break your intel How bedding areas differ in the South In-season scouting Moving leaves to find big buck tracks Thermals and creek bottoms Hunting the south vs hunting the midwest And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Steve Hanson. We discuss: CRP details from expert Steve Hanson October hunting strategy Summer trail cameras Importance of good stand access in June Sorghum vs Corn debate for food plots Understanding CRP enrollment Impact of food plots on whitetail habits Strategies for early October hunting And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Ryan Glitsky. We discuss: Vital post-season scouting tips Scouting is key for consistent success High stem count areas for mature bucks The evolution of rut hunting tactics Impact of weather on deer movement Finding success amidst increased pressure In-season strategy adjustments Aggressive hunting mentality wins Summer to fall activity intel And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Don Higgins. We discuss: Land as a tangible, rewarding investment The evolution of hunting strategies Improving state deer management policies Mistakes made and lessons learned on private land Strategies for upping white-tailed deer age Views on improving Illinois deer management Impact of isolation on buck growth And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Joe Eberhart. We discuss: Growing up being John Eberharts son The challanges of finding mature bucks in Michigan Joe's hunting experience evolved from fishing to focusing on mature deer The importance of preparation Public land hunting in Michigan The mobility and ease of setup of saddle hunting The importance of scouting Keep saddle hunting simple and avoiding unnecessary gear Prepping hunting spots in advance Joe's recent Kansas buck scored 202 2/8" Net and grossed 192 5/8" And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Brent Davis. We discuss: Tackling urban hunting challenges Impact of moon phases on deer Creating deer patterns for success The sensitive ecosystem of whitetails Pros & Cons of an aggressive hunting strategy Insightful hunting on an 8,000-acre farm Managing work-life balance for hunting Deer behavior studies with 5th graders Importance of habitat over seasonal tactics And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Great Pod guys. I’m a Georgia hunter and will share you with all my friends. I really like the Focus on small tract improvement. 
love the work you guys r doing! thank you!
this episode was trash
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