The Watering Hole

On Episode 98 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf, Justin Zarr, and Ben Franson dive deep into the high-stakes world of October bowhunting. The crew recaps an action-packed weekend filled with heartbreaking close calls, including Todd blowing a stalk on a target buck down in his bedding area and Justin’s son navigating a high-pressure crossbow encounter. They share key insights on how early-season mistakes happen, how deer respond to pressure, and why late October remains one of the best times to catch mature whitetails on a predictable pattern.
             Ben breaks down his recent success filling freezer tags with double do...

In Episode 97 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf, Justin Zarr, and the crew kick things off by recounting a brutal early-season hunt ruined by relentless mosquito swarms and forgotten Thermacell units. The guys share the painful reality of sitting in a tree stand while getting eaten alive, setting up camera arms in the dark, and dealing with wild 55-degree temperature swings in October. They break down early-season strategies, trail camera setup blunders, and how unpredictable fall weather impacts buck movement across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois hunting properties.
   The conversation dives deep into current bowhunting trends and recent online vi...

In Episode 96 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf share humorous mishaps, gear insights, and tactical strategies from their opening-week hunts. They laugh over common hunter blunders, emphasize tree stand safety, and recount close calls with bucks and sudden coyote interference. The hosts also discuss gear modifications—including 3D-printed saddle accessories—the timing of ground blinds, and the debate over early October morning hunts. Finally, they analyze an incredible 260-inch buck taken in Iowa and offer advice on pacing oneself through changing weather fronts for the rest of the season. 

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Welcome to another episode of The Watering Hole! In this episode, host Justin Zarr and the crew dive into the mid-season shift as cooler fall weather and unpredictable rain move in. The team unpacks the distinct strategies and mindsets behind hunting in varying weather conditions, from dealing with rain-soaked days to navigating eastern wind patterns. Between lighthearted banter about missing tags, workplace etiquette, and animal behavior, the conversation highlights the real-world frustrations and triumphs every hunter experiences when stepping into the woods.  

     As the season progresses, the discussion shifts into tactical gear choices, comparing traditional tree stand setu...

In Episode 94 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf jump into the nitty-gritty details of preparing for the upcoming hunting season. The guys catch up on gear check-ins—from evaluating new clothing options like sun shirts to comparing notes on mobile saddle hunting setups, platforms, and climbing stick preferences. They walk through the step-by-step realities of packing gear into the woods, managing mobile platforms, and fine-tuning equipment like stealth strips and bow slings to optimize efficiency when in the tree.

   Beyond technical gear talk, the conversation covers late-season food plot strategies, planting clover and chic...

In Episode 93 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf unpack a wild Wisconsin hunting trip that Ben recently took. The duo dives straight into the unpredictable reality of the hunt, relaying Ben's story of an opening-morning nightmare where his buddies' crossbow limbs exploded, leaving him without a weapon for the rest of his trip. Between reminiscing about their early days in the woods, discussing the dedication required to brave thick swamps, and debating how age alters a hunter's perspective, Justin and Todd bring their signature humor and unfiltered banter to the table.  

The conversation t...

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, the guys get fired up as the 2026 deer hunting season officially kicks off. We break down the massive debate taking over Facebook regarding shot placement, early-season strategies, and why people want to push for 50-yard shots when they can't agree on a 30-yard hold.

Ben is officially on the hot seat as he prepares for opening weekend on Wisconsin public land. Will he get the team on the board first, or is he passing up 100-inch bucks to hold out for a monster? We also...

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole with hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf! In this episode, the guys kick things off by checking in on seasonal updates, including a recent fishing trip to Ontario, Canada, and a look at early deer hunting activity picking up across the region. From discussing the challenges of navigating thick forest burns to analyzing local velvet buck sightings and trail camera videos, Justin and Todd cover all the anticipation leading right up to the start of the season.

Later in the show, the hosts dive into pre-season preparations, food...

In this episode of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf jump into the reality of pre-season deer prep, trail camera strategies, and the inevitable highs and lows of target buck hunting. The guys break down a wild weekend story involving a target buck found dead off the road, discussing what it really takes to stay motivated when plans go sideways. From moving cameras to managing stand setups, they offer an unfiltered look at the grit and humor required during the late-summer hustle.

The conversation then shifts to some of the biggest controversies in the...

Welcome back to The Watering Hole with Justin Zarr and Todd Graf! In Episode 89, the guys get super hyped as hunting season approaches. They dive deep into all things food plots—sharing personal stories from the field, including a hilarious mishap involving forgotten rakes, and discussing how recent soaking rains have been a game-changer for early germination. Justin and Todd also talk timing, soil prep, and the essential role of nitrogen and urea in getting those fall brassica plots looking like lush green carpets.

  Later in the show, the conversation shifts to gear, archery setups, and the ann...

In episode 88 of The Watering Hole, the crew sits down with special guests Justin Spring and Dylan Ray from the Pope and Young Club to dive into the past, present, and future of bowhunting. While many hunters immediately think of the record book and official scoring when they hear Pope and Young, this conversation goes far beyond trophy measurements. The guys explore the shift in how modern hunters document their harvests—from physical record books to social media—and why preserving the official history and validity of bowhunting remains just as critical today as it was when the organization was...

In Episode 87 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf kick things off by counting down the final two months until hunting season begins. The guys dive into the thrill of early morning trail camera alerts, catching big bucks on live feeds, and how technology—and local baiting laws—have changed the scouting game compared to the "good old days". They also reflect on how early white oak acorns and apple trees are currently driving deer movement ahead of the fall push. 

 Later in the episode, Justin and Todd gear up for the upcoming season by bre...

In this episode of The Watering Hole podcast, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf dive into late-summer whitetail prep, property maintenance, and off-season scouting strategies. After a lighthearted chat about woodland poison ivy, summer humidity, and personal hygiene habits, the hosts pivot to the practical work required before bowhunting season arrives. Justin details his hands-on field prep, including spraying micro kill plots, clearing thick trail brush with mini skid steers and hand saws, and repositioning tree stands to better account for wind direction and thermal movement.

  The conversation also covers recent trips to Iowa, reflecting on everything f...

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole with hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr! In Episode 85, the guys sit down to chat about navigating the brutal summer weather, featuring a candid conversation on wildfire smoke, air quality alerts, and extreme heat. They dive into how these conditions impact scent control and deer movement ahead of hunting season, alongside a casual banter session covering sports—from the Tour de France and professional golf to their hilarious takes on soccer and its evolving popularity.

  The conversation shifts to summer land management and fishing success. Todd and Justin bre...

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Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole! In episode 84, hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr are looking forward to a bit of a breather as baseball season slows down, giving them a few precious weekends before August 15th to tackle trail camera planting and deer scouting before football entirely takes over their schedules. The team dives deep into the upcoming season, sharing their strategic hopes of tracking down some big deer. They also catch up on the long-standing community built around their website's forum.  

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole! In episode 83, we are counting down the days as we get closer and closer to hunting season. In this episode, we break down our latest trail camera setups, comparing the old-school days of checking traditional SD cards against the game-changing AI software and "rack alerts" on newer wireless models. Whether you are dealing with a swarm of mosquitoes out in the woods or just trying to keep your gear organized, we talk about the reality of getting cameras out early and what it takes to track that mature buck you've...

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole! In episode 82, the guys are talking all about summer prep, shifting strategies, and the wild world of hunting draws. With July finally here, it's time to shake off the wimp status and get those trail cameras out into the woods where they belong. The crew dives deep into a massive reality check regarding the shifting draw odds, point creep, and non-resident tag allocations in states like Iowa and Illinois. They break down the real stats of what it takes to actually secure a tag nowadays, using Todd's recent drawing success...

Welcome to The Watering Hole, the ultimate podcast destination for hunting enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and anyone who appreciates raw, unscripted camaraderie! Hosted by seasoned hunters and outdoor industry fixtures Justin Zarr and Todd Graf, this show pulls up a stool at nature’s favorite gathering spot to serve up genuine conversations. From swapping legendary tracking stories to dissecting the intricacies of whitetail deer migration patterns, trail camera strategies, and optimal gear setups, Justin and Todd provide an authentic look into the modern hunter’s lifestyle. Whether they are laughing over a classic hunting camp disaccord or calling on viewers to h...

Welcome back to The Watering Hole with your hosts, Justin Zarr and Todd Graf! In this episode, the guys take a hilarious trip down memory lane as they look back at highlights and outtakes from their early hunting days. From analyzing how young and awkward they were 16 years ago to laughing at their old studio camera work, Justin and Todd reflect on how much has changed since season one. They also dive into a funny debate about some of the most bizarre hunting gimmicks from back in the day, including activated carbon Covid-style masks, alfalfa honey gum, and a...

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole! In Episode 79, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf kick things off with some major breaking news: Todd officially lost the fishing bet. The guys dive deep into how a recent cold front and changing water temperatures flipped their fishing strategies upside down, discussing everything from sonar finders and weed problems to the specific triggers needed to get largemouth bass to bite. Because a deal is a deal, a celebratory trip to Chipotle is on the horizon.  The conversation then transitions from the water to the woods as the guys realize t...

Welcome to The Watering Hole, the ultimate campsite hangout where we dive deep into the absolute best—and worst—of the hunting lifestyle. In this episode, hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr are holding nothing back as they relive some of their most agonizing, disastrous, and downright worst hunts in recent memory. If you’ve ever had a trip go completely off the rails, this one is for you. Plus, the guys talk strategy on a major milestone years in the making: finally cashing in those hard-earned Iowa points for an unforgettable tag. Whether you're a seasoned whitetail fanatic or jus...

Welcome back to another round at The Watering Hole, where hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf keep it completely real about the outdoor lifestyle. If you’re looking for a highly polished, scripted lecture on wildlife management, you’ve come to the wrong place. This podcast is all about the raw, unfiltered camp-side banter you'd hear from a couple of seasoned hunters over a small cup of Duncan Donuts coffee. From breaking down tricky buck-to-doe ratios and navigating shifting state hunting regulations, to diving into the nostalgia (and clutter) of personal trophy rooms, Justin and Todd trade stories with the...

Welcome back to The Watering Hole with your hosts, Todd Graf and Justin Zarr. In this episode, the team catches up while Todd is working remotely from the wilds of Montana. The conversation kicks off with a look at the latest scouting reports, including recent sightings of bucks starting to grow their summer velvet and the challenges of running trail cameras during the heavy growth period of late spring. We dive deep into recent legislative shifts in the hunting world, specifically focusing on the new cellular trail camera bans on public lands in Idaho and the potential ramifications of...

In this episode of The Watering Hole, hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr dive into a mix of land management updates and a trip down memory lane regarding the evolution of hunting technology. Todd shares the latest progress on his property, detailing the recent planting of hundreds of swamp white oaks and red oaks, along with various shrubs intended to enhance turkey nesting spots and deer bedding areas. The duo also discusses recent local news, including a tornado that touched down near Todd’s place and the exciting NFL draft news of local standout Jennings Dunker being selected by th...

Welcome to another episode of The Waterhole, where this week we tackle the ultimate debate: "Who would you rather fight?" We kick things off with a conversation about what is currently in stock, including our handmade rearview mirror accessories that look like shed antlers. We also take a moment to celebrate Brandon’s birthday and recap some wild recent outdoor footage, including a turkey hunt caught on camera and some interesting run-ins with local wildlife on our property.

The main event for this episode is our discussion on the realities of tracking wounded deer across property lines. We...

In this episode of The Watering Hole, we sit down with Todd Graf and Justin Zarr to dive deep into a variety of topics affecting hunters today. We kick off the conversation with some lighthearted banter before getting into the serious business of land management and the ongoing debate surrounding nonresident hunting regulations. We break down the realities of navigating different state systems, the complexities of tag allocations, and why it is more important than ever to have a solid plan before heading out into the field.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn as we share stories...

Welcome back to the watering hole, where we are finally getting to the moment you have all been waiting for—the announcement of our big equipment giveaway. We have spent the last several weeks collecting entries from the local deer classics and expos, and we are beyond excited to award a high-performance, brand-new hunting bow to one of our lucky listeners. This isn't just any setup; the winner gets their choice of the latest 2026 model, including their preferred axle length, color, and specific draw specs to ensure it is hunt-ready the moment it arrives. If you entered at one of...

In episode 71 of The Watering Hole, Justin returns fully recharged from his family vacation to the Disney and Universal theme parks to share his experiences from the trip. The crew dives into the grueling reality of walking nearly 40 miles in just a few days, debating the merits of different park experiences and the challenges of navigating massive crowds with young children. The conversation takes several humorous turns as the guys discuss everything from dash cams and traffic stops to the "rights" of filming interactions in public, making for a lighthearted and relatable start to the episode.

Shifting...

In this episode of The Watering Hole, we’re joined by Joe Coy from Fourth Arrow to break down the addictive world of self-filming your hunts. From budget-friendly phone setups and simple camera arms to advanced handycam, mirrorless, and remote zoom systems, we cover the gear tiers that help hunters capture better footage at every level.

We also dive into real-world lessons from the field, including dead batteries, missed recordings, 360 cams, and why DJI action cams are becoming a go-to over traditional options. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your production quality, this...

In this episode of The Watering Hole, we sit down with Skyler Bradley—the creator behind some of the funniest and most viral hunting content on the internet.

What started as a few videos filmed on a job site turned into millions of views, a deer costume, and a completely different life.

We dive into how it all started, the moment things took off, and the reality of balancing authenticity, hunting culture, and brand deals in today’s content world. Skyler also shares stories behind his most popular videos, close calls in the field, and what...

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole! In episode 68, hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr dive into a mix of wild stories and essential hunting updates. The show kicks off with a look at a unique 156-acre hunting lease in Iowa and a breakdown of a dramatic trail camera story involving wildfires in Nebraska. You’ll hear about a landowner who discovered a cellular camera melted to a crisp, only to find incredible footage of the blaze once the SD card was recovered. The guys also share a cautionary tale from friend of the show Paul Maser, wh...

In this episode of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf recap their recent trip to the Iowa Deer Classic and pivot toward their strategic plans for the upcoming spring habitat season. The conversation highlights the jaw-dropping rumors surrounding the legendary "General" sheds, including a polarizing million-dollar price tag, and leads into a debate about whether trail cameras act as "dream crushers" by removing the mystery of the hunt. Todd shares detailed logistics for his 190-acre farm, where he plans to use a mini-excavator to reconstruct water holes with rubber membranes and fabric, emphasizing the importance of...

Welcome back to The Watering Hole! In episode 66, Todd and Justin dive into the tricky world of shared hunting leases and the delicate balance of hunting with friends. They break down a massive 300-acre lease opportunity in Wisconsin—which comes with a hefty $21,000 price tag—and debate whether splitting the cost between six or more people is actually a viable plan. The conversation covers the essential "gentleman’s agreements" every group needs, from deciding who gets first crack at the best stands to the controversial rule of counting a wounded deer as your one buck for the year. If you’ve...

In today's episode of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf and Justin Zarr catch up on some serious Iowa scouting and a few big things happening in the industry. Justin just got back from a 14-mile grind through the Iowa public woods, where he was prepping for his upcoming draw. He gets into the reality of hunting pressured ground—everything from finding "mega loads" of buck sign just a few hundred yards from the parking lot to stumbling over other hunters' locked trail cameras. They also talk about a 117-acre lease available in Wapello County and remind everyone to stop by...

In this episode of The Watering Hole, Todd and Justin welcome back the infamous Tracker John to share the wealth of knowledge he has gathered from years of following thousands of blood trails. The discussion dives into the fascinating science of how tracking dogs process scent, specifically how they can distinguish between different types of blood—such as lung, liver, or gut—and how their behavior on the trail can help a tracker predict the likelihood of a successful recovery. John provides a professional perspective on the mechanics of deer recovery, explaining how environmental factors like moisture in the snow...

In this week’s episode of the Watering Hole, we’re diving into that bittersweet post-season reality where the snow is melting and the itch for shed hunting is officially kicking in. We spend some time catching up on Ben’s recent outings in the mud—which didn't turn up any antlers—and discuss why Justin usually prefers to trade the antler search for some high-level spring scouting. There is also a pretty incredible update on a buck Jake shot back in November; it turns out the recovery was waiting for the guys just 50 yards from where they’d been parking...

We’re hanging out with 22-year-old archer and University of Pikeville student, who just came off a massive weekend at the Lancaster Archery Classic. Coming to us from Zanesville, Ohio, he opens up about what it was really like out there on the floor, from the nerves of switching divisions to the grit it takes to compete at the collegiate level. He’s been behind a bow since he was a kid, and it’s great to hear him reflect on how those years of practice—and even the tough second-place finishes—finally clicked into place for this big win.

In this episode, we break down the high-stakes environment of the 2026 Lancaster Archery Classic, where a massive snowstorm forced the crew into a total rescheduling of the finals. Despite the record-breaking turnout, the pressure of the bright lights led to some unexpected performance struggles, including a "force field" mental block that kept arrows out of the center. We also dive into an unusual gear theory regarding stability on the line, exploring how "squishy" running shoes might be sabotaging your score compared to the rock-solid foundation of cowboy boots.

The conversation takes a serious turn as we discuss...

In this episode, the guys catch up on the bittersweet end of the football season, reflecting on how the Chicago Bears overachieved this year despite the tough finish. The talk quickly shifts to the woods after Todd shares a cool discovery—a vintage "artifact" Easton arrow found while scouting. This leads into a deep dive on the technical side of archery, breaking down what those old-school aluminum numbers like "2413" actually mean for arrow diameter and spine. Along the way, they share a few laughs over a heated debate comparing the simple perfection of oatmeal cream pies to the "bland ju...

n this episode of "The Watering Hole," the team recaps their experiences at the most recent Archery Trade Association (ATA) show. The hosts discuss the new shift in the event being open to the public for the first time, debating whether the move successfully drives value for vendors or if the show's glory days of massive foot traffic are in the past. They also dive into a series of candid product reviews, ranging from innovative climbing stick accessories to some of the most experimental bows on the market.

Highlights from the floor include a breakdown of the "...