The WHTL Podcast - Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests

Jake Hofer
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Jul 29, 2025 • 44min

#364 - I Didn't Put Any Trail Cameras Out In July, Is It Too Late To Start Putting Them Out? We Asked 8 Whitetail Experts Their Thoughts!

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we’re bringing you a brand new format. We spent the summer talking to 8 different whitetail experts as part of a mini series for The Wired To Hunt Podcast on the MeatEater Podcast Network. We asked Bobby Kendell, Skip Sligh, Bill Winke, Don Higgins, Jeff Sturgis, Steve Hanson, Thomas Mlsna, and Mark Kenyon 8 different questions to see how each is different/the same in the whitetail ideology and tactics. This is the first episode in the mini series, with the remaining 8 going live over on The Wired To Hunt Podcast. We discuss: Don't panic if you haven't set up your trail cameras yet; there's still time. Historical data is crucial; lean on past experiences to guide your scouting. Focus on food sources and pinch points when placing cameras. Use glassing to identify deer movement before deploying cameras. If you can't glass, look for mineral spots or use corn to attract deer. Set cameras at stand locations to monitor deer movement effectively. Don't be afraid to scout aggressively; it can provide valuable intel. Use mock scrapes to attract deer and gather information year-round. Remember, deer behavior changes; summer patterns may not reflect fall movements. Take a breath and develop a plan; you're not as behind as you think! And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER   Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jul 22, 2025 • 58min

#363 - Why Eastern Hunters Are Built DIFFERENT: Lessons from New York & PA to Iowa!

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we’re joined by public land hunter and whitetail strategist Jon Lewis, who shares how chasing mature bucks across the East Coast and Midwest shaped his unique approach to deer hunting. We discuss: Why Eastern terrain, pressure, and deer density forge more adaptable hunters How Jon arrowed a mature public land buck on opening day by sticking to a simple but effective plan  The key difference between scrapes that get hit once and scrapes you can kill over - Misconceptions Midwest hunters have about hunting in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire  How Jon scouts smarter when summer glassing isn’t an option  The importance of reading subtle sign and why most hunters overthink trail camera data  His framework for breaking down new properties—public or private  Why terrain, access, and consistency matter more than the size of your farm  How to keep things simple and build a system that works season after season  What Midwest hunters can actually learn from the East  And so much more! Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER   Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would’ve been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 27min

#362 - You Don't Need 1000 Acres to Kill GIANTS: Here's Why with Bobby Warner

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Bobby Warner. We discuss: Bobby Warner shares his journey of hunting and land ownership. He emphasizes the importance of security on hunting properties. Growing up in West Virginia, he developed a passion for the outdoors. Bobby transitioned from corporate law to representing working-class clients. He bought his first farm in 2000 after years of hunting in Ohio. Building relationships helped him gain access to prime hunting land. He advises on the importance of cover for deer habitat. Bobby believes land is a superior investment compared to stocks. He stresses the value of experiences and relationships over material wealth. Owning multiple smaller farms can reduce hunting pressure and enhance deer management. And so much more!   Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER   Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/moultrie_⁠⁠ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_⁠⁠ -OnX: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt⁠⁠ -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jul 8, 2025 • 49min

#361 - Learning Mature Bucks Through Thermal Drone Studies: What Over 30,000 Deer Can Teach You with Jack Huston

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Jack Huston of Midwest Deer Surveys. We discuss: Jack has flown over 30,000 deer across 200,000 acres in eight states Most landowners underestimate their deer populations by about 25% Deer behavior varies significantly between rut and late winter seasons Timber generally holds more deer than warm season grasses Heavy timber stand improvement (TSI) can attract deer to a property A balanced buck-to-doe ratio is crucial for healthy deer management Drones can achieve about 95% accuracy in deer surveys Observing deer with drones reveals their constant browsing behavior The best time for deer density surveys is during the rut and late winter Jack's company, Midwest Deer Surveys, offers thermal drone surveys for deer management And so much more!   Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER   Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/moultrie_⁠⁠ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_⁠⁠ -OnX: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt⁠⁠ -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jul 1, 2025 • 58min

#360 - What Most Deer Hunters Have DEAD WRONG: Don Higgins KEYS Consistently Killing GIANTS

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back on the road in Illinois with the man himself Don Higgins. We discuss: Don Higgins reflects on his first 150-inch buck and the rarity of such achievements back then. He emphasizes being a lifelong student of whitetails, always seeking to learn more. The 1990s marked a shift in deer hunting, making Pope and Young bucks less rare. Don shares a regret about shooting a smaller buck instead of a larger one he had seen earlier. He discusses the importance of preparation over simply spending time in the woods hunting. Observing deer behavior has helped him fine-tune his hunting strategies on his property. He believes many hunters underestimate the value of preparation and scouting. Don highlights the mystery of how mature bucks survive against numerous threats. He reflects on his journey from financial struggles to becoming a respected figure in hunting. Integrity and principles guide his choices in the hunting industry, impacting sponsorships. And so much more!   Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER   Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/moultrie_⁠⁠ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_⁠⁠ -OnX: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt⁠⁠ -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 18min

#359 - The Bobby Worthington Masterclass In Woodsmanship That EVERYONE Needs To Hear! Finding The Right Funnels To Hunt, Making A Mock Scrape That Actually Works, and The Art Of Killing Mature Bucks

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back on the road bringing you one of the podcasts we recorded on our latest trip to Tennessee with Bobby Worthington. We discuss: Bobby Worthington emphasizes that deer hunting lacks exact rules, making it a unique challenge for hunters Many hunters misinterpret success, thinking luck equates to skill, leading to confusion in their strategies Time spent in the woods, especially during the rut, significantly increases chances of success in hunting mature bucks Woodsmanship is about understanding what matters in hunting, not getting lost in irrelevant details or trends Identifying significant funnels is crucial; not all funnels are equal, and some carry more deer than others E-scouting can help, but real-world scouting is essential to find effective funnels and deer trails Mature bucks often stay close to their core areas, especially if they’re not in bachelor groups with other dominant bucks Mock scrapes should be set up correctly; height matters, as mature bucks prefer higher branches for scraping Mistakes in mock scrape setups can lead to missed opportunities; understanding buck behavior is key The importance of evaluating deer trails: heavier trails indicate more deer movement and potential hunting success Bobby shares that hunting is about playing the odds; experience and observation are the best teachers The conversation highlights the joy of learning and adapting in the woods, making every hunting trip a valuable experience And so much more! Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jun 17, 2025 • 36min

#358 - BREAKING NEWS: Biggest Shed Antlers of All Time Were Altered! SOLD for a Million Dollars and Vintage Photos Have Surfaced!

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with antler collector Jamie Martin talking about the latest bombshell regarding The General Sheds. We discuss: The breaking news about the General Cody Idol announced the General was recently sold for a seven-figure price Photos surfaced showing the General with two sticker points The General's sheds changed hands multiple times, including a long tenure at Cabela's The recent discovery of altered points has surprised many in the antler collecting community The timing of the photo release, shortly after the sale, raises questions about the transaction's validity Altered antlers can significantly reduce their value in the collector's market The North American Shed Hunters Club may remove the General from their record book due to the alterations The Aiuppa buck is trending towards being larger than the Huff buck, with a new score expected soon And so much more! Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 9min

#357 - The Mature Buck Puzzle: Creek Crossings + Perfect Timing = Alabama State Record With Michael Perry

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back on the road for another Whitetail Cribs and Podcast with Michael Perry. We discuss: Patterning the deer and other hunters on public Hunting trails instead of scrapes Seeking creek crossings for sign Swing shift work doesn't stop a dedicated hunter Patience and timing are crucial for big bucks Don't over-rely on trail cams Michael's state record public land muzzleloader buck Trail camera angles can make or break your intel How bedding areas differ in the South In-season scouting Moving leaves to find big buck tracks Thermals and creek bottoms Hunting the south vs hunting the midwest And so much more! Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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Jun 3, 2025 • 59min

#357 - Do This NOW To Kill A Mature Buck In October and The CRP Deadline Is Here! with Steve Hanson

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Steve Hanson. We discuss: CRP details from expert Steve Hanson October hunting strategy Summer trail cameras Importance of good stand access in June Sorghum vs Corn debate for food plots Understanding CRP enrollment Impact of food plots on whitetail habits Strategies for early October hunting And so much more! Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 3min

#355 - Velvet Season Is Here! Early Summer Scouting and Trail Cameras with Ryan Glitsky

Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, presented by Moultrie. Your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. You asked and we listened, we are officially back! On this week's episode, we are back in the studio with Ryan Glitsky. We discuss: Vital post-season scouting tips Scouting is key for consistent success High stem count areas for mature bucks The evolution of rut hunting tactics Impact of weather on deer movement Finding success amidst increased pressure In-season strategy adjustments Aggressive hunting mentality wins Summer to fall activity intel And so much more! Follow along on social!  IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER Youtube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners, none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow

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