Pennsylvania Woodsman

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Jake Stanisch of Long Branch Turkey Calls for a deep dive into all things spring turkey hunting. From growing up in Pennsylvania and becoming hooked on the sound of a gobble at a young age, Jake shares what fuels his passion for chasing turkeys year after year. The conversation covers scouting, preseason preparation, and how understanding turkey behavior — from early spring through the month of May — can shape success in the woods. They also discuss how pressure, hens, and seasonal timing influence gobbling activity, and why persistence often matters more than perfect strategy. Beyond tactics, the episode digs into the mindset of a turkey hunter. Jake breaks down the importance of mastering the fundamentals — becoming proficient with a few calls instead of chasing every new product, reading a bird’s “temperature,” and knowing when to call versus when to stay quiet. The guys also explore different hunting styles, from aggressive run-and-gun approaches to patient sit-and-wait tactics, and why neither is right or wrong. At its core, this episode is about time in the woods, learning through experience, and embracing the unpredictability that keeps turkey hunters coming back every spring. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Tom Damren of Workhorse Trees for a deep dive into planting trees for whitetail habitat — and why most hunters get it wrong. Tom shares how his journey into growing trees started out of frustration after failed plantings, leading him down the path of rootstock selection, disease resistance, and understanding what actually works in a real-world hunting setting. From the importance of seedling rootstock to avoiding common mistakes like planting too many trees or choosing the wrong varieties, this conversation breaks down the fundamentals of building a successful tree program that actually produces results. The discussion then shifts into a unique and practical strategy: “deep woods planting.” Instead of traditional orchard-style setups, Tom explains how strategically placing a small number of trees in cover can create better daylight movement and more huntable scenarios. The guys also cover species selection, growth expectations, protection from wildlife damage, and how to think about trees not just as a food source, but as a precision tool for attraction. If you’ve ever been frustrated with planting trees or questioned whether they’re worth the effort, this episode offers a fresh perspective that might change how you approach habitat improvement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Dan Sauble of Mason Dixon Adventures for a wide-ranging conversation about bowhunting, physical preparation, and the mental side of becoming a better hunter. Dan shares how transitioning from a physically demanding career into office work pushed him to focus more intentionally on fitness, mobility, and preparing his body for hunting seasons ahead. From sandbag workouts and archery-specific training to simple habits like walking and prioritizing recovery, the conversation highlights how small, consistent efforts can improve both overall health and performance in the woods. The discussion then shifts into the deeper side of bowhunting — ethics, shot selection, target panic, and the constant challenge of managing the mental game when an animal is in front of you. Mitchell and Dan explore how experience, repetition, and self-awareness shape a bowhunter over time, while also sharing memorable stories from the field that prove the best trophies aren’t always measured in inches. From shooting an armadillo with a bow to mentoring new hunters and filling freezers, this episode reflects on the lessons, mistakes, and friendships that make bowhunting such a meaningful pursuit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell sits down with Pennsylvania hunter Tom Runscavage for a thoughtful conversation about hunting, family life, and the challenge of staying passionate about the outdoors when time becomes limited. With young kids at home and another on the way, Tom shares how his perspective on deer hunting has evolved over the years—from chasing every opportunity in the woods to learning how to prioritize family, responsibilities, and the few hunting opportunities he still gets each season. The discussion dives into the reality many hunters face as life changes: balancing ambition in the woods with the responsibilities that come with growing families and busy careers. The conversation also explores the modern hunting landscape, from the overwhelming amount of gear and media content available today to the importance of keeping things simple. Tom and Mitchell discuss how many hunters get caught chasing complex strategies while overlooking the fundamentals that truly matter—habitat, access, and basic deer sign. From the pressures of limited time to the importance of hunting efficiently and keeping expectations realistic, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that success in the woods often comes down to doing the basics well and remembering why we hunt in the first place. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell sits down with Ron Mentzer of the Tracks and Tackle podcast and Mentzer Outdoors for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, hunting tradition, and the power of belonging. Ron shares how a decades-long family camp logbook eventually evolved into a podcast built around campfire conversations and connecting everyday outdoorsmen across Pennsylvania and beyond. Together, they unpack why hunters crave camaraderie, how intentional mentorship keeps traditions alive, and why creating space at the table matters more than ever in today’s hunting culture. The conversation then shifts into bowhunting mindset, balance, and the tension many passionate hunters feel between ambition and family responsibility. From rut vacation stories and close-call recoveries to honest reflection about when hunting can cross into unhealthy territory, this episode dives into the deeper “why” behind the pursuit. It’s not just about antlers or filled tags — it’s about meaning, memory, legacy, and learning to “hunt your hunt” while keeping life in balance. A thoughtful, reflective discussion that will resonate with anyone who struggles to turn hunting brain off — even in the off-season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Dave Hoy — physical therapist, lifelong Pennsylvania hunter, and founder of Integrated Habitat Solutions — for a thoughtful conversation centered on habitat work, long-term thinking, and balancing passion with real life. Dave shares how cutting trees, reshaping food plots, and implementing timber harvest strategies have transformed both his hunting properties and his mindset. From edge feathering and crop tree release to hard mast plantings and nursery-grown chestnuts, the discussion dives deep into practical habitat manipulation while emphasizing patience, process, and learning through experience Beyond chainsaws and soil health, the conversation takes a deeper turn into career, family, and perspective. Dave reflects on nearly three decades as a physical therapist, the evolving seasons of fatherhood, and why he’s building a passion-driven habitat business without the pressure of making it his sole income. Together, he and Mitchell unpack the realities of the hunting industry, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and why long-term stewardship — not short-term results — defines true success. This episode is as much about legacy and growth as it is about food plots and timber harvests Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Kris Buchman of 3B Outdoors Club for a laid-back, honest conversation about hunting, fatherhood, and keeping the outdoors fun. Kris shares his upbringing in Maryland, how he got started deer hunting, and what eventually pulled him headfirst into waterfowl hunting. The two talk through the differences between private and public land, the challenges that come with pressure and competition, and the lessons learned from both success and hard mistakes in the field. From blown muzzleloader shots to canvasbacks on public water, Kris brings perspective shaped by experience — and humility.The heart of the conversation centers on priorities. As a husband and father of five, Kris explains how his approach to hunting has evolved from chasing trophies to creating memories with his kids. Whether it’s sunrise duck hunts, gas station snack traditions, or simply enjoying time in the blind, the focus has shifted from grinding for results to embracing the process. Together, Mitchell and Kris unpack how community, mentorship, and intentional time outdoors can shape the next generation — and why sometimes the biggest win isn’t what you harvest, but who you’re with when you do it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell sits down with Jae Ellison for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, education, and the often-overlooked gap between taking hunter education and becoming a lifelong hunter. Jae shares his unconventional path into the outdoors—starting as a non-hunter, building a career in outdoor education, and eventually finding his way into hunting as an adult after moving to Pennsylvania. Together, they explore how failure, challenge, and intentional learning shape both outdoor leadership and the hunting journey, and why hunting offered Jae a meaningful connection to the outdoors that felt different from work for the first time in years.The discussion then turns toward mentorship, community, and hunter retention—why so many people complete hunter education but never buy a license, and what the hunting industry can do to better support new hunters beyond basic safety training. Jae and Mitchell unpack the role of fellowship, shared experiences, and belonging in keeping hunters engaged, while also addressing the limits of modern media, the loss of in-person connection, and the importance of accessible next-step education. From hunter mentorship platforms to Jae’s upcoming Evolving Hunter Podcast, this episode is a thoughtful look at how hunting traditions grow, adapt, and survive when experienced hunters are willing to help others find their place in the woods. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.