Okayest Hunter ®

Ben Wellens with Midwest MTN drove down from the Appleton area with food in hand and a brain full of archery knowledge. What followed was a deep dive into bow tinkering, tuning setups, and why some hunters just can’t leave their gear alone. Ben shares how a mechanical engineer from northeast Wisconsin ended up restoring bows, building tuning rigs in his garage, and helping friends get dialed before season. We talk about the rabbit hole of archery setups, the difference between tinkering and overthinking, and why learning by breaking things sometimes works best. From there the conversation drifts west, into elk country. Ben walks through his first elk hunt, drawing a rare tag, and the chaos of a 15-yard encounter that ended with a bull on the ground and a three-mile pack-out. We also get into planning western hunts with friends, the point system game, gear refinement over time, and why sometimes the best part is just hearing a bull bugle for the first time. Somewhere along the way we also cover raccoons, grizzlies, archery leagues, backpack setups, and the eternal truth that hunters will absolutely overthink their equipment. If you like archery, elk hunting, gear tinkering, or the kind of conversations that only happen around a campfire or workbench, this one’s for you. Enter our Strut Season Sweepstakes: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-x-gerber-gear-strut-season-sweepstakes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trail cams, drones, crossbows… and the line nobody can quite draw. This one turns into a real-time gut check on hunting ethics—where tech helps, where it crosses the line, and why most of it lives in the gray. Callers jump in, perspectives clash, and somehow it all comes back to one thing: hunt your hunt, but know where you stand. Enter the Strut Season Sweepstakes for a chance to win over $5K in turkey hunting gear: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-x-gerber-gear-strut-season-sweepstakes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shaun Ridderbush (Host of Camp Okayest) joins the show to share the wild story of the day his truck rolled into the river during a kayak tournament, and how walking away from it changed everything. We talk hunting, creativity, burnout, family, and why time in the woods has a way of resetting your priorities. A conversation about getting 1% better, finding stillness, and remembering what actually matters. Enter our Strut Season Sweepstakes for a chance to win over $5K in turkey gear: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-x-gerber-gear-strut-season-sweepstakes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you hunt, fish, hike, bike, or take your kids to a local park in Wisconsin, there’s a good chance the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program helped make it possible. This week, we sit down with Charles Carlin of Gathering Waters and Team Knowles-Nelson to break down what the program actually does, why it’s wildly popular with voters, and why it’s on the verge of being completely defunded. We talk about matching grants, public access, trout streams, the Ice Age Trail, legislative gridlock, and what happens if funding hits zero on June 30. This is not abstract politics; moreover, it’s about access, habitat, and whether the next generation inherits more opportunity... or less. Take action here: https://action.knowlesnelson.org Learn more: https://knowlesnelson.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the pod, we sit down with Milwaukee radio host Elizabeth Kay for a conversation that’s less about inches of antler and more about everlasting memories. Elizabeth didn’t grow up hunting. No g💥ns or deer camp, but instead, city life, Bay View roots, and visits to the locker in Richland Center. Fast forward 13 years, a husband who “was practically born with a gun in his hand,” a German Shorthaired Pointer, and one unforgettable bear hunt that changed everything. We talk about what it’s like to marry into hunting culture, the intimidation factor of picking up a shotgun for the first time, why missing birds might matter more than hitting them, and the moment she looked at her son’s mounted bear and finally said, “Now I get it.” This one goes deep into storytelling, relationships, ego, imposter syndrome in the woods, and why hunting is often less about the kill and more about connection. It’s about supporting your partner’s passion, building traditions, raising kids in the outdoors, and realizing the mount on the wall might outlive all of us, but the memory is what really lasts. There’s pheasant poppers, vocal cord warmups, roadkill rack debates, and a whole lot of heart. If you’ve ever wondered how someone goes from “I’d never pick up a gun” to “Thank you, bird,” we think you'll enjoy this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one’s a little different. No guest this week. Just a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about how the Okayest Hunter went from a half-serious idea, a couple bad logos, and some pretty average deer… into a community, a media company, and something that we believe means a great deal to a lot of people. We talk about the early days. The first deer that didn’t score big but meant everything. Why humor mattered. Why ego didn’t. How deer shaming became the line in the sand we didn’t even realize we were drawing at first. And how stories (not antlers) ended up being the point. This episode digs into the evolution of the brand, the podcast, the network, and the mindset behind it all: hunting as a grounding force, not a scoreboard. A space where kindness beats clout, where your tag is your tag, and where a “small” deer can still carry a big story. We also get honest about the business side. The risks. The mistakes. The merch boxes stacked in home offices. The trade shows that barely broke even. The realization that we’re a media company first, and why that actually matters if you care about hunting culture long term. If you’re new here, this is the origin story. If you’ve been around a while, this is the reminder. Either way, thanks for being part of it. We don’t take that lightly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moving states is one thing. Moving your family, your career, and your entire hunting identity is something else entirely. In this episode, we sit down with Justin Synan to talk through the real story behind his move from Virginia to Kentucky and ultimately to Iowa. We dig into what actually drives those decisions: family, faith, frustration, opportunity, and the reality of chasing big whitetails without losing yourself along the way. We talk about the culture shock of new states, the realities of hunting pressure and baiting laws, why you can’t just “trip into” a big deer, and how expectations can quietly ruin the experience if you’re not careful. Justin opens up about what worked, what didn’t, and how perspective changes when kids, marriage, and long-term goals start weighing more than inches of antler. It’s a candid conversation about risk, patience, and figuring out what “success” actually looks like, both in the woods and at home. If you’ve ever daydreamed about moving to a whitetail mecca, felt stuck where you’re at, or wondered whether the grind is worth it, this episode is a great example of what it could look like to make the move. Presented by: Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laryngitis turns into an unexpected advantage as the conversation slows down and gets more thoughtful than usual. What starts as trade show chatter quickly becomes a grounded discussion about bows built for real hunting situations, not just spec sheets. Ryan Shutts from Bear Archery joins to walk through the thinking behind their 2026 lineup of bows like the Redeem, Alaskan Pro, Resilient, Adapt HP, and more. The focus stays on adjustability, forgiveness, and why confidence and comfort matter more than chasing maximum numbers. There is plenty of talk about short draw lengths, aging shoulders, youth shooters, and bows that can grow with someone or be passed down instead of replaced. Along the way, there are side tangents on trade show chaos, overengineering, minivans, and why Bear continues to be a first love for so many bowhunters and a brand people return to later in life. A practical, honest look at archery gear through the lens of actually hunting deer and enjoying the process. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Derek recaps the scouting, access, and short-lived hunt for his 2025 WI public land buck. Derek dives into the scouting process to find the location, the reasons he didn’t hunt this spot for 3 years, and the way he positioned and used timely intel from a camera to know it was time to get into the bedding area and make an aggressive move. Although the access was less than ideal and led to Derek dripping water from his perch high in a tree, swinging in his Latitude saddle, he stayed warm long enough to arrow a buck sneaking back into the bedding pocket. We examine a few maps of an example location similar to the one where Derek harvested his buck and discuss the access route and choice of stand location. Hopefully, you enjoy the story and can pick up a thing or two from the process he used to tag a bruiser of a SE WI buck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, this week we kicked this one off by wondering where you’re actually listening to us (dog walk? treadmill? treestand?… hopefully not on the can...). Then we bounce from ATA into “staying hunt ready” the only way we know how; half gear talk, half real-life chaos, and a little bit of “don’t pee into the wind” wisdom that absolutely belongs in a hunting handbook. We recap the feel of ATA this year (more reunion than rave), catch up on seeing partners and buddies in-person, and talk through what actually matters about new gear—specs aside. Latitude’s new whitetail-focused packs (Praxis + Flyer) get broken down in plain English: why you’d care, what problems they solve, and which type of hunter they seem built for (from “all-day grind” to “two-hour grab-and-go”). From there we get into the real “hunt ready” stuff: dialing in a quiet and efficient mobile system, small upgrades that make a big difference, shooting through the offseason, and why archery leagues might be the most underrated confidence-builder you can do before fall. And because we can’t help ourselves, we go down the broadhead rabbit hole... fixed vs expandable, penetration vs blood trail, and the universal truth: I want my cake and I want to eat it too… and I’d also like to find the deer without needing a drone, a dog, and therapy. We also take a live call from a long-time listener, Noah, talk late-season realities, and end with what we’re most excited about next: scouting missions with friends, more in-person guests, and building our own circle—without chasing celebrity hunters or controversy for clicks. Bonus: There’s no episode next week (Vegas/SHOT), so enjoy this one while you’re shoveling the driveway… or sitting on the can… or pretending you’re “working.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New year. Same woods. Slightly better questions. This episode starts exactly how most seasons do for us: Drinks in hand, gear scattered, kids distracting us, and our brains still half-stuck in last season. From there, it turns into a wide-ranging, boots-on-the-ground conversation about what actually matters once the tags are filled and the pressure is off. We dig into postseason scouting, reading why deer use certain spots instead of just where, and how historical sign, fresh sign, terrain, and transitions all start telling a bigger story when you slow down enough to pay attention to the details. There’s talk of interior edges, overlooked pockets, daylight movement, camera intel, and when aggression helps versus when it hurts. But it’s not just tactics. We also unpack the tension between “hunt your own hunt” and herd health, the responsibility hunters carry whether they like it or not, and why sound wildlife management doesn’t live in comment sections or hot takes. It lives in nuance, regional context, and trusting the people actually doing the biology work. Along the way, we talk kids in the woods, adversity, mistakes, stolen trail cams, frozen fingers, missed opportunities, and the value of asking better questions instead of pretending you already know the answers. If you’re the kind of hunter who’s still thinking about last season, already poking around for next season, and trying to get a little better without getting louder or more arrogant about it, we've got you. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hit record, crack jokes, and somehow end up doing a full 2025 deer season year-in-review with the crew—public land chaos, private land chirping, a perfectly-orchestrated deer drive, and the universal truth that the freezer doesn’t fill itself (unfortunately). You’ll hear: Tyler’s first real taste of public land deer hunting (and the humbling that comes with it) The Thanksgiving-ish deer drive that turned into a full-blown tradition Matt’s “dumb luck” story that includes a 47-yard double-lung from the ground… after ditching the camera (as is tradition) Derek’s heater of a season across Wisconsin + Illinois, capped by the best kind of win: his son taking his first deer A few real talk moments on what Okayest Hunter actually stands for—kindness isn’t weakness, community matters, and the loudest negativity doesn’t get to define the mission It’s funny, it’s rowdy, it’s heartfelt in the least convenient way… and it’s the perfect sendoff into almost 2026. Brought to you by Nosler. Shoot straight. Keep it tight. And try not to lose your boots in the marsh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we dig into one of the wildest public-land stories you’ll ever hear: the real-life unraveling of an albino deer poaching case, caught on camera and traced step-by-step across a marsh in Wisconsin. We break down the ethics, the law, the selfishness debate, and the tension between technology, responsibility, and what it really means to hunt with integrity. From cell cams to drones to deer camp dynamics, this one pulls apart the whole mess with honesty, humor, and a hard look at what hunters owe each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walking out the door to the deer woods feels a lot different when there’s a spouse at home, kids melting down, and a to-do list a mile long. Hunting fills your cup, but sometimes it drains everyone else’s. On this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, Eric and Derek tackle the “taboo” topic almost no hunting shows touch: what deer season really does to marriages, families, and modern dads. We talk honestly about guilt, selfishness, “hunting season survivor” spouses, and how easy it is to overdraft your family’s emotional bank account chasing a few precious sits in November. We also share the story behind our Sweet November Sweepstakes, why we had to nuke our old Apple Podcasts feed (and all the reviews with it), and how the Okayest community rallied to rebuild ratings from scratch. There’s a live winner draw, plenty of laughs about tech issues and vertical video chaos, and some surprisingly heavy moments about generational deer camp, getting kids involved, and raising a family that still wants to come “home” to the woods with you. If you’re a hunter who loves your family as much as you love the rut—and a spouse who’s ever felt like a hunting widow—this one’s for you. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review on the new Okayest Podcast Network feed so more okayest hunters (and their better halves) can find the show. Presented by Nosler: CODE OHP for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deer hearts on the cutting board, chili on the stove, and kids shaking in their boots at first light, this one’s pure deer camp. We break down Derek's son Gus dropping his first gun-season doe with the .350 Legend, from the shaky hands and cold toes to calling grandma and grandpa with the news and dragging her out as three generations share the moment. We swap deer camp hunting stories with the .300 Win Mag, Damien’s swamp donkey drag from hell, and Derek's buddy Mike finally tagging a big, wide 7-pointer after nearly three decades of grinding it out on tough ground. Of course, we talk about the viral Clayton gag video, soft-handed internet haters, buck shaming, tattoos for deer camp, and why we’re still fighting for a hunting culture where any legal deer is worth celebrating. There’s some gear talk and housekeeping too: Nosler’s Black Friday deals, Latitude, Gerber, Rack Hub, a Moultrie Edge Solar cam giveaway, and our loaded November sweepstakes. We wrap it all in gratitude—for our kids, our buddies, our wives who hold the fort down, and the deer that make all of this possible. Grab a bowl of chili, hug your people, and enjoy the deer camp recap. Enter our November Sweepstakes here: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-fred-bear-sweet-november-sweepstakes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deer Camp week is finally here, and Eric's deer camp buddies show up in full force. Clayton’s rocking the rut-stache, Colton makes his podcast debut, Joel’s ready to hunt the thick stuff, Mike’s on Celsius all caffeinated up, and Eric’s just trying to keep the cords plugged in and the bourbon upright. Calls come in, stories fly, and somehow we cover everything from crossbows to childhood trauma, dolphin tattoos, chili debates, Mallort curses, cabin chaos, Kwik Trip addictions, dads getting stuck in trucks, and the annual reminder that nobody gags harder during a gut job than Clayton. Shane calls in to share he's heading to Adams County, Wisconsin. Colton learns what he definitely doesn’t want to grow into. And the crew tries (and fails) to stay on a single topic for more than 11 seconds. It’s the most unhinged, authentic, big-buck-dreaming, belly-laughing Deer Camp episode we’ve ever recorded. Sorry, kinda. Good luck this weekend. Stay safe, shoot straight, and may your Mallort shot not curse your season. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rut is in full swing across Wisconsin! Eric, Greg, and the Okayest Hunter crew swap stories about missed shots, grunting bucks, and the kind of chaos only November can bring. From public land heartbreaks to private land success, this episode dives deep into the madness of the whitetail rut, listener call-ins, and real talk about what keeps us chasing deer season after season. Presented by ⁠Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The boys are back in the studio, and this episode captures everything we love about November deer season: chaos, laughter, and a little bit of rut-crazed magic. Eric, Derek, and the Okayest Hunter podcast listeners trade stories about lost gear, hernias, and arm-wrestling gone wrong before diving into real hunting talk—rifle sight-ins, saddle setups, and the eternal struggle between safety and convenience in the tree. As calls roll in from listeners across the country, we get live rut reports from Wisconsin, New York, and beyond—bucks chasing, wolves appearing out of nowhere, and the kind of adrenaline-filled encounters that remind you why November is sacred. There’s even a few surprise guests, from moms dropping big deer to first-timers filling tags the Okayest way. If you’re looking for deer camp energy and a reminder that we’re all just big kids building tree forts with bows, this one’s for you. Brought to you by: Nosler, Latitude Outdoors, Gerber Gear, Rack-Hub, and your favorite deer camp traditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Keith joins the crew to share one of the wildest public land hunting stories we’ve heard yet... from overcoming fear and hunting alone, to dropping a big Wisconsin buck… and earning himself a double hernia in the process. It’s a story about grit, growth, and why you never leave before last light. Presented by: Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by Kevin Vistisen from the Deer Hunter Podcast for an honest and entertaining deer camp chat. We cover everything from the science of deer vision and UV light, to why camo patterns might be more for people than deer, and how ego, gear, and gratitude shape the modern hunter. It’s equal parts science, storytelling, and Okayest Hunter banter, and brutally honest takes about hunting culture today. Presented by Nosler Shoutout to our partners, Latitude Outdoors, Gerber Gear, and Rack Hub. Hunt your own hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two bucks down, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of chaos. The crew sits down to swap stories from an unforgettable week in the deer woods, where years of friendship, scouting, and sheer grit finally pay off. From youth hunts to public land redemption, this one’s packed with lessons on patience, pressure, and what it really means to hunt your own hunt. It's story time in the Okayest Hunter studio. Presented by: Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sat down with Before the Echo’s Josh Teulker to talk about how priorities shift in hunting, and life, as we get older. From a guy who’s got 20 mounts collecting dust, Josh shares how chasing inches slowly gave way to chasing memories. We get into what happens in that ten-second window before the shot, why ego and antlers are often confused for value, and how hunting with friends (or your kids) changes everything. It’s equal parts campfire talk and reality check, with plenty of laughs about crow calls, EHD, and how no one ever talked trash at the old deer check stations. Presented by Nosler: Use Code OHP for 20% Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to be a deer hunter? In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we sit down to talk with John Stellflue about the stages of a hunter’s journey: shooting, limiting out, chasing trophies, and finally finding meaning in memories, camaraderie, and time afield. From big buck fever and scoring disappointment to lessons learned as fathers, mentors, and friends, this conversation digs into the culture of deer hunting, ego, and why camp matters more than inches of antler. Presented by: https://www.nosler.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hot temps, swarms of mosquitoes, and the eternal struggle of when to draw back... we’re in the thick of early-season deer hunting. Eric and Derek swap stories from the woods, from bug-bitten earlobes to kayak-access hunts, and dig into the challenges of making the shot when it counts. We also break down fresh sign, trail cam pressure, family hunting chaos, and why picking the right spot (and the right knife) can make all the difference. Toss in some gear talk with Nosler, Latitude, Gerber, and Rack Hub, plus listener call-ins that keep it real, this one’s packed with the highs, lows, and humor of chasing whitetails before the rut. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you get fired from your job, invest in a thermal drone, and log over 2,000 hours of thermal drone footage on mature whitetails? You start busting hunting myths wide open. In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we’re joined by Derrick Dixon of Whitetail Research, who’s using next-level drone technology to track deer movement, bedding, funnels, and thermals in ways hunters have never seen before. Derek shares how his research is confirming some long-held whitetail wisdom, while completely flipping other assumptions on their head. From how bucks really use wind and thermals, to why trail cameras can mislead weekend warriors, this conversation is a deep dive into big buck behavior backed by data, not guesswork. Key takeaways: What 2,000+ hours of drone observation revealed about mature buck movement Thermals vs. wind: which one deer actually rely on most Why your trail cameras might be lying to you How time of day changes everything for big buck activity Practical ways hunters can apply this research to limited sits If you’re serious about learning the truth behind whitetail movement or just love deer hunting podcasts that dig deeper than campfire stories, this one is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Presented by: Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From dealing with ego and authenticity in the hunting space to finding balance between ambition and contentment, this conversation covers it all. We dive into the “old guard” versus the new wave of hunters, why gimmicks come and go, and how trust is earned in the community. We also talk about chasing big bucks versus simply enjoying time in the woods, the role of luck versus preparation, and the parallels between deer hunting, business, and family life. At the heart of it, hunting isn’t about proving anything to anyone else. It’s about shaping your own journey, staying grounded, and finding joy wherever you can. Presented by: Nosler. Use code OHP for 20% off at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast brings Thomas Kotz into the studio from Henry Repeating Arms for a conversation that covers a lot of ground. From the history of lever guns to what makes Henry rifles a favorite among whitetail hunters. We dig into bear hunting stories from Wisconsin and Montana, the appeal of small game, and the old-school tradition of still-hunting deer in the Northwoods. There’s plenty of talk about rifles, hunting culture, and a few lessons the deer woods are always quick to hand out. If you’re after a deer hunting podcast that mixes honest stories, gear talk, and the kind of camp banter most of us live for, this one’s worth a listen. Presented by: Nosler — Use code OHP for 20% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colton Koza joins the show to share how he made his way from Missouri to Wisconsin, his background as a competitive trap shooter (including a national championship), and how he’s transitioning into chasing whitetails and turkeys on Wisconsin public land. We dive into the realities of hunting pressure, trail cameras, climbing gear, and the quirks of Midwest terrain compared to the Ozarks. From stories about shooting sports and college life to swapping strategies for deer season prep, this one’s equal parts camaraderie and practical insight. If you’ve ever debated saddles vs. climbers, wondered how Missouri hardwoods stack up against Wisconsin swamps, or just love hunting camp banter, you’ll feel right at home. Presented by Nosler—use code OHP for 20% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scouting new ground means making your best guess and seeing if the deer prove you right... or wrong. This week, we’re talking trail cam strategy, mock scrapes, reading food sources like white oaks, and why ugly spots often hold the biggest bucks. From setting “traps” with cameras to second-guessing every move until the first shooter buck hits the dirt, it’s all part of figuring out new ground the Okayest way. Presented by Nosler. Use code OHP at checkout and save 20%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of dropping pins, Derek sits down with fellow podcast host Anthony Heller of the Deer Vane podcast. Anthony is a seasoned podcast who has logged more than 200 episodes on the Deer Vane podcast title. He’s also one hell of a deer hunter and in the past, few years has connected on some gorgeous books, both on private and public ground In this episode, we talk about multiple factors that have led to both his and Derek success over the years. Anthony breaks down a couple different ideas and tactics that have helped him learn, sometimes the hard way, to predict big buck travel, and when he can intercept them. We talk about how time in the woods is such a contributing factor to success and how to optimize your time through the use of trail cameras, cell cameras, and monitoring the weather for things like weather changes, cold fronts and wind switches. We also discussed the placement of trail cams over scrapes and Nir hunting locations to maximize the time that you do get in the woods as a busy adult. Anthony then walks us through both of his big buck kills from the previous season and the factors that led to him being in that spot and also how we made it happen from the ground on a beautiful public land buck. Plenty of big buck ideas and nuances have been discussed in this podcast, and I’m sure you’ll have lots to learn. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foam Fest brought hunters from across the country, literally. Eric and Matt recap this year’s event, from youth shed hunts and trick shots to prize bows and gear giveaways from Nosler, Gerber, Bear Archery, and more. They share stories from first-time shooters, long-distance attendees, and the chaos that makes Foam Fest special. Then the conversation shifts to archery fundamentals—tuning your bow, anchor points, muscle memory, and the fixed vs. mechanical broadhead debate, plus the hard-earned lessons that come from missed shots, recovered deer, and gear that works when it counts. Presented by: Nosler — CODE OPH for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We announce the winners of our biggest giveaway yet, talk through the gear that made it happen, and share what’s ahead for Foam Fest. Between stories about getting blown at while taking out the trash and lessons learned the hard way in the deer woods, we dig into real-time scouting, preseason prep, and why sometimes the best stand is the one you've never sat in before. This one’s laid-back, gear-packed, and full of laughs and insights from the Okayest crew. Presented by Nosler: Save 20% with code - OHP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Derek sits down to chat with good buddy Beau Below from Ghostbusters video productions. Derek and Beau have been friends for many years and I’ve talked deer hunting nearly every day to help each other scheme formulate a plan and attack on big deer. In this episode, we recap those amazing year last season where he tagged three mature bucks two of which scored over 160 inches. We highlight the importance of making aggressive moves when the time is right, taking advantage of both weather and wind, pattern changes, Noting when box seem to be living in unable or very challenging areas. Beau and his family have a wealth of knowledge in chasing mature books and have been doing so for many decades. There are so many tidbits of knowledge and experience and information in this podcast that both shares this is a guess we will surely be talking to again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Okayest Hunter Podcast is back after a brief hiatus with some exciting updates, including a new studio and a giveaway! Tune in LIVE next week, Tuesday, August 5th, to hear the winners! In this episode, Eric talks about the chaos of moving, technical difficulties (because what would the show be without them?), and the lead-up to Foam Fest and hunting season. The conversation takes a deep dive into deer hunting strategies, crop rotations, and the value of historical data for scouting. Guest Jon Landwehr, a seasoned hunter in Kansas, shares his journey from a casual hunter to targeting mature bucks, the ups and downs of hunting with a bow, and how hunting big deer is a lot like backtracking and analyzing patterns. Tune in for practical insights, relatable stories, and a reminder that hunting is as much about the journey as it is about the kill. Presented by Nosler: https://www.nosler.com/ CODE OHP for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Derek talks with public land mad man, Cody Huhn. Cody was a successful buck hunter in lower Michigan before diving into his whitetail career with an internship with Midwest Whitetail in the land of the giants, Iowa. Cody has since transitioned to learning everything he possibly could about the public hunting grounds of south central Iowa and documenting his journey on his YouTube channel “Public Land Whitetails”. We talk about a good variety of whitetail stories and anecdotes from observations over the years, but the main takeaway from each story, the link between most of Cody’s biggest bucks, is that each buck was using the wind to absolute greatest advantage. Cody found how and where he would be able to successfully give the Buck the wind advantage but still be able to kill. In most cases this required Cody to do something DIFFERENT. Something strange, weird, onorthodoxy, even a bit crazy. Cody tells a number of stories, all of which relate to how the wind is the #1 factor that keeps big bucks alive. This is a great episode and Cody’s knowledge pours out as he explains much of the things he has been blessed to experience in spending nearly everyday of season in the field over the past 5 seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in as Anthony Heller co-hosts while Greg and Derek are on vacation. Eric and Anthony chat about their upcoming archery events and share stories from past hunts, touching on everything from gear choices to the frustrating realities of hunting big bucks. They dive into the excitement of moving to a new studio, building confidence by shooting 3D archery, and how their gear's evolved (or not) over several deer hunting seasons. Presented by Nosler: CODE OHP FOR 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Derek sits down with our fearless leader, Eric Clark’s cousin, Jeremy Clark. Jeremy is someone Eric has looked up to and admired as a deer hunter for several years. Eric has long talked about Jeremy’s effectiveness in the deer woods and was thrilled to get this conversation lined up. Jeremy starts off discussing his first bow kill on a beautiful P&Y buck, which came together all too easily. This fast and successful start to Jeremy’s hunting career led him to quickly focus on holding out for trophy bucks. As a result, he lost many opportunities to hone and practice the finer skills of pulling off successful shots and kills with archery equipment. Then Jeremy dives into some tactics he uses on private ground, where he has permission to hunt, vs. the public marshes he hunts. He discusses how and why he uses trail cameras on both public and private and the type of set ups he uses to put himself in the chips. Jeremy shares a story of a giant 10-point he took this past season with his longbow. His story illustrates not only how to effectively set up to intercept cruising bucks searching for does, but also the importance of being confident in your set up. In Jeremy’s story, he had originally chosen a tree to hunt out of during off season scouting, but after setting up for his hunt, he quickly realized that there was a better option just 30-40 yards away, so without hesitation, he pulled his stand and made the move. This move shortly led to a close encounter and an even closer shot on a mature buck. Jeremy also talks about tactics for getting into deer on public ground and not wasting your time hunting spots that aren’t “in it”. He lays down some great ideas and thoughts on scouting your way into the woods and knowing when to hang and spend time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We finally got Dillon Deitz on the show, and we spiraled straight into bear season heartbreak, spiritual introspection, and some of the funniest roasts he's done as a practicing comedian. Dillon the brains and banter behind Elk Don’t Exist, a counterculture hunting brand born from missed shots, public land grind, and the realization that pretending to be a badass makes hunting a lot less fun (for him). We dive into his Montana bear season, the mental game of hunting, and how being honest about your screw-ups, your faith, and your potentially offensive jokes is the real badge of honor in the woods. We also get into: Why humor makes hunting better What it’s like building a brand that doesn’t pretend to be elite The hilarious (and sometimes unhinged) comments Dillon fields online Stoicism, Jesus, and that one time a homeless guy humbled an emperor The power of self-deprecation, Deer Camp comedy, and just being yourself If you’ve ever missed a shot, doubted your place in the hunting world, or wondered if your goofy, camo-wearing self belongs, you’re not alone. You’re in damn good company among our two brands. 🎧 Elk Don’t Exist apparel: www.elkdontexist.com 📺 Watch the full conversation and join live next time: Tuesdays @ 6PM CST 💥 Presented by Nosler: Use code OHP at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Back!! With whitetail season less than 75 days away, big bucks are filtering back into our dreams and daily thoughts. Season 2 of Dropping Pins is back!! We are excited to talk big bucks and hear from seasoned, mature buck killers on all the things that they are thinking, doing, and planning for this upcoming season, along with some amazing stories from past hunts that helped them elevate their whitetail skills. This episode is a recap of all the deer-related “stuff” that has kept Derek and family busy since last season, along with plans and ideas for this summer's scouting season and upcoming hunting season. Hopefully, this gets you excited for deer hunting and the great guests coming up soon!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sat down with Austin Nicholas, aka Wilderness Father, to talk about raising kids through time outdoors. From hunting and fishing with his daughter to the viral moment that kicked off his content journey, Austin shares what it means to lean into hardship, stay humble, and keep showing up as a dad. We cover everything from deer recovery and parenting screw-ups to why the "garbage time" matters just as much as the highlight reel. If you’re a dad who hunts (or wants to), we think you'll enjoy this one! Presented by Nosler: Code OHP for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re posted up in Oconomowoc with local hunter and filmmaker Brad Werwinski. We cover everything from hunting in the Dakotas to filming your hunts without overcomplicating it. Brad shares his go-to camera gear, and we get into packing tips, bow case hacks, muzzleloader mishaps, and why thermoses are clutch for late-season sits. We also talk public land etiquette, bear hunting tactics, and the gear we’re loving right now, like Sitka’s mosquito and tick-resistant Equinox Guard and new saddle gear from Latitude. Plus, Foam Fest updates, filming plans, and some good ol’ Midwest deer camp talk. No fluff. Just real hunts, hard-earned lessons, and a few laughs. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He Quit His Job for Deer Camp Bryce from Wisconsin Weekend Warrior joins the show to talk about quitting a job that wouldn’t give him deer season off, ground hunting with a bow from a lawn chair, and growing up in a multigenerational state forest deer camp. We cover bribing squirrels with honey buns, bucks at six yards, and the slow death of public land hunting camps. A funny, honest convo about why we hunt, and what keeps us coming back. Presented by: Nosler. Use code OHP for 20% OFF Show Partners: Gerber Gear Latitude Outdoors, Rack Hub KwikTrip Follow Bryce on Instagram: @wisconsin_weekend_warrior Grab some Okayest Hunter gear at https://www.okayesthunter.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Whitney Tram­mel, the strength coach-turned-elk­chaser behind the Wild Strength Podcast, from the Okayest Podcast Network. We kick things off with her move from Texas to Colorado. Whitney breaks down why real backcountry balance isn’t built on a BOSU ball, how a bit of gym grit can keep your heart steady when the buck steps into range, and why she’d rather solo-hunt than rely on guides. Along the way, we tackle identity, social media stereotypes, imposter syndrome after a failed season, and why tying self-worth to your harvest can backfire. Whitney even shares her top beginner tips and why strength—mental and physical—is the secret sauce for every hunter. This episode is equal parts hunting tales, workout wisdom, and honest takes on what it means to be truly “wild strong.” Presented by Nosler: Use code OHP for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turkey season is over. Let's talk about deer. This episode is all about summer deer prep. What to prioritize, how to make the best use of your summer, and why trail cams can be more misleading than helpful if you don’t know what you’re doing. Eric and Derek get into summer bedding, aggressive moves, buck beds, rub lines, and the high-stakes game of sneaking into a setup without blowing your whole season with one wrong move. There’s also a canoe, a questionable rowboat journey, and a bunch of near-death parenting moments. Grab a cold one, this one’s a ride. Presented by Nosler: www.nosler.com, code OHP for 20% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices