HuntStand Podcast

Should your whitetail food plots be centralized or spread throughout the property? In this episode of Deer Dirt, Bill Winke breaks down how food plot placement influences deer movement, hunting pressure, access, and overall property strategy. Both centralized and spread-out layouts can work, but each comes with unique tradeoffs. Bill explains how to think through your terrain, bedding areas, entry routes, wind direction, and long-term goals to create a food plot map that fits the way you hunt. Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an existing property, this episode will help you build a smarter, more effective...

After spending time with the new Savage 110 Carbon Hunter in the field, Will Cooper breaks down the features, design, and technology that set this rifle apart.In this episode of Geared For The Hunt, you'll learn about the rifle's carbon fiber-wrapped barrel, lightweight construction, AccuFit V2 system, AccuTrigger, and overall performance characteristics. Will shares his firsthand impressions and explains how these features can benefit hunters and precision shooters looking for a lightweight, accurate rifle platform.Whether you're researching your next hunting rifle or simply interested in modern firearm design and performance, this educational overview covers what makes the Savage 110...

Welcome to Season 4 of Deer Dirt with Bill Winke, now part of The HuntStand Podcast and available in an all-new video podcast format.

One of the most respected voices in whitetail hunting is back, bringing decades of experience in deer management, habitat improvement, hunting strategy, and mature buck behavior. Whether you own 20 acres or 2,000, Deer Dirt delivers practical, no-nonsense advice you can apply this season.

In Episode 1, Bill tackles one of the most common questions in deer hunting:

How many acres do you really need to consistently hunt and manage mature whitetails?

Looking for the best hunting gear storage system? In this episode of Geared for the Hunt, Will Cooper takes you inside his hunting garage for a complete walkthrough of the LEVRACK storage system and explains how he organizes everything from trail cameras and bows to packs, optics, saddles, clothing, and more. Whether you're building your dream hunting garage or simply trying to organize your gear before the season, this episode is packed with practical ideas to maximize storage, save space, and keep your equipment ready for every hunt. In this episode: LEVRACK hunting garage tour Hunting gear organization ideas ...

In the middle of an axis deer hunt in Texas, Will Cooper sits down with longtime friend Casey Sanford for a conversation straight from deer camp.The two discuss Casey's journey through the outdoor industry, his years guiding hunters across Texas, what makes axis deer such a unique and addictive animal to pursue, and how the ongoing hunt is unfolding as the rut begins to heat up. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com/fieldnotes/ ...

When it comes to hunting gear, having the right equipment is only half the battle. The other half? Having a reliable way to haul it, organize it, and keep it protected.

In this episode of Geared for the Hunt, Josh Dahlke takes a look at some of the latest gear storage solutions from Muddy Outdoors, including duffel bags, dry bags, collapsible totes, and other products designed to make life easier in the field and on the road.

From keeping your gear dry during unpredictable weather to organizing equipment for hunting trips, camping adventures, and everyday...

What makes a trail camera truly smarter? In this episode of Geared for the Hunt, Josh Dahlke takes a closer look at the latest technology coming from Stealth Cam for 2026. From smarter alerts and improved image filtering to advanced scouting tools designed to help hunters spend less time sorting photos and more time making informed decisions in the field, these updates are built with real hunters in mind. Josh breaks down how features like False Image Detection, Rack Alert, PIR Zone Selection, and updates to the Command app can help streamline your scouting strategy and keep you focused on...

Josh Dahlke sits down with Turkey POSSE members Pete Osterman and Branigan Weber after a 3-day marathon turkey hunt in Minnesota. The guys are in full zombie mode, feeling the sleep deprivation and dark-to-dark grind of 3 incredible days in the turkey woods. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com/fieldnotes/ GET SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntstand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntStand TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@huntstandofficial

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In episode 250 of the HuntStand Podcast, Tony Hudak joins the show. He's completed the turkey hunting “Super Slam” across 49 states—and he’s doing it all over again. One of the biggest reasons he’s been able to pull that off comes down to a mindset shift most hunters overlook: not just hunting turkeys in the spring, but targeting them in the fall.Tony breaks down how chasing birds outside of the traditional spring window opens up more opportunity, less pressure, and a completely different style of hunting. From locating flocks and breaking them up to calling them back in, fall t...

In this episode of the HuntStand Podcast, Will and Josh look back on their best turkey hunting stories from last spring and break down the moments that made the season unforgettable. From close calls and longbeards at full strut to the hunts that didn’t go as planned, they share real experiences from the field and the lessons that came with them. It’s a mix of storytelling, strategy, and the kind of memories that keep you coming back every spring. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNT...

When it comes to closing the distance on a fired-up gobbler, your decoy setup can make or break the hunt.In this episode of GEARED FOR THE HUNT, Will Cooper breaks down his go-to turkey decoy system featuring Avian-X turkey decoys and how he uses them in real hunting situations. From early season setups to high-pressure birds, Will walks through when to run aggressive spreads, when to keep it subtle, and how to position your decoys to pull gobblers into range.This isn’t just about what decoys to use—it’s about how and why they work. You’ll learn...

If you want to find more turkeys before the season even starts, it begins with how you e-scout.In this episode, Will Cooper and Josh Dahlke break down a proven e-scouting strategy for turkey hunting using tools inside the HuntStand app. From identifying key habitat and terrain features to locating roosting areas, travel corridors, and high-probability setup locations, this episode is built to help you show up with a plan instead of guessing.Whether you’re hunting new ground, public land, or trying to dial in a property you’ve struggled with, this conversation walks through exactly how to use...

Back in the studio, Will Cooper and Josh Dahlke sit down with Paul Campbell from the American Wild Turkey Historical Foundation for a deep dive into the history, culture, and legacy of the wild turkey. From the restoration of wild turkey populations across North America to the stories, artifacts, and traditions that shaped modern turkey hunting, this episode covers it all. Paul shares insight into how conservation efforts, passionate hunters, and organizations like the American Wild Turkey Historical Foundation have played a critical role in preserving one of America’s most iconic game birds. If you’re a serious turk...

Turkey season will expose your gear fast. In this episode of the HuntStand Podcast, Will Cooper breaks down his go-to Muddy TRX camo setup and the exact pieces he’s wearing in the turkey woods this spring. From lightweight pants built for covering ground to breathable layers that keep you comfortable when the action heats up, this is a real-world look at turkey hunting gear that actually performs. Whether you’re run-and-gun hunting or setting up on a stubborn longbeard, having the right camo system matters. If you’re looking for the best turkey hunting clothing, camo systems, and gear f...

We’re closing out the Turkey Hunting Special series with a bang as we hit the road with Roy Holdford and his Turkey Van Tour. From chasing gobbles across multiple states to living the run-and-gun lifestyle day in and day out, Roy breaks down what it takes to stay on birds all season long. This episode dives into the grind, the freedom, and the obsession that fuels turkey hunters—and what better way to wrap up the series than with a story that embodies it all. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www...

Join us for Episode 243 of the HuntStand Podcast as we sit down with Jeff Budz to talk about a true obsession—chasing the Grand Slam of wild turkeys.From Easterns to Osceolas, Rios to Merriam’s, Jeff dives into what fuels the addiction to traveling the country in pursuit of all four subspecies. We break down the challenges of each bird, the unique terrain and tactics required, and the mindset it takes to stay locked in when the grind gets real. Along the way, Jeff shares stories from the road, lessons learned from close calls and successes, and why the...

Step off the mainland and into one of the most unique turkey hunting experiences on earth. In this episode, we sit down with Jon Sabati to break down what it’s really like chasing gobblers in Hawaii. From volcanic terrain and unpredictable weather to birds that act nothing like their mainland counterparts, this conversation dives into the challenges, tactics, and surprises that make Hawaiian turkey hunting a true adventure. If you think you’ve seen it all in the turkey woods—think again. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtc...

Step into the history and heartbeat of modern turkey hunting with Rob Keck in this episode of the Turkey Hunting Special. From his start with the NWTF in 1978 to helping shape decades of wild turkey conservation, Rob walks through the milestones that built the foundation we benefit from today. We dive into the launch of the Wild Turkey Research Center, the rise of nationwide chapters, the impact of the Super Fund on habitat restoration, and the groundbreaking Target 2000 restocking efforts that helped restore turkey populations across the country. Rob also shares stories from the early days of the NWTF...

Go inside the big-picture strategy of wild turkey conservation with Ryan Boyer of the NWTF. In this episode, we break down how landscape-level habitat work, partnerships, and long-term planning are shaping the future of turkey populations—and what it means for hunters on the ground. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com/fieldnotes/ GET SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntstand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntStand TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@huntstandofficial

Go inside the Wild Turkey DNA Project with Mike Chamberlain and Phil Lavretsky as they break down how this groundbreaking research is uncovering the truth behind unusual plumage in wild turkeys. Launched in 2025, the project invites hunters to submit samples from birds with unique feather patterns to determine if they’re truly wild, hybrid (Heritage), or something else entirely. Now continuing through the 2026 season, this episode dives into how you can be part of the research—and what these findings could mean for the future of wild turkey conservation.Check out Wild Turkey DNA: https://wildturkeydna.com/ FOLLOW JOSH & WILL...

