Before the Echo

I’m done hunting deer like everyone else.

It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing — the newest tactics, the perfect setups, the latest gear, and the idea that there’s only one “right” way to hunt mature bucks.

But this season, I’m changing my approach.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I talk about why I’m simplifying the way I hunt, trusting what I’ve learned through experience, and making decisions based on what’s actually happening i...

What does a successful deer season actually look like?

For most deer hunters, the obvious answer is killing a big buck. But if that's the only way we measure success, we can do almost everything right for an entire season and still walk away feeling like we failed.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I’m sitting down to talk about my goals for this deer season—and why I think setting the RIGHT goals can completely change the way we hunt.

We’re tal...

John 18 takes us into one of the darkest nights in the Gospel of John—but through every moment, we see that Jesus is still completely in control.In this episode of Rooted & Raised, we walk through John 18 together, beginning with Jesus’ arrest in the garden and the incredible moment when the soldiers step back and fall to the ground after He says, “I am He.”We also look at Peter’s attempt to defend Jesus with a sword, Peter’s three denials, Jesus’ questioning before the high priest, and His powerful conversation with Pilate about His Kingdom and the truth.There’s...

What would you do if you woke up tomorrow and EVERY hunting spot you had was gone?

No permission. No familiar public-land spots. No backup property. You’re starting completely from ZERO.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I’m breaking down exactly what I would do to find new places to hunt and still have a successful deer season. We’ll talk about finding overlooked public land, knocking on doors for permission, using your network, scouting new ground quickly, and why learning how to FIND good hunting spots...

After years of deer hunting, I’ve realized that some of the advice I once treated like gospel probably made hunting harder than it needed to be.In this episode of Before the Echo, I’m breaking down 10 things I wish I knew earlier about deer hunting—from hunting pressure and wind direction to gear, stand locations, mature bucks, and waiting for the “perfect” conditions.Some of these are lessons I learned the hard way.The biggest takeaway? There are very few absolute rules in deer hunting. What works on one property, for one hunter, or for one buck might be c...

GEAR FROM THIS VIDEOSome links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.🔪 KNIVES & TOOLSPremium Leathermanhttps://link.amazon/B0fUnSui0Cheaper Leathermanhttps://link.amazon/B0iWSW3MjESEE Izula Fixed Bladehttps://link.amazon/B09Eq5sduBoning Knifehttps://link.amazon/B0dm9rqDXHavalon Replacement Blade Knifehttps://link.amazon/B06IZundLARS Small Sawhttps://link.amazon/B01WSd726🎥 CAMERAS & AUDIODJI Action 6https://link.amazon/B05paXXMWCheaper DJI Action 5https://link.amazon/B0i1PkJA9DJI Michttps://link.amazon/B0bGa3...

Most deer hunters know how to spot a big rub, a giant scrape, or a heavily used trail—but some of the most important deer sign is the stuff hunters walk right past.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I break down the subtle clues I pay attention to when scouting and hunting whitetails. We’re talking about lone buck tracks, faint secondary trails, small rubs in the right places, overlooked bedding, vegetation changes, browse, staging areas, and even what the absence of sign can tell you.

The goal...

Nobody Wants to Admit This About Deer Hunting…

Deer hunting has a way of exposing the truth. We can spend all year talking about strategies, gear, mature bucks, public land, and what we're going to do differently—but once the season gets here, things don't always go according to plan.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I’m talking about some of the uncomfortable truths that deer hunters don't always want to admit. The mistakes we make, the excuses we tell ourselves, and the things that actually matter when i...

What if one of the biggest advantages in deer hunting has nothing to do with scouting, wind, thermals, or the latest piece of gear?

In this episode of Before the Echo, I’m talking about something that rarely gets discussed: COMFORT.

We’ve almost glorified being miserable as deer hunters. Freezing feet, aching backs, uncomfortable stands, soaked clothing — somehow we’ve convinced ourselves that suffering makes us better hunters.

But does it?

I believe being comfortable can actually make you a mo...

STOP LYING TO YOURSELF.Sometimes the biggest thing holding us back isn’t our circumstances, other people, or a lack of opportunity — it’s the stories we keep telling ourselves.In this episode of the Before the Echo Podcast, I’m talking about being honest with yourself, taking responsibility, and recognizing the excuses that keep you from becoming the person you know you can be.Whether it’s hunting, work, family, faith, fitness, or life in general, eventually you have to stop making excuses and start making changes.If something in this episode hits home, drop a comment below. I’d love t...

What was on Jesus’ heart just hours before He was arrested and crucified?In John 17, we get an incredible look into one of the most personal prayers Jesus ever prayed. He prays for Himself, for His disciples, and then He looks ahead and prays for those who would one day believe through their message — including us.In this episode of the Rooted & Raised Podcast, we walk through John 17 and talk about what Jesus’ prayer teaches us about eternal life, living in the world without becoming like the world, being sanctified by truth, Christian unity, and what Jesus ultimately desires for Hi...

🦌 My Complete Mobile Hunting Setup for 2026

Here’s the gear I’m running for my mobile whitetail hunting setup this season:

Climbing Sticks — Latitude Carbon SS Climbing Sticks

https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/products/carbon-synergy-climbing-sticks

Platform — Latitude Profile Saddle Platform

https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/products/profile-saddle-platform

Pack — Latitude Flyer Pack

https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/products/flyer-pack

🔥 Use code “BTE” at Latitude Outdoors to save some cash!

Pull-Up Rope —...

This year, I’m changing the way I deer hunt.

After years of chasing mature bucks, scouting, running cameras, trying new gear, and constantly looking for the next piece of information, I’ve realized that sometimes becoming a better hunter isn’t about doing more—it’s about knowing when to do less.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I break down what I’m doing differently this deer season. I talk about putting less pressure on my best spots, trusting my instincts, being more calculated with my decisions, a...

In this episode of Before the Echo, I sit down with Robert Carter, a traditional bowhunter with an incredible 50 years of hunting experience with a traditional bow.Robert has spent five decades learning lessons that simply can’t be picked up from watching a few videos or reading a book. We talk about traditional bowhunting, woodsmanship, getting close to animals, lessons learned through years of successes and failures, and how hunting has changed over the last 50 years.If you’re a traditional bowhunter—or just someone who wants to become a better, more knowledgeable hunter—there’s a lot to take aw...

Follow Before the Echo on Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/beforetheechohunting/Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEUun2B14oDuAdhWJoSEtA/joinSupport the podcast by supporting my partners!Visit Latitude Outdoors for all you saddle hunting gear.https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/ Code "BTE" will save you 15% off! @latitudeoutdoors ASIO Gear (CODE Echo15 to Save 15%)http://www.asiogear.com/?utm_source=bte @ASIOgear Stealth Outdoorshttps://www.stealthoutdoors.com/Use the Code "BTE10" to save 10% @StealthOutdoors Razor Broadheadsvisit www.razorbroadheads.com and use code "BTE" to save 20%!Follow them on instagram https://www.instagram.com/ra...

Jake Bush is back on the podcast, and this time we’re diving into a brand-new way he is scouting and hunting mature bucks.

Jake has built a reputation for consistently finding and killing mature whitetails, but his approach continues to evolve. In this episode, we break down how he’s changing the way he scouts, how he identifies the areas that deserve his attention, and how he turns that information into opportunities on mature bucks.

If you enjoy learning how successful hunters actually break down ground and make decisions in the woods, this is an e...

Follow Before the Echo on Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/beforetheechohunting/Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEUun2B14oDuAdhWJoSEtA/joinSupport the podcast by supporting my partners!Visit Latitude Outdoors for all you saddle hunting gear.https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/ Code "BTE" will save you 15% off! @latitudeoutdoors ASIO Gear (CODE Echo15 to Save 15%)http://www.asiogear.com/?utm_source=bte @ASIOgear Stealth Outdoorshttps://www.stealthoutdoors.com/Use the Code "BTE10" to save 10% @StealthOutdoors Razor Broadheadsvisit www.razorbroadheads.com and use code "BTE" to save 20%!Follow them on instagram https://www.instagram.com/ra...

Bow prices have gotten pretty wild over the last few years. Once you add a flagship bow, sight, rest, stabilizer, quiver, and everything else, it’s pretty easy to end up with $3,000+ hanging in your hand.But does spending that kind of money actually make you a better bowhunter?In this episode of Before the Echo, I break down what you're really getting when you spend big money on a compound bow, where I think premium equipment actually matters, and where the average deer hunter might be better off saving his money.At the end of the day, deer do...

Are you scouting too much?

As deer season gets closer, it’s easy to feel like you need to keep checking cameras, looking for fresh sign, moving stands, trimming shooting lanes, and making one more trip into your best spots.

But at some point, scouting stops helping you and starts hurting you.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I talk about why sometimes the best thing you can do for your best hunting spot is simply leave it alone.

...

What started as a citation on a public wildlife area turned into something much bigger.

In this episode, Derek Norwood shares the full story of what happened, why he believed the ticket was unjustified, how the citation was eventually dismissed, and how the entire situation led to changes in the way the wildlife area is patrolled today.

Whether you hunt public land every season or are just getting started, this conversation highlights why knowing the regulations, standing up for what's right, and treating conservation officers with respect can make...

Has the hunting industry convinced us that we need more gear...or have we forgotten what actually makes a great deer hunter?

In this episode, I share some thoughts that honestly could cost me a few dollars. After years of working with hunting companies, testing products, and spending countless hours in the woods, I've come to one conclusion:

We've started confusing buying gear with becoming better hunters.

This isn't an attack on the hunting industry. There are incredible companies building products that make hunting...

In this episode of the Rooted & Raised Podcast, we dive into one of the most hope-filled chapters in the entire Bible—John 14.Just hours before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples words of comfort, hope, and promise that continue to encourage believers today. Together, we discuss what it means when Jesus says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled," why He declared "I am the way, the truth, and the life," the promise of the Holy Spirit, and how these truths should shape the way we live every day.Whether you're reading through the Gospel of John fo...

Whether you're planning your first out-of-state hunt or you've been traveling to chase public land bucks for years, this conversation is packed with practical advice that can help you hunt smarter.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I'm joined by Tony Peterson of MeatEater to discuss the biggest mistakes hunters make when traveling to hunt. We dive into scouting unfamiliar ground, avoiding common pitfalls, finding success on public land, adapting to new areas, and developing the mindset that consistently puts more mature bucks within bow range.

If you're serious about becoming a better whitetail...

Follow Brett Here:📸 Instagram: @whitetaillandmanagement▶️ YouTube: Whitetail Land ManagementWhat a Whitetail Consultant Wants Every Hunter to HearIn this episode of Before the Echo, I sit down with whitetail land consultant Brett Smith for an honest conversation about deer hunting, managing expectations, and the mindset that can make—or break—your success in the woods.Rather than chasing trends or repeating what everyone else says, Brett shares the lessons he's learned from working with hunters across the country. We talk about the realities of hunting, the importance of enjoying the process, and why some of the best advice isn't always the most po...

Follow Before the Echo on Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/beforetheechohunting/Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEUun2B14oDuAdhWJoSEtA/joinSupport the podcast by supporting my partners!Visit Latitude Outdoors for all you saddle hunting gear.https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/ Code "BTE" will save you 15% off! @latitudeoutdoors ASIO Gear (CODE Echo15 to Save 15%)http://www.asiogear.com/?utm_source=bte @ASIOgear Stealth Outdoorshttps://www.stealthoutdoors.com/Use the Code "BTE10" to save 10% @StealthOutdoors Razor Broadheadsvisit www.razorbroadheads.com and use code "BTE" to save 20%!Follow them on instagram https://www.instagram.com/ra...

Has our obsession with giant antlers changed hunting for the worse?In this episode, we dive into one of the most controversial topics in deer hunting today. We're not arguing against chasing mature bucks—we love it too. But somewhere along the way, social media, YouTube, and trophy culture have started changing how hunters treat each other.We discuss:Why hunters are losing friendships over deer.Whether social media has made hunting more toxic.The pressure to kill a "big one" every season.Why likes and inches don't define a successful hunter.Public land vs. private land debates.Why ev...

Most hunters spend countless hours shooting their bow, buying new gear, and watching hunting videos. But are those the skills that actually lead to consistently killing mature bucks?

In this solo episode of Before the Echo, I break down the skills I believe truly separate great deer hunters from everyone else. From observation and decision-making to reading sign, adaptability, emotional control, and learning from failure, we'll discuss the habits that have had the biggest impact on my own hunting over the years.

Whether you're getting ready for opening day or simply looking to become a...

Everyone has hunting advice... but not all of it will help you kill more deer.

In this episode of Before the Echo, I'm talking about some of the most common advice shared across YouTube, podcasts, and social media—and why following it without thinking can actually make you a worse hunter.

This isn't about calling anyone out. Many of the hunters featured have forgotten more about deer hunting than I'll ever know. The point is that every successful hunter has built a system around their experiences, their ground, and th...

For years, Dan Infalt has been one of the most respected public land whitetail hunters in the country. In this episode of Before the Echo, we dive inside Dan's mindset to discuss how he consistently finds mature bucks on heavily hunted public land.We cover scouting, habitat, access, hunting pressure, decision-making, mistakes hunters make, and the lessons Dan has learned after decades of chasing mature whitetails. Whether you're a seasoned deer hunter or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insights that can help you become a better hunter.Topics we cover:Dan's approach to finding mature bucksPublic...

Have you ever looked back on your deer hunting journey and realized you no longer believe the things you once swore by?In this episode of Before the Echo, I share the biggest ways my thinking about deer hunting has changed over the years. From scouting and hunting pressure to wind, gear, and chasing mature bucks, experience has taught me lessons I never expected. Some of these opinions completely contradict what I believed when I first started—and they may challenge the way you think too.Whether you're a new hunter or you've been chasing whitetails for decades, I ho...

Most hunters spend their time trying to copy what everyone else is doing. Josh from The Untamed has built a reputation by doing the exact opposite.In this episode of Before the Echo, we sit down with Josh to talk about why he hunts differently, the hunting "rules" he ignores, and how independent thinking has helped him consistently find success. We dive into public land strategy, mature bucks, common hunting myths, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop following the crowd and start trusting your own instincts.Whether you're just getting started or you've been...

Most hunters spend years chasing mature bucks, convinced there's a secret formula to consistently killing giants. But after years of hunting public land, following blood trails, making mistakes, and talking with hunters who get it done year after year, I've learned something different.

In this episode, we're talking about the truths that don't get discussed enough. Some of these lessons might challenge what you've always believed, but they've made me a better deer hunter.

Topics we cover:

• Why big bucks aren't always the smartest deer.

• How...

Thousands of blood trails. Thousands of recoveries. What can they teach us about finding wounded deer?

In this episode of Before the Echo, I'm joined by Shane Simpson to dive into the incredible data being collected through the TRAKR App and how it's changing the way hunters think about shot placement, blood trailing, wait times, and recovering wounded deer.

We discuss:

What thousands of real-world blood trails are revealing

The biggest mistakes hunters make after the shot

Common myths about wounded deer behavior

When to track and...

Welcome back to the Before the Echo Podcast!This week we're diving into something that might ruffle a few feathers...Everything I Ignore That Most Public Land Hunters Obsess Over.There are countless things hunters spend hours worrying about—moon phases, scent control, weather apps, access routes, trail cameras, and more. But after years of chasing mature bucks on public land, I've learned that not everything deserves your time and attention.In this episode, I break down:The hunting trends I intentionally ignore.Why simplifying your approach can make you a more consistent hunter.What I choose to focus on...

Crossbows have become one of the most divisive topics in the hunting community. But after reading hundreds of comments and having countless conversations, I've come to realize that hunters aren't really fighting about crossbows.

They're fighting about challenge.

They're fighting about identity.

They're fighting about what hunting means to them.

In this episode, I dive into the real reasons hunters turn on each other over equipment choices and why these conversations often become much bigger than the gear itself...

Follow Fletcher and check out Solid Rock Targets:🌐 https://www.solidrocktargets.com/category/all-productsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/solidrocktargets/Why do some deer hunters celebrate success while others seem to resent it? In this episode of Before the Echo, I sit down with Fletcher Shaw to talk about a topic that doesn't get discussed enough—why successful hunters often face criticism from within the hunting community itself.We dive into the culture of deer hunting, the backlash that can come with shooting mature bucks, and why social media has changed the way hunters view one another. Fletcher also shares his j...

In this episode of Before the Echo, we're joined by the marketing director Cameron Derr from Hawke Optics to break down one of the most important—but often misunderstood—parts of a hunter's setup: optics.We dive into Hawke's entire lineup, from budget-friendly options for new hunters to premium glass built for serious whitetail, western, and long-range hunters. If you've ever wondered how much you should spend on binoculars, a riflescope, or a rangefinder, this episode is for you.We discuss:• What separates entry-level optics from premium optics• When spending more money actually matters• The biggest optics mistakes hunters make• Choo...

Could Oregon become the first state to effectively ban hunting, fishing, and trapping?

In this episode of Before the Echo, I break down Oregon Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), also known as the PEACE Act. Supporters say the proposal is about expanding animal protections, while opponents argue it would remove legal exemptions that currently protect hunting, fishing, trapping, farming, livestock production, and other activities under Oregon's animal cruelty statutes.

We discuss:

• What IP28 actually says

• Why hunters across America are paying attention

• The 12...

The Counterintuitive Path to Following Jesus | John 12 Bible StudyIn this episode of the Rooted & Raised Podcast, we dive into John 12 and explore one of the most challenging truths Jesus ever taught:"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." – John 12:24The world tells us to chase comfort, success, and self-preservation. Jesus teaches the exact opposite. In John 12, we see Mary's extravagant worship, Jesus' triumphal entry, and His call for believers to surrender their lives in order to truly live.In This Episode:✔️ Why Mary poured out ex...

What if becoming a better hunter isn't about doing more—but doing less?

In this episode of Before the Echo, I break down 15 things I stopped doing over the years that ultimately made me a more successful and consistent deer hunter. From over-hunting good spots and chasing every new trend to buying gear I didn't need and ignoring access routes, these are real lessons learned through trial, error, and plenty of mistakes.

Whether you're a new hunter trying to shorten the learning curve or a seasoned hunter looking to sharpen your approach this fall, I th...