Explore every episode of the podcast Wired To Hunt Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 1088: Rut Fresh Radio - Warm Weather Won’t Stop What’s Coming | 28 Oct 2026 | 00:48:33 | |
Don’t let the heat fool you, November is almost here. This week, K.C. Smith checks in from Texas, Dalton Tunis brings us a report from northern Indiana, and Thomas Mlsna joins us from Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. With warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of whitetail country, we break down what each hunter is seeing right now, how bucks are moving despite the heat, and what’s changing as we head into one of the most anticipated stretches of the season. From fresh sign and food sources to current conditions and increasing rut activity, we’re getting boots-on-the-ground reports from three very different regions. Tune in for fresh, in-season whitetail intel as October comes to a close and November begins. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1087: Foundations - Rut Calling Tactics That Actually Work on Mature Bucks | 27 Oct 2026 | 00:16:40 | |
Bleating, grunting, snort-wheezing, and rattling, all have their place in a deer hunter's arsenal. When and how you use each call matters though, and not all calling situations are created equally. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1086: Dan Infalt’s Week by Week Approach to Hunting the Prime of Whitetail Season | 22 Oct 2026 | 01:16:19 | |
This week on the show I'm joined by Dan Infalt, one of the most renowned DIY whitetail bowhunters of the modern era, to discuss how his hunting approach shifts on a week by week basis from late October through the end of November. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1085: Rut Fresh Radio - Stop Waiting: The Best October Hunting Is Here | 21 Oct 2026 | 00:35:37 | |
Late October is here and things are about to change fast. This week on Rut Fresh Radio, we’re joined by Phil Tuttle in Illinois, Jordan Budd in Nebraska, and Josh Henson in Texas for fresh, boots-on-the-ground reports from across the country. We’re talking scrape activity, mature buck movement, the impact of warm weather, and why the next cold front could be the trigger hunters have been waiting for. Are bucks starting to move in daylight? Should you be hunting aggressively yet? And just how important is “scrape week” when it comes to killing a mature buck? The best stretch of October is here. It’s time to pay attention. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1084: Foundations - Risks, Rewards, and Pre-Rut Hunting Realities | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:15:24 | |
It's almost the rut, but not quite. The pre-rut requires a different mindset and different strategies, but it can be as productive as the actual rut. You just might need to get into the cover and work the bucks where they feel safe. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1083: Back 40 - Are You Wasting Time Waiting on a Buck to Show Up? | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:35:38 | |
Every hunter has been there... waiting on a buck that should show up while wondering if you’re wasting valuable time. This week on Back 40, Tony LaPratt, Bronson Strickland, Jason Michael, and Skip Sligh break down how they decide when to stay patient and when it’s time to make a move. We dive into what makes mature bucks predictable, how quickly patterns can change throughout October, and whether you should be hunting the deer you have right now - or the deer you hope shows up next. If you’re staring at trail camera photos, waiting on a familiar buck, or trying to decide when to shift your strategy, this conversation will help you make that call. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1082: Rut Fresh Radio - October Is About to Change: Don’t Miss What’s Coming | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:39:19 | |
October is moving fast, and conditions are changing across whitetail country. This week, Kaitlyn Maus checks in from the Midwest as she prepares to head to Wisconsin, Aaron Hepler brings us the latest from Pennsylvania, and Dan Tutor reports from the big woods of Maine. We break down what each hunter is seeing right now - from current deer movement and fresh sign to food sources, weather, and how October patterns are beginning to shift. With three very different regions represented, we get a boots-on-the-ground look at how whitetails are behaving as we move another week closer to the heart of the season. Tune in for fresh, in-season whitetail intel and a look at what’s happening in the woods right now. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1081: Foundations - The Science of Scrapes and Why You Should Hunt Them Now | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:16:07 | |
Most hunters love to sit over scrapes, but they often have their timing wrong. Whitetail science tells us that two to three weeks before peak breeding is the time to hunt scrapes, which means for a lot of hunters, they need to be in the woods right now. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1080: 9 Big Ways Mark Drury Has Changed His Mind on Whitetails | 08 Oct 2026 | 01:10:59 | |
This week on the show, Mark's joined by the one and only Mark Drury to explore nine big ways he’s changed his mind about deer and deer hunting in recent years. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1079: Rut Fresh Radio - Push In or Stay Back? Hunting Close to Buck Bedding | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:36:08 | |
How close is too close? This week, Jack Huston (Missouri), Scott Peceny (Michigan), and Christian Babcock (Oklahoma) join the show with fresh, boots-on-the-ground reports from across whitetail country. The conversation centers around hunting close to bedding areas: how tight these hunters are willing to get, what they're seeing from bucks right now, and how their approach changes based on conditions and fresh sign. We also cover current deer movement, food sources, weather, and what’s changing as we move deeper into October. Tune in for real-time whitetail intel from three different regions and a look at what hunters are experiencing in the woods right now. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1078: Foundations - In-Season E-Scouting to Find Mature Bucks Now | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:16:47 | |
Most whitetail hunters feel they need to play it safe in mid-October, but that might cost you a buck. This is a great time of the season to e-scout, ground check your work, and kill a good one when most of your competition is waiting on the rut. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1077: Back 40 - Four Decisions Most Hunters Make That Cost Them More Deer Than They Realize | 01 Oct 2026 | 00:39:11 | |
In this episode of Back 40, Jake Hofer sits down with Bill Winke, Jeff Sturgis, Adam Keith, and Aaron Warbritton to tackle four decisions that could be costing hunters more deer than they realize. From knowing when to make a move to recognizing when it’s time to change your approach, each guest shares lessons learned from years of chasing mature whitetails and the mistakes they still see hunters make every season. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1076: Rut Fresh Radio - October 1 Game Plan: Fresh Buck Sign and Food Sources | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:36:43 | |
October is here! Tune in for fresh, boots-on-the-ground reports from hunters across the country. This week, Josh Teulker (Indiana), Alex Comstock (Minnesota), and Josh Profit (Kentucky) join the show to share what they’re seeing, hearing, and experiencing in the woods right now. From shifting food sources and changing deer movement to fresh sign and current conditions, we break down what’s happening across whitetail country and what hunters should be watching as we head into the first week of October. Tune in for real-time whitetail intel and a better idea of what could be happening in your woods this week. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1075: Foundations - How to Make the Most of Morning Hunts When It's Not the Rut | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:17:39 | |
A lot of hunters skip morning hunts for most of the season, but that's a mistake. This week Tony lays out a better strategy for how to make the most of those early alarms on your quest to kill a mature buck. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1074: 10 Greatest Whitetails Lessons We’ve Learned Missing Big Bucks with Tony Peterson | 24 Sep 2026 | 01:20:02 | |
This week on the show Mark is joined by Tony Peterson to discuss the Top 10 greatest whitetail hunting lessons we’ve learned from our worst hunting fails - that being, the big bucks we’ve missed. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1073: Rut Fresh Radio - Acorns Are Changing Everything: Where Bucks Are Bedding Now | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:46:43 | |
Rut Fresh Radio is back for 2026! We’re kicking off the season with fresh, boots-on-the-ground reports from hunters across the country. This week, Cameron Derr (North Dakota/Ohio), Kevin Lathe (Maryland), Clay Mervar (North Carolina), and Jake Fleischman (Wisconsin) join the show to break down what they’re seeing, hearing, and experiencing in the woods right now. From changing deer movement and current conditions to what hunters should be watching as we head into the next week, we’re covering it all. Tune in for real-time whitetail intel from hunters across the country and get a better idea of what could be happening in your woods this week. Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1072: Foundations - Tight-Quarter Stand Setups for Big Bucks | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:17:15 | |
Humans are evolutionarily hardwired to seek out certain types of environments, which plays out in the whitetails woods all fall - and often costs us big bucks. Learning to seek out precise locations in the cover is a much better bet, but it isn't easy. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1071: Back 40 - What is the Single Best Week of the Fall to Hunt Whitetails? | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:32:26 | |
In this episode of Back 40, Jake Hofer asks Bill Winke, Jeff Sturgis, Adam Keith, and Aaron Warbritton to each choose the week they would circle on the calendar if they had to make one educated bet. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1070: Foundations - How to Decipher Early Buck Sign and Use it to Fill Your Tags Now | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:18:16 | |
Most whitetail hunters play the early season game the exact same way, but that can be a mistake. Scouting fresh sign, especially rubs, can put you on mature bucks right now. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1069: Goals, Hopes, and Hit Lists for 2026 with Dan Johnson | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:57:18 | |
This week on the show, Mark's joined by Dan Johnson for our annual review of our goals, hopes, and hit lists for the 2026 hunting season. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1068: Foundations - You Don't Know What You've Got, Until. . . | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:16:46 | |
What life teaches us about loss, and what loss teaches us about life. The deer woods should be a place that allows you to replace what the daily grind takes from you, so handle it with care. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1067: Back 40 - Every Time I Scout I Feel Like I'm Hurting my Chances | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:34:02 | |
Every time you scout, are you actually making the property harder to hunt? In this episode, Adam Keith, Aaron Warbritton, Bill Winke, and Jeff Sturgis break down one of the biggest dilemmas in whitetail hunting: how do you learn enough about a property to kill a mature buck without educating him in the process? We talk about when scouting pressure actually matters, how close you should get to bedding, scouting during the season vs. before it, reading fresh sign, access routes, trail cameras, and when the information you gain is worth the risk of intrusion. Sometimes the biggest mistake isn't scouting too much - it's scouting at the wrong time, in the wrong place, or without a plan for what you're trying to learn. If you've ever walked out of the woods after scouting and thought, "Did I just screw this spot up?" this episode is for you. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1066: Foundations - Broadheads, Bow Prep, and Effective Range | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:17:10 | |
Matching broadheads to arrows, quieting down your bow, and establishing effective range are all pre-season necessities. This week, Tony explains his process for all three. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1065: What Would Mike Rex Do? | 27 Aug 2026 | 01:26:54 | |
This week on the show we're running under-the-radar Ohio big buck hunter Mike Rex through the "What Would You Do?" gauntlet to see how he'd handle some of the most interesting and tricky deer hunting scenarios we can throw at him. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1064: Foundations - Rich Deer, Poor Deer | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:17:56 | |
Dominant bucks command the best resources, which allows them to survive and thrive. Thinkiing about them as wealthy is a unique way to understand their motivations and daily habits, and can help you become a more lethal big buck hunter. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1063: Back 40 - If You Could Only Follow Five Deer Hunting Rules, What Would They Be? | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:58:45 | |
What if you could only follow five deer hunting rules for the rest of your life? In this episode, Adam Keith, Aaron Warbritton, Bill Winke, and Jeff Sturgis each break down the five rules they believe matter most for consistently killing mature whitetails. We cover everything from wind and access to pressure, bedding, timing, scouting, and knowing when to make an aggressive move. With decades of experience and very different hunting styles represented, the answers aren't always the same and that's what makes this conversation so valuable. If you stripped deer hunting down to the handful of principles that actually move the needle, these are the rules worth remembering. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1062: Foundations - How to Find, Scout, and Hunt Bachelor Groups | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:16:36 | |
Scouting and hunting bachelor groups seems simple enough, but a lot of hunters don't understand how much can go wrong when you've laid down a good early season plan without thinking through some backup options. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1061: What Would Michael Perry Do? | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:56:14 | |
This week on the show we're running Alabama public land expert Michael Perry through the "What Would You Do?" gauntlet to see how he'd handle some of the most interesting and tricky deer hunting scenarios we can throw at him. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1060: Foundations - How to Set Up Ladderstands the Right Way | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:16:40 | |
Ladderstands are popular options for high-traffic deer spots, but they are prime candidates for location burnout. If you want to go this route, learn to think through the details to give your stand sites the best chance of producing all season long. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1059: Back 40 - What's One Thing Every Hunter Is Making Way Too Complicated? | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:41:59 | |
Before planting food plots or cutting a single tree, where should you focus your attention? Adam Keith, Aaron Warbritton, Bill Winke, and Jeff Sturgis explain how they evaluate a raw hunting property from the ground up. You'll hear how they identify the natural features that consistently produce mature bucks, avoid common mistakes, and decide where future improvements will have the biggest impact. Whether you're buying your first farm or leasing new ground, this episode provides a repeatable system for breaking down any property. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1058: Foundations - Treestand Setup Mistakes that Could Cost You a Buck | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:16:07 | |
Hanging stands in the preseason is never a bad idea, but there are some ways that hunters sabotage their future selves during this process. Learn to avoid them, and you'll kill more big bucks. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1057: AI and the Future of Trail Cameras with Darrin Durham | 30 Jul 2026 | 01:04:02 | |
This week on the show Mark's joined by Darrin Durham, an avid deer hunter and program manager for Moultrie Mobile, to explore the fast evolving integration of AI into trailcams and how hunters can best take advantage of this technology. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1056: Foundations - Problem-Based Thinking and The Big Buck Conundrum | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:16:39 | |
Most deer hunters focus on the problems they face when it comes to killing big bucks, but they'd be better off reframing their thinking to be more solution-based. This isn't easy to do, but it is a trait that most successful hunters share. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1055: Back 40 - Finding the Best Place on A Property That has Had Little to No Improvements | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:47:30 | |
Where should you start when you walk onto a completely raw property? In this episode, we break down the exact process for identifying the highest-impact locations for chasing whitetails. Joined by Adam Keith, Aaron Warbritton, Bill Winke, and Jeff Sturgis, we compare how each guest approaches a brand-new property, from reading topography and understanding bedding behavior to evaluating access, food, water, and hunting pressure. While each has a unique philosophy, you'll discover the common principles they all rely on when deciding where to begin. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1054: Foundations - Why We All Need To Relearn the Same Old Deer | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:17:36 | |
We often think of deer populations as relatively static, but over a long enough timeline they just aren't. This has ramifications for scouting and hunting strategies, and is an element of whiteail hunting that can't be ignored. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1053: The Jared Mills Trail Cam Masterclass | 16 Jul 2026 | 01:11:48 | |
This week on the show I’m joined by Jared Mills to walk through his unique trail camera strategies and routines, from summer through fall - including his goals, camera set-ups, and philosophy on how best to use trailcam intel. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1052: Foundations - The Evolution of Trail Cameras and How Hunters Still Use Them Wrong | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:16:59 | |
The history of trail cameras is one that covers several decades, and highlights the march of technology in the hunting space. This four-decade journey has culminated in some of the best tools whitetail hunters can use to learn about deer behavior - provided they use them correctly. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1051: What Thermal Drones Revealed About Big Bucks | 09 Jul 2026 | 01:00:31 | |
Derrick from Whitetail Research joins Jake Hofer to break down what thousands of thermal drone flights have revealed about mature buck behavior. Derrick shares some of his findngs from thousands of thermal drone flights. Why mature bucks aren't always bedding where hunters expect. The surprising differences between hill country and ag country. Summer bachelor groups and what actually happens before the season. Early-season mistakes that cost hunters opportunities. Whether trail cameras are giving hunters an incomplete picture. How hunting pressure, human activity, and access influence mature bucks. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1050: Foundations - Summer Buck Diets and the Rut Connection | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:17:02 | |
We often underestimate how bucks eat to not only survive, but thrive. It pays to think of them as animal athletes, and to learn what food sources offer them the most protein, fat, carbs and general nutrition. Focusing on a buck's diet throughout the summer and the season is a strategy that will keep you in the game all season long. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1049: Then vs. Now: 15 Years of Trailcam Tactic Evolution with Dan Johnson | 02 Jul 2026 | 01:12:28 | |
This week on the show I’m joined by Dan Johnson to discuss how our trailcam strategies have evolved over the last 15 years and exactly where we’ve landed today - including thoughts on our summer camera strategies, our changing trailcam set-ups and settings, and new ways to use cellcams. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1048: Foundations - How to Start Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Whitetail Season | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:17:15 | |
You have to start somewhere, and you have to start sometime. How to start building your fall whitetail plan right now, so that you have plenty of hotspots idenitfied and ready to go before the season opener. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1047: Back 40 - Affordable Habitat Projects That Actually Work | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:48:16 | |
When it comes to improving a hunting property, it's easy to think you need a big budget to make a big impact. The reality? Some of the most effective habitat projects are also some of the most affordable. In this episode of Back 40, we asked a panel of experienced deer hunters and land managers to share the low-cost improvements that consistently deliver results. From creating bedding cover and improving travel corridors to screening access routes and making strategic habitat tweaks, these are the projects that can transform a property without breaking the bank. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1045: Clay Newcomb's Greatest Whitetail Failures and Lessons Learned | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:50:28 | |
This week on the show I'm joined by Clay Newcomb to discuss failure in the whitetail woods, and beyond, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1044: Foundations - Why You Should Plan for Good Enough in the Deer Woods | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:16:45 | |
When we give whitetail bucks too much credit, we tend to shoot for perfection in our hunts. Not only is that unattainable, it's unnecessary. Learn to live with good enough in your setups, and you'll actually be better off in the deer woods. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1046: Foundations - How Big Bucks Make People Really, Really Stupid | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
From high-profile poaching cases involving giant bucks, to our personal failures during encounters with good deer, the reality is that giant whitetails have the ability to melt our brains and make us all dumb in the moment. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1043: Shawn Luchtel on Failure, Food Plots, and Big Buck Myths | 11 Jun 2026 | 01:03:10 | |
On this episode of Wired To Hunt, Jake visits with Heartland Bowhunter's Shawn Luchtel for a conversation centered around one of the most underrated teachers in deer hunting: failure. Instead of rehashing big buck stories, Shawn walks through the whitetail calendar month by month, sharing the mistakes, bad assumptions, and hard-earned lessons that have shaped the way he hunts today. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1042: Foundations - How Whitetail Antlers Came To Be and Why We Love Them So Much | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:18:00 | |
Do you really know the story of how deer antlers came to be? Or how they form in such a quick amount of time? This week Tony explains both, and a heck of a lot more about big bucks and their headgear that we covet so much. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1041: Learning from our Top 6 Whitetail Failures | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:16:48 | |
This week on the show Tony Peterson and I break down our top six whitetail failures and the lessons that we and you can learn from them. Connect with Mark Kenyon, Jake Hofer, and MeatEater Mark Kenyon on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Wired to Hunt Merch and MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1040: Foundations - A Day in the Life of a Newborn Whitetail Fawn | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:18:13 | |
How do fawns survive their first three weeks? It's not easy, but the deer have a strategy and it works out often enough to ensure another generation of whitetails will be on the landscape, waiting for us as fall kicks off. Connect with Tony Peterson and MeatEater Tony Peterson on Instagram and Facebook MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 1039: Back 40 - Four Whitetail Land Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs | 28 May 2026 | 00:44:35 | |
When it comes to managing land for whitetails, there’s no shortage of advice on what you should be doing. But sometimes the fastest way to improve your property is knowing what mistakes to avoid in the first place. In this episode of Back 40, we asked a fresh panel of experienced deer hunters and land managers one simple question: What are the biggest whitetail land mistakes people make? The answers cover everything from access and pressure to habitat work, expectations, and long-term planning. Whether you own 10 acres or 1,000, avoiding the wrong moves can save you years of frustration and put you on a much faster path toward building better deer habitat and more consistent hunting success. This episode features: Wes Delks, Steve Hanson, Jake Ehllinger, and Sam Billhorn. Presented by Moultrie Connect with Jake Hofer and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop MeatEater Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||