Pennsylvania Woodsman

Pennsylvania is one of the few states that does not allow baiting or the use of hounds for hunting black bears. With the extreme diversity in habitat across this state, harvesting one with a bow can be a difficult task. However, with the season expansion and increase in bear population, archers taking the field in pursuit of these bruins have slightly better odds then they may have historically. Regardless, scouting and developing a hunting strategy is still not a walk in the park!This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we chat with Todd Bromley. Todd is the editor of Crossbow Magazine and lifelong Pennsylvania hunter. For the past 11 seasons, Todd has transitioned from compound to using solely his crossbow each fall. We begin by diving into a bowhunting philosophy and ethics conversation, regardless of the weapon being vertical or horizontal. Next we chat about Todd's recent fascination - black bears. In 2015, Todd killed the 15th largest bear in the state at the time, and has since found himself scouting and hunting hard each fall. He shares some tips for finding food in the types of habitat he typically hunts, and also finding sign in some out of the ordinary ways. We also discuss a little bit of whitetail deer hunting strategy, specifically how he uses trail cameras to be successful. We close by discussing some of the testing he has done with heavy crossbow bolts weighing in over 600 grains with 200 grain fixed blade broadheads. Bear season begins October 15th, and this episode should fire you up!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome outdoor content! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with the boss man himself, the man behind Sportsmen's Empire, Mr. Dan Johnson. We converse over our current life routine including family life with children and slowly lead into hunting season. Dan discusses the recent changes in hunting properties he is experiencing from losing one of his main properties and having to pull his gear off the land without getting shot at! Dan talks about his pursuit in finding a shooter around his home in Iowa, but also shares his philosophy when it comes to out of state hunts.In recent years there has been an excellent push to get people outdoors and enjoy deer hunting on public land. However, there is still an overwhelming amount of "deer shaming", pressuring people that they have to shoot the absolute biggest buck, as if they are inferior if they do not. Dan compares his philosophy of targeting mature bucks close to home versus shooting something on an out of state trip that just makes him happy. How does a guy from Iowa relate to people in Pennsylvania and the Northeast? Dan is an individual that does what he wants without the influence of what other people think. Most importantly, he flat out loves bowhunting. There is a ton of philosophy and a touch of strategy in this week's episode!For more awesome outdoor content, check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pennsylvania began allowing hunters to recover wounded big game with dogs during the 2018 season. While we always aspire to place shots that require short track jobs, it's only part of hunting to make a bad shot. On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we sit down with bowhunter and blood tracker Otto Shick. Otto is a humble farmer from Southeast Pennsylvania that has been bowhunting his entire life and helping people find their deer with his dog Otis since it has been legal. With all this comes a substantial amount of knowledge regarding tracking and what to do after the shot.Patience is an attribute that seldom goes unrewarded. So why is it so difficult for many people to be patient after they release an arrow? Frankly, it's easier said than done when you're dealing with adrenaline and excitement. Without discipline, it can quickly ruin your recovery experience. Slow down and ask yourself things such as, where do I think I hit? How did the deer react? Where was the last place I saw it run? What time did I shoot? Otto shares with us what to do on specific shot situations, the amount of time to wait before tracking, how to mark the trail as you go, and what to do when you lose blood and decide to call someone with a dog. When in doubt, back out, they say. Not only is this true for allowing enough time for the animal to expire, it's also true for dog tracking. Grid searching can hinder a dog's ability to follow up efficiently by molesting the track's scent profile. If you need help with a track this fall or would like more information about blood tracking with dogs, go to www.unitedbloodtrackers.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's that time of year when all the stars begin to align, the weather is cooling down, and it's finally go-time. You've waited all year long for this, and you're going to do everything in your power to spend the maximum amount of time in the field. How many times do you tell yourself that this task or event can wait until after hunting season? It's so easy to get caught up in the mindset that hunting season is priority because there is only a fixed amount of time you're able to hunt each calendar year. This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch dives into some personal dilemmas he is having balancing his everyday life and the desire to hunt hunt hunt! The conversation is more open ended and philosophical then direct. He shares with us his learning curve being a father and husband while also trying to chase his passion in the whitetail woods. Mitch is open with everyone about how he really struggles keeping his priorities focused during the hunting season and not allowing himself to put his family and loved ones behind hunting. Time management can be difficult in life, especially when you have other responsibilities that force you from doing the things you want to do. Even though hunting has so many positive attributes, the harsh reality is it can become a selfish endeavor with ugly consequences if you're not careful. If this is something you battle, hopefully this episode lets you know that you're not alone! Good luck to everyone this fall! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch and Robby catch up with Matt Zirnsak from The Push Archery. Matt is from western Pennsylvania and is a diehard bowhunter who is partial to taking a recurve to the field. We begin our conversation with Matt's introduction to bowhunting and traditional archery, then navigate from flinging arrows to competitive status. We discuss a ton of things including general bowhunting discussion, shot execution and target panic, aiming, and all things equipment. The Push all began when Matt and some buddies created a YouTube video for introductory traditional archery. Since then, The Push has been pumping out a ton of educational content, as well as archery hunting and entertaining videos. Be sure to tune into their Youtube channel and follow them on social media! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with Donovan Remp and Austin Schlenker. These guys are completely ate up with bowfishing, and we have a fantastic B.S. session all about shooting fish. If you've never tried bowfishing, these guys will peak your interest. Not only is it extremely stimulating, as the title states, some of the species they are targeting make for incredible table fare! We start off with the boy's introduction to bowfishing, their evolution of gear accumulation, thoughts and recommendations on how to get started, and of course we lead into strategy and fun stories. The guys go anywhere from walking creeks for carp to running the Potomac River for Snakehead - or as we now reference it, poor man's Walleye! What better way to lead into archery season than shooting your bow? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September is here, which means deer season has arrived! That includes the special regulations season in Pennsylvania including units 5C, 5D, and 2B. It's a fantastic opportunity to get in the deer woods slightly before the rest of the state. On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we chatted with someone who has found repeated success on opening day during this early season. Our guest Adam Pastrnak discusses his continued stewardship of the whitetail woods. More of a self taught bow hunter, he is constantly consuming as much information as possible to help formulate a game plan during fall. Through the school of hard knocks and trial and error, Adam has managed to come up with a system where he can connect on deer in the morning during early season. We indulge into his learning curve and how he has evolved from stomping through brush to a more methodical approach in the whitetail woods. It's a bow hunting conversation for anyone who is ready for opening day, wherever that may be! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with Garrett Regalski who is the owner of Fowl Intentions and co-owner of PA Boyz Outdoors. Garrett eats, sleeps and breathes goose hunting and adjusts life around chasing the flyways. For six months out of the year he is putting his shotgun through constant use and abuse in any weather you'd imagine. Needless to say, opening day cannot come fast enough!.Garrett shares a ton of his experiences and details how his scouting leads to success. A ton of miles get put on the vehicles to locate and pattern birds during preseason. He also discusses calling techniques, decoying, equipment, and much much more. It's an episode that will aggravate an itchy trigger finger and make your shoulder hurt just thinking about slinging some steel! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are chatting with Phil Holcombe about the Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival. Phil is now the third generation leading with his team of volunteers to make this event happen annually. It is the oldest gathering of bowhunters in the world! It's an opportunity for fellowship, comradery, archery shooting, networking, and just pure bowhunting fun!Phil shares with us some of the history of the festival as it began with his Grandfather and Great Uncles over 60 years ago in Forksville, PA. One of the most memorable parts of this shoot is the novelty running deer shoot, and Phil discusses the engineering occured to develop this attractive target! There are also numerous courses throughout the fairgrounds that make the event too big to handle in a single day. Not to mention the food and vendors that are present every year. This event is held annually in September and is something that is fun for the whole family. Tune in to hear all about it, and check out pabowhunters.com for more information about the event and how you can join this year! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trail cameras are arguably the most helpful scouting tool available. Even though recently an ethics debate has emerged, they are still valuable when learning animal patterns and behavior. Many of us find ourselves adding to our arsenal of cameras each season. More cameras means more pictures, which can definitely lead to a massive time investment as well as a headache in organization. However, there are tools which can make life a bit more efficient.This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch and Robby chat with Jon Livingston from DeerLab. Jon is one of the founders and creators of this software tool which allows more efficient data collection. If you struggle with organizing camera images and correlating trends due to the massive amount of time and clutter, this episode is for you! Use the coupon code "WOODSMAN" for 20% off your purchase of DeerLab! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's that time of year where final preparations are coming together for archery season. Food plot planting is in full swing throughout most of the country and beginning to pick up here in the northeast. Social media is blowing up with guys tilling and planting, promoting different seed blends and manufacturers. But how do you really know what fits best for your situation? This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch dives into a fall food plot discussion of tuning fall food plots with hunting strategy.Topics of interest include 1) assessing species requirements based on browse pressure and soil capabilities, 2) maximizing the amount of tonnage for season long hunting, and 3) effectively hunting and holding the local herd with this food plot rotation. We also touch on some potentially simple poor man no-till food plot options. Food plots truly can change the quality of hunting on private land to the point of no return. Anyone who has not experienced this has likely made a fatal mistake in their program that produced poor results. Those mistakes can be avoided and are addressed in this episode! Don't miss out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There is something special about digging in the dirt, especially, when you know the dirt under your fingernails belongs to you. On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we chat with Mike Daquilante about his experiences manipulating his 130 acre farm in western Pennsylvania. For 25+ years, Mike has been removing invasives, planting food plots, and trying to leave his property better than when he first purchased it. He loves to live by the motto, "it's not our's, it's just our turn."While Mike surely enjoys his time in the field and has hunting strategies up his sleeve, that's not entirely what this episode is about. Instead, he discusses his success stories and learning experiences during that time. He also expresses the fulfillment of giving back. Mike has shared his property with family, friends, and youth looking to tag their first deer and turkey. It's a great reminder to not have blinders on during hunting season and to share the experiences we seek each fall. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When this episode drops, there are only 71 days remaining before Pennsylvania's statewide archery season opens. Season preparation is in full swing for many diehards and the anticipation is creeping up. That also means the time of year is approaching when sportsmen and women are spending less time at home with family. How do you handle the balance between your outdoor passion and family time?On this week's episode we chat with Josh Raley, a fellow Sportsmen's Empire contributor for the Wisconsin Sportsman and How to Hunt Deer Podcasts. Josh faces the same dilemma's as anyone. He is a husband, a father, and a faithful follower of the Lord, but also crazy about chasing whitetail deer and turkeys whenever humanly possible. Josh shares with us some of his journey which led him to where he is now and how those learning experiences have molded him into the hunter, father, husband, and believer that he is today. There is a lot left to be said from Josh, as he is no stranger to chasing whitetails across the country and we look forward to having him back for more deer hunting conversations! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we pick back up where we left off in last week's conversation with Cory Gulvas. Cory discusses a little more whitetail hunting strategy which then leads us into what he is truly most passionate about: traditional archery. Mature mountain bucks in the northeast can be an extremely difficult quarry to encounter in the first place. But connecting on one with a stick bow inside 20 yards is a whole new level of difficulty! Regardless of the type of vertical bow in hand, archery is a mental game. It's easy to develop bad habits that require practice schemes to break them. Cory shares with us that he has experienced target panic to such a degree, that during one particular season he hoped he would not see a shooter within range due to his lack of confidence behind the bow. Cory describes his journey of breaking this habit and striving to be the best shooter possible, whether that is in 3D competition or 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.

This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast we chat with a fairly well known Pennsylvania Native, Cory Gulvas. For those who do not know, Cory killed the number 2 typical whitetail with his recurve during the 2020 hunting season in Pennsylvania. Cory is extremely humble and believes there was a lot of luck behind that success story. However, we believe that luck is something that follows those who prepare well, and Cory is someone who spends countless hours preparing for the upcoming deer season. We start part one of the conversation by breaking down the progression of Cory's interest in big woods whitetail hunting, going from a compound to a recurve, shed hunting, and his philosophy behind the pursuit of his quarry. One big lesson to take away in his message, is that the hunt is not about the kill. In fact, he said he does not overly enjoy killing animals although it is part of the hunt. Rather, he cherishes the road you take to get there and would rather pursue a mature buck and come home empty handed than kill a younger buck just to fill a tag. We also chat about calling deer in big woods, shed hunting, and a few other pieces of strategy. It will leave you ready for more, so be ready for part two next week! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It can be so easy to be consumed by your passion in the outdoors. Whether you're after a Pope and Young, going on a cross country turkey hunting tour, or logging hundreds of hours casting a line, it can become quite infectious. But at the end of the day, why do we do what we do? For one, our own self ambition can drive us to chase thrill and adventure. However at the end of the day, there is much more to this passion than that.This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we chat with Jarrod Renninger of the One Wish Foundation. This is a true non-profit organization that takes children with life altering conditions on the outdoor adventure of their dreams. Jarrod is someone who loves the pursuit of big game like many others. However, he has found a passion for sharing with those who are less fortunate. Join and listen as Jarrod shares how this all began, and where he envisions it to go in the future. You'll hear some truly heartwarming stories that will leave you with a reality check in your own life and outdoor passion. If you would like to contribute to the One Wish Foundation, or you know a family who should be considered, visit https://onewishfoundation.org/owf/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch dives into some season preparation with a bit more philosophy than direct strategy. As June slips away into the heat of summer, time to prepare for the upcoming archery season is also fading. Work has taken a significant chunk of Mitch's time but he still managed to help out and share the latest status of food plots at his hunting locations to prepare for this fall. In addition, he discusses the off-season practice routine he uses to build muscle memory and hone his shot execution this fall.Lastly, we discuss shot ethics on game and knowing the limits of yourself and your equipment. Information overload is a real issue for beginners in the outdoors. While there is a ton of fantastic information available to get people started, it can be easy to take things out of context and have poor experiences. One such example is shot placement and how that relates between species and the arrow set-ups you use. This is where philosophy takes over, and even if you're a seasoned veteran we challenge you to reevaluate your shot process and be accountable for every arrow you release!. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with two guys that are doing as much as they can to grow the sport of archery at their local club. Jonathan Henne and Justin Delong took over running archery shoots at the Shartlesville Rod and Gun Club in Berks County Pennsylvania, and have been growing ever since. We discuss how they went from flinging arrows, to being pro-staff shooters at IBO tournaments, to building up their club and supporting archery locally.In addition, Mitch and Robby discuss the ups and downs of target panic with their guests and how each one of them have combated their shooting dilemma. We discuss training exercises, equipment setups, and shot process fundamentals that helped each of them improve their ability as shooters on target and in the hunting woods. It's a fun episode to get you thinking about summer practice and preparation for archery season this fall! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you recall a few weeks ago we had a conversation with Jacob Coons who drew a late season bull tag during the 2021-2022 PA elk hunting season. On this week's episode, we are going into more detail about Pennsylvania Elk Hunting with Bryan Hale of Elk County Outfitters. Bryan is the lead of this operation and has a ton of experience guiding hunters to success in the Keystone State. Not only is he a guide, but he has also been a lucky tag holder, harvesting a cow elk during the 2015 season.After our introduction, Bryan chats about his evolution into Pennsylvania elk. With recent season and application changes, Bryan provides us his thoughts on how to position your application based on specific goals, such as bull versus cow hunting, zone preferences, and season expectations. In addition to planning, Bryan also shares with us what to expect if you successfully draw a tag. Elk County Outfitters spends a ton of time in the off season scouting and preparing for fall. You will get a glimpse of strategy as well as entertainment by the countless success stories. License sales for Pennsylvania begin June 13th, so get your elk applications ready! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Black bears are one of the most intriguing animals in North America due to their high level of intellect. Across the nation the most popular way of bear hunting is by baiting or with hounds. There are a number of states that do not allow these forms of bear hunting, resulting in the ultimate chess match between man and beast. In Western states, however; the landscape and topography allow for spot and stalk situations as well as long range shooting. Arguably the most difficult place in the country to harvest a black bear is Pennsylvania and the surrounding Northeastern states which do not allow baiting or hounds.On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Robby and Mitchell chat with Pennsylvania Black Bear biologist Emily Carrollo. As Pennsylvania's bear seasons continue to modify based on data and research, Emily shares some of the data management associated with making hunting season decisions. In addition to addressing public concern, we dive into food and cover habits typically associated in fall and how the age and sex of a bear may influence its home range. This episode is not only informative about the species but has plenty of hunting strategy ques to pull from. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It is quite an accomplishment for hunters in the Keystone state to harvest a bear, whitetail buck, and spring turkey in one season; otherwise known as the Triple Trophy. For many it is something that may only happen once in their lifetime, however, there are always a few exceptions. On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we have a season breakdown with Dayton Hess, who just finished his third Triple Trophy!Dayton is truly a diehard that utilizes every possible moment he can to gather intel for his hunting areas. You may have heard other guests on this show say they scout more than they hunt and Dayton is no exception! With the use of cameras, glassing, and boots on the ground scouting, he consistently puts himself in bow range of his target animal. Tune in for the strategy behind all three of these big game species as there are plenty of tips to help you this fall! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hunting elk east of the Mississippi River is arguably one of the greatest conservation success stories in North America. While the herds seen today in Pennsylvania are actually Rocky Mountain Elk transferred from western states, it's still a thrill to see and hear this species roam the state. On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch and Robby chat with Jacob Coons about his recent elk hunting trip to the Keystone State.Jacob is driven to the challenge of hard-earned DIY hunting for western game but is also allured by the unique hunting opportunity for elk in eastern states. He drew a late season bull tag for the 2021-2022 season and was fortunate to connect with the trophy of a lifetime. Jacob shares with us all of his homework to prepare for this tag and what he learned throughout the entire experience. You will likely learn something about elk hunting PA you never knew, as Jacob's attention to detail is superb! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we reach the halfway point of spring turkey season there are generally two separate conversations that emerge. Either the success of a textbook turkey hunt, or a tangent about turkey populations being off. If you find yourself in the latter half, pay attention! This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with Mike Dreibelbis about his journey into trapping nest raiders and fawn nabbers. Mike found his passion for trapping later in his hunting career and began to hone his craft of targeting coyotes and nuisance predators.Fur prices continue to fluctuate and the days of making money on a trap line are nearly over. As the quality of habitat increases across the country for better deer and turkey hunting, naturally predator species will respond in a positive way. Unless you're a diehard trapper yourself, it's possible that the increase in predators has an impact on the turkey (or deer) hunting in your neighborhood. Mike's journey of learning to master this art is filled with a ton of knowledge that you may be able to apply in your area. Hopefully this will fire you up to run a trapline this fall for future hunting, or consider inviting a trapper to come and help you out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What seems to be the norm under private land is that more acres mean better hunting. It cannot be ignored that whitetails (and other wildlife) have a home range much larger than the size of the average Northeast parcel. But often, landowners complain about their inability to hold wildlife on their small property for the wrong reasons - efficiency. On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch dives into the controversial topic of Agriculture, CREP, and how they often do not correspond with quality wildlife habitat.Many people are in the market to buy a chunk of land to call home and have quality hunting opportunity. Let’s make a case you are looking to purchase land in a mixed agricultural area. Now ask yourself which of these scenarios are better: 1) purchase the largest property you can afford but be forced to rent cropland to a local farmer or government CREP program due to financial reasons, or 2) purchase a smaller property that you’re able to implement what the property needs in order to be as efficient as possible for your goals? In most cases the latter may be a better solution for a person who wants to have a whitetail and wildlife paradise. You’d be amazed the potential of a small property with the correct practices implemented. There is no one size fits all policy for property improvements, but these practices may be something to consider implementing on your property. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

​During the early season, food is the name of the game. Whether it is created by man in the form of ag fields and food plots, or in the form of natural browse, bedding to feeding patterns are your ticket to success finding a shooter buck. On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we chat with Mark Dissinger as he shares his 2021 success story about his largest PA buck to date that was killed in early archery season. Typically, most hunters talk about hunting close to food sources in the evening during this time of year. However, Mark has consistently found early season success in his area during the mornings as bucks head back from ag fields and stop to munch on acorns before heading back to bed.As we all know, one of the challenges of bow hunting in early season is facing the heat. All bowhunters strive to prepare themselves for the moment of truth to make a quick and humane kill. However, if you bow hunt long enough you are bound to experience the lowest of lows. Unfortunately for Mark, the recovery of his deer did not go as smoothly as he hoped. But Mark persevered to find his trophy for a bittersweet ending. In addition to the early season hunting strategy, there are plenty of things to take away from this recovery story and help us learn when the unspeakable happens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even though snow and cold weather has set planting back in the northeast slightly, planting season is right around the corner. On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we are discussing all things summer food plots. First, we touch base on last minute clover establishment and maintenance before diving into the main topic of corn and soybean planting. Like hunting, food plots are a combination of science and art. We begin chatting about all things technical such as planting populations, weed management, soil preparation, fertility, even wide row corn with inner-seeded greens. Even with all the correct tools and preparation, we still have to ask the question, “do you really need corn and soybeans?” This leads us to a philosophical conversation about tuning your food plot programs to your surrounding neighborhood, property size, and local deer density.Last, we can’t help but discuss no-till food plots. To start, no-till food plots have many more advantages over conventional planting with tillage. However, there is a learning curve which requires a little more planning and management to be successful. No-till planting is not something that can be mastered overnight, but this episode can help prepare you for the long run! Every planting season is a new learning experience and an opportunity to provide better attraction for wildlife. Plus, it is one step closer to being in the tree this fall. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We open this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman with a quick message from Pastor Phil Thomas as we celebrate Good Friday and this Easter weekend. Afterwards, Mitch and Robby have a conversation with Matt Dale from Dale’s Outdoors. Matt has a YouTube channel dedicated solely to educating people to be better turkey hunters. Matt does not take the same approach as other hunting channels where kill content is the main priority, in fact, he does not have near the amount of hunting content as educational videos.More often than not, educational content for hunting other big game species like whitetails and black bear revolve around finding food, sign, bedding, etc. Why is it that when spring turkey hunting comes into conversation, sign and food are often a secondary topic? Calling, decoys, and blind location strategies are usually discussed the most, and while they are important it is not the “end-all be-all.” Many spring gobbler hunters gauge the quality of the spring season by the amount of gobbling and the responsiveness to calling they encounter. According to Matt, however, more turkeys are killed by sheer patience. For more of Matt’s turkey hunting knowledge, check out Dale Outdoors on YouTube – any turkey hunter can learn something from this 300+ course level turkey hunting information! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Without a doubt one of the greatest aspects of hunting is the comradery among fellow hunters. It’s not uncommon for friendships to immediately form after the first time you meet someone and share hunting knowledge and experience. Those in the hunting community are almost always quick to help other hunters hone their skill. On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we catch up with a bowhunter who has been helping thousands of fellow archers through his YouTube channel, Average Jack Archery.Nate Sellers is a humble English teacher from Northcentral Pennsylvania with a passion for teaching – not just in the classroom but also at the archery shop. Over the past decade, Nate has been producing videos to help a diverse crowd of archers from beginner bowhunters to advanced target shooters. The guys discuss the evolution of Average Jack Archery and how a YouTube channel turned into a new bow shop which Nate is opening in July of 2022. As expected, we discuss archery hunting gear including arrow set up for whitetail hunting and shooting under pressure. Nate shares his experience this past fall of arrowing his largest whitetail to date in Indiana and we chat about how his Midwest hunting strategy relates to hunting back in Pennsylvania. If you’ve followed Nate and Average Jack Archery to any capacity, you can bet Nate will have advice for you in this episode.If you feel Average Jack Archery has helped you and you’re shooting over the years and would like to contribute to his shop opening July 1, 2022 in Phillipsburg, PA, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brick-and-mortar-shop-average-jack-archery Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How many of you can relate to hunting small tracts of property? What about a micro-parcel of 10 acres of less? The vast majority of deer hunters with access to private land can relate to this type of parcel, especially those that are chopped up in the Northeast. While a Whitetail deer’s home range is significantly larger than the confinement of a micro-parcel, there is more that can be done in the off-season to improve the quality of hunting then most would think. However, in addition to hard work, it takes a more methodical approach, and sometimes outside-of-the-box creativity to achieve these goals. This week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we have Phil Holcombe share his experiences from the school of hard knocks. Phil is a Pennsylvania native that is no stranger to hunting vast chunks of big woods public land as well as his own property of less than 10 acres. We begin by understanding a little bit about his property and how he evaluates the qualities and setbacks of a micro-tract. Phil explains how it’s important to “work with the grain” rather than against it – meaning take the qualities of the property and use them to your advantage. The core of his principles mirror strategy on public land, but reducing the scale accordingly. He also shares the importance of strategic stand location and access to allow the perception of zero hunting pressure. There must be a balance of attraction and “huntability” – all the attraction in the world will not yield the results desired if the local herd is spooked every time you step foot on the property. Whether you have a small property, or you’re pounding public ground, anyone can take away strategy from this episode! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast we introduce our new co-host, Robby Henne. We start by catching up with Robby and discussing his 2021 deer season where he harvested his first buck with a bow and a coyote! Following the introduction, Mitch has a conversation with Bill Thompson of Spartan Forge. Bill was a military intel officer for 21 years, and now is using this military artificial intelligence knowledge to help people track down mature bucks.If you have never heard of the Spartan Forge app, you’ll enjoy the background information Bill shares leading to how this product is utilized in field. It is difficult to go into the deer woods during this day in age without some type of technology guiding us. Utilizing GPS for direction and point marking, journaling, etc. are all pieces of the puzzle towards success. Spartan Forge aims to help with those things while also providing a Whitetail movement prediction model with tons of GPS collar data that support this algorithm. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With spring approaching we have new ways of shaking cabin fever out! This week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with John Kolb. John is the founder of the Suffering Outdoors YouTube channel which showcases outdoor adventures in the Northeast, especially around his home in northern Pennsylvania. Even though John is a diehard whitetail hunter and can often be found wandering in large tracts of public land, he still enjoys spending this time of year fly fishing. Opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania is nearly a state holiday itself with thousands of anglers lining the recently stocked creek edges. However, the length of streams stocked is a fraction to the 80,000+ miles of streams throughout the Keystone State. There is more opportunity to catch native trout then most would think. John enjoys the challenge of tying his own flies and casting his fly rod into pools that are sometimes smaller than a half ton pickup truck. Everything about this type of fishing is a challenge – sometimes hiking long distances, wary fish, narrow windows to maneuver a fly rod, and John adds an additional element with a camera! Make sure you tune into some of John’s fly-fishing videos that you will find informational and entertaining. While you are at it, you just might find yourself scrolling through the reels of deer hunting videos.Social Media Links:www.sufferingoutdoors.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Suffering-Outdoors-107358578191710/?ref=page_internalhttps://www.instagram.com/suffering_outdoors/https://www.youtube.com/c/SufferingOutdoors Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we conclude the second half of our interview with Land and Timber Consultant, Steve Chilcote. In part one, Steve shares his background of forestry and land consulting which leads into topics of browse, cover, and invasive species management. In part two, Steve concludes his thoughts on a few more invasive species he typically finds on properties and the necessary measures to correct them. As plant communities transition with removal of invasives, Steve stresses that there needs to be quality plants that fill in the newly created space – otherwise invasives will reinhabit. Typically, the native seed bank has stored seeds for decades that only needed sunlight and reduced competition to flourish.In some cases, adding conifer trees for improved cover or screening is possible for landscapes that lack this habitat feature. Steve breaks down the how, what, and where of conifer adding and management on some client properties. Lastly, Steve concludes with hunting tips and strategy for private landowners looking to shoot for the stars and harvest the most mature deer in the neighborhood. All the practices and techniques discussed throughout part one and two of this interview are conservation oriented at the core – it’s an added bonus when they allow better hunting opportunity!Be sure to check out Steve at (chilcoteforester.com) and Facebook @chilcoteforester, as well as all his YouTube playlists at Chilcote Forestry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On last week’s episode, we began to prep everyone about the reality of food plotting challenges in 2022. The herbicides we typically use may be in short supply and expensive, and fertilizer won’t be much different. Mitch mentioned that planting a summer cover crop as a “green manure,” which will release nutrients mined by plant roots to the soil’s surface when terminated, as being a viable option. This is not a new concept to agriculture, but it’s begun to gain more traction in the food plot community. With that, this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is going to branch off into a bit more detail about green manure in food plots with Tad Dalgewicz.Tad is a spokesman for the Whitetail Institute and does seminars throughout the east coast. He has an intensive background in agriculture, and between his part time farming and food plotting history has nearly 30 years of experience. He discusses a new product released by the Whitetail Institute called “Revive” and how this product along with a green manure planting system can be utilized. Tad is one of those guys that when you chat with him, it’s plain to see he has intense passion for food plots and managing soils in a sustainable way. Tad is no stranger to relating his food plotting to quality hunting, and has taken numerous wall-hangers in Pennsylvania. With that passion, be prepared for Tad to go on some tangents about food plotting, property management, hunting strategy and more! You may find some of the information in this episode to be a little over your head if you are new to food plots. But rest assured that the information from Tad’s mind is quality mixed with quantity! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With warmer temperatures approaching, cabin fever is beginning to wear off. Spring will be here before we know it, and too often food plot planters stall to prepare for planting and maintaining their fields. On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch shares detailed information for clover plot management, as well as weed control and fertility concerns everyone may face in 2022. To start, proper clover plot establishment and management is not always well addressed. Due to this, many spring planted clover plots fail due to the lack of context. Soils need to be properly prepared with no established weeds, and most importantly, need to be planted earlier than most would think. In addition, knowing what herbicide you can use on clover and the appropriate times is equally as important for maintaining longevity in established plots. Prepare for note taking!The forecast of glyphosate herbicide availability in spring is uncertain, and the supply that is available may be significantly more expensive than normal. These challenges may lead to alternative measures. Mitch dives into his plans for how he will address last year’s fall planted plots with significantly less, or no glyphosate applied, and also without using tillage. This will require biological controls that choke out weed competition. Finally, Mitch scratches the surface on how fertility can be built overtime with little to no commercial fertilizer, as 2022 will prove to have abnormally high fertilizer prices. Plan now, and success will come in fall! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

​On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch has a conversation with Kip Adams. Kip is a biologist and the Chief Conservation Officer for the National Deer Association (NDA). Prior to Kip’s engagement with the Quality Deer Management Association and NDA, he was the deer project leader for New Hampshire Fish & Game Department. New Hampshire, as well as many other states in the northern portion of the whitetail deer’s home range, is not immune to severe winter weather having an impact on the local herd. Kip was involved in numerous surveys in New Hampshire monitoring winter areas as well as mortality.In addition to the wealth of knowledge regarding whitetail biology, Kip is a Pennsylvania native who finds himself hunting property he manages in northern Pennsylvania. He can relate to the weather patterns in the Keystone state and how they may impact winter survival. Kip explains that providing winter food for deer is not a reactionary process – it takes planning ahead to manage plant communities accessible to the deer herd this time of year. However, as many landowners begin to hit the panic button during these harsh conditions, they will find themselves making the mistake of piling food. Commonly, corn piles and hay bales get places near wintering yards, and while this is intended to be a positive deed, it can result in disease, predation, and higher rates of mortality. Take notes, as this episode will have us back in the biology classroom! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week is an episode jam packed with coyote and predator hunting knowledge. We sit down and have a conversation with Bryan Mealy and Dane Kitner of Keystone Predator Management. This group was founded out of the necessity to reduce coyote populations in their local area, as well as their diehard passion for hunting predators. While many guys do not think about hunting predators until this time of year when deer seasons are closed across the state and many other outdoor activities have stalled, these boys are grinding on a yearly basis for coyotes!For the novice and beginner, this episode will provide you with information that will put you light years ahead compared to trial and error on your own. But even experienced coyote hunters can take away tips from Bryan and Dane, as their constant pursuit and dedication has led them to continued success. From scouting and gaining permission, to calling sequences and quality gear including thermo-optics, you’ll find yourself submerged in information during this hour-long B.S. session! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode we interview the Sherk that more people are familiar with; Steve Sherk that is! As we progress into winter and put boots to the ground this post season, it is never too late to be considering trail camera strategies for 2022. More often than not, I’ve personally found myself overwhelmed by vast big-woods landscapes and trying to place myself within archery range of a mature deer. Steve discusses the method behind his madness when scouting for trail camera locations, as well as how he positions multiple cameras for in-season monitoring versus data collection for future seasons. The northern half of Pennsylvania is not typically known for high deer densities. But if you have followed Steve on social media for any length of time, you know that there are plenty of mature deer with racks respectable anywhere in the lower 48 states. Clustering cameras in and around known bedding and transition areas may allow you to capture more images in these big woods settings, especially when funnels and attractions are less pronounced. Pay close attention, as this could be your step closer to connecting with a shooter on a large public land tract! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we shake things up with ice fishing fanatic, Don Kelly. Don is the owner of the Tackle Shack in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania and the recent weather conditions have his business in full swing. Don shared that ice fishing is growing in popularity, but it takes the right gear to be successful. Fortunately, the Tackle Shack is a one-stop-shop to get out on the ice this winter.One thing that can easily get over looked by outdoorsmen is the fact that ice fishing requires some safety gear and precautions. While breaking through ice may occur infrequently, accidents can happen and a lack of preparation could be costly. Don shares his thoughts on the tools of the trade to keep you safe, comfortable, and successful. We also talk a little about successful tactics as well as hot selling equipment for 2022. If you are a beginner, check out the upcoming ice fishing program that Don tag-teams with the PA Fish & Boat Commission!Social Media Links:Ice Fishing Program: Intro to Ice Fishing Program | Visit Potter-Tioga Pennsylvania (visitpottertioga.com)Program Registration: Event - VIRTUAL - Intro to Ice Fishing Program - February 7, 2022 in Beech Creek, PA (register-ed.com)The Tackle Shack: Wellsboro Tackle Shack- A Great Day of Fishing Starts Here - Tackle Shack (shoptackleshack.com)Facebook Page: Tackle Shack | Facebook @wellsborotackleshack Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast | Facebook @PennsylvaniaWoodsmanPodcast Pennsylvania Woodsman is powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we interview Land and Timber Consultant, Steve Chilcote. Steve is located near State College and has been working with land owners to manage their timber to provide income as well as habitat and hunting opportunity. Browse and cover management on a hunting property can be complex. Although this phase of property manipulation is third in our series, its importance is not outranked in any way. It’s crucial to know what native species are present, and how to effectively promote them while suppressing invasive and other non-desirable plant species. Increasing diversity can lead to fantastic wildlife habitat – not just for game species, but all wildlife!This interview will be split into two episodes. First, after an introduction, Steve begins with proper timber harvest that provides income as well as regeneration. Why not have the best of both worlds? Next, we tap into proper timing and use of hinge cutting and hack-n-squirt techniques. Last, we begin to discuss ramifications of invasive plants to your property. Increasing the network of plant communities on your property will definitely aid in more whitetail encounters this fall!Be sure to check out Steve at (chilcoteforester.com) and Facebook @chilcoteforester, as well as all his YouTube playlists at Chilcote Forestry. Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sticking with the private land property design series, this week’s episode Mitch talks about the importance of food; specifically, food plots. Food plots are one of the most talked about topics in the hunting industry which can become repetitive and boring. But the fact is, if you have private hunting land, they are EXTREMELY important. Picking up where we left off with the foundation of property access, the next most important piece is implementing food plot programs that work all season long.Too often, landowners believe food plot programs cannot have a major impact to the local herd and their hunting encounters. This could not be further from the truth – even on micro sized parcels of 10 acres or less! The key is proper placement, species, coupled with excellent access and hunting strategy. As the season comes to an end, now is the best time for planning new plots or changing old plot programs. That is because your experiences of last hunting season are fresh in your mind, and in-depth post-season scouting can guide your plot lay out and design. Start scouting and planning now! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What better way to kick off the New Year then with new beginnings? This week, Mitch does a quick evaluation of the previous year’s deer season. It’s important to think about what went well versus what needs improvement regarding hunting strategy and hunting area, assuming you’re serious about taking your whitetail hunting to the next level. If you’ve been struggling to meet your own expectations, then maybe it is time for a change! Mitch will begin a series catering more towards private land that is set up for whitetail deer hunting. We start by re-evaluating hunting goals and expectations for a piece of land, and branch off from here. There is a never-ending flood of information about property management and habitat improvements – some good, some bad, and some taken completely out of context. This week’s episode we lay the ground work for changing the access of your hunting land, as well as making your property more efficient for wildlife. That means reducing the amount of area on your land where deer have interaction with humans during hunting season! This is the foundation for the rest of the property improvements you make, and is crucial especially in a high hunting pressure state like Pennsylvania. Be prepared to challenge yourself, and don’t be surprised if this series will ruffle some feathers! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thank you for following the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast throughout 2021! We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Following our Christmas intro, we talk about our last chance to fill a deer tag beginning Monday, December 27th. There is no sugar coating here… Late season can be tough! Whitetails have been harassed by hunters for nearly three months and any deer that has made it through to this point is on high alert. If you haven’t connected with a buck by now, it is arguably the most difficult time in Pennsylvania to find one.With that said, there are still missed opportunities for hunters during late season. Simply put, trying a flintlock muzzleloader or taking your bow into the woods is a fun during the holidays! If you dedicate the time and prepare, finding (or creating) unpressured food sources can produce excellent hunting opportunity. We go through our late season game plan of camera monitoring, scouting for food, and stand hunting strategies similar to those discussed in early archery season. The main difference, is the deer are now on edge! Last, we discuss how snow and cold temperatures may create hunting opportunities near bedding cover during mid-day. Keep your powder dry, and stay warm! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we interview Muzzle Blasts Magazine editor, Dave Ehrig. Dave has a strong passion for muzzleloading, and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the traditional smoke poles. Pennsylvania has a rich heritage of flintlock muzzleloaders and it is kept alive by Dave and folks like him. As rifle season approaches a close, those with tags remaining begin to think about the deer hunting gift that comes every year the day after Christmas; flintlock muzzleloader season.If you have struggled to be as proficient as you would like with your flintlock muzzleloader, or you would like to get started but do not know where to begin, this podcast is LOADED with information! The bad reputation of hang fires, inaccuracy, or just won’t fire can be laid to rest when the proper steps are taken before going afield. We start with preseason preparation on the cleaning bench and at the range, and progress to in-season care to ensure a quality shooting experience this season. Don’t kid yourself, these guns are deadly accurate. Do you really think our ancestors would have survived if they weren’t?For more detailed information about Dave and his muzzleloading knowledge, check out his book “Muzzleloading for Deer & Turkey” as well as Muzzle Blasts Magazine (www.muzzleblasts.com) which is published by the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association. Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Few states can compete with the hunting heritage of Pennsylvania’s opening day of rifle season. Everyone seems to take time off from work and venture out. As fun as this season can be, it can also be a challenge. With more hunting pressure than any other time throughout the season, deer quickly “hole up” in security zones. If you haven’t filled a buck tag in archery season, this new added pressure may make it more difficult to harvest the buck you’ve set out for. Instead of getting frustrated with the change in pressure, use it to your advantage!Food is still king; however, pressure may cause food sources to be used just after dark. We discuss how and where to position yourself throughout opening week with your greatest odds, including stand hunting, still hunting, and a lot of people’s favorite: group hunting. Remember, as carried away as die-hard whitetail hunters can get, this is a time of year to cherish. We are privileged to be hunting in Penn’s Woods! This is an opportunity to be thankful and share memories with family and friends. We can still be strategic along the way! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are over 200,000 bear licenses sold in Pennsylvania annually, and 3,500-4,000 bears are killed every fall. With odds like this, how can there be people who have killed multiple Pennsylvania bears in their lifetime and others who never kill one? The answer is the same as the guys who consistently kill big bucks. Preseason homework needs to be done if you expect success! Finding food is key, and to do that you may need to put some miles on via vehicle and boots to find it.This week we chat with Mark Lesher who has killed half a dozen Pennsylvania bears, and passed nearly as many. He shares a camp with his brothers and family in the northern portion of the state that has harvested dozens of bears since the 1960s when the season first opened back up. Growing up in a camp comes with many traditions. Some traditions include hunting the same areas and the same ways as previous generations. Mark and his crew have learned to do way more than make bear drives and holler, they’ve learned how to be methodical and kill multiple bears annually in their camp. If you’re and avid bear hunter, grab a pen and paper because class is in session; you do not want to miss out on this information! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How many times have you heard someone say that the rut was, or will be, early or later than normal this year? If the rut truly is different every year, then why are fawns born the same time every spring? The truth is, whitetail does are bred relatively the same time each and every year, regardless of moon phase, weather pattern, or how much hunting pressure is in your area. So, when you hear someone say the rut timing was off, what that person is really referring to is observing a chasing, or rutting behavior during daylight hours. In this episode, we will discuss the context behind some common sayings during the rut, which hopefully will help you determine the best time to be in the stand.Did you request your time off for a “rut-cation”? Or what may even be a better question, SHOULD you request time off of work for the rut? In short, the answer is more then likely “yes”. But how many times have you taken a week off of work in November that turned into a dud? Usually, the lack of activity is caused by inclement weather that may reduce overall deer sightings. Just because some phase of the rut is occurring, doesn’t mean it’s the correct day to be on stand. We will discuss stand strategy, and how to slant time off towards favorable hunting conditions one day at a time, instead of putting all your eggs into one basket during a favored historical timeframe. Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered By Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you read this title and think you’re going to find out the exact date, time, and location to harvest a buck opening week this year – you may be crazy! Hunting strategy content has flooded social media, and while there is a lot of fantastic advice, it can become overwhelming to utilize in your hunting area. It is also extremely easy to over-think your hunting strategy and let emotion overcome reason. Should you hunt in the morning during early season? Should you get close to bedding areas immediately? When should I dive into my best stand? There really is no one size fits all method.Think in your mind who the two best whitetail hunters are in the country – while they may have some similarities, often their background in whitetails can lead to contradictory advice. It does not mean that one is right and one is wrong – but it can surely be confusing! This week, Mitch provides his mindset on when to be aggressive, and when to be patient. You’ll find that first keeping it simple and assessing food, bedding, and surrounding hunting pressure, can put you in the ball game quickly before steam shoots out of your ears from overthinking. But one major piece of missing context – how large is private or public parcel you are hunting? Ponder this as we scratch the surface for hunting early season. Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode we interview John Wakefield with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. John is the Fire Program Manager for the state and leads the agency in planning as well as being a “Burn Boss”. We begin the episode with tips and techniques to break down a tract of public land with a recent burn history or a plan to. Burn units are an extremely attractive area – both for game and for people! Use this to your advantage when concentrating your stand locations.From here, we dive into all things fire. From the program start, why units are burned, and the goal of each burn unit. The benefits of burning 12 months out of the year greatly outweigh the drawbacks of vegetation loss during hunting season. Burns will be attractive soon after burns, and typically within 1 growing season will be lush with different browse and forbs. We discuss different habitat types and how each are managed – decide for yourself how to adapt your hunting strategy this fall!Want to know more about prescribed fire in PA?Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council (paprescribedfire.org)PrescribedFire (pa.gov) Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First, tune in on some follow up to the previous podcast, “Are your food plots a step above the rest?” Did your planting get missed by much needed rainfall? If so, then take note for some rescue treatment advice. The window is far from closed on highly attractive fall food plots! Fall plots will transition into the story of a giant 170” typical killed in 2020 by your host Mitchell Shirk; tune in for the story and strategy! A two-year story for a deer named “Goliath” ended on October 23 with the deer falling a mere 35 yards from the base of the treestand. What is more amazing, is this deer was killed in a ½ acre wood lot outside of a busy town. Do you think it’s not worth your time to create habitat improvements on your small parcel of land? Listen to the quest for this 4 ½ year old 170” deer and maybe you’ll change your mind! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Continuing with the Bruiser Bucks series, this week Cole Seitzinger shares his hunt breakdown in 2020. Cole is just as busy as the next Woodsman – he is working two jobs and is a father of 3 children. As time goes by, we all know how difficult it can be to get out in the field. Cole digs into how he manages his time throughout the fall to key in on mature deer in this pressured state. Cole is no stranger to chasing deer 4 1/2 + years old and older. Over the past few seasons, he has wrapped his tag around numerous mature deer. This year happened to be his largest PA whitetail to date. To keep it an even greater challenge, Cole has chosen to stick with his compound bow from the beginning of archery until season closes after the New Year. That’s right, Cole puts down this bruiser during the statewide rifle season with stick and string. Talk about the ultimate accomplishment! Pennsylvania Woodsman is Powered by Simplecast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.