Wired To Hunt Podcast

This week on Back 40, we’re tackling a frustration just about every landowner has faced at some point: you plant a beautiful food plot… and the deer barely touch it. We asked one simple question: Why aren’t deer using your food plots? To answer it, we brought in four guys who’ve spent years figuring this out the hard way—Thomas Mlsna, Jared Van Hees, Kyle Heuerman, and Terry Peer. From poor plot placement and overlooked soil issues to hunting pressure and treating food plots like a silver bullet, each guest breaks down the biggest mistakes they see—and what actually gets deer to use a plot consistently. We also get into the importance of transition vs destination, how to properly gauge utilization with cages, and why plot size and pressure are often more connected than you think. One question. Four perspectives. Endless insight. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Tony goes through some of the standard turkey hunting advice that is really holding back a lot of modern hunters. Get more Turkey Week content at themeateater.com! Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony breaks down hunting turkeys in high winds, rain, and extreme temperatures. Get more Turkey Week content at themeateater.com! Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I'm joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain to discuss the future of wild turkeys and turkey hunting in America. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony talks about how if we don't pay attention the non-target critters in the woods, we often alert deer to our presence without even being aware of it. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by Thomas Mlsna of Untamed Ambition to break down the habitat projects that actually move the needle for mature whitetails. We dive into the difference between busy work and impactful improvements, why most habitat plans fail, and how access and pressure often matter more than the habitat itself. From small properties to long-term land investments, this episode focuses on what truly changes deer behavior - and helps you consistently kill older bucks. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony discusses how all serious whitetail hunters should be working year-round to find new ground to hunt because they never know when they'll need it. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I'm breaking down my top 10 wildlife related books - from whitetails, to caribou, grizzlies, and beyond - that I'd recommend you listen to or read this coming year. Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony explains how struggle and discomfort mold us into better deer hunters, but only if we embrace then when we don't want to. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by the legendary DIY bowhunter Andy May to discuss the scouting philosophies and strategies that separate the elite whitetail hunter from the average. Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony breaks down what's happening to nonresident hunting opportunities, and how important it is to consider going on an adventure now before it's too late. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by Tony Peterson to discuss the science of doing hard things, how our brain changes when we do that, and the implications for hunting and much more. Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Tony talks about how whitetail hunters seem to have largely split into two different factions according their hunting styles, but in reality most hunters fall squarely in the middle. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by Kent Boucher and Nicolas Lirio of Hoksey Native Seeds and The Prairie Farm Podcast, to explore exactly why native prairie is so important for whitetail deer and other species that hunters pursue and benefit from - and how we can help get more of this habitat on the ground. Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony breaks down some of the biggest e-scouting mistakes hunters make, and how that can hurt their chances whether they hunt private or public land. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by Kip Adams, Chief Conservation Officer for the National Deer Association, to discuss the current state of whitetails in America, the most pressing issues facing deer and deer hunters at this moment, deer population and harvest trends, and much more. Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony not only explains the real importance behind winter scouting, but also why it's one of the best tactics for learning how big bucks really travel. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show we're talking all things shed hunting, from western big game to whitetails, and even up to Alaska and we're joined by Ben Dettamanti of ShedCrazy. The only known person to find a shed antler in all 50 states. Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony explains how easy it is for us to set unrealistic expectations around our deer hunting, and how a little off-season reflection can point us in a more productive direction. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show we’re chatting with author Brad Stulberg about routines, habits, and goal-setting practices and philosophies that can help each and any one of us achieve excellence in our pursuits as hunters, archers, marksman, or almost any other pursuit. Check out the Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony explores the topic of tree stand snacks, and explains why the right treat might just help you kill a buck outside of the rut. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m doing a solo "Ask Me Anything" episode, in which I’m answering your questions about my new role at MeatEater, conservation issues, deer hunting tactics, regulations, and more. Check out the Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony shares not only why he loves venison, but what he does to ensure that every meal of deer meat is as good as it can be. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, on this special 1,000th episode of the Wired to Hunt podcast, I’m joined by Randy Newberg to discuss the future of hunting in America. Plus, I share some news about my future at MeatEater. Check out the Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony recalls a recent blood trail he and his daughter went on in northern Wisconsin that involved a buck, a wolf, and a lot of lessons on how deer are true survival machines. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show we’re speaking with Michael Easter, the author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, about tangible ways we can add wildness back into our lives and the real impacts that can have on our outdoor pursuits, happiness, and satisfaction. Check out the Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony takes a look back at his last season to try to pull lessons from the successes and failures, and he describes why we should all take a little time to reflect on our most recent hunts. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show we’re discussing some of the top hunting and fishing related conservation issues and opportunities to keep an eye on in 2026, and joining me are Chris Borgatti and Devin O’Dea of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Check out the new Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony explains how all of us try to fill in the blanks when it comes to deer behavior and our hunting successes, but sometimes it's best to just accept what we can't know and keep trying. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show Mark and Janis Putelis sit down for a "fireside chat" to review the past year outside and some of their top memories, experiences, and lessons learned, then turn their eyes toward planning for the new year. Check out the new Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rut Fresh, we’re catching up with hunters who recently had late season success or still out developing a late season game plan. Kyle Regis kicks things off with his Ohio late season big buck story and how it came together. Tommy Dickerson tells the story how he shifted late season cameras to put together a game plan to catch up with an Indiana buck. Wrapping things up, Jake Gaylord of the Hunters Advantage Podcast shares an Oklahoma perspective on finding prime food when there’s little to no agriculture ground. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch Thanks to our sponsor Land.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony runs through a thought experiment on the future of whitetail hunting and what we can do, as individuals, to try to steer this ship in the right direction. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show we’re chatting with renowned chef Jesse Griffith about ideas and techniques for elevating your wild game cooking during the holidays and beyond. Check out the new Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rut Fresh, we’re ranging the country with hunters who are developing new game plans as weather begins to shift from nasty cold to more mild winter temperatures. Tyler Jones of The Element kicks things off with a big picture look at what sustained cold and hunting pressure are doing to mature buck movement and why this time of year still holds real opportunity if you stay disciplined especially in Texas. David Powell checks in from Kansas and West Virginia, breaking down how he plans to use historical data and a oak flat to connect with his target buck! Wrapping things up, Beau Martonik of the East Meets West Podcast shares an Eastern perspective on grinding through snow, wind, and post gun season pressured deer can be challenge. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch Thanks to our sponsor Land.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony explains how weather messes with our hunt plans, but can also teach us to be far better deer hunters if we can get past what we want to believe about certain conditions. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week show on the show I’m joined by the one and only Bill Winke for 20 fast questions about killing late season whitetails. Check out the new Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Rut Fresh, we’re looking at how early-December’s ugly weather is shaking things loose across the whitetail world. Mark Kenyon starts us off with a big-picture take on what these cold snaps are doing to mature buck movement and why this stretch can still surprise you. Justin Hollandsworth checks in from Ohio, sharing how the rough conditions are pushing deer hard toward food and tightening up patterns as the season winds down. And over in Illinois, Grant Putnam walks through what he’s seeing as snow and cold temps kick big bucks into gear- making this one of those windows where toughing it out can really pay off. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch Thanks to our sponsor Land.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Tony explains his approach for December deer this year, and how he's looking at his late-season hunts in a different light. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show I’m joined by Eric Clark and Derek Malcore of the Okayest Hunter podcast to discuss 10 simple steps to help make you a happier and more satisfied deer hunter over the remainder of this season. Check out the new Wired to Hunt vintage hat! Connect with Mark Kenyon and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.