The Fall Podcast

The full story of my daughters first deer.

What if the best way to get to a big public-land buck… is by boat? In this episode, I sit down with Lucas to break down his unique approach to hunting river systems and the mature bucks that live in them. Lucas uses boats 90% of the time, staging them at different points along the river so he can quietly slip in the “back door,” avoid other hunters, and take advantage of river thermals and natural barriers to control his scent. We get deep into how he scouts these properties, from finding oxbows, pinch-downs, mud flats and cattail funnels to identifying the big tracks, fallen timber and nasty cover that can give away where mature bucks are bedding. Lucas also explains why he looks for public properties with limited access points and thick cover that most hunters simply don't want to fight through. Then we get into the actual hunting strategy—hunting the edge of a buck's safe zone instead of the bed itself, using the river to manipulate wind and thermals, and sometimes simply “dipping your toes in the water” to learn how deer are using an area before making an aggressive move. And it's not all about chasing big bucks. Lucas talks about introducing his 11-year-old son to bowhunting, learning from his traditional ground-hunting father, and why he's planning to stay closer to home this fall to support his daughter's senior-year sports. If you're interested in river-bottom whitetails, public land, boat access, mature bucks and finding overlooked places other hunters aren't willing to go, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

What do you do when the hunting strategy you normally swear by suddenly puts a mature North Dakota buck in front of you? This week, Arron sits down with Dustin to break down his recent North Dakota whitetail hunt—a trip filled with pressure, limited access, close encounters, and one unexpected trail-camera photo that changed everything. With non-residents unable to hunt public land for the first 9½ days, Dustin and Wade had to get creative, scouting for non-posted private ground and figuring out where they could hunt. After multiple deer encounters, Dustin finally got his opportunity at a mature 9-point with heavy mass and big bases. But there’s more to this hunt than just the kill. Dustin talks about why using a trail camera felt completely backwards compared to the way he normally hunts, how he judges a buck on the hoof, dealing with deer movement and hunting pressure, and the small decisions that ultimately led to putting an arrow through a North Dakota buck. They also talk gear, strategy, and what Dustin is looking forward to most next—helping his nephew chase his first deer in Minnesota. If you want to learn how to adapt when the conditions, regulations, and deer don't cooperate with your normal game plan, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

After hunting the same South Carolina buck for five years, Joe Miles finally got his chance at the 150-inch deer—and put an arrow through him. In this episode, I sit down with Joe Miles, owner of ASIO Gear, to talk about that hunt, the lessons that came from chasing one deer for five years, and the thought that goes into building some of the quietest hunting clothing on the market. Joe breaks down the new Stealth Jacket and Pant, including why ASIO designed the line specifically for those dead-calm days when even the smallest noise can blow a hunt. We talk about the fabric, wind resistance, ideal temperature range, hood design, saddle-hunting pockets, rangefinder pockets, full-zip pants, and the little details that can make a big difference when you're sitting close to a deer. We also get into how to properly layer the Stealth line with the Core Warmth Vest and Puffy Jacket.

Sometimes, the biggest change in your hunting has nothing to do with how you hunt. Arron and Nate sit down to recap their Iowa hunting adventure, diving into the highs, lows, and everything that goes into hunting while trying to capture it all on camera. They talk about the importance of being present, putting the obsession with inches aside, and simply enjoying where your feet are. They also break down the realities of filming hunts, why a cameraman has to think like a producer instead of a hunter, and how the little moments and B-roll can completely change the story. From Arron’s transition to traditional archery and the challenges of getting inside 20 yards, to October expectations, gear, and their plans for upcoming hunts, there’s plenty of hunting talk throughout. The conversation also takes a turn toward something bigger than hunting as Arron and Nate discuss their plans to work together on venison donation projects across Michigan—including the Doe Dash and a mobile cooler project designed to help get more venison to families who need it. It’s a conversation about hunting, filming, mindset, and using the outdoors to make an impact long after the season ends.