Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast

This week on the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Justin Tabor to talk about the grind of deer hunting, balancing family life, and why discipline matters just as much in the gym as it does in the woods. Justin and I dive into the emotional side of chasing deer—the highs of connecting on a good buck, the frustration of tough seasons, and the lessons that come from spending time in the hills. We get into how travel hunting sharpens your skills, the importance of paying attention to details and deer behavior, and wh...

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with my buddy Tyler Jones to talk about life, hunting, and the lessons that tie them together. We get into the joys and struggles of parenting — from youth sports to that bittersweet moment when kids start stepping into adulthood — and how those same lessons apply in the deer woods. Tyler and I swap stories about hunting around cornfields, building a calculated approach for early season sits, and staying mentally sharp when the hunt doesn’t go your way. We dig into travel hunts, reading new terrain, and setting realis...

In this week’s episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Jacob Emery to talk about everything from early-season Tennessee whitetails to raising the next generation of hunters. We get into the highs and lows of last year’s hunts, what it takes to be efficient in the field, and why preparation is the backbone of consistent success. Jacob shares the joy of hunting with his kids, the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with time in the woods, and the perspective that comes with seeing hunting as more than just chasing antlers. We a...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Derrick Dixon to dig into some next-level whitetail insights. Derrick has been blending old-school woodsmanship with cutting-edge drone research, and what he’s uncovering about deer behavior—especially around wind shifts, thermals, and how individual bucks move—is flat-out fascinating. We talk about the legacy of land management, the balance between hunting and photography, and those “aha” moments you only get from being in the field day after day. From pre-rut patterns to the chaos of peak rut, Derrick lays out strategies that prove the value of s...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Bill Thompson to dig into the overlap between hunting and jiu-jitsu. We talk about why having a system matters, how asking the right questions sharpens your approach, and why mindset is everything when the pressure is on—whether you’re on the mats or in the whitetail woods. Bill shares how flow state isn’t just a buzzword but a real advantage in both disciplines, and why chasing small, incremental improvements can lead to big results over time. We get into the way social media warps...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Alex Chopp to talk mobile and travel hunting. We dig into how early experiences and family shaped our approaches, the importance of staying adaptable in the field, and why mindset matters just as much as gear. Alex and I cover everything from learning hard lessons through failure to the freedom that comes with being mobile, reflecting on how success in the deer woods often comes down to presence, persistence, and the willingness to keep moving.

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In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sit down with Greg Litzinger to talk all things deer hunting. We cover the realities of chasing whitetails on public ground, setting goals that actually make sense, and why scouting is the backbone of any solid plan. Greg dives into traditional bow setups, trusting your instincts, and how topo maps can make or break a hunt. We also get into the practical stuff—like shot placement, patience in the stand, and balancing family life with time in the woods.

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In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I’m sitting down with Greg Litzinger to talk about the season that’s right around the corner. We get into what we’re seeing for deer prospects, how we’re thinking about thermals and scent this fall, and why historical sign always plays a big role in our setups. We also break down the nuances of scrape hunting, how weather can turn hunts on their head, and share a few laughs along the way. If you’re looking for practical deer strategies mixed with real-world hunting stories, t...

In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Justin Hollandsworth for a wide-ranging conversation on the discipline it takes to stay fit and ready for a hunt. We get into the weeds on deer behavior—why some bucks are social butterflies while others seem born to be loners—and how that knowledge can shape your scouting and stand placement. Justin and I swap stories on the highs and lows of traditional archery, the adrenaline of chasing elk and moose, and the value of making mistakes you can actually learn from. It’s a conversation about preparation, patience, and the kind...

Trail cameras aren’t just about catching pics of big bucks—they’re powerful scouting tools that reveal patterns most hunters overlook. In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Trail Camera University Podcast, we dive deep into advanced trail cam strategies that'll take your hunting from average to elite.

🎯 Learn how to:

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just g...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I caught up with my buddy Jacob Sklenar for a conversation that goes well beyond tree stand tactics. We talk about life changes—like his recent marriage—and how those moments shift the way we approach not just hunting, but everything. We dig into how mindset, resilience, and personal growth show up in the woods and in everyday life, and why focusing on the process—not just the outcome—can make you a better hunter and a better human. From deer seasons to big life seasons, this one's all about sl...

