Explore every episode of the podcast Wild Spirits Outdoors

No Script. Just real treestand talk- the failures, the mindset shifts, and everything in between.This one goes deeper than tags and trophies: I get into the mental battles that most guys don't talk about. If you've ever questioned yourself in the woods or had questions about hunting mindsets... this one's for you.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.Drop a comment or question! Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.#HuntingPodcast #whitetailhunting #bowhunting #outdoorlife #outdoorpodcast #deerhunting #hunting

ARE YOU GETTING READY FOR ARCHERY SEASON? Season is fast approaching! Don't just shoot a few arrows and call yourself season-ready. When the moment of truth comes… elevated heart rate, awkward angle, low light… things can go sideways in a hurry! If you haven't practiced for it, that’s not bad luck- That’s lack of preparation. I'll break down a step-by-step 16-week system designed to take you from a casual archery hunter… to a trained killer when it actually matters.

We'll cover:

🏹 Building strength and endurance for proper shot execution

🏹 Fixing form issues that quietly ruin accuracy

🏹 Real-world shooting scenarios (tree stand, pressure, angles)

🏹 How to train for the ONE shot that counts

🏹 The truth about lethality and responsibility

This isn’t about shooting tight groups in your backyard for social media- This is about becoming the kind of hunter that:

✔ Makes clean, ethical shots

✔ Recovers animals efficiently

✔ Respects the life you’re taking

👉 If you take your hunting seriously… this episode is non-negotiable.

🎧 Listen now on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

🔥Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.🔥

#ArcheryPractice #BowhuntingLife #ShotPlacement#ArcheryTraining #BowhuntingTips #ArcheryAccuracy #TrainToHunt

Spring is here, and it’s time to chase gobblers. In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we break down the key strategies you need to find birds, call them in, and close the deal this turkey season. From roosting tactics and calling strategies to decoy setups and hunting styles, this episode is built to help both new hunters and experienced woodsmen become more effective in the field. We also lay out a simple, high-success plan for beginners—because turkey hunting isn’t about doing more… it’s about doing the right things at the right time. 🎯 Have a question? Send it our way. We’ll be answering listener questions in an upcoming episode—and giving you a shoutout on the show.

🎧 Follow, share, and get ready to hit the woods. Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

Episode 31 is raw, honest, and guaranteed to spark conversation.We’re diving into the unpopular opinions in the hunting world with a primary focus on my home state- Michigan. Takes that might make people uncomfortable but need to be discussed if we actually care about deer, conservation, and the future of hunting.From herd health misconceptions to the obsession with shooting bucks… from social media’s impact on hunting culture to whether all hunters are truly conservationists—we’re challenging the status quo.This isn’t about tearing hunters down. It’s about raising the standard- mine included.Topics covered:Why most hunters misunderstand deer herd healthHow buck obsession hurts herd healthThe truth about doe harvest and herd balanceHow social media hunting quarrels may be doing more harm than anti-huntersPublic land pressure and changing deer behaviorHard truths about hunting culture todayWhether you agree or disagree, this episode will make you think.👇 Drop your most unpopular hunting opinion in the comments.🔥 Subscribe for more real conversations on hunting, conservation, and the outdoors.

In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, I sit down again with Jordan Hoover to break down the latest developments surrounding the Deer Advisory Team (DAT) pause, the upcoming Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting, and the ongoing debate around the One Buck Rule (OBR).With DAT meetings suspended until August and the April NRC meeting approaching fast, many hunters are asking the same questions:What’s really going on behind the scenes?Is the One Buck Rule still on the table?And what should Michigan hunters be doing right now?This episode isn’t about telling you what to think- it’s about asking the questions that matter and giving you the information you need to stay engaged.Because whether you realize it or not… decisions are being made.If you care about Michigan deer hunting, deer management, whitetail strategy, or hunting regulations, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.👇 Join the conversation:What’s your stance on the One Buck Rule—and what questions do YOU have?

If you want better hunts this fall, the work starts right now.In this solo episode of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we break down what land managers and serious whitetail hunters should be doing during March, April, and May to improve hunting properties across the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.Spring is the most critical window to build food, create cover, and design a property that actually holds deer.This episode dives deep into real-world, boots-on-the-ground strategies including:Post-season scouting and how to read your property after winterShed hunting insights and what they reveal about your deer herdHinge cutting and timber stand improvement for better bedding areasFrost seeding clover and building early-season nutritionSoil testing and fixing the #1 reason food plots failSpring food plot strategies (cool season vs. warm season crops)Controlling invasive species like buckthorn and autumn oliveDesigning access routes that keep you from blowing out your propertyCreating sanctuariesBuilding a property plan that produces results year after yearWhether you manage 10 acres or 500, this episode gives you a clear, actionable spring game plan to improve habitat, grow bigger deer, and increase your odds this fall.Who This Episode Is For:Whitetail huntersLand managers and property ownersDIY habitat buildersAnyone serious about improving their hunting groundFollow & Connect:Follow Wild Spirits Outdoors for more no-BS takes on hunting, habitat, and the outdoors lifestyle.Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

In this episode I sit down in studio with Paul Sikkenga- member of the Lower Peninsula Deer Advisory Team and Founder of the Facebook group "DNR Watchdog" as we continue to discuss regulations surrounding Michigan deer hunting right now. If you listened to the two-part series with Jordan Hoover (Ep. 24 and Ep. 25), this episode will follow up with that conversation bringing a different perspective.

We dig into Michigan deer management, baiting, the role of the Deer Advisory Team, influence of the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission, where hunters disagree... and where they strongly disagree.

The hope of these discussions is to make one think regardless of their position.

I am joined in Studio by Todd Taylor, Michigan Assistant State Lead for The Fallen Outdoors.

We Talk About:

Veteran Brotherhood

Healing through the Outdoors

Purpose after Service

Combating Isolation and Veteran Suicide

This episode dives deep into how outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing, and time spent in the woods are helping veterans reconnect, rebuild, and rediscover purpose. If you care about faith, family, freedom, and the outdoors... this one matters. For more information, please visit thefallenoutdoors.org or contact Todd Taylor at mi.asstlead@thefallenoutdoors.org

I'm honored to welcome Michigan native, author, storyteller, and the voice of Michigan Backroads- Mr. Ron Rademacher to the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast Studio! Ron has spent over 3 decades exploring hidden gems here in the Great Lakes State. From forgotten trails and hidden waterfalls to scenic country hikes and sleepy smalltown charms- he has spent decades seeking out the places most travelers miss. His passion for discovery is why Michigan Backroads has become the go-to resource for road trips, weekend getaways, nature spots, and quirky Michigan wonders. In this episode you'll hear: Ron's philosophy on why the road less traveled matters. Tips for that perfect weekend escape tucked into Michigan's woods, shorelines, and backroads. Stories of breathtaking views, hidden oddities, and Michigan history whispering from forgotten corners of the mitten. Whether you're planning your next adventure, looking for inspiration, or just itching to explore something real, Ron's perspective will get your boots tapping and your wheels turning!

Michigan deer hunting is at a crossroads. In Part 2 of Episode 24 (Ep.25) of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we conclude our break down the one-buck tag debate, the role of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), and what the future of whitetail hunting looks like in the Great Lakes State. Joined by special guest Jordan Hoover- Chairman of the Upper Peninsula Deer Advisory Team, we dive deep into Michigan deer regulations, hunter concerns, and whether the policies of today still reflect the heritage and culture of Michigan hunting.

Michigan deer hunting is at a crossroads. In Episode 24 of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we break down the one-buck tag debate, the role of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), and what the future of whitetail hunting looks like in the Great Lakes State.Joined by special guest Jordan Hoover- Chairman of the Upper Peninsula Deer Advisory Team, we dive deep into Michigan deer regulations, hunter concerns, and whether the policies of today still reflect the heritage and culture of Michigan hunting.

What does it really take to complete the North American Super Slam with archery equipment? In Episode 23 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we break down one of the most legendary accomplishments in bowhunting — harvesting every recognized big game species in North America using only a bow and arrow. From Alaskan moose and brown bear…To desert bighorn sheep, mountain goat, caribou, plains bison, mountain lion, muskox, and more…This episode isn’t about inches, scores, or shortcuts. It’s about the dream. The obsession. The years of planning. The travel .The failures. The once-in-a-lifetime moments. We explore:

• What the North American Super Slam actually is

• The species required to complete it

• Where these animals live• What makes each animal uniquely challenging

• Rough costs to pursue these hunts• Legendary archers who have completed the Super Slam

• Why Chuck Adams’ achievement changed bowhunting forever

• Why the Super Slam represents more than a checklist — it represents a life built around the chase

If you’re a bowhunter who dreams bigger than a single season…If you believe hunting is about story, struggle, and soul…This episode is for you.

🎯 CHASE THE WILD. FEEL THE SPIRIT.

In this episode of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with Clint Catchot of Droppin Hammers Outdoors for a deep-dive into whitetail hunting in New York — one of the most challenging and misunderstood deer hunting states in the country. bWe break down what it really takes to consistently kill mature bucks in the Empire State, including:

✔️ New York buck numbers & herd structure

✔️ Tag allocations, season lengths & regulations

✔️ Public land pressure and how deer adapt

✔️ Scouting strategies for big woods & ag country

✔️ Finding mature buck bedding in pressured terrain

✔️ In-season adjustments that lead to punched tags

Clint shares hard-earned lessons from years of hunting New York, why NY hunters become more disciplined, and how those skills translate anywhere in the country.

Whether you’re a New York resident or hunt heavily pressured ground elsewhere, remember this: Pressure creates smarter hunters — and tougher deer.

🎯 Subscribe to "Droppin Hammers Outdoors" on YouTube 📩

Follow and message Clint Catchot on Facebook

🎙️ Subscribe to Wild Spirits Outdoors for weekly podcasts, wild takes, and raw hunting conversations.

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

#whitetailhunting #newyorkdeerhunting #deerhuntingpodcast #bowhunting#publiclandhunting #whitetailtactics#buckbedding #rutseason #droppinhammersoutdoors #wildspiritsoutdoors #huntingtips #deerseason #archeryhunting #bigwoodshunting #huntinglife

January in Michigan isn’t the end of the outdoors—it’s where discipline is built. In Episode 21 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we dive deep into what’s still open, still possible, and still worth pursuing during the heart of winter. From the Kalamazoo Outdoor Sports Expo to a full breakdown of current Michigan hunting and fishing opportunities, this episode is about staying sharp when most people check out.🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Kalamazoo Outdoor Sports Expo recap — gear, community, and winter momentum

Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting recap- what was discussed on January 14 and why it matters to hunters and anglers

Upcoming NRC meeting dates & locations — how to stay involved and informed

Michigan winter hunting opportunities:

Small game hunting (rabbit, squirrel, hare)

Predator & coyote hunting

Michigan fishing opportunities in winter:

Ice fishing for perch, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and pike

Mind, Body & Spirit discipline:

Staying physically strong through winter

Feeding the mind with books and learning

Anchoring life in faith and Scripture

Winter strips away excuses. This episode is for hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen who refuse to go dormant when the temperature drops.

Episode 20 is the final chapter of my 2025/26 Ohio Muzzleloader Season 3-Part Series. I recap and break down the 4 Day season. This episode isn't a highlight reel, but rather a reflection of the hunt- what went wrong, what worked.I'll dive into:Late-season muzzleloader tactics that worked, and what didn'tHow the weather changed whitetail movementLocation choices, mistakes, and what I'd do differentlyJoin the Tribe and follow Wild Spirits Outdoors.

Part 2 of our Ohio muzzleloader season comes to you remote from our deer camp and picks up right where the grind begins. In this episode, I’m joined in the studio by my good friend Brandon as we break down the first three days of the Ohio muzzleloader season—highs, lows, and everything in between. Days one and two tested our patience with gear malfunctions on both sides, forcing us to adapt on the fly. Despite the setbacks, day two delivered a major win when I was able to tag my first Ohio muzzleloader deer, while Brandon used the opportunity to explore new ground and gather intel for the days ahead. Day three turned into the kind of hunt we all live for. We covered nearly three miles of uncharted ground, pushing deeper than planned, and were rewarded with multiple exciting encounters that reminded us why we chase these late-season adventures. This episode dives into problem-solving in the field, trusting the process, and embracing the grind when things don’t go according to plan.

🎯 Ohio Muzzleloader Series – Part 2 of 3🔥

Gear failures, first-season success, and boots-on-the-ground exploration

🏹 Real talk, real hunts, real lessons

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

Ohio muzzleloader season is here—and this episode kicks off a three-part series following my January hunt in some of the most challenging late-season whitetail country.In Part 1, I break down my full game plan heading into the opener. I’ll be returning to familiar ground to see how things have changed this season while also pushing into new areas that could hold opportunity. With unusually warm weather leading up to the season and a significant temperature drop forecasted for the January 3 opener, this hunt is shaping up to be anything but predictable.We’ll talk strategy, scouting, access, and mindset as I prepare for long hike-ins, kayak-accessed areas, and late-season decision-making.In this episode:Southern Ohio muzzleloader season overviewLate-season scouting & hunt planningFamiliar ground vs. exploring new areasKayak access and 1+ mile hike-in strategiesHow weather shifts impact deer movementSetting expectations for a January whitetail huntThis episode sets the stage for the entire series.🎙️ Part 2 will be recorded remotely from Ohio and will include my friend and fellow hunter Brandon as we recap the first couple days of the season.🎙️ Part 3 will wrap up the hunt with a full recap, lessons learned, and stories from the field.If you enjoy real, unfiltered hunting conversations and behind-the-scenes strategy, this series is for you

This episode is a true free-for-all. No script. No agenda. Just real questions and my honest answers. In Episode 17, I open it up to the listeners and dive into questions on a wide range of topics- from habitat management and deer pressure to favorite cartridges, archery setups, out-of-state hunting, bad decisions, memories, and everything in between. If it’s something you’d talk about around a campfire, it’s fair game here.We also take a minute at the end to talk about the podcast itself- why Wild Spirits Outdoors started, why making it to Episode 17 actually matters in today’s podcast world, and why 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for the show and the community around it.This episode is about experience over ego, learning over gatekeeping, and keeping outdoor culture real.🎧 Topics include:Habitat management & hunting pressureArchery setups and gear evolutionFavorite and underrated cartridgesIce fishing mindset and safetyOut-of-state hunting lessonsPodcasting, consistency, and building something that lastsIf you’ve been here since the beginning- thank you.If you’re new— welcome and thank you for joining the tribe.👉 Follow, subscribe, and share the show👉 Submit questions for future episodesWild Spirits OutdoorsChase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

Winter in the Midwest and Northern deer woods is where whitetail survival becomes a numbers game.After months of hunting pressure, the physical toll of the rut, and the onset of cold, snow, and shortened daylight, deer enter the most biologically demanding stretch of the year. In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we slow things down and take a hard, honest look at what it takes for deer to survive winter — and what our decisions mean during this critical window.We break down the three pillars of winter survival:• Calories• Thermal cover• Energy efficiencyFrom there, we dig into how deep snow, crusted conditions, and prolonged cold separate survivors from casualties, why winter mortality is cumulative (not sudden), and which deer are most vulnerable when conditions turn brutal.The conversation then shifts to the ethical weight of late-season hunting — not from a place of judgment, but biology. We explore how timing changes impact, why legality doesn’t always equal ethical, how pressure alone can cost deer survival, and why restraint becomes a skill when the woods are worn down.We close the episode by reframing late season as more than just opportunity — it’s a moment for observation, stewardship, and decisions that echo into next fall.This episode isn’t about telling you what to do.It’s about understanding what’s happening — and why it matters.Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

Winter is the most honest season in the deer woods, and one of the most powerful seasons for transforming a whitetail property. In this episode, we break down EXACTLY what landowners, habitat managers, and diehard whitetail hunters should focus on from December through February in the Midwest to set up for next season's success.This episode delivers a masterclass on winter habitat work. Whether you own 40 acres or 400 acres, this episode lays out the blueprint to help you understand what winter projects will pay the biggest dividends come next fall.In this episode you'll learn:How snow cover reveals bedding and travel routesWhy winter is the best time for certain property and habitat improvementsCreating beddingCutting techniques that create usable bedding and not chaosWhere and what to hinge cutTSI strategies that will boost habitat for the next decadeHow to safely and effectively drop timber for food and beddingHow drones can provide real-time property infoEdge enhancement projectsWhen to plant conifers and other treesWhat work matters mostWhat to do now, and what to wait on

Muzzleloader season is almost here for most of the Midwest, and the late season grind is real! In this episode, I'll break down what helps me to shoot confidently, sight in, and maintain the modern inline muzzleloader. Whether you're new to the smoke pole or just want some tips on refining your set up, this episode gives you real-world guidance.

The 1st half of Whitetail Season is officially in the books! In this episode host Brad breaks down his 1st half of the season, and what we as hunters should be doing as we head into the latter part of the season. Episode highlights:Recap of 1st half of seasonWhat bucks are doing now vs 2 weeks agoSecondary "Rut" realityLate-Season Food Sources and thermal cover

In this episode, host Brad takes a break from whitetail tactics and takes aim at Michigan’s whitetail management chaos with unapologetic opinions. Mitten State Madness breaks down some hot-button issues Michigan deer hunter is talking about (even if they don't admit it — from the baiting ban and endless hunting seasons to crossbows, youth hunts, overpopulation, and the state’s mismanagement of deer herds.Brad calls out the hypocrisy, politics, and complacency that are crippling Michigan’s hunting culture — from farmers who won’t open their land to hunters, to leaseholders obsessed with “trophy bucks,” to the growing disregard for private property. He also dives into why earn-a-buck and county-by-county regulations could actually fix what’s broken.If you’re tired of watching Michigan’s deer management spiral while the NRC adds more confusion every season, this one’s for you. It’s bold, unfiltered, and all Michigan.Listen now to hear:Why Brad supports baiting — and why the ban doesn’t make senseHow too many hunting seasons hurt herd healthThe crossbow debate: tools vs. excusesWhy the southern Michigan is overrun with deer (and why it’s on hunters to fix it)How “earn-a-buck” could bring balanceThe impact of urban sprawl, access loss, and private land issuesThe truth about Michigan’s broken deer management system Follow & Subscribe:Instagram: @wildspiritspodFacebook: Wild Spirits OutdoorsWebsite: WildSpiritsOutdoors.comChase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

** Apologies for the poor quality. Had to reload this episode without the intro. Episode 11 should be best audio thus far. **

It’s that magic stretch of the season — late October in the Midwest — when bucks are on edge, scrapes are fresh, and every cold morning feels like the calm before the storm.In this episode, we break down 20 bowhunting questions that separate a good hunt from a great one. From reading sign and playing the wind to knowing when to move in on a target buck, we dive deep into what makes the last week of October one of the most explosive times in the whitetail woods.If you live for frosty mornings, crisp leaves, and the first grunts of the season… Welcome to the chaos.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to hunt scrapes and funnels during late OctoberThe best weather fronts for daylight buck movementCalling and rattling tactics before peak rutThe importance of wind, thermals, and patienceReal whitetail hunting stories and lessons learned

The time is here— and this is the window is now! Bucks are cruising, does are coming into estrous, and the pre-lockdown rhythm is in full swing. In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, Brad breaks down how to hunt this crucial stretch before rut lockdown hits — this is when every sit could change your season. In This Episode, we talk:When and how to use grunting, rattling, and snort-wheezes effectivelyHunting travel routes on public landDialing in on micro plots and mast crops on private groundWhy doe concentrations are the heartbeat of movement right nowLeveraging historical buck patterns to predict repeat activityWhy time in the stand = opportunity during the pre-lockdown phaseThis is the sweet spot of the whitetail season — bucks are mobile, daylight activity is climbing, and smart aggression pays off. If there’s ever a time to hunt your honey holes… it’s now.

** Apologies for the poor quality. Had to reload this episode without the intro. Episode 11 should be best audio thus far. **

It’s that magic stretch of the season — late October in the Midwest — when bucks are on edge, scrapes are fresh, and every cold morning feels like the calm before the storm.In this episode, we break down 20 bowhunting questions that separate a good hunt from a great one. From reading sign and playing the wind to knowing when to move in on a target buck, we dive deep into what makes the last week of October one of the most explosive times in the whitetail woods.If you live for frosty mornings, crisp leaves, and the first grunts of the season… Welcome to the chaos.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to hunt scrapes and funnels during late OctoberThe best weather fronts for daylight buck movementCalling and rattling tactics before peak rutThe importance of wind, thermals, and patienceReal whitetail hunting stories and lessons learned

Mid-October can just about put even the most dedicated hunter to sleep. Deer seem to vanish, trail cams go dead, and patience can wear thin. But the truth? The "lull" is really a myth- and bucks still exist, you just have to find them. In this episode we will talk about mid-October strategies- shifting food sources, locating fresh sign, and embracing the grind when others sit it out.The trick to cracking the lull is- there is no trick; just a willingness to persevere.

Opening day of archery season is here for just about everyone, and in this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, I am fielding 20 questions on how I would strategize my early season approach based on the warm and dry conditions most of us are experiencing.

We all know that deer live by their noses, but how can we use that superpower to our advantage? In this episode, we dive deep into the invisible world of air currents and how they should dictate our movements in the woods. From understanding prevailing winds and shifting thermals to breaking down how terrain features affect how air currents move, we'll explore how deer use their noses to survive and how we can use the wind and thermals to our advantage.Topics covered:The basics of wind and scent conesHow deer use the wind to travelThermals: morning, midday, and evening cyclesHow terrain impacts air currentsTech and field tools to monitor wind in preparation and real-timeIf you want to consistently get close to mature deer, you have to win the invisible game.

Whitetail deer do not just survive in the wild- they thrive all over North America because of their incredible senses. In this episode, we break down the some of the science of how deer see, hear, and smell- and what that really means for us as hunters.

We will zoom on n some of the keys to how each of these senses work, and how to formulate a hunting strategy around them. Whether you are seasoned hunter or just starting, there is something in this episode for everyone.

In this episode, we dig into late summer whitetail behavior and how patterns shift as September approaches. From bachelor groups breaking up to the pull of acorn drops and changing food sources, we break down what hunters should be watching for right now.

The hunt begins. In this episode, we build off the foundation of planning from Episode 3 and dive headfirst in the hunt itself- And how quickly things can change when the boots hit the ground. These are the situations where adaptability can be the difference between success and failure. Whether you're a seasoned DIY hunter or taking your first trek into new hunting grounds, this episode covers the grit and the grind that we seek on these hunts. We will break down the hunt, raw moments, close calls, and the unknown elements that keep us coming back for more hunting adventures in new terrains.

In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we're leaving the comfort of our home hunting behind as we cross state lines. From scouting unfamiliar ground to navigating non-resident tag systems, I'm going to break down how I prepare for a successful out-of-state hunt.#whitetailhunting #DIYhunting #HuntingPodcast #WildSpiritsOutdoors #deerhunting #huntingpublic #deerhunting

We're in studio with Tom Caltagirone, owner of Leveled Outdoors, to get your bow setup dialed in for the upcoming archery season. From tuning tips to hunting strategies, this episode will have you tightening those groups and thinking about the sweet smell of a crisp autumn day!

In this premiere episode, Brad takes you back to where it all began- his first bow hunt in 1995- and walks you through the evolution of his passion for bow hunting. From the glory days of the "TV Hunter" and VHS tapes of the 90s, to chasing whitetails across state lines, this one's packed with history and heart. You'll also hear how a recent injury has reshaped the 2025 season.