The WHTL Podcast - Whitetail Deer Hunting Tactics, Stories & Expert Guests

Latest Episodes:

#290 - Summer is Here! Pre-Season Prep, Summer Trail Camera Tips, and More! May 30, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of the Exodus Podcast, Chad and Jake are back in the studio to discuss summer hunting strategies. We talk about using trail cameras to gather inventory, elk vs whitetail, and stress the importance of preparation and enjoying the process. We discuss:

Ohio black bear sighting
Summer Trail Camera checklist
Check batteries, clear memory cards, and practice scent control
Summer is a great time to set up trail cameras, especially in bedding areas and scrapes
Be cautious of putting cameras on dead trees in swampy areas as they may attract more insects
Fawn recruitment: obtaining early photos of fawns to predict peak breeding dates and plan for stand placement, with the option of hanging multiple sets for different winds.
Ants can wreck havoc on trail cameras, but using ant repellent and placing cameras away from high-traffic areas can reduce the likelihood of damage.
Avoid putting cameras on dead trees
Summer scouting can include marking down agricultural fields and bedding areas.
Take inventory of the deer in bachelor groups during the summer
Green soybeans are the best food source for deer
Access routes and wind directions are essential factors to consider when picking tree's for stands
Elk or Deer this fall?
A new Exodus arrow launch is imminent

And So Much More!

Don't wait to take advantage of our 8 Year Anniversary Sale, inventory is limited and discounts like this only happen twice a year. SAVE 25% STORE WIDE here:

https://bit.ly/3W8H03X

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#289 - Selling Your Bow and Switching To Strictly Traditional Archery with Chris Weist! May 23, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of Exodus Podcast, we sit down with Pennsylvania native Chris Weist. Chris shares his experience transitioning from compound to traditional archery while using a saddle, as well as his findings on post-season scouting, the use of vine scrapes as an inventory tool, the importance of calculated decisions in hunting, and paying attention to details.

Transitioning to traditional archery takes time and practice
Saddle hunting with a stick bow
You need five years of practice to feel confident hunting with traditional archery equipment
Identifying pinch points where shots are limited to 20 yards
Taking time to make decisions in the heat of the moment
Using vine scrapes to help with buck inventory
Hunting early season can lead to better pattern recognition
Be patient and slow down in the moment
Being an opportunist is sometimes necessary
Learning from other hunters and seeking advice can elevate hunting skills
Social media has become a double-edged sword for hunters
Consistency is key when it comes to posting content on Instagram
Social media and external validation can take away from the joy of hunting
Positive mindset and mental toughness are essential for competing at a high level

And so much more!

Don't wait to take advantage of the sale, inventory is limited and discounts like this only happen twice a year. SAVE 25% STORE WIDE here:

https://bit.ly/3W8H03X

Want to win a $750 Exodus gift card AND a $750 Asio Gear gift card? Sign up for your chance to win here:

https://bit.ly/3AHDyU9

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#288 - 8 Years Of Exodus! Reflecting on the Last 8 Years of Exodus and Our Anniversary Sale! May 16, 2023

Show notes

Exodus is celebrating its 8-year anniversary by reflecting on its journey and offering a 25% off sale! We discuss the impacts of the company culture and the importance of taking action. We also discuss challenges in the trail camera industry, lessons learned from interviewing hunters, misconceptions of the outdoor industry, important lessons in hunting, the value of relationships, and avoiding putting oneself or others on a pedestal. We discuss:

Impact on the trail camera market through warranty policies and D2C model
Different demographics buy different types of trail cameras
Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable in business, and it's important to learn from them and adapt
Close relationships are important
Taking pride in positively impacting the outdoor camera space
The market for trail cameras has become increasingly competitive, with fewer new brands popping up
Being nimble and adapting to market shifts is crucial for success in the industry
Although more competitive, newer brands can be successful with the tools and communities available in the hunting industry.
The most rewarding aspect of Exodus is being involved with good people, building a culture one can believe in, and seeing personnel grow.
Everyone has their own struggles and challenges, regardless of their level of success.
Gratitude for one's customers and supporters should always be expressed.
Controlling ground scent significantly prevents deer from scooting around cameras during hunting season.
Ideal terrain features for cell cameras include the tops of drainages leading into a bench, hardwood fingers into swamps and marshes, and fence gaps or community scrapes at the bottom of a hub.
Tops of drainages leading into a bench are great terrain features to use cell cameras on for intel purposes.
Whitetail hunting can be approached in many different ways, but it's important to have conviction in your process.
Successful whitetail hunters share common traits of being methodical and organized in their approach.
Winter inventory is more impactful than summer inventory for hunting purposes.
And so much more!

Don't wait to take advantage of the sale, inventory is limited and discounts like this only happen twice a year. SAVE 25% STORE WIDE starting May 19th at 8 am CST here:

https://bit.ly/3W8H03X

Want to win a $750 Exodus gift card AND a $750 Asio Gear gift card? Sign up for your chance to win here:

https://bit.ly/3AHDyU9

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#287 - Listener Q&A, Watching When Fawns are Dropping, and a $1500 Giveaway! May 09, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, Chad and Jake are back in the studio with another listener Q&A! We discuss:

-Turkey Season Update

-The weird Illinois turkey seasons

-Spring planting checklist on the farm

-Using trail cameras to see when fawns are born

-Habitat strategies for small parcels

- .204 vs .246 diameter shafts

-Favorite spots for trail cameras

-Historical data vs. real-time data

-How important is camera management?

-Out-of-state draw strategies

-Point creep

-Fall plans

-Will jake finally draw a tag in Southeast Iowa?

-Hunting flat land big woods

-SD card camera update

And so much more!

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#286 - Scouting Hill Country Hunting Beast Style! Josh Teulker from Before The Echo Podcast! May 02, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back in the studio with Josh Teulker from the Before The Echo Podcast. We are talking everything Hunting Beast Style of scouting hill country. We discuss:

-Indiana turkey season success

-How the Before The Echo Podcast started

-How Josh became involved in the hunting beast crew

-The impact of Indiana going to a one-buck state

-Adapting to different habitats when hunting public land

-The hardest challenge to overcome hunting hill country

-Playing the wind in hill country

-Using thermals to your advantage

-The best time of year to hunt hill country

-What to look for when scouting hill country

-Using water to your advantage

-Hill Country vs Farm Country

-Think outside the box

-Trail camera strategies

-Long-term trail camera sets

And so much more!

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#285 - A Step By Step Breakdown of Designing Whitetail Habitat on Small Parcels with Skip Sligh Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are bringing you part 2 with Iowa whitetail hunting guru Skip Sly. Skip lives and breathes whitetails 24/7, 365 days a year, and has learned a thing or two about growing big deer in the past 20 years on his personal farms. We discuss:

The biggest mistake you can make when creating deer habitat
The first step you need to make when getting a new farm
What brush should you keep?
The first tree you should cut down
Getting rid of trash trees but using them for habitat
To hinge cut or to not hinge cut
The pros and cons of conifers
Dealing with Honeysuckle
Strategically putting food in the right places
Diversity is key!
Using electric fencing for food plots
Keep the pressure off
Dealing with food plot failure
What fruit trees you should plant

And so much more!

Take advantage of the Exodus Upgrade Program here:

-https://bit.ly/ExodusUpgrade

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#284 - EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Food Plots & Fighting Lobbyists In Iowa With Skip Sligh Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are sitting back down with Iowa whitetail hunting guru Skip Sly. Skip lives and breathes whitetails 24/7, 365 days a year, and has learned a thing or two about growing big deer in the past 20 years on his personal farms. We discuss:

Fighting lobbyists the for good of Iowa
Organizing hunters to protect hunting
Finding out what bills your state wants to pass
Spring foodplot checklist
The most cost-efficient seeds you should plant
The best food plot for whitetails
Properly placing food plots on your farm
The best screening for food plots
Planting a food plot that you won't hunt
Strategically planting food plots away from high-pressure neighbors
Food vs Habitat on small parcels
Food plots for small parcels
Till vs no-till
Don't make it pretty, make it effective
Should you do control burns?
The essential pieces of equipment for food plots of any size

And so much more!

Take advantage of the Exodus Upgrade Program here:

-https://bit.ly/ExodusUpgrade

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#283 - Learning To Hunt Public Land After Losing ALL Of Your Private Farms With Christian Babcock of Hunters Advantage Podcast Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are talking deer hunting with Christian Babcock. Christain grew up hunting the hills of Oklahoma and is the host of the Hunters Advantage Podcast. We discuss:

How hunters Advantage got its start
The desire to learn more
Having his uncle be featured on whitetail cribs
Growing up hunting in Oklahoma
Transitioning from private to public hunting land
Christians 2022 buck
Hunting October mornings
Nailing down access
Hunting public land in the hills of Eastern Oklahoma
Hunting public land on a DIY Kansas public land trip
Interviewing the Prince of Poachers
The one thing he wishes hunters would focus on more

And So Much More!

Take advantage of the Exodus Upgrade Program here:

-https://bit.ly/ExodusUpgrade

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#282 - Deer Season Never Stops: Off-Season Scouting with Byron Horton Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back talking deer hunting with repeat guest Byron Horton! Like most of us, Byron spends 365 days a year thinking about deer, but he takes it to a whole new level. We discuss:

Balancing family and deer hunting
Putting on 100+ miles post-season scouting
Tapping into previous years' data
Crossing off areas
Using off-season scouting to kill an October buck
Should you still scout in April?
Using YouTube and Podcasts to be a better hunter
Don't leave deer to go find deer
Dealing with the aftermath of EHD
Shifting your gameplan after EHD wipes out every mature buck
Should cell cameras be legal?

And So Much More!

Take advantage of the Exodus Upgrade Program here:

-https://bit.ly/ExodusUpgrade

CONNECT:

-https://linktr.ee/exodustrailcamera

-https://bit.ly/TheDeerGearPodcast

-https://linktr.ee/TheLandPodcast

#281 - Start Designing Your Dream Whitetail Farm Right Now With These Food Sources with Steve Hanson Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of The Exodus Podcast, we are back in Iowa talking deer hunting with Steve Hanson! Steve bought his first farm in Iowa in the 1990s and has been fanatically chasing whitetails almost his entire life. After many years of success and helping over 100 clients tag their best buck, steve has a couple of tips and tricks when it comes to managing for giant whitetails. We discuss: