Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Justin Hollandsworth for a wide-ranging conversation on the discipline it takes to stay fit and ready for a hunt. We get into the weeds on deer behavior—why some bucks are social butterflies while others seem born to be loners—and how that knowledge can shape your scouting and stand placement. Justin and I swap stories on the highs and lows of traditional archery, the adrenaline of chasing elk and moose, and the value of making mistakes you can actually learn from. It’s a conversation about preparation, patience, and the kind of experience you can only earn with time in the wild. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 453 Understanding local deer behavior and habits is critical for success. Scouting and timing can significantly improve hunting outcomes. Social bucks are often more predictable than loners. Experience and learning from mistakes sharpen decision-making in the field. Traditional archery adds unique challenges and rewards. Hunting different specie

Trail cameras aren’t just about catching pics of big bucks—they’re powerful scouting tools that reveal patterns most hunters overlook. In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Trail Camera University Podcast, we dive deep into advanced trail cam strategies that'll take your hunting from average to elite.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I caught up with my buddy Jacob Sklenar for a conversation that goes well beyond tree stand tactics. We talk about life changes—like his recent marriage—and how those moments shift the way we approach not just hunting, but everything. We dig into how mindset, resilience, and personal growth show up in the woods and in everyday life, and why focusing on the process—not just the outcome—can make you a better hunter and a better human. From deer seasons to big life seasons, this one's all about slowing down, staying present, and figuring out what really matters. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 452 Gratitude and a positive mindset help navigate hunting and life challenges. Ben Askren’s recovery and the power of mental resilience. Hunting teaches life lessons that extend beyond the woods. Managing expectations prevents burnout and disappointment. The journey holds more value than the final result. Accountability and long-term focus drive meaningf

In Episode 4, host Clint Campbell goes deep on a topic that separates casual hunters from consistent tag-punchers: how to turn trail camera data into a real hunting strategy.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Chad Sylvester for a conversation that digs deeper than gear and shot placement. We talk about what it really means to be prepared—not just physically, but mentally—for the hunt. We get into how instinct, mindset, and adaptability often matter more than any piece of equipment you can strap to your back. Chad and I reflect on the importance of letting each hunt teach you something, even when the freezer stays empty. This one’s about learning from the process, leaning into the uncertainty, and letting the woods shape the kind of hunter—and person—you’re becoming. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 451 Set clear goals to get the most from every hunt. Preparation—mental and physical—is non-negotiable. A primal connection to the process makes the experience richer. Intuition often beats overthinking in the moment of truth. Mindset and adaptability matter more than most realize. The hunt should shape you—not just your freezer.

In Episode 3, we dive into the season-by-season breakdown of how, where, and why to move your trail cameras throughout the year for maximum whitetail intel. Because if your cameras are sitting in the same spot in July and November… you’re leaving tags unfilled.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Jason Batson for a no-BS conversation about bowhunting, deer behavior, and the constant process of figuring it all out. Jason shares what it’s like chasing whitetails in the rolling terrain of Missouri, how he plays the wind, and why keeping things simple usually gets him closer to deer. We get into the highs and lows of past seasons—including the ones where things didn’t go as planned—and talk about adapting after injuries, trusting your gut, and learning from every sit. Whether it’s finding fresh sign, hunting scrapes, or just appreciating time in the timber, Jason brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to hunting that’s all about doing the work and enjoying the ride. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 450 Wind and deer behavior matter more than scent control. Time in the woods and good gear—especially boots—go a long way. Mentorship and trial-and-error shape better hunters. Focus on bedding, scrapes, and habitat edges. Public

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood parts of trail cam scouting: camera placement. Because it doesn’t matter how expensive your camera is—if it’s in the wrong spot, you’re wasting your time.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Cody D’Acquisto for a conversation that digs deep into more than just treestand setups and big bucks on the wall. Cody’s fresh off the road and gearing up for his upcoming road show, and we break down what it means to really unplug from the noise and lean into the lessons the woods — and the mats — have to offer. We get into how elimination and identification shape our hunting decisions, why mastering the fundamentals matters whether you’re tightening a choke in jiu jitsu or slipping an arrow through a buck’s ribs, and how the right mindset can make or break your hunt before you ever lace up your boots.  Cody shares what he’s seeing out there, where he’s headed next, and why the pressure we carry these days sometimes needs to be left at the truck. It’s an honest look at discipline, flow state, and why the best lessons still come from just showing up, putting in the work, and staying present enough to enjoy the whole damn ride. WHAT

In this kickoff episode, we break down the fundamentals of using trail cameras not as a gimmick, but as a strategic tool to scout smarter and hunt more effectively. This isn’t a gear review — it’s a deep dive into how real hunters use trail cam intel to gain a serious edge in the woods.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I sit down with Trent Wengerd—a dyed-in-the-wool bowhunter and a true craftsman when it comes to building stick bows that flat-out get the job done. We dig into Trent’s upbringing in the wide-open country of Montana, the early days that pulled him into archery, and how he turned a passion for hunting into an art form behind the bowyer’s bench. From chasing bugling bulls in the Idaho backcountry to dialing in every curve and limb of a hand-built bow, Trent shares stories and lessons that remind us why the old ways still matter. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build your own bows—or you just love hearing about wild places and the folks who thrive in them—this one’s worth your time. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 448 Hunting Transition: Explore Trent's shift from gun hunting to archery and the challenges of crafting bows. Memorable Adventures: Hear about Trent's thrilling elk hunts in Idaho and his insights into hunting mountain

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Joe Miles, and we cover a lot of ground—from the whitetail woods to the African bush. Joe and I get into that constant tug-of-war between old-school hunting instincts and the rapid rise of modern gear and technology. We talk about where tradition still matters, where innovation is helping, and how to walk the line between the two without losing your edge. Joe also shares the story of his recent leopard hunt in Africa, and if you’ve ever wanted a firsthand account of just how unpredictable and intense a hunt like that can be, you’ll want to hear this. We dive into what that kind of experience teaches you—not just about hunting, but about patience, respect for the animal, and how little control we actually have when we step into the wild. We also hit on business, teamwork, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can handle adversity—whether that’s in the boardroom or fifteen yards from a blind with your heart in your throat.

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by traditional bowhunter Chris Parrino—a guy who’s lived a hunting life most of us only dream about. We dig into the roots of his passion, from growing up in a blue-collar family to chasing grizzlies, moose, and polar bears with a stickbow. Chris opens up about what it really takes to hunt at a high level with traditional gear—the failures, the close calls, and the quiet discipline behind decades of consistent success. We talk about the changing face of bowhunting, the importance of humility, and why doing it the hard way still matters. If you’re into wild places, serious challenges, and learning from a guy who’s been there and done it the right way, this is one you won’t want to miss. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 446 How a blue-collar upbringing shaped his bowhunting path. Building his own bows and sticking with traditional gear. Grizzly, moose, and polar bear hunts  - raw adventure. Chris explains why hunting stays a passion, no

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sat down with my buddy David Riley to talk about more than just killing deer. We got into what really makes this whole thing matter—building friendships through the hunt, learning from the folks you meet along the way, and keeping your passion alive by stepping out of your comfort zone. David’s coming off a hell of a season, with stories from solo trips out west to lessons learned hunting closer to home in Michigan and Illinois. We dig into scouting strategies, adapting to unfamiliar terrain, and how the best education often comes from boots-on-the-ground experience. We also talk about what happens after the shot—the gratitude, the reflection, and how those memories stick with you long after the freezer’s full. Whether you’re chasing whitetails in your home state or chasing a new tag across the country, this conversation is about growing as a hunter and appreciating the process every step of the way. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 445 Scouting, espec

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with Chad Sylvester for a no-BS conversation about the real stuff—missed chances, pressure-packed decisions, and why some of our best lessons come from the hunts that don’t end with a grip-and-grin - the harsh truths of bowhunting. We dig into the mental side of the game—why confidence matters, how deer behavior can turn on a dime, and why there’s no such thing as a universal strategy. Chad and I talk abou the myth of the perfect plan, and why understanding wind is probably more important than whatever new gadget you just bought. We also get into how gear helps—but only if you know how to actually use it—and how experience in the field, not the checkout cart, leads to consistent success. Whether it’s learning how to draw on a cagey buck or deciding when to back out, this one’s full of the gritty, nuanced reality of chasing mature deer. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 444 Hunting success hinges on tough decisions made under pressure—not perfe

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Redd, and we dive into one of those conversations that feels a little more like sitting around a fire than checking boxes on a hunting talk list. We cover everything from the pressure that comes with modern technology and constant communication, to how learning to unplug—both in the woods and in life—can reset your mindset in a good way. Jason shares how his approach to hunting has shifted over time, especially as he's taken on the challenge of chasing deer in low-density areas where patience, grit, and strategy really matter. We also get into how your instincts tend to sharpen the more time you spend in the woods, and how sometimes success comes down to timing, adaptability, and a little bit of luck. This one’s about the long game—learning from your hunts, trusting your gut, and remembering that the hunt is about a lot more than just punching a tag. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 443 Disconnecting from te

In this episode, I sit down with my buddy Michael Varady for a wide-ranging conversation that covers way more than just tagging a buck. We dig into the lessons learned from switching between traditional and compound bows, how target panic creeps in, and why consistent practice—both physical and mental—is critical if you want to stay sharp when it counts. Michael’s gearing up for a big move and exploring new hunting ground, so we break down what it takes to scout fresh terrain, build a plan from scratch, and adapt to unfamiliar areas. We also dive into blood trailing, shot placement, thermals, and the reality of marginal hits—stuff every serious hunter wrestles with eventually. Whether you’re slinging a stickbow or shooting a compound, this episode is about progression, patience, and owning every step of the process. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 442 Target panic is real—sharpening your mental game can help beat it. Practicing under pressure matters; you shoot how you train, especially when it counts.

Hey everyone, welcome to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In this episode, I’m catching up with Tom Murphy—a guy who knows his way around a ball field, and the big woods! We cover some ground in this one. We dig into how growing up with rock and metal shaped us, how pro sports and bowhunting both demand a gritty mindset, and how the traditions we’re raised with show up in the woods whether we realize it or not. Tom opens up about a specific buck that taught him hard lessons—the kind that don’t show up on a trail cam. We talk about swampy, unforgiving terrain, and why sometimes, in both hunting and life, your best bet is to stop chasing perfection and just trust your gut. This one’s about the crossover—where baseball meets bowhunting, where mindset trumps data, and where growing up with a little chip on your shoulder turns out to be your greatest asset. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 441 Lifting weights, chasing deer, and traveling for pro sports all come with discomfort—but they build resilience. Hu

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Brian Dombrowski—a guy who’s put in more than his fair share of miles chasing deer across a range of terrain, from flatlands to big woods. We dive deep into what makes mature bucks tick, how scouting plays a role beyond trail cams, and why visual confirmation still trumps digital data. Brian shares his approach to patterning deer by behavior, not just sign, and we get into everything from the strategic use of mock scrapes to the rising cost of deer mounts and the real reason some guys just burn out. We also hit on the value of solitude, instinct, and pushing yourself past the easy button in both public and private land settings. This one’s for the folks who are still grinding and still learning—season after season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 440 Scouting and understanding deer movement  Simple strategies often beat overcomplicated setups Property lines and public/private dynamics  Mature bucks don’t move like the rest Early

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In today’s episode, I’m catching up with my buddy Johnny to talk about life’s evolution—balancing family, chasing whitetails, and pursuing personal passions like jiu-jitsu. We dive into how parenting and the pressures of the hunting industry shift your perspective, and why finding community and staying true to your pursuits matters more now than ever. We also dig into the parallels between hunting and jiu-jitsu—how real growth usually comes from leaning into discomfort, and how being intentional, whether you're in the woods or on the mats, makes all the difference. Johnny and I talk about confidence, the struggle with promotions, and how competition (in any area of life) sharpens you if you let it. We also dive into  Iowa whitetails, lessons learned from missed opportunities, and how planning—whether for a big hunt or the next tournament—is what really sets you up for success. It's a conversation about preparation, grit, and why shared experien