Alright, so this one’s just me.

I dug into a pile of listener questions and it turned into something bigger than I expected. We talk about antlers, sure—but mostly we talk about reps. About why the time in the woods matters more than the score on a tape. About building a life that actually lets you hunt the way you want to hunt, instead of squeezing it in around everything else.

I get into scouting in big woods, what’s changed for me with a traditional bow, and why humility shows up real quick when you put the wheels away and go back to wood and string. There’s some nuts-and-bolts stuff in there too—how I approach out-of-state hunts, what I’ve learned the hard way, and even a breakdown of the hunting trailer and cabin projects that are shaping the next few seasons.

But if there’s a thread running through all of it, it’s this: hunting isn’t separate from the rest of your life. Your fitness matters. Your recovery matters. Your mindset matters. If you want to do this for decades, you’d better treat it like something worth keeping.

This episode’s about playing the long game—on deer, and on yourself.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 480

• Nothing  is ever as bad as it feels in the moment — perspective matters.
• Build a life that supports your passions instead of squeezing them in.
• Reps kill more deer than antler obsession ever will.
• Big woods demand patience, wind awareness, and a willingness to feel lost.
• Traditional gear forces awareness and sharpens woodsmanship.
• Fitness, recovery, and sleep are part of staying in the game for decades.
• Set attainable goals — then stack experience until bigger ones make sense.

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

On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Joe Miles, and we’re digging into the kind of hunting that doesn’t get easier with better gear—cold sits, traditional bows, and the work it takes to stay honest in the woods. We talk longbows, confidence at the shot, and why preparation matters more when you strip things back instead of piling them on. Joe shares what drew him deeper into traditional archery, how projects like Brothers of the Bow shaped his perspective, and why legacy and authenticity still matter in modern hunting. We also get into the reality of public versus private ground, work ethic in the field, and even what it’s like stepping into truly dangerous game—where mistakes don’t get forgiven. This one’s about doing things the hard way on purpose, and what you gain when you do.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 478

• Cold weather exposes preparation gaps fast—wind, not temperature, is usually the real enemy.
• Traditional archery rewards discipline; expensive gear means nothing without consistent practice.
• Confidence at the shot matters more than equipment, especially when buck fever hits.
• Events like Winter Strong create learning through shared scenarios, not shortcuts.
• The appeal of longbows and recurves is growing because they reintroduce challenge and intention.
• Authentic hunting culture values grit, work ethic, and legacy over brand-driven influence.
• The best hunting stories—and growth—come from friction points, not easy paths.

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

On this episode, I’m sitting down with Jace to talk about what the season actually looks like when you strip away the highlight reel. We get into chasing specific deer that seem to vanish overnight, the mental grind that comes with late-season decisions, and how scouting, fitness, and intention all start to overlap when you’ve been at this long enough. We talk about the moments that don’t make social media—the near misses, the unexpected encounters, and the quiet wins that only mean something if you were there. At its core, this one’s about staying present, trusting the process, and remembering why the chase still matters when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 475

• Targeting mature, homebody bucks requires patience, flexibility, and a long view.
• Scouting—especially for acorns and seasonal shifts—is the foundation of consistent deer encounters.
• Late-season conditions change deer behavior, demanding adaptation rather than force.
• Fitness and longevity matter more as the years stack up, both in the woods and in life.
• Trail cameras help, but understanding movement and timing still wins hunts.
• Unexpected encounters often become the most meaningful moments of the season.
• Camaraderie, reflection, and enjoying the process matter more than the final outcome.

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

This episode feels like one of those late-season sits where you’re not just watching the woods—you’re taking inventory of yourself. John and I talk about rolling into 2026, how fast time keeps moving, and what it means to stay sharp when life, injuries, and expectations start stacking up. We get into the reality of hunting seasons that don’t always go as planned, a knee injury that forced John to slow down and rethink how he moves, and how recovery, discipline, and mental reps matter just as much as physical ones. We also dig into the pressure that comes with the outdoor industry, walking away from familiar paths, and having the guts to choose work that actually lines up with who you are. This one’s about paying attention—to your body, your goals, and the direction you’re headed—before the next season ever starts.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 474

• The turn of a new year often feels familiar, forcing honest reflection on where growth actually happened.
• Hunting seasons—and bodies—don’t follow plans, making adaptability and patience essential.
• Injuries and setbacks can become teachers when mindfulness and recovery take priority.
• Mental reps, scouting, and preparation matter just as much as physical execution.
• Managing expectations is key to keeping hunting fun instead of turning it into pressure.
• Stepping away—whether from a season, a sport, or an industry—can restore clarity and passion.
• Real fulfillment comes from doing work and pursuits you’d still choose without an audience.

