Nine Finger Chronicles - Deer Hunting Podcast

Most hunters can’t handle life’s curveballs—until they learn the secret weapon for staying calm, leading your family through hardship, and hunting bigger deer than ever before. In this candid episode, Dan Johnson and Jeremy cap off a year of resilience, sharing raw stories about managing life's unexpected setbacks—from knee surgeries and emotional storms to chasing 200-inch bucks in a chaotic...

Most hunters underestimate the power of trail camera strategies—Nate Krick shares how the right spots and timing can make or break your season. Whether you’re chasing giants on private land or trying to crack the code on public land, understanding the nuances of camera placement, water sources, and terrain can give you a decisive advantage. This episode is packed with practical tips and real stori...

In this episode, Dan and Doug dive into the nuanced art of obtaining hunting permissions, the evolution of land access strategies, and how relationships, persistence, and good neighborliness can open doors—sometimes even in tough markets. They explore real-world stories, tactics for approaching landowners, and tips for staying respectful and effective in today's environment. Key topics: The im...

Hunter, conservation, and community collide in this eye-opening conversation about Kentucky’s innovative venison donation program. Discover how hunters are not only filling their freezers but also transforming lives—turning surplus deer into hundreds of thousands of meals for food-insecure families. If you’ve ever wondered how your next hunt could do more than just fill the freezer, this episode r...

Most hunters rely heavily on high-tech gear, but what if the secret to trophy deer lies in the raw, relentless effort of navigating the wildest, most unforgiving terrains? In this episode, seasoned Wisconsin hunter Aaron Berg pulls back the curtain on hunting in the swampy, waterlogged corners where few dare to go—and what it truly takes to succeed there. Aaron shares jaw-dropping stories of paddl...

Most hunting regulations are about numbers — but what if the future of Michigan's deer herd depends on understanding the stories behind the stats? In this eye-opening episode, Dan Johnson sits down with Michigan hunter and outspoken advocate for change, Brian Meyring, to explore the wild side of deer management, personal stories, and the real impact of regulation shifts. From childhood adventu...

Most hunters never see a buck that lives to 14 — let alone one that’s 14.5 years old and still roaming Wisconsin’s thick public lands. Imagine the stories this giant could tell, yet most only learn of him after he’s been gone for years. When Zach stumbled upon this legendary old-timer, a whole new dimension of whitetail mastery was revealed—how some bucks quietly outsmart the odds, avoiding hunter...

Most hunters overlook the true magic of deer camp—the camaraderie, traditions, and brotherhood that turn a hunting trip into a lifelong legacy. In this episode, Doug Green shares how his 10-year-old deer camp culture isn't just about chasing big bucks, but about passing down stories, building bonds, and keeping the spirit of hunting alive for generations. Imagine a weekend filled with stories...

Unlock the secrets of out-of-state deer hunting with one Michigan hunter’s epic 2020 Kansas adventure—and what it taught him about chasing giant bucks across borders. Imagine spotting a once-in-a-lifetime buck, only for it to swim away in a river—then coming back in a way that turns your whole hunt upside down. That’s just a slice of the wild story from this trip, where a big Kansas giant, bleedin...

Unlock the secrets to consistently harvesting mature whitetails using strategies that most hunters overlook. Imagine turning your property into a deer magnet by mastering one simple principle that could transform your hunts overnight: access. In this episode, seasoned deer hunter and strategist Bill Winkie reveals how the key to success isn’t just about finding the biggest buck, but about understa...

Most people think Texas is all about big fences, high-priced leases, and endless hog hunts. But Hunter Thompson’s story shatters that stereotype—he’s part of a groundbreaking environmental restoration company that turns degraded wetlands into thriving habitats, and as a bonus, he gets to hunt some of the best property along the way. In this episode, Hunter shares fascinating insights into how fede...

Most landowners are missing the secret sauce to transforming their properties into whitetail magnets — and Brett Smith is here to share the insider strategies that can turn a crappy farm into a buck-producing machine in just a few years. Imagine walking onto a once-ordinary parcel and within a few seasons, seeing giant bucks move confidently through the thickest thickets you created. Brett, owner...

Most musicians chase Nashville dreams; Rafe Carlson built his from the ground up in Minnesota—playing small-town clubs, fending off industry pressures, and still making his unique Northwoods sound. In this unforgettable episode, Rafe shares the raw, unfiltered journey of quitting his day job and turning a leap of faith into a full-time career. From tiny gigs tipping $50 to festival stages supporti...

Most hunters overlook the evolving landscape of wildlife management, technology, and ethics — until now. Pierce Nelles cuts through the noise with a candid look at how AI, drones, and high fences are reshaping hunting the next 20 to 50 years. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these rapid advances or curious about what the future holds, this episode is your blueprint for understanding where the hunt...

Unlock the truth behind Michigan’s controversial one buck rule and discover how this bold shift could reshape the state’s deer hunting culture—and its future. If you’re a hunter tired of the status quo or curious about how policy changes ripple through tradition, this episode is your front-row seat to the debate shaping Michigan’s wilderness. Brandon Adamski, a passionate Michigan hunter and host...

Most hunters overlook the secret to consistently finding and ambushing mature bucks — and it’s not about the latest tech or fancy gear. Pierce Nelles shares a behind-the-scenes look at how he locates prime deer bedding and travel corridors using simple, proven methods, and why understanding deer behavior beats all the stats and gadgets. In this episode, you'll discover how subtle observations...

Most hunters dream of a state with premium bucks, plentiful public land, and an accessible, thriving deer population — but what happens when those rules start to change? Parker McDonald, a seasoned hunter from Alabama, joins Dan Johnson to unpack the seismic shifts happening in deer management across the U.S., especially in Michigan, Missouri, and beyond. From the nuanced impact of one-buck rules...

Most men realize too late that life’s true joys are found in the simple moments, not possessions or status. Pierce Nelles from the Wisconsin Sportsman podcast and I share a no-nonsense conversation about what really brings happiness, resilience, and purpose — and why we often chase the wrong things until it's almost too late. In this episode, Pierce and I open up about overcoming life's to...

Unlock the future of hunting with groundbreaking technology that turns data into deer movements and land management strategies—before you even step into the woods. Gregg Farrell from Reveal Trail Cameras and Tacticam reveals how their latest innovations could transform the way you understand and improve your property, whether you're a seasoned landowner or a weekend warrior. In this episode, y...

Most of us underestimate the power of media in shaping the future of conservation—until now. In this eye-opening episode, Mark Kenyon, Director of Conservation at MeatEater, reveals how leveraging storytelling and strategic advocacy can tilt the scales in favor of public lands, wildlife, and hunters’ rights. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly endless challenges facing our natural resou...

Join Dan Johnson and Pierce Nelles as they explore the intricacies of hunting honey holes, hot streaks, and strategic approaches to deer hunting across multiple states. Discover insights on public land tactics, deer behavior, and how to optimize your hunting success this season. Key Topics Honey holes and their characteristics Strategies for building and maintaining hot streaks Public land hunting...

Most hunters overlook how their small actions could be shaping wildlife habitats—and their own future success. Pierce Nelles and Dan Johnson dive into why conservation starts with local efforts, revealing simple yet powerful ways you can make a lasting impact right in your backyard or on private land. This episode breaks down the true value of habitat management, from planting native trees and nat...

In this engaging episode, Dan Johnson and Tony Peterson explore a wide range of topics from health recovery and land conservation to hunting strategies, societal issues, and personal stories. They delve into the complexities of public land access, the impact of data centers on water resources, and the cultural shifts in hunting and music, offering insights and humor along the way. Key Topics: Heal...

In this candid solo episode, Dan shares how experiencing knee issues unlocked a new perspective on outdoor life and content creation. He’s taking us along as he plans to record episodes from trailheads, picnic tables, and even the woods, blending his love for nature with tech-savvy remote setups. Discover how adaptability can turn limitations into opportunities for deeper engagement with your pass...

In this episode, Dan and Pierce dive into the realities of hunting public land, the impact of weather fluctuations, and innovative water access tactics for deer and turkey hunting. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, these insights offer practical tips to optimize your season and overcome common hurdles. Key Topics: Challenges and strategies for hunting on public land, including...