In this episode of InCamp, I sit down with Jared Larsen from OnX to break down practical whitetail hunting strategies that actually translate from the map to the woods. We dig into how OnX hunting tools help speed up scouting, identify killable terrain, and understand deer movement, especially during the late season.
Jared shares how he uses topography, terrain analysis, and LIDAR to uncover overlooked features that most hunters walk right past. We talk about why postseason scouting is one of the most valuable times of year, how winter sign tells the real story, and how adapting your approach based on conditions is often the difference between hoping and consistently getting opportunities.
If you’re serious about improving your whitetail hunting, learning how to scout smarter, and using hunting technology like OnX with purpose, this episode is packed with takeaways you can apply immediately.
Takeaways:
OnX simplifies scouting and terrain analysis
Topography plays a major role in deer movement
Late-season hunting means keying in on food and pressure
LIDAR reveals hidden terrain features most hunters miss
Winter scouting exposes true deer travel routes
Killable terrain matters more than deer numbers
Organized waypoints help build long-term hunting strategy
Summary:
In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, I'm talking with Travis Frank — host of The Flush TV and podcast. Travis opens up about how hunting shaped his life, from guiding fishing trips to telling the best stories in the uplands. We dig into what makes bird hunting so addicting — the dogs, the wild places, the challenges, and the payoffs.
We break down out-of-state adventure hunts, late-season strategies, and why scouting and understanding the ecosystem matter more than fancy gear. We hit on building bird dogs the right way, lessons learned from the good dogs (and the stubborn ones), and making wild game meals that remind you why the work is worth it.
This one’s packed with good stories, grit, and the heart behind conservation and mentorship — because we all have someone who showed us the way into the outdoors, and now it’s our turn.
Takeaways:
Mentorship keeps hunting alive — pass it on
Bird dogs aren’t just tools; they’re partners
Out-of-state success starts with e-scouting + habitat knowledge
Conservation is our responsibility as hunters
Wild food connects the whole experience
Summary
Ice season is almost here, and we’re diving in. In this episode of InCamp Field Notes, Drew Mininger and I talk through the gear we trust, the fish we chase, and how to keep the ice fishing camp vibe strong — especially when kids are along for the adventure. We hit the must-know safety checks, the simple setups that catch more fish, and why winter might be the most underrated time to be outdoors. If you’re fired up to drill holes, swap stories, and maybe sneak in a late-season hunt…this one’s for you.
Takeaways:
Ice safety first — spud bars, ice picks, smart decisions
Keep gear simple: rods, tackle, shelter basics that matter
How to find active fish under the ice
Make it fun: snacks, heaters, and camp storytelling with buddies and kids
Why winter hunting + fishing keeps the season alive
In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, I sit down with Autumn McEntee—trapper, predator hunter, and all-around outdoors advocate. We dig into the real fundamentals of trapping, from reading animal behavior to dialing in the right baits and lures. Autumn breaks down how mentorship shaped her journey, why the fur market still matters, and how tools like crossbows help make the outdoors more accessible.
We also talk about the growing presence of women in hunting, the importance of good gear, and those moments in the field that remind us why we love being outside. It’s a conversation rooted in respect for wildlife, growth, and keeping our traditions alive.
Takeaways:
• Success in trapping starts with understanding animal habits and habitat.
• The right baits and lures make or break your sets.
• Mentorship accelerates learning and keeps traditions strong.
• The fur market remains a renewable, usable resource.
• Crossbows open doors for new hunters and those with physical limitations.
• Women in hunting continue to push the culture forward.
• Good gear = more time, comfort, and success in the field.
• Appreciation for wildlife should guide every outdoorsman and woman.
In this Field Notes episode, I break down some of the core fundamentals from my conversation with Autumn McEntee and tie them back to real-world takeaways you can put to use in the woods. From how she reads animal behavior to the way baits, lures, and trap placement come together, this recap highlights the things that actually move the needle for trappers and predator hunters.
Takeaways:
• Animal behavior dictates everything — from travel routes to trap set choices.
• You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need the right baits and lures.
• Good mentors save years of trial and error.
• The fur market remains part of conservation and renewable use.
• Crossbows and modern gear help more people access the outdoors.
• Respect for wildlife should lead every set, shot, and decision.
In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, I sit down with Brendon Paden of Camp Co., a guy who’s doing real work for conservation, Pennsylvania hunting traditions, and the next generation coming into the woods. We dig into everything from the slow comeback of grouse to raising bird dogs, the difference between bird camp and deer camp, and why community matters in keeping our hunting heritage strong.
Brendon also opens up about his wife’s battle with cancer and how it inspired his now well-known pink shotgun project—every bird he shoots helps raise money and awareness. It’s the kind of personal journey that reminds you why the outdoors means so much more than just punching a tag.
From pheasant hunting, duck hunting, and mentored youth hunts, to giving back and building something that lasts, this one’s full of the stories and the heart hunters everywhere will connect with.
Takeaways:
Camp Co. was built around giving back and supporting conservation.
Grouse numbers show early signs of improvement in pockets of PA.
Youth engagement and mentored hunting are shaping the next generation.
The pink shotgun initiative raises awareness and funds for breast cancer.
Bird camp, deer camp—both build the camaraderie that keeps hunting alive.
Community involvement and small efforts add up in conservation.
Early outdoor experiences spark lifelong hunters
Happy Thanksgiving on this week's episode of Whitetail Brief!
Today I'm so thankful for the beautiful family and friends God has given me. I'm excited for the opening weekend of Pennsylvania Rifle season. Sharing traditions and making new ones is a past, present, and future past-time for many Pennsylvanians. There's nothing quite like deer camp.
In other news, this is the last episode of the Whitetail Brief for the season. There will be new short episodes coming out in a slightly different format that you are sure to enjoy. They might even help you learn something new or keep you in the great outdoors longer!
In this episode of the In Camp Podcast, I sit down with the deer camp crew — Rich Yoder, Justin Eberly, and Tanner Kurtz — to talk Pennsylvania firearms season opener: stories from camp, the worst drags and packouts, gear we actually trust, and the traditions that keep us coming back every season.
We get into how mentors shaped the hunters we became, the way hunting culture has changed (for better and worse), and why the PA rifle season opener still feels like Christmas morning for grown men. It’s real camp talk: the jokes, the memories, the stuff that sticks with you, and why spending time in the woods with good people matters more than any tag you fill.
Hunting stories, hunting gear talk, PA rifle season excitement, camaraderie, game-dragging strategy, and a whole lot of tradition — this one is exactly what rifle camp feels like.
Takeaways
• Mentors and old-school hunting traditions still matter.
• Rifle camp camaraderie is the glue that keeps hunters coming back.
• The crew’s favorite (and most underrated) rifle-season gear.
• Smarter ways to drag deer without breaking yourself.
• Technology’s role in how hunting traditions evolve.
• PA rifle season prep — what actually counts.
• Storytelling, humor, and camp memories.
In this episode of the Whitetail Brief, I sit down with Dave Norman as he shares a raw, firsthand look into one of his most memorable hunts. From a tense morning in the woods to the sudden rush when deer behavior shifts on a dime, Dave walks us through every moment — the encounters, the lessons, and the final 26-yard shot.
It’s a story about reading wildlife, staying patient, and trusting your shot when the time comes.
Whether you live for the challenge of archery hunting, or you just appreciate a real outdoor adventure, this conversation is packed with insight and authenticity.
Summary:
In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, I sit down with fitness coach Chandler Marchman to explore how hunting and fitness intersect to make us stronger—in the woods, in the field, and in life. We talk kettlebell training, mobility, and mental toughness, and how these tools help hunters move better, stay patient, and perform at their best. Chandler shares his journey from fitness to hunting, practical tips for building consistency, and lessons on persistence and discipline that translate from the gym to the outdoors. This conversation isn’t just about hunting or working out—it’s about how showing up every day can improve your life.
Takeaways:
• Kettlebell training enhances hunting performance.
• Mobility and movement prep are critical in the field.
• Consistent fitness routines build discipline and mental toughness.
• Persistence and patience are essential for both hunting and life.
• Personal hunting stories illustrate the value of presence and focus.
https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMANdler
This week on the InCamp Whitetail Brief, I’m breaking down what’s been one of the trickiest Pennsylvania whitetail seasons I’ve seen in a while. Deer movement hasn’t followed the usual patterns, scrapes are showing up in odd places, and the scouting game has felt off. I talk through what I’ve been seeing in the woods, how I’ve had to make in-season adjustments, and why every hunting area seems to go through cycles.
From busted hunts to unexpected success, this one’s about learning to pivot, get creative, and make the most of what the woods are giving you right now. Whether you’re in a rut (pun intended) or trying to dial in late-season strategies, this episode’s full of takeaways that’ll help you stay adaptable and keep the hunt fun.
Takeaways:
• Every hunting spot runs in cycles—don’t panic, adapt.
• Scrape activity tells a bigger story than just buck sign.
• Deer movement is shifting—stay flexible and scout smart.
• Sometimes you’ve gotta get creative and enjoy the ride.
This week on InCamp Podcast, I sit down with Victoria Friedges to talk hunting, archery, fishing, and everything that comes with living an outdoor lifestyle. We get into how family and community shape who we are as hunters, how tech and social media fit into the mix, and why it’s so important to share your story and keep learning.
Victoria’s done a little bit of everything — from running a trapline with her dad to managing hunting land and jumping into archery — and she’s honest about the challenges and growth that come with it. We talk about women finding their place in the outdoor world, staying versatile, and being the example you want others to follow when it comes to conservation and respect for the hunt.
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Takeaways
• Family and community fuel a lifelong love for hunting and fishing.
• Learning new things — like picking up archery — builds confidence and keeps it fun.
• Managing land and understanding deer behavior is all about patience and strategy.
• Social media can connect us, but responsibility matters.
• Women in the outdoors are pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation.
• Growth in hunting isn’t just about success — it’s about learning from the journey.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/she-goes-beyond/id1790348733
https://www.youtube.com/@shegoesbeyond
https://www.instagram.com/shegoesbeyondthe8/?hl=en
In this week’s Whitetail Brief I catch up with Dan Johnson and dig into the heart of rut hunting — that magical window when bucks are chasing and the woods turn electric. We talk about embracing the “rutcation” mindset: yes, you’re working a job, you’ve got family responsibilities, but this is your chance to lean into the rut and make the most of it. We share stories from the field, balancing family and time in the stand, and getting sharp on deer behaviour. The big message: when bucks are ready to breed and does aren’t quite there yet, that’s prime real estate. Weather shifts matter. Doesn’t matter how many rubs and scrapes you’ve got if the does aren’t moving. We shift focus to staging areas near doe bedding, and caution against over-calling — subtlety wins. Plus, we talk kids in the woods and using trail-camera data like gold. If you’re chasing whitetails during the rut, this one’s for you.
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Take-Aways:
• “Rutcation” is your shot at hunting during the rut even with work/family.
• Balance family + hunting = better time in the woods, less guilt.
• Study deer behaviour — that’s your edge.
• Peak window: bucks ready, does not yet.
• Weather changes = deer movement changes.
• Tracking does > obsessing over rubs and scrapes.
• Hunt where does are bedding and staging.
• Don’t over-call — subtlety gets results.
• Bring the kids — rut hunts can be memorable for everyone.
• Use trail-camera intel to plan hunts smart
Johnny Stewart joins me to break down what decades of studying whitetails have taught him. We get into scouting smart, reading deer behavior, and how timing and woodsmanship come together during the pre-rut. Johnny shares his Ohio buck story and how staying curious and observant keeps him finding success year after year. We also talk about the value of mentoring new hunters and passing on knowledge the right way — by being in the woods and learning through experience.
Takeaways
• Real-time scouting and observation beat overreliance on cameras.
• Ground scent isn’t always the deal breaker hunters think it is.
• The pre-rut window rewards patience and smart woodsmanship.
• Passing on knowledge matters — mentoring keeps hunting strong.
Summary:
In this Whitetail Brief, I’m joined by Howie Miller to talk about what’s really happening in the deer woods as October winds down. We dig into how weather, food sources, and hunting pressure are shaping deer movement right now. We also get into Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania — how it’s changed pressure — and touch on moon phases and how they might influence deer activity.
It’s one of those weeks where observation, patience, and going back to fundamentals can make all the difference.
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Takeaways:
• Adapt to what deer and conditions are showing you right now.
• Weather changes and pressure are the biggest behavior shifters.
• Scouting smart — not just often — matters most.
• Acorns and green, stemmy browse are key food sources now.
• Sunday hunting is changing how and when deer move.
• Moon phases can line up with activity — but don’t overthink it.
• Observation sits are underrated.
• Stick to fundamentals — sign, food, wind, pressure.
• Pressure moves deer fast, especially late October.
• Flexibility kills.
Summary:
In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, Jared Yalsovec joins me to talk whitetails, pressure, and the kind of in-season scouting that actually produces. We get into how observation sits shape decision-making, how deer respond when the woods start filling up, and what it takes to stay mentally sharp through the grind. Jared shares what he’s learned from years of hunting and how time with family and stepping back can sometimes move you forward. We wrap it up talking gear, scrape week, and a few hunting stories that remind us why we keep coming back.
Takeaways:
• In-season scouting keeps Jared consistently on deer.
• Observation sits reveal real-time deer behavior.
• Hunting pressure changes everything—adapt or lose ground.
• The right gear and mobility make the difference.
• Mental resets matter more than most admit.
• Scrape week is the window every serious whitetail hunter watches.
In this episode of Whitetail Brief, I was joined live in person with Jared Hulse. Jared is a versatile hunter out of PA. Fortunately, for me, he is close by. Jared has found a lot of success hunting scrapes at this time of year, and he is no stranger to in-season deer scouting to find them. Jared has gone 3 for 3 during the time that scrapes matter most, and his run and gun mobile style of hunting can't be beat!
Summary:
In this episode of InCamp Podcast, I sit down with Jace Bauserman and his son Hunter to talk all things hunting, mentorship, and family traditions in the outdoors. We dive into the stories that shaped their elk hunting seasons, Jace's Wyoming whitetail hunt, a few antelope narratives, and the lessons learned along the way. This conversation is about more than filling tags — it’s about hard work, passing on traditions, and the bond between a father and son who share a deep love for the hunt.
Takeaways:
• Hunting builds family bonds and lifelong memories.
• Mentorship is key to keeping the tradition alive.
• Preparation, faith, and perseverance make the hunt meaningful.
• The best lessons come from both the wins and the misses.
In this episode of InCamp: Whitetail Brief, our guest is a favorite of all whitetail hunters. Tony J Peterson, writer and co-host of the Wired to Hunt Podcast, joined me in the studio to help you work out your whitetail hunting plans for mid-October. AKA the dreaded October lull. Tony's wisdom in the deer hunting space is unmatched. He has helped so many hunters find the creativity to find their own way to success in the field, including my own. Take what you will from this episode, but I'm sure you're going to love every minute.
Summary:
On this episode of the InCamp Podcast, I sit down with Josh Ruiter of Trinity Bretons and Redemption Bird Dogs to dive into the world of bird dogs, upland hunting, and dog training. Josh has years of experience working with French Brittanys—a breed known for their heart, drive, and big personalities in the field.
We cover everything from training techniques and correction in training to how a dog’s personality and natural instincts shape their success. Josh shares his philosophy on handling challenges, building a bond with your dog, and tailoring training methods to fit each dog’s unique style. We also get into upland hunting strategies, the difference between hunting public and private land, and a few of Josh’s most memorable hunts—including the time his dog Moose pulled off a Thanksgiving turkey retrieve.
If you’re into bird dogs, upland hunting stories, and practical training advice, this one’s for you.
Takeaways:
• French Brittanys stand out for their heart and personality.
• Dog training must match the dog’s instincts and style.
• Handle correction in training with care to avoid setbacks.
• Great upland hunting strategies bring out the best in your dog.
• The strongest hunts happen when you trust the bond with your bird dog.
https://www.instagram.com/redemptionbirddogs/