The WHTL Podcast - Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests

Jake Hofer

Welcome to Trail Cam Radio, as we dive into all things trail cameras, deer hunting, whitetails, wildlife research, outdoors, camera traps, and expert guest advice. Speaking from our own experience of running a trail camera company over the years, we hope to share as much valuable information through this deer hunting podcast.

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20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 1 hr
#427 - Make Mature Bucks Hunt You: The Mock Scrape Setup That Flips the Table on a Nocturnal Buck with Jeff Hopkins
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jeff Hopkins. We Discuss: A buck's tarsal gland leaves a scent fingerprint that bottled urine can't copy. Frozen tarsal glands soaked in glycerin gel make your own dominant buck scent. Wax paper under a mock scrape keeps your lure from soaking into the ground. The direction a buck kicks scrape dirt tells you which way he's traveling. A mock scrape carrying a stranger's scent makes the resident buck hunt you. Two or three well-placed mock scrapes beat a farm covered in them. Baking soda patted in with a sock outperforms any bottled field spray. Nothing completely beats a deer's nose — you just make him think you're farther off. A rub on both sides of a tree means he's working that line back and forth. Rattling pays in a short pre-Halloween window, in 10 to 15 second sequences. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
July 28 · 54 min
#426 - How Rare Is a Booner, Really? This Thermal Drone Pilot Flew 50,000 Deer to Find Out with Jack Huston
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jack Huston. We Discuss: Buck-to-doe ratios average 2.3 does per buck, far tighter than the 10-to-1 hunters assume. You need to remove at least 20% of your doe herd in a season to actually shrink deer numbers. Improving timber stand quality can boost a property's deer-holding capacity by 50%. Mature bucks average one per 88 acres of habitat, tightening to 30-40 acres on the best farms. On pressured or poor-habitat farms, expect just one mature buck per 200-300 acres of cover. Genetics beat soil quality — top farms produce 5x5-or-better bucks at triple the rate of weak farms. Genetic "hot pockets" for antler potential typically span only a quarter to half a county. Mature bucks stay 100-500 yards off doe bedding areas rather than bedding right with them. Removing an established mature buck opens space for a genetically superior buck to move in. A drone detection system can geofence a property and track intruding drones down to the centimeter. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
July 21 · 54 min
#425 - The Biggest Lie The Archery Industry Tells You with Travis T-Bone Turner
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back on the road in Georgia with Travis "T-Bone" Turner of Bone Collector. We Discuss: Confidence with your bow setup comes from accuracy, not chasing raw speed. Spend real money on your rest and release — everything else is negotiable. A 450-520 grain arrow with 14-18% FOC is the sweet spot for whitetails. Fixed blades test your form; mechanicals forgive small mistakes at the target. Index every broadhead to the same clone so accuracy stays consistent. IBO speed ratings rarely match what you'll actually shoot in the field. A three-blade mechanical still cuts even if a blade fails to open. Crossbows are a legitimate gateway into compound archery, not a threat. Scouting matters less than adapting fast on unfamiliar hunting ground. The best whitetail setups trade a little speed for real-world forgiveness. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
July 14 · 1 hr 9 min
#424 - Would You Still Hunt If NOBODY Knew What You Killed? Why Chasing Big Bucks Is Ruining Your Hunting with Tony Peterson
Welcome to The WHTL Podcast! Join us as we dive into whitetail hunting tactics, deer camp stories, and conversations with the biggest names in the industry. Hosted by Jake Hofer, this podcast digs deep into what actually makes hunters better — not just what fills the freezer. On today's episode, Jake sits down with Tony Peterson (MeatEater, Wired to Hunt, Foundations Podcast) for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the show. Tony challenges the way most hunters measure success, breaks down why ego and fear of failure hold people back more than skill ever does, and makes the case that some of the biggest improvements to your season have nothing to do with deer hunting at all. We discuss: Why chasing the biggest bucks might be the wrong measure of a "good" hunter The role ego plays in every decision hunters make in the woods Why fear of failure is the #1 thing holding hunters back from getting better Why September might be an easier — and smarter — time to kill a mature buck than the rut How fitness, sobriety, and home life directly impact your success in the stand Why gear can never replace reps and experience The question that changes everything: would you still hunt if nobody ever knew what you killed? And so much more! TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Intro 00:11:54 – Why early season might beat the rut 00:26:13 – Your measure of success might be wrong 00:31:04 – The ego problem every hunter fights 00:34:39 – What actually makes you a better hunter (it's not gear) 00:52:24 – Gear won't fix you: the final 2% 01:01:45 – Would you still hunt if nobody knew? Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow -Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
July 7 · 1 hr 1 min
#423 - What Everyone Gets Wrong About Planting Fruit Trees for Deer with Thomas Damren
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Thomas Damren. We Discuss: Rootstock is the "engine" of a tree — it decides size, speed, and hardiness. Home Depot trees are grown on dwarf rootstock built for yards, not neglect. Start with just five trees before planting a full orchard. Seedling rootstock outgrows dwarf and semi-dwarf even with zero maintenance. Compost, mulch, and a shovel test set a new tree up to survive. Window-screen tubes protect trunks from voles without the downsides of plastic. No single apple variety is perfect — every one has a worst trait to manage. Crab apples bear younger and more reliably than full-size apples. A weeping crabapple can be bred to hang low as a natural scrape tree. Trademark protects a discovered variety's name; only a bred variety can be patented. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow -Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
June 30 · 55 min
#422 - The Biggest Gear Mistakes Deer Hunters Make Before Season with Cameron Derr
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jake Hendrickson. We Discuss: Your hunting gear should function as one complete system. Confidence comes from practicing with your setup. Mobile hunting has improved dramatically over the last decade. Lightweight gear isn't always the best gear. Water access can unlock overlooked public land. Better binoculars can improve preseason scouting. Don't chase every gear trend. Trail camera regulations may change hunting strategies. Spend money where comfort matters most. Efficiency kills more deer than expensive equipment. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
June 23 · 55 min
#421 - Why Summer Scouting Doesn't Matter As Much As You Think with Justin Synan
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jake Hendrickson. We Discuss: Finding a mature buck is often harder than killing one. Most summer scouting intel doesn't directly lead to kills. Pressure ruins more hunting spots than poor stand locations. Mobile hunting accelerates learning and adaptation. Access routes often matter more than stand locations. Water access can be a major advantage for mature buck hunting. Summer food sources can reveal buck concentrations. Trail camera bans may increase mature buck survival on public land. Staying flexible beats hunting the same spots repeatedly. The best hunters make in-season adjustments quickly. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
June 16 · 57 min
#420 - The Biggest Habitat Mistakes First Time Landowners Can Make On Their Hunting Properties
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jake Hendrickson. We Discuss: Mature bucks prioritize secure cover above everything else. Habitat improvements should create predictable deer movement. Food plots alone rarely solve hunting problems. Bedding cover often provides the biggest long-term payoff. Edge creation is one of the most powerful habitat tools. Logging without a detailed plan can hurt future hunting. Travel corridors help funnel deer into huntable locations. Access routes are often just as important as stand locations. Most landowners don't cut enough trees during habitat work. Habitat success comes from how all pieces work together. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
June 9 · 46 min
#419 - Hunting Less = More Bucks? The Biggest Lesson 40 Years Of Bowhunting Taught Dan Perez
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Dan Perez. We Discuss: Less pressure often leads to more mature buck encounters. Hunting the wrong wind can ruin an entire season. Dan still starts scouting by locating creek crossings. Mature bucks react differently to pressure than younger deer. Property access is often more important than food plots. The best hunting properties funnel deer between bedding and food. Corn remains Dan's preferred bowhunting crop. Trail cameras provide huge advantages but remove some mystery. Most hunters underestimate the value of clean entry and exit routes. Consistency comes from avoiding mistakes rather than finding secrets. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
June 2 · 52 min
#418 - The Permission Property Strategy That's Producing Mature Bucks On Small Farms with Javin Mullet
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Javin Mullet. We Discuss: Mature buck hunters often wait too long to make a move. Permission properties require a different strategy than managed farms. Aggression works best when paired with patience. Bedding-area trail cameras provide the most useful intel. Most mature bucks rotate through multiple bedding locations. Two hunts may be all you get before a spot burns out. Summer inventory helps identify target bucks. Small acreage can compete if located in the right neighborhood. Natural regeneration creates outstanding deer habitat. Scouting confidence comes from time spent in the woods. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
May 26 · 1 hr 3 min
#417 - Why Jared Mills Still Mobile Hunts on His Farms: How Smart Landowners Build Better Hunting Farms
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jared Mills. We Discuss: Diversity is the foundation of elite whitetail habitat Younger growth and lower cover create superior bedding areas Tree plantings become productive habitat faster than most expect Access strategy often matters more than food plot size Logged timber can dramatically improve deer usage after regrowth Monoculture grass struggles unless mixed with structure and edge Most farms have untapped habitat potential with proper management The first land purchase is the hardest step for most buyers Successful landowners focus on long-term appreciation and improvement Great hunting farms are built through pressure control and cover density And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
May 19 · 59 min
#416 - Building a Property That Consistently Produces Mature Bucks: Creating Predictable Opportunities with Wes Delks
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Wes Delks. We Discuss: Most hunters never manipulate deer movement enough Access can make or break a hunting property Sanctuaries only work if you truly stay out Trail camera locations should be engineered Long food plots improve deer movement flow Annual buck patterns matter more than people think Food and cover should stay separated Tree planting creates long-term competitive advantage Every property has a different ceiling Big buck success requires doing uncommon things And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
May 12 · 1 hr 4 min
#415 - The Biggest Mistake Hunters Make Hunting BIG Timber For Mature Bucks with Jacob Lishen
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jacob Lishen. We Discuss: Mature bucks often live on only 1–20% of a property. Security matters more than food for mature deer. Most successful hunters are simply more observant. Big woods bucks rarely move predictably. Pressure shrinks a buck's comfort zone over time. Spot-check terrain instead of scouting everything. Funnels can be extremely subtle in big timber. Multi-year intel is a massive advantage. Deer prioritize the safest travel routes available. Adapt your setup constantly based on fresh sign. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
May 5 · 56 min
#414 - The Complete System for Finding Mature Whitetails Without Owning Land with Kaleb Greiner
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Kaleb Greiner. We Discuss: Big bucks on public land come down to effort, not luck Trail camera intel drives every decision Build a full A–Z hit list—not just one target Move cameras every 2 weeks to refine intel Mineral + mock scrapes = long-term pattern tools Hunt micro-properties others ignore Access is everything—sometimes 2:30 AM entry Permission is a numbers game, not a barrier Mature bucks move more than people think All-day sits kill more deer than short hunts And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
April 28 · 1 hr 18 min
#413 - The Art & Science Behind Killing Mature Bucks: Understanding Chaos in the Whitetail Woods with Michael Engelmeyer
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Michael Engelmeyer. We Discuss: Mature bucks react differently to pressure. Hunters overestimate their level of control. Chaos heavily influences deer movement. Observation beats blind strategy. Apps can't predict every local variable. Human pressure changes deer behavior fast. Sanctuaries matter more than most think. Mature bucks prefer low-stress areas. One hunt can create false conclusions. Long-term observation reveals real patterns. And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
April 21 · 55 min
#412 - Why EHD Is Getting Worse Every Year—and What You Can Actually Do About It Right Now with Zach Haas of EHDfense
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back on the road with another conversation from the Iowa Deer Classic with Zach Haas of EHDfense. We Discuss: Poor water quality fuels EHD by eliminating natural predators Midges thrive in low-oxygen, polluted water systems More water sources = less herd concentration and disease spread Deer prefer warm, mineral-rich pond water over streams Water management is as critical as food plots and cover Small ponds can dramatically increase hunting success Agriculture runoff accelerates water degradation and EHD risk You don't need big land to improve water conditions Fixing ecosystems takes 2–3 years—but results compound Water may be the most overlooked "cheat code" in hunting And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
April 14 · 1 hr 3 min
#411 - Why Your Hunting Property Isn't Producing Big Bucks (And How to Fix It) with Thomas Mlsna
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with a Q&A from the Whitetail Master Academy with Thomas Mlsna. We Discuss: Pressure kills more opportunities than bad habitat Food plots alone won't hold mature bucks Native browse is the backbone of deer nutrition Diversity in cover > just more cover Bedding must match wind, terrain, and security Access design determines huntability Most hunters hunt too aggressively, too often Timber work creates the fastest habitat ROI Early season bucks prioritize security + food Habitat without discipline won't produce results And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
April 7 · 1 hr 17 min
#410 - You Don't Need Money, Big Land, or Fancy Gear to Kill Big Whitetails—You Just Need This One Thing with Jeff Hopkins
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back in the studio with Jeff Hopkins. We Discuss: Details separate average hunters from elite ones Big bucks don't move like younger deer Movement and noise ruin more hunts than scent Your walk in matters as much as your setup Neighbor pressure can work FOR you Most hunters carry too much gear Stillness kills more deer than aggression First sits are best—don't burn stands Patience creates opportunities for giants You don't need money to kill big bucks And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
March 31 · 44 min
#409 - The Real Reason Most Hunters Never Kill Mature Bucks: The Brutal Truth About Land, Money, and Big Deer Success with Lee Lakosky and Skip Sligh
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back on the road with another special Q&A from the Iowa Deer Classic with Skip Sligh and Lee Lakosky. We Discuss: Strict trigger discipline is the foundation of consistently killing mature bucks Getting deer to 5–6 years old is harder than actually killing them Most target bucks live in tight core areas, often under 50 acres Knowing individual deer behavior creates a major hunting advantage Time in the field builds familiarity that replaces guesswork No farm is perfect—neighbor pressure is unavoidable everywhere Bigger farms help, but don't eliminate pressure or problems Hunting more species improves decision-making and shooting confidence Access and land control are becoming the biggest barriers for hunters And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow - Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding - Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/
March 24 · 32 min
#408 - The Deer Hunting "Rules" That Lee Lakosky and Skip Sligh Break To Kill Mature Bucks
Welcome to the WHTL Podcast, your source for Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests. In this episode, we're back on the road with another special Q&A from the Iowa Deer Classic with Skip Sligh and Lee Lakosky. We Discuss: Hunting pressure isn't always bad if deer are used to human presence Consistent intrusion can work if it's normal year-round activity Breaking hunting rules can lead to unexpected success Mature bucks don't follow a universal movement pattern Food plots alone no longer separate your property from others Timber management is as impactful as food for holding deer No-till improves soil health and drought resistance over time Farm setup matters more than individual hunting tactics Diverse food sources help reduce deer movement and increase security Mature buck density increases with better habitat distribution And So Much More! Want to become a better whitetail hunter? Click the link below and sign up for the Whitetail Master Academy today! https://bit.ly/WhitetailMasterAcademy Follow along on social! IG - @WHTLDEER TikTok - @WHTLDEER YouTube - @WHTLDEER Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! -Moultrie: https://bit.ly/moultrie_ -Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ -OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠bit.ly/PaintedArrow