Explore every episode of the podcast Big Woods Bucks - Deer Hunting -Education & Entertainment

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Q9K3fjt3Eec

What a week! Despite the warm weather the hunters in camp did great work, putting several big bucks on the pole. Tune in to hear the report from Big Woods Outfitters in Jackman, Maine.

In this episode, the podcast crew sit down with Frank DeSantis, a Gloversville native who hunts out of a hunting camp built in 1963. Frank discusses what life at a traditional Adirondack deer camp is like, and how to put on deer drives--a staple of Adirondack hunting.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/pr4SLh-3_zM

The most critical part of the track can often be sealing the deal in the last 100 yards. That's when you need to apply everything he's taught you along the way. One of you is going to mess up, and it better be that buck! Great advice and stories from Hal and Lee abound on this episode that will help you seal the deal.

In this episode, the gang sits down with Adirondack guide Frank Shaw. Frank has decades of big woods bucks and brookies under this belt, and some great insight into what it takes to be an Adirondack guide. This one is heavy on fishing!

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/oXZFMTzxFw4

Being observant is one of the most critical skills of a big woods hunter. On this episode Hal and Lee talk about what you can see in the tracks, what the animals and woods around you can tell you, and which details are most important and deserve to be studied.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DIqhUX5CK-M

Deer season is right around the corner! Time to make sure your gear's in order, you're in shape and you've done your scouting. Hal and Lee are talking through tips to make sure you have your best season.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/KDI5NWt0UNc

By popular request Hal and Lee have advice and tips for you on field care, processing and preparation to ensure that eating on your big woods deer, moose, bear and more is as enjoyable as the hunt!

In this episode, Steve Ovitt, who served as a NYS Forest Ranger for 25 years, comes on to discuss searches and rescues, survival tips, and of course Adirondack buck hunting.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

In this episode, Joel Aubrey sits down for an interview to discuss his 10-year obsession with studying, putting trail cameras on, and hunting scrapes in the Adirondacks.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'ADK' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/JuvoYhGU8y8

Hal and Lee are talking with Dale and Mitchell from Barnes about the best ammo for the big woods, pack dumps, and why Mitchell thinks Hal could use some pack goats to help him drag. Great stories and a great conversation!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n3R1kfp3Z5o

Hal and Lee talk about the unique considerations for trail cameras when hunting the big woods, where there's so much land to cover and the animals are less patternable. Do they still have a place in the big woods?

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5LmqVIcwFM8

Hal and Lee have been Master Maine Guides for a combined 60+ years. That's a lot of time in the woods guiding clients from all over for deer, moose, bear and more, but that's not the least of what the job entails! On this episode Hal and Lee dive into the misconceptions about the lifestyle of a Maine guide and what it really takes to be successful at it, year after year, for decades. These are the best in the business, but do they love it? You be the judge.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/vQeWMQ_U31E

Training for shooting in the Big Woods is a little different than for most other types of hunting. Our shot opportunities are close and fleeting. Success takes an optimization of speed and accuracy that is reminiscent of the 'Combat Accuracy' they teach in the finest shooting schools, military and law enforcement. With that in mind, Hal and Lee are talking training with Ken Campbell, CEO of the world-renowned Gunsite Academy, founded by Col. Jeff Cooper, as well as BWB's own Brad Willey, to share their best advice for capitalizing on that critical shot opportunity. 

Legendary Adirondack woodsman Jim Abbott is back on the podcast for a follow-up session full of tales from the backcountry: stories of backcountry rescues, lost trapper huts, local southern Adirondack lore, and a full of hour of buck stories.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'ADK' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mSqCPwWyBrA

There's danger in big woods hunting. On this episode Hal and Lee sit down to talk about close calls they've had over the years, and how they prepare to avoid or get themselves out of dangerous situations.

The gang sits down to cover all their top deer stories from the 2025 season, including Austin's buck and Scott's buck from tent hunting with Brian. The crew also covers what's in store for 2026 from BWB on the business and product side of things.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'ADK' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/7VK-tEYTS8w

Our good friend Joe DiNitto came to the launch party for the Henry Long Ranger Big Woods Carbine and sat down for a quick podcast with Hal and Lee. It's always a fun conversation with Joe!

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/ENVkmMaiDCA

The first good look you get at a big woods buck might be after he's on the ground! So it's important to know how to read his tracks and the sign he's leaving to figure out if he's the big old buck you want to fill your tag with. Hal, Lee and Scott discuss the nuances of interpreting behaviors and sign left by roaming bucks to judge their maturity.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/o0dXBjMtT1k

Hal's annual deer clinics are a condensed masterclass in woodsmanship, navigation, scouting and hunting for big woods whitetails. On this episode Hal and Lee are talking about the most valuable lessons from deer clinics of years past as well as what happened this year that has never happened before.

Watch this Episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/WPL_cbBmXcU

Recorded live at the official launch party for the Henry Long Ranger Big Woods Carbine at Frank's Gun Shop in Amsterdam, NY! Hal and Lee take a few minutes during the launch party to sit down with Dan Clayton-Luce and Tom Kotz from Henry. The guys talk about the special design details and features of this great rifle, the journey to bring it to life and what other guns and calibers might be next!

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/WQpO7Dnowc0

Ron Hardt has spent his life wandering the woods from Alaska and northern Canada to Northern Maine, not just surviving but truly living. Hal and Lee sit down with Ron to talk woodsmanship skills, stories, tools and concepts that anyone can use to overcome their fears and become a proficient woodsman.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/CGk8mX92DEc

On this episode Hal and Lee are going through the most influential books they've read over the years about deer hunting and woodsmanship. It's a trip down memory lane and a good reading list for all big woods hunters. 

In this episode, the gang sits down and talks with Todd Mead, author of A Lifetime of Big Woods Hunting Memories (2010), Back Country Bucks: From the Adirondacks and Beyond (2012), and Pursuing Public Land Bucks: DIY Hunts from the Mountains to the Midwest (2019). Todd is a distinguished Adirondack hunter who primarily sits, and in this episode he discusses the tactics he uses for success sitting in the big woods.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-... 

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-...

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v1H_RkBKzeA

The most common question about big woods hunting is how to get started doing it. If you've never hunted before or even if you've spent decades hunting other ways, the big woods can be overwhelming and intimidating. In this podcast Hal and Lee break it down into simple steps you can take to get the knowledge you need and get started hunting the big woods.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/bxodavSsJ8Y

Big Woods Bucks' own Caleb Lewis took his BWB Long Ranger into the big woods of 3 different states last season: Maine, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. He saw some action! Join Hal and Lee as they talk to Caleb about his season, some running and gunning controversy, and the differences he saw in the big woods across these states.

In this episode of the Adirondack Hunt Podcast, Brian and Mark sit down and talk with Tony and Pete Bruno about a lifetime of adventures hunting the Adirondacks out of wall tents set up deep in the backcountry.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Check out the BWB Edition tent here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition/

Check out the BWB Edition bundle here: https://www.seekoutside.com/redcliff-6p-2-0-bwb-edition-hot-tent-bundle

Book your next hunt on Phindyr: https://www.phindyr.com/

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/1FGpguPDW5o

Mark Scheeren started hunting the big woods 20 years ago and since then he has been optimizing rifles for this style of hunting. Join Mark, Hal and Lee as they talk about finding the rifle that fits and works for you, big woods cartridges and the Big Woods Bucks partnership with Henry Repeating Arms, designed to bring you more and better big woods rifle options that fit your style of hunting.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/TKzf3OrkKPY

Connecticut Carl is a longtime friend of Big Woods Bucks and a local legend. He has stories, pictures and videos galore of hunting big woods bucks going back 40 years, with some of the greatest hunters like Fred Goodwin. On this episode Hal and Lee sit down with Carl to talk big woods hunting and watch some of his old home movies with him, reminiscing about how big woods hunting used to be.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uG_8OHljpjU

Moving through the big woods quietly is one of those critical skills that seasoned veterans take for granted but that new hunters often have a hard time figuring out. On this episode Hal and Lee talk about how and where to step, where not to walk, working on your balance, fine tuning gear and more.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/RQrQ-jhJOrM

Sunday hunting, the introduction of wolves, baiting deer, lynx, endangered species, flintlock seasons, another moose season and more! Hal and Lee get into all the hot regulation topics that many of you have asked about across big woods country, as well as the important difference between what's legal and what's ethical.

Watch this podcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/iyRL0RxWn6A

On this episode Hal and Lee take a look at some mistakes and hard lessons they saw hunters experience this past season, and talk about how you can learn from these lessons to be as ready as you can be for the best big woods hunt you can have.

Watch this podcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/BqWQqRfLbkU

Hal and Lee hit on more of your hot topics including their best ever hunts, the pump action craze, hunting New Brunswick, who's using the Big Woods Bucks Henry Long Rangers, hilarious deer stories and more!

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/iLVXLYBKUzc

You had questions, Hal and Lee have answers - and some great stories to boot! On this episode Hal and Lee take questions from Big Woods Nation about hunting when you're not tracking, the best blind setups, learning to shoot fast for the big woods, embarrassing moments in the woods, and more!

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/kYx_OYOdU6s

Join Hal and Lee as they take a closer look at their 2025 deer season. Hear how they took advantage of one of the best snow seasons in recent memory, their close encounters with big bucks, get some pro tips and help them do a little Monday morning quarterbacking.

Watch this podcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/cyavbRg6P5s

John heard that Maine needed help and he got there as fast as he could! John has spent almost 3 decades guiding and shares some great stories about the effect it has had on him and the effect he has had on his clients.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/lz8dKpVTJvs

Hal and Lee sit down with Chris and Joe to talk about camp camaraderie, the legacy of big woods hunting and more, from more than 20 years of hunting together, even before Big Woods Bucks was started.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/DHleVFIFrJg

Steve is a longtime guide in the Grand Lake Stream area and former President of the Downeast Lakes Land Trust. On this episode he shares lots of fun, fascinating and touching stories from his time in the area that will make you want to live the guide's life or at least appreciate it a little more.

Watch this podcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/eoXuTC1iE2k

Big Woods hunting in and around Wisconsin presents some additional challenges like a patchwork of private land and bait piles, predators like wolves, and a short gun season. Nathan Nelson doesn't let any of that stop him! You'll see him out there applying his skills and always learning more, even tracking deer with his bow to keep at it as long as possible. On this podcast he shares some great buck tracking stories and the knowledge he's built about hunting the Big Woods of the upper midwest.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/1qxKawFb2E0 

From the 1940s right up to today Roger Milligan has been a woodsman, especially a houndsman, renowned for his fur trapping and bobcat hunting expertise. Boy does he have some stories! Join Brandon and Paul as they hear what it's like doing it all for the love of the animal, with Roger Milligan.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/dHaQy-Arww0

The final week of Maine's rifle season made for some more great stories at Big Woods Outfitters.

Watch this podcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/ZdQML64yHEg

Another great week in the books with some nice bucks taken at Big Woods Outfitters (and maybe a few more that should have been!). Hear the stories from the hunters and find out how Hal's season has been going so far.

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/XlJWkKOW2Ts

Paul Laney is a true houndsman who raises and runs dogs for bear and bobcat. Join Brandon, a fellow houndsman, as he and Paul swap tales of their adventures and tribulations raising and running hounds for the love of their sport, and the love of their dogs.

Mark, Bob, Brian and Austin sit down and talk about their 2024 deer seasons, with some good lessons and takeaways for future seasons. They also talk about their trip down to the Pennsylvania Big Woods, and get Steve Sherk from Sherk's Guide Service on for a guest appearance to talk PA Big Woods hunting.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Minus33 wool base layers and socks: https://alnk.to/aLIUpax

Seek Outside Tents: Use code "BWB" for 10% off of your order at this link https://alnk.to/biuxP3W

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Grayl water filter: https://alnk.to/4MBtYKl

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Hal's knife: Buck Knife 102: https://alnk.to/eDRDphL

Watch this podcast on Youtube! https://youtu.be/diOKU9EXV3E

Billy Molls is at Big Woods Outfitters, working hard to track a big woods buck. Join Hal, Billy and Brandon as they recap the week and talk with Ben and Steve about their bucks. Steve has been hunting over 36 years and finally killed his first deer ever, a beautiful 8 pointer, tracking it in the snow in Maine. His dream came true!

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/xuWRBO_mzHc

The first week of Maine's 2025 deer season was a great one at Big Woods Outfitters, with great weather, a few days of great snow, and the hunters putting down some great bucks. Tune in to hear their stories.

Mark, Bob, and Brian sit down with native Adirondacker Christian Bills to talk about still-hunting the Big Woods of the Southern Adirondacks.

Mark, Bob, and Brian sit down with native Adirondacker Christian Bills to talk about still-hunting the Big Woods of the Southern Adirondacks.

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Minus33 wool base layers and socks: https://alnk.to/aLIUpax

Seek Outside Tents: Use code "BWB10" for 10% off of your order at this link https://alnk.to/biuxP3W

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Grayl water filter: https://alnk.to/4MBtYKl

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Hal's knife: Buck Knife 102: https://alnk.to/eDRDphL

Watch this episode on YouTuBe: https://youtu.be/wjDTe7m-0Hg

From his early days hound hunting for racoons, to cats and bears, and becoming one of the most renowned Grand Lake Stream Canoe builders, Dale Tobey has spent his life dedicated to the outdoor experience.

In this episode, Mark, Bob, Brian and Austin sit down and talk about BWB's new partnership with Henry Repeating Arms and the guns we'll be coming out with later this year. Also, Dan Larsson from Skinner Sights hops on remotely from Montana to talk about hunting the Big Woods out west!

Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com

Minus33 wool base layers and socks: https://alnk.to/aLIUpax

Seek Outside Tents: Use code "BWB" for 10% off of your order at this link https://alnk.to/biuxP3W

Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com

Grayl water filter: https://alnk.to/4MBtYKl

Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt

Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool

Hal's knife: Buck Knife 102: https://alnk.to/eDRDphL