This week I’m joined by Rendell Erik, and we cover a pretty wide range of things that all circle back to the same idea—getting better at the stuff we care about, whether that’s in the gym, on the range, or in the woods. We talk about the transition into traditional archery and how it forces you to slow down and really pay attention to your form, your shot process, and even the way your body moves. It’s a different kind of discipline, and in a lot of ways it mirrors the same mindset you need if you’re trying to stay consistent with fitness or mobility work.

From there we get into the hunting side of things—postseason scouting, learning new terrain, and figuring out how deer actually move through the places we hunt instead of how we think they should. Rendell shares some experiences from this past season, including a few close calls and missed opportunities that most of us can probably relate to. And like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on the reality that the longer you do this, the more you realize the real progress usually comes from paying attention, adapting, and being willing to learn from every season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 483

• Transitioning to traditional archery forces better body mechanics and shooting discipline than many hunters expect.
• Mobility, movement patterns, and proper technique matter just as much in fitness as they do in shooting a bow well.
• Small adjustments in anchor point, form, and consistency can dramatically improve shooting performance.
• Postseason scouting and terrain study reveal how deer actually move through landscapes—not how we assume they do.
• Mature deer often travel much farther between bedding and food sources than most hunters realize.
• Hunting new states and unfamiliar terrain pushes hunters to adapt quickly and rely on observation and instinct.
• The biggest improvements come from learning from mistakes, staying patient, and enjoying the process.

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 Brian Dombrowski is back on the podcast, and we spend a lot of time talking about what actually happens after the plans fall apart—which, if you hunt long enough, is most of the time. We get into his season bouncing between Wisconsin and Illinois, the reality of hunting pressured ground, and why mature bucks have a way of simply disappearing when you think you’ve got them figured out.

We also dig into the growing role of technology—from trail cameras to drone recovery—and where that line sits between being helpful and changing the hunt altogether. More than anything, this conversation is about adapting in real time… learning terrain instead of fighting it… and accepting that success usually comes from covering ground, paying attention to historical sign, and sticking with the process long after confidence starts to fade.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 482

• rian wrapped up a strong season, including multiple successful hunts across Wisconsin and Illinois.
• The guys discuss using a drone for deer recovery and where technology fits ethically in modern hunting.
• Hunting thick cover highlights how mature bucks can disappear even when you’re doing everything right.
• Scouting, historical sign, and terrain understanding remain the foundation for finding older deer.
• Rising hunting pressure and out-of-state traffic are changing how deer — and hunters — behave.
• Trail cameras and data help, but success still comes down to prediction, patience, and experience.
• The episode reinforces that shared stories, hard lessons, and community are what keep hunting 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

This week I’m joined by Nathan Killen, and we get into the stuff that doesn’t show up in highlight reels — weather that doesn’t cooperate, thermals that don’t do what you expect, and seasons that force you to adjust whether you want to or not.

We talk traditional archery, food sources, scrapes, rattling, and the little woodsmanship details that still matter no matter how much technology creeps into the picture. Nathan and I both share seasons where patience mattered more than aggression, and where trusting your gut made more difference than any piece of gear ever could.

There’s a thread running through this one about balance — using tools without losing the mystery, learning without overcomplicating it, and remembering that comparison will rob the joy out of this faster than a blown wind ever will.

This episode is about instinct, adaptability, and keeping the hunt honest.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 481

• Weather, thermals, and food sources dictate deer movement more than anything else.
• Traditional archery sharpens awareness and forces you to earn every opportunity.
• Older bucks live by patterns — your strategy has to adjust to theirs.
• Hunt the edges of sign, not just the sign itself.
• Woodsmanship is built through reps, not talent.
• Trusting your gut often beats overthinking the setup.
• Technology can help — but the mystery is what keeps hunting 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

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

Tim Palmer and I sat down in that quiet stretch after the season—the part of the year where the noise fades and you’re left with what the year actually gave you. We talk winter weather, ice fishing, and why water deserves more respect than most people give it.

We get into this past season—what went right, what didn’t, and how Tim shifted his approach away from pressure and back toward enjoyment. There are stories from the high country, close calls, grizzlies, and the kind of lessons you only learn when things don’t go perfectly.

A lot of this conversation lives in the mental space—trusting your prep, staying present when it counts, and understanding how mindset can either free you up or get in your way. This one’s about reset, perspective, and remembering why being out there matters in the first place.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 479

• Letting go of pressure can bring the enjoyment—and performance—back into hunting.
• Time in nature has real therapeutic value when you allow it to slow you down.
• Mindset often matters more than tactics when things get tense or uncertain.
• Trusting your preparation frees you to stay present when it counts most.
• High-stakes moments expose mental weaknesses faster than physical ones.
• Reflection after the season is how real growth actually starts.
• Resetting your approach can be the difference between burnout and longevity.

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, 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

This week on Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Chad Sylvester for a conversation that started light and ended up digging pretty deep. We talk about whether hunting has become watered down, and what that question really means in a world shaped by technology, influence, and constant noise. Somewhere along the way, we get into old boots, old lessons, and the kind of hunting experiences that leave a mark because they’re earned, not curated.

We unpack how modern tools, social media, and shifting expectations have changed the way a lot of us experience the woods—and how easy it is to lose sight of why we started hunting in the first place. Chad and I get honest about influence, ego, motivation, and the tension between chasing outcomes and honoring the process. At the heart of it all is a reminder that woodsmanship, awareness, discomfort, and humility can’t be watered down—and that the best parts of hunting still live in the friction, the uncertainty, and the quiet moments when nobody’s watching.

This one’s about reconnecting with what matters, questioning our motives, and remembering that the hunt is supposed to shape us—not the other way around.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 477

• Hunting can feel watered down when friction and challenge are removed.
• Real growth comes from discomfort, effort, and earned experience.
• Woodsmanship and reading nature are skills that can’t be replaced or diluted.
• Influence can be driven by ego—or by a genuine desire to help others.
• Self-reflection reveals why we hunt and what truly motivates us.
• The dilution of hunting reflects broader cultural shifts, not just technology.
• The deepest value of hunting lies in connection, struggle, and personal growth.

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