Backwoods Life

What do you do when the buck you’ve been chasing finally steps out—but the shot never comes together? In Episode 131, Michael shares lessons from the opening weeks of deer season, including his 297-pound Wisconsin buck, multiple encounters with a mature Georgia whitetail, and the setup mistakes that cost him a clean opportunity. More importantly, he explains why an unsuccessful hunt doesn’t have to be a wasted one. This episode is about learning from mistakes, preparing for the next opportunity, and refusing to let one deer—or one disappointment—consume you. Drawing from Proverbs 3:5–6, Michael connects the patience required in the woods with the faith needed in everyday life: control what you can, trust God with what you can’t, and appreciate the experience unfolding in front of you. Because success isn’t always filling a tag. Sometimes it’s becoming a better hunter, strengthening your faith, and remembering to enjoy God’s creation along the way.

Country artist and lifelong songwriter Conner Smith joins Michael for an honest conversation about music, faith, family, and the outdoors. Conner shares how growing up near Nashville made songwriting feel possible, why success is far more blue-collar than it appears, and what inspired him to bet on himself as an independent artist.

On this episode of Backwoods Life, we sit down with retired professional bull rider and 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis. Cooper shares stories from competing at the highest level of bull riding, the path that led him into the sport, and the people and experiences that shaped him along the way. He also takes us back to his roots in the outdoors—growing up hunting with his dad, developing a love for the woods, and why that connection still matters today.

On Episode 128 of the Backwoods Life Podcast, Michael sits down with Earl Williams from Modern Buggy RV to talk hunting, getting off the grid, and taking your adventures farther into the backwoods. Earl shares how Modern Buggy RV is helping hunters and outdoor enthusiasts build a comfortable home base wherever the hunt takes them. We talk about the advantages of having a mobile hunting camp, getting away from crowded campgrounds, off-grid capabilities, and why the right setup can completely change the way you hunt and travel.

What’s it really like to build a career in the outdoor industry while staying true to your passion for hunting? In this episode of the Backwoods Life Podcast with Michael Lee, we sit down with Paige Bauer for an honest conversation about hunting, social media, conservation, and life behind the camera. Paige shares memorable hunting stories, lessons learned in the field, and what it takes to remain authentic in today’s outdoor world.