Generations To Hunt

hello, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of the Generations That Hunt podcast. It's October, and you know what that means—whitetail season is open in Michigan and most other states. It's a busy time for all of us hunters, and I've been swamped with house renovations and school, but I'm excited to get out there soon.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with my buddy Matt , who is joining our team to help with filming for our YouTube channel. Matt recently went on an elk hunt in September, and we discussed his experiences and the challenges he faced.

Matt shared his background, growing up hunting on his family's 60-acre property in southwest Michigan. He didn't have a traditional deer camp experience but got into public land hunting in his mid-20s. His first big game hunt on public land was an over-the-counter elk hunt in Colorado, which he described as a life-changing experience.

We talked about the importance of having a good support system during hunting trips and how crucial it is to stay positive, even when things don't go as planned. Matt's recent elk hunt was tough—they didn't see a single elk—but he emphasized the value of the experience and the camaraderie with his hunting buddies.

We also touched on the logistics of planning out-of-state hunts, the importance of applying for points in various states, and the dream of hunting in Alaska someday. Matt's optimism and passion for hunting are truly inspiring, and I'm excited to see the content he'll create for our YouTube channel.

I had the pleasure of welcoming back Alex and Jeff from VPA, a company known for their high-quality broadheads. With the hunting season underway, we dove into the perennial debate about which broadheads to choose, especially since we've been using VPA's products and have been thoroughly impressed.

We kicked off the conversation by discussing the busy nature of their operations, even during what many consider the off-season. Jeff and Alex shared insights into the materials used in their broadheads, specifically the differences between 1045 carbon tool steel and the more premium S7 steel. They explained how each material affects edge retention and sharpening, emphasizing that while the 1045 is easier to sharpen, the S7 holds an edge longer, making it a favorite among their customers.

Dave posed some great questions about the durability and performance of broadheads, particularly in relation to different game animals. Jeff highlighted that their broadheads are designed to withstand tough conditions, even when shot through bone, and that ethical hunting is a core value for VPA. They also discussed the importance of testing and feedback in their product development process, ensuring that every broadhead meets high standards before hitting the market.

We explored the trend of broadhead weights and sizes, noting that while lighter and faster options are popular, there's a growing appreciation for heavier setups that provide better penetration. Jeff and Alex shared their commitment to creating durable, ethical products that hunters can rely on for multiple seasons, rather than disposable options that require frequent replacement.

The episode wrapped up with a discussion on the innovative Omega broadhead, which features replaceable bleeders designed for durability and re-sharpening. Jeff and Alex's passion for their products and dedication to customer feedback was evident throughout our conversation, making it clear that VPA is committed to providing hunters with the best possible tools for ethical hunting.

Welcome back to Generations of Hunt! In this episode, Dave and I dive into the final gear prep for the hunting season. We've covered getting into shape, shooting practice, and running through your gear in previous weeks. Now, it's time to focus on the minutiae of your setup, especially your clothing and ensuring everything is quiet and efficient.

• Clothing Prep: Lay out all your hunting clothes, from base layers to outerwear, and check for any gaps or needed replacements. Consider the weight changes and ensure everything fits well.

• Socks: Don't underestimate the importance of good socks. Merino wool socks are highly recommended for their moisture-wicking properties.

• Totes for Organization: Using totes to organize your gear by season and type can make your prep more efficient.

• Silencing Gear: We discussed the importance of reducing noise from your gear. Using stealth strips, hockey tape, and paracord can help silence metal parts and prevent unnatural sounds in the woods.

• Testing for Noise: Record yourself walking with your gear to identify and address any noise issues.

• Lighted Nocks: Check your lighted nocks for cracks and ensure the batteries are fresh. Practice with lighted nocks to ensure accuracy.

• Battery Management: Replace batteries in your rangefinder, sight lights, and other electronic gear before the season starts.

• Self-Filming Tips: If you plan to film your hunts, ensure all your equipment is charged and ready. Practice setting up your camera arm and other gear to avoid frustration in the field.

• Pack Essentials: Evaluate what you actually need to bring into the woods. Consider a minimalist approach to reduce weight and increase mobility.

• Kill Kit: Decide whether to carry your kill kit with you or leave it in the car for retrieval after a successful hunt.

• Early Antlerless Season: Good luck to everyone heading out for the early antlerless season. It's a great opportunity to help manage the deer herd and practice your tracking skills.

Thank you for tuning in, and we hope these tips help you have a successful and enjoyable hunting season. Happy hunting!

Key Points Discussed:Clothing and Gear OrganizationNoise ReductionLighted Nocks and BatteriesFilming Your HuntsMinimalist ApproachFinal Thoughts

Welcome back to another episode of the Generations of Hunt Podcast! This week, Matt and I are recording from the garage, so bear with us if the audio isn't perfect.

We dive into some exciting new gear updates.Matt recently got the Heat Boost Huntworth bibs and jacket for my birthday, but with the current 80-degree weather, I haven't had a chance to test them out. Matt shares his thoughts on the new VPA Broadheads, specifically the three-blade fixed head, and we discuss the benefits of different broadhead setups.

Matt has made a significant change in his hunting setup, moving from a stand to a saddle. He talks about the advantages of the Latitude sticks, which are much lighter than his previous gear, and how this change will impact his hunting strategy this season.

I share a wild story about almost getting scammed while trying to buy a new Hoyt bow. After a series of suspicious interactions and a fake motorcycle accident, I finally managed to get the bow from a legitimate seller. This experience has made me more cautious about online transactions, and I emphasize the importance of using secure payment methods like PayPal goods and services.

With September here, our excitement for deer season is ramping up. We discuss the early opening of various states' hunting seasons and the unusual early crop turn this year. This could make for an interesting mid-season, especially with the potential EHG scare due to the wet summer.

Matt shares his struggles with getting a successful food plot going this year. Despite multiple attempts and different seed brands, heavy rains have thwarted his efforts. However, he's optimistic about his latest planting and hopes it will attract deer come October.

We also touch on our out-of-state hunting plans. Matt will be heading to South Dakota for a pheasant hunt and later to Missouri for deer hunting. Looking ahead, we have trips planned to Kansas and Iowa, which promise better chances at larger bucks compared to Michigan.

As we wrap up, we reflect on the upcoming season and our strategies. Whether it's focusing on private land or exploring new public land spots, we're both eager to see what this hunting season has in store.