In Episode 4, host Clint Campbell goes deep on a topic that separates casual hunters from consistent tag-punchers: how to turn trail camera data into a real hunting strategy.

📸 You’ve got photos. You’ve got videos. But now what?

🦌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why analyzing trail cam data is your most powerful tool as a hunter
✅ What timestamps, weather, and wind direction can tell you about daylight movement
✅ The hidden story behind moon phase, thermals, and behavior patterns
✅ How to identify mature bucks by both body and behavior
✅ Tips for organizing da...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Chad Sylvester for a conversation that digs deeper than gear and shot placement. We talk about what it really means to be prepared—not just physically, but mentally—for the hunt. We get into how instinct, mindset, and adaptability often matter more than any piece of equipment you can strap to your back. Chad and I reflect on the importance of letting each hunt teach you something, even when the freezer stays empty. This one’s about learning from the process, leaning into the unce...

In Episode 3, we dive into the season-by-season breakdown of how, where, and why to move your trail cameras throughout the year for maximum whitetail intel. Because if your cameras are sitting in the same spot in July and November… you’re leaving tags unfilled. 🦌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why “set it and forget it” is the biggest camera mistake hunters make ✅ The late-season survival mindset and how to use bedding/food patterns to your advantage ✅ How to crush the early-season velvet window with high-success camera setups ✅ Pre-rut hot zones: scrapes, rubs, and the travel corridors that get you daylight move...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Jason Batson for a no-BS conversation about bowhunting, deer behavior, and the constant process of figuring it all out. Jason shares what it’s like chasing whitetails in the rolling terrain of Missouri, how he plays the wind, and why keeping things simple usually gets him closer to deer. We get into the highs and lows of past seasons—including the ones where things didn’t go as planned—and talk about adapting after injuries, trusting your gut, and learning from every sit. Whether it’s finding...

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood parts of trail cam scouting: camera placement. Because it doesn’t matter how expensive your camera is—if it’s in the wrong spot, you’re wasting your time.

🦌 What You’ll Learn Today:
✅ Where to actually hang your cams to kill, not just see, big bucks
✅ The difference between “trail” and “travel corridor” (and why that matters)
✅ The secret value of community scrapes, water sources & subtle transitions
✅ Bedding area setups: High-risk, high-reward intel (and how not to blow it)
✅ Field edge mistakes hunters mak...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Cody D’Acquisto for a conversation that digs deep into more than just treestand setups and big bucks on the wall. Cody’s fresh off the road and gearing up for his upcoming road show, and we break down what it means to really unplug from the noise and lean into the lessons the woods — and the mats — have to offer. We get into how elimination and identification shape our hunting decisions, why mastering the fundamentals matters whether you’re tightening a choke in jiu jitsu...

In this kickoff episode, we break down the fundamentals of using trail cameras not as a gimmick, but as a strategic tool to scout smarter and hunt more effectively. This isn’t a gear review — it’s a deep dive into how real hunters use trail cam intel to gain a serious edge in the woods. 🦌 In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why trail cameras are more than just motion-triggered gadgets The truth about cellular vs. non-cellular cams (and which one fits your hunt) How to choose a camera based on YOUR specific needs, not hype Battery, SD card, and setting...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I sit down with Trent Wengerd—a dyed-in-the-wool bowhunter and a true craftsman when it comes to building stick bows that flat-out get the job done. We dig into Trent’s upbringing in the wide-open country of Montana, the early days that pulled him into archery, and how he turned a passion for hunting into an art form behind the bowyer’s bench. From chasing bugling bulls in the Idaho backcountry to dialing in every curve and limb of a hand-built bow, Trent shares stories and lessons that r...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Joe Miles, and we cover a lot of ground—from the whitetail woods to the African bush. Joe and I get into that constant tug-of-war between old-school hunting instincts and the rapid rise of modern gear and technology. We talk about where tradition still matters, where innovation is helping, and how to walk the line between the two without losing your edge.

Joe also shares the story of his recent leopard hunt in Africa, and if you’ve ever wanted a firsthand account of jus...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by traditional bowhunter Chris Parrino—a guy who’s lived a hunting life most of us only dream about. We dig into the roots of his passion, from growing up in a blue-collar family to chasing grizzlies, moose, and polar bears with a stickbow.

Chris opens up about what it really takes to hunt at a high level with traditional gear—the failures, the close calls, and the quiet discipline behind decades of consistent success. We talk about the changing face of bowhunting, the importan...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sat down with my buddy David Riley to talk about more than just killing deer. We got into what really makes this whole thing matter—building friendships through the hunt, learning from the folks you meet along the way, and keeping your passion alive by stepping out of your comfort zone. David’s coming off a hell of a season, with stories from solo trips out west to lessons learned hunting closer to home in Michigan and Illinois. We dig into scouting strategies, adapting to unfamiliar terrain, and how...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with Chad Sylvester for a no-BS conversation about the real stuff—missed chances, pressure-packed decisions, and why some of our best lessons come from the hunts that don’t end with a grip-and-grin - the harsh truths of bowhunting.

We dig into the mental side of the game—why confidence matters, how deer behavior can turn on a dime, and why there’s no such thing as a universal strategy. Chad and I talk abou the myth of the perfect plan, and why understanding wind is...

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Redd, and we dive into one of those conversations that feels a little more like sitting around a fire than checking boxes on a hunting talk list.

We cover everything from the pressure that comes with modern technology and constant communication, to how learning to unplug—both in the woods and in life—can reset your mindset in a good way. Jason shares how his approach to hunting has shifted over time, especially as he's taken on the challe...

In this episode, I sit down with my buddy Michael Varady for a wide-ranging conversation that covers way more than just tagging a buck. We dig into the lessons learned from switching between traditional and compound bows, how target panic creeps in, and why consistent practice—both physical and mental—is critical if you want to stay sharp when it counts.

Michael’s gearing up for a big move and exploring new hunting ground, so we break down what it takes to scout fresh terrain, build a plan from scratch, and adapt to unfamiliar areas. We also dive i...

Hey everyone, welcome to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In this episode, I’m catching up with Tom Murphy—a guy who knows his way around a ball field, and the big woods!

We cover some ground in this one. We dig into how growing up with rock and metal shaped us, how pro sports and bowhunting both demand a gritty mindset, and how the traditions we’re raised with show up in the woods whether we realize it or not. Tom opens up about a specific buck that taught him hard lessons—the kind that don’t sh...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Brian Dombrowski—a guy who’s put in more than his fair share of miles chasing deer across a range of terrain, from flatlands to big woods. We dive deep into what makes mature bucks tick, how scouting plays a role beyond trail cams, and why visual confirmation still trumps digital data. Brian shares his approach to patterning deer by behavior, not just sign, and we get into everything from the strategic use of mock scrapes to the rising cost of deer mounts and the real r...

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In today’s episode, I’m catching up with my buddy Johnny to talk about life’s evolution—balancing family, chasing whitetails, and pursuing personal passions like jiu-jitsu. We dive into how parenting and the pressures of the hunting industry shift your perspective, and why finding community and staying true to your pursuits matters more now than ever.

We also dig into the parallels between hunting and jiu-jitsu—how real growth usually comes from leaning into discomfort, and how being intentional, whether you're in the woods or on the...

This week on the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m catching up with Jake Hofer. If you’re into getting better at hunting and managing ground the right way, this one’s for you. We talk about the real work behind whitetail management, the kind that doesn’t show up in a highlight reel—tree planting, fixing screw-ups, and learning to let the land teach you a few hard lessons.

Jake also talks about stepping into ownership at Whitetail Master Academy, and how diving deeper into habitat work and smarter hunting strategies has changed ho...

On this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Tyler Jones—someone you probably know from The Element crew. We get into the thick of it: deer hunting, turkey hunting, road trips, and all the curveballs that come from chasing critters in places you’ve never stepped foot in. But this conversation goes deeper than just chasing mature bucks and birds.

We talk about how life on the road chasing music dreams actually mirrors the pursuit of becoming a better hunter. Tyler shares what it’s like trying t...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with my buddy Brandon Barlow to talk through some of the more nuanced aspects of deer hunting that go way beyond just putting a stand in a good spot and hoping for the best.

Brandon’s the kind of guy who’s not just chasing deer—he’s breaking down their behavior, layering in camera data, and making sense of the landscape they live in. We take a deep dive into the Magnolia Buck—one of those hunts where patience, timing, and knowin...

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Peterson for a conversation that starts with deer and turkeys—and then runs as wide and deep as the backcountry itself. We get into the real nuts and bolts of hunting: why in-season scouting often trumps postseason planning, how observing deer in real time teaches more than any app ever could, and why flexible strategies almost always beat rigid ones in the whitetail woods.

We talk about reading deer behavior, understanding annual patterns, and the critical role of food sources and bedding in getting close to ma...

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Lucas Benoit—a lifelong New Hampshire deer tracker with a deep understanding of big woods bucks. We dig into the realities of hunting low-density whitetails in the rugged backcountry of New England, where every step counts and patience is currency. Lucas talks about how terrain, pressure, and age class play into buck behavior, and why spending time in the woods is the only way to really learn it.

We also get into tracking deer in snow, hunting mixed timber and swamp country, an...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Chris Weist, a Pennsylvania native with deep roots in both hunting and competitive powerlifting. We cover a lot of ground in this one—from what it means to chase big deer on pressured ground to what it takes to recover from serious injuries and still get after it.

Chris shares the story of his first deer, what he learned growing up in a hunting family, and how the lessons from the gym carry over into the woods. We talk...

In this episode, we’re talking about setbacks, comebacks, and the kind of grit it takes to keep hunting when life throws you a curveball. Injury and recovery aren’t just physical hurdles—they test your patience, adaptability, and mental game just as much. We dive into how time off can shift your perspective, sharpen your focus, and make you appreciate the small victories that come with getting back in the woods.

We also break down the raw beauty and brutal lessons of longbow hunting—why it challenges everything you think you know, how ground h...

On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Joel Turner, a guy who knows more about the mental side of archery than just about anyone. We’re not just talking about shooting—we’re talking about the mind game behind every release, every draw, and every moment of high-stakes hunting. Joel breaks down the difference between thoughts and thinking, why what you say to yourself before a shot matters, and how to control adrenaline when everything is on the line.

We get into the transition to traditional archery, why shot contro...

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I catch up with Aaron Hepler to talk about everything from hunting strategy to the value of good hunting partners. We dig into the highs and lows of the season, the lessons learned, and the balance between solo and group hunting. Whether you're the kind of hunter who thrives on the camaraderie of a deer camp or someone who prefers the mental clarity of a solo sit, we break down the benefits and challenges of both.

We also get into the essentials—why scouting and gathering in...

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Jace to talk about the raw journey of chasing particular mature deer . We dive into setting goals and learning from mistakes, and how true fulfillment comes from the chase itself—not just the kill. Jace and I break down how a mindset built on gratitude and preparation can transform the hunting experience, turning personal success into a way to give back.

We also explore the evolution from opportunistic hunting to targeted strategies, discussing everything from understanding deer behavior across seasons to the pr...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Chad for a conversation about the raw realities of hunting and personal growth. We dive into everything from battling brutal winter weather to the highs and lows of hunting in Idaho, Ohio, and the Pennsylvania big woods.

We dig into the highs and lows of chasing a buck, the emotional rollercoaster of committing to one animal, and the vital role of mindset in the field. From swapping gear tips to sharing motivational quotes that keep you locked in, our conversation...

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Cam to talk about some big life changes—his recent engagement, a new farm, and, of course, chasing big deer. We break down the lessons learned from hunting in the plains, the importance of reading deer behavior, and why sticking to a plan can be just as important as knowing when to adapt.

Cam also shares the story of an Ohio mega buck, the struggles of hunting pressured ground, and how he shifted strategies to zero in on a...