Deer Hunt by Big Buck Registry

Original Air Date 2013

RE-release Date 2025

In this Evergreen Edition, host Jay Scott Ammann revisits one of the Big Buck Registry's most informative and enduring conversations — a deep dive with wildlife biologist Dr. Grant Woods, recorded in 2013. This remastered episode brings the original clarity of Grant's insights back to the front, exploring how science, observation, and respect for deer behavior shape ethical, effective hunting.

From deer vision and scent control to rut timing, habitat work, and trail camera use, Dr. Woods explains what decades of study have revealed about how whitetails perceive their world — and how hunters can use that knowledge responsibly.

• Grant's early research on deer scrape behavior and communication

• How those studies led to modern trail-camera strategies

• The truth about deer vision: what colors they actually see

• The science behind moon phases and rut timing

• Why fear, not food, drives most deer movement

• Dr. Woods' scent-control discipline and low-impact hunting access

• Building better food plots and habitat on The Proving Grounds

• Managing deer congregation and disease risk

• The logic behind hunting "the 5 percent" — targeting high-odds corridors

• Late-season patterns and fawn-driven rut activity

• Why venison is among the healthiest meats available

• A reminder that hunting should always be fun, ethical, and rooted in respect

Original Air Date 2013

Re-release Date 2025

In this Evergreen edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast, we're reaching back to one of our most impactful early episodes — a 2013 conversation with Dean Vanier, founder of Northwoods Common Scents.

Dean has spent over 30 years perfecting his approach to whitetail communication using 100% pure scent — and in this masterclass, he shares how hunters can use scent not as a gimmick, but as a tool for understanding and influencing deer behavior.

We cover:

• Mock scrapes, drag rags, and the concept of the "virtual deer"

• Why buck urine is underrated early in the season

• Dean's scent layering strategy through all phases of the rut

• How scent helps you "talk" to deer using their own instincts

• And how the industry has changed since this episode first aired — including CWD laws, synthetic scents, and ATA/RHA certification

Dean's methods are still converting skeptical hunters to this day — and his passion for woodsmanship through scent makes this one of the most timeless episodes in our archive.

🎧 Listen now to revisit a true craftsman in the deer woods.

Original Air Date: 2013 Re-release Date: 2025 Guest: Randy Gagne, Master Bow Technician – Morse's Sporting Goods (Hillsborough, NH)

Episode Summary:

In this special re-release of Episode 15, we sit down with master bow technician Randy Gagne of Morse's Sporting Goods to explore the fundamentals of compound bow setup, arrow tuning, broadhead prep, and ethical archery. Originally recorded in 2013, this episode is part of our Evergreen Series—timeless interviews remastered for today's listeners, with fresh updates and modern context.

Randy has long been one of New England's most sought-after bow techs. From draw length and string life to crossbows, rest types, and seasonal prep, this episode delivers a masterclass in bowhunting setup that's just as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.

Now in 2025, we also revisit Randy's journey—including his expansion into taxidermy, and how his role has evolved in preserving both the gear and the memories of a successful hunt.

• How to determine correct draw length and poundage

• The difference between fixed and mechanical broadheads

• Why proper string maintenance is essential (and what can go wrong)

• How to check your arrows for hidden issues

• The evolution of whisker biscuits and drop-away rests

• Why tuning matters more than brand

• How crossbows have transformed the archery world

• Randy's real-world tips for storing, prepping, and practicing with your bow

• What's changed in bowhunting technology since 2013

• How Randy's work has expanded into taxidermy and memory preservation

In the intro and commentary, Jay shares how the following have advanced since the original airing:

• Cam tech (Bowtech DeadLock, Mathews SwitchWeight)

• Carbon risers and flagship bows like the Hoyt RX-8, Mathews LIFT

• Strings (pre-stretched, peep-alignment without tubing)

• Arrows (micro-diameter, high FOC, spine consistency)

• Broadheads (SEVR, Iron Will, Magnus, Rage, G5)

• Crossbows (e.g., Ravin R500 @ 505 fps)

• Smart tech (Garmin Xero, digital rangefinding, app-based tuning)

Influencer shoutouts include: 🧠 John Dudley 🏹 Levi Morgan 🎯 Chris Bee 📏 Tim Gillingham 🏔️ Cameron Hanes