In this special episode recorded live at the NWTF Convention, Josh Dahlke sits down with elite turkey caller Hunter Wallis to talk about what it takes to become one of the best turkey callers in the country. From competition calling and mastering realistic turkey sounds to the discipline behind the craft, Hunter breaks down the path to becoming a legendary caller. Shortly after this podcast was recorded, Hunter Wallis went on to win the 2026 Grand National Calling Championship at the NWTF, cementing his place among the top turkey callers in the world. If you’re passionate about turkey hunting, tu...

Live from the NWTF Convention, Josh Dahlke sits down with Brian Lovett, longtime NWTF Grand National Calling Championships judge, to talk about what it takes to evaluate the best turkey callers in the world. From judging criteria and calling realism to what separates good callers from the elite, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at competitive turkey calling and the art of sounding like a real wild turkey. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com...

Recorded live at the NWTF Convention, Josh Dahlke sits down with Patrick Wightman of the National Wild Turkey Federation to talk about the new era of wild turkey research and what it means for the future of turkey hunting. If you care about the future of wild turkeys, conservation, and the role hunters play in protecting the resource, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Listen to the HuntStand Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and learn more about how science and conservation are shaping the future of turkey hunting. JOIN THE NWTF: https://your.nwtf.or...

Live from the NWTF Convention, Josh sits down with National Wild Turkey Federation CEO Kurt Dyroff for a broad, behind-the-scenes look at everything NWTF. From conservation and research to membership growth, leadership, habitat initiatives and the future vision of the organization, this episode covers the full scope of what the NWTF is doing to protect wild turkeys and preserve our hunting heritage. If you want to understand the mission, the impact, and where things are headed — this is the inside look you’ve been waiting for. JOIN THE NWTF: https://your.nwtf.org/members/membership/?action=member_information FOLLOW JOSH...

In this episode of GEARED FOR THE HUNT, Will Cooper checks in from deer camp to break down an all-in-one glassing and shooting system from Tricer Gear. From stabilizing your binos for long sits behind the glass to locking in rock-solid for the shot, Will walks through how this lightweight tripod setup simplifies your kit and maximizes efficiency in the field. If you’re looking to streamline your system without sacrificing stability, this one’s worth a listen. LEARN MORE HERE: https://tricer.com/ FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com...

Josh Dahlke checks in from Coues deer camp in Mexico to break down his full rifle setup and essential gear for chasing Coues deer in steep, glass-heavy country. From optics and packs to rifle configuration and must-have backcountry items, this is a no-fluff gear dump built for western rifle hunters looking to dial in their setup. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com/fieldnotes/ GET SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntstand/ Facebook: https://www...

Join Josh as he sits down with Beth from Savage Arms deep in Coues deer camp in Mexico on this episode of Geared For The Hunt. They break down the Next Generation Savage 110 rifle — why it’s a game changer for mountain hunting and precision gear you can trust. Whether you’re planning a Coues hunt or upgrading your mountain rifle, this conversation is loaded with real-world insight.

FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscr...

In this episode, Will Cooper sits down with Josh Jones — known to many as MFJJ and the voice behind Podium Archer — to talk about a life rooted in archery from the very start. Josh wasn’t just introduced to bows as a kid — he was fletching arrows at five years old. Raised inside the culture, around pro shops, bowhunters, and industry voices, his journey is one of growing up with archery woven into everyday life.

Josh shares how that early immersion shaped the way he sees the sport today, from craftsmanship and respect for the gear to the resp...

In this episode of Geared for the Hunt, Will Cooper sits in deer camp in Oklahoma breaking down the Muddy Outdoors Nucleus Heated Gear system and why it’s a game-changer for cold weather hunts. From late season whitetail sits to frigid mornings in the blind, Will walks through how Muddy’s battery-powered heated apparel keeps core temps up, focus sharp, and hunters in the stand longer when conditions get brutal. The Muddy Nucleus Heated Jacket, Vest, and Base Layers are built for serious hunters who refuse to let cold weather end their hunt early. Designed with durable outer mate...

This week on HuntStand: Geared for the Hunt, Josh dives into the all-new Avian X Ridge Runner Turkey Vest lineup — breaking down features, fit, and function for serious turkey hunters. From field-ready storage and ergonomic comfort to smart load-out options, Josh shares why the Ridge Runner series is changing the game for spring woods and long mornings after gobblers. Tune in for gear talk that’ll help you hunt harder and stay organized from roost to last light!

FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/will...

Live from Coues deer camp in the rugged mountains of Sonora, Mexico, Josh Dahlke joins a special crew to shine light on a divine piece of ground and the diminutive whitetails that call it home: Rancho Mababi. 

FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com/fieldnotes/ GET SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntstand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntStand TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@huntstandofficial

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LIVE from Oklahoma deer camp, Will Cooper and Josh Dahlke are kicked back inside the Kodiak Canvas lodge wall tent with the wood stove rolling, cold cups full of adult beverages, and a solid week in the woods behind them. The guys sit down with good buddy Justin Rackley to talk through a successful Oklahoma hunt, cold mornings, warm fires, and the kind of camp conversations that only happen once the tags are punched. No script, no rush — just stories, laughs, and reflections on why deer camp with good people never gets old, straight from the heart of camp on...

Will Cooper and Josh Dahlke are sitting outside at deer camp in Oklahoma, talking shop and running through the camp setup that’s keeping them dialed for a long week of chasing whitetails. No studio, just camp chairs, cold air, and a whole lot of gear scattered around.They get into the Kodiak Canvas 12x16 wall tent, the Joolca hot water heater, and all the little camp upgrades that make a big difference when you’re waking up early, sitting all day, and coming back cold and tired. From hot showers to dry gear and solid meals, this is the...

Josh Dahlke checks in live from Kentucky during the heart of the whitetail rut, joined by Josh Honeycutt, his dad, and his grandad. In this special three-generation conversation, they share stories of how deer hunting has evolved over the decades, the traditions that have stayed the same, and what the future of whitetail hunting looks like for the next generation.

FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com/fieldnotes/ GET SOCIAL: ...

Today is launch day for the all-new Bowtech Alliance and Alliance 33, and HuntStand is excited to officially announce our new partnership with Bowtech Archery as we kick off 2026. In this episode of the HuntStand Podcast, Will Cooper gives his first impressions of Bowtech’s next-generation hunting bow, built for balance, stability, and confidence when it matters most. The Alliance platform brings together Bowtech’s DeadLock tuning system, CenterMass balance, and the new GripLock adjustable grip into a lightweight, refined package that feels custom-fit the moment you draw it back. Will breaks down how the Alliance is built for both tigh...

Live from deer camp in Kansas, HuntStand Podcast host Will Cooper sits down with longtime friend Cody Butler to tell the story of one of the most unreal bow seasons ever experienced. Two bucks. Both over 180 inches. One season. 360+ inches of whitetail on the ground. Between late-season sits and cold Kansas nights, Cody walks through the moments that led to tagging two absolute giants, the highs and lows in between, and the quiet moments where you realize how little of this is actually in your control. Some seasons you grind. Some seasons you wait. And every once in a...

After a hard week chasing aoudad in the rugged country of West Texas, Will Cooper shares his first impressions of the Lathrop & Sons Custom Boot System — and it made an immediate impact. Built around a custom-mapped fit, the system delivers serious support, stability, and comfort in steep, rocky terrain. From long glassing sessions to aggressive climbs, Will noticed his feet stayed locked in with no hot spots or fatigue, even during long days in unforgiving country. These boots don’t feel like something you have to break in. They feel right from the start, which matters when every step coun...

After wrapping up an unforgettable aoudad hunt in the West Texas desert, Will Cooper breaks down the exact gear he relied on to make the trip a success. From rifles and optics to packs, boots, and camp essentials, Will walks through what worked, what mattered most in rugged desert terrain, and why each piece earned its place on this hunt.This episode is a practical, no-fluff gear dump straight from the field — covering what it takes to hunt steep mesas, navigate extreme temperature swings, and stay efficient in one of the most unforgiving landscapes in Texas. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Jo...

After an unforgettable week chasing aoudad in the West Texas desert, Will Cooper sits down with longtime friend and mentor Cody Roberts at Desert Ghost Distillery to wrap it all up. From successful hunts and hard miles on the mesas to campfire meals and conversations, the two reflect on what made this trip special.Will and Cody dive into the story behind Desert Ghost Distillery, Cody’s deep family ties to Marathon, Texas, and the legacy passed down from his great-great-grandfather. FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HU...

In this episode of THE SETUP, Will Cooper breaks down an unforgettable elk-hunting grind in the Colorado high country alongside U.S. Army World Class Athlete and World Elk Calling Champion, Jermaine Hodge. What started as a tough over-the-counter rifle tag quickly became a masterclass in reading terrain, adapting to pressure, and capitalizing on narrow windows of opportunity.

FOLLOW JOSH & WILL: Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh.j.dahlke/ Will: https://www.instagram.com/willtcooper/ DOWNLOAD HUNTSTAND https://www.huntstand.com/subscriptions/ HUNTSTAND FIELD NOTES https://www.huntstand.com/fieldnotes/ GET SOCIAL: Instagram: https...