The Obsession Podcast
This is a podcast for the obsessed, and life changing habits needed to take deer with a bow every season! We talk about the techniques that we have used over the last twenty five plus years to take great bucks on film with bows. We will give you information on land layouts, tips like mock scrapes, food plotting, timberstand improvement. Things we have used to take well over two hundred plus deer on film over the years. We came up with this idea to help everyone become a more effective hunter, and to help boost your success in the woods...
Deer gun season starts & Wi DNR puts out deer #'s in the state s4e48
Deer gun season starts and the Wisconsin DNR puts out deer #'s in the state. Well its gun season here in Wisconsin. We wish everyone good luck and be safe out there. The guys are heading to North Dakota to chase whitetail with a bow. But before they left that talk about the crazy number the Wisconsin DNR says we have for deer they also hit on gun deer season in our state. Expectations and thoughts for success. Besafe and we appreciate each of you. Good luck. #theobsessionpodcast #deerhunting #bowhunting #huntingseason #huntinglife #deerseason #huntingtips #whitetail #whitetailhunting #huntingtips #iminthewoodswhereareyou #strengthinthehuntpowerinthegrind<...
Lockdown now what? Tactics for Success S4E47
Lockdown now what? Tactics for Success. Well if you still have a tag it is a time consuming sit for the next week or so. That said there are a few tactics Mike and Karl use for success over this time and the guys hit on them in the podcast. These are what the guys use to raise the odds in their favor over this timespan. Thanks for watching and like always we appreciate your time. Good luck out there. General "lockdown" deer hunting strategies often include: Patience and persistence: As mentioned in the prompt, it can be a...
Lockdown and late rut hunting tips for success Nov 9th to Nov 16th The Obsession Podcast s4e46
Lockdown and late rut hunting tips for success Nov 9th to Nov 16th We are getting into the Lockdown and things are starting to get tough. Here are a few tactics that we use for success on bucks over this time span. Mike and Karl talk about the things that they have used over the years if they have not filled thier tags at this time yet. With many of the bucks taken already, and all of the pressure that the deer have had over the last few weeks, and with the lockdown in full swing oppurtunities are less...
Rut Hunting Tips & Techniques For Buck Success Nov 2nd to Nov 9th The Obsession Podcast s4e45
Rut Hunitng tips and techniques for buck success Nov 2nd to Nov 9th. Now the rut is in full swing and maybe past the middle of the seeking phase in most northern states. Its lock down time or is it. Karl and Mike discuss the tactics they will be using if they have still not filled their tag yet here in Wisconsin. The guys hit on locations to hunt the bigger bucks in your area what to expect to see nad maybe a few ideas on how to change your luck if things are getting tough. Remember depending on...
Rut tactics for Big Bucks Oct 26th to Nov 2nd The Obsession Podcast S4E44
Rut tactics for big bucks Oct 26th to Nov 2nd. Tactics for hunting bucks oct 19th to oct 26th tips & more. Between October 26 and November 2, bucks are in the early seeking phase of the rut, transitioning from their late-October patterns to actively searching for the first does coming into heat. Bucks will be restless, their testosterone levels are rising, and they are moving more in daylight, making this a prime time for hunters. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the rut. Its one of...
Tips and Tactics for hunting bucks Oct 19th to 26th The Obsession Podcast s4e43
Tactics for hunting bucks oct 19th to oct 26th tips & more. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the heavy prerut rut. Its one of the best weeks to hunt these bucks using these prerut tactics. Mike and Karl talk about what they are pulling out of the bag this next week weather permitting. Later in the week its time to get the horns, the calls and the decoys into play coming the end of this week. But first remember we still have to play...
Tactics for hunting bucks oct 12th to oct 19th tips & more the obsession podcast s4e42
Tactics for hunting bucks oct 12th to oct 19th tips & more. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the prerut. This is a exciting time don't blow your chances for later in the season by making a bad mistake. the guys talk about the do's and don'ts for this next week as we inch closer to the prerut action coming soon for the best chances to take a giant later this month. Target acorns: Mid-October can be a "lull" because deer shift their focus from...
The Three Best Tactics For You This Year To Take A Great Buck s4 e41
The Three Best Tactics For You This Year To Take A Great Buck. Karl and Mike are asked what are the three best tactics they use to take big bucks each year. The guys talk about what they have been most successful doing over the last 30 yrs almost while shooting good bucks each season. Karl also brings up the one thing they avoid using like the plague! So checkout this short podcast and maybe catch a couple tips to help you shoot the big buck on your hunting spots this fall!
Major cold front hunt tips for oct 6th to oct 11th Obsession Podcast S4E40
The First Major cold front is hitting right now! These are some tips for oct 6th to oct 11th the first big cold front of the season is here. These are some of the main plans and tips for hunting this week Oct 6th to Oct 11th Good luck out there. Remember to Like and subscribe it sure will help us out. We appreciate each of you.
As Years go bye does your chances increase on big bucks how many years do you have? s4e39
For Mike and Karl, the number of years needed for success on mature bucks isn't about physical endurance but rather about accumulated knowledge and strategic adjustments as the body ages. While the physical demands of hunting can become more challenging with age, seasoned hunters often find that experience makes them more efficient, not less. Does success on mature deer come easier with age? Yes, in many ways. Mature bucks are the most difficult to hunt, but they also become more consistent in their behavior as they get older. The deep knowledge gained over decades of hunting helps experienced hunters...
The most challenging hunts for us and the biggest challenges on a hunt s4e38
The guys have been asked what is the biggest challenge for them when on a hunt! Then they answer the question on what is the most challenging hunt they do? Wow that is a wide open question. Mike and Karl lay out the challenges they see on each of the different hunts they go on. The demand mentally, and physically depending on what animal you are chancing varies from animal to animal. The mental game is one of the hardest for most to control the guys layout how they prep for each and show the success they have had...
Opening weekend bowhunting tactics for success s4e37
The guys are asked about opening weekend tactics for success here in Wisconsin. These rule apply to hunting anywhere in the Midwest for opening weekend. But over the years the guys have done very well early season here in Wisconsin some of the best bucks they have shot have been the first two weeks of bow season. Here are few of the tactics the guys use to be successful early in the season. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.
Hunting bucks based on past history s4e36
Hunting bucks based on historical data can be an effective strategy, as mature bucks tend to follow predictable travel patterns and use the same core areas year after year, provided the habitat remains unchanged. By documenting and analyzing past observations, you can identify high-probability ambush points for future hunts. Gathering historical data Trail camera photos: Log the date, time, weather conditions, and moon phase for every quality buck picture. Many hunting apps and modern camera systems provide analytics to show peak movement times and patterns based on these data points. Past sightings: Document every encounter you have from the...
Big Buck Hunting early Season S4E35
Jon from Wisconsin asks should you hunt in September and early October or wait till later and how do you guys hunt them if you are chasing the early? Thanks for the question Jon. The guys talk about the strategies they have used for early season success, and talk about the best times and places that they have had success over the last 30 yrs of bowhunting early season. What do you all do for the early season and do you push the locations to hunt these bucks? Leave a comment on the channel here and let us know what...
The top three addons needed for hunting success each year s4e28
The top three addons needed for hunting success each year. Bill from Illinois asked the guy what are the top addons for small properties for big buck success each and every year? Bill thinks it is food as it should be number one at all times. Well here are the top three addons the guy have clients concentrate on for excellent success each year, and why they say these three in this order. Karl and Mike base their own properties on these concepts in this order so they can take the biggest bucks in the area each year on...
Bowhunting equipment we will not use and why s4e33
Bowhunting equipment we will not use and why. The guys have been asked by Steven about what are the newest bowhunting equipment that is out that they will not be using this fall. Well here you go. Excessively feature-rich bows: While new bows are constantly evolving to be faster, quieter, and more dead-in-hand, some newer models might prioritize speed or specific features at the expense of a smooth draw cycle or a shorter, less forgiving brace height. A hunter might opt for a slightly older model that offers a better overall balance of attributes for their shooting style. Overly...
MSU deer lab study on weather effects & Deer Movement our thoughts and conclusions s4e27
The MSU deer lab study on weather effects & deer movement our thoughts and conclusions. Well you asked our thoughts on the findings from MSU, and the weather and how it effects the deer movement! You guys know we are huge on the weather and what it does positive, and negative to the deer movement. So here is the thoughts from us, and if we are going to change some of the ways we hunt due to the findings from MSU. We also hit on our findings and our success after following weather and fronts for success. Lets hear about...
What are the last days of intrusion before the season s4e31
The guys answer this question When is the last time you should be going in on your small parcel for success this fall in our eyes. We talk about why you should be letting your place rest a little before the season when and why. what do you think is the dates for success.
Do you make rules on your property, & then do you follow them s4e29
Do you make rules on your property, & then do you follow them? Well we do have our rules when it comes to hunting! Not only on our properties but in general here are a few of the rules we make for our selves. Yes we follow them to a tee its probably why we get along so well, and have been hunting together for over 25yrs this season. What do you guys have for rules on your places or when you go hunting? Or do you think rules are bad for hunting meaning size limits and so on? Let...
Which are you? Hunter or obsessed hunter s4e30
The guys are asked If there are two types of hunters and if so what is the difference? Karl, and Mike are not quite sure how to take this question everyone that hunts see themselves as a hardcore hunter we think. Here is our view on being a bowhunter, and these are the good and bad in our view of just being a hunter and what hunting seems to be turning into. Thanks for the question we appreciate each of you! Let us know your thoughts and what you think hunting is to you, and what it is turning...
The real %'s you shoot that giant buck that shows up on your small property s4e32
The real %'s you shoot that giant buck that shows up on your small property Hunting success rates for giant bucks on small properties are not easily quantified with exact percentages. However, several factors significantly impact the likelihood of success. Key factors affecting success Understanding Deer Behavior and Habitat: Recognizing that deer on smaller properties, especially trophy bucks, often utilize a larger surrounding area for their needs, including neighboring properties, is crucial. Therefore, understanding how your property fits into the local deer herd's movement patterns and habitat requirements is paramount. Habitat Improvements: While smaller properties may not offer everything...
Best shooting position from a treestand, and how best to improve as a bowhunter s4e26
Best shooting position from a treestand, and how best to improve as a bowhunter.
Setting up your property & plots to control buck movement s4e24
Setting up your property & plots to control buck movement. Karl and Mike discuss how to setup your food plots and small properties to be successful each year on some of the best bucks in your area. The guys discuss layouts that they have proven to work year after year for them on the best bucks in the areas the guys hunt. They end up hunting the top ten percent of the bucks in the area they have to hunt. The guys show you how they have been successful with these tactics. They hit on some of the things they...
Morning entrances in the dark are you just educating deer s4e23
Morning entrances in the dark are you just educating deer? Jason from Iowa asks the guys their views on morning entrance on small properties or any property in general. Are we just educating deer going in on your hunt in the dark. Well Jason Mike and Karl Discuss how they see the entrance in the dark for your hunt. They have many years of doing it so they tell you some of the things they have found of the years of bowhunting. We appreciate each of you remember to put your views in the comments right here on the...
Hunting deer on plots only Our thoughts s4e22
Hunting deer on plots only? One of our listeners was at a seminar and believes he heard a well known whitetail expert say you should only hunt deer on plots. Well this is our thoughts on the statement. The listener from Michigan may have misheard the information given or misinterpreted what was said. Karl and Mike discuss about the views that they have. How they lay their property and customers properties to hunt plots. Which plots to hunt and which plots not to hunt. When to hunt them and also when to leave them alone. Hunting plots smartly can...
Listener says trail cams are cheating our thoughts s4e21
Listener says trail cams are cheating! Well imagine that! Carl tells the guys that he believes that he thinks the use of trail cams is cheating for hunting?? Well the guys talk about their views on Carls statement. Mike and our Karl have some pretty strong views on the use and ability to use cameras as a hunting aid. So the guys talk about how they see things, and the proper use of cams, and other we guess hunting aids. What are your thoughts on cameras and camera use when hunting for animals. Be sure to let us and...
the importance of summer buck pics s4e25
The importance of summer buck pics? Skip asked the guys is it important for them to have pics of bucks on the property in the summer time, and what effects have they seen with buck pics over this summer time imagery? Karl and Mike discuss what they have found over the years when it comes to having bucks on your property at this time and if they think it is important to have these pics at this time. They both talk about the chances they have seen with being able to hunt these deer in the fall. Let us...
Our top property enhancements for buck success this fall s4e20
Ron from New York asks the guys what are the top property enhancements that they think you need for year one success on your new hunting spots. Well Karl and Mike layout how they go about laying out a new property and how they look at it when setting up your new place for year one success. The guys have a few things they think work the best for getting your place up and running for whitetails. We appreciate you checking out the show subscribe and like for more podcasts that come to you weekly. Have a great week...
Waterholes are they really a great addon and why s4e19
Waterholes are they really a great addon and why? Well Kevin asks the guy waterhole are they really worth the time and money as a addon on your hunting property. The guy explain their views on the water and hunting on in around it and even if it is worth the time and money to install it on your property. With 30 plus years of hunting under their belts each the guys have strong view on if water will actually help you kill a big buck on your hunting property. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you have a...
Morning and evening stands explained for success s4e18
Morning and evening stands explained for success. Mike and Karl discuss morning and evening stands locations how to decide which stand is morning and which are evening hunts. the guys also hit on the importance on having both on for property for success. Karl and Mike also talk about when to hunt each of these setups as they are very different when it comes to time of year, and when you should spend time in each. As always remember to subscribe to the channel we would appreciate that. We appreciate each of you checking out our show have a...
The real success rate on spot n stalk bowhunting on western game s4e17
Steve from New York asks the guys. What are the setups they use for success spot n stalk while hunting out west? Also what is the success rates while hunting on these DIY spot n stalk hunts that they go on? Well Steve Mike and Karl do a run down of the setups they use when hunting on these hunts. the Guy are very specific about the equipment they use and tell you what it is why it works and the reason they use these products on the hunts. The guys went straight to the states they hunt DNR...
Hunting does for better buck hunting this season on your property. s4e16
Hunting does for better buck hunting this season on your property. Doe hunting on small properties locations to hunt, and which does to hunt. Jesse asks the guys What are their thoughts on hunting does. Which does to take where to hunt them if not on your foodplots, When to take does and how they decide which ones they are going to shoot. Mike and Karl Talk about the rules they go by each season to make their buck hunting better during the season year after year. It matters which doe you shoot and which doe you do not...
Controlling antler genetics in your deer herd on small properties s4e15
Controlling antler genetics in your deer herd on small properties??? The guy are asked can you do anything to control the genetics on your small parcels? Should you attempt a antler based program on small parcels? Mike and Karl answer this question with simple facts that they have learned over the years when it comes to producing good bucks on their properties and others. The guys talk about what has worked and what hasn't, and the proven science that shows results in many areas of the whitetails range here in the United States. As always thanks for watching, and...
Mature buck bedding habits to help you this season s4e14
Mature buck bedding habits to help you this season. Calvin Asks the guys about mature buck bedding habits that might help him hunt big bucks on Public land this next season. Well Calvin the guys have seen some habits that you can sure count on. These are a few of the things we have seen over 30yrs of bowhunting good bucks each year. These will give you a hand up for hunting a buck this next season. Thanks for the question we appreciate you and everyone checking out the show. Have a great week!
Misconception of deer sign, and how it corresponds with deer size s4e12
Misconception of deer sign, and how it corresponds with deer size. Mike from Wisconsin asks the guys about deer sign, and can it really give you information on a individual buck? Also Mike asks the guys if they can use this sign to tell the size of a buck or if it is a certain individual to hunt. Mike and Karl discuss the main sign they see and how the unravel this sign for hunting the biggest bucks on their properties each year. The guys give some points out that will help you hunt the bigger bucks on your...
Wisconsin tag price increase views and thoughts s4e11
Wisconsin tag price increase for 2025 views and thoughts. Mike and Karl discuss the future hunting license increase in the state of Wisconsin, and the thoughts on what is good, and what is bad about the increase. What do you guys think about the price of tags in your state, and what about the the cost of hunting in general is it out pricing anyone yet? Let us know we want to hear your views. As always thanks for watching. We appreciate each of you.
Mature bucks verses younger buck travel route patterns do they differ s4e10
Mature bucks verses younger buck travel route patterns do they differ? Mark from Illinois asked the guy is there a difference between the way younger bucks and mature bucks travel? Mike and Karl along with good friend Bob Topp have differing opinions about this. They also discuss ambush points on the buck movement. Also how they decide and place these stands for success each season. As always thank you for watching, and have a great weekend.
Thoughts on TV hunts does it promote the truth s4 e9
Thoughts on TV hunts does it promote the truth? One of our listeners asked what we think of TV the hunting you see, and what does it really promote or does it even promote hunting as it really is in the world today. Well Mike and Karl talk about the TV world from when they did it, and how it has changed in the years since. the guys hit on key things to watch, and what they believe is the truth and your real chances of having the experiences you see on TV. Is it the truth you guys...
Hunting Ridges with short depth of cover s4e8
Hunting Ridges with short depth of cover. Thoughts on bedding locations and how deer act in these scenarios. Scott from Wisconsin one of our long time listeners asked the guys about hunting ridges with a short depth of cover meaning the ridge has food on top and bottom with only control of the food and land on top of the ridge. Mike and Karl have done some layouts with this scenario here in Wisconsin including their own properties. The guys talk about what they have seen, and learned with this layout. Its not a easy thing to do as...
Baiting ban in northern Wisconsin for CWD s4e7 movie
Mike and Karl sit down with Good friend Bob Topp and have a discussion on the baiting ban being added for a few of the counties in northern Wisconsin. The guys were asked by Keith what they thought on the baiting ban in some northern counties and if they thought it will effect the hunting in these areas. Also what they have seen in southern Wisconsin as they have been hunting in a CWD zone for many years now here in southern Wisconsin. Bob lives in the core of Wisconsin CWD hunting areas and has his points on what...