Wild Spirits Outdoors

This episode is a true free-for-all. No script. No agenda. Just real questions and my honest answers. In Episode 17, I open it up to the listeners and dive into questions on a wide range of topics- from habitat management and deer pressure to favorite cartridges, archery setups, out-of-state hunting, bad decisions, memories, and everything in between. If it’s something you’d talk about around a ca...

Winter in the Midwest and Northern deer woods is where whitetail survival becomes a numbers game. After months of hunting pressure, the physical toll of the rut, and the onset of cold, snow, and shortened daylight, deer enter the most biologically demanding stretch of the year. In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we slow things down and take a hard, honest look at what it takes for deer to s...

Winter is the most honest season in the deer woods, and one of the most powerful seasons for transforming a whitetail property. In this episode, we break down EXACTLY what landowners, habitat managers, and diehard whitetail hunters should focus on from December through February in the Midwest to set up for next season's success. This episode delivers a masterclass on winter habitat work. Wheth...

Muzzleloader season is almost here for most of the Midwest, and the late season grind is real! In this episode, I'll break down what helps me to shoot confidently, sight in, and maintain the modern inline muzzleloader. Whether you're new to the smoke pole or just want some tips on refining your set up, this episode gives you real-world guidance.

The 1st half of Whitetail Season is officially in the books! In this episode host Brad breaks down his 1st half of the season, and what we as hunters should be doing as we head into the latter part of the season. Episode highlights:Recap of 1st half of seasonWhat bucks are doing now vs 2 weeks agoSecondary "Rut" realityLate-Season Food Sources and thermal cover

In this episode, host Brad takes a break from whitetail tactics and takes aim at Michigan’s whitetail management chaos with unapologetic opinions. Mitten State Madness breaks down some hot-button issues Michigan deer hunter is talking about (even if they don't admit it — from the baiting ban and endless hunting seasons to crossbows, youth hunts, overpopulation, and the state’s mismanagement of...

** Apologies for the poor quality. Had to reload this episode without the intro. Episode 11 should be best audio thus far. ** It’s that magic stretch of the season — late October in the Midwest — when bucks are on edge, scrapes are fresh, and every cold morning feels like the calm before the storm. In this episode, we break down 20 bowhunting questions that separate a good hunt from a great one. F...

The time is here— and this is the window is now! Bucks are cruising, does are coming into estrous, and the pre-lockdown rhythm is in full swing. In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, Brad breaks down how to hunt this crucial stretch before rut lockdown hits — this is when every sit could change your season. In This Episode, we talk:When and how to use grunting, rattling, and snort-wheezes effe...

** Apologies for the poor quality. Had to reload this episode without the intro. Episode 11 should be best audio thus far. ** It’s that magic stretch of the season — late October in the Midwest — when bucks are on edge, scrapes are fresh, and every cold morning feels like the calm before the storm. In this episode, we break down 20 bowhunting questions that separate a good hunt from a great one. F...

Mid-October can just about put even the most dedicated hunter to sleep. Deer seem to vanish, trail cams go dead, and patience can wear thin. But the truth? The "lull" is really a myth- and bucks still exist, you just have to find them. In this episode we will talk about mid-October strategies- shifting food sources, locating fresh sign, and embracing the grind when others sit it out. The...

Opening day of archery season is here for just about everyone, and in this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, I am fielding 20 questions on how I would strategize my early season approach based on the warm and dry conditions most of us are experiencing.

We all know that deer live by their noses, but how can we use that superpower to our advantage? In this episode, we dive deep into the invisible world of air currents and how they should dictate our movements in the woods. From understanding prevailing winds and shifting thermals to breaking down how terrain features affect how air currents move, we'll explore how deer use their noses to survi...

Whitetail deer do not just survive in the wild- they thrive all over North America because of their incredible senses. In this episode, we break down the some of the science of how deer see, hear, and smell- and what that really means for us as hunters. We will zoom on n some of the keys to how each of these senses work, and how to formulate a hunting strategy around them. Whether you are seasoned...

In this episode, we dig into late summer whitetail behavior and how patterns shift as September approaches. From bachelor groups breaking up to the pull of acorn drops and changing food sources, we break down what hunters should be watching for right now.

The hunt begins. In this episode, we build off the foundation of planning from Episode 3 and dive headfirst in the hunt itself- And how quickly things can change when the boots hit the ground. These are the situations where adaptability can be the difference between success and failure. Whether you're a seasoned DIY hunter or taking your first trek into new hunting grounds, this episode covers...

In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we're leaving the comfort of our home hunting behind as we cross state lines. From scouting unfamiliar ground to navigating non-resident tag systems, I'm going to break down how I prepare for a successful out-of-state hunt.#whitetailhunting #DIYhunting #HuntingPodcast #WildSpiritsOutdoors #deerhunting #huntingpublic #deerhunting

We're in studio with Tom Caltagirone, owner of Leveled Outdoors, to get your bow setup dialed in for the upcoming archery season. From tuning tips to hunting strategies, this episode will have you tightening those groups and thinking about the sweet smell of a crisp autumn day!

In this premiere episode, Brad takes you back to where it all began- his first bow hunt in 1995- and walks you through the evolution of his passion for bow hunting. From the glory days of the "TV Hunter" and VHS tapes of the 90s, to chasing whitetails across state lines, this one's packed with history and heart. You'll also hear how a recent injury has reshaped the 2025 season.