In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I sit down with Trent Wengerd—a dyed-in-the-wool bowhunter and a true craftsman when it comes to building stick bows that flat-out get the job done. We dig into Trent’s upbringing in the wide-open country of Montana, the early days that pulled him into archery, and how he turned a passion for hunting into an art form behind the bowyer’s bench. From chasing bugling bulls in the Idaho backcountry to dialing in every curve and limb of a hand-built bow, Trent shares stories and lessons that remind us why the old ways still matter. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build your own bows—or you just love hearing about wild places and the folks who thrive in them—this one’s worth your time.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 448

• Hunting Transition: Explore Trent’s shift from gun hunting to archery and the challenges of crafting bows.
• Memorable Adventures: Hear about Trent’s thrilling elk hunts in Idaho and his insights into hunting mountain goats.
• Craftsmanship Insights: Discover the art and science behind bow making and the dedication it requires.

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

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Joe Miles, and we cover a lot of ground—from the whitetail woods to the African bush. Joe and I get into that constant tug-of-war between old-school hunting instincts and the rapid rise of modern gear and technology. We talk about where tradition still matters, where innovation is helping, and how to walk the line between the two without losing your edge.

Joe also shares the story of his recent leopard hunt in Africa, and if you’ve ever wanted a firsthand account of just how unpredictable and intense a hunt like that can be, you’ll want to hear this. We dive into what that kind of experience teaches you—not just about hunting, but about patience, respect for the animal, and how little control we actually have when we step into the wild.

We also hit on business, teamwork, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can handle adversity—whether that’s in the boardroom or fifteen yards from a blind with your heart in your throat. It’s a conversation about risk, reward, and the things that keep us coming back to this lifestyle, season after season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 447

• Adaptability is key—hunting strategies must shift with changing conditions.
• Cell cams and tech are tools, not crutches, when used with discipline.
• Old-school woodsmanship still matters in a high-tech world.
• Evolving gear can boost success but doesn’t replace skill or instinct.
• Every terrain brings new challenges—African leopard hunts included.
• Wildlife is unpredictable, and that’s what makes the chase worth it.

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

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by traditional bowhunter Chris Parrino—a guy who’s lived a hunting life most of us only dream about. We dig into the roots of his passion, from growing up in a blue-collar family to chasing grizzlies, moose, and polar bears with a stickbow.

Chris opens up about what it really takes to hunt at a high level with traditional gear—the failures, the close calls, and the quiet discipline behind decades of consistent success. We talk about the changing face of bowhunting, the importance of humility, and why doing it the hard way still matters. If you’re into wild places, serious challenges, and learning from a guy who’s been there and done it the right way, this is one you won’t want to miss.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 446

• How a blue-collar upbringing shaped his bowhunting path.
• Building his own bows and sticking with traditional gear.
• Grizzly, moose, and polar bear hunts  – raw adventure.
• Chris explains why hunting stays a passion, not a profession.
• Technology has changed hunting—for better or worse.
• Solo hunts and failure taught him grit, patience, and perspective.
• His biggest hunts highlight the value of preparation and humility.

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

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sat down with my buddy David Riley to talk about more than just killing deer. We got into what really makes this whole thing matter—building friendships through the hunt, learning from the folks you meet along the way, and keeping your passion alive by stepping out of your comfort zone. David’s coming off a hell of a season, with stories from solo trips out west to lessons learned hunting closer to home in Michigan and Illinois. We dig into scouting strategies, adapting to unfamiliar terrain, and how the best education often comes from boots-on-the-ground experience.

We also talk about what happens after the shot—the gratitude, the reflection, and how those memories stick with you long after the freezer’s full. Whether you’re chasing whitetails in your home state or chasing a new tag across the country, this conversation is about growing as a hunter and appreciating the process every step of the way.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 445

• Scouting, especially in unfamiliar terrain, is key to consistent success.
• Travel hunts offer new challenges that test and sharpen your skills.
• Trusting your gut in the moment can often beat overthinking.
• Social media, when used right, can connect like-minded hunters and open doors.
• The joy of hunting comes as much from the process as it does from punching tags.
• Reflecting on wins and misses—especially solo—is where the real growth happens.

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

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with Chad Sylvester for a no-BS conversation about the real stuff—missed chances, pressure-packed decisions, and why some of our best lessons come from the hunts that don’t end with a grip-and-grin – the harsh truths of bowhunting.

We dig into the mental side of the game—why confidence matters, how deer behavior can turn on a dime, and why there’s no such thing as a universal strategy. Chad and I talk abou the myth of the perfect plan, and why understanding wind is probably more important than whatever new gadget you just bought.

We also get into how gear helps—but only if you know how to actually use it—and how experience in the field, not the checkout cart, leads to consistent success. Whether it’s learning how to draw on a cagey buck or deciding when to back out, this one’s full of the gritty, nuanced reality of chasing mature deer.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 444

• Hunting success hinges on tough decisions made under pressure—not perfect conditions.
• Missed opportunities often teach more than punched tags.
• Confidence and adaptability are built through uncomfortable, real-world hunts.
• Wind mapping and understanding deer behavior are non-negotiables for chasing mature bucks.
• There’s no magic formula—developing a personal skillset is key.
• Gear helps, but only if you’ve earned the know-how to use it well.

Link In Bio: 

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

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Redd, and we dive into one of those conversations that feels a little more like sitting around a fire than checking boxes on a hunting talk list.

We cover everything from the pressure that comes with modern technology and constant communication, to how learning to unplug—both in the woods and in life—can reset your mindset in a good way. Jason shares how his approach to hunting has shifted over time, especially as he’s taken on the challenge of chasing deer in low-density areas where patience, grit, and strategy really matter.

We also get into how your instincts tend to sharpen the more time you spend in the woods, and how sometimes success comes down to timing, adaptability, and a little bit of luck. This one’s about the long game—learning from your hunts, trusting your gut, and remembering that the hunt is about a lot more than just punching a tag.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 443

• Disconnecting from tech isn’t just good for your brain—it’s good for your hunting too.
• Chasing deer in low-density areas teaches a whole different kind of patience and grit.
• The older you get, the more your strategies shift from aggressive to calculated.
• Sometimes the smartest move you can make is slowing down and trusting your gut.
• Hunting the Carolinas means dealing with tough terrain and even tougher deer—but the reward is worth it.
• Success often hinges more on timing, discipline, and knowing the land than motivation or gear.
• At the end of the day, it’s not just about filling a tag—it’s about learning something every time you step into the woods.

Link In Bio: 

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 out Faceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

In this episode, I sit down with my buddy Michael Varady for a wide-ranging conversation that covers way more than just tagging a buck. We dig into the lessons learned from switching between traditional and compound bows, how target panic creeps in, and why consistent practice—both physical and mental—is critical if you want to stay sharp when it counts.

Michael’s gearing up for a big move and exploring new hunting ground, so we break down what it takes to scout fresh terrain, build a plan from scratch, and adapt to unfamiliar areas. We also dive into blood trailing, shot placement, thermals, and the reality of marginal hits—stuff every serious hunter wrestles with eventually. Whether you’re slinging a stickbow or shooting a compound, this episode is about progression, patience, and owning every step of the process.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 442

• Target panic is real—sharpening your mental game can help beat it.
• Practicing under pressure matters; you shoot how you train, especially when it counts.
• Tracking wounded deer—every decision matters.
• Trail cams help, but nothing replaces time in the woods.
• Visualization isn’t fluff—it’s a skill that separates consistent killers from the rest.
• New terrain brings new challenges, but adapting to it builds better hunters.
• Every missed shot, busted stalk, and long blood trail teaches you something.

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

Hey everyone, welcome to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In this episode, I’m catching up with Tom Murphy—a guy who knows his way around a ball field, and the big woods!

We cover some ground in this one. We dig into how growing up with rock and metal shaped us, how pro sports and bowhunting both demand a gritty mindset, and how the traditions we’re raised with show up in the woods whether we realize it or not. Tom opens up about a specific buck that taught him hard lessons—the kind that don’t show up on a trail cam. We talk about swampy, unforgiving terrain, and why sometimes, in both hunting and life, your best bet is to stop chasing perfection and just trust your gut.

This one’s about the crossover—where baseball meets bowhunting, where mindset trumps data, and where growing up with a little chip on your shoulder turns out to be your greatest asset.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 441

• Lifting weights, chasing deer, and traveling for pro sports all come with discomfort—but they build resilience.
• Hunting swamps in New York requires the same gut instincts and patience that make good ballplayers and better hunters.
• Understanding a buck’s personality can be just as important as reading sign or camera data.
• Balancing aggression with patience—and why sometimes you’ve got to push the pace to grow.
• The “weed mentality” comes up—thriving without support, adapting on the fly, and finding a way to win in tough terrain.
• Whether you’re behind a bat or behind a bow, success often comes down to one thing: trusting your gut and pulling the trigger.

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 podcast, I’m joined by Brian Dombrowski—a guy who’s put in more than his fair share of miles chasing deer across a range of terrain, from flatlands to big woods. We dive deep into what makes mature bucks tick, how scouting plays a role beyond trail cams, and why visual confirmation still trumps digital data. Brian shares his approach to patterning deer by behavior, not just sign, and we get into everything from the strategic use of mock scrapes to the rising cost of deer mounts and the real reason some guys just burn out. We also hit on the value of solitude, instinct, and pushing yourself past the easy button in both public and private land settings. This one’s for the folks who are still grinding and still learning—season after season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 440

• Scouting and understanding deer movement 
• Simple strategies often beat overcomplicated setups
• Property lines and public/private dynamics 
• Mature bucks don’t move like the rest
• Early scrapes, bedding shifts, and dominant does 
• Hunting alone sharpens your instincts, but burnout is real

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

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In today’s episode, I’m catching up with my buddy Johnny to talk about life’s evolution—balancing family, chasing whitetails, and pursuing personal passions like jiu-jitsu. We dive into how parenting and the pressures of the hunting industry shift your perspective, and why finding community and staying true to your pursuits matters more now than ever.

We also dig into the parallels between hunting and jiu-jitsu—how real growth usually comes from leaning into discomfort, and how being intentional, whether you’re in the woods or on the mats, makes all the difference. Johnny and I talk about confidence, the struggle with promotions, and how competition (in any area of life) sharpens you if you let it.

We also dive into  Iowa whitetails, lessons learned from missed opportunities, and how planning—whether for a big hunt or the next tournament—is what really sets you up for success. It’s a conversation about preparation, grit, and why shared experiences in the outdoors always seem to bring it all full circle.

• Life changes force you to reset your priorities and rethink how you spend your time
• Growth  comes from leaning into discomfort and showing up when it’s hard.
• Real progress demands discipline over motivation.
• Community and vulnerability are the real engines behind growth.
• The worst training days and the biggest hunting misses usually teach you the most.
• Planning and intentionality in both hunting and training lead to better, more consistent outcomes.

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