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First Bucks, Wisconsin Rut Bowhunting & Unforgettable Deer Hunting Stories | Okayest Hunter Podcast Some deer hunting stories are about the buck. Others are about the people, the memories, and everything that happens along the way. This week on the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we're celebrating two incredible whitetail hunting stories that remind us why we love deer season. From a 9-year-old hunter harvesting his first buck to an emotional Wisconsin rut bowhunt that brings friends and fellow hunters together, this episode is packed with excitement, laughter, hard-earned success, and a few moments that'll hit you right in the feels. Gus Gets His First Buck! Nine-year-old Gus joins the podcast to share the story of harvesting his very first whitetail buck alongside his dad. After spending time in the woods, passing up questionable opportunities, and learning the ropes of deer hunting, Gus finally gets his chance during a memorable November crossbow hunt. But getting there wasn't exactly easy. A canoe trip down a shallow Wisconsin river, fallen trees, cold weather, and an unexpectedly close encounter with a young buck made for an adventure before the real excitement even began. When another buck finally presented an opportunity, Gus made his shot. What followed was a nerve-racking recovery involving a deer recovery drone and a whole lot of anticipation. Gus and his dad share the entire experience, from preparing for the hunt to finding his buck and celebrating a milestone they'll never forget. The conversation also explores youth deer hunting, Wisconsin's mentored hunting program, hunter safety, and the importance of introducing kids to hunting at their own pace. Eric's Emotional Wisconsin Rut Bowhunt Next up, Eric shares the story of an unforgettable November bowhunt during the Wisconsin whitetail rut. With bucks moving and rut activity heating up, Eric finds himself in the middle of an intense encounter that requires patience, quick thinking, and confidence in the moment. From using grunt calls and creating realistic deer movement sounds to holding at full draw and making a difficult shot opportunity count, this hunt delivers everything bowhunters love about November. But the most memorable part isn't necessarily the buck itself. It's what happens afterward. As friends and fellow hunters come together to help recover and celebrate the deer, Eric reflects on the bigger meaning behind the hunt, the importance of community, and how sometimes a single moment in the deer woods can offer perspective far beyond hunting. More Than Just Deer Hunting Along the way, the guys talk about the challenges of bowhunting the rut, deer recovery decisions, hunting with kids, hunting gear, and the friendships that make deer camp and whitetail season so special. Whether you're chasing mature bucks during the November rut, introducing your kids to their first deer season, or just enjoying some good old-fashioned hunting stories, this episode is a reminder that the best memories aren't always measured in inches of antler. In This Episode: A 9-year-old hunter's first whitetail buck Father-son crossbow hunting adventures in Wisconsin Youth hunting, mentorship, and hunter safety Using a drone to recover a deer November whitetail rut activity and buck encounters Bowhunting strategies, grunt calls, and shot opportunities The emotional side of successful deer hunts Hunting friendships, community, and deer camp traditions Join the Okayest Hunter Community We're not professional hunters, and we don't pretend to be. We're everyday hunters sharing real experiences, celebrating the wins, laughing at the mistakes, and enjoying everything that comes with spending time in the woods. Subscribe to the Okayest Hunter Podcast for weekly conversations about whitetail deer hunting, bowhunting, hunting stories, deer camp, and the outdoor lifestyle. Learn more about Okayest Hunter: https://okayesthunter.com Don’t forget to join our Okayest Hunter Crew: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-crewSweet November Sweepstakes: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-fred-bear-sweet-november-sweepstakes No explanation photo contest: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/no-explanation-okayest-hunter-moments Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly hunting tactics, tips, and Okayest Hunter updates: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/join-the-okayest-hunter-email-list Drop a comment: What's the most memorable deer hunting experience you've shared with a friend or family member? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rut Roll Call: Bucks, Close Calls & Hard Decisions | Okayest Hunter Podcast November is here, the whitetail rut is heating up, and deer hunters everywhere are heading into the woods hoping to cross paths with a mature buck. But what happens when the weather doesn't cooperate, hunting pressure increases, and the buck of a lifetime presents a shot you're not completely comfortable taking? In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, Eric and Derek are checking in for a November rut roll call, sharing real-world whitetail hunting experiences, public land bowhunting strategies, close encounters, and the decisions that can make or break a deer season. Derek recaps his recent Illinois public land deer hunting trip, where unseasonably warm temperatures, minimal wind, and unpredictable deer movement made hunting the pre-rut especially challenging. From scouting rub lines and scrapes to locating buck bedding areas near water, the guys discuss adjusting hunting strategies when the deer aren't moving the way you expect. Plus, Derek shares the story of his hunting partner Adam tagging an impressive 11-point public land buck. Meanwhile, Eric takes listeners through an unforgettable ground-level encounter with a whitetail buck. After navigating hunting pressure, thick cover, and his own indecision, he finds himself incredibly close to a deer with his bow in hand. But when the opportunity to shoot finally arrives, he makes the difficult decision to hold off rather than force a questionable shot. That decision sparks an important conversation about ethical bowhunting, shot selection, patience, and knowing when not to release an arrow. Sometimes the most important hunting lesson isn't about filling a tag. It's about having the discipline to wait for the right opportunity. The guys also welcome live callers who share their own hunting experiences, including a memorable first deer harvest and the importance of introducing new people to the outdoors. November whitetail rut updates and pre-rut deer movement Illinois public land bowhunting and an impressive 11-point buck Hunting mature whitetails during unusually warm weather Finding buck bedding areas, water sources, rubs, and scrapes Ground hunting versus saddle hunting and mobile setups Making adjustments when hunting pressure changes deer behavior A close-range buck encounter and the decision not to shoot Ethical bowhunting, shot placement, and avoiding risky shots The importance of getting new hunters involved in the outdoors Why the experience of hunting matters more than filling a tag The episode also addresses Latitude Outdoors' stop-use notice concerning its Carbon Synergy climbing sticks and reminds hunters about the importance of proper tree-climbing safety equipment. Owners should consult Latitude Outdoors directly for the latest safety instructions and refund information. Whether you're chasing mature bucks on public land, hunting private property, sitting in a saddle, or sneaking through thick cover with a bow, we're all figuring it out one hunt at a time. Share your November rut updates, hunting successes, close calls, and lessons learned with the Okayest Hunter community. Because sometimes the best hunting stories don't end with a filled tag. Subscribe to the Okayest Hunter Podcast for more whitetail deer hunting stories, bowhunting tips, hunting strategies, outdoor adventures, and conversations about what it really means to be an Okayest hunter. Don't forget to join our Okayest Hunter Crew: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-crew Sweet November Sweepstakes: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-fred-bear-sweet-november-sweepstakes No explanation photo contest: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/no-explanation-okayest-hunter-moments Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly hunting tactics, tips, and Okayest Hunter updates: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/join-the-okayest-hunter-email-list Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Trappers Know That Deer Hunters Don't | Woodsmanship with Jake Roller What if becoming a better deer hunter started with learning how to think like a trapper? On this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, Eric sits down with outdoorsman and trapper Jake Roller to explore the often-overlooked art of woodsmanship and how understanding animal behavior, reading fresh sign, and spending time in the woods can make you a more effective whitetail hunter. Trappers have to understand wildlife movement at an incredibly detailed level. Knowing where an animal travels, recognizing tracks, understanding terrain, and predicting where an animal will step are essential skills. But how do those same principles translate into deer hunting, especially during the whitetail rut? Jake shares how he got started in hunting and trapping, from running coonhounds with friends to building his own traplines throughout Wisconsin. Along the way, he explains how years of mistakes, observation, and hands-on experience have shaped the way he approaches the outdoors. In this episode, we cover: Woodsmanship for deer hunters: How trapping teaches you to recognize animal movement patterns and pay attention to details other hunters overlook. Reading fresh deer sign: Understanding tracks, heavily traveled trails, and environmental clues that help determine how recently animals passed through an area. Whitetail hunting during the rut: Why finding fresh activity matters as deer movement patterns change throughout late October and November. Public land hunting and still hunting: Jake's approach to covering ground, finding deer, and learning from close encounters. Trapping and wildlife behavior: Lessons from pursuing raccoons, coyotes, foxes, beavers, muskrats, and mink. Traditional bowhunting: The challenges of getting close to deer with a recurve bow and learning from missed opportunities. Trapping ethics and conservation: Discussing public perceptions of trapping, responsible practices, wildlife appreciation, and the importance of education. Passing down outdoor traditions: How Jake involves his daughter in running traplines and teaches her respect for wildlife, landowners, and the outdoors. Building relationships with landowners: How helping farmers manage wildlife can create lasting relationships and opportunities for hunters and trappers. The value of experience: Why time in the woods, making mistakes, and learning to observe your surroundings can teach you more than any piece of hunting equipment. Beyond the hunting tactics, Eric and Jake explore what it means to truly understand the outdoors. From identifying subtle tracks in the mud to discussing the realities of the fur trade, this conversation offers a different perspective on the relationship between hunters, trappers, and wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned whitetail hunter, a beginner looking to improve your deer hunting skills, a traditional bowhunter, or someone curious about trapping, this episode is a reminder that good woodsmanship isn't something you can buy. It's something you develop through experience. Grab a cold one, pull up a chair, and join us for another conversation about hunting, conservation, and embracing what it means to be an okayest hunter. Learn more about Okayest Hunter:https://okayesthunter.com Subscribe to the Okayest Hunter Podcast for more conversations about whitetail deer hunting, bowhunting, public land hunting, wildlife conservation, outdoor traditions, and the hunters who keep them alive. Don't forget to join our Okayest Hunter Crew: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-crew Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly hunting tactics, tips, and Okayest Hunter updates: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/join-the-okayest-hunter-email-list No explanation photo contest: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/no-explanation-okayest-hunter-moments Sweet November Sweepstakes: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-fred-bear-sweet-november-sweepstakes# #OkayestHunter #Woodsmanship #DeerHunting #WhitetailHunting #Trapping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first-ever Okayest Hunter Podcast Open Mic Night! We're opening the studio doors, bringing hunters into the conversation, and sharing real deer hunting stories, public land bowhunting adventures, big buck encounters, and plenty of laughs along the way. This week, the Okayest Hunter crew switches things up with a live, in-studio open mic featuring fellow hunters and listeners. From Wisconsin whitetail hunting traditions to unforgettable moments in the deer woods, this episode celebrates the experiences, friendships, and stories that make hunting special. Three Bucks, Two Shots, and One Wild Public Land Bowhunt Derek kicks things off with an incredible public land bowhunting story that started with offseason scouting, trail cameras, and a difficult marsh access route. After paddling into a remote hunting area and making his way through thick cattails, he unexpectedly finds himself face-to-face with three different bucks. A missed shot at a beautiful nine-pointer, another mature buck watching from the willows, and a curious eight-pointer approaching at close range turn an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable hunt. Derek breaks down his scouting strategy, ground hunting decisions, shot opportunities, blood trailing challenges, and the difficult recovery that followed. It's a reminder that successful whitetail hunting isn't always about harvesting the biggest buck in the woods. Sometimes, the experience itself is what makes a hunt memorable. Real Hunters. Real Stories. No Script. With listeners joining the crew in the studio, the conversation takes on a life of its own. The guys swap stories about Wisconsin deer camp traditions, hunting northern Wisconsin, scouting public land, missed opportunities, bowhunting encounters, turkey hunting, and introducing the next generation to the outdoors. The episode also highlights the importance of hunting accessibility and the volunteers who help disabled archers experience the outdoors. Along the way, there's plenty of hunting humor, friendly banter, and the kind of conversations that usually happen around a deer camp fire. In This Episode: Derek's wild three-buck public land bowhunt Ground hunting whitetails in marshes and cattails Deer scouting, trail cameras, and reading buck sign Missed shots, blood trailing, and recovering deer Wisconsin deer hunting and Northwoods deer camp traditions Listener hunting stories and memorable buck encounters Bowhunting, turkey hunting, and hunting strategies Getting kids involved in hunting Helping disabled hunters enjoy the outdoors The Okayest Hunter photo contest and upcoming mapping content Hunt Your Hunt. Whether you're chasing a giant public land whitetail, filling the freezer, spending time with family at deer camp, or simply enjoying another day outdoors, hunting should be about the experiences that matter to you. You don't need the biggest buck, the fanciest gear, or a perfect hunting story to belong in this community. We're all just trying to be okayest hunters. Thanks to everyone who joined us for our first Open Mic Night and to everyone listening from home! Join the Conversation What's your most memorable deer hunting experience? Was it a giant buck, a missed opportunity, or a hunt that simply meant something special? Drop your story in the comments! Subscribe to the Okayest Hunter Podcast for more whitetail deer hunting stories, bowhunting strategies, public land hunting conversations, outdoor adventures, and honest discussions about hunting culture. #OkayestHunter #DeerHunting #WhitetailHunting #Bowhunting #HuntingPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's killing whitetail deer across Wisconsin, and is there anything hunters and landowners can do about it? Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is making headlines across the Midwest, and Wisconsin deer hunters are seeing its impact firsthand. With reports of dead whitetails, concerns about deer populations, and plenty of questions surrounding the disease, we brought in someone who has spent years researching the problem. On this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we're joined in the studio by Zach Haas of Creek Bound Land Management, a former aquatic biologist, habitat management specialist, and whitetail hunter who has been studying EHD since experiencing a devastating outbreak on his own Missouri hunting lease in 2012. Zach breaks down what EHD actually is, how biting midges transmit the virus, and why environmental conditions like drought, water levels, and temperature can influence outbreaks. We discuss what's happening in southeastern Wisconsin, why EHD shouldn't be confused with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and what deer hunters should understand about the potential impacts on local whitetail populations. We also explore the relationship between water quality, habitat management, and the insects responsible for spreading EHD. Zach shares his approach to improving aquatic ecosystems, encouraging natural predators like dragonflies, and developing a biological pond management product called Defense. In this episode, we cover: What EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) is and how it affects whitetail deer Why Wisconsin is experiencing significant EHD activity How biting midges spread the virus between deer The differences between EHD and CWD How drought, stagnant water, mud, and weather conditions affect midge populations Why deer suffering from EHD are frequently found near water The role of dragonflies, bats, and other natural predators Water quality and habitat management strategies for landowners Zach's research and his development of Defense What hunters can learn from EHD outbreaks across the Midwest Beyond the science, we talk about Zach's journey from aquatic biology to founding Creek Bound Land Management, his experience managing whitetail habitat, and why understanding water is an often-overlooked part of managing hunting properties. Of course, it wouldn't be the Okayest Hunter Podcast without some laughs, hunting stories, cold-front talk, and a little off-the-rails conversation. Whether you're a Wisconsin deer hunter, Midwest landowner, habitat manager, or simply passionate about whitetail conservation, this episode offers an informative look at a disease affecting deer herds across the country. Learn more:Creek Bound Land Management — https://www.creekbottomlandmgmt.com/ Okayest Hunter — https://okayesthunter.com Sweet November Sweepstakes: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-fred-bear-sweet-november-sweepstakes Join the Okayest Hunter Crew: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-crew Join the conversation: Have you found deer affected by EHD in your area? Let us know where you're hunting and what you've been seeing in the comments. Subscribe to the Okayest Hunter Podcast for more whitetail hunting discussions, deer habitat management, hunting stories, and conversations with people who live and breathe the outdoors. This episode discusses EHD management ideas and a product described by our guest. These should not be interpreted as proven methods of preventing infection or stopping an outbreak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices