The Bowhunter Podcast

The 4th of July is nearly upon us, and for most serious bowhunters, that means it's time to deploy scouting cameras in the field. Cuddeback's Dan Schultz joins us to discuss summertime trail-cam strategies as well as the latest high-tech offerings from this iconic trail-camera manufacturer.

Bowhunter Contributor Eddie Claypool has been chasing Coues deer for more than three decades and took his best buck to date last winter in Arizona. Eddie explains his passion for hunting these diminutive desert whitetails and shares bowhunting insights gained over 31 years of pursuing them across the Southwest.

It is difficult to be a consistently successful Western bowhunter without owning quality optics — and knowing how to use them! Swarovski's Dean Capuano explains how to choose the right binocular, rangefinder and spotting scope for your Western adventures and how to use them as strong allies in the field.

Imagine safely scaling trees of all shapes and sizes in just 90 seconds — without ladders, sticks or other conventional climbing aids. Scott Kurtenbach and Joe Delabarrera from newyorksaddlehunter.com join us to discuss the innovative Halfline 2.0 climbing system that can make you lighter, faster and more deadly in the field!

Steven Rinella is the face of Meat Eater, a multimedia brand that promotes the carnivore lifestyle to hunters and non-hunters alike. Rinella joins us to discuss topics that include his current bowhunting setup, Meat Eater's brand new, best-selling wild game cookbook and the upcoming election's political implications for those who value hunting and wildlife conservation.

This week, "Hunting Whitetails" columnist and noted deer biologist CJ Winand joins us to discuss some of the most useful bowhunting insights to come out of deer research, including how to deal with "string jumping," the best time of day to tag trophy bucks and more.

Beth Edwards of Missouri hunted hard for the entire archery season and was down to her last sit, one she'd hired a babysitter for so she could get out. On a frigid, snowy January day — with only hours to go in her season — the buck of a lifetime walked out!

Realtree's David Blanton is a living hunting legend. As one of the pioneers of outdoor television, Blanton was instrumental in exposing deer hunting to millions of Americans via wildly popular series such as Realtree Outdoors, Monster Bucks and Realtree Road Trips. In this week's episode, Blanton joins us to discuss three decades of incredible bowhunting success, the current state of the hunting world and how his perspective has changed over the years.

Diehard bowhunters know there's no off-season, and one way to extend your hunting is international travel. Tim Herald and Roger Jorgensen of Worldwide Trophy Adventures join us to discuss bowhunting opportunities around the globe. From South Africa and South America to emerging destinations in Europe, they cover the ins and outs of selecting your next adventure.

Spring turkey season is in full swing across much of the nation, with seasons in remaining areas set to open in the coming days. Contributor Clint Casper joins us to share his top tactics for the season. From scouting to where to aim at full draw and everything in between, this noted turkey assassin gets you ready to bowhunt birds.

Many bowhunters believe big-game animals possess a "sixth sense" that alerts them to imminent danger. Could there actually be some science behind this claim? Mike Slinkard from HECS joins us to discuss how animals detect electromagnetic fielders emitted by predators, and how blocking that energy can lead to more close encounters with trophy animals.

Saddle hunting is all the rage, but this popular hunting method can be intimidating and overwhelming for newcomers. Saddle-hunting experts Carl Kossuth from Tethrd and Shawn Ferguson from Trophyline break down this complicated topic, offer advice for obtaining the necessary gear and share their top tips for saddle-hunting success!

Turkey seasons are opening across the country, and we're here to get you ready to chase gobblers! National Wild Turkey Federation Biologists Derek Alkire and Ryan Boyer discuss conditions around the nation and preview what hunters can expect. We also take a closer look at how turkey populations are doing in the Eastern U.S., discuss the NWTF's new Habitat for the Hatch initiative and, of course, cover bowhunting for birds!

The Bone Collectors — Michael Waddell, Nick Mundt and Travis "T-Bone" Turner — are among the best-known personalities in hunting. They join us to discuss spring turkeys, their love of bowhunting and the future of our sport.

Spring is shed season, and that means it's time to lave up your boots and hit the fields and forests in search of antlers! Shed-hunting experts Cody Gulvas and Clayton Read burn more than 400 miles of boot leather each spring scouting the public lands of Pennsylvania in search of shed antlers. This week, they share their knowledge with you and offer tips to help you find more bone on your next shed hunt.

Eva Shockey is undoubtedly one of bowhunting's best ambassadors. This week, Eva and Todd Snader from Bowtech join us to discuss the brand new Eva Gen 3 bow. Eva also shares her incredible Colorado mule deer hunt from last fall and explains how she maintains a passionate connection with archery and bowhunting despite an extremely busy "mom life".

The Reaser family of Ohio had a 2023 deer season to remember! It started with a 6-year-old taking a big 8-pointer for his first-ever deer and culminated with grandpa taking a 200-inch Booner. Oh, and there were also two more bucks that scored more than 150 inches, plus a unique non-typical taken by a daughter who was eight months pregnant. Hear the incredible story in this week's Bowhunting Podcast.

This is the best big-buck story you'll hear all year! Illinois bowhunter Gage Shepard joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to talk about how he took down his first-ever deer from a saddle — a bruiser that green-scored 200-plus inches — in only his second year of saddle hunting. The kicker? The buck came off a property less than five acres in size!

Welcome to another thrilling episode of Peterson's Bowhunting Podcast with our vivacious host, Christian Berg. Our special guest of the week is the highly regarded hunter, Barry Wenzel from the legendary duo 'Brothers of the Bow', who shares his unrivaled knowledge and experiences in deer hunting. In this podcast, recorded at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Barry retraces more than six decades of his hunting adventures, providing a backdrop for his latest masterpiece 'The Old Man and the Tree'. Barry imparts invaluable insights and emphasizes the criticality of woodsmanship skills for the rising generation of hunters. Regardless of your level of hunting experience, Barry's stories and imparted wisdom promise a fresh perspective on hunting. Jointly with focusing on his remarkable hunting career, Barry also discusses his latest literary venture, encasing his rich expertise and experiences for the benefit of the youth. A native of Pennsylvania, Barry narrates his hunting odyssey, marked by numerous successes and failures but continually fueled by his unwavering passion for hunting. He freely shares his first hunting encounter, his victorious expeditions, and every treasure of knowledge he amassed over the years. In this enriching episode, Barry detailedly discusses his time-tested deer hunting method and his newly published book, 'The Old Man and the Tree'. He shares his hunting strategy that involves keen observation of deer behavior, interpreting their signs, and constantly refining hunting strategies in light of these findings while fostering a respectful relationship with wildlife. Join Barry on this exhilarating journey to gain precious lessons from a seasoned deer hunter who has a profound appreciation for traditional practices, the joy of being amid the grand beauty of nature, and the thrilling pursuit of game. As always, Peterson's Bowhunting Podcast is sponsored by Lancaster Archery Supply. Visit lancasterarchery.com for all your bowhunting needs!

Levi Morgan is one of America's most successful bowhunters and a 16-time world champion tournament archer. The greatest shooter ever to play the 3-D archery game joins us to discuss his new sponsorship deal with Altra Arrows and dishes his personal thoughts on the future of bowhunting, the impact crossbows are having on our sport and how recent personal struggles have changed his perspective on the role archery and bowhunting plays in his life.

It's our annual visit to the Lancaster Archery Classic! We are joined by Master's Open Pro champion Benton Christensen from Prime Archery, Bowtech shooter Paige Pearce and Darton shooter Tate Morgan to talk tournament shooting and swap bowhunting stories from last fall.

The 2024 Archery Trade Show recently concluded in St. Louis. This week, Lancaster Archery's PJ Reilly joins us to discuss some of the most exciting new bowhunting products seen at the show. We also preview the 2024 Lancaster Archery Classic taking place this weekend as most of the world's top shooters converge on Eastern Pennsylvania.

If you think all camouflage is the same, think again! This week, we do a deep dive on Code of Silence, clothing a brand that keeps bowhunters concealed both audibly and visually thanks to host of innovative features. From completely silent fabrics to incredible to late-season warmth to an exclusive, light-absorbing camouflage pattern that makes you virtually disappear in the woods, Code of Silence truly stands apart from the crowd.

Frank McDonough is a decorated tournament shooter and accomplished archery coach who has helped students to dozens of state and national titles. He's also a passionate bowhunter who knows that approaching your shooting with a competitor's mindset can help you in the field. Frank and Editor Christian Berg discuss some finer points of shooting and things you can do this off-season to be more successful next fall.

Throw out everything you know about whitetail hunting when you pursue the free-ranging sika deer that inhabit the marshes of Maryland's Eastern Shore. TJ Jenkins of Muddy Marsh Outfitters joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss how these wiry, elusive members of the elk family — native to Japan — got to the Free State, the challenges of hunting them and why they draw dedicated bowhunting enthusiasts from across the country.

He's archery hunted for ornery hogs, gnarly gators, big bucks and more. Now, he has a trophy room that would make many hunters jealous — and he's only 8 years old! On this week's Bowhunting Podcast, KC Christopher and his dad, Blake, join Associate Editor Mark Demko to talk about the magical journey they've been on the past few years, with KC taking more than 30 animals before his 9th birthday. What a start!

On Nov. 1, one Pennsylvania bowhunting family recorded a day for the ages. Cody Gulvas killed a public-land, Pope and Young buck with his recurve bow, while his brother-in-law and Texas Rangers coach Corey Ragsdale won the World Series! Gulvas and Ragsdale join us to discuss the whirlwind 24 hours and how a love for archery and deer hunting keeps them connected throughout the year.

The New Year is still three weeks away, but we've got all your 2024 hunting bow information right here! Lancaster Archery's PJ Reilly hasn't just seen most of the year's best new hunting bows — he's shot them and produced video reviews highlighting top new features and technologies. PJ joins us to discuss the 2024 bow lineups from Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, Bear, Elite and more and share his personal thoughts on the new models.

Bowhunting after the rut and firearms season can be a daunting task. However, saddle-hunting icon John Eberhart has been doing it successfully for decades. Eberhart, who has taken 20 Pope and Young bucks from five states, joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to share tips on scoring on your dream buck when deer numbers are down, the rut is long over and the weather is downright gnarly. You won't want to miss what the Godfather of Saddle Hunting has to say!

Sooner or later, every bowhunter experiences a good run of bad luck, when absolutely nothing goes right. For Colorado bowhunter Danny Farris, the 2023 season was nearly four months of disaster, followed suddenly by two trophy whitetails in a span of just four days! Danny and Editor Christian Berg discuss how a positive attitude and refusal to quit are the keys to surviving the slumps and starting your next hunting hot streak.

Crossbow hunting continues to grow in popularity, and on this episode Barnett CEO Ryan Busbice joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss what to look for if you're in the market for a new horizontal bow. Whether you are looking to purchase a first crossbow for your kids or upgrade your current rig with something better, this episode is one you won't want to miss!

Peak rut is winding down, and your deer tag is still burning a hole in your pocket. Don't fret; you can still get the job done! Successful whitetail hunters and outdoor communicators Josh Honeycutt and Tim Kent join Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss how you can make your own deer-hunting luck in late November and December.

The Bowhunting crew downed three bucks in four days during last week's Ohio rut hunt! Join Editor Christian Berg, Contributor Clint Casper and certified whitetail fanatic Ryan Bertsch as they recap the hunt and discuss how adapting to ever-changing conditions throughout the rut was key to their success.

It's Go Time, and we help you score! Dave Mitchell and Matt Morrett from the Pennsylvania Game Commission — two avid deer hunters with more than 50 years of combined bowhunting experience — join Associate Editor Mark Demko to share their top rut-hunting tips, including tactics for adjusting on the fly when the deer seem to disappear, hunting pressured public lands and adapting to challenging weather conditions.

Every bowhunter knows playing the wind and employing proven scent-control practices are critical to success. But what about hunting marginal winds or tricky locations where swirling is common? Buddy Piland of Ozonics joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss best practices when it comes to scent control, how to overcome challenges and how ozone technology can boost your odds of tagging out.

Kill Your Buck Before Halloween Most bowhunters live for the whitetail rut, but late October may be an even better time to kill a mature buck. This week, a pair of big-buck veterans — Billy See of Iowa and Damian Riffle of Ohio — join Associate Editor Mark Demko to talk about why this is their favorite time to hunt and share the tips and tactics you need to bag your buck by Halloween!

Want to know the absolute BEST days to chase whitetails this season? Well, look no further! In this episode, our all-star panel of experts gives you the FIVE BEST days to be in the woods this fall and winter, as well as the longer periods of peak productivity you should key in on as you make your bowhunting plans. Field Editors Bill Winke and Eddie Claypool join Editor Christian Berg and Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss how you can maximize your time afield!

If you're a whitetail fanatic looking for some fresh field wear options, Vycah is right up your alley. Vycah owner Scott Estes is a self-proclaimed deer-hunting addict who created his products with whitetails in mind. From the original Vycah camoflauge patterns to super-quiet fabrics and a host of thoughtful design features, the entire Vycah lineup is built to help whitetail hunters remain hidden and be more successful.

Some of North America's finest elk hunting can be found in the boreal forests of Northwestern Alberta. Bowhunting in this dense habitat takes place in close quarters, with shots often measuring 10 yards or less. Associate Editor Mark Demko and professional elk guide Brad Kercher take a break from chasing bulls to discuss what makes Alberta's elk hunting so good.

Just about every bowhunter has come to the end of a blood trail without locating the animal that left it. Now, there is a new option for finding game after the shot thanks to Ohio-based Drone Deer Recovery. Owner Mike Yoder joins us to discuss the growing popularity of using thermal drones to recover downed game, drone recovery success rates and how state regulations impact the use of this fascinating technology.

If you are looking for bowhunting adventure, few destinations can match Manitoba. From bruiser black bears to trophy whitetails and a shot at a 60-inch moose, this remote Canadian province offers bountiful game and stunningly beautiful landscapes. Keevin Erickson of Travel Manitoba joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss why this destination should be on every bowhunter's bucket list!

Every bowhunter wants an edge. Well, what if you could know the best days to spend in the woods? Using data gleaned from millions of trail-camera photos gathered across many years, avid public-land bowhunter Steve Sherk did just that. In this episode, Sherk reveals the secret behind his "30/30" hunting strategy and how it has helped him and many others tag mature whitetail bucks.

More and more state are banning the use of trail cameras on public land, with Kansas and Delaware the two latest examples. What does this mean for public-land bowhunters, and will more states follow suit as trail-cam technology continues to advance? Stuart Schrag and Jason Deal of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Rob Hossler of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and avid public-land bowhunter Jace Bauserman join us to discuss this complex and controversial issue.

One of the best ways to enjoy bowhunting success is sharing fresh venison with friends and family. In this episode, we discuss ways to share the success with an even wider circle through venison donation programs around the country. Matt Simcox of Tennessee Wildlife Federation's Hunters for the Hungry and Randy K. Ferguson of Pennsylvania's Hunters Sharing the Harvest explain how you can do good in the field and in the community by sharing your deer harvest with families in need.

The size and health of your local deer herd is largely a function of the quality of your soil and the plants that grow in it. Whitetails columnist Jason Snavely, owner of Drop-Tine Seed Co. and Drop-Tine Wildlife Consulting, joins us for a fascinating discussion of soil biology, food plotting and how the management choices you make on your deer dirt can impact the future of your habitat and your hunting.

Opening day of deer season is just around the corner, and if you haven't already gotten your trail cameras out into the field, now is the time! Lancaster Archery's PJ Reilly joins us to discuss how, where and why to use your trail cameras and how to interpret the things the cameras do - and DON'T - reveal about the deer in your hunting area.

At the tender age of 14, Aleah Wozniak has killed more trophy whitetails than most bowhunters will in two lifetimes! Wozniak, who has taken 10 bucks with archery gear — including nine that scored more than 140 inches — is also an excellent shot, regularly hitting the bull's-eye from 100 yards or more with her Hoyt bow. Aleah and her father, David, join us to discuss her incredible run of bowhunting success and the dedication required to be among the top teenage bowhunters in America.

Pennsylvania bowhunter Brandon Austin is a broadhead junkie. Austin, who has worked at the Lancaster Archery Supply pro shop for more than 20 years, has tested hundreds of broadhead designs over the years and hunted with more than 100 different models. In this episode, he joins us to discuss the features he looks for in a broadhead, the most effective design features and some his favorite models — past and present — that he trusts to get the job done on big game.

Field Editor Bill Winke is one of America's most respected whitetail hunters. In this episode, Bill and Editor Christian Berg discuss some deer-hunting fundamentals and Bill's plans for his new farm in Iowa. They also reflect on some of worst gimmick products ever sold to deer hunters and discuss some crazy, off-beat hunting strategies that just might work for anyone brave enough to try them!

When you have a once-in-lifetime buck running around in your area, but no real reason for it to visit your property, you need a game plan to get your shot. That's exactly what Kansas resident Darin Williams did in 2022, creating an oasis at his five-acre woodlot surrounded by acres upon acres of wide-open farmland. The end result was a close — and we mean close — encounter with a 230-plus-inch buck called Megatron. Don't miss this amazing story!