RHO Podcast

One of the best things about hunting is that you get to do it your way. Unfortunately, in today's social media driven world, we've let outside influences have to much control over how we hunt. It's time we got back to how it used to be. Hunt for yourself and no one else. Unapologetically. It's not selfish, or inconsiderate, it's preservation. Don't let anyone take away from you what hunting can be.

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For some reason, people in hunting media and content creation love to give poachers a platform. Especially when they kill big deer. Illegally. The reason is actually fairly obvious. It's all for clicks. We need to stop though. It's damaging to hunting, hunting culture, and the guys and gals who do it the right way. That's what the guys are talking about this week. Let us know what you think.

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For the last couple years we've tried to provide an update on the prevalence of EHD in Illinois at this time of year. Since it's been so dry, it seems to be on everyone's mind. As it usually is in August and September. Here's what we've seen and heard in the state. What about you? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Steve Sherk is undeniably one of the good guys in the industry. He's also undeniably a public land, big woods, big buck killer. Steve has a wealth of knowledge on big buck behavior and how to get them on the ground. He runs over 180 trail cameras for his guide service, spends 300+ days in the woods every year, and has been guiding hunts for a long time. There are few people with more experience and data points than Steve when it comes to the type of hunting he does. He also writes for North American Whitetail and loves to share...

This week we are coming to you from the Sitka Gear outlet in Vernon Hills, Illinois. We've got guests from Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Backcountry Hunter's & Anglers, Learn to Hunt, and Tanglefree Waterfowl. Oh, and of course, Sitka as well. All great interviews on episode 168!

Ducks Unlimited - https://www.ducks.org/illinois

BHA - https://www.backcountryhunters.org/illinois

Tanglefree Waterfowl - https://tanglefree.com/

Learn To Hunt - https://huntillinois.org/learn-to-hunt

Delta Waterfowl - https://www.facebook.com/ILdeltawaterfowl/

Sitka Vernon Hills...

We've got a bit of a throwback episode this week, as Canyon dives into an article from North American Whitetail. Specifically, one from Steve Sherk called "Don't Miss Deer Days." These are the weather events that make for the best days of the season to kill big bucks. Hope this helps this fall!

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We're coming to you from the 2025 Illinois Deer and Beer Fest this week. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi and to all our new listeners! This is probably our favorite show every year and most of that is due to the people who come out and see us. Nate also got to meet a couple mounts of what could be our newest predators in Illinois.

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Nate and Blake are back in studio this week to discuss how poorly run Illinois is when it comes to conservation, the fall food plot situation, and the upcoming season. Per usual, we covered a lot of ground on this episode, so throw on some good boots and come with us!

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This week, Canyon and Austin (both whitetail consultants), talk about when you should and when you shouldn't hire a consultant to help with your whitetail property. There's a lot of reasons it's a good idea, and there's several situations where it isn't. Check out the episode and comment what you think!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: FULLDRAW for 10% off everything in your order

Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

Instagram...

Illinois HB2726 gives the IDNR power to reintroduce apex predators like black bears, wolves, and mountain lions to Illinois. I don't think this is a great idea. The bill has already passed Congress and now sits on the governor's desk. If you care about our wildlife, your kids' safety, and your peace of mind when enjoying the outdoors, call his office and tell him to veto it.

https://www.illinois.gov/about/contact-us.html

Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

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This week, Austin and Canyon talk about 5 of the top mistakes that whitetail hunters make on public land. From overthinking to poor access, they delve into some common errors hunters make and how to avoid them.

Leave a comment telling us what mistakes you see made most often, or something you've learned!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

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Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com...

It finally happened. We got flagged for sensitive content for posting a hunting video. It was only a matter of time. Canyon talks details on this episode and what that might mean moving forward. He also discusses the age old broadhead debate, and a viral video of a shot he took two years ago.

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On this episode, Canyon and Austin discuss over-browse and how it can hurt your management plan. They talk what it is, why it happens, and what you can do to fix it.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: FULLDRAW for 10% off everything in your order

Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsllc/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TacticalApproachOutdoors

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This week we're coming to you from the Grand Opening of the Lake Shelbyville Archery Park! We're joined by Drew, the President of the Illinois Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Bill, the Central A&M archery coach, and Jake from TA20. It's a packed show from an awesome setting!

For more from:

Drew and BHA - https://www.backcountryhunters.org

Bill from Central A&M - s3dailcoordinator@gmail.com

Jake from TA20 - https://www.instagram.com/ta20yds/

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

On this Full Draw Friday, Austin and Canyon discuss how you can create bulletproof access on private land. There are several ways to enhance good access routes on your private property to help you get in and out without spooking deer.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: FULLDRAW for 10% off everything in your order

Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsllc/

YouTube - https...

Vantage Point is an American manufacturer located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They do a lot of different things, including making broadheads that are 100% American. Ryan joins us this week to talk about what it means to be Made in America, how they make their broadheads, and much more.

More from VPA:

Episode 131 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3TfgjBUCXE

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vparchery/

https://vparchery.com/

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off...

On this week's Full Draw Friday, Austin and Canyon discuss entry and exit strategies for hunting public land. Access can make or break your hunt, so make sure you use these tips when you plan for the upcoming season!

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For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.<...

This week, Canyon gives an update on turkey season, upcoming events, content, and partnerships. Thanks to everyone for watching, subscribing, and following along with us as we build our brand!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game...

This week, Austin and Canyon wrap up the natural browse conversation. They talk about several ways to promote natural browse in different types of locations and how it can benefit your deer herd.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

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For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out...

This week, Canyon shares his thoughts on a recent viral post from Tim Wells concerning the state of the whitetail deer herd in Illinois. Tim makes a lot of good points and there's quite a bit to unpack, so settle in!

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Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

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For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

...

On this episode the guys are drafting your favorite hunting personalities. They are drafting from a pool of hunting personalities made up of guys like Jim Shockey, Ted Nugent, Michael Waddell, and Roger Raglin, to Chris Bee, The Hunting Public, Jared Mills, and everyone in between. There's also a legends category with guys like Fred Bear, Teddy Roosevelt, Chuck Adams, Buffalo Bill, and more! Let us know who you think won in the comments! And let us know if we missed anyone!

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This week, Canyon and Austin are opening a new habitat series on natural browse. In the first episode of this series, they talk about what natural browse actually is, and why it's important for all property types.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: FULLDRAW for 10% off everything in your order

Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsllc/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TacticalApproachOutdoors<...

On this episode, we talk about some of our biggest pet peeves when it comes to hunting, the community, the industry, the government, and more. We by no means covered ALL of our pet peeves, but these are few that really grind our gears. Let us know what pet peeves you have!

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For part three of our buck bedding series, the guys wrap things up by talking about how to set up to hunt a buck bedding area. There's a lot of good info in here and tips on how to successfully kill a buck after you've found his bed. Especially on public land.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

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Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

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Instagram...

This week the guys are recording from the Illinois Deer Classic. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to talk, and to all our new listeners. Make sure you subscribe to see all our content!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

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Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Use...

On this Full Draw Friday, Austin and Canyon discuss what to do once you locate buck bedding areas.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: FULLDRAW for 10% off everything in your order

Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsllc/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TacticalApproachOutdoors

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through...

This week we come to you from the Iowa Deer Classic in Des Moines, IA. This is always one of our favorite events of the year. We always enjoy talking to everyone and seeing all the great companies and products.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Use...

On this episode of Full Draw Friday, Austin and Canyon talk public land buck bedding. This will be a multiple part series, with this part one being about locating the bedding.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: FULLDRAW for 10% off everything in your order

Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsllc/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TacticalApproachOutdoors

...

This week, Canyon tells you about all the changes coming to Ridge Hunter Outdoors. We'll be bringing you some new content, moving things around on YouTube, and bringing on a co-host for Full Draw Friday. You'll also get to see some new and familiar faces on the channel as we move forward! Thanks for following along!

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Meet your new co-host of Full Draw Fridays Austin Stone! Austin has been a frequent guest on the podcast over the years and we've now teamed up with him and Tactical Approach Outdoors to bring you a new and improved version of Full Draw Friday! Hope you guys enjoy it!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise: Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: FULLDRAW for 10% off everything in your order

Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

Instagram - https://www.instagram...

This week Tyler and Canyon sit down in the new studio to talk about the past waterfowl season, the upcoming turkey season, and much more. You guys know Tyler from Spring Struttin' and you'll likely get to know him even more very soon!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

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For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact...

Drew Kazenski is the Chair of the Illinois Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. He joins us this week to update everyone on what BHA has going on, how you can help, and much more. We talked about stream access in relation to HB 1873, the Lake Shelbyville Archery Park, and Drew's adventures this past fall.

For more info on Drew and BHA you can listen to episodes 93 and 126

For more on BHA:

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/

https://www.facebook.com/backcountryhunters

https://www.instagram.com/il_bha/

The Illinois S3DA sanctions archery competitions throughout the country, giving kids the opportunity to compete in the sport of archery. This can open a lot of doors for the participants, including chances at college scholarships.

Steve has been the Illinois State Coordinator since we've been working with the organization. He is stepping down from the position though and turning it over to Josh White. We got to talk to both of them at this year's Indoor State shoot.

We also talked about the legitimacy of national deer research and studies, as well as how...

On this Friday episode, Canyon discusses a new table released by the MSU Deer Lab. While their intention was to show correlation between temperature and movement, it also shows some interesting insight into just how much bucks are moving in primetime throughout the season. What do you think?

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With the season over, it's time for the annual End of Season Campfire episodes. The guys sit down and talk about the season, the bucks they killed, some they didn't, and a lot more. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

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For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.<...

On this episode of Full Draw Friday, Canyon talks about post-season scouting. He talks what to look for and how to factor it in to your plan for next year. Consistently killing mature bucks is a year-round game, so get out there and get started on next season!

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Austin Stone is the man behind Tactical Approach Outdoors. When he's not laying the hammer on giant public land bucks in Missouri and Kansas, he spends his time managing and consulting on hunting properties, teaching webinars and whitetail workshops, and creating awesome content on YouTube.

This week we talked about his 2024 public land buck, how the hunt went down, what he thought were the biggest keys to harvesting the buck, and much more. We learn something every time we talk to Austin and hopefully you guys do too.

For more on Austin:

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Use Flambeau Outdoors hunting, fishing, and weapons storage products from https://www.flambeauoutdoors.com/

Submit questions or comments to:

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On this Full Draw Friday, in light of the recent snowstorms in Illinois, Canyon talks about ways you can be successful hunting in heavy snowfall. It might give you a better opportunity than you think to kill a nice buck. The biggest challenge might be just getting to the woods.

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Nelson Grant is a Sheriff's Deputy in the Flathead Valley of Montana. He's also an accomplished deer and elk hunter, a mountain sport aficionado, and all around good dude. We got to talk to him this week about his upbringing in Maine hunting whitetails, introducing kids to hunting, being in law enforcement in several different capacities, learning how to hunt elk, and much more.

Follow Nelson:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grant_jp/

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