In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Jake Hofer to talk all things whitetail — the anticipation of the season, the emotional rollercoaster of chasing mature bucks, and the critical stretch we all know as scrape week. We dig into the fine details that separate good hunts from great ones — how to actually read scrapes, what deer are telling you through their behavior, and how trail cameras can guide your timing if you know what to look for. This one’s all about refining your process, trusting your gut, and letting the deer — not the hype — dictate your strategy.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 463

• The anticipation for deer season fuels every hunter’s mindset.
• Influences like Bobby Worthington shape modern whitetail thinking.
• Emotional highs and lows define the pursuit of mature bucks.
• Scrape week is a pivotal window for capitalizing on deer movement.
• Trail cameras are tools — not replacements for woodsmanship.
• Adapting your strategy and trusting instincts lead to consistent success.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠

—Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras

— Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20

—Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt 

—Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠

—⁠Waypoint TV

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Dom Bolognese  to talk about balancing real life with the obsession of chasing deer. We get into mentorship, adapting to different terrains, and the art of reading deer behavior—especially in high-pressure and suburban areas. Dom breaks down what it takes to consistently find and kill mature bucks, from asking permission to hunt private ground to understanding when baiting can actually make sense. It’s a gritty, honest look at how hard work, local knowledge, and discipline come together to make success in the whitetail woods possible.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 462

Balancing work, life, and hunting keeps the passion sustainable.Supportive partners and mentors make all the difference in a hunter’s growth.Local knowledge and terrain awareness drive consistent success.Early season hunts often offer the best odds for patterning mature deer.Asking permission and building trust with landowners can unlock new opportunities.Trail cameras and scouting reveal hidden patterns The true reward of hunting comes from the process, not just the shot.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:—⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠—Check out ⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠ cell cameras— Save 15% on ⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠ code TFTS15 —Save 20% on⁠⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠⁠ code TRUTH20—Check out ⁠⁠Spartan Forge⁠⁠ to map your hunt —Save on ⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10—Check out ⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠—⁠⁠Waypoint TV

This week on the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Justin Tabor to talk about the grind of deer hunting, balancing family life, and why discipline matters just as much in the gym as it does in the woods. Justin and I dive into the emotional side of chasing deer—the highs of connecting on a good buck, the frustration of tough seasons, and the lessons that come from spending time in the hills. We get into how travel hunting sharpens your skills, the importance of paying attention to details and deer behavior, and why building relationships with landowners through door knocking can open new opportunities. This one is about more than just filling a tag—it’s about savoring the wins, learning from the misses, and chasing that next challenge.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 461

• Discipline in Fitness & Hunting – Justin shares how staying disciplined in the gym builds the same mental toughness needed in the woods.
• Travel Hunting Lessons – Hunting new states forces adaptation, sharpens strategies, and makes you a better hunter.
• Attention to Detail – Understanding deer behavior, reading terrain, and focusing on genetics can tip the odds in your favor.
• Balancing Family & Hunting – Supportive partners and good planning make it possible to chase deer without sacrificing family life.
• Celebrate, Then Reset – Savor the win when you tag out but quickly shift focus to the next challenge.
• Relationships & Access – Door knocking and building trust with landowners can unlock new hunting opportunities.
• The Emotional Side of Hunting – The thrill of the chase, lessons from failure, and shared experiences are what keep hunters coming back.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠

—Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras

— Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20

—Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt 

—Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠

—⁠Waypoint TV

In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with my buddy Tyler Jones to talk about life, hunting, and the lessons that tie them together. We get into the joys and struggles of parenting — from youth sports to that bittersweet moment when kids start stepping into adulthood — and how those same lessons apply in the deer woods. Tyler and I swap stories about hunting around cornfields, building a calculated approach for early season sits, and staying mentally sharp when the hunt doesn’t go your way. We dig into travel hunts, reading new terrain, and setting realistic expectations so you can enjoy the process instead of obsessing over the outcome. More than anything, this one is about humility, perspective, and letting hunting shape who we are — in the timber and at home.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 460

• Be present and engaged with your kids as they grow.
• Adapt hunting strategies and life plans as circumstances change.
• Observation and patience are key to both parenting and hunting.
• Early season success requires a calculated, disciplined approach.
• Serving others and staying humble builds lasting fulfillment.
• Perspective and gratitude turn challenges into growth.
• Gritty experiences make success more meaningful.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠

—Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras

— Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20

—Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt 

—Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠

—⁠Waypoint TV

In this week’s episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Jacob Emery to talk about everything from early-season Tennessee whitetails to raising the next generation of hunters. We get into the highs and lows of last year’s hunts, what it takes to be efficient in the field, and why preparation is the backbone of consistent success. Jacob shares the joy of hunting with his kids, the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with time in the woods, and the perspective that comes with seeing hunting as more than just chasing antlers. We also talk about guided hunts in Texas, dream hunts in Iowa, and how to make the most of the handful of perfect days each season gives you.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 459

• Preparation Wins: Scouting, timing, and planning are the backbone of early-season success, especially in challenging places like Tennessee.
• Efficiency Matters: Making the most of prime days and hunting smart leads to better outcomes with limited time.
• Memories Over Antlers: The best seasons are measured by the experiences and lessons learned, not just the size of the buck.
• Adapt and Learn: Every season brings new challenges, mistakes, and opportunities for growth.
• Balance Is Key: Navigating family responsibilities while chasing deer requires communication and realistic expectations.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—Truth From The Stand Merch

—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras

— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20

—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt 

—Save on Lathrop And Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Derrick Dixon to dig into some next-level whitetail insights. Derrick has been blending old-school woodsmanship with cutting-edge drone research, and what he’s uncovering about deer behavior—especially around wind shifts, thermals, and how individual bucks move—is flat-out fascinating. We talk about the legacy of land management, the balance between hunting and photography, and those “aha” moments you only get from being in the field day after day. From pre-rut patterns to the chaos of peak rut, Derrick lays out strategies that prove the value of scouting, adaptability, and keeping things hands-on, no matter how much technology you use.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 458

• The move from hunting to wildlife photography opened the door to deeper research opportunities.
• Using drones has revealed new details about deer movement, wind shifts, and unique individual behaviors.
• Bucks often show personality-driven patterns—home range size, trail use, and scent-checking habits all vary.
• Thermals and wind shifts play a massive role in how and when deer move.
• Scouting looks very different in ag country compared to hill country, and both require adaptability.
• Technology is useful, but nothing replaces boots-on-the-ground experience and field time.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠

—Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras

— Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20

—Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt 

—Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠

—⁠Waypoint TV

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Bill Thompson to dig into the overlap between hunting and jiu-jitsu. We talk about why having a system matters, how asking the right questions sharpens your approach, and why mindset is everything when the pressure is on—whether you’re on the mats or in the whitetail woods. Bill shares how flow state isn’t just a buzzword but a real advantage in both disciplines, and why chasing small, incremental improvements can lead to big results over time. We get into the way social media warps what “success” looks like, the value of teaching the next generation, and how reflection and journaling can make you a better hunter and a better person. Bill also gives us a peek into his upcoming season and what’s next for Spartan Forge, with an emphasis on doing things the right way—building quality tools and investing in the hunting community.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 457

• Hunting and jiu-jitsu both demand embracing discomfort and challenges.
• Systems and asking the right questions lead to better decision-making.
• Flow state creates clarity and therapy in both the woods and on the mats.
• The process of growth is more valuable than the end result.
• Mindset and grounded confidence shape outcomes in hunting and life.
• Small, consistent improvements build long-term success.
• Passing lessons to the next generation keeps traditions alive.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—Truth From The Stand Merch

—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras

— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20

—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt 

—Save on Lathrop And Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Alex Chopp to talk mobile and travel hunting. We dig into how early experiences and family shaped our approaches, the importance of staying adaptable in the field, and why mindset matters just as much as gear. Alex and I cover everything from learning hard lessons through failure to the freedom that comes with being mobile, reflecting on how success in the deer woods often comes down to presence, persistence, and the willingness to keep moving.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 456

• Hunting is about the process, not just the outcome.
• Early lessons shape your expectations and mindset in the woods.
• Adaptability and presence are key to consistent success.
• Every hunter develops a style that matches their personality.
• Mistakes and risk-taking create the best learning opportunities.
• Gear matters, but mindset carries more weight.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠

—Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras

— Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20

—Check out ⁠Spartan Forge⁠ to map your hunt 

—Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠

—⁠Waypoint TV

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sit down with Greg Litzinger to talk all things deer hunting. We cover the realities of chasing whitetails on public ground, setting goals that actually make sense, and why scouting is the backbone of any solid plan. Greg dives into traditional bow setups, trusting your instincts, and how topo maps can make or break a hunt. We also get into the practical stuff—like shot placement, patience in the stand, and balancing family life with time in the woods.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 455

• Social media can warp realistic hunting goals
• Trusting your instincts leads to better decisions
• Shot placement: always aim for the exit
• Terrain knowledge and topo maps reveal deer movement
• Deer often take the path of least resistance

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠

—Check out ⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠ cell cameras

— Save 15% on ⁠Hawke Optics⁠ code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on⁠ ASIO GEAR⁠ code TRUTH20

—Save on ⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out ⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠

—⁠Waypoint TV

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I’m sitting down with Greg Litzinger to talk about the season that’s right around the corner. We get into what we’re seeing for deer prospects, how we’re thinking about thermals and scent this fall, and why historical sign always plays a big role in our setups. We also break down the nuances of scrape hunting, how weather can turn hunts on their head, and share a few laughs along the way. If you’re looking for practical deer strategies mixed with real-world hunting stories, this one’s a fun listen that’ll get you fired up for your own season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 454

• Breaking down thermals and how to manage scent in tough setups
• Why historical sign matters when picking stand locations
• Nuances of scrape hunting and when they heat up
• How weather shifts can change deer movement and tactics
• Public land realities and setting realistic expectations
• The role of confidence and trust in your own skills
• Mixing strategy with storytelling to get ready for the upcoming season

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—Truth From The Stand Merch

—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras

— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 

—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20

—Save on Lathrop And Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV