Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast

This week Chad Sylvester is back on, and we get into some of the parts of hunting that most guys would rather avoid. Not tactics. Not setups. The stuff underneath that. We talk about taking an honest look at yourself as a hunter—where ego gets in the way, how identity can start driving decisions, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is put yourself in a place you’re not comfortable. New ground, unfamiliar terrain, situations where you don’t have all the answers. A lot of it comes back to letting go a little bit. Trusting your instincts, staying present, and not trying to control every outcome. Because the longer you do this, the more you realize the hunts that teach you the most are usually the ones that don’t go the way you planned. And like most good conversations, it lands on something simple—if you’re not willing to sit in discomfort, stick with it, and keep showing up, you’re probably not going to get what you’re after. Not in hunting, and not in much else either. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 486 Honest self-assessment is where real progress starts—most hunters avoid it. Ego gets in the way of learning more than lack of knowledge ever will. The best hunters rely on intuition built from reps, not constant second-guessing. Growth usually comes from putting yourself in uncomfortable, unfamiliar situations. You don’t control the outcome—you control your presence and decisions. Grit is built by doing hard things consistently, not occasionally. The experience—and what you learn from it—matters more than what you kill. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I started thinking about something I’ve run into a lot lately—not just in the woods, but on a jiu-jitsu mat, and honestly even going back to my wrestling days. It’s that moment when things get hard and your brain starts trying to talk you out of it. Not because you’re in real trouble… just because you’re uncomfortable. I’ve felt it getting smashed by guys half my size, I’ve felt it sitting in a tree when nothing’s moving, and I’ve definitely felt it in a few other places along the way. And the more I’ve paid attention to it, the more I’ve realized that moment—right there—is usually where things start to go one way or the other. So this episode is really about that. About staying composed when it would be easier not to. About figuring out how to keep going without panicking or making a bad decision just to feel better. Because whether it’s hunting, jiu-jitsu, or anything else, the people who stick with it a little longer tend to be the ones who end up where they want to go. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 485 The role of grit in hunting and life Lessons from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling Angela Duckworth's research on grit and success Practical ways to develop mental toughness The importance of a clear top-level goal SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Tony Peterson is back on the podcast, and we dig into the parts of hunting that don’t always follow the rules. We talk about how weather, pressure, and the difference between public and private ground shape deer movement—and why woodsmanship still matters more than most people think. A lot of the conversation centers on paying attention to what’s actually happening around you, spending more time in the woods, and being willing to adapt when the plan stops making sense. Like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on a simple truth: the longer you do this, the more you realize getting better mostly comes from time, observation, and learning something new every season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 484 Woodsmanship and observation still drive success, especially on pressured public land. Understanding how deer react to human presence is often the difference between close encounters and empty sits. Spending more time in the field increases opportunity and reveals patterns trail cameras often miss. Finding big bucks and killing them require very different strategies. Breaking conventional hunting rules can lead to unexpected success in challenging environments. Most barriers in hunting are mental, not tactical. The best hunters treat every season as a learning process, adapting to what the woods are showing them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I’m joined by Rendell Erik, and we cover a pretty wide range of things that all circle back to the same idea—getting better at the stuff we care about, whether that’s in the gym, on the range, or in the woods. We talk about the transition into traditional archery and how it forces you to slow down and really pay attention to your form, your shot process, and even the way your body moves. It’s a different kind of discipline, and in a lot of ways it mirrors the same mindset you need if you’re trying to stay consistent with fitness or mobility work. From there we get into the hunting side of things—postseason scouting, learning new terrain, and figuring out how deer actually move through the places we hunt instead of how we think they should. Rendell shares some experiences from this past season, including a few close calls and missed opportunities that most of us can probably relate to. And like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on the reality that the longer you do this, the more you realize the real progress usually comes from paying attention, adapting, and being willing to learn from every season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 483 Transitioning to traditional archery forces better body mechanics and shooting discipline than many hunters expect. Mobility, movement patterns, and proper technique matter just as much in fitness as they do in shooting a bow well. Small adjustments in anchor point, form, and consistency can dramatically improve shooting performance. Postseason scouting and terrain study reveal how deer actually move through landscapes—not how we assume they do. Mature deer often travel much farther between bedding and food sources than most hunters realize. Hunting new states and unfamiliar terrain pushes hunters to adapt quickly and rely on observation and instinct. The biggest improvements come from learning from mistakes, staying patient, and enjoying the process. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Brian Dombrowski is back on the podcast, and we spend a lot of time talking about what actually happens after the plans fall apart—which, if you hunt long enough, is most of the time. We get into his season bouncing between Wisconsin and Illinois, the reality of hunting pressured ground, and why mature bucks have a way of simply disappearing when you think you’ve got them figured out. We also dig into the growing role of technology—from trail cameras to drone recovery—and where that line sits between being helpful and changing the hunt altogether. More than anything, this conversation is about adapting in real time… learning terrain instead of fighting it… and accepting that success usually comes from covering ground, paying attention to historical sign, and sticking with the process long after confidence starts to fade. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 482 rian wrapped up a strong season, including multiple successful hunts across Wisconsin and Illinois. The guys discuss using a drone for deer recovery and where technology fits ethically in modern hunting. Hunting thick cover highlights how mature bucks can disappear even when you’re doing everything right. Scouting, historical sign, and terrain understanding remain the foundation for finding older deer. Rising hunting pressure and out-of-state traffic are changing how deer — and hunters — behave. Trail cameras and data help, but success still comes down to prediction, patience, and experience. The episode reinforces that shared stories, hard lessons, and community are what keep hunting meaningful. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I’m joined by Nathan Killen, and we get into the stuff that doesn’t show up in highlight reels — weather that doesn’t cooperate, thermals that don’t do what you expect, and seasons that force you to adjust whether you want to or not. We talk traditional archery, food sources, scrapes, rattling, and the little woodsmanship details that still matter no matter how much technology creeps into the picture. Nathan and I both share seasons where patience mattered more than aggression, and where trusting your gut made more difference than any piece of gear ever could. There’s a thread running through this one about balance — using tools without losing the mystery, learning without overcomplicating it, and remembering that comparison will rob the joy out of this faster than a blown wind ever will. This episode is about instinct, adaptability, and keeping the hunt honest. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 481 Weather, thermals, and food sources dictate deer movement more than anything else. Traditional archery sharpens awareness and forces you to earn every opportunity. Older bucks live by patterns — your strategy has to adjust to theirs. Hunt the edges of sign, not just the sign itself. Woodsmanship is built through reps, not talent. Trusting your gut often beats overthinking the setup. Technology can help — but the mystery is what keeps hunting meaningful. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alright, so this one’s just me. I dug into a pile of listener questions and it turned into something bigger than I expected. We talk about antlers, sure—but mostly we talk about reps. About why the time in the woods matters more than the score on a tape. About building a life that actually lets you hunt the way you want to hunt, instead of squeezing it in around everything else. I get into scouting in big woods, what’s changed for me with a traditional bow, and why humility shows up real quick when you put the wheels away and go back to wood and string. There’s some nuts-and-bolts stuff in there too—how I approach out-of-state hunts, what I’ve learned the hard way, and even a breakdown of the hunting trailer and cabin projects that are shaping the next few seasons. But if there’s a thread running through all of it, it’s this: hunting isn’t separate from the rest of your life. Your fitness matters. Your recovery matters. Your mindset matters. If you want to do this for decades, you’d better treat it like something worth keeping. This episode’s about playing the long game—on deer, and on yourself. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 480 Nothing is ever as bad as it feels in the moment — perspective matters. Build a life that supports your passions instead of squeezing them in. Reps kill more deer than antler obsession ever will. Big woods demand patience, wind awareness, and a willingness to feel lost. Traditional gear forces awareness and sharpens woodsmanship. Fitness, recovery, and sleep are part of staying in the game for decades. Set attainable goals — then stack experience until bigger ones make sense. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Palmer and I sat down in that quiet stretch after the season—the part of the year where the noise fades and you’re left with what the year actually gave you. We talk winter weather, ice fishing, and why water deserves more respect than most people give it. We get into this past season—what went right, what didn’t, and how Tim shifted his approach away from pressure and back toward enjoyment. There are stories from the high country, close calls, grizzlies, and the kind of lessons you only learn when things don’t go perfectly. A lot of this conversation lives in the mental space—trusting your prep, staying present when it counts, and understanding how mindset can either free you up or get in your way. This one’s about reset, perspective, and remembering why being out there matters in the first place. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 479 Letting go of pressure can bring the enjoyment—and performance—back into hunting. Time in nature has real therapeutic value when you allow it to slow you down. Mindset often matters more than tactics when things get tense or uncertain. Trusting your preparation frees you to stay present when it counts most. High-stakes moments expose mental weaknesses faster than physical ones. Reflection after the season is how real growth actually starts. Resetting your approach can be the difference between burnout and longevity. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices