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

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back in the studio talking with Kevin Boulder. Kevin hunts the big woods of wisconsin and has learned a thing or two about chasing mature bucks in the never ending tracks of timber. We discuss: Transitioning from fixed stands to mobile hunting for bigger bucks Focusing on edge areas and transitions where different types of vegetation meet Observing rub lines and the height of rubs helps determine the caliber of deer in the area Trappers learn the value of creativity and problem-solving when faced with intelligent prey Encountering a black wolf while grouse hunting The diverse terrains in Wisconsin's big woods Having conviction in your process and being meticulous in your approach How the rise of popular hunting podcasts and exposure to experienced hunters influenced Kevin's hunting style Strategically approaching a buck's bedding area with the wind in your favor It's better to push in close and risk bumping the deer than to hang back and waste time Factors like food availability and weather can influence how far deer move from their bedding areas And so much more! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back in the studio talking with renowned whitetail biologist and host of the Deer University Podcast Dr. Bronson Strickland. Bronson has devoted years to studying whitetails and has helped the hunting industry as a whole expand what they knew or thought they knew about whitetails. We discuss: Mature bucks are not always nocturnal Bucks are active and on their feet before sunset, but are most frequently observed on food plots around an hour after sunset Bucks daylight behavior depends on their food source's proximity Mature bucks may cover less ground during the rut Beating a deer's nose entirely is nearly impossible Understanding the complexity of buck movement and the role of wind direction Whitetails are adaptable and conditioned to respond to stimuli for survival Mature bucks may exhibit individual behavior based on their upbringing and experiences Two-thirds of bucks have a sedentary personality, while one-third are mobile Mobile bucks can be further classified as shifters or bouncers The October lull is not applicable in the South, where it is more accurate to consider the period before the rut Understanding the relationship between cover corridors and prevailing winds Data analysis reveals that there is no clear pattern for how bucks use wind direction The extent and position of the moon's influence on deer movements still remain uncertain And so much more! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode, we are bringing you a pretty special episode. Cameron sat down with David Powell at the 2023 Total Archery Challange at Seven Springs to talk about his once in a lifetime buck that he called Bootsie. This hermaphroditic deer stands out not only for its rare reproductive organs but also for its distinctive rack. David shares the details of his encounter with this extraordinary creature, shedding light on its unconventional behavior and characteristics. From Bootsy's powder wig-like headgear to his social outcast status among other deer, this captivating journey follows a davids years of observation before finally catching up with Bootsy. We discuss: Bootsy was identified as a buck with organs of both antlers and a doe The deer exhibited abnormal physical features, such as an underdeveloped neck and head Bootsie had an irregular rack that looked like a headdress and carried velvet way into the season Other deer avoided Bootsy, making it challenging to target him for hunting David hunted and observed the rare hermaphrodite deer in Kansas for six years The deer had a core area of only 75 to 80 acres, focusing solely on cover and disregarding food and water It took three years for David to realize that rut activity was not a way to target this deer The deer had bases 15" in circumference, not diameter with 21 total points The deer panel scored as a "freak of nature" and doesn't carry an official Boone and Crockett or Pope and Young score Understand the significance of this deer being classified as a "freak of nature" rather than receiving a formal scoring It is listed as 1 of 1 in the Boone and Corckett records under whitetail freak of nature And So Much More! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis #VelvetFest Is Here! Use the code "VFEST23" for 15% off the entire store: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with repeat guests Tyler Jones and KC from The Element and MeatEater. We get into the importance of faint sign, limited time and resources, collaboration in hunting strategy, access and observation sits, hunting during the first week of October, high-pressure situations, and strategies for hunting on windy days. We discuss: Good access and scouting can lead to success in finding deer in any state Nice bucks can be found in various states throughout the country Having an extra set of eyes and an extra brain can double your odds of success and help you make more informed decisions Evaluating key factors such as wind direction, buck presence, and access are crucial when developing a game plan Understanding the post-rut phase and its impact on deer behavior Geographical factors and variations in rut timing Explore the fanatic pursuit of whitetail hunting Exploring hunting opportunities in different regions and utilizing public land Wind direction plays a crucial role in deer movement Hunting during the first week of October can increase your chances of success And So Much More! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis #VelvetFest Is Here! Use the code "VFEST23" for 15% off the entire store: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode, Chad and Jake are back in the studio with another Q&A, talking about trail camera placement near bedding areas, choosing between bucks, managing trail camera setups, the influence of YouTube hunting channels and podcasts on out-of-state hunting, and their upcoming elk hunting plans. We discuss: The impact of content creation on hunting opportunities and draw odds Summer scouting helps locate elk, but it doesn't guarantee success. Elk can be killed in transition routes, not just in bedding areas. Expanding hunting locations and adapting strategies based on changing conditions. Deploying cameras to locate target bucks requires a wide-net approach and continuous repositioning. The future of limited hunting opportunities in Iowa and Kansas Knowing a deer's bedding and feeding areas can increase your chances of a successful hunt. Scouting in the summer can give you valuable information about the deer population in the area. And So Much More! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis #VelvetFest Is Here! Use the code "VFEST23" for 15% off the entire store: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode, we are back in the studio talking with Phil Tuttle. Phil lives in the suburbs and has a very special but effective way of gainging permission for new hunting properties. We discuss: Embrace the long game mentality gaining hunting permission often requires multiple visits and building genuine relationships with landowners The value of smaller properties and overlooked habitat areas The importance of representing oneself well and building relationships The best times to knock on doors are weekends or weekdays from 5 to 8 PM Understand that every farm and landowner is different, so tailor your approach and communication based on their preferences Small properties can be highly productive and offer opportunities to harvest mature deer Consider the surrounding environment and the deer migration patterns in your area And So Much More! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis #VelvetFest Is Here! Use the code "VFEST23" for 15% off the entire store: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode, we have a familiar face back in the office, Steve Sherk from Sherk's Guide Service. Steve spends more time in the woods in one year than most hunters do in 10 years. Steve runs over 250 trail cameras in the Pennsylvania big woods every season has has learned a few things about summertime buck movement and how it coorelates to hunting season movement. We discuss: Late summer excursions by bucks provide insights into their fall range and food sources. Cutting tracks in conjunction with camera footage can help identify specific deer locations. Move around and shift camera positions to keep up with changing browse patterns. Stay updated on changes in habitat and browse sources, especially in public land areas that are constantly evolving. Lack of moisture can result in lower quality browse and affect the production of fall food sources. Be aware of the feeding patterns and the one-time opportunity to eat certain plants. Monitor antler growth and look for clues in weather patterns, such as increased moisture, which can spur growth. Factors like precipitation and weather conditions can influence antler growth in deer. Video mode on trail cameras offers more information than photo mode. Maintaining trail cameras during the summer is crucial to ensure they are not obscured by vegetation and remain functional. Monitoring food sources, like acorns and apple crops, can help predict deer movement during hunting season. Spend time glassing young clear cuts, as they can provide excellent food sources and attract deer. And So Much More! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis #VelvetFest Is Here! Use the code "VFEST23" for 15% off the entire store: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back in the studio with Steve Pinnkston. We talk about the advantages of using e-bikes for hunting, highlighting their time-saving benefits and reduced environmental impact. Another episode delves into the mindset of a seasoned hunter during the rut, emphasizing the importance of being unbothered by getting busted and focusing on one deer at a time. Additionally, Steve discusses the significance of summer scouting for fall hunting success, as well as the changing tactics required for hunting due to shifts in deer behavior. We Discuss: Using an e-bike saves time, reduces scent, and allows quicker access to hunting spots. E-bikes have gained popularity in the past five years and have become essential for whitetail hunting. Using e-bikes allows hunters to access their hunting spots faster and with less physical exertion. E-bikes provide a lower impact compared to UTVs or ATVs, making them an ideal choice for stealthy hunting. Getting out of a hunting location without disturbing the deer is crucial. Preparing hunting areas and finding the right trees for stands in advance. The effectiveness of trail cameras is limited compared to firsthand observation. Summer scouting in out-of-state trips follows a similar process, but access and crowded areas require additional strategy. Having access to multiple small parcels increases the chances of finding a buck worth hunting. Studying individual deer, even if they're not the target, provides valuable insights for future hunts. Getting busted in the summer doesn't impact hunting success in October or November. The early season is an extension of the summer pattern and offers great hunting opportunities. The value of a spotting scope Balancing the risks of being detected by does with the reward of hunting the targeted buck. Cameras are essential for monitoring transition areas and learning deer movement patterns. And So Much More! Connect: Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis It's The Last Week To Enter For Your Chance At A $750 Prize Package From Exodus and Latitude: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/pages/exodus-latitude-outdoors-giveaway?_pos=1&_sid=e1b0d40b5&_ss=r #VelvetFest Is Here! Use the code "VFEST23" for 15% off the entire store: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back in Iowa with Skip Sligh. We talk about various topics related to deer farm management, the importance of supplemental feeding during droughts, abundance of browse and forage, nutrition value of stump growth, and proper timber management. The impact of EHD and Blue Tongue on deer populations, including the transmission and role of cattle in their prevalence, is also discussed. Additionally, the controversial issue of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is addressed, with emphasis on critically analyzing expert opinions and understanding its prevalence in the soil and transmission by various animals. We discuss: EHD is a deadly virus transmitted by midges, causing hemorrhaging in deer Dry conditions can increase the likelihood of EHD outbreaks, but they can also occur in wet years with fluctuating water levels EHD outbreaks are not solely dependent on weather conditions The potential extinction of whitetail deer due to CWD could have significant economic and ecological consequences In 2019, Iowa experienced a significant outbreak of a new strain of EHD, resulting in high deer mortality in certain areas Cattle can introduce new strains of EHD, with infected midges transmitting the disease to deer Healthy deer with a nutritious diet tend to have a better chance of surviving EHD Analyzing and critically thinking about the information on CWD is important Killing off all the deer won't solve the problem if there is no cure or natural immunity. Stump growth in trees is highly nutritious and contributes to the deer's overall health Overdoing projects and pressuring the farm can do more harm than good Summer pressure on mature bucks can still have a significant impact and should be minimized Staying out of hunting areas during the summer and focusing on core projects set you up for success in the fall And So Much More! Connect: Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis Enter Here For Your Chance At A $750 Prize Package From Exodus and Latitude: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/pages/exodus-latitude-outdoors-giveaway?_pos=1&_sid=e1b0d40b5&_ss=r CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back in the studio with Justin Synan of the Run'n and Gun'n Podcast. We talk about his move from suburban Maryland to hunting in Kentucky, his hunting strategies, and his success in consistently killing mature bucks. We discuss: Moving to Kentucky allowed Justin to hunt bigger deer with better genetics Adjusting his tactics after moving to Kentucky Using trail cameras to locate big deer in the big woods Targeting specific bucks around the time when does are active Focus on where the does are rather than trying to figure out where the buck is Being methodical and having a goal in your scouting can lead to success Scout with the wind in your favor, be surgical in your approach The importance of persistence, never giving up, and learning from each season to progressively hone your skills as a bow hunter Swtiching to saddle hunting after a Climber accident And so much more! Click Here To Build Your Set Of Exodus NIS Arrows: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/collections/custom-arrows/products/the-nis Enter Here For Your Chance At A $750 Prize Package From Exodus and Latitude: https://exodusoutdoorgear.com/pages/exodus-latitude-outdoors-giveaway?_pos=1&_sid=e1b0d40b5&_ss=r CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast