In this episode, I sit down with Cameron from Hawk Optics and we dig into the nuts and bolts of actually learning deer—how pressure, access, and human movement shape their behavior more than most folks realize. We talk about deer living in cattails, how their senses change with terrain, and why wind and entry routes quietly decide most hunts before you ever climb a tree. From a memorable Halloween sit to hard lessons pulled from past mistakes, this one’s about paying attention, adapting on the fly, and letting experience—not shortcuts—do the heavy lifting. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 471 Access routes and human pressure often dictate deer movement  Deer use their senses differently depending on terrain, especially in cattails and open cover Wind direction quietly determines most encounters before a hunt ever starts Bedding preferences shift with pressure and environment, requiring adaptable setups Experience sharpens shot selection and decision-making in tight windows Patience and observation reveal patterns that cameras alone can’t teach Learning from past mistakes is the foundation for future success SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever hit that point in the season where you feel stuck—like the woods went quiet, the weather won’t cooperate, and your free time evaporated—this episode is for you. Chad Sylvester and I sit down and unpack everything from post-rut recovery to why late season success has far more to do with mindset and time management than perfect conditions. We get into the trap of comparing your season to anyone else’s, how to qualify your own process so you're actually improving, and what it looks like to reset and find opportunity when the plan starts to unravel. If you’re trying to figure out how to make the most of what’s left of the season—or how to learn from it—this is the kind of conversation that brings you back to center. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 470 Late-season hunting demands adaptability, strategic thinking, and realistic expectations. Feeling “stuck” is common in the deer woods, and shifting your perspective can open new opportunities. Time management and planning hunts around the best weather windows greatly improve success. Every hunt—successful or not—should be treated as an intel-gathering mission for future decisions. Comparison to other hunters derails progress; the real work happens in qualifying your own process. Regularly evaluating and adjusting your strategy is essential for long-term growth. Hunting is a slow burn—patience, mindset, and continuous learning matter more than short-term results. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is one of those conversations that feels more like sitting around a tailgate after a long hunt than recording a podcast. Tony and I get into all the stuff most folks don’t ever say out loud—the weird mix of privilege and pressure in modern hunting, what ‘authenticity’ even means anymore when everything online looks perfect, and how easy it is to forget what actually matters in this whole deal. We swap some stories about blown opportunities, the headaches of losing access and trying to scratch out a hunt on public, and the kind of hunts that shape you—especially the ones where nothing comes easy. We get into family hunts, the pull of different landscapes, and what it looks like to reevaluate your goals after a few seasons that didn’t go the way you planned. It’s raw, honest, and exactly the kind of conversation I think hunting needs more of. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 469 Authenticity matters more than ever in a digital world full of curated hunting content. Access—both private and public—shapes nearly every part of a hunter’s experience and opportunity. Missed chances and lost hunting ground take an emotional toll, but they’re also part of what makes the journey meaningful. Financial privilege and trophy-driven expectations can distort what real hunting success looks like. Family hunts and genuine time outdoors provide the fulfillment that social media can’t replicate. Link in Bio:  SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this one, we’re talking gear. Not a gear breakdown that’s chalked full of “here’s the free gear I received that I’m obligated to tell you about”…there are plenty of people who do those. I’m going to focus on …you know…things I actually use. With a heavy focus on stuff I keep in my truck as everyday carry for hunting season or just general preparedness. Lots of deals for the holiday season, so I figured I may be using something you could benefit from, and you may be able to find a deal on some of these items  this time of year! WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 468 Truck prep for the bug out hunt and everyday carry  Power and water scarcity - not just for hunting Boots and socks Key apparel pieces If I had to pick my go to pieces SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this one, I walk you through a hunt that didn’t go the way I drew it up on the map. I lost access to ground overnight, the weather shut deer movement down, and I spent most of the trip bouncing around trying to find doe groups and make something happen with a longbow. It was frustrating, humbling, and honestly exactly the kind of hunt that teaches you more than a filled tag ever will. If you’ve had a season where nothing comes easy, this episode will probably hit close to home. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 467 Losing access to ground mid-trip can derail a hunt fast and forces you to rethink your entire plan. Weather swings can shut deer movement down, making it critical to adapt and stay mobile. Hunting pressure and limited access can shrink your options and demand better decision-making. Longbow hunting magnifies every mistake—five yards or a split-second can make or break an encounter. Every hunt—successful or not—adds to your understanding of deer behavior and sharpens your instincts. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠⁠⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠ —Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠⁠⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠⁠⁠⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠⁠⁠⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spartan Forge⁠⁠⁠⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠⁠⁠ —⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Dan Johnson to talk about the chaos and beauty of the late rut — that unpredictable stretch when bucks are worn down, patterns fall apart, and you’ve got to grind for every opportunity. We swap stories from this season’s hunts, including Dan’s tough-as-nails mule deer trip and the lessons that came with it. From landlocked access battles and busted stalks to adjusting when the weather and the deer both refuse to cooperate, this one’s packed with hard-earned truths.  WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 466 Every day after the peak rut gets tougher, so you’ve got to work smarter, not harder. Cattle, terrain, and pressure can flip a hunt upside down — adaptability is everything. Missed shots and hard hunts teach more than perfect ones ever will. Humor and perspective keep the grind fun, whether you’re in the stand or in business. At the end of the day, it’s not about the tag — it’s about loving the process. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠⁠ —Check out ⁠⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠⁠⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠⁠⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠Spartan Forge⁠⁠⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠⁠ —⁠⁠⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠ —Check out ⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠⁠Spartan Forge⁠⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠ —⁠⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Pennsylvania hunter Dominic Palombo to talk about what it really takes to find success in the deer woods. We get into his journey as a hunter, the value of putting in the miles and hours before the season, and how patience and humility shape the kind of hunter you become. Dominic breaks down his approach to scouting, how he uses trail cameras to build a plan, and the importance of developing real relationships with landowners. He also walks us through the story of a buck that taught him more about persistence than any tag ever could. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 465 Preparation and hard work in the off-season set the stage for success. Scouting and understanding deer behavior are key to consistent results. True hunters carry humility and learn from missed opportunities. Finding the right spot takes persistence and creative problem-solving. Trail cameras can enhance strategy but never replace woodsmanship. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠ —Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠ —⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Chad Sylvester to break down what it takes to level up. We dig into his recent trip to Idaho—a hunt that didn’t exactly go as planned but came loaded with lessons that stick. We talk about when to double down on what you do best and when to push past your comfort zone to grow as a hunter. From understanding terrain-specific deer behavior to balancing specialization with adaptability, this one’s all about the mental side of the game—how you think, adjust, and evolve season after season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 464 Mastering your whitetail hunt requires a diverse toolkit and adaptable mindset. Specialization builds confidence but can narrow your perspective. Chad’s Idaho hunt delivered hard-earned lessons and real-world insights. Micro-terrain and historical data hold the keys to consistent deer encounters. Familiarity bias can stall growth—explore new ground and learn from it. Listening to what the hunt tells you is often more valuable than any plan. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Jake Hofer to talk all things whitetail — the anticipation of the season, the emotional rollercoaster of chasing mature bucks, and the critical stretch we all know as scrape week. We dig into the fine details that separate good hunts from great ones — how to actually read scrapes, what deer are telling you through their behavior, and how trail cameras can guide your timing if you know what to look for. This one’s all about refining your process, trusting your gut, and letting the deer — not the hype — dictate your strategy. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 463 The anticipation for deer season fuels every hunter’s mindset. Influences like Bobby Worthington shape modern whitetail thinking. Emotional highs and lows define the pursuit of mature bucks. Scrape week is a pivotal window for capitalizing on deer movement. Trail cameras are tools — not replacements for woodsmanship. Adapting your strategy and trusting instincts lead to consistent success. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Dom Bolognese  to talk about balancing real life with the obsession of chasing deer. We get into mentorship, adapting to different terrains, and the art of reading deer behavior—especially in high-pressure and suburban areas. Dom breaks down what it takes to consistently find and kill mature bucks, from asking permission to hunt private ground to understanding when baiting can actually make sense. It’s a gritty, honest look at how hard work, local knowledge, and discipline come together to make success in the whitetail woods possible. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 462 Balancing work, life, and hunting keeps the passion sustainable. Supportive partners and mentors make all the difference in a hunter’s growth. Local knowledge and terrain awareness drive consistent success. Early season hunts often offer the best odds for patterning mature deer. Asking permission and building trust with landowners can unlock new opportunities. Trail cameras and scouting reveal hidden patterns  The true reward of hunting comes from the process, not just the shot. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠ —Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras — Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15  —Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20 —Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt  —Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠ —⁠Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Justin Tabor to talk about the grind of deer hunting, balancing family life, and why discipline matters just as much in the gym as it does in the woods. Justin and I dive into the emotional side of chasing deer—the highs of connecting on a good buck, the frustration of tough seasons, and the lessons that come from spending time in the hills. We get into how travel hunting sharpens your skills, the importance of paying attention to details and deer behavior, and why building relationships with landowners through door knocking can open new opportunities. This one is about more than just filling a tag—it’s about savoring the wins, learning from the misses, and chasing that next challenge. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 461 Discipline in Fitness & Hunting – Justin shares how staying disciplined in the gym builds the same mental toughness needed in the woods. Travel Hunting Lessons – Hunting new states forces adaptation, sharpens strategies, and makes you a better hunter. Attention to Detail – Understanding deer behavior, reading terrain, and focusing on genetics can tip the odds in your favor. Balancing Family & Hunting – Supportive partners and good planning make it possible to chase deer without sacrificing family life. Celebrate, Then Reset – Savor the win when you tag out but quickly shift focus to the next challenge. Relationships & Access – Door knocking and building trust with landowners can unlock new hunting opportunities. The Emotional Side of Hunting – The thrill of the chase, lessons from failure, and shared experiences are what keep hunters coming back. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with my buddy Tyler Jones to talk about life, hunting, and the lessons that tie them together. We get into the joys and struggles of parenting — from youth sports to that bittersweet moment when kids start stepping into adulthood — and how those same lessons apply in the deer woods. Tyler and I swap stories about hunting around cornfields, building a calculated approach for early season sits, and staying mentally sharp when the hunt doesn’t go your way. We dig into travel hunts, reading new terrain, and setting realistic expectations so you can enjoy the process instead of obsessing over the outcome. More than anything, this one is about humility, perspective, and letting hunting shape who we are — in the timber and at home. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 460 Be present and engaged with your kids as they grow. Adapt hunting strategies and life plans as circumstances change. Observation and patience are key to both parenting and hunting. Early season success requires a calculated, disciplined approach. Serving others and staying humble builds lasting fulfillment. Perspective and gratitude turn challenges into growth. Gritty experiences make success more meaningful. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Jacob Emery to talk about everything from early-season Tennessee whitetails to raising the next generation of hunters. We get into the highs and lows of last year’s hunts, what it takes to be efficient in the field, and why preparation is the backbone of consistent success. Jacob shares the joy of hunting with his kids, the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with time in the woods, and the perspective that comes with seeing hunting as more than just chasing antlers. We also talk about guided hunts in Texas, dream hunts in Iowa, and how to make the most of the handful of perfect days each season gives you. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 459 Preparation Wins: Scouting, timing, and planning are the backbone of early-season success, especially in challenging places like Tennessee. Efficiency Matters: Making the most of prime days and hunting smart leads to better outcomes with limited time. Memories Over Antlers: The best seasons are measured by the experiences and lessons learned, not just the size of the buck. Adapt and Learn: Every season brings new challenges, mistakes, and opportunities for growth. Balance Is Key: Navigating family responsibilities while chasing deer requires communication and realistic expectations. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Derrick Dixon to dig into some next-level whitetail insights. Derrick has been blending old-school woodsmanship with cutting-edge drone research, and what he’s uncovering about deer behavior—especially around wind shifts, thermals, and how individual bucks move—is flat-out fascinating. We talk about the legacy of land management, the balance between hunting and photography, and those “aha” moments you only get from being in the field day after day. From pre-rut patterns to the chaos of peak rut, Derrick lays out strategies that prove the value of scouting, adaptability, and keeping things hands-on, no matter how much technology you use. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 458 The move from hunting to wildlife photography opened the door to deeper research opportunities. Using drones has revealed new details about deer movement, wind shifts, and unique individual behaviors. Bucks often show personality-driven patterns—home range size, trail use, and scent-checking habits all vary. Thermals and wind shifts play a massive role in how and when deer move. Scouting looks very different in ag country compared to hill country, and both require adaptability. Technology is useful, but nothing replaces boots-on-the-ground experience and field time. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Bill Thompson to dig into the overlap between hunting and jiu-jitsu. We talk about why having a system matters, how asking the right questions sharpens your approach, and why mindset is everything when the pressure is on—whether you’re on the mats or in the whitetail woods. Bill shares how flow state isn’t just a buzzword but a real advantage in both disciplines, and why chasing small, incremental improvements can lead to big results over time. We get into the way social media warps what “success” looks like, the value of teaching the next generation, and how reflection and journaling can make you a better hunter and a better person. Bill also gives us a peek into his upcoming season and what’s next for Spartan Forge, with an emphasis on doing things the right way—building quality tools and investing in the hunting community. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 457 Hunting and jiu-jitsu both demand embracing discomfort and challenges. Systems and asking the right questions lead to better decision-making. Flow state creates clarity and therapy in both the woods and on the mats. The process of growth is more valuable than the end result. Mindset and grounded confidence shape outcomes in hunting and life. Small, consistent improvements build long-term success. Passing lessons to the next generation keeps traditions alive. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15  —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt  —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices