How To Hunt Deer

Most hunters chase multiple bucks each season—but what if dedicating an entire season to just one deer could transform your understanding of deer behavior and significantly boost your odds? Jason Thibodeau reveals the unfiltered truth behind long-term buck hunting, exposing both the incredible rewards and the gritty challenges—like public pressure, shifting property dynamics, and the mental toll o...

Most hunters overlook the subtle secrets of deer behavior in extreme weather — until now. Dan and Jason unravel the surprising ways deer adapt to heat, cold, and shifting seasons, revealing insights most hunters never consider. If you've ever wondered why deer move in the heat of summer or disappear during the rut, this episode will change how you hunt forever. You’ll discover: how deer instinctiv...

Most hunters underestimate the true power of trail cameras—and Iowa’s recent ban on all public land cameras highlights just how much these tools are reshaping the game. This episode dives into the controversial topic of technology in hunting, revealing how trail cameras turn the pursuit into a high-stakes strategic game and whether their banning truly levels the playing field or strips away the jo...

Unlock the secret behind the mysterious, rapid growth of white-tailed deer antlers and why understanding their life cycle transforms your hunting game. Forget the generic advice — Jason Thibodeau and Dan Johnson share surprising insights on antler development, shedding light on timing, nutrition, and the critical role of seasons. Whether you're a seasoned hunter chasing trophy bucks or new to shed...

Most hunters overlook one of the biggest threats to the future of our outdoor traditions — rising land restrictions, urban sprawl, and political shifts threatening access to private property. Jason and Dan expose how these trends are transforming the hunting landscape, from historical land tenure to today's political agendas in Oregon and beyond, revealing how overreach could eliminate opportuniti...

Unlock the truth about deer behavior and hunting strategies with insights from two experienced hunters who’ve learned through raising kids, managing land, and countless hours in the woods. Discover how curiosity, scent, and habitat modifications influence deer movement and how your everyday habits—like eating meat or relaxing by the trash—might just impact your success in the field. Most hunters f...

Most hunters agree that the timing of your hunt can make or break your success — but what if the best days for deer movement are also the most buggy and uncomfortable? In this candid episode of the How to Hunt Deer podcast, Dan and Jason dive deep into hunting during the tricky shoulder seasons, battling bugs, changing weather, and unpredictable deer patterns. They reveal why comfort and smart pla...

Most hunters overlook one of the biggest opportunities for success: hunting public land in peak rut, with the right strategy. Jason Thibodeau shares how he’s planning to hunt Illinois public ground during prime rut — and why this year, he's shifting his approach to capitalize on the unpredictable magic of the season. In this episode, you'll discover how terrain features, access points, and scoutin...

Most hunters overlook the game-changing secret to consistently filling their freezer and tagging big bucks — their body fitness. Dan Johnson cuts through the noise with raw honesty, revealing how physical conditioning, smart diet, and clever access routes can mean the difference between a slammed tag and a long, frustrating season. In this episode, Dan shares his personal journey from lazy, out-of...

Join hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau as they share personal stories, hunting strategies, family adventures, and insights into deer hunting, sports, and outdoor life. This episode covers everything from wrestling victories to family plans, offering practical tips and inspiring moments for outdoor enthusiasts. Key Topics: Deer hunting strategies and gear preparation Family adventures and sport...

Most deer hunters overlook the subtle shifts that could make or break their season. What if understanding deer behavior patterns — like velvet shedding, food plot movements, and wind strategies — could unlock the secret to consistently tagging mature bucks? Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau reveal overlooked tactics and the critical timing cues that top hunters use to stay a step ahead. In this epis...

This podcast episode features a deep discussion on deer hunting strategies, the evolution of woodsmanship, and the impact of technology on hunting success. Hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau share insights from their experiences, emphasizing the importance of traditional skills, adaptability, and mindset in hunting. Key Topics: The role of woodsmanship and traditional skills in deer hunting Imp...

Join Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau as they share personal updates, hunting stories, and tips for preparing for the upcoming hunting season. From organizing gear to food plots, this episode is packed with practical advice and memorable moments. Key Topics: Gear organization and prep for hunting season Food plot planning and timing Genetic traits and buck characteristics Hosted by Simplecast, an A...

Join Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau as they share personal stories, hunting tips, safety advice, and life updates, including upcoming hunting plans and gear organization. This episode offers valuable insights for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking to improve safety, gear management, and family involvement in hunting. Key Topics: Hunting safety and firearm handling Gear organization and gear...

Most hunters are missing out on the best times to find sheds—and they don’t even realize it. Discover how weather unpredictability, strategic stand placement, and terrain features can dramatically increase your success, even before the season starts. In this episode, Dan and Jason share real stories from their recent shed hunts—finding up to 11 sheds and deadheads in just a day and a half—and reve...

Join Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau as they share personal stories, hunting experiences, land management tips, and the realities of outdoor life. This episode covers everything from out-of-state hunting strategies to the challenges of home improvement and family life, all with a humorous and insightful twist. Key topics: Out-of-state hunting strategies Land management and habitat improvement Fami...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer podcast, Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss various aspects of hunting, including shed hunting strategies, the importance of scouting, and the dynamics of hunting pressure. They explore the challenges of managing tree stands, the impact of family on hunting decisions, and the dream of land ownership. The conversation emphasizes the balance between time...

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss various aspects of hunting, including the challenges faced in education, financial struggles, and the behavior of deer. They share personal experiences and insights on hunting strategies, the evolution of their hunting goals, and the difficulties of accessing land for hunting. The conversation emphasizes the importance of enjoying the proces...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss various aspects of deer hunting, including the impact of winter weather on deer behavior, effective hunting strategies for small properties, and the importance of understanding wind direction. They share personal experiences and insights on shed hunting, big buck encounters, and the lessons learned from...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer podcast, Dan Johnson discusses the excitement of shed hunting as the season approaches. He shares personal anecdotes, tips for scouting and finding sheds, and insights into deer behavior. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding deer movement, key locations for finding sheds, and the joy of engaging in this outdoor activity with family and...

Discover how late-season deer scouting and shed hunting can transform your hunting success this year. With winter’s unique terrain clues and strategic timing, you'll learn how to find more antlers—and understand deer movement like never before. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the game, this episode offers actionable insights that will keep you sharp all year round. Deer behavior expert...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer podcast, hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss their busy weekends filled with family activities, reflections on the deer season, and the impact of weather on deer behavior. They delve into the complexities of parenting in sports, the relationship between conservation and hunting, and the challenges posed by government regulations and wildlife manage...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau delve into the ethical complexities of hunting, focusing on the challenges of making decisions in the field. They discuss the impact of weather on deer behavior, the nuances of baiting laws, and the importance of conservation efforts. Personal stories and insights highlight the balance between tradition and mode...

In this conversation, Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss various aspects of hunting and conservation, reflecting on their personal experiences and the importance of getting involved in local conservation efforts. They explore the meaning of conservation, the role of hunters, and the significance of teaching the next generation about wildlife management. The discussion also touches on the poli...

In this episode, Dan and Jason reflect on the New Year and the challenges of transitioning back to routine after the holidays. They discuss the bittersweet end of the hunting season, the importance of shed hunting, and the preparations needed for spring activities. The conversation also touches on family life, balancing commitments, and the anticipation of a new baby. They emphasize the need to fo...