The Hunting Dad Podcast

In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I'm hitting the road for Kansas and talking about what it takes to make an out-of-state hunting trip happen without breaking the bank.

From sleeping in the back of your truck and finding ways to save money on the road to staying warm on those cold nights and comfortable during the warmer parts of the day, I'm sharing some of the things I've learned along the way.

You don't have to spend a fortune on hotels, restaurants, and gear to enjoy an out-of-state hunting adventure. Sometimes it's about being resourceful, planning ahead, and making the most of what you have.

Whether you're planning your first out-of-state hunt or looking for ways to stretch your hunting budget, hopefully you'll pick up a few ideas you can use on your next adventure.

Kansas, here we come!

In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I'm joined by Matt Millard, a dedicated public-land bowhunter from Northeast Tennessee who has spent years traveling across the country chasing mature whitetails.

Matt shares his approach to planning DIY out-of-state rut hunts, finding overlooked public-land opportunities, and knowing when it's time to leave a spot instead of forcing a hunt. We get into why he prefers to keep his initial e-scouting broad, how he evaluates the private land surrounding public properties, and why scouting his way in with his gear on his back has become such an important part of his strategy.

We also break down the timing of the rut, how weather influences October hunting, when food sources matter most, and why mature bucks often become a cover-focused puzzle as the season progresses. Matt explains how he balances long hunting trips with work, saves money to fund his adventures, and keeps himself mentally sharp when days in the woods aren't going as planned.

Whether you're planning your first out-of-state hunt or looking to improve your approach to public-land whitetails, this conversation is packed with practical advice on scouting, hunting pressure, travel, and making the most of your time in the deer woods.

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In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I sat down with Justin Bailey, a traditional bowhunter who travels to hunt public land and has developed an aggressive approach to pursuing mature whitetails. From hunting thick native grass and overlooked bedding areas to using a decoy to bring big bucks into bow range, Justin shares the unconventional tactics that have helped him get close to some incredible deer.

Justin breaks down how he approaches unfamiliar public land, why hunting pressure can matter more than traditional buck sign, and how fresh tracks, doe bedding areas, food sources, and overlooked terrain features can help you find mature bucks during the rut. He also explains his approach to using decoys, grunting, and rattling together to create opportunities that other hunters might never get.

If you're tired of hunting the same old spots, waiting for bucks to show up, or walking past overlooked areas because they don't look like traditional deer habitat, this conversation might change the way you approach your next hunt.

Whether you're hunting big timber, thick cover, or open country, this episode is packed with ideas to help you think differently, hunt more aggressively, and create your own opportunities on public land.

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In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I'm sitting down with Arkansas deer hunter Austin Crutchfield to talk mid-season whitetails, river-bottom hunting, and the tactics that have helped him find success year after year.

Austin recently punched two buck tags just four days apart, and we break down how those hunts came together, from summer scouting and trail-camera intel to finding the right food sources and making adjustments when a setup isn't working.

We get into the importance of finding hot oak trees, identifying fresh acorn sign, hunting persimmons, and understanding how changing water levels can create overlooked feeding and bedding opportunities. Austin also shares his thoughts on scrapes, trail-camera-shy bucks, overhunting productive areas, and why you need to find where a buck feels comfortable moving in daylight instead of repeatedly hunting where he only shows up after dark.

We also discuss mobile hunting on private ground, using e-bikes to access deeper areas, balancing hunting with work and family, and making the most of limited time in the woods.

No magic tricks or guaranteed formulas here—just a down-to-earth conversation about paying attention to the sign, adapting to what the deer are doing, and making every hunt count.

If you're trying to tag a good buck before the rut, this episode has plenty of practical ideas to take into the woods.

Thanks for listening to The Hunting Dad Podcast! If you enjoy the show, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and check out DO3 Outdoors on YouTube.

Use code huntingdad at hawke optics to save 15% at checkout!

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In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I got to sit down with my great friend, Jacob Myers from The Southern Outdoorsman podcast to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing hunters who travel from the South to the Midwest — figuring out what information to actually trust.

From scent elimination and access to stand placement, wind, public-land tactics and everything in between, Midwest whitetail hunting comes with no shortage of opinions. The problem is, a lot of those opinions conflict with one another.

We dive into how hunters can sort through all that information, determine what actually matters, and develop a system that fits the way they hunt instead of constantly chasing the latest tactic or piece of advice.

We also talk about the differences between hunting Southern whitetails and Midwest deer, what makes the transition challenging, and how conversations through The Southern Outdoorsman have helped them learn from hunters with completely different experiences and approaches.

Use code huntingdad at hawke optics to save 15% at checkout!

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And again, if you're looking to swap to, or try MOULTRIE cameras, Shoot me a message on either FB or Instagram and let me save you some bigtime cash!

In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I sit down with Gabe Staggs, the 19-year-old son of super successful public-land hunter, Greg Staggs. Gabe has already developed an impressive track record of finding and killing mature public-land bucks, and we dive into the process behind his success. We talk about growing up learning from his dad, scouting, finding "an edge within an edge," unconventional access routes, hunting pressure, target panic, and the lessons he's learned from both success and failure. Gabe also shares the incredible story of a 173-inch public-land buck, the shot he missed, and the surprising journey that followed. This is a great conversation about learning to hunt smarter, adapting to individual deer, and ultimately beating public-land bucks at their own game.

In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I sit down with Brad from Triple B Archery in Owensboro Kentucky to break down the world of modern bowhunting and talk about some of the biggest things bowhunters tend to overthink.

From arrow spine, FOC and arrow weight to bow tuning, grip, draw weight and speed, Brad explains what actually matters when it comes to building an accurate and dependable hunting setup. The guys also dive into paper tuning, center shot, modern bow technology and why sometimes keeping things simple is the best approach.

They also get into one of the most frustrating problems bowhunters can face: target panic. Jacob and Brad share their personal experiences battling it, different release styles, and what helped them become more confident and consistent shooters.

And, of course, there are plenty of hunting stories along the way—including forgotten releases, dry fires, equipment mistakes and a few lessons learned the hard way.

The big takeaway? Stop obsessing over the latest gear and complicated setups. Build a bow that fits you, tune it properly, practice until you're accurate and, most importantly, put the arrow where it needs to go.

Straight arrows, everybody. Shoot straight!

Use code huntingdad at hawke optics to save 15% at checkout!

Click this link to get 10% off AND FREE shipping off your order @ Dryshod boots!

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And again, if you're looking to swap to, or try MOULTRIE cameras, Shoot me a message on either FB or Instagram and let me save you some bigtime cash!

This episode with Jake Bush is the standard of what it means to mature as both a hunter and a father. Instead of glorifying endless scouting and spending every spare minute in the woods, we discuss how becoming husbands and dads forced us to rethink success.

The discussion covers why less scouting has actually produced better results, the importance of being mentally present instead of simply logging miles, balancing family with hunting, developing confidence in your instincts, hunting mature bucks with limited time, and preparing for upcoming trips out of state, specifically Kansas. The episode wraps up with a reminder that the stories, memories, and family moments often outweigh any set of antlers hanging on the wall.

Steven Fuller joins The Hunting Dad Podcast to talk about one of the biggest life changes imaginable—getting married and instantly becoming a dad. Steven shares what it's been like adjusting to family life while balancing work, hunting, and managing one of Missouri's premier whitetail properties.

Jacob and Steven dive into introducing kids to hunting, creating positive first experiences, and whether young hunters should be chasing trophy bucks. They also discuss land management strategies, public land hunting, upcoming out-of-state adventures in Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, and Missouri, plus why overlooked hunting spots often produce the biggest deer.

The episode wraps up with an honest discussion about hunting gear and why Dryshod's Evolution boots have become their go-to footwear for everything from scouting to mountain turkey hunts.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a new dad, or trying to balance family with your hunting obsession, this episode is packed with laughs, practical advice, and relatable stories.

Key Talking Points

• Steven's transition into marriage and becoming a dad.
• Learning to balance family, work, and hunting.
• Why structure is so important for introducing kids to the outdoors.
• The best age to start hunting—and why every kid is different.
• Why first hunting experiences matter more than first kills.
• Should kids target trophy bucks or simply enjoy the hunt?
• Funny stories about hunting with young kids.
• The value of having a private property for family hunts.
• Public land strategy versus private land management.
• How Steven approaches habitat improvements.
• Native grasses vs. food plots.
• Summer scouting and trail camera strategies.
• Why overlooked hunting spots consistently produce mature deer.
• Upcoming Nebraska and Iowa hunt plans.
• Spot-and-stalk hunting in timber.
• Favorite Dryshod boots and why they've become daily footwear.

Be sure and use CODE: Huntingdad @ Hawke optics to save 15% at checkout!

Click this link to get 10% off AND FREE shipping off your order @ Dryshod boots!

https://dryshodusa.com/?sld=14

And again, if youre looking to swap to, or try MOULTRIE cameras, Shoot me a message on either FB or Instagram and let me save you some bigtime cash!

This week on The Hunting Dad Podcast, I sat down with Zach White to break down one of the most debated topics in deer hunting: summer scouting.

The conversation dives into the difference between simply finding deer and actually understanding how they use the landscape throughout the year. Zach shares how his background in waterfowl hunting shaped his aggressive scouting style, why learning doe movement can be just as valuable as chasing giant bucks, and how to avoid wasting time on low-percentage areas.

We also discuss:

• Why many hunters overcomplicate summer scouting.
• When boots-on-the-ground scouting is worth it—and when binoculars are the better tool.
• How to locate mature bucks before the season.
• Trail camera strategies that actually produce useful information.
• The importance of tracks, fresh droppings, water, browse, and overlooked food sources.
• Why low-pressure, "low-hanging fruit" opportunities often lead to early-season success.
• How deer shift from summer patterns to fall patterns and what hunters should expect after velvet sheds.

Whether you're hunting public or private land, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you head into opening day with more confidence and a better plan.

In this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I sit down with accomplished public-land bowhunter Kelsey Moss for an honest conversation about what it really takes to consistently find and kill mature bucks.

Kelsey shares his incredible 2025 season, breaking down each of his four trophy bucks—from urban velvet deer and Tennessee public land to a successful DIY Georgia mountain hunt. Along the way, he explains his scouting process, trail camera strategy, hunting pressure, terrain analysis, and why eliminating where other hunters are likely to be has become one of his biggest keys to success.

The conversation also dives into kudzu hunting, calling mature bucks, mobile hunting tactics, learning from missed opportunities, overcoming buck fever, and developing the mental discipline needed to execute when the moment finally arrives.

Whether you're chasing your first mature buck or looking to become a more efficient public-land hunter, this episode is packed with practical hunting knowledge, plenty of laughs, and stories every deer hunter can appreciate.

On this episode of The Hunting Dad Podcast, I sit down with DIY hunter and YouTube creator Cade Trickey. Cade shares his journey from working in the outdoor industry to building his own hunting channel, the lessons he's learned chasing animals across multiple states, and why he focuses on showing the real side of hunting.

We dive into summer preparation, scouting philosophies, public land pressure, Arkansas hunting, deer hunting in the hills vs. bottoms, and Cade's upcoming journey into bear hunting.

We also have a real conversation about something every hunting dad has to navigate — balancing time in the woods with being a husband and father. Cade explains how his wife supports his hunting lifestyle, why being present at home matters, and how a strong relationship makes chasing these adventures possible. This episode covers.....

• DIY hunting, family balance, and chasing a dream
• The real side of building a hunting channel
• Turkey hunting across state lines
• Arkansas duck hunting culture
• Deer hunting hills vs. bottoms
• First-time bear hunting adventure
• What it takes to keep hunting and family working together!

We're Continuing on with the new season with a laid-back campfire-style conversation with some good friends — Stewart Keen, Steven Fuller, and Scotty Flippo.

This episode isn't about tactics, gear, or chasing the biggest buck. It's about the part of hunting that keeps us coming back year after year: The friendships, the traditions, the laughs, and the memories made around camp.

We talk about how hunting changes as we get older, why deer camp means more than just filling a tag, taking kids hunting, morning vs evening hunts, public land struggles, mental toughness, hunting mistakes we've made, and the deer that mean the most to us.

Because at the end of the day, the best hunts are very seldom measured in sucess by inches!

Use code huntingdad at hawke optics to save 15% at checkout!

Click this link to get 10% off AND FREE shipping off your order @ Dryshod boots!

https://dryshodusa.com/?sld=14

And again, if you're looking to swap to, or try MOULTRIE cameras, Shoot me a message on either FB or Instagram and let me save you some bigtime cash!

This week on The Hunting Dad Podcast, I sit down with Sam Ubl for one of my favorite conversations of the season.

Sam shares his journey from outdoor writing and filming with Whitetail Adrenaline to building Chase Nation, while diving into the hunting lessons that completely changed his approach to mature bucks. We discuss the dangers of egos in hunting, the concept of "imposter syndrome," learning from mentors like Dan Infalt, and why being willing to challenge your own beliefs can accelerate your success in the woods.

We also spend plenty of time talking about one of our favorite topics—boat access hunting. From dragging bucks out by canoe in Minnesota and Wisconsin to using kayaks and small boats to access overlooked public land, Sam explains why water access remains one of the most effective tools for finding unpressured deer.

To wrap things up, we trade stories from our first-ever Nebraska mule deer hunts, discuss what surprised us most about hunting mule deer, and share lessons learned from chasing deer across the Sandhills and western prairies.

If you're a public land hunter looking to improve, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and real-world experience.

In This Episode

• Sam Ubl's background in outdoor writing and filmmaking
• Working with Whitetail Adrenaline and starting Chase Nation
• The role of ego and imposter syndrome in hunting success
• Lessons learned from Dan Infalt and The Hunting Beast approach
• Why hunting sanctuaries changed Sam's results
• Canoe, kayak, and boat-access hunting strategies
• Accessing overlooked public land
• EHD impacts on public-land deer hunting
• First-time Nebraska mule deer experiences
• Mule deer vs. whitetail observations
• Muzzleloader accuracy and long-range hunting considerations

Be sure and use CODE: Huntingdad @ Hawke optics to save 15% at checkout!

Click this link to get 10% off AND FREE shipping off your order @ Dryshod boots!

https://dryshodusa.com/?sld=14

And again, if youre looking to swap to, or try MOULTRIE cameras, Shoot me a message on either FB or Instagram and let me save you some bigtime cash!

In this episode of the Hunting Dad Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Derrick from Whitetail Research to discuss what he has learned from another year of intensive deer research using drones, field observations, and data collection.

The conversation dives deep into mature buck behavior, agricultural-country deer, bedding preferences, hunting pressure, acorn crop impacts, and how some bucks seem nearly impossible to kill with a bow. Derrick also shares details about his upcoming turkey decline research project, future broadhead testing, and what surprised him most during his second year of drone-based whitetail research.

Life and Business Update

• Derrick's transition from side hustle to full-time Whitetail Research
• Traveling to agricultural states to continue research
• How drone technology has changed deer observation
• Upcoming research projects and content plans

Agricultural Deer Behavior

• Why mature bucks often bed surprisingly close to roads and homes
• How deer become accustomed to predictable human activity
• The importance of habitat diversity in ag country
• Understanding riparian habitat and why deer use it heavily

Deer Bedding in Soybeans

• Mature bucks bedding directly in standing soybean fields
• Why deer may spend entire summers living in crop fields
• How deer use beans for food, security, and temperature regulation
• Stories of stalking mature bucks bedded in soybeans

Hunting Pressure and Deer Movement

• How gun-season pressure changes deer behavior
• Why some bucks relocate immediately after disturbance
• How quickly deer return to normal patterns after pressure subsides
• Examples of individual bucks responding differently to hunters

Acorns and Food Sources

• Comparing a bumper acorn crop year versus a poor mast year
• How food availability changes movement patterns
• Why mature bucks spent more time in openings during low-acorn years

Mature Buck Intelligence

• Why some deer seem nearly impossible to kill with archery equipment
• The difference between locating a mature buck and getting within bow range
• Derrick's observations on highly efficient bedding and travel strategies

Predator Connections

• Fascinating observations of mature bucks bedding near coyotes and bobcats
• Similarities between predator behavior and mature buck behavior
• Why mature deer may tolerate certain predators nearby

Future Research Projects

• Large-scale turkey population decline investigation
• Conservation funding and habitat management research
• Upcoming broadhead and arrow penetration testing
• High-speed camera analysis of archery equipment

Be sure and use CODE: Huntingdad @ Hawke optics to save 15% at checkout!

Click this link to get 10% off AND FREE shipping off your order @ Dryshod boots!

https://dryshodusa.com/?sld=14

And again, if youre looking to swap to, ot try MOULTRIE cameras, Shoot me a message on either FB or Instagram and let me save you some bigtime cash!

Jackie Sexton is a one great dude! It was awesome getting him to come on the podcast and talk about deer and this incredibly frustrating time of the rut. We're coming up on the last part of November where things get tricky so if you're still looking to tag a buck, this may be an episode for you! Appreciate you guys listening!

Had to record a recap on my nebraska trip while driving home! This trip was so full of ups and downs. Glad that it ended on a high note in the end. In this episode I cover expectations, hunting pressure and of course how everything went down on the hunt!

Wanted to do a bonus episode on the story of my 2025 Kentucky buck. Definitely one of the most interesting recoverys of my life with a bunch of hard lessons learned. Kentucky was a rough road this year but im happy to have been tagged out in my ol Ky home!