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

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

If you’ve ever hit that point in the season where you feel stuck—like the woods went quiet, the weather won’t cooperate, and your free time evaporated—this episode is for you. Chad Sylvester and I sit down and unpack everything from post-rut recovery to why late season success has far more to do with mindset and time management than perfect conditions. We get into the trap of comparing your season to anyone else’s, how to qualify your own process so you’re actually improving, and what it looks like to reset and find opportunity when the plan starts to unravel. If you’re trying to figure out how to make the most of what’s left of the season—or how to learn from it—this is the kind of conversation that brings you back to center.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 470

• Late-season hunting demands adaptability, strategic thinking, and realistic expectations.
• Feeling “stuck” is common in the deer woods, and shifting your perspective can open new opportunities.
• Time management and planning hunts around the best weather windows greatly improve success.
• Every hunt—successful or not—should be treated as an intel-gathering mission for future decisions.
• Comparison to other hunters derails progress; the real work happens in qualifying your own process.
• Regularly evaluating and adjusting your strategy is essential for long-term growth.
• Hunting is a slow burn—patience, mindset, and continuous learning matter more than short-term results.

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

Today’s episode is one of those conversations that feels more like sitting around a tailgate after a long hunt than recording a podcast. Tony and I get into all the stuff most folks don’t ever say out loud—the weird mix of privilege and pressure in modern hunting, what ‘authenticity’ even means anymore when everything online looks perfect, and how easy it is to forget what actually matters in this whole deal. We swap some stories about blown opportunities, the headaches of losing access and trying to scratch out a hunt on public, and the kind of hunts that shape you—especially the ones where nothing comes easy. We get into family hunts, the pull of different landscapes, and what it looks like to reevaluate your goals after a few seasons that didn’t go the way you planned. It’s raw, honest, and exactly the kind of conversation I think hunting needs more of.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 469

• Authenticity matters more than ever in a digital world full of curated hunting content.
• Access—both private and public—shapes nearly every part of a hunter’s experience and opportunity.
• Missed chances and lost hunting ground take an emotional toll, but they’re also part of what makes the journey meaningful.
• Financial privilege and trophy-driven expectations can distort what real hunting success looks like.
• Family hunts and genuine time outdoors provide the fulfillment that social media can’t replicate.

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

—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt 

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

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

In this one, I walk you through a hunt that didn’t go the way I drew it up on the map. I lost access to ground overnight, the weather shut deer movement down, and I spent most of the trip bouncing around trying to find doe groups and make something happen with a longbow. It was frustrating, humbling, and honestly exactly the kind of hunt that teaches you more than a filled tag ever will. If you’ve had a season where nothing comes easy, this episode will probably hit close to home.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 467

• Losing access to ground mid-trip can derail a hunt fast and forces you to rethink your entire plan.
• Weather swings can shut deer movement down, making it critical to adapt and stay mobile.
• Hunting pressure and limited access can shrink your options and demand better decision-making.
• Longbow hunting magnifies every mistake—five yards or a split-second can make or break an encounter.
• Every hunt—successful or not—adds to your understanding of deer behavior and sharpens your instincts.

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 my buddy Chad Sylvester to break down what it takes to level up. We dig into his recent trip to Idaho—a hunt that didn’t exactly go as planned but came loaded with lessons that stick. We talk about when to double down on what you do best and when to push past your comfort zone to grow as a hunter. From understanding terrain-specific deer behavior to balancing specialization with adaptability, this one’s all about the mental side of the game—how you think, adjust, and evolve season after season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 464

• Mastering your whitetail hunt requires a diverse toolkit and adaptable mindset.
• Specialization builds confidence but can narrow your perspective.
• Chad’s Idaho hunt delivered hard-earned lessons and real-world insights.
• Micro-terrain and historical data hold the keys to consistent deer encounters.
• Familiarity bias can stall growth—explore new ground and learn from it.
• Listening to what the hunt tells you is often more valuable than any plan.

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