The Core Contradiction of letting deer grow and holding them on small properties? The conflict lies between the goal of growing mature bucks and the reality of small property limitations.

"Letting Them Grow" (The Goal):

To harvest mature bucks (often 3.5 to 5.5+ years old), you have to pass on younger bucks.

The mantra is "Let them go, so they can grow."

This requires a long-term investment of time and restraint. "Holding Them" (The Problem):

Home Range vs. Property Size: A mature whitetail buck's home range is typically much larger (often 640+ acres or a square mile) than most small hunting properties (e.g., 20, 40, or 80 acres).

The Risk: You cannot physically "hold" a free-ranging buck on a small property 100% of the time. When you "let him grow" and he wanders off your property (which he inevitably will to feed or breed), he is at risk of being harvested by neighbors who may not share your management goals.

The Paradox: By improving your land to hold more deer, you may attract more bucks, but you also risk feeding and housing them only for them to get shot the moment they cross your fence line.

Common Discussion Points on This Topic

Becoming the "Core" Area: Accepting that you can't hold a deer 24/7, but striving to be the place where he spends his daylight hours (bedding) or feels safest.

The Sanctuary Concept: Designating a large percentage of a small property as a "no-go" zone for humans so deer feel virtually unpressured, encouraging them to stay during daylight.

Neighborhood Co-ops: Trying to build relationships with neighbors to get everyone on the same page about age-structure goals (though this is often difficult).

Attraction vs. Pressure: The balance of improving habitat (food plots, timber stand improvement) without pressuring the deer off the property with too much human activity.

"We discuss the self-defined 'hunter' versus 'killer' labels on social media. Honestly people, what the hell is with the killer labels in social media? The word 'killer' should never be associated with hunters or hunting. A killer is in jail! A good hunter is a totally different thing!

The guys talk about this label that many hunters nowadays think is a sign of excellence. In reality, it's disrespectful to hunters in general and makes us all look bad in the public eye. Being a good hunter starts with respect for the game you are hunting. We talk about excitement, respect, and remorse—the three main things we think every hunter in the world experiences with the harvest of any animal he or she pursues.

As always, we want to hear your thoughts. Leave them right here in the comments. We appreciate each of you! Have a great week and good luck out there if you are still hitting it hard." #theobsessionpodcast #hunting #deerhunting #outdoorlife #bowlife #hunting #landmanagement #huntingtips #whitetailhunting #whitetailhunting #huntingtips #outdoorlife #huntingethics #rushoutdoorswi #iamatthegymwhereareyou #iaminthewoodswhereareyou #bowandarrow

The First Major cold front is hitting right now! These are some tips for oct 6th to oct 11th the first big cold front of the season is here. These are some of the main plans and tips for hunting this week Oct 6th to Oct 11th Good luck out there. Remember to Like and subscribe it sure will help us out. We appreciate each of you.

The guy are asked about the moment of truth. When a shot on the biggest buck in your life happens. How do they prep for this, and the suggestions on how to avoid failure when the 5 sec of fame come. This is what the guys call it the five seconds of fame. The time when the pressure is on, and how they handle al of this. then suggestions on how to practice or prep for these situations so you are successful on a hunt.

his week Mike, and Karl are asked how they go about figuring the age of a deer in the wild. The guys tell you how they go about that issue for themselves, and what they actually think about the whole age of deer deal. They discuss what they have learned about deer, and how old they are. How the guessing game actually plays out most of the time. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

This week Karl, and Mike talk late season hunting tactics for success in the late season, and cold. the guys talk about how deer change, and how you need to change also to be successful on your hunt late this season. Mike, and Karl talk about locations, and the do's and Don'ts of hunting late season. Because things change in deer habits, and Habitat. Mean the tactics must also change. These are a few of the ideas , and tactics the guys have used over the years when they had a late season buck tag to fill. Checkout this weeks show we appreciate each of you. remember to like and subscribe at 4000 subs we have a blackgold sight to give away to one lucky subscriber.

This week the guys have a couple of questions that people asked about Buck and doe ratios, and time spent by one buck to breed a doe. here are the answers to your questions. We appreciate each of you watching, and listening. Remember to put any questions you have on deer hunting right here in the comments, and we will get them on the show. Also remember to subscribe because at 4000 subs we are giving away a brand new Black Gold sight single pin slider. Also Like and share guys it sure helps us out. We appreciate it. Good luck out there.

This week the guys tackle the big question do you kill bigger bucks if you have food plots on your hunting land? The guys have been getting this question a lot from people online and at shows. The answer is always the same and todays show they explain their views on the food plot, and if changes the size of the buck you shoot if you have them in your area. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you remember to subscribe we sure would appreciate the support.

This week Mike and Karl discuss the Lockdown phase of the rut. The guys hit on how they hunt this time of the year. This seems to be the most frustrating times for hunters as the buck aren't coming to calls, and the movement seems to stop for a lot of people. Don't worry guy they are out there you just have to put the time in and be at the right place, and follow these suggestions, and you will have your shot at a good buck. As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you remember to subscribe we sure would appreciate that. Good luck out there.

This week Mike and Karl discuss the do's and do not's of hunting whitetails in November with a bow. The hit on some of the biggest mistakes that people make this time of year. they talk about tactics they use this time of year to put bucks on the ground. With 30 yrs of hunting back ground the guys give you some great ideas on how to be successful this November. As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

This week is the time guys with this huge cold front over most of the whitetail hunting nation the deer will be on the move! On this show Karl and Mike talk about some of the do's and do nots of hunting the prerut. Here we go the most exciting time of the year is about to begin, and we hope you are ready the guys talk about the strategies they use this time of the year, and what has been successful in the past. They also hit on the things not to do this time of the year to cause failure in your hunt. Good luck out there everyone. Thanks for watching. We appreciate each of you.

These are some of the best prerut tactics that we use to be successful during this prerut time period. Its that time everyone, and make sure you are ready because its looking like it will be a active prerut for sure this year! Thanks for watching, and we appreciate each of you. Good luck out there and let us know what your seeing.

This week with the temps being lower, and it getting close to the prerut the guys talk about what they do to hunt the prerut each year, and what to watch for to be successful during this time, and how to hunt this stage. Karl and Mike tell you the strategies they use this time of year, and share with you the plans that will have you taking a big buck this season during this time. The Most exciting time to be in the woods! The aggressive time The Prerut!

For Mike and Karl, the number of years needed for success on mature bucks isn't about physical endurance but rather about accumulated knowledge and strategic adjustments as the body ages. While the physical demands of hunting can become more challenging with age, seasoned hunters often find that experience makes them more efficient, not less. Does success on mature deer come easier with age? Yes, in many ways. Mature bucks are the most difficult to hunt, but they also become more consistent in their behavior as they get older. The deep knowledge gained over decades of hunting helps experienced hunters anticipate these movements, allowing for more strategic and less physically demanding hunts. Here's how experience can increase the odds of bagging a mature buck: Reading the land: An experienced hunter can find the "X marking the spot" on a property—the one or two key locations that consistently hold mature deer. This skill is developed by spending more time scouting than hunting. Focusing on security and details: Veteran hunters know that mature bucks prioritize safety above all else. This means being meticulous about details like minimizing scent, planning entry and exit routes, and hunting the right locations at the right time. Playing the waiting game: Experienced hunters have the patience to wait for the ideal conditions—such as the perfect wind or a specific weather pattern—before hunting a high-pressure spot. This is a level of discipline that younger, more impatient hunters may lack. Understanding behavior: Over time, a seasoned hunter gains a deep understanding of deer habits, knowing when and where to hunt specific areas during different parts of the season. How the hunt evolves with age As the body gets older and less tolerant of physical strain, the hunting approach naturally adapts. It becomes less about brute force and more about strategic cunning and careful planning. Smarter hunting: The hunt transforms from a high-energy "gonzo" approach to a "minimalist style" focused on strategy. This might mean less field time and more time scouting and waiting for the perfect moment. Adjusting tactics: Physical limitations, such as knee and hip pain, lead hunters to adapt their methods. Instead of long, grueling hikes, older hunters might favor shorter canoe trips or focus on hunting fields. Technology as an equalizer: Modern gear and technology help compensate for declining physical abilities. Tools like cellular trail cameras reduce the need for disturbance, while hunting apps can aid in identifying ideal spots with less foot traffic. Prioritizing enjoyment over exertion: The goal shifts from simply covering ground to maximizing every minute spent afield. The focus moves to enjoying the experience, being in nature, and appreciating the process. As one hunter put it, the main thing is "being there". Ultimately, the biggest limitation on a hunter's career is often mental, not physical. The wisdom gained over a lifetime of hunting ensures that the love for the sport—and the drive for success—can continue for as long as one's mindset allows.

This week the guys talk about problems they have seen with long distance shooting while hunting over 25 yrs. Karl and Mike discuss the biggest issues that most hunters don not think about when shooting these longer distances while hunting or practicing for success. The guys then talk about how to fix each of these main issues to make you a better long range hunter. The guys have hunted together out west for over 23 years, and have become very efficient at taking game outwest , and they give you these hacks to help you become a better long range hunter . thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

This week Karl, and Mike talk about the do's, and don'ts for hunting in October. Hope you guys are out with this big cold front that is passing this weekend. Cold fronts in October are a big do. The guys discuss all of the positives of the cold fronts, and they hit on a lot of the things you should not do during time also. With the tactics that the guy talk about this week on this podcast they have taken almost 100 whitetail bucks over the years during October. These are some of the rules the guys live by to be successful in the month of October. Thanks for watching and good luck to all of you. We appreciate you.

This we Derrick asked the guys. How close is to close when hunting bedding areas? The guys talk about how they look at setting up on buck bedding areas. They discuss how they go about hunting big bucks in their bedding area.

This week Mike and Karl discuss the big bucks that they have taken and the history that they have had with those deer. The guys were asked if they thought history with bucks helped or helps them take big bucks during the season. Well here are our thoughts on Buck history, and if we take bucks because of the history over the years. Checkout this podcast some interesting thoughts passed on. thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

The guys have been asked what is the biggest challenge for them when on a hunt! Then they answer the question on what is the most challenging hunt they do? Wow that is a wide open question. Mike and Karl lay out the challenges they see on each of the different hunts they go on. The demand mentally, and physically depending on what animal you are chancing varies from animal to animal. The mental game is one of the hardest for most to control the guys layout how they prep for each and show the success they have had over the years using some of the techniques. We appreciate each of you. Have a great week.

The guys are asked about opening weekend tactics for success here in Wisconsin. These rule apply to hunting anywhere in the Midwest for opening weekend. But over the years the guys have done very well early season here in Wisconsin some of the best bucks they have shot have been the first two weeks of bow season. Here are few of the tactics the guys use to be successful early in the season. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

Hunting bucks based on historical data can be an effective strategy, as mature bucks tend to follow predictable travel patterns and use the same core areas year after year, provided the habitat remains unchanged. By documenting and analyzing past observations, you can identify high-probability ambush points for future hunts. Gathering historical data Trail camera photos: Log the date, time, weather conditions, and moon phase for every quality buck picture. Many hunting apps and modern camera systems provide analytics to show peak movement times and patterns based on these data points. Past sightings: Document every encounter you have from the treestand, noting the time of day, stand location, and any relevant weather conditions like wind direction. This helps identify key areas and travel routes. Sign and habitat: Record locations of past rub lines, scrapes, and bedding areas. While fresh sign is important, knowing where bucks have used the terrain in the past can predict where a new buck will establish a travel corridor in the future. Use mapping apps like onX Hunt to pin and annotate these spots. "The 7-Day Rule": One theory suggests that a mature buck will use the same trails and visit the same scrapes around the same date each year. If you have historical trail cam photos or observations, you can plan a hunt for that specific location a year later. Applying historical data During the early and late season Bucks are on a strict bed-to-feed-to-bed routine during these periods. Your historical data can help you locate secure bedding areas and identify the primary food source they favor at a specific time of year. The best strategy is to set up an ambush between the bedding and feeding areas, catching the buck in the transition or staging zone. Position yourself closer to the bedding area for morning hunts and nearer the food source for evening hunts. During the rut Although the rut seems chaotic, mature bucks often return to the same areas to scent-check doe bedding areas each year. Focus on historical "choke points" or "funnels" that lead into doe bedding areas. Your old records can confirm which terrain features consistently produce rutting activity. Use your data to identify key rut dates. If you've observed a specific buck (or mature buck activity in general) during the pre-rut, peak rut, or a specific rut "peak" in the past, those dates are good indicators for the current year.