Deer IQ

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast I'm with the #1 Coach for hunt filming, Tom Petry of Film the Hunt. Whether you're new to the idea of filming your hunt, or a seasoned pro, he breaks down the details of how to get top notch film in the field. We cover:• the #1 thing to pay attention to for pro-level video.• the little things everyone misses.• 5 functions to know on your camera like the back...

In this episode, Cody Roberts shares his journey from bait hunting to a more strategic, data-driven approach to whitetail hunting. We explore his learning curve, mindset shifts, and plans for the upcoming season, offering valuable insights for hunters looking to improve their craft.• Join The First Sit Program - 10 Week Advanced Course HERE • Get a Smart Land & Hunting Plan HERE• Take the Deer...

• Get a Smart Land & Hunting Plan HERE: https://deeriq.com/land-and-hunting-plans/In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast host Adam Lewis looks at what he thinks should be THE focus of every deer season, and how this can single handedly create your best season yet. What is it? Tune into this episode to find out!• Take the Deer IQ Test 360 HERE: https://deeriq.com/full-assessment/_______________...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are getting an inside look at what went on behind the scenes of the recent Michigan deer hunting regulations changes. We discuss:•What really took place to lead us to where we are today with OBR and other major changes.• What actually motivated the DNR and NRC to make an about face and support sweeping         regulations changes w...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are talking food plot details for success - part 2 with our seed and plot expert Brian Haynes. We are addressing why plots fail, really a wide variety of things that will keep yours from failing, and help you to dial in the nuances of a great whitetail food plot. We discuss how to get immediate screening cover - essential for low intrusion hunting that I p...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are joined by a food plot seed tester, someone that’s been a farmer and in the food plot seed space for decades, and we look at the mistakes many plotters make, the most overrated and underrated plot seeds and just what deer would tell us about our plots if they could to take them from blah to what they crave. If you sometimes struggle with figuring out ju...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast host Adam Lewis discusses a simple 4 part framework to encourage deer to FLOW into and spend maximum time in your property. He breaks down each part of the FLOW method with examples, and how to apply it to your land - big or small! If you just bought property and are not sure where to start, have moderate success but want more consistent success on matur...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we're with Jake Ehlinger for part 2, talking about deer property layouts that work time and again. Jake reveals:• His best food plot setups and why they work.• His "must" setup for high pressure archery plots.• How much he suggests hunting plots and why - you may be surprised.• The ONE factor he sets plots up for - how he used it to hunt them.• His favorite n...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast I discuss the proposed changes to Michigan's deer regulations, and peel back the arguments and bluster, getting into what I think is really motivating both sides. Why do some people want change, and why do some completely oppose this? It's not really what meets the eye. And yes, I offer my opinion on the proposed changes by the DNR and NRC.• 2A DISPLAY PRODUC...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are joined by Jake Ehlinger as he shares what landowners overlook - the details of land management needed for success, shared from his decades in the field. This is part 1 of 2, as we discuss:* What you should really look for when selecting a property that many don't even think about.* The point of entry mistake on a property that can make or break you.* H...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we uncover 4 Myths deer hunting landowners and managers believe that keep them from productive hunting on their property - these are holding most land owners and hunters back and they don’t even realize it! These are questions I get all the time, disguised as myths - so we remove the guesswork, spell it as is, and I give a simple framework you can use to fix...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are joined by Mike Yoder for part 2 of our talk, and we dig into some of the controversy behind using drones to recover deer. Realize this was recorded in August of 2025, however much of the legal use has not changed in many states. In this part 2 we begin by talking about:• the #1 question a drone operator gets asked when called to recover a deer.• if you...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are joined by a modern pioneer in the hunting space, Mike Yoder, talking the truth about using drones to recover deer and some of the big revelations he’s learned in doing so. This is a controversial topic because it leads to so many places and some modern ethical concerns, so we have an honest conversation about many of those things (mostly in part 2).&nb...

Drones have entered the hunting space, but are they good or bad for deer hunters? Particularly, are new independent researchers producing valid findings that help hunters, or are these incomplete and potentially misleading? We compare the tried and true GPS collared buck studies to drone research, and break down the pros and cons of each. Which data should you rely on to help guide your hunti...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we look at shed hunting - what it can actually tell you, and what it can't. Can finding sheds really lead to taking that buck in that location in the future? I talk about this with Ty Easley of Heartland Bowhunter, who has been shed hunting for 25 years. We discuss:• Tactics to find more sheds - where to look and strategies to employ• How to treat public land...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we discuss scientific research about buck beds - and if bucks repeatedly use the same beds and bedding areas over and over, or if “buck bed hunting" is just a waste of time. The results may surprise you. I’m joined again by Dr. Bronson Strickland, former co-director of the MSU deer lab.  If you hunt buck beds or bedding areas on public land, or try to cr...

In this episode I'm with guest Dr. Bronson Strickland looking at the data of a collared buck study to answer the question - does the moon affect buck behavior? Many deer hunters swear by it and that it can lead to increased sightings and success, but is that true? The team at MSU deer lab did something no one has to this point, eliminate all other variables to see if there was a pattern JUST BY MO...

What did the NRC just say they wanted to set for the new goals and direction of Michigan's deer herd? What in my strong opinion is the long term fix - APR's? 1 buck? It's actually neither of those, and I discuss all of this and what is crucial for the DNR and NRC to do right now in this very important Deer IQ episode! And, I ask you SHARE this with anyone who has interest in the future of hunting...

Is the Michigan deer herd on a positive trend, or the brink of disaster?  What does the data reveal from the 2025 deer harvest report? Where do we go from here, and how can you be involved right now to make a change? My 3 guests (Josh Arbogast, Skip Sligh, Kevin Vistisen) and I discuss their takes on this and more in this episode of the Deer IQ podcast. It's a long one, and I try to keep it o...

In this episode of the Deer IQ Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Little (University of Nebraska) to break down a study on what actually affects buck antler size, and IF land managers can actually grow bigger bucks. If you manage a property, lease, or are looking to buy - this is a good talk on what you can do, and exactly what to look for. We answer:• How much does location matter?• What ro...

In this episode of the Deer IQ Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Little (University of Nebraska) to break down GPS-collared buck data that reveals how much hunting pressure deer will tolerate before their behavior changes. Using real movement data, we explore how many hunters per acre actually creates pressure, how quickly bucks respond once that line is crossed, and why most deer don’t leave —...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are joined by Clint McCoy - researcher and wildlife biologist who tested and has the data to prove just how fast hunting pressure actually makes bucks disappear and avoid your stand locations. So if you see deer movement decrease during the season, experience stand burnout, or wonder why bucks go nocturnal, or just are curious about what the data actually...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are joined by Bobby Worthington for part 2, talking about how to pick the exact tree for highest odds of success bow hunting, and what factors make it THE tree. Bobby has written numerous books and been featured in North American Whitetail numerous times for his expertise on taking mature bucks with his funnel hunting tactics. In this episode we also discu...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we are joined by Bobby Worthington talking how to hunt high-odds funnels that produce, and they are NOT all created equal. Bobby has written numerous books on the subject, and been featured in North American Whitetail numerous times for his expertise on taking mature bucks with his funnel tactics. In this episode we will discuss: • How Bobby finds success on...

In this episode of the Deer IQ podcast we wrap up our series on public land hunting details that make the difference, looking at some very practical access strategies. We talk about:•  if you should consider the now popular tactic of using a boat for access - and exactly when this works and when it doesn't• the truth about swamp access for finding big bucks• out of state short vs. long trips-...