Explore every episode of the podcast The Obsession Podcast

The biggest whitetail mystery? The guys are asked in thier minds what is the biggest whitetail mystery? Karl and Mike sit down and discuss a few of the major things they have seen over the last 30 plus years of hunting that has been the hardest to understand, or to try and figure out why the whitetails do what they do. Let us know what you think is the hardest thing to figure out when you are hunting your areas. Put it right here in the comments lets have a discussion we want your opinions. As always thanks for watching we apprecaitae each of you, and we hope you had a Merry Christmas. 2026 is just around the corner.

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

Social media and how much worse it keeps getting our rant on this subject. The guys sit down and talk about what they have seen change this year even more then the past few years on social media. We discuss what we see happening good and bad in our industry. Is all of this B.S killing hunting? Are you actually learning anything, and most importantly. How do you guys feel about what you are seeing here on social media? We really want to here your views so leave a comment here in the comment section on our Youtube channel. As always thanks for watching and we appreciate each of you. Have a great week we will see you next Saturday.

Deer gun season starts and the Wisconsin DNR puts out deer #'s in the state. Well its gun season here in Wisconsin. We wish everyone good luck and be safe out there. The guys are heading to North Dakota to chase whitetail with a bow. But before they left that talk about the crazy number the Wisconsin DNR says we have for deer they also hit on gun deer season in our state. Expectations and thoughts for success. Besafe and we appreciate each of you. Good luck. #theobsessionpodcast #deerhunting #bowhunting #huntingseason #huntinglife #deerseason #huntingtips #whitetail #whitetailhunting #huntingtips #iminthewoodswhereareyou #strengthinthehuntpowerinthegrind

Lockdown now what? Tactics for Success. Well if you still have a tag it is a time consuming sit for the next week or so. That said there are a few tactics Mike and Karl use for success over this time and the guys hit on them in the podcast. These are what the guys use to raise the odds in their favor over this timespan. Thanks for watching and like always we appreciate your time. Good luck out there. General "lockdown" deer hunting strategies often include: Patience and persistence: As mentioned in the prompt, it can be a time-consuming sit, requiring long hours in the stand. Focusing on food sources: After the initial peak of the rut (breeding season) when bucks are actively chasing, they often return to primary food sources. Hunting near thick cover/bedding areas: Deer tend to rest more during this phase, making areas around their bedding spots key locations. Lets Break this all down!

Lockdown and late rut hunting tips for success Nov 9th to Nov 16th We are getting into the Lockdown and things are starting to get tough. Here are a few tactics that we use for success on bucks over this time span. Mike and Karl talk about the things that they have used over the years if they have not filled thier tags at this time yet. With many of the bucks taken already, and all of the pressure that the deer have had over the last few weeks, and with the lockdown in full swing oppurtunities are less but they are still there guys stick with it put the time in and play it smart you can still take the buck of your dreams.

Rut Hunitng tips and techniques for buck success Nov 2nd to Nov 9th. Now the rut is in full swing and maybe past the middle of the seeking phase in most northern states. Its lock down time or is it. Karl and Mike discuss the tactics they will be using if they have still not filled their tag yet here in Wisconsin. The guys hit on locations to hunt the bigger bucks in your area what to expect to see nad maybe a few ideas on how to change your luck if things are getting tough. Remember depending on where you hunt north to south in the country these techniques may very by a few days to a week northern states are almost always deeper in the rut cycle than southern states. We appreciate you checking the show remeber to please subscribe and like the show as we are just showing what we have learned over the 30 yrs of whitetail hunting all over the US. As always we appreciate each and everyone of you! Good luck and keep at it there are still giant roaming the woods.

Rut tactics for big bucks Oct 26th to Nov 2nd. Tactics for hunting bucks oct 19th to oct 26th tips & more. Between October 26 and November 2, bucks are in the early seeking phase of the rut, transitioning from their late-October patterns to actively searching for the first does coming into heat. Bucks will be restless, their testosterone levels are rising, and they are moving more in daylight, making this a prime time for hunters. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the rut. Its one of the best weeks to hunt these bucks using these prerut tactics. Mike and Karl talk about what they are pulling out of the bag this next week weather permitting. Its time to get the horns, the calls and the decoys into play coming this week. But first remember we still have to play the game smart so the guys discuss how things change from this weekend to next. It is proabably the biggest change in tactics over a one week span in the year. Have a great week, and good luck to all of you. Here are some key tactics to consider for this week:

Tactics for hunting bucks oct 19th to oct 26th tips & more. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the heavy prerut rut. Its one of the best weeks to hunt these bucks using these prerut tactics. Mike and Karl talk about what they are pulling out of the bag this next week weather permitting. Later in the week its time to get the horns, the calls and the decoys into play coming the end of this week. But first remember we still have to play the game smart so the guys discuss how things change from this weekend to next. It is proabably the biggest change in tactics over a one week span in the year, and this is how we see it. As always thanks for watching, and leave your comment we apprecaite each of you. Have a great week, and good luck to all of you. Here are some key tactics to consider for this week:

Tactics for hunting bucks oct 12th to oct 19th tips & more. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the prerut. This is a exciting time don't blow your chances for later in the season by making a bad mistake. the guys talk about the do's and don'ts for this next week as we inch closer to the prerut action coming soon for the best chances to take a giant later this month. Target acorns: Mid-October can be a "lull" because deer shift their focus from food plots to mast crops like white oak acorns. Bucks often bed closer to these new, abundant food sources, making timber hunting more productive than watching open fields. Monitor seclusion: Avoid hunting major food plots that receive high hunting pressure. Instead, focus on smaller, secluded food sources or "staging areas" where bucks hang up before entering larger fields at dark. Locate bedding cover: If you are comfortable with aggressive tactics, you can identify a buck's bedding area and set up within 200 yards. This is risky but can be effective during this period when bucks feel secure. Hunt travel corridors: Position stands in funnels or travel corridors between bedding areas and food sources. Bucks will often work rub and scrape lines in these transition areas close to bedding. Remember check out the show for great examples of all of this and more.

The Three Best Tactics For You This Year To Take A Great Buck. Karl and Mike are asked what are the three best tactics they use to take big bucks each year. The guys talk about what they have been most successful doing over the last 30 yrs almost while shooting good bucks each season. Karl also brings up the one thing they avoid using like the plague! So checkout this short podcast and maybe catch a couple tips to help you shoot the big buck on your hunting spots this fall!

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.

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.

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.

Jon from Wisconsin asks should you hunt in September and early October or wait till later and how do you guys hunt them if you are chasing the early? Thanks for the question Jon. The guys talk about the strategies they have used for early season success, and talk about the best times and places that they have had success over the last 30 yrs of bowhunting early season. What do you all do for the early season and do you push the locations to hunt these bucks? Leave a comment on the channel here and let us know what you do. As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

The top three addons needed for hunting success each year. Bill from Illinois asked the guy what are the top addons for small properties for big buck success each and every year? Bill thinks it is food as it should be number one at all times. Well here are the top three addons the guy have clients concentrate on for excellent success each year, and why they say these three in this order. Karl and Mike base their own properties on these concepts in this order so they can take the biggest bucks in the area each year on their properties. Let us know what you think is the top three for you, and why. Thanks for watch, and remember to like and share we appreciate each of you we will see you next weekend. Have a great week.

Bowhunting equipment we will not use and why. The guys have been asked by Steven about what are the newest bowhunting equipment that is out that they will not be using this fall. Well here you go. Excessively feature-rich bows: While new bows are constantly evolving to be faster, quieter, and more dead-in-hand, some newer models might prioritize speed or specific features at the expense of a smooth draw cycle or a shorter, less forgiving brace height. A hunter might opt for a slightly older model that offers a better overall balance of attributes for their shooting style. Overly complex or fragile accessories: Some hunters prefer to keep their setup simple and robust, especially when hunting in challenging environments where delicate components could be damaged. They might choose to avoid sights with many features or easily breakable parts, instead opting for durable and well-protected pin sights. Bows that have a harsh draw cycle: Some aggressive cam systems on newer bows can make the draw cycle less smooth than older models, which can be a personal preference for some hunters. A hunter might choose a bow with a smoother draw even if it means slightly less speed. The newest bowhunting equipment we will not use and why

The MSU deer lab study on weather effects & deer movement our thoughts and conclusions. Well you asked our thoughts on the findings from MSU, and the weather and how it effects the deer movement! You guys know we are huge on the weather and what it does positive, and negative to the deer movement. So here is the thoughts from us, and if we are going to change some of the ways we hunt due to the findings from MSU. We also hit on our findings and our success after following weather and fronts for success. Lets hear about your success or failure with hunting the weather do you think it is worth the time? We appreciate each of you subscribe, and Like we appreciate your support have a great weekend we will see you next Saturday.

The guys answer this question When is the last time you should be going in on your small parcel for success this fall in our eyes. We talk about why you should be letting your place rest a little before the season when and why. what do you think is the dates for success.

Do you make rules on your property, & then do you follow them? Well we do have our rules when it comes to hunting! Not only on our properties but in general here are a few of the rules we make for our selves. Yes we follow them to a tee its probably why we get along so well, and have been hunting together for over 25yrs this season. What do you guys have for rules on your places or when you go hunting? Or do you think rules are bad for hunting meaning size limits and so on? Let us know what you think!

The guys are asked If there are two types of hunters and if so what is the difference? Karl, and Mike are not quite sure how to take this question everyone that hunts see themselves as a hardcore hunter we think. Here is our view on being a bowhunter, and these are the good and bad in our view of just being a hunter and what hunting seems to be turning into. Thanks for the question we appreciate each of you! Let us know your thoughts and what you think hunting is to you, and what it is turning into. Have a great week.

The real %'s you shoot that giant buck that shows up on your small property Hunting success rates for giant bucks on small properties are not easily quantified with exact percentages. However, several factors significantly impact the likelihood of success. Key factors affecting success Understanding Deer Behavior and Habitat: Recognizing that deer on smaller properties, especially trophy bucks, often utilize a larger surrounding area for their needs, including neighboring properties, is crucial. Therefore, understanding how your property fits into the local deer herd's movement patterns and habitat requirements is paramount. Habitat Improvements: While smaller properties may not offer everything a deer needs, focusing on creating and enhancing the elements that are most lacking in the area can attract and hold deer. This includes: High-Quality Bedding Areas: Deer need secure places to rest and feel safe from predators. Creating dense cover and thickets can provide this security. Strategic Food Sources: If natural food sources are limited, planting food plots (even small ones) or supplementing existing ones can make your property more attractive. Focus on foods that are appealing during the hunting season. Water Sources: Ensuring access to water can draw deer to your property, particularly if water is scarce in the surrounding area. Low Hunting Pressure: Mature bucks are highly sensitive to hunting pressure. Over-hunting a small property can quickly drive deer to neighboring properties or make them nocturnal. Strategic Hunting Techniques: Careful Entry and Exit Routes: Design your access routes to minimize disturbing the deer, considering prevailing winds and terrain features to stay concealed. Multiple Stand Locations: Having several stand locations allows for flexibility with wind conditions and prevents deer from patterning your movements. Targeted Hunting: Rather than hunting the same spot repeatedly, utilize trail camera data and observations to identify specific buck movements and hunt only when conditions are optimal. Neighbor Cooperation: Working with neighboring landowners to manage deer populations and hunting pressure can be highly beneficial. Establishing a cooperative approach can create a larger, more attractive habitat and improve overall hunting success for everyone involved. Trail camera surveys and success rates Trail camera surveys are a valuable tool for understanding deer populations and informing management strategies. Studies have shown that with a density of one camera per 100 acres for 10-14 days, up to 90% of the deer herd can be photographed. However, on smaller properties, a higher camera density may be necessary as bucks can dominate camera sites, affecting the accuracy of sex ratio estimates. It's important to note that these surveys don't directly quantify the percentage of bucks you will shoot. Instead, they provide data about the herd's characteristics, enabling you to make informed decisions to increase your chances of encountering and potentially harvesting a trophy buck. In conclusion, while there isn't a definitive percentage you'll shoot that giant buck, implementing sound management and hunting practices on your small property can significantly increase your chances of success. Focusing on creating quality habitat, minimizing hunting pressure, and hunting strategically are key elements to consider.

Best shooting position from a treestand, and how best to improve as a bowhunter.

Setting up your property & plots to control buck movement. Karl and Mike discuss how to setup your food plots and small properties to be successful each year on some of the best bucks in your area. The guys discuss layouts that they have proven to work year after year for them on the best bucks in the areas the guys hunt. They end up hunting the top ten percent of the bucks in the area they have to hunt. The guys show you how they have been successful with these tactics. They hit on some of the things they do for these opportunities. As always thanks for watching and we appreciate each of you. Have a great week.

Morning entrances in the dark are you just educating deer? Jason from Iowa asks the guys their views on morning entrance on small properties or any property in general. Are we just educating deer going in on your hunt in the dark. Well Jason Mike and Karl Discuss how they see the entrance in the dark for your hunt. They have many years of doing it so they tell you some of the things they have found of the years of bowhunting. We appreciate each of you remember to put your views in the comments right here on the channel. Have a great week.

Hunting deer on plots only? One of our listeners was at a seminar and believes he heard a well known whitetail expert say you should only hunt deer on plots. Well this is our thoughts on the statement. The listener from Michigan may have misheard the information given or misinterpreted what was said. Karl and Mike discuss about the views that they have. How they lay their property and customers properties to hunt plots. Which plots to hunt and which plots not to hunt. When to hunt them and also when to leave them alone. Hunting plots smartly can be productive but only at the right times, and the right places and the guys lay out those time and places in this video. Let us know your thoughts on plot hunting and the results you have had in your experience we really want to hear your thoughts. As always thanks for watching and we appreciate each of you. We will see you next week.

Listener says trail cams are cheating! Well imagine that! Carl tells the guys that he believes that he thinks the use of trail cams is cheating for hunting?? Well the guys talk about their views on Carls statement. Mike and our Karl have some pretty strong views on the use and ability to use cameras as a hunting aid. So the guys talk about how they see things, and the proper use of cams, and other we guess hunting aids. What are your thoughts on cameras and camera use when hunting for animals. Be sure to let us and everyone know what you think right here in the comments. Like always we appreciate each of you and your views let us know, and have a great weekend. Happy Memorial day.

The importance of summer buck pics? Skip asked the guys is it important for them to have pics of bucks on the property in the summer time, and what effects have they seen with buck pics over this summer time imagery? Karl and Mike discuss what they have found over the years when it comes to having bucks on your property at this time and if they think it is important to have these pics at this time. They both talk about the chances they have seen with being able to hunt these deer in the fall. Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on summer buck pics, and the success you have had on taking these bucks during the season if you have pics of them over the summer.

Ron from New York asks the guys what are the top property enhancements that they think you need for year one success on your new hunting spots. Well Karl and Mike layout how they go about laying out a new property and how they look at it when setting up your new place for year one success. The guys have a few things they think work the best for getting your place up and running for whitetails. We appreciate you checking out the show subscribe and like for more podcasts that come to you weekly. Have a great week and we will see you next week.

Waterholes are they really a great addon and why? Well Kevin asks the guy waterhole are they really worth the time and money as a addon on your hunting property. The guy explain their views on the water and hunting on in around it and even if it is worth the time and money to install it on your property. With 30 plus years of hunting under their belts each the guys have strong view on if water will actually help you kill a big buck on your hunting property. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you have a great week we will see you next Saturday right here on The Obsession Podcast. Let us know your thoughts.

Morning and evening stands explained for success. Mike and Karl discuss morning and evening stands locations how to decide which stand is morning and which are evening hunts. the guys also hit on the importance on having both on for property for success. Karl and Mike also talk about when to hunt each of these setups as they are very different when it comes to time of year, and when you should spend time in each. As always remember to subscribe to the channel we would appreciate that. We appreciate each of you checking out our show have a great week!

Steve from New York asks the guys. What are the setups they use for success spot n stalk while hunting out west? Also what is the success rates while hunting on these DIY spot n stalk hunts that they go on? Well Steve Mike and Karl do a run down of the setups they use when hunting on these hunts. the Guy are very specific about the equipment they use and tell you what it is why it works and the reason they use these products on the hunts. The guys went straight to the states they hunt DNR results of success for the answers on what actual percentages are on these hunts for success so no guessing on that answer. We appreciate all of you watching and checking out The Obsession Podcast. Have a great week and we will see you al next week. If you are new remember to subscribe to the channel we appreciate each of you!

Hunting does for better buck hunting this season on your property. Doe hunting on small properties locations to hunt, and which does to hunt. Jesse asks the guys What are their thoughts on hunting does. Which does to take where to hunt them if not on your foodplots, When to take does and how they decide which ones they are going to shoot. Mike and Karl Talk about the rules they go by each season to make their buck hunting better during the season year after year. It matters which doe you shoot and which doe you do not shoot. Checkout the show these rules will increase your odds for bucks during the best time of year! As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you remember to leave your comments we want to hear your thoughts.

Controlling antler genetics in your deer herd on small properties??? The guy are asked can you do anything to control the genetics on your small parcels? Should you attempt a antler based program on small parcels? Mike and Karl answer this question with simple facts that they have learned over the years when it comes to producing good bucks on their properties and others. The guys talk about what has worked and what hasn't, and the proven science that shows results in many areas of the whitetails range here in the United States. As always thanks for watching, and remember to leave your comments on what you have found in your experiences. We appreciate each of you and we will see you next Saturday with another question from you our listeners. Have a great week.

Mature buck bedding habits to help you this season. Calvin Asks the guys about mature buck bedding habits that might help him hunt big bucks on Public land this next season. Well Calvin the guys have seen some habits that you can sure count on. These are a few of the things we have seen over 30yrs of bowhunting good bucks each year. These will give you a hand up for hunting a buck this next season. Thanks for the question we appreciate you and everyone checking out the show. Have a great week!

Misconception of deer sign, and how it corresponds with deer size. Mike from Wisconsin asks the guys about deer sign, and can it really give you information on a individual buck? Also Mike asks the guys if they can use this sign to tell the size of a buck or if it is a certain individual to hunt. Mike and Karl discuss the main sign they see and how the unravel this sign for hunting the biggest bucks on their properties each year. The guys give some points out that will help you hunt the bigger bucks on your properties this season. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you. Have a great week.

Wisconsin tag price increase for 2025 views and thoughts. Mike and Karl discuss the future hunting license increase in the state of Wisconsin, and the thoughts on what is good, and what is bad about the increase. What do you guys think about the price of tags in your state, and what about the the cost of hunting in general is it out pricing anyone yet? Let us know we want to hear your views. As always thanks for watching. We appreciate each of you.

Mature bucks verses younger buck travel route patterns do they differ? Mark from Illinois asked the guy is there a difference between the way younger bucks and mature bucks travel? Mike and Karl along with good friend Bob Topp have differing opinions about this. They also discuss ambush points on the buck movement. Also how they decide and place these stands for success each season. As always thank you for watching, and have a great weekend.

Thoughts on TV hunts does it promote the truth? One of our listeners asked what we think of TV the hunting you see, and what does it really promote or does it even promote hunting as it really is in the world today. Well Mike and Karl talk about the TV world from when they did it, and how it has changed in the years since. the guys hit on key things to watch, and what they believe is the truth and your real chances of having the experiences you see on TV. Is it the truth you guys let us know your thoughts on TV we appreciate each of you and your views. As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

Hunting Ridges with short depth of cover. Thoughts on bedding locations and how deer act in these scenarios. Scott from Wisconsin one of our long time listeners asked the guys about hunting ridges with a short depth of cover meaning the ridge has food on top and bottom with only control of the food and land on top of the ridge. Mike and Karl have done some layouts with this scenario here in Wisconsin including their own properties. The guys talk about what they have seen, and learned with this layout. Its not a easy thing to do as you are limited, and there will be some tough decisions that need to be made by the land owner if they would like to see better success in this scenario Scott. The things the guys teach will help you have success year after year if followed, and hunted with discipline! Thanks for watching and remember to leave a comment, Like, and subscribe. we would appreciate your support let us know your thoughts on this right here on the YouTube channel. As always we appreciate each of you have a great week we will see you next Saturday.

Mike and Karl sit down with Good friend Bob Topp and have a discussion on the baiting ban being added for a few of the counties in northern Wisconsin. The guys were asked by Keith what they thought on the baiting ban in some northern counties and if they thought it will effect the hunting in these areas. Also what they have seen in southern Wisconsin as they have been hunting in a CWD zone for many years now here in southern Wisconsin. Bob lives in the core of Wisconsin CWD hunting areas and has his points on what he has seen with the CWD over the last basically 20 yrs plus here in Wisconsin. As always thanks for watching, and what are your thoughts on the new rules, and what have you seen over the years in your areas. Have a great week.

Jim asks what age group of bucks do leave the most sign in the woods is it the older bucks 3.5yrs and up or younger deer do you guys know or have a idea. Well big Jim there has recently been a few studies on this. One study that has a great base line is what the guys agree with. Mike and Karl have over the years been documenting with trail cam footage this very question. So with video footage the guys discuss what the study says, and what they have found on their properties over the last five years. What do you guys think leave us your view in the comments here on the channel. We appreciate each of you if you see something different let us know. We appreciate each of you. Have a great week.

This week Karl and Mike were asked about how to find bedding, and suggestions on creating bedding for success on this years hunting season. Well the guys show off a new project they have just completed to see if they can get deer to bed more on the BMR Mikes property. To also see if maybe they can pick up a few more sheds this year than in the past, and maybe just maybe pick up a couple more bucks on the property for this next season. Check out these cool ideas that seem to be working so far. As always thanks for watching and we appreciate each of you. Have a great week!

Kevin asked the guys what they think is the best seed to plant for green winter food in the fall for deer. Man that is a tough one depending on what you have around you. But the guys have some ideas that have worked for them over the years to help keep your deer herd healthy over the winter, and maybe give you a shot at getting some of the those sheds we all love to pickup. Those elusive sheds that let you know Mr. big has made it through, and now it is time to get ready for next year with a big goal!! As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you have a great week.

Dan asks the guys if you can manage for older age group's of bucks on small properties 40 acers or less? The guys talk about how they manage to have the older age class of deer every year on there small properties. Karl And Mike hit on what they think is the biggest parts of management to have these deer on the property each year for you to hunt, and they touch on how to hunt them over the season. There are a few specific things the guys do and do not do to be successful each year. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you and thank you for checking the show out remember to hit subscribe we appreciate each of you. Have a great week we will see you next week.

Bob asks the guys if they think bucks return to core areas after the season. Well Bo the guys explain their views on why some bucks return to last years summer core area and why some do not return. The guys talk about how right now is the time to be gaining bucks on your properties, and how they layout their land todo this very thing. Remember this is the time your properties should be accumulating bucks because this is when they are open to change! As always thanks for watching and give us your view if you have one on this subject we want to hear from the listeners. As always everyone thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

The guys have been asked many time's by you what they use for scent control products each year for success. Well the guys sit down and discuss what they use , and why they use it. They also talk about what they will not use and why. Over the last 25 plus years of hunting together, and years before they met the guys have tested just about everything they can think of for scent control. Mike and Karl Layout some of the results of their use of these products and what they can prove worked for them and what did not. They discuss the products they use and why them use them. No paid advertising of any products on this podcast. We just tell you what has worked and what hasn't straight up user testimony. Let us know what you use and your thoughts on why. As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you and your views and comments. Its the start of the 2025 season, and the fourth season of the Obsession Podcast. Thanks again we appreciate each of you.