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

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are coming to you from the Total Archery Challange in Michigan with Co-Host of the Habitat Podcast Jared Van Hess. We chat about tips for attracting deer, dealing with drought, and improvements for the upcoming hunting season in Michigan. We also talk about the benefits of conservation easements and the thrill of improving your property. We discuss: Aggressive tillage can increase susceptibility to drought Protecting soil can make food plots more drought tolerant Plant trees and water them once every two weeks, using gravity-fed watering systems Water holes should be located in cover to attract deer and provide a natural path A failed food plot can be retried, get some sort of cover on the soil, or wait for the fall During June and July, focus on water holes, mock scrapes, and getting cameras ready Landownership is often demonized, but it is a rewarding experience and a legacy for families Water holes are underrated and important for wildlife survival during drought conditions Tucking water hole in the edge where it is surrounded by brush on three sides to limit access Land ownership can provide a legacy for future generations to enjoy 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

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are unveiling our brand new Exodus NIS .204 diameter hunting arrow! The team discusses the development and benefits of the Exodus NIS Arrow, offering customization options. They also answer questions on arrow building, nocks, and broadhead weight. We discuss: The NIS is a high-quality, multi-layered carbon shaft that offers strict tolerances for straightness and spine The product development process focused on creating a lightweight arrow at a good price point The NIS has a true .204 diameter shaft and is built with precision It is a lighter weight shaft, offering more variability and a faster set-up Eliminating weak spots found in traditional .204 builds with components The NIS is crafted with strict straightness tolerances in mind The NIS offers high performance at an affordable price Two different insert options for more flexibility CTI is still present in the NIS Arrow but is transferred differently due to its lightness Spine alignment after cutting for arrow to arrow consistency Added Fletching Options Added Nock Options Packing a punch further down range 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

On today's episode of the Exodus Podcast, Cameron chats with Beau Marton and Johnny Stewart at the Seven Springs Total Archery Challange about their different styles when it comes to planning for out-of-state hunts. They discuss strategies for finding safe zones for mature deer, including identifying areas with vegetation diversity and studying the terrain, tips for planning and scouting, emphasizing the importance of taking multiple years to get to know a state, and the importance of relying on reliable intel rather than emotions when making decisions while hunting. We discuss: Identify your hunting goals before picking a state to hunt in Plan on hunting a state for at least three years to get to know it It takes time to plan and hunt in a new area E-scouting is important, but useless if you dont put boots on the ground Mature deer live in places where they feel safe, which may not be the most obvious areas. Study the terrain to better understand how the deer will move For early season hunting, a four-day plan is sufficient Boots on the ground scouting and camera placement can help find these safe zones. Hunting pressure can push mature bucks to seek safer areas. Be optimistic and don't let missed opportunities bring you down Focusing on states closer to home and with high deer densities to maximize his hunting time Hunting in safe zones requires understanding deer patterns and tendencies Trail cameras can help identify deer behavior and patterns. Evaluating pros and cons of a hunting spot can reveal the need to move Scouting and taking notes, as well as using trail cameras, can help with future hunts Taking the emotion out of a situation can help make better decisions And so much more! CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

On today's episode of the Exodus Podcast, Jake sits down with vetinarian and avid deer hunter Clint McCoy. Clint shares tips on summer scouting and the importance of scent control in deer hunting. He discusses the anatomy of a deer's nose and how they recall smells, common deer hunting myths and misconceptions and creating entry and access routes, and self-filming in the deer hunting world. We discuss: Deer can and do learn for their lifetime, making them harder to kill the more scents they have in their memory The Proust phenomenon in deer causes them to have instant involuntary recall of scents tied to memory and learning The Proust phenomenon is an instantaneous and non-voluntary flashback that usually triggers an "oh shit" moment for the deer Bucks are less likely to be able to pick up scent trails in hot and dry weather Keep boots and clothing as natural and clean as possible to avoid leaving a scent signature Summer scouting is critical for success in the whitetail woods Summer soak cameras should be placed on interior hub scrapes, transition trails, and potential bedding sites Catalog an inventory list of target bucks for the upcoming season Don't rely solely on soybean fields for food sources Browse species in the area should be prioritized when scouting for food sources Diversify your buck target list to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket Access is critical to pre-hung setups And So Much More! Don't wait to take advantage of our 8 Year Anniversary Sale, inventory is limited and discounts like this only happen twice a year. SAVE 25% STORE WIDE here: https://bit.ly/3W8H03X CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

On this episode of the Exodus Podcast, Chad and Jake are back in the studio to discuss summer hunting strategies. We talk about using trail cameras to gather inventory, elk vs whitetail, and stress the importance of preparation and enjoying the process. We discuss: Ohio black bear sighting Summer Trail Camera checklist Check batteries, clear memory cards, and practice scent control Summer is a great time to set up trail cameras, especially in bedding areas and scrapes Be cautious of putting cameras on dead trees in swampy areas as they may attract more insects Fawn recruitment: obtaining early photos of fawns to predict peak breeding dates and plan for stand placement, with the option of hanging multiple sets for different winds. Ants can wreck havoc on trail cameras, but using ant repellent and placing cameras away from high-traffic areas can reduce the likelihood of damage. Avoid putting cameras on dead trees Summer scouting can include marking down agricultural fields and bedding areas. Take inventory of the deer in bachelor groups during the summer Green soybeans are the best food source for deer Access routes and wind directions are essential factors to consider when picking tree's for stands Elk or Deer this fall? A new Exodus arrow launch is imminent And So Much More! Don't wait to take advantage of our 8 Year Anniversary Sale, inventory is limited and discounts like this only happen twice a year. SAVE 25% STORE WIDE here: https://bit.ly/3W8H03X CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

On this episode of Exodus Podcast, we sit down with Pennsylvania native Chris Weist. Chris shares his experience transitioning from compound to traditional archery while using a saddle, as well as his findings on post-season scouting, the use of vine scrapes as an inventory tool, the importance of calculated decisions in hunting, and paying attention to details. Transitioning to traditional archery takes time and practice Saddle hunting with a stick bow You need five years of practice to feel confident hunting with traditional archery equipment Identifying pinch points where shots are limited to 20 yards Taking time to make decisions in the heat of the moment Using vine scrapes to help with buck inventory Hunting early season can lead to better pattern recognition Be patient and slow down in the moment Being an opportunist is sometimes necessary Learning from other hunters and seeking advice can elevate hunting skills Social media has become a double-edged sword for hunters Consistency is key when it comes to posting content on Instagram Social media and external validation can take away from the joy of hunting Positive mindset and mental toughness are essential for competing at a high level And so much more! Don't wait to take advantage of the sale, inventory is limited and discounts like this only happen twice a year. SAVE 25% STORE WIDE here: https://bit.ly/3W8H03X Want to win a $750 Exodus gift card AND a $750 Asio Gear gift card? Sign up for your chance to win here: https://bit.ly/3AHDyU9 CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

Exodus is celebrating its 8-year anniversary by reflecting on its journey and offering a 25% off sale! We discuss the impacts of the company culture and the importance of taking action. We also discuss challenges in the trail camera industry, lessons learned from interviewing hunters, misconceptions of the outdoor industry, important lessons in hunting, the value of relationships, and avoiding putting oneself or others on a pedestal. We discuss: Impact on the trail camera market through warranty policies and D2C model Different demographics buy different types of trail cameras Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable in business, and it's important to learn from them and adapt Close relationships are important Taking pride in positively impacting the outdoor camera space The market for trail cameras has become increasingly competitive, with fewer new brands popping up Being nimble and adapting to market shifts is crucial for success in the industry Although more competitive, newer brands can be successful with the tools and communities available in the hunting industry. The most rewarding aspect of Exodus is being involved with good people, building a culture one can believe in, and seeing personnel grow. Everyone has their own struggles and challenges, regardless of their level of success. Gratitude for one's customers and supporters should always be expressed. Controlling ground scent significantly prevents deer from scooting around cameras during hunting season. Ideal terrain features for cell cameras include the tops of drainages leading into a bench, hardwood fingers into swamps and marshes, and fence gaps or community scrapes at the bottom of a hub. Tops of drainages leading into a bench are great terrain features to use cell cameras on for intel purposes. Whitetail hunting can be approached in many different ways, but it's important to have conviction in your process. Successful whitetail hunters share common traits of being methodical and organized in their approach. Winter inventory is more impactful than summer inventory for hunting purposes. And so much more! Don't wait to take advantage of the sale, inventory is limited and discounts like this only happen twice a year. SAVE 25% STORE WIDE starting May 19th at 8 am CST here: https://bit.ly/3W8H03X Want to win a $750 Exodus gift card AND a $750 Asio Gear gift card? Sign up for your chance to win here: https://bit.ly/3AHDyU9 CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, Chad and Jake are back in the studio with another listener Q&A! We discuss: -Turkey Season Update -The weird Illinois turkey seasons -Spring planting checklist on the farm -Using trail cameras to see when fawns are born -Habitat strategies for small parcels - .204 vs .246 diameter shafts -Favorite spots for trail cameras -Historical data vs. real-time data -How important is camera management? -Out-of-state draw strategies -Point creep -Fall plans -Will jake finally draw a tag in Southeast Iowa? -Hunting flat land big woods -SD card camera update And so much more! 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 with Josh Teulker from the Before The Echo Podcast. We are talking everything Hunting Beast Style of scouting hill country. We discuss: -Indiana turkey season success -How the Before The Echo Podcast started -How Josh became involved in the hunting beast crew -The impact of Indiana going to a one-buck state -Adapting to different habitats when hunting public land -The hardest challenge to overcome hunting hill country -Playing the wind in hill country -Using thermals to your advantage -The best time of year to hunt hill country -What to look for when scouting hill country -Using water to your advantage -Hill Country vs Farm Country -Think outside the box -Trail camera strategies -Long-term trail camera sets And so much more! CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are bringing you part 2 with Iowa whitetail hunting guru Skip Sly. Skip lives and breathes whitetails 24/7, 365 days a year, and has learned a thing or two about growing big deer in the past 20 years on his personal farms. We discuss: The biggest mistake you can make when creating deer habitat The first step you need to make when getting a new farm What brush should you keep? The first tree you should cut down Getting rid of trash trees but using them for habitat To hinge cut or to not hinge cut The pros and cons of conifers Dealing with Honeysuckle Strategically putting food in the right places Diversity is key! Using electric fencing for food plots Keep the pressure off Dealing with food plot failure What fruit trees you should plant And so much more! Take advantage of the Exodus Upgrade Program here: -https://bit.ly/ExodusUpgrade CONNECT: -https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera -https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast -https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast