The calendar says mid-October, but the woods say “things are starting to happen.” We lay out our five-factor weather report for October 12 through 18 and explain how we’d hunt it across blacktail country in Washington, Oregon, and California. If you’re trying to turn random sits into a real strategy, this is the kind of weekly forecast that helps you choose days with higher odds of deer movement, not just nicer weather.

We talk through the red moon timing and why afternoon and early evening movement can line up especially well this week, then bring it back to the simplest location truth we know: blacktail love edges. Field edges, swamp edges, clearcut edges, and the transition zones between bedding and feeding are where movement becomes predictable. We also flag the week’s weather fronts and get blunt about rain. A steady drizzle can shut things down, while the best action often pops right after the rain stops, even if the break is short.

From there we dig into temperature windows, layering for long sits, and why barometric pressure trends matter so much. When pressure rises after a front, we’re paying attention. We also answer listener questions on what calls we like (including fawn in distress, doe bleats, and grunt calls), how to time synthetic scents through Washington modern season, and what it means when your trail cameras show does and young bucks but not the mature buck you’re hoping for. We wrap with a trail-cam story about finding a buck’s core area and why it can feel like cheating when you finally get it right.

If this helped you think clearer about your next sit, subscribe, share it with a hunting buddy, and leave a quick review so more blacktail hunters can find the show.

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You can feel it in early October: bucks are getting ruddy, does are syncing cycles, and blacktail are sliding out of summer patterns into thicker, safer cover. That’s exactly when most hunters start second-guessing their sits. We don’t guess. We build a weekly plan using the Five Factors that drive deer movement in the Pacific Northwest: rut phase, moon timing, temperature drops, barometric pressure, and weather fronts.

We also get practical about what to do on stand right now. After comparing notes with trusted voices like Tom Ryle and trail camera expert John Nicholson, we break down a simple, repeatable pre-rut calling approach. The big theme is curiosity over aggression: let the woods settle for 30 to 45 minutes, mix soft doe bleats with light antler tinkling, and give a buck time to commit. We also talk fawn distress calling, why it works even when you make mistakes, and why you should be ready for unexpected visitors like bears.

Then we answer a question every busy hunter feels in their bones: if you only have 6 to 10 total days for Oregon general season, where do you start? We share a high-percentage strategy built around bedding proximity when you’ve scouted, and edge-focused run-and-gun tactics when you haven’t. Finally, we shift into tree stands and saddle hunting, covering stand height, shot angle, scent control tools like nose jammer and Ozonics, and the underrated rule that what’s behind you matters more than what’s in front of you.

Subscribe for the weekly Five Factors forecast, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review that tells us what topic you want next. What’s your biggest challenge right now: finding bedding, calling confidence, or picking the right day to hunt?

Tom Ryle: www.pnwbowhunting.com

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The forecast is only useful if it helps you pick a sit and actually see deer, so we break down our five factor weather report for Sept 28 through Oct 4 with the stuff that moves the needle: moon guide timing, temperature trends, weather fronts, rut phase, and especially barometric pressure. Up here in the Pacific Northwest, fronts stall, conditions change fast, and pressure swings can show up bigger than expected, so we talk through how to keep your plan flexible without guessing.

Then we zoom out to the bigger seasonal picture and clean up a few rut myths that keep showing up every fall. We explain what we mean by pre-rut, why hormone buildup is gradual after velvet shed, how doe estrus cycles really work, and why trying to “pattern” a mature buck during the first rut can drive you crazy. If you’ve ever watched a target buck disappear off cameras right when you expected the most action, this will click.

We also answer listener questions that stretch from Oregon to Southern California. For Oregon muzzleloader and late-season pressure, we talk about hunting where the deer actually are: tight to bedding, along travel corridors, and in the thick stuff. For California hunters wondering why rut timing feels different, we share the most reliable move you can make: call a local game biologist and anchor your strategy to real regional data. We wrap with practical ground blind tactics, including why commercial camo can “glow” to deer due to UV and brighteners, how to brush a blind like a slash pile, and how to manage scent with Nose Jammer and smarter Ozonix placement.

If this helps, subscribe, share it with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more blacktail hunters find the show. What’s the one weather signal or rut belief you’re most willing to rethink this season?

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You can waste a whole season hunting “good looking” days, or you can stack the odds with a repeatable plan. We run our weekly high-factor forecast for September 21 through 27 using the five factors we rely on for blacktail deer hunting in the Pacific Northwest: rut phase, moon phase and lunar activity, weather fronts, barometric pressure, and temperature drops. The goal is simple: help you choose the sits that give you the best chance of daylight movement when you only have a few windows to hunt.

The biggest teaching moment is the Moon Guide. We dug into what the gold star actually signals, why the strongest lunar pull isn’t always the most huntable, and how a “white” time can beat a “red” time if it overlaps normal morning or evening movement. We also translate the app’s whitetail-style location labels into blacktail reality where “field edge” and “bedding” can blur, and why we keep coming back to the transition right outside bedding.

From there, we compare rain timing and pressure swings across Bellingham, Woodland, and Eugene to show how a front can hit your area differently than the general forecast. We wrap with two practical tools: using AI to score mornings and afternoons (with verification), and a detailed breakdown of leapfrogging trail cameras to track a buck back to where he finally daylight’s. If you like concrete picks, we give them, including our top hunt windows for the week.

Subscribe for weekly forecasts, share this with a hunting buddy who’s trying to plan time off, and leave a review so more PNW hunters can find the show.

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Hunting blacktail can feel like roulette if you’re picking hunt days at random, especially when you only have one evening a week to get out. We’re changing that. Aaron and Dave lay out our new in-season format: a weekly Five Factors Weather Report built to help you decide when to hunt, where to sit, and what kind of movement to expect based on conditions you can actually track.

We break down each factor in plain language: the rut phase (and why bucks can spar well before the “real rut” kicks in), weather fronts in the Pacific Northwest (including those micro shower systems), barometric pressure trends (why rising pressure during hunting hours matters), temperature drops (sudden vs gradual), and moon phase timing using a deer hunter’s moon guide. You’ll hear how terms like transition zone and field edge translate into real blacktail setups near bedding and feeding, plus how to use moon overhead and underfoot windows and that gold star timing to tighten your plan.

We also zoom out to season prep that pays off fast: moving trail cameras from summer patterns into thicker cover near bedding, cutting access trails early so the woods settles, and staying flexible as bucks shift behavior after velvet shed. Along the way we talk gear and experimentation, including decoys, scent strategy, and why minerals and protein can matter for herd health and antler growth where legal. We also challenge the “just in case” mindset around cougar, bear, and coyote tags and share how Hunters Gathering helps turn predator hunting into a planned, purposeful season.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the weekly reports, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a quick review if the show helps. Got a timely question you want answered on the next drop? Email us by Thursday at blacktailcoach at gmail.com.

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Rattling for blacktail isn’t magic and it isn’t random. It’s a story you’re telling in the woods, and the buck decides whether he believes it.

We’re joined again by Tom Ryle and Kelly Riordan for a deep, practical breakdown of blacktail deer calling and rattling, from first principles to field-ready sequences. We start with the why: bucks fight over breeding rights, but a lot of the deer that respond are coming in out of curiosity, sizing up the scene, or looking for an opening. From there, we lay out a clear rut timeline you can actually plan around, including the long seasonal build after velvet-off, the more aggressive late-October window, peak breeding behavior, and why rattling can still shine in December when does cycle again and tired bucks still can’t ignore opportunity.

Then we get tactical. Tom walks through how he layers sounds the way real deer interactions build: soft doe bleats, natural movement in the brush, subtle grunts, and only then escalating into antlers. We talk duration, patience, and the real risk of getting busted when you go too long or get too aggressive. We also get into gear choices like shed antlers versus rattle bags in wet weather, how to tune grunt calls for a softer blacktail tone, and a simple cold-weather trick to help prevent reeds from freezing.

We close with setup and strategy: wind, topography, expecting the downwind circle, and how a partner can call while the shooter waits where the buck wants to verify the sound. If you want to call in blacktail more consistently, this is the playbook to build from. Subscribe, share this with a hunting partner, and leave a review so more blacktail hunters can find the show.

Learn more at https://pnwbowhunting.com/

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The woods are full of clues, but most hunters only see noise. We sit down and translate the signs that actually matter when you’re scouting for a mature blacktail buck: tracks, game trails, bedding edges, scat, and rubs, plus what each one can and can’t prove about daylight movement.

We start on the ground with tracks, including the small shape differences between buck and doe prints, how size can hint at age, and why genetics and habitat can make “rules” bend. From there we get practical about direction of travel and how it helps you decide whether a trail is a morning route into bedding or an evening exit to feed. If you’ve ever watched a buck creep closer to daylight on camera, you’ll like how we connect those patterns to where you hang a stand.

Next we move to terrain and strategy: finding the nastiest thick cover that bucks use for security, walking the edge, and picking the high-traffic trail that leads to a real bottleneck. We also talk about tight canopy and shooting light, why pushing too far into bedding can turn a spot into a one-hunt mistake, and why smart exits after dark keep deer from learning to look up.

We wrap with scat and predator pressure, then rubs and rub lines, including why rubs in open clear cuts can be nighttime dominance displays. If you want more consistent big buck decisions, not just more opinions, this one will sharpen your eye. Subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a quick review with the sign you rely on most.

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Deer don’t move at random, even when it feels that way from the stand. We’re Aaron and Dave, and we lay out the five factors we watch for when we’re trying to predict blacktail deer movement and pick the highest-odds days to hunt. Each factor can help on its own, but when they stack together, the difference is real: more daylight activity, better timing, and fewer wasted sits when you’re short on time. 

We start with barometric pressure and the threshold Dave keeps coming back to: around 30.2 and rising. Then we get practical about how to check pressure trends days in advance using the weather app on your phone or common hunting tools. From there, we dig into moon phase and why Adam Hayes’ Deer Hunter’s Moon Guide makes it simple to spot red moon week and the strongest daily pull windows, including how that can steer you toward a morning hunt or an afternoon hunt without overthinking the science. 

We also cover a temperature drop of about 20 degrees between daily highs, how weather fronts can trigger feeding before a storm and right after it, and how deer often move in those short breaks between showers. Finally, we talk rut phases, why “the rut” isn’t one long blur, and how tactics like rattling change depending on whether bucks are seeking, locked down, or sliding into post-rut patterns. 

To tie it all together, we share the story of our pro staffer Chris and a monster blacktail he calls Bambino. The conditions lined up, the plan held, and the buck showed up close before dark. If you want more consistent success in blacktail deer hunting, subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave us a review where you listen.

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Your best stand location means nothing if a mature buck smells one wrong detail and locks up. We dig into the real mechanics of deer hunting scent control and why the “spray it and wait 30 minutes” mindset sets hunters up to fail, especially on cautious blacktail deer that live and die by their nose.

We walk through the scent categories we actually use and what each one is designed to do. That includes calming pheromones like EverCalm for bedding areas, plus tools like Hodag Scent Rope to create a summer communication hub where deer leave orbital gland scent and establish a routine you can monitor. From there we get honest about doe estrus and dominant buck urine: they work best as part of an illusion, but only when you match the product to the correct phase of the rut. We also cover practical issues like CWD-related rules, synthetic urine options, and why gels and concentrates can matter in rainy climates.

Then we hit cover scents and full system scent management. We explain Nose Jammer and “vapor lock,” why you must introduce it progressively weeks ahead, and how scent-free detergent, dryer sheets, scent-free storage bags, rubber boots, body wash, deodorant, and field spray all fit together. We also talk merino wool for odor control on multi-day hunts and why ozone generators like Ozonics can be a true game changer when used responsibly.

If you want more consistent daylight movement and fewer blown encounters, listen through, try the framework, and tell us what’s worked where you hunt. Subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more hunters can find the show.

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Most hunters circle “the rut” on the calendar, then spend the best days wondering why their biggest buck disappeared. We take a step back and map the whole arc of blacktail deer hunting season, from early archery to pre-rut, full rut, and the second rut, with a simple goal: help you choose tactics that match how bucks actually behave, not how we wish they behaved.

We start with early season blacktail, when velvet and summer patterns can make mature bucks shockingly predictable. That’s where we’d rather pattern than call, using observation and trail intel to lock down entry trails, exit trails, and daylight windows. Then we dig into the “movement drivers” we track every year barometric pressure, moon phase, major weather fronts, and those game-changing 20-degree temperature drops plus how these factors can line up to create the kind of evening a giant finally shows in shooting light.

From there we move into October pre-rut strategy: when to rattle, when to grunt, why blind calling can hurt you, and why scents work best when you don’t overdo them. We also explain why the full rut can be the hardest time to target a specific mature buck, and why late season and the second rut can swing the advantage back to the hunter. With fewer does in estrus, a consistent, believable scent setup can make a buck cycle through repeatedly until he edges into daylight.

If you want a clearer plan for blacktail rut phases, late season tactics, and smarter calling and scent strategy, hit subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review. What part of the season do you trust most, early season or late season?

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Defeating a trophy blacktail's senses requires extraordinary dedication and methodical preparation. In this deep-dive conversation, Aaron and Dave explore the critical components of entering a hunting set without alerting deer through their incredibly sensitive ears, eyes, and nose.

The hosts begin by shattering a common misconception: "You're never as quiet as you think you are." Dave shares his philosophy on trail preparation, recommending gradual habitat modifications spread across multiple visits rather than dramatic one-time changes that make deer wary. For those who only visit their hunting areas occasionally before season, strategic pruning with hand shears creates just enough clearance for quiet passage without establishing obvious human trails.

Equipment selection proves equally crucial, with Aaron and Dave examining how expensive modern hunting gear can sometimes work against you. They discuss waterproof rain jackets that make unnatural sounds against vegetation, metal components that create alarming clanks, and practical solutions for each challenge. Visual concealment strategies follow, including the use of screen vegetation as artificial visual barriers and proper headlamp discipline when approaching sets in darkness.

Perhaps most vital is their comprehensive approach to scent control. The hosts outline their meticulous process: traveling to hunting locations in base layers, changing into scent-free hunting clothes stored in sealed bags, applying field spray, and reversing the process when departing. This level of dedication isn't necessary for harvesting average deer but becomes essential when pursuing record-book blacktails that simply won't tolerate human odor.

The conversation culminates with fascinating insights into extreme tactics like sleeping overnight in stands, hiking significant distances to approach from favorable wind directions, and studying thermal patterns to time entries perfectly. As Aaron notes approaching his third year of hunting, these might seem like extraordinary measures, but they represent the mindset difference between casual hunters and those consistently harvesting mature blacktail bucks.

Ready to take your blacktail hunting to the next level? Visit blacktailcoach.com to discover our upcoming boot camps and training opportunities designed to help you consistently pursue trophy-class blacktails.

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Most hunting problems don’t start in the timber. They start when we try to skip steps, rush a “perfect” setup, and then wonder why the season feels stressful. We break down a clean, repeatable way to plan your season around five questions: find your area, find your spot, decide what to do with your spot, choose when you’re hunting, and make sure you’re actually ready to hunt. If you can answer those in order, your season gets simpler fast.

We dig into how hunt style should match habitat, especially for blacktail deer hunting. Thick reprod and tight cover demand a different approach than clear-cuts, burns, or open hillsides where glassing and optics shine. We talk e-scouting with tools like OnX, HuntStand, and Google Earth, then how boots-on-the-ground confirms what the map can’t. From there, we narrow into “your spot,” including what we call the bedroom door, and how wind, entry and exit routes, stand or ground blind choice, and trail cameras fit into a real plan.

Timing is where good spots get ruined, so we also cover how we pick days using five factors: rut phase, moon phase, temperature drops, barometric pressure, and weather fronts including micro weather systems that trigger movement. We close with readiness: weapon practice, mental reps, visualization, and a practical gear checklist so opening day doesn’t sneak up on you.

If this helps, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more hunters can find it. What part of season planning do you want us to go deeper on next?

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A blacktail buck in coastal rainforest doesn’t live like a blacktail buck on a High Cascade ridge, and pretending they do is a fast way to waste a season. Aaron and Dave dig into the real-world differences between coastal, valley, and High Cascade blacktail hunting across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, using one simple lens: every deer is hunting for food, safety, and the opportunity to breed, but each landscape delivers those needs in its own way.

We talk about how “thick cover” changes from a wall of brush on the coast to small, high-percentage bedding spots in steep mountain country, and why that drives everything from visibility to stalking tactics. We also get into regional genetics and what hunters notice in body size and antlers, including why heavy coastal vegetation often produces more basket-style racks while harsh Cascade winters can reward the strongest survivors.

Then we zoom in on movement and patterning. Valley bucks can hold tight to small home ranges, but High Cascade bucks may expand their range and shift elevation with the snow line, meaning one storm can reset months of scouting overnight. We wrap with practical food and habitat insights: blackberries, vine maple, fresh green shoots, trail vines, abandoned orchards, acorns in scrub oak country, plus how logging, clearcuts, and controlled burns can create the groceries and cover that help deer thrive. If you want more consistent results, this one helps you match your approach to your terrain.

Subscribe for more blacktail hunting strategy, share this with a buddy who’s trying to learn, and leave a review so more hunters can find the show.

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A turkey slam sounds clean on paper. Real life rarely is. Zach joins us to tell the full Washington turkey slam story, from years of grinding with almost nothing to show for it, to finally stacking an Eastern, a Merriam’s, and a Rio Grande turkey in one season. We talk about the moment the strategy changed, why “trying harder” wasn’t the answer, and how mentorship turned scattered effort into a repeatable plan.

We get specific about turkey hunting tactics that translate across states but matter a lot in Washington: roosting birds, slipping in tight without overcalling, and setting up where thick, brushy cover forces close-range decisions. Zach shares how e-scouting helped him identify likely turkey habitat before burning a five-hour drive, and how access and pressure can make birds feel impossible when they’re living on the wrong side of a property line.

Then the slam stories hit: an Eastern that closes the final yards fast, Merriam’s that stay glued to hens, and a Rio hunt defined by wind, snow, truck camping, and the mental fight to keep going when things pile up. We also announce Alex’s new Blacktail Coach turkey hunting tactics classes and what he’s teaching, from calls and locator calls to decoy setups and species-specific habitat.

If you want to hunt turkeys with more clarity and less chaos, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

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One bad decision can change an entire bear season, and sometimes it takes a full year to see the consequences. We’re back with Heather Aldrich to wrap up spring bear season and turn those hard-earned lessons into a smarter plan for fall. Along the way we dig into what “success” really means in bear hunting, why learning the woods can matter more than punching a tag, and how experience reshapes the way you judge a season.

Heather walks us through two very different spring bear hunts in Oregon and Idaho, including a key mistake: taking a sow that was effectively holding a target boar in an area. That single choice shifted his movement, wiped out a previously hot spot, and forced a fresh strategy built around finding other sows, understanding spring rut behavior, and staying realistic about pressure and late-season dispersion. We also talk about how burns can trick you, why scat tells the truth about seasonal habitat, and what it takes to mentor a hunter when access and mobility define every setup.

Then we transition straight into fall bear season preparation in Washington State: trail camera strategy, travel routes, future food sources, and how to keep disturbance low while still collecting the intel you need. Heather also explains how blowdown, steep terrain, and missing “perfect” camera trees can force real-world adjustments, plus how to pivot when fire closures shut down your best area. From huckleberries and mountain ash to water and cool bedding cover, we keep the focus on practical bear hunting tactics.

To round it out, we get nerdy in the best way: hyperphagia timing, how fast bears can gain weight, den site selection, and why bear hibernation is often “not quite” what people think it is. If you’re trying to connect spring scouting to fall success, this one’s built for you. Subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review with your biggest bear-season lesson so far.

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A blacktail buck can live a whole season a few yards from you and never show itself, and that’s exactly why we love hunting them. We’re joined by Tom Ryle and Kelly Riordan for a wide-ranging talk that starts with how they each got pulled into the blacktail woods and quickly turns into what it really takes to improve at blacktail deer hunting in Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest. If you’ve ever felt like blacktails are “too thick, too dark, too hard,” you’re not alone.

We dig into the bigger picture of mentorship and the real-world need to pass down institutional knowledge. Hunting culture has shifted from “keep your mouth shut” to sharing methods, especially as R3 efforts and simple stewardship become more urgent. We also talk honestly about paying for coaching or a hunting class, why some hunters want to cut through information overload, and how to shorten the learning curve without stealing the joy of figuring it out yourself.

Then we get practical with scouting and sign. Tom breaks down why willow trees get absolutely shredded, what those bright orange rubs can tell you, and how soft bark trees can become repeatable rut magnets year after year. He also shares how he’s made mock rubs to create a signpost that pulls deer into a shooting lane, plus how he thinks about “rut zones” and why postseason scouting in winter can reveal rub lines and key terrain features you’ll miss in the summer salad bowl.

We wrap by zooming out to habitat edges, fresh logging disturbance, late-season food clues, and planning for closures, fire restrictions, and weather patterns that can lock up access. Subscribe, share this with a hunting partner, and leave a review so more blacktail hunters can find the show, then tell us: what’s the clearest scouting sign you trust most?

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Conservation doesn’t run on vibes, it runs on people showing up year after year. That’s why we brought on Tom Ryle (WDFW marketing and creative media manager and Washington’s R3 lead) and Kelly Riordan (R3 hunting coordinator) to break down the R3 program: recruit, retain, reactivate, and the “why” behind it. Hunting participation has declined nationally since the 1980s, and Washington is staring at an aging-out curve that can shrink license revenue and long-term support for fish and wildlife management.

We talk about the real funding mechanics that many outdoors folks only half understand: license dollars, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes on hunting gear, Dingell-Johnson support on the fishing side, and how those dollars keep science happening in the field. We also dig into the group that decides a lot of Washington’s future at the ballot box: the huge middle that isn’t anti-hunting or pro-hunting, just curious and often uninformed. If we want healthy habitat, thriving wildlife, and durable public support, we have to connect more people to the outdoors in ways that feel safe, welcoming, and practical.

Kelly lays out how retention actually works through mentorship and community, including the ORAM pathway from awareness to confident participation. We get specific about opportunities like turkey clinics, butchering clinics, foraging education, shooting sports as a gateway, and how partnerships with NGOs, landowners, schools, and even city programs can scale impact. Tom also shares why mywdfw.org exists as a more approachable resource for new hunters and anglers who get lost on a big government website.

If you care about Washington hunting, fishing, wildlife stewardship, and conservation funding, this conversation gives you clear next steps to participate or help others start. Subscribe, share this with a buddy, and leave a review so more people find the resources and mentorship that keep the outdoors alive.

To reach out to Kelly Riordan: kelly.riordan@dfw.wa.gov

To reach out to Tom Ryle: tom.ryle@dfw.wa.gov

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You know that sinking feeling when you realize you forgot something critical, rushed a shot, or made a choice you can’t rewind? We’re leaning into that reality with our guest Asha, because the woods have a way of teaching lessons the hard way and then turning them into the funniest stories a season later. We trade honest, embarrassing hunting mistakes, not to glorify failure, but to help you build a better process and a better mindset for the next sit. 

We start with a classic: a new turkey hunter belly-crawling into what he thinks are birds, only to get waved off because he’s about to shoot someone’s decoys. From there we shift into the heavier side of hunting ethics, including how hunters handle the emotional weight of a wounded animal and why “hunters are just killers” is a lazy stereotype. We talk ethical shot choices, what respect for wildlife really looks like, and why good hunters will spend days trying to finish what they started. 

Then it’s rapid-fire practical: forgotten quivers, forgotten bows, missing headlamps, and the value of a simple gear checklist and a repeatable routine. Aaron tells the painful story of leaving a rifle on the roof of the car and hearing it bounce into the ditch, which leads into buck fever, shot process, and how quickly small mistakes stack up. Asha shares the legendary four-by-three encounter that ends with an arrow buried in a fir tree, and we cap it off with ground blind window mishaps that prove one rule: always know where your arrow is. 

If you’ve ever blown a hunt and wanted to quit, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share it with your hunting buddy who “never makes mistakes,” and leave us a review with the most embarrassing lesson you’ve learned in the field.

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You can hunt blacktail for years and still feel like you’re doing everything right, until you realize you’re solving the wrong problem. We bring on Ryan Heuberger and Cully Scroggins, our newest Blacktail Coach pro staff members, to talk about what changed for them once they started matching their effort to the realities of Pacific Northwest blacktail deer behavior, habitat, and pressure. If you’ve ever stared at miles of “good looking” timber and hit vapor lock, this conversation is built to pull you out of that fog.

We walk through the learning path we keep seeing work: locating to find the right area, advanced locating to find the right spot, then establishing a set so your ground blind, tree stand, trail cameras, and drippers all work together. We spend real time on the bedroom door concept, what sign actually matters, and why chasing a perfect giant track can distract you from the highest-percentage pattern a mature buck is following. Ryan and Cully also share why in-person field days make thick cover finally click for visual learners.

Then we zoom out to community and momentum. We recap Hunters Gathering at Cascade Camp and Conference Center, what made it special, and where it’s headed next with more instructors and new hunting tracks, including predators. We also lay out the Blacktail Coach 2027 calendar, course capacities, deposits, package options, and how Patreon supports the show while giving you tools like early access and the Ask the Coach Zoom call with OnX screen sharing.

Subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more blacktail hunters can stop spinning their wheels and start hunting where the big bucks actually live.

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We leave the spreadsheets and blacktail strategies at home and hit record from Boars All Day in Groveton, Texas after a full weekend of hog hunting with our Blacktail Coach crew plus Dan, and Mike from Nockaholics and the Everyday Archer podcast. The promise up front is simple: more stories than lessons. The reality is even fun hunts come with real decisions about ethics, shot choice, cost, and how much meat you can actually bring back when you are packing coolers like luggage.

You’ll hear how “target rich environment” still doesn’t mean “easy.” Hogs move fast, they don’t pose for the camera, and a tiny mistake can turn into a miss, a scramble, or a follow up. We swap the funniest moments, including the infamous piglet saga, the reality of paying by the pound, and why pacing yourself matters when hogs weigh way more than they look. We also give you a practical planning nugget for first timers: roughly a quarter of a hog’s live weight ends up as take home meat, which changes the math on what you shoot and what you can transport.

Then we go deep on one of the most relatable hunting storylines there is: missing, regrouping, and getting it done. Mike walks us through his aoudad bow hunt, DJ talks about filming and being the steady voice behind the shot, and we dig into why video review can help you learn from both hits and misses. We wrap with Mark’s patient one shot hog, plus a grounded talk about feral hogs in Texas as an invasive species and why responsible harvest and meat use matter.

If you enjoy hunting stories that feel like real camp talk, subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave us a review so more folks can find the show.

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You can find great blacktail habitat and still never see the buck you actually want. That gap is what we call advanced locating: going beyond “thick stuff over there” and learning to identify the bedroom door, the specific access point and travel route that tells you where a mature buck spends most of his time and how he moves without getting exposed.

We talk through why the classic “52-acre range” idea helps and also hurts when you turn it into a neat square on a map. A buck’s real world range is made of usable acres: the cover, feed, and protection he will actually choose, plus the skinny green belts that connect safe pockets. We share a real example of a specific buck that only shows for a couple weeks a year, then use that story to explain why ridges are not hard walls, why hunters project their limits onto deer, and how tools like OnX LiDAR make benches and subtle terrain features easier to spot.

From there we zoom out to seasonal movement. Summer pattern is not hunting-season pattern, and everything a deer does is purposeful: water, nutrients, safety, and breeding all change the map. We finish with field-ready sign reading, including what to look for in tracks, dewclaws, solo travel, scat, and the difference between dominance rubs and annual rub lines, plus how habitat age can shift rub activity over time.

If you want to stop guessing and start making decisions that hold up in the woods, subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review telling us what part of locating you want to master next.

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Ten Washington Slams doesn’t happen by accident, and Alex Cheney isn’t interested in lucky stories that can’t be repeated. We sit down to unpack how he finishes his 10th Washington turkey slam in only eight days, and what that says about scouting, roosting birds, and running a simple, consistent turkey hunting playbook under real spring pressure. If you’ve ever wondered what “getting it done” actually looks like across Rio Grande, Merriam’s, and the notoriously scarce Western Washington Eastern wild turkey, this conversation gets specific. 

We talk through three very different hunts: an opening-day setup in pouring rain where patience and light calling let hens do the convincing, an Eastern that materializes at 10 yards with zero gobbles or warning, and a Merriam’s hunt where one small detail turns a near-bust into a punched tag. Along the way, Alex explains why the “silent Eastern” myth persists, how to think about being within earshot, and how decoy positioning and calling choices change as the season shifts. 

The best part is the mentorship thread. Alex shares Jayde’s first solo turkey hunt, Zach’s jump from years of frustration to a first Eastern using OnX pins and smart tweaks, and the day Beau Brooks finally hears a Washington Eastern gobble after 14 years of trying. We also cover practical gear decisions like mouth calls to eliminate hand movement, turkey vests and chairs for longer sits, and when realistic decoys are worth the bulk. 

If you want more turkey mentorship or turkey classes, we want to hear from you. Subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more Washington turkey hunters can find the show.

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Four days can change the way you hunt when the learning is real, the egos are gone, and the “secret sauce” is actually shared. We’re wrapping up the Hunters Gathering with quick testimonials from the people who lived it, from our instructors to the hunters who showed up hungry to learn and left with a plan.

Trent Fisher talks about the difference between seminar knowledge and field coaching, and why seeing a setup in the woods creates the light bulb moment. Richard shares how elk hunting felt intimidating and impossible until he learned a simple system for locating elk and watched it applied on the ground. Jeff breaks down why this kind of weekend matters for legacy and for protecting the hunting heritage we care about, and Wyatt Fisher gives an honest take on growth, mistakes, and why helping someone else succeed can feel better than punching your own tag.

You’ll also hear what made the event feel like “adult summer camp” in the best way: meals together, campfire stories, an embarrassing story contest, and the kind of connections that turn into real hunting partners across Washington, Oregon, and California. If you’re looking for practical hunting education, mentorship for new hunters, and tactics for blacktail deer, elk, turkey, and bear, this one shows what the weekend is like from the other side of the table. Want to join next year? We’ll be back the same weekend in early April, and huntersgathering.com goes live by June 1 for sign-ups.

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Trail cameras can be addictive for the photos, but the real payoff is what those clips reveal about animal behavior and repeatable movement patterns. We’re joined again by John Nicholson from Trail Camera Adventures to get practical about turning trail cams into a true scouting system, especially for hunters who feel like they’re “doing everything right” but still can’t make the data translate into daylight encounters. If you’ve ever pulled a card, seen a mature buck once, and then watched him vanish, we dig into why that happens and how to respond without burning the spot. 

We get specific on gear and setup: what makes a camera “good” depends on your application, from high-resolution footage for editing to reliable detection for hunting intel. John shares why certain tiny micro mini cameras have been consistent letdowns, why default settings are a beginner’s best friend, and how SD card choices can either streamline your season or create constant frustration. We also talk video vs photo mode and why video captures the small details that change decisions, like approach routes, body language, and what other animals are trailing behind. 

Blacktail hunting is a major focus, including how sensitive mature blacktail bucks can be to flash, LEDs, and subtle camera cues, and why blackout or no-glow trail cameras matter. From there we connect trail camera strategy to core-area discipline: home range realities, perimeter hunting, rut “racetrack” loops, and how wind and thermals can influence the direction a buck chooses. We close with unforgettable trail cam stories, from buck fights to bobcats to bears, plus a cougar moment that reshaped how we think about predator behavior. 

If you enjoy this kind of deep-dive scouting talk, subscribe, share the episode with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more blacktail hunters can find the show. What trail camera question do you want us to tackle next?

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Trail cameras feel simple until you realize how many animals can walk right past them without ever showing up on your card. We sit down again with John Nicholson from Trail Camera Adventures and get into the details that separate “random luck” from consistent trail camera success, whether you’re chasing blacktail and elk or just trying to capture better wildlife video.

We talk honestly about mounting height and why “put it high so it won’t get stolen” can quietly cost you photos, especially of smaller animals and sleek moving cats. John explains why he often prefers a lower, more natural eye-level perspective for better footage, while we compare that with the practical six to seven foot setups many hunters use. We also cover the unglamorous stuff that ruins otherwise perfect locations, like ferns and branches growing into the frame months later, plus why sun direction rules can matter a lot less in cloudy Pacific Northwest conditions.

Then we get technical in the best way: PIR sensors, heat plus motion, and why the classic mistake of aiming straight down the trail can lead to tracks everywhere and zero captures. We break down smarter angles, field of view, trigger behavior, sleep mode delays, and how time-lapse scouting can help you map animal movement across clearcuts when normal triggering can’t reach. If you’ve ever had a “runaway” camera fill a card with rain photos, you’ll feel seen.

Subscribe for the next part, share this with a hunting buddy who keeps missing deer on camera, and leave a review with your go-to trail camera setup or your biggest trail cam fail.

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A trail camera can feel like a simple tool until you’ve watched an elk beat it up, a bear pry it open, or winter condensation turn every clip into a blurry mess. We’re joined by John Nicholson from Trail Camera Adventures, who’s spent years running a huge network of cams around Mount St. Helens and worked inside the outdoor industry during the early wave of modern trail camera development. He shares what changed as cameras went from clunky “toasters” to compact units hunters could actually trust, plus the real story behind a feature packed trail cam idea that failed for one brutal reason: price.

We also get practical about keeping trail cameras alive in the Pacific Northwest. John explains why water and fogging kill more cameras than people expect, why a tiny weep hole can extend winter survivability, and how different animals react to cameras once they’re discovered. If you’ve ever wondered why some spots eat gear, or why your setup works great in summer then falls apart in cold weather, this conversation will save you time and money.

From there we dig into the everyday decisions that matter most for wildlife scouting: non-cellular versus cellular trail cameras in low service areas, battery strategies that scale when you run multiple cameras, and when solar panels help versus when they just create another target. We finish with SD card guidance and John’s argument for video mode over still photos, because animal behavior, approach routes, and follow-up movement are the details that make you a better hunter.

Subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review if it helps you dial in your trail camera setup.

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We’re recording live from the Cascade Mountain Man Muzzle Loading Arms and Pioneer Craft Show, and the background noise is the point, because this world is alive. I sit down with Mike Moran and Steve Cole from the Washington State Muzzle Loaders Association to talk about the people behind traditional muzzleloading in Washington and why the “mountain man” scene is bigger than just rifles. If you’ve ever been curious about black powder, period-correct gear, or how rendezvous culture still brings folks together, this conversation gives you a clear starting map. 

We unpack what a fur trade rendezvous really was, how trappers and fur companies turned remote summer meeting places into a moving supply chain, and why beaver pelts became the king of the market thanks to felt hats. From there, we connect history to modern outdoor life: trapping regulations in Washington, the trapper education class, and the way bushcraft skills like fire building, camp cooking, shelters, and foraging naturally overlap with traditional hunting trips. 

We also get practical about muzzleloading gear and terminology. We talk flintlock, percussion sidelock, and inline ignition, what “black powder” can mean in different contexts, and why more powder doesn’t automatically mean better performance. If you’re new and worried you’ll get judged, don’t be. The best path is simple: use the association’s club list and monthly shoot info, reach out, and let experienced shooters walk you through safe basics. Find them at www.wa muzzle loaders.com. 

If you like learning the why behind the gear, subscribe, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What part of traditional muzzleloading do you want to try first?

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A 13-year-old sits in a stand for six hours, her phone dead, nerves climbing, and then a black bear finally steps out. A senior in high school buys a deer tag just days before late buck season, practices with a 12 gauge slug, and ends up doing the whole hunt and the entire breakdown himself. Those are the kinds of first-year big game hunting stories you do not forget, and they are exactly what we dig into with teen hunters Kinley and Josiah. 

We talk about what pushes a young person to start hunting, from family influence to friends who keep saying “you’ve got deer in your yard, you have to try.” Kinley walks through the full black bear hunt near the beach, from the fear and blanking-out moment to recovery, tagging, photos, and skinning in the dark. Along the way, we hit a critical reminder for youth hunting and tree stand safety: wear a safety harness and make coming home the priority. 

Then Josiah breaks down his DIY approach to deer hunting: scouting a clear “highway” trail, choosing a spot with enough visibility, confirming an ethical range, and handling the emotional weight of the shot. We also get real about the social side of hunting. What do you say when friends claim you “murdered an animal”? We lay out the ethics of fair chase, clean kills, respect for the animal, and why taking responsibility for your own meat hits different than buying it wrapped in plastic. 

If you care about teen hunting, hunter safety, ethical hunting, black bear hunting, blacktail deer hunting, and raising confident new hunters, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a parent or new hunter, leave a review, and tell us: what was the hardest part of your first big game season?

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Coyotes don’t read gear reviews, and they don’t slow down when they hit your call. We’re closing out our coyote hunting series with Cody Sanchez by getting brutally practical about what consistently puts fur on the ground in real Pacific Northwest terrain. If you’ve ever wondered why a rifle setup feels “right” but still loses fast-moving coyotes in brush and timber, we break down when a shotgun is the smarter tool, what loads we trust, and how to think about range, recovery, and ethics before you ever step into a stand.

Next we get into the details that separate random luck from repeatable success: where to place an electronic caller so coyotes commit inside shotgun range, how elevation and road positioning can tilt the odds, and what to look for in an e-caller beyond flashy features. Cody explains why volume and clarity matter, how sound libraries differ between brands, and what a realistic entry-level budget looks like if you want to avoid wasting money. Prefer hand calls? We talk diaphragms, open reed vs closed reed calls, and the single “buy this first” option that gives new hunters the most versatility.

We also dig into coyote senses and common rookie mistakes. Coyotes may not see perfectly, but their nose is a serious problem, and wind discipline can make or break a stand. We share a few field stories that reframe “noise,” plus practical advice on locating coyotes and sticking with the learning curve. Finally, we cover what to do after the shot, how to work with landowners respectfully, and where to go for solid learning resources.

Subscribe for more hunting tactics and field-proven conversations, share this with a buddy who’s getting into predators, and leave a review if this series helped you. What’s your biggest coyote hunting hurdle right now?

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Coyotes feel random until you zoom in on what they repeat. Aaron sits down with Cody Sanchez for week two of coyote hunting and gets specific about what “range” looks like in real timber country: tight home cores for established breeding pairs, big moves for transients, and why a single square mile can hold an entirely different group. If you have ever seen one coyote once and then lost the trail, this conversation helps explain what was probably happening on the landscape.

We also dig into coyote habitat and scouting without the fluff. On uniform timber company ground, “good-looking cover” is everywhere, so Cody leans on what is measurable: scat in the road, fresh tracks on muddy stretches, and the fastest shortcut of all, locating coyotes with howling. We talk about when coyotes get vocal, when they shut down, and why judging howl distance in steep, timbered terrain is harder than most hunters admit. A small change like gaining elevation and working top-down can make your locating way more accurate.

From there we move into predator calling strategy and how to structure a hunt day. Rabbit distress still kills, but we explain why pup fights, group howls, and other coyote vocalizations can flip a switch on a bored or hung-up animal, plus how coyotes get “educated” when one escapes. We finish with a practical take on run-and-gun, stand spacing, and why proximity kills more coyotes than perfect sounds ever will.

Subscribe for the next part, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review if it helps your season. What part of coyote hunting do you struggle with most: scouting, howling, or stand strategy?

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Coyotes don’t play by daytime rules, and that’s exactly why so many hunters are turning to night stands and thermal optics. We sit down with Cody Sanchez of Thermal Dispatch to unpack what really changes after dark—why coyotes move more, respond harder to calls, and force you to rethink setups in Western Washington’s tight timber and mixed-use ground. If you’ve only seen wide-open prairie hunts online, this conversation reframes the game for ferns, logging roads, and urban edges where coyotes thrive but rarely show themselves.

We get practical about the tech curve—spotlights to red lights to night vision to thermal—and what each step taught us about pressured coyotes. Cody breaks down thermal palettes, detection versus identification, and why removing visible light prevents educating pairs that slip away and never forget. We also get clear about the law: where thermal is allowed for predators, where it’s banned for big game, how daytime heat affects performance, and why some states are rethinking rules as adoption grows. The throughline is simple—use the tool responsibly or risk losing it, because predator management needs effective methods.

From seasonal rhythms to pelt quality, timing is everything. Late summer into fall brings dispersal and the highest dog counts of the year; late October to mid-February offers the best fur; March denning can make responses slow and quiet. Along the way, we swap stories about striking color phases and tough-luck survivors that still answer a call. It’s a grounded, field-tested view of coyote behavior, ethics, and policy that respects fair chase while recognizing the real impact coyotes have on fawn survival and working lands.

If you care about calling, conservation, and keeping opportunity open, this one belongs in your queue. Tap follow, share it with a hunting partner, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show.

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The shows are finally in the rearview, the colds are fading, and the conversations we had at the booth lit a fire under us. We met listeners who’ve packed freezers and missed shots, shook hands with makers who obsess over the little details, and left with a sharper vision for where we’re headed: more field-ready skills, smarter gear choices, and a community that knows how to defend what it loves.

We kick off with show highlights—new backdrops, loaned mounts that stopped people in their tracks, and partners whose products actually solve problems. From Bravo Tents to Skullcraft Collective to Blacktail Solution, we spotlight the folks building quality for hunters who care. Then we map what’s next: a coyote hunting run with Cody Sanchez, thermal tactics, smarter predator calls, and hands-on learning through our classes and Hunter’s Gathering.

Midway through, the terrain changes. We tackle the tough policy questions shaping access and opportunity. Can anti-hunting groups game limited-entry draws? How do point systems differ by state, and what does point creep mean for your odds? Most urgent of all, we unpack Oregon’s IP28, a sweeping proposal framed as anti-cruelty that reaches far beyond hunting and fishing into ranching, slaughter, and even pest control. We lay out the economic and public health fallout, and we make the case for alliances across hunters, anglers, farmers, exterminators, guides, and processors who are all on the line together. Public lands also take center stage as we push back on efforts to enable federal land sales, arguing for a nonpartisan, long-term commitment to keep BLM and national forest access open and managed well.

We close with action. If the local rooms won’t hear us, we find bigger rooms: write the White House, contact agency heads, and ask for federal commitments that secure hunting and fishing on federal lands and protect public health. Meanwhile, we’ll keep teaching the craft—predator strategies, gear that works, and better decision-making in the field—because skill and stewardship go hand in hand.

If you value stories from the booth, hard-won tactics, and straight talk on policy, hit follow, share this with a hunting buddy, and leave a review telling us the one issue you want us to tackle next.

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What if your mount could tell the whole story every time someone walked past it? We sit down with Clay Bond from Bonded Outdoors to talk about turning memories into heirlooms with personalized leather tags and shoulder-mount patches that hold dates, places, spent brass, and even the state-issued tag. It’s a simple idea with real weight: a clean, handsome way to “hang on to the hunt” and keep the people, the work, and the moment alive.

Clay opens up about launching Bonded Outdoors in late 2023 while juggling full-time jobs and opposite schedules. We get candid about the realities of the outdoor industry—hidden fees, website builds, insurance, shipping, and the discipline it takes to limit product options so quality stays high. There’s no gloss here, just field-tested advice: grow slow, master a few pieces first, and let your systems and customer feedback guide what comes next.

We also compare marketing paths that work and those that don’t. Print ads in regulations books and magazines felt promising but delivered little, even with promo codes. Short-form social video did the opposite, driving authentic reach and orders by showing process, first-harvest celebrations, and real mounts. We dig into why consistent branding beats chasing trends, how apparel should support recognition rather than distract, and why “serve first, then hunt” is the culture filter for partnerships and pro staff.

At the center of it all is Duke, the blacktail whose antlers became the “U” in the Bonded Outdoors logo. Clay’s story of a rainy day, a daughter scrambling through laurels, and a family-first harvest brings the brand to life—and proves that meaning beats measurement. If you’re building an outdoor brand, or simply want a better way to honor your own hunts, this conversation is a guidepost.

Subscribe for more honest conversations about hunting, gear, and building a life around the outdoors—and share this episode with a friend who’s sitting on a great idea.

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Think blacktail won’t daylight over bait? They’re not stubborn; they’re spoiled for choice. We bring on Gary Sims—cofounder of Limbsaver and the mind behind Blacktail Solution—to explain how flavor, precision nutrients, and smart timing flip the script on nocturnal patterns while building a stronger herd. Gary grew up on the Oregon coast with elk and blacktail everywhere, and that background led him to a simple idea with big consequences: if a blacktail likes it, every other ungulate will eat it. The trick is getting them to like it consistently.

We dive into why west-side deer often ignore salt blocks, and how a true supplement fills the gaps: protein for tissue and antlers, calcium and phosphorus for bone density, selenium and zinc for immunity, and iron for oxygen-rich blood. Palatability is the hinge—blacktail are picky—so Gary micro-batches every bag for identical flavor and nutrient delivery. Then comes the behavior shift: put out a small amount in mid-afternoon to create urgency. Early visitors win, late visitors lose, and bucks start sliding into that 4:30 to last-light window instead of 10 p.m.

Along the way, we talk antler jumps from solid frames to genuine trophy class, better doe lactation and fawn vigor, and why this mix draws elk yet tends to be ignored by bears. We cover post-rut recovery, winter stress, and how targeted feeding can reduce wasted effort for weekend warriors. We also address the realities of bait bans, selective harvest, and what real herd health support should look like when seasons are short and pressure is high.

If your goal is bigger racks, healthier fawns, and more daylight chances, this conversation lays out the playbook: precision ingredients, consistent flavor, and timing that changes behavior. Tap to listen, then tell us your smartest feeding tweak or timing trick. If you enjoyed the show, follow, share it with a hunting buddy, and leave a quick review so more folks can find us.

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Not every buck is meant to be chased. We dig into Bud’s hard-won blacktail system—how a season of empty sits became a framework for finding “killable bucks” on pressured public land. The shift sounds simple but it changes everything: hunt the animal that proves he’ll move in daylight, in places he already feels safe, on a route you can protect with wind and access.

We walk through the Elvis vs. Charlie saga to show the pivot in real time. Elvis patterned every exit and showed up minutes after dark. Charlie started to daylight when we nudged a stand 40 yards up the hill—proof that micro-moves beat marathon effort. From there, we break down how to read October like a live map: fresh rubs, crisp tracks, and the narrow, quiet trails that skirt heavy doe traffic. We get specific about “dark” cover, why alders lie, how to use mushrooms and holly as subtle habitat tells, and how to read satellite texture to find edges worth your boot leather.

Gear and shots matter once you’re in range. Bud explains the comfort curve at 12 to 18 yards, why nine yards can feel too close, and how heavy arrows and broadhead construction impact penetration on big-bodied blacktails. We compare chisel-tip versus cut-on-contact failures, talk quartering-away priorities, and outline a shot plan that keeps tracking short and clean. Along the way, we cover managing multiple sets without diluting effort, refusing to ask a buck to cross exposed features, and balancing late-season grind with early-season opportunities when a summer pattern gives you a green light.

If you’re heading to our classes or Hunter’s Gathering, bring your pins and 360 photos—we’ll review your actual spots and walk through an e-scouting workflow that blends OnX, Google Earth, and fresh sign. Subscribe, share this with a buddy who’s chasing ghosts, and drop a comment with the one change you’ll make to turn your next buck into a daylight certainty.

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What if the biggest lever for stronger deer herds isn’t predator control, but the ground under their hooves? We dig into fresh data, field studies, and on-the-ground observations across California, Oregon, and Washington to challenge a common assumption: that coyotes, bears, and cougars are the primary drivers of deer declines. Yes, predators take a heavy toll on fawns, but when landscapes lack protein-rich forage, edge, and cover, mortality stays high even where predators are scarce. The thread running through it all is habitat.

We break down population estimates for elk, deer, bears, and cougars, then zoom into unit-level realities like hoof rot in Southwest Washington and how aging forests reduce carrying capacity. The research is striking: in California chaparral, fawn-to-doe ratios jumped from 85:100 in tall, dense stands to 147:100 where prescribed fire and reseeding created a patchwork of grasses and legumes. Even two years after wildfire, ratios rose to 116:100. That mosaic of cover and fresh browse turns out to be a recruitment engine, and the same principle holds in timber country where rotational logging creates productive early-successional forage near security cover.

We also talk age structure and why older does matter more than most people think. Mature mothers pick better nurseries and keep movements tight, boosting fawn survival. Predator control has a role—especially targeted coyote work near fawning windows—but without habitat, gains fade. With habitat, regulated hunting becomes a precise tool for balance, helping prevent density-driven disease and keeping herds resilient.

Our takeaway is simple: build coalitions around habitat first. That message resonates with hunters, hikers, and conservation-minded voters alike and delivers more deer, healthier ecosystems, and better seasons. Join us as we connect the dots between policy, science, and practical land work—and help spread the word. Subscribe, share with a friend who hunts, and tell us: what habitat project would you champion where you live?

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The trailhead looks crowded and it’s tempting to say hunting has exploded—but the numbers tell a different story. We dig into decades of data from California, Oregon, and Washington and find steep declines in license sales even as state populations soar. That drop doesn’t just change who we see in the woods; it guts the funding that keeps wardens in the field, hatcheries open, and habitat projects moving. It also shrinks our political voice, making it easier for decision-makers to ignore science-based game management when only a sliver of voters are hunters.

We talk openly about the culture, too. Social media can turn a quiet hunt into a performance, piling on pressure to “fill a tag” and nudging some toward bad choices. We push back on that and return to first principles: your tag, your hunt, your standard. Meat in the freezer is a trophy. Passing a buck can be the right move. Teaching a new hunter might matter more than posting a grip-and-grin. Those small, ethical choices create a healthier community—and better outcomes for wildlife.

Solutions start with unlikely allies. Deer are an umbrella species; when deer do well, ecosystems do well. That’s why we champion broader coalitions—hunters, anglers, hikers, timber partners, and conservation groups like Mule Deer Foundation, RMEF, and NWTF—focused on habitat restoration, responsible predator management, migration corridors, and access. We also tackle the access debate head-on: gated roads bottleneck people and inflate the sense of crowding, and paid entry can feel unfair, but with intentional partnerships and clear rules, working forests can be wildlife engines and reliable hunting grounds.

We close by calling for science-first management and unified advocacy. When participation falls, we need more voices, not fewer; more mentorship, not more gatekeeping. If you care about blacktails, elk, or healthy forests, your voice matters right now. Subscribe, share with a hunting buddy or an outdoors-curious friend, and leave a review telling us the first step you’d take to strengthen conservation where you live.

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Burn country can feel empty until you read it the right way. We sat down with Joe to break down how a brutal two-fire landscape in Southern Oregon still held mature blacktails in daylight—and how a simple, disciplined system made them visible and killable. Instead of chasing country, we focused on the “bedroom door”: that precise edge of thicker cover where thermals roll, wind crests, and deer stage before stepping out. Joe set a blind on three intersecting trails, used grain, buck urine, and doe estrus, and anchored the camera and access around wind. Within three days, seven to eight bucks were hitting the set in daylight.

We contrast that with a nearby open set that drew only a doe and fawn, showing why 200 yards—and better proximity to bedding—can be the whole ballgame. We talk habitat preferences in inland, drier zones: scrub oak pockets, cedar and willow rub lines, and why post-fire regrowth creates feed that pulls deer tight to cover. You’ll hear why noise rarely pushes deer out when habitat remains, how a 40-yard move can shift arrival by hours, and what to add next season to complete the illusion—namely a solid bedding pheromone to keep mature bucks circling back.

From boot camp takeaways to real-world adjustments, we connect dots on camera strategy, scent layering, and low-impact access that plays with thermals instead of fighting them. We also touch on herd genetics, rut behavior, and why most of your bucks will fall into two dominant lines within a tight home range. If you hunt blacktails in Southern Oregon or Northern California’s inland foothills, this is your blueprint for turning burn scars into buck magnets.

Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a buddy who’s still setting up too far from the bedroom door. Your support helps more hunters find smarter ways to tag a mature blacktail.

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Let’s rethink what success looks like in blacktail hunting. When schedules tighten, budgets pinch, and weather goes sideways, clear cuts offer a practical, ethical path forward that keeps us learning and in the game. We explore why open ground—rich with food, sunlight, and visibility—can help you introduce non-hunters, hunt with kids without frustration, and stay flexible when sets get blown by logging, flooding, or predators.

We walk through the tradeoffs: how longer shot distances change scent control needs, why playing the wind still matters, and when it’s smarter to pivot than to force a pressured set. If you’re holding a doe or any-deer tag and your trophy is meat in the freezer, clear cuts can deliver consistent movement and clean, ethical shots. For hunters dealing with cougars and bears shifting patterns, we share real stories of sets going cold and how having a clear cut backup kept the season alive.

This conversation also honors the social side of hunting—glass cuts with friends, revisit the methods you learned from a grandparent, and build memories that outlast the harvest. We dig into budget-friendly choices, road scouting for future sets, and staying safe when windstorms and rain make tree sits risky. Along the way, we highlight learning paths through classes and gatherings, and we center what matters most: ethics, enjoyment, and steady growth. If your plan is evolving, or you just need options that fit real life, this deep dive will give you confidence to pivot without guilt.

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, share with a buddy, and leave a review. Have a question or a tip from your last clear cut sit? Drop us a message—we’d love to hear it.

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A season that humbled us also sharpened us. We went all in on named target bucks and ran into a wall of warm temps, atmospheric rivers, and shifting deer behavior that pushed daylight activity into a crawl. Cameras that fired pre-season went quiet. Windstorms changed cover overnight. Predators and pressure added chaos. And yet, we found what matters most when a tag stays unpunched: a clearer system, better timing, and the resolve to hunt smarter next year.

We compare notes across sets and states, from Washington to Oregon, and unpack how habitat and forestry practices affect blacktail behavior. You’ll hear how cougars likely displaced mature bucks that dominated last year’s pattern, how blowdowns turned dark timber into bright openings, and why barometric pressure windows still mattered when a few frosty mornings finally nudged deer back on their feet. We talk honestly about “tag soup” as a strategy, passing legal bucks to stay true to a target, and when it makes sense to pivot late if conditions and intel change.

We also dig into the nuts and bolts that move the needle: separating research cams from hunt sets, using hinge cuts, drags, and entry routes to shape a broadside opportunity, and the nuanced reality of rattling and calling for blacktail. We set new goals with fresh target bucks—Anakin, Hank, Mr. Jones, and Macho Man—and share exactly why age class, character, and multi-year tracking fuel patience. If you’re balancing high standards with hard seasons, this is your blueprint for resilience, smarter scouting, and a better shot at daylight photos that turn into meat and memory.

If this helped you think differently about your blacktail plan, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a buddy who needs a morale boost before next season. Your support helps us bring more deep-dive conversations and field-proven tactics to the feed.

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If “more deer, more tags” hasn’t moved the needle in California, what will? We make the case for a better message—forest health and balanced wildlife management—and back it up with a rigorous camera trap study designed to deliver real numbers, not anecdotes. With blacktail deer as an umbrella species, we walk through how the right habitat mosaics lift the entire ecosystem, from neotropical songbirds to lions, and why timing burns and managing succession can make or break recovery.

We break down the science in plain language: how spatial and motion-triggered images capture both habitat condition and large-mammal activity, how AI speeds clean data, and how cameras fit alongside fecal DNA and historical surveys. Early results hint at lower densities than many expected across big landscapes, which is exactly why unbiased sampling matters. From oak woodland savannas to montane timber, we map what deer actually eat, how acorn-rich years change behavior, and why catastrophic fires can flip plant communities away from preferred browse if burns hit at the wrong time.

The conversation also celebrates the craft of hunting in Northern California—patiently aging bucks, respecting tight home ranges, and sticking with tough recoveries. Stories of non-typical giants and river mishaps meet a clear ethic: follow the science, tell the truth, and fix the habitat. Agenda 23 is our campaign to rally hunters, non-hunters, landowners, and agencies around shared outcomes: healthier forests, smarter regulations, and a revived outdoor heritage that welcomes new voices.

Want to dig into the data or get involved? Visit mcbadeer.com, check Wildlife Insights for our project dots, and reach us at mendodeer@yahoo.com. If this mission resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review so others can find it.

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A number on a page says California holds 500,000 deer. Our boots say otherwise. We sat down with Paul Trouett and John Wagenet to map the ground truth of blacktail across Mendocino and the B‑Zones—why herds feel thinner, how habitats shifted, and what it takes to bring the Pacific Ghost back into the open.

We start with lived experience: families who learned safety by feel, close shots in thick manzanita, and the art of reading wind, seeps, and sign. From there we move to evidence. The Mendocino County Blacktail Association built a grassroots model—local dollars funding local projects—then partnered with biologists to study what really changed. The findings are blunt: decadent browse with low protein, vanishing canopy that once offered thermal cover, and heavy bear predation crushing fawn survival. Lions are present but less dense than rumor suggests, while kleptoparasitism and scattered enforcement complicate the picture. Add the fallout from years of illicit grows—poisons, pressure, and missing data—and you get decline by accumulation.

Hope looks practical, not flashy. Oak release and targeted thinning revive acorns and understory nutrition. Prescribed fire and mastication reset habitat quality. Water matters at micro-scale; hidden seeps and mud pockets support both deer and ethical ambush sites. Better bullets improve recovery. Better data reconnects policy to reality. And better access management creates small sanctuaries where a six-year-old buck can make it to seven. We share field stories, study results, and a blueprint any county can adapt: measure, fix habitat, understand predators, and keep the work local.

If blacktail hunting, conservation, and real numbers matter to you, hit play and join the effort. Subscribe, leave a review to boost the mission, and share this with a hunter or landowner who can help turn the next acre into healthy deer ground.

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Ever wondered if AI can actually help you tag a smarter hunt, or if it’s just another loud voice with half-truths? We put it on the stand and tested its advice against muddy boots, real rub lines, and the stubborn logic of blacktail country. Starting with a simple question—why bucks shred willows—we dug into nutrition, chemistry, and behavior to see what holds up: soft bark that peels clean, high moisture that flexes, and rich scent from torn cambium that supercharges a buck’s calling card. The more we checked those claims against local sign, the more a pattern emerged around riparian edges, shade, and security cover.

We also mapped what AI misses and how to fix it. Good prompts matter. So does verifying species ranges, reading the original studies, and using plant ID apps to tell willow from alder when fresh rubs turn red or orange. If your woods run heavy on hard-bark trees—mature oak, walnut, beech—expect fewer rubs even with deer present; shift your scouting toward flexible young cedar or pines where odor and fiber reward a rub. We share practical tactics like creating starter rubs and adding a scent rope to wake up travel lines, plus a size guide for trunks that mature bucks prefer.

From there we zoom out into habitat work that turns a micro-range into home base: planting multi-purpose trees, shaping water, and letting edges grow thick so bucks can feed, rub, and vanish in two steps. AI can help draft schedules, organize scent charts, and surface follow-up questions you didn’t know to ask—but it won’t replace the craft or the law. We talk ethics, new rules on cams and drones, and why the spirit of the hunt still lives in woodsmoke, thermals, and patience. If you’re ready to use technology without losing your edge, hit play, subscribe, and leave a review to tell us how you’re building smarter sign this season.

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Ever passed a buck on the first morning and felt it echo all week? We did, and the story unpacks more than a near miss. We break down a Kansas whitetail hunt that swung from single-digit wind chill to warm afternoons, then connect each lesson to blacktail realities in the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, we dig into why food doesn’t force daylight, how wind and terrain shape movement, and what guided hunts can teach you if you ask the right questions.

We compare whitetail aggression and responsiveness to rattling and snort-wheeze with the quieter, tighter game of blacktail in thick timber. You’ll hear how travel corridors and pinch points trump bait in ag country, why 20-plus mph gusts can relax deer on open hills, and how entry and exit routes decide whether mature bucks ever show in shooting light. We also tackle the context most hunters miss: regional genetics, habitat density, and rainfall all skew body size, antler growth, and what a “good” buck really means.

If you’re building a smarter plan this season, use our three-part framework: e-scout for habitat edges, put boots on the ground to find the bedroom door, and pressure-test your access until it’s silent and scent-safe. For whitetail, layer in biologist intel on buck-to-doe ratios and rainfall to boost daylight odds. Whether you hunt pop-up blinds on greenbelts or hang-ons above finger ridges, the core holds: habitat first, wind always, corridors over hype. Your tag, your memory. Subscribe, share with a buddy who needs a wind check, and leave a review with your biggest “I should’ve shot” story.

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Bucks broadcast more than tracks. They paint the woods with scent from orbital, forehead, tarsal, metatarsal, and interdigital glands—messages about identity, rank, breeding readiness, danger, and direction of travel. We break down how to read that code, why blacktail scrapes differ from whitetail, and how to separate fleeting “dominance rubs” from dependable, year-over-year rub lines that actually put deer in front of you.

We share hard-won tactics for finding annual rub lines along edges, overgrown skid roads, alders, and viny maples, including how to read rub sides to infer bedding and travel direction. You’ll learn how tarsal staining correlates with testosterone and age class, why metatarsal scent helps blacktail and mule deer synchronize escape, and how interdigital glands quietly mark trails and “hot zones” after a spook—one reason careful entries and exits matter as much as stand choice. We also dig into mature buck behavior: how three-plus year-olds favor thicker cover, stage until dark, and avoid the obvious paths that does and young bucks use.

Body language and sound round out the picture. Relaxed ears and tail twitches, pinned ears and raised hackles, lowered heads and squared shoulders—each cue tells you when to draw or wait. On the audio side, we compare doe and buck grunts, when a fawn distress call helps or hurts, and the precise moments a snort wheeze flips a switch in a lone rutting buck. Expect practical, field-ready advice: how wind carries estrus scent across a valley, why clearcuts glow with night rubs that waste daylight sits, and what a doe’s “blow” actually means for your next hour in the stand.

If this breakdown sharpened your game, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a hunting buddy who reads the woods by sight but not yet by scent. Your support helps more hunters turn sign into success.

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Big blacktail aren’t a mystery when you respect their routine. We sit down with Mark Boon to unpack how a hunter who once struggled close to home stacked two strong seasons back-to-back and sealed a Pope & Young buck in September. The shift wasn’t magic; it was method. Mark traded rut-only hopes for a locating-first strategy, used trail cameras as tools instead of toys, and learned exactly where his buck entered and exited a tight bedding core. One sixty-yard stand move transformed sparse encounters into near-certainty.

We dig into the five factors and how to time sits without overthinking the moon. A storm front, a twenty-degree temperature drop, and rising pressure created the daylight window Mark needed—no scents, no bait, just a clear plan built on summer patterns. You’ll hear how data trims empty sits, how naming a target buck fuels grit, and why blacktail fidelity lets you build one season on the last. If logging or predators don’t blow it up, that buck you saw in October is likely there next October, and that changes everything about how you scout, wait, and move.

We also share the small tweaks that add up: running five to six cameras for data rather than dopamine, treating failure sets as guidance instead of dead ends, and even adding a simple access drag that sparked rubs, scrapes, and a mid-road brawl. Mark’s looking ahead to an Oregon elk tag while keeping blacktail options open, proof the system fits September velvet, October rifle, or December archery without starting from scratch. If you’re ready to swap luck for a plan and turn “maybe tonight” into “this is the window,” press play, subscribe, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can dive deeper next week.

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A chocolate-antler blacktail at 20 yards on opening morning isn’t a fluke—it’s the outcome of a system built on habitat, scent discipline, and patient stand time. We sit down with Cully Scroggins to unpack how a summer-long pattern, a tight entry route, and a believable scent profile turned a thick patch of viny maple and ferns into a daylight magnet. If you’ve ever been told big bucks only move at night, this story will change your map—and your mindset.

We trace Cully’s path from glassing clear cuts to hunting the “right 20 yards,” where cover, wind, and micro terrain do most of the work. He explains why he skipped estrus, leaned on synthetic bedding cues, and treated scent control like gear, not a guess. The payoff wasn’t just photos; it was confidence. Does and fawns kept the area “alive,” the dominant buck shifted the whole mood when he arrived, and a calm draw behind a tree ended with a perfect heart shot and a short death run. Along the way, we pull in hard-won lessons from his college whitetail days—access, permission, and reading edges—and show how those skills translate directly to blacktail success.

We also zoom out to talk herd health, genetics, and policy. From minerals and protein (where legal) to identifying dominant lines like “Scarface” and “Mr. Krabs,” we dig into what actually grows better deer and steadier hunts. Whether you’re wrestling with camera failures, baiting bans, or just the myth of nocturnal movement, you’ll leave with a clear, repeatable plan: find real thick, set smart, enter clean, and let behavior tell you when to draw.

If this conversation helps you rethink your approach, follow the show, share it with a hunting partner, and leave a quick review so more blacktail hunters can find it. Got a tactic that changed your season? Tell us—we might feature it next.

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Ready to stop throwing Hail Mary hunts and start building a plan that works? We open the playbook for 2026 and share every path you can take to become your own guide, from the Trophy Tactics course to small-group coaching and immersive field days. You’ll hear exactly who each option serves, how to choose based on your schedule and learning style, and why disciplined note taking and quick troubleshooting turn trail cam photos into tagged bucks.

We walk through the online and in-person Trophy Tactics formats with clear dates, deposits, and discounts, then dig into the monthly coaching program that runs May through January. Coaching adds structure, SMART goals, and real-time support between sessions, so you never feel stuck when a target buck shifts patterns. Two included field days make the system tactile: you’ll evaluate habitat on the ground in March, then build a complete set in August—kill spot, wind, access, stand, blind, drags, and scent—so you’re ready when the season opens.

Alumni Mark and Alex share how they translated the framework into results. One used weekly online cadence to reflect, question, and stack skills; the other leaned on a fast “test set” pivot and a new blind to capitalize when a buck daylighted in a different spot. Their stories underscore the core idea: success is no accident. Data, timing, and decisive moves beat panic every time.

We also unveil the next step: the Hunters’ Gathering, an expanded, multi-day, multi-species weekend at Cascades Camp. Learn blacktail from us, elk strategies with Trent Fisher of Born and Raised, bear tactics with Heather Aldrich, and turkey calling and setups with our own Alex Cheney. Food and lodging are included, capacity is limited, and you’ll get hours of access to ask questions, compare notes, and leave with a kit to hit the ground running.

If this is your year to move from guesswork to a system, pick your lane—course, coaching, field days, or the full Gathering—and commit. Subscribe, share with a hunting buddy, and leave a review telling us which class you’re eyeing next.

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When the sky flips, deer and elk rewrite their script—and we show you how to read it. From August scorchers to winter squalls, we map out what animals actually do in heat, wind, rain, snow, and sudden barometric swings so you can plan smarter sits and stay safe doing it. We start with early season strategy: water and wallows for elk, shady alder–conifer drainages for blacktail, and the way thermals carry cool air and scent through the places bucks already prefer. You’ll hear why rotating shade is a real tactic for deer, and how that scraggly summer coat changes where and when you’ll see them.

Then we tackle wind with two truths hunters often miss: moderate wind can be your ally, but big timber and big gusts introduce real danger. We compare open-country whitetail movement in high winds to how blacktail and elk tuck into leeward pockets, and we lay out practical setups that balance visibility, scent, and safety. Rain is where most folks misread sign; we explain why steady showers tend to bed deer down, how hard bursts push them to their feet, and why the best movement happens between showers and right at the edges of a front. Layer in pressure trends and you get a reliable forecast for daylight activity—rising numbers are great, but sharp drops can kickstart prefront feeding too.

Snow and extreme cold bring their own gifts. Fresh tracks make patterns obvious, post-squall movement can be fast and generous, and cold snaps elevate mid-day action as animals burn calories to stay warm. We also clear up rut confusion: day length sets timing, heat simply shifts the show into the night. Finally, we draw a hard line on thunderstorms and dangerous winds—lightning, falling timber, and overloaded senses make those windows not worth the risk.

Want more filled tags and fewer empty sits? Watch the radar, track pressure, and hunt the moment of change. If this breakdown helped sharpen your plan, follow the show, share it with a hunting buddy, and leave a quick review telling us your best “between showers” or “after the front” success story.

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Shopping for a hunter can feel like trying to read a gear catalog in another language. We make it simple with a clear map of what actually gets used, what’s worth upgrading, and how to time big purchases so you don’t overspend. From arrows, ammo, and batteries to heated vests, merino layers, and trail camera essentials, we share the real-world picks that carry a season—not just a single trip.

We also dig into the details that matter: why a better headlamp changes dark hikes, how alpaca and merino manage sweat across multi-day hunts, and which boots match still sits versus mountain miles. If you’re weighing big-ticket buys, we talk timing for bows, rifles, optics, and how to gift the shopping trip so specs don’t get missed. For trail cams, we cover lifespan, off-season care, SD card systems, and the little add-ons that prevent headaches in the field.

With Camo Fire and Black Ovis winding down, we lay out a smart deal strategy: lean on local shops for expertise, compare Amazon with Walmart’s online-only inventory, watch brand promos, and consider used communities for budget wins. We also explain why knowledge beats gadgets—coaching, classes, and curated gear guides can deliver annual results without the guided hunt price tag. Want a low-stress, high-impact holiday plan for the hunter you love? Use this guide, share it with your gift team, and turn guessing into confidence.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s shopping for a hunter, and leave a quick review to help others find us.

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Ever feel that nagging urge to change everything mid‑sit? We’ve been there. This week, we dig into why second guessing wrecks hunts and how a simple, structured plan—paired with honest data—keeps you on track to tag mature blacktails. We lay out the season framework we teach our coaching groups: a calendar you actually follow, the intel you record each day, and the small, repeatable actions that compound into results. No fluff, no hype, just practical steps that build confidence when the woods go quiet.

We talk through the reality behind those giant summer trail‑cam bucks and why locating is the unromantic keystone of success. You’ll learn how to separate summer patterns from in‑season movement, where to position cameras as deer shift toward bedding and staging cover, and how to log direction of travel and timing so you can predict where a dominant buck will appear. We also map out a scent strategy that works with the rut instead of against it: less is more in pre‑rut, scale gradually as multiple does cycle, and keep entry and exits low‑impact so your best buck never knows he’s being hunted.

You’ll hear stories that prove patience is a strategy, not a slogan—multi‑year chases that turned “15 minutes after dark” into “broad daylight” with a 40‑yard move, early‑season records built on years of scouting, and how to decide when it’s actually smart to deviate from your plan. Whether you’re meat‑focused or targeting a single buck, we show how to set expectations, avoid FOMO, and measure success by decisions, not chance.

If this episode helps your mindset for the season, tap follow, share it with a hunting buddy, and drop us a rating on your podcast app. Tell us: what’s the one change you’ll commit to before your next sit?

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Some hunts hinge on perfect gear. Most hinge on better judgment. We sit down with Smokey Crews to unpack the quiet moves that turn a fleeting chance into a clean kill—why he swears by a Chuck Adams side quiver through thick coastal brush, how a “60-yard” caribou needed a lower hold despite a correct range, and what really happens when a big Roosevelt bull makes that straight-line “death run” into huckleberries. It’s part campfire, part masterclass, and full of the hard-earned notes you won’t find on a glossy gear ad.

We follow Smokey through family drives where a forgotten quiver forced patience, bear baits that vanished minutes after being set, and an opening-day elk that proved bugles can switch on in late August. He lays out a timeline most hunters miss: bulls often start talking around the 20th—22nd, and they’re far easier to call before they’ve been educated by road-landing bugles and preseason “practice.” We contrast side quiver versus bow quiver in real terms—brush clearance, balance, and groups at 50—then bridge into the mental game: most people want a shot; disciplined hunters want a hit. The difference shows up in when you draw, how you hold, and whether you listen when the caller says “move now.”

But this isn’t theory. We get locker weights that challenge assumptions (a skinned Roosevelt bull still hanging at 500 pounds), practical blood-trailing through thick understory, and a candid look at access: caribou herds walking by camp, whitetails on bait, private-land mule deer regrets, and creative bartering with guides to make dream hunts real. Smokey’s stories double as checklists—protect wild behavior, avoid educating animals, communicate ranges as they change, and act before the window closes.

If you’re chasing elk, bears, caribou, or deer—and want fewer “almosts” and more clean, ethical kills—this conversation will sharpen your decisions on day one. Press play, subscribe for more field-tested tactics, and share your biggest early-season lesson or calling mistake with us. We read every note and might feature yours next time.

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A record is a number; a trophy is a feeling. That line sets the pace as we sit down with Smokey Crews to unpack the mindset, effort, and odd twists of fate behind a lifetime of tags—from a rare, double-shovel caribou taken on the first morning to a hilariously gnarly velvet bull chosen for pure character the next day. We explore how to decide what you’re hunting for, how to hold out when it matters, and when to shoot the one that makes your heart jump.

Smokey breaks down the myths around blacktails, arguing they’re no mystery if you treat them like deer—calls, scrapes, predictable patterns—while being honest about what really limits success: access and effort. We talk timber company gates, paid permits, and the Western shift toward leased ground, plus the unglamorous work of baiting legally, setting cameras, and logging dawn-to-dark sits. Then we dive into moose calling and two unforgettable bulls that died in the road, proving that preparation can turn “luck” into inevitability.

Along the way, Smokey pays tribute to Chuck Adams and Randy Ulmer—mastery forged by practice, not chance—and lays out a practical blueprint: practice three to four times a week to weld form; scout year-round with a map in one hand and edges in your eyes; and build next season from a clear-eyed review of the last. If you’ve ever wondered why some hunters fill tags year after year, you’ll hear the truth: extreme dedication, smart access, and a personal definition of a trophy that keeps the fire alive.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a hunting partner, and leave a review with your definition of a “trophy.” Your take might spark our next conversation.

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Meet Smokey Crews, a living legend in the bowhunting world whose journey from self-taught hunter to record book champion offers profound lessons for archers of all skill levels. Known as "Mr. Roosevelt" for his exceptional success with trophy elk, Smokey's story begins with a seven-year-old boy hunting squirrels alone with a .22 rifle, never having a mentor to guide him.

Smokey takes us back to the early 1960s, when he hunted the boundaries of Olympic National Park with his first bow – a $23 Ben Pearson recurve. His vivid descriptions of elk herds that modern hunters can only dream about transport listeners to a different era of American hunting. "If I had a chance to hunt elk then like I do now, I would hold world records," he reflects, sharing encounters with bulls that would have broken world records at the time.

What truly sets Smokey apart isn't just his impressive collection of record book animals, but his philosophy on archery excellence. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that good form and proper follow-through matter more than where the arrow lands. "The sign of a good shot is shooting with good form, regardless of where the arrow hits," he explains, a principle that has influenced countless archers, including podcast host Dave. This wisdom – focusing on process rather than outcome – offers a powerful framework for improvement that transcends archery.

Now 83, with neuropathy in his feet and two artificial hips, Smokey continues to pursue his twin passions of archery and fly fishing with remarkable dedication. His humility, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of archery's evolution from traditional to modern techniques, makes this conversation an essential listen for anyone serious about improving their skills. Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or just beginning your archery journey, Smokey's experiences provide both practical insights and inspirational fuel for your own pursuit of excellence.

Subscribe now to hear the remaining episodes with Smokey Crews and learn more from one of bowhunting's most accomplished practitioners.

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Venturing into the wilderness alone creates a unique set of challenges that even experienced hunters must carefully navigate. In this practical episode, Aaron and Dave tackle listener Brian's questions about solo hunting strategies and venison preparation techniques that can transform how your family enjoys wild game.

The hosts share a counterintuitive secret that completely eliminated gaminess from their venison - leaving the hide on for several days after field dressing. Though this technique puzzled even their butcher friend, the results speak for themselves, turning venison from a dreaded meal into a family favorite requested for special occasions. They dive into the essential details of proper field care, aging techniques, and processing methods that make all the difference in the final product.

For the solo hunter, equipment choices become critically important. The conversation explores must-have gear including backup GPS systems, satellite communicators, and game retrieval tools that can save your back and your hunt. Dave recounts a powerful personal story about harvesting a deer while battling Lyme disease, illustrating how using terrain advantages and smart techniques can overcome physical limitations when hunting alone.

Beyond equipment, the hosts emphasize the importance of thorough planning, community connections, and mental preparation. Having clear strategies for different scenarios - from blood trailing in darkness to loading heavy game - transforms potentially overwhelming situations into manageable challenges. Their practical advice on leveraging natural terrain, using mechanical advantages, and knowing when to seek help provides a comprehensive guide for anyone heading into the woods alone.

What's your solo hunting story? Have you tried leaving the hide on to improve venison flavor? Share your experiences and join the conversation!

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Decoys have long been a staple in whitetail and turkey hunting, but their potential for blacktail hunting remains largely untapped. Why leave such an effective tool out of your hunting arsenal? Aaron and Dave break down everything you need to know to successfully deploy decoys for blacktail deer this season.

The positioning of your decoy isn't just important—it's absolutely critical. Dave shares his hard-earned knowledge on strategic placement, explaining how bucks and does approach decoys differently. "If I'm using a buck decoy, that buck should circle around to the front," Dave explains, "If it's a doe decoy, most of the time those bucks will approach that doe decoy from the rear." This simple insight could completely transform your hunting success.

The conversation goes deep into practical considerations: Should you use a buck or doe decoy? Standing or bedded? How should you apply scents to enhance realism? When should you add calling to the mix? The hosts cover it all while debunking myths and providing real-world applications specific to blacktail deer behavior.

Perhaps most valuable is their discussion of what not to do—common mistakes that can ruin an otherwise perfect setup. "Don't put the decoy where you want the buck to stand," Dave advises. "Put the decoy so that you're thinking the buck is going to circle toward you, focusing away from you."

Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to add another dimension to your strategy or a beginner trying to increase your odds of success, this episode delivers actionable insights you can implement immediately. Listen now and discover why a simple plastic deer might be the missing piece in your blacktail hunting puzzle.

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The dream of hunting your own land captivates many outdoorsmen, but what happens when your property is only 22 acres? Can you truly create a thriving deer habitat that supports quality hunting opportunities? 

Responding to an email from Keith in Northern California, we dive deep into the science of deer behavior and habitat management for small properties. The secret lies in understanding the three critical components that make any deer habitat viable: food, cover, and breeding opportunities. Blacktail deer typically establish remarkably small home ranges—studies show they often live their entire lives within just 51 acres—making small property management not only possible but potentially highly productive.

We explore how mature bucks establish core areas in the thickest cover available, spending 90-95% of their time in just 30% of their range. Creating these security zones through strategic plantings like switchgrass can transform even modest acreage into deer magnets. Rather than thinking like a hunter with a one-season mentality, we encourage adopting the mindset of a "deer farmer"—someone cultivating habitat, monitoring deer patterns, and making improvements based on their behavior over multiple years.

The podcast also addresses whether to hunt your developing property immediately or wait while improving habitat. Our suggestion? Do both. Run trail cameras to catalog deer even if not actively hunting, while also exploring nearby public land opportunities that other hunters might overlook by focusing too heavily on clear-cuts rather than thick cover.

For those managing their own hunting properties, this episode provides actionable insights on creating sustainable deer habitat that will provide hunting opportunities for generations to come. We wrap up with an important update for Washington hunters regarding synthetic scent regulations that have changed since last season.

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The silent language of the forest speaks volumes to those who understand it. Join Aaron and Dave as they decode the secret messages left behind by blacktail deer and reveal how these subtle signs can transform your hunting strategy.

The hosts dive deep into track identification, explaining how to distinguish between doe and buck prints based on subtle differences in shape and size. A mature buck's track isn't just larger—it splays outward in ways that tell experienced hunters they're on the right path. The direction of these tracks offers crucial intelligence about deer movement patterns, helping you determine whether you've found morning or evening travel routes.

Game trails hold perhaps the most valuable information for serious hunters. The podcast reveals exactly what to look for when scouting bedding areas and how to identify the high-traffic trails that dominant bucks use regularly. The hosts share their strategy for finding natural bottlenecks where multiple trails converge—creating the perfect ambush location just 20-30 yards from thick cover.

Buck rubs tell a more complex story than many hunters realize. The podcast distinguishes between traditional rub lines and "dominance rubs" found in clearcuts, explaining why the latter often indicate nighttime rather than daytime activity. Dave shares his expertise on how to determine a buck's antler configuration based on rub characteristics, noting how eye guards leave distinctive gouges that penetrate deeper into the tree.

This episode cuts through the confusion and overthinking that often plagues deer hunters. By understanding that deer prioritize survival first, breeding second, and feeding third, you can develop a more effective hunting strategy. Whether you're a beginner or experienced hunter, these insights will help you read the woods more effectively and increase your chances of tagging that elusive dominant buck.

Ready to become fluent in the language of deer sign? Listen now and transform your understanding of what the forest is telling you.

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What happens when your meticulously planned hunting season suddenly falls apart? When that trophy buck you've been patterning all summer becomes inaccessible because someone dumped garbage on the access road? Or when predators take over your carefully cultivated mineral site? 

Dave shares his fresh wound—losing access to "The Locker Room," a honey hole with three Pope and Young qualifiers, including two that would have been his biggest bucks ever. After months of trail camera work, mineral placement, and pattern identification, it all vanished with a closed gate. His painful experience launches us into a candid conversation about resilience in hunting.

We explore the full spectrum of season-ruining calamities: land closures from fire danger or logging operations, predator takeovers (one hunter had 19 different bears on his cameras!), roadkill disasters, stolen gear, and perhaps worst of all—loose lips revealing your hard-earned spots to others. Each challenge requires different mitigation strategies, but they all demand the same core response: mental toughness and adaptability.

The secret to surviving when your hunt unravels isn't just having backup spots—though we strongly advocate for this approach. It's developing the mindset that allows you to work through frustration and disappointment. As Dave reflects on hunting a buck named Clooney through countless sits until "the last 15 minutes of the last day," he reveals the perspective that separates successful hunters from those who give up.

Remember, before there was Hightower or Hank the Tank, there was Clooney, Deuce and a Half, and Goliath. Big bucks are everywhere if you know how to find them. Let's help you develop that skill set so when—not if—your season goes south, you're prepared not just with backup plans, but with the resilience to keep pursuing your passion.

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The whitetail hunting industry has conditioned us to believe that spraying a little doe estrus will magically bring in monster bucks within 30 minutes. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially when hunting the elusive blacktail deer. Aaron and Dave tackle the complex world of deer scents, pheromones, and attractants - explaining what actually works and the science behind why.

The podcast dives deep into calming pheromones like HODAG scent rope and EverCalm, explaining how they create communication hubs and safe spaces that alter deer behavior over time rather than producing immediate results. The hosts share their field-tested insights on which commercial urines work for specific phases of the rut, emphasizing that timing and purpose matter more than brand names. 

Perhaps most enlightening is their breakdown of cover scents and scent elimination strategies. From the science behind Nose Jammer's "vapor lock" effect to comprehensive approaches involving specialized laundry detergents, field sprays, and antimicrobial merino wool base layers, Aaron and Dave methodically explain their complete scent control system. They challenge common misconceptions while offering practical advice for hunters struggling with scent-wary deer.

What separates this episode from typical hunting advice is the emphasis on patience, consistent application, and realistic expectations. These strategies aren't quick fixes but rather systematic approaches that manipulate deer behavior over weeks and months. Whether you're new to hunting or a seasoned veteran looking to up your scent game, this episode provides the knowledge foundation needed for consistent success on trophy blacktails.

Ready to implement these game-changing scent strategies in your hunting areas? Visit blacktailcoach.com to learn more about our comprehensive courses that teach the specific how-to methods behind these proven techniques.

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We break down the five key factors that significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt when combined. These natural indicators compound to create optimal hunting conditions when your target buck is most likely to be on its feet during daylight hours.

• Barometric pressure of 30.2 and rising creates increased deer movement
• Moon phases, especially "red moon weeks," trigger feeding due to gravitational pull
• Temperature drops of 20 degrees between daily highs push deer to feed earlier and longer
• Weather fronts cause deer to feed heavily before and after storms
• Understanding the different phases of the rut helps predict specific behavior patterns
• The science behind deer movement doesn't need to be complicated—focus on recognizing patterns
• Success story of pro staff member Chris who tagged "Bambino," a monster 6x6, by following three of these five factors

Leave us a review where you get your podcasts and join us next week for another episode of Blacktail Coach.

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The difference between consistently successful hunters and those who struggle isn't luck – it's preparation. In this detailed conversation, we break down our proven pre-season routine that consistently puts us in position for trophy blacktails.

The journey begins with strategic planning. We discuss the critical importance of understanding "Red Moon" phases – periods when the moon's magnetic pull is strongest, triggering increased deer movement. This astronomical phenomenon, favored by hunters who consistently take 200-inch whitetails, has accounted for nearly 90% of our trophy buck harvests. Best of all, you can plan for these phases months in advance, scheduling your premium hunting days when bucks are most likely to be on their feet during daylight.

We also dispel common misconceptions about the rut. While many believe cold fronts trigger rutting activity, science tells us it's actually the changing daylight hours that stimulate the hormonal response in deer. The dates remain consistent year after year – what changes is whether you'll see that activity during legal hunting hours or if it's happening under the cover of darkness.

For those seeking practical advice, our trail-cutting strategy protects your hunting locations while ensuring silent entry and exit. We explain proper stand placement timing (2-4 weeks before season), how to implement effective scent strategies, and systems for organizing gear to prevent those dreaded "forgot my bow" moments that happen to even the most experienced hunters.

Whether you're a veteran hunter fine-tuning your approach or a newcomer establishing effective systems, this episode provides the blueprint for stacking every possible advantage in your favor. Remember our mantra: "Success is no accident." The time you invest now will pay dividends when that target buck steps into range.

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The hunting season approaches, and the Blacktail Coach team is back with essential preparation guidance. This episode addresses the questions hunters are asking right now – from gear priorities on limited budgets to the effectiveness of their system for rifle hunters. The answers reveal a practical approach focused on what genuinely improves success rates rather than marketing hype.

Dave and Aaron share exciting news about their expanding team, welcoming Mark Boone and Dan Bonnell as new Pro Staff members. Both hunters achieved remarkable success last season, harvesting their largest blacktail bucks ever after implementing the Blacktail Coach system. What makes their stories particularly valuable is that they followed different learning paths but achieved similar outstanding results – proving the system's effectiveness regardless of how you learn it.

Looking forward, the Boot Camp dates for April 10-12, 2026 have been set, strategically positioned before turkey season begins to accommodate hunters with diverse interests. The hosts hint at potential big changes coming to this signature event, including possible appearances by prominent hunting personalities.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn behind the production curtain, revealing the equipment and editing processes that create the podcast's professional sound quality. This transparency extends to their Patreon program, where they outline how listener support enables continuous improvement while offering direct access to coaches through monthly Q&A sessions.

Whether you're trying to maximize your hunting budget, prepare your gear effectively, or simply understand blacktail behavior better, this episode delivers practical knowledge from experienced hunters who genuinely want to see you succeed. Ready to transform your approach this season? The blueprint is here.

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What sets apart a dedicated bear hunter from someone just hoping to get lucky? The answer lies in understanding the intricate chess match between predator and prey.

Diving into part four of our bear hunting series with expert Heather Aldrich, we unpack the strategic mindset required for consistent success. Heather shares her preference for being an "ambush predator," carefully selecting locations based on thorough scouting rather than random "hope hunting." She explains how different hunting methods—from ambush setups to spot-and-stalk approaches—can be effective when matched to the right conditions and bear behavior patterns.

One fascinating technique Heather shares is "leapfrogging" trail cameras to track bears that appear nocturnal in one location but may be active during daylight hours elsewhere. "We'll back down the trail till we get to the point where he's in daylight," she explains, offering a practical solution to a common hunting challenge. She also discusses predator calling strategies, including carrying a simple "mouse squeaker" that can prompt a bear to turn broadside for a better shot opportunity.

The conversation shifts to post-harvest considerations, covering everything from approach techniques for downed bears to proper field dressing and hide preparation for taxidermy. Throughout, ethical hunting practices remain central: "It's way better to let a bear walk than to ever wound them," Heather emphasizes, highlighting that responsible hunters prioritize clean, humane harvests over simply filling tags.

Whether you're new to bear hunting or looking to refine your approach, this episode provides practical insights from someone who's spent countless hours studying these fascinating animals. Ready to elevate your bear hunting strategy? Listen now and discover how preparation, patience, and adaptability create hunting opportunities that others miss.

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The secret to successful bear hunting isn't just understanding where bears live—it's knowing how they move through their habitat as seasons change. In this revealing conversation with experienced bear hunter Heather Aldrich, we dive deep into how black bears shift their patterns throughout the year and how savvy hunters can capitalize on these predictable changes.

Aldrich shares her hard-earned knowledge about spring versus fall bear behavior, explaining how boars transition from ridgeline-running during breeding season to creek-bottom feeding during hyperphagia. "Hyperphagia is the gift to the bear hunter," she explains, detailing how bears consume 20,000+ calories daily while active for up to 22 hours during their pre-hibernation feeding frenzy. This biological imperative creates predictable patterns hunters can exploit.

The discussion takes fascinating turns through bear bedding habits, revealing unexpected locations where bears choose to rest—sometimes surprisingly close to human activity in areas consistently overlooked by people. "An old boar is really smart," Aldrich notes. "He has made his living by avoiding people and outfoxing them on his own turf."

We explore how bears use topography differently throughout the year, from spring ridgelines to fall creek bottoms, and how weather conditions impact movement patterns. While conventional wisdom suggests bears avoid rain and extreme heat, Aldrich shares stories of harvesting bears during downpours and spotting feeding bears on scorching days, reminding us that individual bears often break established patterns.

Whether you're planning your first bear hunt or looking to improve your success on mature boars, this episode provides actionable insights into bear behavior that will transform your approach. Ready to see more bears on your next hunt? Subscribe now and let us know your biggest bear hunting challenge in the comments.

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Unlocking the secrets of successful bear hunting requires more than just good gear and patience – it demands a deep understanding of black bear behavior, particularly their feeding patterns. In this illuminating conversation with bear hunting expert Heather Aldrich, we dive into the core principles that transform occasional luck into consistent success.

The foundation of Heather's approach centers on a simple yet profound truth: "No food, no bear." Bears are opportunistic omnivores whose movements through the landscape are dictated almost entirely by seasonally available food sources. Unlike many hunters who focus primarily on finding bear sign, Heather advocates becoming something of a botanist – learning to identify the plants bears feed on throughout their growth cycles. This knowledge allows hunters to predict where bears will be with remarkable accuracy.

Perhaps most surprising is Heather's revelation about bear behavior near roads and human activity. Contrary to what many believe, bears have learned to pattern humans rather than simply avoiding them. Some of her most productive hunting spots have been within 100 yards of gravel roads – areas many hunters bypass assuming bears stay deep in the backcountry. This insight is especially valuable for hunters with limited time who might unnecessarily hike miles when bears could be much closer.

Spring and fall hunting require dramatically different approaches. Spring bears emerge from hibernation gradually, taking up to two weeks to become fully active. They travel constantly while feeding, rarely staying in one spot for long. Fall bears, by contrast, commit to rich food sources like huckleberry patches for extended periods. Understanding these seasonal differences is crucial for selecting appropriate hunting locations and strategies.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to improve your bear hunting success or someone considering your first bear hunt, this episode provides actionable insights that will transform your approach. By learning to see the landscape through a bear's perspective – driven by hunger, opportunity, and adaptation – you'll develop the skills to consistently locate these fascinating predators in their natural habitat.

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The North American black bear remains one of our continent's most fascinating and misunderstood predators. In this revealing conversation with expert bear hunter Heather Aldrich, we explore the complex world of bear hunting, conservation ethics, and the science behind sustainable wildlife management.

Heather shares her remarkable journey from hesitant hunting companion to passionate predator specialist, describing the moment she realized bears would become her lifelong fascination. After an "epic failure" on her first Washington fall bear hunt, she committed to understanding bear behavior through scientific research rather than hearsay or online forums. This analytical approach transformed her hunting strategy from random encounters to targeted pursuits.

The conversation takes a serious turn as we examine the controversial 2022 ban on spring bear hunting in Washington State. Heather expertly dismantles common misconceptions about bear populations and hunting impacts, explaining how emotional arguments often override scientific evidence in wildlife management decisions. With approximately 27,000 black bears in Washington and only 1,800 harvested annually, she makes a compelling case for sustainable hunting as a conservation tool.

"I am not trying to eradicate the bear from the landscape. I am a conservationist," Heather emphasizes, highlighting the important distinction between conservation (sustainable use) and preservation (hands-off approach). Her explanation of carrying capacity and habitat-specific management needs provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of wildlife ecology rarely found in mainstream discussions.

For both experienced hunters and those curious about wildlife management, this episode offers valuable insights into predator behavior, conservation organization work, and the importance of hunter advocacy. Heather's passion for bears shines through as she describes not just the hunt, but her deep appreciation for these magnificent animals and their role in our ecosystems.

Whether you're planning your first bear hunt or simply want to understand the scientific principles behind wildlife management, this conversation provides the perfect foundation. Join us next week as we continue our four-part series with Heather, diving deeper into bear hunting techniques and strategy.

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The adventure of hunting new terrain in unfamiliar states offers a special kind of challenge and reward that many hunters find irresistible. In this episode, Aaron and Dave break down the essential components of planning a successful DIY out-of-state hunt, drawing from years of personal experience across multiple species and states.

Planning emerges as the cornerstone of a successful DIY venture, with both hosts recommending at least a year of preparation for best results. This timeline allows hunters to thoroughly research everything from seasonal patterns to license requirements, while building in flexibility for unexpected changes. The conversation explores how the time of year dramatically influences hunting strategy—whether focusing on water sources during hot early seasons or food sources and shelter during late seasons.

Beyond timing, the hosts dive into the practical logistics that many first-timers overlook: locating cold storage and processors before arrival, understanding complicated interstate transport regulations for harvested animals, and navigating the increasingly costly landscape of non-resident hunting permits. Dave shares valuable insights about how states are managing hunting pressure through higher fees and limited unit access for non-residents.

The transportation debate between driving and flying receives particular attention, with a thoughtful breakdown of the true costs associated with each approach. While driving offers unlimited gear capacity and flexibility, flying might actually prove more economical and time-efficient when accounting for all expenses and time constraints. The hosts provide insider tips on airline baggage policies that could save hunters significant money when transporting gear and meat.

Throughout the discussion runs a common thread of wisdom: define what success means to you before departing. Whether it's filling a tag or simply experiencing new country, the memories and adventures created often prove more valuable than any trophy. This perspective keeps the joy of hunting at the forefront, even amid the necessary preparation and planning.

Ready to expand your hunting horizons? Subscribe now and check out our upcoming episode in January about how to effectively communicate with hunting outfitters and guides.

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The legends of blacktail hunting have left an indelible mark on how we pursue these elusive deer, yet many hunters remain unfamiliar with the masters who developed the techniques we use today. From deep in the high Cascades to the dense coastal forests, these pioneering hunters have unlocked secrets that transformed blacktail success rates for those willing to learn.

Steve Isdahl's relentless 365-day approach to understanding deer patterns. Cameron Haynes's revolutionary insights about habitat edges where different environments meet. Scott Haugen's systematic breakdown of blacktail subspecies. The wisdom these hunters share transcends mere tactics - it reveals a mindset of observation, patience, and adaptation that distinguishes casual hunters from consistent trophy takers.

What's particularly fascinating is where their diverse approaches converge. Despite different hunting styles, locations, and weapon preferences, certain principles remain consistent across their teachings. Perhaps most surprisingly, none of these accomplished hunters focus on clear-cuts – the very areas many beginning hunters are taught to prioritize. Instead, they hunt thick cover, exercising extreme patience and methodical attention to detail.

Beyond the big names, we explore under-the-radar legends like Smokey Crews - a record book regular whose humility often masks his extraordinary accomplishments. His approach teaches us to read hunting literature not merely for entertainment but to extract applicable knowledge from every article, regardless of species or location. This continuous learning mindset, coupled with the patience to let hunting scenarios develop naturally rather than forcing action, demonstrates why these masters consistently succeed where others fail.

Whether you're just starting your blacktail journey or looking to elevate decades of experience, diving into the wisdom of these hunting legends provides a roadmap not just for where to hunt, but how to think about hunting. Subscribe now and join our exploration of blacktail hunting's most influential figures!

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Discovering why seemingly perfect deer habitat sometimes holds no deer is the mystery every serious blacktail hunter eventually confronts. This episode dives deep into the subtle factors that make or break prime buck territory beyond the obvious "thick cover" most hunters seek.

Dave and Aaron explore how darkness might be even more important than thickness alone, with bucks gravitating to areas so dark that hunters need headlamps while legal shooting light still remains outside. They reveal why September hunting demands a completely different approach, with velvet-antlered bucks often avoiding the thickest cover to protect their sensitive antlers and following predictable daily patterns between core areas and water sources.

The conversation uncovers how prevailing wind patterns can completely nullify otherwise perfect habitat if they don't give deer the scent advantage they need for security. Weather impacts create micro-zones deer consistently avoid, while swamps establish hard edges that serve as prime travel corridors along their thicker sides. The hosts contrast lowland valley hunting with high alpine approaches, acknowledging the dramatically different techniques required for success in each.

Perhaps most valuable is the insight that understanding these habitat nuances typically requires multiple seasons in the same area – explaining why successful hunters spend years learning not just where deer are, but precisely why they use specific areas. Whether you're hunting September velvet bucks or late-season bruisers, these habitat insights will fundamentally change how you evaluate potential hunting spots.

Ready to put these insights into practice? Join us for one of our upcoming field days where we'll show you exactly how to identify these subtle habitat factors in person. Visit blacktailcoach.com to reserve your spot.

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Unlock the secret advantage that consistently successful hunters rarely talk about – the strategic use of data. Aaron and Dave pull back the curtain on how scientific information, personal observations, and community knowledge can transform your hunting success while most hunters leave these resources completely untapped.

The conversation reveals how state wildlife biologists are an underutilized gold mine of information. When approached with genuine interest and courtesy, these professionals often share specific locations and timing details that lead directly to trophy animals. One conversation with a biologist put Dave "right on" a trophy bull moose when other hunters were struggling to even locate animals in the early season heat.

You'll discover how interpreting trail camera data requires a different mindset than most hunters apply. Summer patterns rarely translate to fall hunting scenarios, particularly for mature bucks who typically remain in small core areas until the rut begins. Instead of focusing on capturing buck images in summer, learn why documenting doe patterns provides more valuable intelligence for when hunting season arrives.

The hosts explore critical metrics from state wildlife reports that predict hunting quality, particularly calf and fawn survival rates. Their discussion of predator impacts includes a sobering example from Eastern Oregon, where changing management policies resulted in calf survival plummeting to just 11%, decimating a once-thriving elk population of nearly a thousand animals.

Whether you're a blacktail fanatic or pursue other big game species, this episode delivers actionable insights on using harvest statistics, wildlife management plans, and community knowledge to stack the odds in your favor. For hunters serious about consistent success, it's time to embrace the power of data alongside traditional woodsmanship.

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Trophy hunting takes on new meaning when you understand the distinct difference between your personal definition of a trophy and what actually qualifies for record books. This fascinating exploration of blacktail deer hunting breaks down how hunters often misidentify so-called "mature" bucks, revealing the dramatic body size differences between a 3½-year-old and a truly mature 4½-year-old blacktail.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through the science of deer development, where we discover that antler size speaks more to genetics than age. Some mature bucks genetically max out as fork horns while others with identical age develop impressive racks. We share fascinating real-world observations of bucks followed for multiple seasons, including how mineral supplementation transformed spindly antlers into more impressive headgear.

For those measuring success in inches, we provide practical field judging techniques that will forever change how you evaluate potential record book bucks. Learn why height trumps width in scoring systems, how mass measurements contribute significantly to final scores, and what specific characteristics mark a potential Pope and Young or Boone and Crockett qualifier. We break down the specific requirements for various record books, including the lesser-known Northwest Big Game Records that categorizes blacktails into Columbia, Cascade, and Western regions.

The technology revolution in hunting equipment gets critical examination too, particularly how modern muzzleloaders with sophisticated optics have transformed what was once a primitive weapon into something with 500-yard effective ranges. This evolution raises important questions about regulatory responses and hunting opportunity.

Whether you're hunting for the record books or simply for personal satisfaction, this episode delivers practical knowledge to help you recognize and appreciate what makes a blacktail buck truly special. What's your definition of a trophy?

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Have you ever wondered what separates consistently successful hunters from those who struggle to fill tags year after year? In this illuminating episode, Aaron and Dave dive into the mindset and systematic approach needed to grow as a hunter throughout your lifetime.

The conversation centers around the transformative power of structured goal-setting using the SMART methodology (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) and how this approach creates focus and clarity in your hunting preparation. The hosts introduce their proven PIE framework—Prep, Implement, Evaluate—which provides a systematic way to develop specific hunting skills from weapon proficiency to scouting and animal behavior knowledge.

What truly separates this episode from typical hunting advice is the emphasis on developing "mental muscle memory" for evaluation. Top-tier hunters naturally analyze every aspect of their hunts, considering what worked, what didn't, and why. Rather than blaming bad luck, they ask pointed questions about their approach, equipment choices, stand placement, and countless other variables.

Dave shares powerful insights about the value of mentorship through his relationship with an experienced hunter nicknamed "Smokey," whose advice to "understand why animals do what they do" became a guiding principle in Dave's hunting philosophy. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, you'll find practical strategies to elevate your hunting skills and increase your success rates in the field.

Ready to transform your approach to hunting? Subscribe now and join us for more insights that will help you become the hunter you've always wanted to be!

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The whitetail deer gets all the glory across most of America, but here in the Pacific Northwest, we're blessed with the chance to pursue a truly special animal - the blacktail deer. Limited to just three states and dwelling in some of the most challenging rainforest terrain imaginable, these beautiful bucks deserve their time in the spotlight.

After wrapping up our final boot camp of the season, we're reflecting on what's been our busiest and most successful year yet. With nearly 95 hunters trained through our classes, field days, and boot camp experiences, we've built a community of passionate blacktail hunters stretching across Washington state and into Canada.

Moving our boot camp from Father's Day weekend to early May proved to be a brilliant decision - not only were more fathers able to participate without missing family time, but we completely avoided the tick infestation that plagued us last year! The success stories continue to roll in as hunters apply our field-proven system and tag impressive bucks that many wouldn't believe exist in our Pacific Northwest forests.

What truly makes this journey special isn't just the hunting knowledge we share, but the connections formed between like-minded outdoorsmen and women. At every event, we watch as initial hunting-camp bravado quickly transforms into genuine camaraderie, with participants exchanging contact information and making plans to scout together. Veterans, father-son pairs, and hunters of all experience levels find common ground in their pursuit of these elusive deer.

This year brought challenges too, particularly with new regulations prohibiting baiting and urine-based scents. But adaptation is part of hunting, and we've developed effective workarounds while emphasizing ethical, legal practices. The core system works regardless of regulatory changes because it's built on understanding blacktail behavior and habitat.

Ready to join our growing community? Coaching sessions begin May 20th, and we still have a few spots available. Reach out today and make next season your most successful blacktail hunt yet!

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Every hunter faces unseen adversaries more challenging than elusive game—our own mental and physical limitations. What keeps many would-be hunters from success isn't lack of skill but fear of the dark, anxiety about wildlife encounters, or the physical constraints we all eventually face.

The darkness of the woods triggers primal fears. "It's either pitch black where you can't see your hand in front of your face, or when the moon's out, it's like almost daylight," Dave explains, highlighting how unfamiliarity breeds anxiety. Both hosts share personal stories of eerie wildlife encounters—from bears suddenly bolting from dense brush to mysterious movement in thick salal—and how repetition and knowledge transform terror into understanding. "The more times you put yourself in that position, the less scary those things become," Aaron notes, echoing the advice that helped both men overcome their trepidations.

Physical limitations represent an even more universal challenge. "Your body is only going to give you so many hunts," Dave observes, reflecting on how quickly decades of hunting opportunity slip away. For aging hunters, adapting becomes crucial—whether lowering bow poundage, selecting more accessible hunting areas, or maintaining year-round fitness focused on joint health. Their conversation explores practical adaptations from specialized gear to alternative hunting methods that extend hunting careers.

Perhaps most profound is their discussion of isolation in hunting. While some relish the solitude, others find the quiet hours alone with their thoughts unbearable. The hosts share wisdom about embracing this time for reflection and self-discovery, along with practical advice for those who struggle with it.

Ready to extend your hunting career by overcoming the obstacles rarely discussed on hunting shows? Listen now, and discover how addressing these challenges might just make you a more successful, fulfilled hunter for years to come.

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Washington's new regulations banning deer baiting and restricting scent attractants have dropped like a bombshell on the blacktail hunting community. As hunters scramble to understand what's legal and what isn't, we break down the official language and unpack what these changes mean for your hunting strategy this season.

The science behind these regulations raises significant questions about their application to blacktail deer populations. While most CWD research focuses on whitetail and mule deer behavior, blacktail exhibit fundamentally different social patterns. Where whitetail commonly form winter herds numbering in the hundreds, blacktail rarely congregate in groups larger than five to seven deer. With mature blacktail bucks spending most of their lives in solitary seclusion within small core areas, they represent what experts call "the poster child for not spreading CWD" – a fact reinforced by the complete absence of documented CWD cases in blacktail populations.

Despite these differences, hunters must adapt. The good news? Synthetic scents remain legal and effective alternatives to natural urine-based attractants. We discuss which companies produce quality synthetic options and how to identify products from manufacturers following responsible testing protocols through the RHSA certification. For many hunters who've used both natural and synthetic scents, there's little difference in effectiveness – suggesting this adaptation may not significantly impact success rates.

Beyond scent strategies, we explore whether these regulations reflect science-based decision making or potentially agenda-driven politics. The three scientific approaches to controlling CWD – removing attractants, increasing food availability, and reducing deer density – offer alternative regulatory paths that might better address the unique characteristics of blacktail populations.

Whether you're frustrated by these changes or simply looking to adapt quickly, this episode provides the practical guidance you need to maintain your hunting success within the new regulatory framework. Remember, 90% of blacktail hunting success comes from habitat selection, buck identification, and scent control – factors that remain entirely within your control regardless of baiting restrictions.

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The transformative power of connecting veterans with the outdoors forms the beating heart of this conversation with Emile "Mo" Moured, founder of Cross the Divide Ministries. After 28 years as a Navy and Marine Corps chaplain, Emil channeled his passion for serving veterans and love for wilderness experiences into creating a ministry that has explosively grown from two states to thirteen in just four years.

Cross the Divide represents a beautifully simple yet profound approach: combining God's truths with God's creation to help veterans navigate life's challenging terrain. Unlike organizations that merely offer recreational activities, they provide skilled facilitators who can walk alongside veterans through meaningful conversations that naturally emerge during hunting trips, fishing expeditions, backpacking journeys, and horse camps.

What began with a focused mission has organically expanded through what Mo calls "God-ordained providential opportunities." From unexpected connections with ranch owners offering their properties to partnerships with the Navy SEAL Foundation, doors continue opening in remarkable ways. Perhaps most compelling is the ministry's commitment to involving entire families in their experiences, recognizing that true healing happens when veterans and their loved ones share new, positive narratives together.

The impact speaks volumes through stories like the Marine veteran who lost his leg to an IED in Afghanistan. After participating in a Cross the Divide hunt, he declared: "This is the most alive I've felt in 14 years." Such transformations aren't anomalies but represent the heart of their mission.

Operating without salaried staff and relying entirely on volunteers and donations presents challenges in balancing growth with sustainability. Yet the ministry continues forward, driven by the knowledge that these experiences create community and purpose for those who've served our nation. To learn how you can participate in events or support their mission, visit crossthedivideus.com and become part of this powerful movement connecting veterans with healing through God's creation.

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Thinking about making the leap from rifle hunting to bow hunting? This episode is your essential roadmap to getting started on the right foot. Aaron, traditionally a "gun guy," picks Dave's brain about everything a beginning archer needs to know before heading into the field.

The conversation begins by demystifying bow selection, with Dave explaining that "it's hard to get a bad bow anymore" thanks to significant technological improvements over the past two decades. We explore how brands like Hoyt, Matthews, Bowtech, and PSE compare, while breaking down the real differences between flagship models and more budget-friendly "second-tier" lines that offer excellent value for beginners. Rather than pushing expensive options, Dave emphasizes matching your equipment to your physical capabilities and hunting goals.

We dive deep into the technical aspects of archery equipment, from understanding arrow spine and weight to the crucial differences between mechanical and fixed broadheads. You'll learn why most hunters should aim for arrows in the 450-500 grain range for optimal penetration, and why statistics consistently show mechanical broadheads providing higher recovery rates on game animals. The discussion covers essential accessories, practice targets, and how to set up your arrows for maximum consistency and accuracy.

The episode wraps with perhaps the most important element of bow hunting success: dedicated practice. As Dave explains, "Muscle memory is everything when it comes to that final moment," highlighting why regular shooting sessions are non-negotiable for ethical and effective bow hunting. Whether you're completely new to archery or a casual bow hunter looking to improve your success rate, this episode provides the foundation you need to approach the upcoming season with confidence.

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The invisible element that determines hunting success more than any other factor isn't your gear, your shooting skill, or even your stealth – it's your understanding of the wind. Aaron and Dave dive deep into this critical yet often misunderstood topic, breaking down the science and strategy behind hunting the wind effectively.

For hunters transitioning from flat Midwestern terrain to the challenging topography of the Pacific Northwest, understanding how wind behaves across hills, drainages, and various elevations becomes essential knowledge. The hosts clarify fundamental concepts like upwind versus downwind positioning, explaining why being downwind of your target animal (where their scent blows toward you) is always the goal. As Dave emphasizes, "You can fool their eyes, you can fool their ears, but you cannot fool their nose."

Particularly fascinating is the discussion of thermal patterns and their predictable yet complex behavior. Morning thermals rise as the sun warms the ground, while evening thermals fall as temperatures drop – but south-facing slopes will behave differently than north-facing ones within the same area. The hosts explore advanced concepts like "wind tunnels" that explain why dominant bucks often bed three-quarters of the way up hillsides, and "wind vacuums" in drainages that can pull your scent in unexpected directions.

Whether you're a veteran hunter or just getting started, this episode provides practical knowledge for immediate application. The recommendation to always carry and frequently use a wind checker (whether it's powder, yarn, or another tool) might seem basic, but as both hosts admit, it took them years to develop this disciplined habit. Their discussion of optimal wind speeds for hunting and the advantages of elevated positions like tree stands offers tactical advice for upcoming seasons.

Ready to take your hunting success to the next level? Understanding and respecting wind patterns isn't just about technique—it's about appreciating the remarkable sensory capabilities of the animals we pursue and the natural systems they navigate. Listen, learn, and transform your approach to the hunt.

https://blog.redmondhunt.com/how-to-hunt-with-wind

https://www.fieldandstream.com/hunting/downwind-vs-upwind/

https://soulseekersnation.com/2019/05/20/hunting-101-part-4-understanding-the-wind-thermals/

https://enviroliteracy.org/does-wind-hurt-deer-hunting/

https://www.camohuntnstuff.com/huntwind.html

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What separates a good hunter from a great one isn't the size of their harvest – it's their commitment to ethical conduct in every aspect of the hunting experience. Aaron and Dave tackle this crucial topic by examining real situations that test hunters' integrity, from respecting private property boundaries to making the hard choice not to take a shot when legal shooting hours have passed.

Through personal stories and hard-earned wisdom, we explore how the treatment of wildlife goes beyond the harvest moment. We discuss responsible baiting practices that minimize disease transmission risk, especially regarding Chronic Wasting Disease concerns. When deer make nose-to-nose contact at concentrated bait piles, they exchange bodily fluids – but spreading minerals and bait over larger areas can significantly reduce this risk.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when we examine how hunting ethics intersect with family values and teaching moments. One member of our pro staff had his target buck – a 130-class blacktail they call "The Frenchman" – walk into range just six minutes after legal shooting hours two years running. Despite the temptation, he held fire, demonstrating the character we hope to inspire in all hunters.

We also tackle the sometimes thorny issue of sharing hunting grounds and encountering other hunters. Whether discovering someone's tree stand or meeting others at a popular access point, how we handle these interactions reflects our commitment to the hunting community. As Dave wisely notes, "It's just a deer" – no animal is worth compromising your ethics, risking your hunting privileges, or damaging relationships within the hunting community.

Ready to become part of the solution? Join conservation organizations like the Blacktail Deer Foundation today. These groups advocate for hunters' interests year-round at the political level, ensuring our voices are heard when crucial decisions about hunting regulations are made.

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We're back! This week we talk about the process of getting new gear.

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This week we're with RJ Marquart from Quicksilver Kennels in Moses Lake Washington. RJ has been training upland bird dogs for 40+ years and we had a chance to sit down with him at the Puyallup Sportsman Show.

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This week we're checking in with Alex, nut not about turkey. This week he shares his success story with the Blacktail Coach system in harvesting his largest buck ever.

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We wrap up our Turkey Series with Alex as he walks up through a season going after the Washington Slam

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This week we're talking calls to locate and bring in the Toms

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WE start our turkey hunting three part series this week with BTC Pro-Staff, Alex Chaney who has completed the Washington Slam 8 times

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Are you ready to start your big buck work? For those in the know, season starts now!

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This week we're talking to Zach, Trophy Tactics and coaching alumni who bagged his first buck after 7 years of hunting. He has his target buck for next year and is ready to Let Them Walk until that buck comes into set.

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Before we head out to the sportsman shows, we wanted to introduce our Pro Staff. These are the guys who helped make the Blacktail Coach a success

Scott, Alex, Bud, Chris, Jimmy - Thank you

And Asha lets us in on what we can expect in the future

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This week I talk with Dave, Asha, and DJ Riley about getting your spouse and family involved in hunting and loving it.

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This week Dave is interviewing Dan Bonnell, participant in the Blacktail Bootcamp and sharing his success at harvesting his biggest blacktail buck after a lifetime of hunting

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have so many opportunities at harvesting bucks that you're willing to let them walk without taking a shot? Listen in as we talk about creating a hitlist of bucks to go after from one year to the next

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Do you have your own herd of blacktail that you maintain and nurture year in and year out to create a hitlist of bucks? This week we're talking about what we do to maintain a healthy herd of deer at our hunting sets, age the bucks coming in, and cataloguing the does and bucks to know what our upcoming hunt season has in store for us. 
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Meet Mark Boone, an online class and field day participant who used the Blacktail Coach system to harvest his largest blacktail and get his first blacktail harvested with a bow.

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In this episode we talk about our process for wrapping up our season, looking at the success and struggles, to build a better season next year.

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What we do leading up to the shot and immediately after the shot to make sure we set ourselves up for success and recovery of our harvest.

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This week we talk to Blacktail Coach Prostaff Chris Posthuma about harvesting a monster blacktail using the Blacktail Coach system. 

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In this episode we talk about the signs the big buck leave. Game trails, scat, buck rubs, and tracks all point to the big buck you're looking for and where he's at.

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This week we're talking about all phases from early season to post-rut and Why We Love Late Season

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We're going through our calendar and letting you know what we offer throughout the year. Many have asked what class would be the best fit and this episode answers that question. 

Discount available on Trophy Tactics class, Bootcamp, and Coaching if regestered before the end of November.

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This week we chat with Dr. Josie Rose DVM from the Oregon Zoo about Chronic Wasting Disease and what we as hunters can do to protect our deer, elk, and moose populations.

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We're talking about when it all goes south. You lose access to your spot, your buck gets hit by a car, or whatever may happen before or during season that causes you to have to regroup and start fresh with another plan.

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In this episode we cover pheromones, attractants, scents, and scent cover to help you in the battle against the deer's nose

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In this episode we talk about the 5 Factors that can help lead you to a successful harvest in season.

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We got more questions so we have more answers

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We're talking about the patterns and routines of Deer and Elk movement throughout the year and during season.

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We've received some fan mail recently and realized we couldn't directly respond through Buzzsprout so we decided to drop an quick episode with your answers.

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This week we talk about the prep work and system we use to increase our odds at having a successful hunt every year. We explain why SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT

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In this episode we talk about making your hunt personal by naming your sets and your bucks and push through to harvest. Because SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT!

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In this episode we break down Tree Stands, Tree Saddles, Ladder Stands, and Ground Blinds in helping you on your hunt.

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This episode we talk about using HECS and Ozonics to help you go invisible during your hunt. We have some stories to tell


#HECS
#Ozonics
#Hunting
#Blacktaildeer
#Blacktail
#Outdoors

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In this episode you'll meet the Blacktail Coach, Dave Riley, and here the story of how he started hunting and how The Blacktail  Coach came to existence.




#Blacktail
#Blacktailhunting
#hunting
#PNW
#Outdoors
#Bowhunting
#Archery

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Welcome to The Blacktail Coach Podcast, where SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT!

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