We hit record, crack jokes, and somehow end up doing a full 2025 deer season year-in-review with the crew—public land chaos, private land chirping, a perfectly-orchestrated deer drive, and the universal truth that the freezer doesn’t fill itself (unfortunately). You’ll hear: Tyler’s first real taste of public land deer hunting (and the humbling that comes with it) The Thanksgiving-ish deer drive that turned into a full-blown tradition Matt’s “dumb luck” story that includes a 47-yard double-lung from the ground… after ditching the camera (as is tradition) Derek’s heater of a season across Wisconsin + Illinois, capped by the best kind of win: his son taking his first deer A few real talk moments on what Okayest Hunter actually stands for—kindness isn’t weakness, community matters, and the loudest negativity doesn’t get to define the mission It’s funny, it’s rowdy, it’s heartfelt in the least convenient way… and it’s the perfect sendoff into almost 2026. Brought to you by Nosler. Shoot straight. Keep it tight. And try not to lose your boots in the marsh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we dig into one of the wildest public-land stories you’ll ever hear: the real-life unraveling of an albino deer poaching case, caught on camera and traced step-by-step across a marsh in Wisconsin. We break down the ethics, the law, the selfishness debate, and the tension between technology, responsibility, and what it really means to hunt with integrity. From cell cams to drones to deer camp dynamics, this one pulls apart the whole mess with honesty, humor, and a hard look at what hunters owe each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walking out the door to the deer woods feels a lot different when there’s a spouse at home, kids melting down, and a to-do list a mile long. Hunting fills your cup, but sometimes it drains everyone else’s. On this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, Eric and Derek tackle the “taboo” topic almost no hunting shows touch: what deer season really does to marriages, families, and modern dads. We talk honestly about guilt, selfishness, “hunting season survivor” spouses, and how easy it is to overdraft your family’s emotional bank account chasing a few precious sits in November. We also share the story behind our Sweet November Sweepstakes, why we had to nuke our old Apple Podcasts feed (and all the reviews with it), and how the Okayest community rallied to rebuild ratings from scratch. There’s a live winner draw, plenty of laughs about tech issues and vertical video chaos, and some surprisingly heavy moments about generational deer camp, getting kids involved, and raising a family that still wants to come “home” to the woods with you. If you’re a hunter who loves your family as much as you love the rut—and a spouse who’s ever felt like a hunting widow—this one’s for you. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review on the new Okayest Podcast Network feed so more okayest hunters (and their better halves) can find the show. Presented by Nosler: CODE OHP for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deer hearts on the cutting board, chili on the stove, and kids shaking in their boots at first light, this one’s pure deer camp. We break down Derek's son Gus dropping his first gun-season doe with the .350 Legend, from the shaky hands and cold toes to calling grandma and grandpa with the news and dragging her out as three generations share the moment. We swap deer camp hunting stories with the .300 Win Mag, Damien’s swamp donkey drag from hell, and Derek's buddy Mike finally tagging a big, wide 7-pointer after nearly three decades of grinding it out on tough ground. Of course, we talk about the viral Clayton gag video, soft-handed internet haters, buck shaming, tattoos for deer camp, and why we’re still fighting for a hunting culture where any legal deer is worth celebrating. There’s some gear talk and housekeeping too: Nosler’s Black Friday deals, Latitude, Gerber, Rack Hub, a Moultrie Edge Solar cam giveaway, and our loaded November sweepstakes. We wrap it all in gratitude—for our kids, our buddies, our wives who hold the fort down, and the deer that make all of this possible. Grab a bowl of chili, hug your people, and enjoy the deer camp recap. Enter our November Sweepstakes here: https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-fred-bear-sweet-november-sweepstakes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deer Camp week is finally here, and Eric's deer camp buddies show up in full force. Clayton’s rocking the rut-stache, Colton makes his podcast debut, Joel’s ready to hunt the thick stuff, Mike’s on Celsius all caffeinated up, and Eric’s just trying to keep the cords plugged in and the bourbon upright. Calls come in, stories fly, and somehow we cover everything from crossbows to childhood trauma, dolphin tattoos, chili debates, Mallort curses, cabin chaos, Kwik Trip addictions, dads getting stuck in trucks, and the annual reminder that nobody gags harder during a gut job than Clayton. Shane calls in to share he's heading to Adams County, Wisconsin. Colton learns what he definitely doesn’t want to grow into. And the crew tries (and fails) to stay on a single topic for more than 11 seconds. It’s the most unhinged, authentic, big-buck-dreaming, belly-laughing Deer Camp episode we’ve ever recorded. Sorry, kinda. Good luck this weekend. Stay safe, shoot straight, and may your Mallort shot not curse your season. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rut is in full swing across Wisconsin! Eric, Greg, and the Okayest Hunter crew swap stories about missed shots, grunting bucks, and the kind of chaos only November can bring. From public land heartbreaks to private land success, this episode dives deep into the madness of the whitetail rut, listener call-ins, and real talk about what keeps us chasing deer season after season. Presented by ⁠Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The boys are back in the studio, and this episode captures everything we love about November deer season: chaos, laughter, and a little bit of rut-crazed magic. Eric, Derek, and the Okayest Hunter podcast listeners trade stories about lost gear, hernias, and arm-wrestling gone wrong before diving into real hunting talk—rifle sight-ins, saddle setups, and the eternal struggle between safety and convenience in the tree. As calls roll in from listeners across the country, we get live rut reports from Wisconsin, New York, and beyond—bucks chasing, wolves appearing out of nowhere, and the kind of adrenaline-filled encounters that remind you why November is sacred. There’s even a few surprise guests, from moms dropping big deer to first-timers filling tags the Okayest way. If you’re looking for deer camp energy and a reminder that we’re all just big kids building tree forts with bows, this one’s for you. Brought to you by: Nosler, Latitude Outdoors, Gerber Gear, Rack-Hub, and your favorite deer camp traditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Keith joins the crew to share one of the wildest public land hunting stories we’ve heard yet... from overcoming fear and hunting alone, to dropping a big Wisconsin buck… and earning himself a double hernia in the process. It’s a story about grit, growth, and why you never leave before last light. Presented by: Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by Kevin Vistisen from the Deer Hunter Podcast for an honest and entertaining deer camp chat. We cover everything from the science of deer vision and UV light, to why camo patterns might be more for people than deer, and how ego, gear, and gratitude shape the modern hunter. It’s equal parts science, storytelling, and Okayest Hunter banter, and brutally honest takes about hunting culture today. Presented by Nosler Shoutout to our partners, Latitude Outdoors, Gerber Gear, and Rack Hub. Hunt your own hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two bucks down, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of chaos. The crew sits down to swap stories from an unforgettable week in the deer woods, where years of friendship, scouting, and sheer grit finally pay off. From youth hunts to public land redemption, this one’s packed with lessons on patience, pressure, and what it really means to hunt your own hunt. It's story time in the Okayest Hunter studio. Presented by: Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sat down with Before the Echo’s Josh Teulker to talk about how priorities shift in hunting, and life, as we get older. From a guy who’s got 20 mounts collecting dust, Josh shares how chasing inches slowly gave way to chasing memories. We get into what happens in that ten-second window before the shot, why ego and antlers are often confused for value, and how hunting with friends (or your kids) changes everything. It’s equal parts campfire talk and reality check, with plenty of laughs about crow calls, EHD, and how no one ever talked trash at the old deer check stations. Presented by Nosler: Use Code OHP for 20% Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to be a deer hunter? In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we sit down to talk with John Stellflue about the stages of a hunter’s journey: shooting, limiting out, chasing trophies, and finally finding meaning in memories, camaraderie, and time afield. From big buck fever and scoring disappointment to lessons learned as fathers, mentors, and friends, this conversation digs into the culture of deer hunting, ego, and why camp matters more than inches of antler. Presented by: https://www.nosler.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hot temps, swarms of mosquitoes, and the eternal struggle of when to draw back... we’re in the thick of early-season deer hunting. Eric and Derek swap stories from the woods, from bug-bitten earlobes to kayak-access hunts, and dig into the challenges of making the shot when it counts. We also break down fresh sign, trail cam pressure, family hunting chaos, and why picking the right spot (and the right knife) can make all the difference. Toss in some gear talk with Nosler, Latitude, Gerber, and Rack Hub, plus listener call-ins that keep it real, this one’s packed with the highs, lows, and humor of chasing whitetails before the rut. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you get fired from your job, invest in a thermal drone, and log over 2,000 hours of thermal drone footage on mature whitetails? You start busting hunting myths wide open. In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we’re joined by Derrick Dixon of Whitetail Research, who’s using next-level drone technology to track deer movement, bedding, funnels, and thermals in ways hunters have never seen before. Derek shares how his research is confirming some long-held whitetail wisdom, while completely flipping other assumptions on their head. From how bucks really use wind and thermals, to why trail cameras can mislead weekend warriors, this conversation is a deep dive into big buck behavior backed by data, not guesswork. Key takeaways: What 2,000+ hours of drone observation revealed about mature buck movement Thermals vs. wind: which one deer actually rely on most Why your trail cameras might be lying to you How time of day changes everything for big buck activity Practical ways hunters can apply this research to limited sits If you’re serious about learning the truth behind whitetail movement or just love deer hunting podcasts that dig deeper than campfire stories, this one is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Presented by: Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From dealing with ego and authenticity in the hunting space to finding balance between ambition and contentment, this conversation covers it all. We dive into the “old guard” versus the new wave of hunters, why gimmicks come and go, and how trust is earned in the community. We also talk about chasing big bucks versus simply enjoying time in the woods, the role of luck versus preparation, and the parallels between deer hunting, business, and family life. At the heart of it, hunting isn’t about proving anything to anyone else. It’s about shaping your own journey, staying grounded, and finding joy wherever you can. Presented by: Nosler. Use code OHP for 20% off at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast brings Thomas Kotz into the studio from Henry Repeating Arms for a conversation that covers a lot of ground. From the history of lever guns to what makes Henry rifles a favorite among whitetail hunters. We dig into bear hunting stories from Wisconsin and Montana, the appeal of small game, and the old-school tradition of still-hunting deer in the Northwoods. There’s plenty of talk about rifles, hunting culture, and a few lessons the deer woods are always quick to hand out. If you’re after a deer hunting podcast that mixes honest stories, gear talk, and the kind of camp banter most of us live for, this one’s worth a listen. Presented by: Nosler — Use code OHP for 20% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colton Koza joins the show to share how he made his way from Missouri to Wisconsin, his background as a competitive trap shooter (including a national championship), and how he’s transitioning into chasing whitetails and turkeys on Wisconsin public land. We dive into the realities of hunting pressure, trail cameras, climbing gear, and the quirks of Midwest terrain compared to the Ozarks. From stories about shooting sports and college life to swapping strategies for deer season prep, this one’s equal parts camaraderie and practical insight. If you’ve ever debated saddles vs. climbers, wondered how Missouri hardwoods stack up against Wisconsin swamps, or just love hunting camp banter, you’ll feel right at home. Presented by Nosler—use code OHP for 20% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scouting new ground means making your best guess and seeing if the deer prove you right... or wrong. This week, we’re talking trail cam strategy, mock scrapes, reading food sources like white oaks, and why ugly spots often hold the biggest bucks. From setting “traps” with cameras to second-guessing every move until the first shooter buck hits the dirt, it’s all part of figuring out new ground the Okayest way. Presented by Nosler. Use code OHP at checkout and save 20%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of dropping pins, Derek sits down with fellow podcast host Anthony Heller of the Deer Vane podcast. Anthony is a seasoned podcast who has logged more than 200 episodes on the Deer Vane podcast title. He’s also one hell of a deer hunter and in the past, few years has connected on some gorgeous books, both on private and public ground In this episode, we talk about multiple factors that have led to both his and Derek success over the years. Anthony breaks down a couple different ideas and tactics that have helped him learn, sometimes the hard way, to predict big buck travel, and when he can intercept them.  We talk about how time in the woods is such a contributing factor to success and how to optimize your time through the use of trail cameras, cell cameras, and monitoring the weather for things like weather changes, cold fronts and wind switches. We also discussed the placement of trail cams over scrapes and Nir hunting locations to maximize the time that you do get in the woods as a busy adult. Anthony then walks us through both of his  big buck kills  from the previous season and the factors that led to him being in that spot and also how we made it happen from the ground on a beautiful public land buck.  Plenty of big buck ideas and nuances have been discussed in this podcast, and I’m sure you’ll have lots to learn. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foam Fest brought hunters from across the country, literally. Eric and Matt recap this year’s event, from youth shed hunts and trick shots to prize bows and gear giveaways from Nosler, Gerber, Bear Archery, and more. They share stories from first-time shooters, long-distance attendees, and the chaos that makes Foam Fest special. Then the conversation shifts to archery fundamentals—tuning your bow, anchor points, muscle memory, and the fixed vs. mechanical broadhead debate, plus the hard-earned lessons that come from missed shots, recovered deer, and gear that works when it counts. Presented by: Nosler — CODE OPH for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices