Advertise on podcast: Nine Finger Chronicles - Deer Hunting Podcast

The advice hunters get online is often backwards. Stop chasing the perfect setup, obsessing over every rule, and letting other people define what a “good” hunt looks like. Dan J. shares a raw, funny, and honest reality check on modern deer hunting—and what can happen when you stop overthinking and just hunt. Dan takes on the pressure to manage every inch of ground and hunt by committee, then makes the case for trusting your woodsmanship, reading the sign, and spending more time in the woods. He shares his plans for the rut and explains why staging areas are among his favorite low-impact setups.In this episode, Dan talks about wind, access, fresh sign, trail cameras, and knowing when to take the shot instead of chasing the perfect hunt. He also reflects on hunting with kids, setting expectations, filling the freezer, and how a phone-free sit reminded him to slow down and enjoy the woods. Along the way, Dan makes the case for less social-media ego, more gratitude, and celebrating hunters on their own terms. Not every deer has to be a giant to make the season memorable.For bowhunters heading into the rut—and anyone ready to stop overcomplicating the hunt—this is an unfiltered reminder to get outside, enjoy the moment, and make the season your own. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cold fronts are overrated if you do not know what the deer are already telling you. Ross Cady joins Dan Johnson for a brutally honest deer hunting conversation about when to hunt, when to wait, and how to stop letting analysis paralysis ruin your season. Ross breaks down a real-time decision on whether to hunt an October cold front, using trail camera intel, crop progress, scrape activity, and property layout to weigh a risky sit against a better window in late October and early November. If you have ever stared at OnX too long, second-guessed a stand setup, or worried about “blowing” a spot before the rut, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. You’ll discover: Why standing corn can completely change buck movement on Iowa farmsHow Ross evaluates mature buck activity on the north end of his property versus doe-heavy southern coverWhy a cold front alone is not enough to justify burning a hunt dayHow mock scrapes, trail cameras, and transition points can reveal what deer are actually doingThe mental trap of social media hunting pressure and unrealistic trophy expectations Dan and Ross also get real about what it means to actually enjoy hunting again. They talk through the freedom that comes from trusting your instincts, the value of making the best decision with the information in front of you, and why a successful hunt is about more than inches on a rack. Ross also shares his perspective as someone who works with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, giving a unique look at how farmers, deer hunters, and land managers see the same landscape through very different lenses. Along the way, the two compare notes on overanalyzing setups, calling your shot, and knowing when to stop worrying and just go hunt. Essential listening if you are trying to make better late-October decisions, manage your hunt days wisely, or break free from the obsession with perfection. If this season has you overthinking every move, this episode will help you get back to what matters most - being in the woods, making a plan, and letting the hunt happen. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is the October lull real, or did the deer just hear you’re coming and decide to take the week off? Dan Johnson and Pierce Nelles debate the seasonal mystery, swap whitetail advice, and ask the important questions—like whether a cold front is worth spending PTO on, and whether a giant buck photo means you’re actually good at hunting. They get into fresh scrapes, trail-camera tricks, hunting pressure, and why advice from a guy with a giant food plot may not exactly fit your five-acre setup. There’s also talk about teaching young hunters, career regrets, Amish hats, baby names, and Dan’s ongoing battle with drywall.Come for the October-lull argument. Stay for the detours. Leave with a reminder to trust the sign in your own woods—and maybe hire someone else for the bathroom remodel. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A family-owned blueberry farm the size of a small company. A hunter who packs out elk, chases bucks across state lines, and still walks 13 miles a day switching irrigation valves. Eric McKay returns with the kind of farming-and-hunting conversation that makes you rethink what it takes to stay in the game. Dan J. sits down with Eric to unpack how a 1,000-acre Michigan blueberry operation actually works - from processing 5 to 7 million pounds a year to battling frost, extreme heat, and the brutal timing of spring freezes that can wipe out a crop without killing the bushes. Eric breaks down how weather changes sugar content, why Lake Michigan helps and hurts at the same time, and what it really means to keep a multi-generation farm family-owned when bigger buyers are always circling. We also get deep into the hunting side of Eric's life, including what keeps him coming back to southern Illinois, why his favorite Michigan window is late October, and how his western addiction started in 2012 and never really stopped. He shares what makes Colorado his favorite elk destination, why Montana tested him harder than almost any trip he's taken, and how altitude, dehydration, and sheer pack-out misery separate a fun hunt from a true grind. You'll discover: How a blueberry farm processes, packages, and markets fruit at massive scaleWhy late frosts, summer heat, and rainfall can change both yield and flavorWhat deer do around blueberry farms and how hunters use that to their advantageWhy Eric prefers specific timing windows in Michigan and southern IllinoisWhat makes western public land hunting so addictive, physically brutal, and worth it Eric also talks about hunting with his kid and wife, managing tags across multiple states, and why this season is more about family, freezer fills, and being in the woods than chasing giant score numbers. If you love whitetail strategy, western hunting stories, or the reality of making a living on the land, this one is loaded.Perfect for hunters, farmers, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of hard work, weather, deer movement, and chasing big country. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hunting Mature Bucks: Trail-Camera Clues, Access, and Public-Land Pressure When a mature buck appears on camera in the middle of the night, is it a real opportunity—or just another clue to file away? Dan and returning guest Pierce dig into how they interpret trail-camera photos, plan hunts, and make decisions when a buck only shows up a few times each season. They discuss the role of wind, thermals, access routes, and historical movement, along with why sitting a proven setup can sometimes beat constantly moving. The conversation also explores the challenges of hunting small parcels and public land, where pressure and limited access can change a carefully made plan. Dan and Pierce share hard-earned lessons from missed opportunities, close encounters, and years of hunting. They also talk about earning landowner trust and finding a respectful path to hunting permission. Whether you’re trying to make sense of nocturnal trail-camera activity, hunt a pressured property, or get closer to a mature buck, this episode offers grounded strategies and honest perspective from the field. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Joey Mnczunski joins Dan Johnson to share how he left a crowded family lease in southern Michigan and built a public-land hunting approach in Northern Michigan’s big woods. Over years of scouting and hunting, Joey learned to read swamps, clear-cuts, river bottoms, and changing deer pressure—and to hunt the spots rather than chase one specific buck. Joey talks about how antler point restrictions may have affected hunting in the region, how he finds promising ground, and why he rarely hunts the same tree twice in a season. He also breaks down speed scouting by boat, locating scrape hubs along fire trails, and adjusting to deer that move into swamps as firearm season approaches. The conversation includes the story behind Joey’s last-season buck: a once-logged autumn olive thicket regrew, the deer sign returned, and Joey set up there—leading to a close-range encounter.If you’re interested in public-land deer hunting, big woods scouting, or adapting your strategy to terrain and pressure, this episode is packed with lessons earned in the field. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Urban deer hunting gets wild fast when 10 acres can hold 15 to 20 deer. Returning guest Mike Ward joins Dan Johnson to explain how he and his organization help manage overpopulated deer in southeastern Pennsylvania, where deer move through backyards, landscaping beds, and neighborhoods. They discuss why deer numbers rebound despite heavy harvest pressure, how township partnerships and archery-only management work, and why hunting small suburban parcels still depends on wind, access, and understanding deer and human movement. Mike also explains how donated venison supports local food banks. Plus, hear the story of an opening-day hunt on an 8-acre property where Mike and a friend each tagged a buck—including a 10-point buck Mike hadn’t known was there. It’s a look at the realities of suburban deer management, the challenges of hunting tight parcels, and the surprising opportunities that can come with them. Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Check Out www.outdoorsy.com and enter NFC to have your service fees removed. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AI is already changing deer hunting faster than most hunters want to admit. Dan Johnson and returning guest Aaron Berg break down how drone recovery, public-land strategy, and early-season buck behavior are forcing hunters to rethink what is fair, what is effective, and where the line should be drawn. Aaron shares the reality of running a deer recovery drone in the middle of hunting season, including what a recovery costs, how long he’ll search, and why some hunters are using the technology exactly as intended while others are pushing into shady territory. Dan and Aaron get into the ethics of using drones for scouting, how quickly the thermal and imaging tech can expose deer movement, and why some states are starting to get nervous about where this all leads. Then Aaron tells the story of a wild early-season public-land hunt that ended with a hard-earned buck from a tiny pocket of white oaks surrounded by bedding cover and water. You’ll hear how he hunted a brutally specific wind, slipped in with his saddle gear, watched does and multiple bucks filter through, and finally sealed the deal after making three shots in one of the strangest deer encounters imaginable. You’ll discover: Why drone recovery is becoming both a lifesaver and a controversyHow fast AI-generated images can blur the line between real and fakeThe gray area around drones, property lines, and recovering wounded deerWhy early-season white oak hunting can still produce a mature buckHow Aaron uses wind, terrain, and bedding access to create high-odds public-land setups Dan also pushes into the bigger question every hunter should be asking now: how much technology is too much? If you care about deer hunting ethics, public-land tactics, or simply hearing a brutally honest success story from a guy who earns every tag, this one belongs on your list. Perfect for hunters who love real-world tactics, public-land problem solving, and honest conversations about where modern hunting is headed. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when a hunting podcast turns into a hilarious, brutally honest conversation about parenting, public-land chaos, and why the best bowhunters are always one bad decision away from disaster? Dan Johnson and Pierce Nelles unpack the kind of real life that can derail a hunt in seconds - a swallowed Lego, an emergency room run, and a day that goes off the rails before the first arrow is ever shot. Dan Johnson, host of the Nine Finger Chronicles, brings the chaos from the Johnson household, while Pierce Nelles of the Wisconsin Sportsman adds his own stories, sharp humor, and hard-earned hunting perspective. Together they bounce from family emergencies to childhood fights, from the weirdest emergency room stories imaginable to the mindset it takes to stay calm when a giant buck finally steps into range. You'll discover: Why a "quick" scouting trip can turn into an all-day parenting and ER marathonWhat both hosts look for when a buck is closing the distance and panic starts to creep inThe hardest football drills they ever survived and why those games still feel relevant in the woodsHow water levels, river bottoms, and rising temps completely change deer movementWhy some of the best hunting intel comes from cell cams, scrape lines, and the right wind on the right stand Pierce also shares what he's seeing on his Wisconsin and Iowa properties right now, including how rainfall and river flooding have reshuffled camera activity and why early season movement is starting to tell a bigger story. Dan breaks down the deer behavior he's watching on his own farms, plus the exact mental routine he uses when a trophy buck is about to blow up the moment. This is the kind of episode that reminds you hunting is never just hunting. It's family, time management, busted plans, busted egos, and the occasional life lesson wrapped in a pretty funny conversation. Perfect for hunters, dads, and anyone who enjoys the unfiltered side of the outdoors.Dan Johnson hosts the Nine Finger Chronicles and shares candid stories from the field and home life. Pierce Nelles hosts the Wisconsin Sportsman podcast and brings tactical hunting insight, Midwest deer talk, and a knack for keeping the conversation entertaining. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Forward-facing sonar, brutal tournament pressure, and a 220- to 240-inch Kansas buck that got away—Chancy Walters lays it all out in this raw, funny, and unexpectedly intense conversation. If you care about competition fishing, big whitetails, or the mindset it takes to stay dangerous when the margins are razor-thin, this episode hits hard. Chancy breaks down why today’s tournament game is so punishing, how electronics have changed bass fishing forever, and why he still thinks old-school instincts matter more than gear. He shares: What separates the guys who are always near the top from the rest of the fieldWhy losing one fish can wreck an entire tournamentHow forward-facing sonar changed the sport—and why he thinks it hurts the soul of fishingThe difference between fishing for fun and fishing like it mattersHow he scouts and hunts big bucks by covering ground, glassing hard, and staying ready to move fast Then the conversation shifts into whitetail gold. Chancy tells the wild story of the giant Kansas buck he had at 12 yards, couldn’t legally shoot, and later watched slip into legend. The conversation also covers decoy setups, satellite bucks, rut movement, knocking on doors for permission, and why he’d rather kill a dozen 170s than chase one 200. Chancy Walters is a full-time artist known for his feather paintings, dog portraits, deer art, and custom wildlife work. He’s also a hard-charging tournament angler and whitetail hunter who lives by one rule: keep moving until the odds finally break your way. Essential listening if you love deer-hunting strategy, tournament fishing, public-land pressure, or authentic outdoor conversations. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Some of the best deer habitat isn’t on giant farms - it’s built one pond, one apple tree, and one overlooked bedding pocket at a time. Dan Johnson and Adam Larson break down how a 35-acre Wisconsin property becomes a legit buck magnet when you combine food, cover, access, and a little obsession. Adam shares the real-world habitat decisions behind his place in Columbia County, from a 20-by-30 pond tucked into a transition line to a 49-tree apple orchard planted for a harvest window that runs from August into October. You’ll hear why he favors semi-dwarf and standard varieties, why fencing matters for the first 5 to 7 years, and how disease-resistant apples can outperform the typical “deer tree” setup most hunters try and abandon too early. We also get into the deer foods most hunters overlook. Adam talks pignut hickory, heavy acorn years, micro food plots, and why buckthorn and prickly ash - the “bad” stuff in habitat circles - can create the kind of nasty travel corridor mature deer love. Dan and Adam also compare notes on the September shift, with both seeing bucks redistribute as velvet comes off and crops change, sometimes to their advantage and sometimes not. The conversation goes deeper into strategy, too. Adam explains how he hunts a property with swirling thermals, why wind and access dictate when he can actually enter the woods, and what it means to manage a small acreage that’s surrounded by neighbors who know exactly what he’s built. They also tackle CWD head-on - what it looks like in the field, how it compares to EHD, and why Adam believes the disease is real but not the herd-ending collapse many hunters were led to fear. If you’re trying to squeeze more out of small acreage, build better deer habitat, or simply want a smarter way to think about early-season hunting, this one is packed with practical takeaways. Perfect for whitetail hunters who want less hype and more field-tested strategy. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Big deer hunting success comes down to two things most hunters get wrong: trigger control and finding the micro pocket that deer actually use. Dan Johnson breaks down how to resist shooting the first decent buck that walks by, why that discipline is the difference between filling a tag and chasing a true target buck, and how access routes, bedding edges, and staging areas can completely change your odds. He also shares the real-world thinking behind hunting pressure, trail camera strategy, and why the smallest overlooked pocket in thick cover often holds the oldest deer on the property. If you’ve ever felt one good buck away from breaking down and taking the shot, this episode will hit home. You’ll discover: How to build your own “hit list” and stick to it without blowing the season too earlyWhy trigger control matters more when you’re trying to move from average bucks to mature deerHow micro pockets, bedding edges, and soft transitions create high-percentage setupsThe difference between morning and evening access routes and why one bad entry can wreck a huntWhat staging areas really look like, including the edge sign that gives them away Dan also gets candid about the sacrifices behind chasing bigger bucks, from eating tag soup to passing deer you’ve already convinced yourself to shoot. This is the mindset episode for hunters who want to level up, make sharper decisions, and stop wasting opportunities on the wrong deer. Perfect for whitetail hunters heading into archery season, especially if you’re trying to hunt smarter, pass more deer, and finally connect on the buck you’ve been waiting for. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ten years changes the hunter, but maybe not in the way you think. Ryan Mead sits down with Dan Johnson to compare notes on a decade of bowhunting, deer behavior, and the hard truth that experience eventually changes how much you care about doing everything “perfect.” Ryan opens up about what has shifted most since his last appearance on Nine Finger Chronicles - from being overly cautious with trail cameras and stand access to prioritizing time, family, and high-percentage hunts over obsessive preseason perfection. Dan and Ryan break down how that mindset affects when to move cameras, when to hunt mornings, why some properties fire in late October, and why pressure from neighbors can push bucks exactly where you want them. You’ll discover: Why Ryan stopped overthinking every trail camera move and now focuses on efficiencyHow his Michigan properties behave differently from his Northeast Missouri leaseWhy late October can outproduce the “popular” November dates on certain farmsHow deer movement shifts when crops come out, cover changes, and pressure ramps upWhat years of hunting multiple states have taught him about buck quality, timing, and patience Ryan also shares the reality of balancing deer hunting with work, family, and a side passion for three-on-three basketball at 44, plus the lessons he learned from out-of-state trips in Kansas and Missouri, including the classic “Michigan mistake” - shooting too soon when you finally see the kind of bucks you never get at home. This episode is perfect for hunters who are trying to decide whether to keep grinding preseason or simplify, and for anyone who has ever wondered if the “right” hunting dates are really the same everywhere. If you like practical deer hunting talk with real-world pressure, access, and timing insights, this one will have you rethinking your own season plan. Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Check Out www.outdoorsy.com and enter NFC to have your service fees removed. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Western Kansas Deer Hunting: Decoys, Glassing, and Mature Buck Strategy Western Kansas hunting gets brutally honest here: when deer numbers fall, CWD spreads, and the wind never quits, how do you still find mature bucks? Travis Glassman breaks down the exact strategies he uses to stay on deer in one of the toughest crossover zones in the Midwest, where whitetails and mule deer live in the same country but behave like completely different animals. Dan Johnson catches up with Travis after years away from the show, and what unfolds is a practical, boots-on-the-ground conversation about hunting pressure, changing deer numbers, and how fatherhood has reshaped the way he approaches the season. Travis shares how he is now hunting not just for himself, but for his kids too—and why that has changed everything from trail camera strategy to the shots he is willing to take. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why whitetail numbers in western Kansas have dropped so hard, and why mule deer are slowly reboundingHow chronic wasting disease, drought, and shrinking water sources are changing deer movementThe difference between patterning whitetails and patterning mule deer in flat, open countryWhy Travis starts with cameras, then narrows down with glassing before choosing an ambushHow decoys can work for both species—and why the wrong decoy can ruin an entire setup Travis also explains how he hunts terrain when there is almost no terrain, from CRP edges and drainage bottoms to fence lines, milo fields, and tiny patches of cover most hunters would drive past. He gets specific about how whitetail bucks and mule deer bucks respond differently to pressure, why mule deer often avoid confrontation, and how he uses that knowledge to get inside their comfort zone without tipping them off. This episode is packed with real-world tactics for hunters who deal with low deer density, open country, or long-range setups. But it is just as much about patience, perspective, and knowing when to pass on a deer that is technically shootable but not worth the tag.If you hunt the plains, chase mature bucks, or want a smarter way to think about western deer, this conversation belongs on your playlist. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Some hunting stories are funny. This one is pure deer-camp gold. Greg Franzoni and Dan Johnson trade the kind of public-land memories, family traditions, and hard-earned lessons that only come from years in the woods - and a few disasters you have to hear to believe. Greg shares how a second-weekend deer camp became a multi-generation tradition built on communication, patience, and a whole lot of laughter. Dan brings the perspective of a bowhunter and storyteller who knows exactly how much the culture around hunting matters, especially when kids, dads, buddies, and grandkids all start showing up with their own stories. You’ll discover: Why deer camp is about far more than filling a tagHow Greg’s crew manages public-land deer drives with walkie-talkies, shared maps, and constant awarenessThe hilarious origin stories behind nicknames like Roadkill and Joe BooWhat it was like hunting with barely any gear, frozen feet, and questionable orangeWhy the meals, the cabin, and the stories around the table may be the real reason the tradition survives Greg also opens up about becoming a hunter without growing up in a hunting family, how bowhunting changed his approach, and why teaching, sports, and outdoor life all connect through the same competitive, comedic spirit. Dan adds his own unforgettable childhood hunting mishaps, including one that will make every listener wince and laugh at the same time. This episode is a reminder that hunting is never just hunting - it’s the people, the stories, the rituals, and the shared history that keep bringing everyone back. Essential listening if you love deer camp, public-land hunting, family traditions, or just a great story told by two guys who know how to keep it real. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy