On this episode of Truth From The Stand, Aaron Hepler and I catch up after a long season and miles on the boots, talking about how seasons evolve and expectations need to with them. We get into adapting under pressure, trusting your gut when plans fall apart, and why dogs and bird hunts can be the best reset a big-game hunter can get. It’s a conversation about balancing technology with instinct, passing on what matters to new hunters, and learning when to let go of old goals so the hunt stays honest and fun.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 473

• Hunting pressure forces flexibility—new spots and fresh thinking often pay off.
• Technology can help, but instinct and woodsmanship still drive success.
• Hunting is about the journey, lessons learned, and time spent outdoors—not just the kill.
• Hunting with dogs and bird hunting offer a mental reset from big-game pressure.
• Mentoring new hunters strengthens the community and reshapes perspective.
• Letting go of rigid expectations makes hunting more rewarding and sustainable.

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, I sit down with Andy May to talk bowhunting the hard way—how weather and wind messes with your shot, why traditional archery forces honesty, and what you give up when you decide to really chase mastery. We get into the mental side of hunting, the tension between time, technology, and ethics, and why the real competition is always with yourself. This one’s about sacrifice, perspective, and protecting the kind of hunting that still means something.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 472

• Wind exposes flaws in shooting and forces you to practice with intention, not comfort.
• Traditional archery demands efficiency, close-range decision-making.
• Limited time can sharpen focus, while unlimited time often leads to overthinking.
• Technology has made hunters more effective, raising hard questions about ethics and the future of the sport.
• Growth in bowhunting comes through adversity, sacrifice, and learning from past mistakes.
• The real competition in hunting is internal—measuring progress against who you were last season.
• Preserving public land and long-term opportunity matters more than short-term 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 Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

In this episode, I sit down with Cameron from Hawk Optics and we dig into the nuts and bolts of actually learning deer—how pressure, access, and human movement shape their behavior more than most folks realize. We talk about deer living in cattails, how their senses change with terrain, and why wind and entry routes quietly decide most hunts before you ever climb a tree. From a memorable Halloween sit to hard lessons pulled from past mistakes, this one’s about paying attention, adapting on the fly, and letting experience—not shortcuts—do the heavy lifting.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 471

• Access routes and human pressure often dictate deer movement 
• Deer use their senses differently depending on terrain, especially in cattails and open cover
• Wind direction quietly determines most encounters before a hunt ever starts
• Bedding preferences shift with pressure and environment, requiring adaptable setups
• Experience sharpens shot selection and decision-making in tight windows
• Patience and observation reveal patterns that cameras alone can’t teach
• Learning from past mistakes is the foundation for future 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’m joined by Pennsylvania hunter Dominic Palombo to talk about what it really takes to find success in the deer woods. We get into his journey as a hunter, the value of putting in the miles and hours before the season, and how patience and humility shape the kind of hunter you become. Dominic breaks down his approach to scouting, how he uses trail cameras to build a plan, and the importance of developing real relationships with landowners. He also walks us through the story of a buck that taught him more about persistence than any tag ever could.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 465

• Preparation and hard work in the off-season set the stage for success.
• Scouting and understanding deer behavior are key to consistent results.
• True hunters carry humility and learn from missed opportunities.
• Finding the right spot takes persistence and creative problem-solving.
• Trail cameras can enhance strategy but never replace woodsmanship.

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’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 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

In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Justin Hollandsworth for a wide-ranging conversation on the discipline it takes to stay fit and ready for a hunt. We get into the weeds on deer behavior—why some bucks are social butterflies while others seem born to be loners—and how that knowledge can shape your scouting and stand placement. Justin and I swap stories on the highs and lows of traditional archery, the adrenaline of chasing elk and moose, and the value of making mistakes you can actually learn from. It’s a conversation about preparation, patience, and the kind of experience you can only earn with time in the wild.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 453

• Understanding local deer behavior and habits is critical for success.
• Scouting and timing can significantly improve hunting outcomes.
• Social bucks are often more predictable than loners.
• Experience and learning from mistakes sharpen decision-making in the field.
• Traditional archery adds unique challenges and rewards.
• Hunting different species like elk and moose broadens skills and perspective.
• Preparation and planning are as important as the hunt itself.

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 Sons⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out ⁠Faceoff 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 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