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Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, JJ Dukhart of The Deer Society and Illusion Systems joins us to break down everything you need to know about pre-rut hunting and the final days of October. JJ shares how his dad's experience crafting waterfowl calls evolved into deer and turkey calls, along with the story behind building The Deer Society and its team of hunters across the country. We dive into how JJ approaches this critical time of year, from hunting the edges of bedding areas and keying in on water holes and scrapes to using trail camera intel, weather patterns, and calling and rattling to get within bow range of a mature buck. We also discuss what makes a buck callable, when to make your move, and Illusion Systems' PhaZe series for managing hunter scent and odor. If you're looking to capitalize on the pre-rut and punch your tag on a buck before November, this episode is packed with insight. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA

Welcome to the Trail Camera Tactics Series presented by Tactacam Reveal! Week 2, we're talking about the dangers of relying too heavily on trail cameras to dictate your strategy. Trail cameras are a valuable tool, but they don't tell the whole story. As buck activity ramps up for the week of October 19-25, we break down how to combine camera intel with in-person scouting, fresh sign, and changing conditions to make smarter hunting decisions and avoid falling into the trap of constantly checking your trail camera app. Good luck out there, and we'll see you next week! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by Aaron Warbritton, co-owner of The Hunting Public, to break down everything you need to know about hunting bucks in October. Aaron shares the story behind building The Hunting Public into what it is today before diving into what makes October so magical in the deer woods, how to approach the October lull, and how to scout your way to a mature buck. We discuss when to make a move if a spot isn't producing, what changes from mid to late October, and how to expand your hunting range beyond the sign you find while scouting. We also get into tactics for finding bucks in big woods in low deer density areas, along with how to identify high-opportunity spots when hunting new ground. If you're looking to make the most of October and put yourself in position to kill a mature buck, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA

Welcome to the Trail Camera Tactics Series presented by Tactacam Reveal! Week 1, we're breaking down everything you need to know about scrapes and mock scrapes. We cover where to find them, when to hunt them, and how to use them to your advantage. With the week of October 12-18 bringing increased scrape activity, learn how to use your trail camera intel to make smarter moves and capitalize on buck movement. Good luck out there, and enjoy the show! *New Trail Camera Tactics Episodes Drop Every Monday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, Aron Snyder joins us for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about hunting, guiding, life, and one of the most difficult chapters he's ever faced. This is Aron's first podcast in which he's publicly addressed the coyote incident and sheds light on what took place. Aron opens up about the video that spread throughout the hunting community and across the internet, the story behind what happened, the fallout, and what it was like dealing with intense backlash, death threats from anti-hunters, and the weight of seeing the story break across multiple news outlets. Most importantly, Aron gets real about his mental health, the struggles that brought him to one of the darkest moments of his life, and the moment he found faith when he needed it most. From there, we catch up on what life looks like today, recap his Wyoming elk season, dive into rifle hunting and long-range shooting, and why it's so hard to find a truly solid whitetail backpack. Real, raw, and honest conversation - this is an episode you won't want to miss. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by Javin Mullet from Whitetail Edge to talk about his journey growing up in Ohio, pursuing a career in the hunting industry, and learning from Ben Rising before becoming a staple at Whitetail Edge. We dive deep into Javin's specialty of killing big bucks on small acreage, including what makes a micro property a home run versus a dud, door-knocking for hunting permission, and getting aggressive by hunting tight to buck bedding areas. Javin breaks down the best food sources to consider when planting a micro food plot and how to maximize every acre you have. This is a great episode for the hunter with small acreage and wanting to squeeze every ounce out of that property. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we're joined by Gregg Farrell of Tactacam Reveal to talk all things cell cam-related and the evolution of the Reveal lineup, including the all-new 4.0 series. Gregg covers the history of Tactacam Reveal, what sets them apart from competitors, their first-ever trail camera trade-in program, and how battery belts and solar panels can save hunters hundreds of dollars each year. Gregg also breaks down the new Reveal 4.0, how it compares to the 3.0, and how they're changing the way hunters gather information. We dive into where the line should be drawn with cell cameras, using technology as a tool rather than a crutch, and finish with a conversation about Gregg's first hunting season as a dad. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we are live from deer camp in North Dakota. The team sit down and recap the first three days of the 2026 bow season. With heavy rain, brutal wind, one buck on the ground, and plenty of big bucks still left to chase, this hunt delivered plenty of highs and lows. We break down tracking a buck after a high shot, why hunting over bait isn't always as easy as it looks, the work that goes into putting yourself into position to punch a tag, and everything that happened along the way. It's a real look at early-season whitetail hunting, the challenges that come with it, and what it takes to keep grinding when things don't go your way. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! In Part 2 of our series with Zach Ferenbaugh, we continue the conversation and dive deep into the mindset, preparation, and lessons that come from putting in the reps when it matters most. Zach covers the importance of getting reps in the red zone, ranging targets before a deer enters bow range, and visualizing different hunting scenarios. Zach shares how he learns from mistakes, his mindset throughout November, and the pros and cons of hunting on the ground. We also discuss accessing hunting locations with purpose, when to move fast versus slow, and the lessons that come from putting yourself in challenging situations. This episode is packed with practical lessons, hard-earned experiences, and insights that can help any whitetail hunter become more effective in the field. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! In this special two-part episode, we sit down with Zach Ferenbaugh of The Hunting Public to dive into the mind of one of the best public-land whitetail hunters out there. Zach has built a proven track record of traveling across the country, hunting public land DIY-style, and consistently finding success on mature whitetails while building The Hunting Public into one of the most successful public-land hunting brands in the industry. We dive into the mindset and decision-making that drive Zach's success, covering early-season hunts, how he approaches new ground, when to be aggressive and when to back off, adapting to changing deer behavior, and knowing when it's time to make a move. If you want to better understand what it takes to consistently find and kill mature whitetails on public land, this two-part conversation is one you won't want to miss. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, the team is in North Dakota getting ready for opening weekend and chasing the opportunity at a velvet buck. The guys break down what they're doing to prepare for the early-season North Dakota opener, while also talking about losing some ground due to leasing and what North Dakota's new 2026 non-resident rule means for hunters. Early-season whitetails are a different animal, and the team dives into what makes finding and killing a buck in velvet so challenging. They discuss what bucks are doing during this time of year, then look back at some of the early-season bucks they've taken, and what those hunts had in common, what made each buck different, and the details that ultimately led to success. To wrap it up, the guys cover what you should be doing right now before the season opens so you can hit the woods prepared and ready to capitalize when opening day arrives. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we sit down with Aaron Skrzypczak of LTL Drone Deer Recovery to discuss his journey from filming in the hunting industry to stepping away and starting a drone deer recovery business three years ago, now expanding into northern Wisconsin. Aaron breaks down the growing demand for drone recovery, what makes a good operator, and what hunters can expect when hiring one. We also discuss Minnesota's upcoming drone recovery rules and the misconceptions surrounding 2026, balancing hunting with recovery calls, and what the recovery process and costs look like. Finally, the guys touch on trusting your gut when tracking, best practices after the shot, and his field experience comparing mechanical and fixed broadheads when it comes to successful recoveries. If you're located in the northern third of Wisconsin and are looking for a drone operator during the hunting season, reach out to Aaron and let him help you find your trophy. Enjoy the show!  *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

How do you turn just 40 acres into a mature-buck factory? On today's episode, we sit down with Jeff Helmers of Big Rack Trophy Products and his daughter Cathryn Howland to break down an incredible small-acreage success story. Jeff's 40 acres have produced more than 40 mature bucks, while Cathryn has killed her target buck for 23 consecutive years, including multiple bucks in the 140–160-inch+ range. We dive into how they went from having virtually no deer to consistently producing mature bucks through smart property design, a 30 acre sanctuary, no-impact access, strict hunting schedules, and just two proven stands that have produced for more than 30 years. Jeff also explains why he doesn't use cell cameras, how to enter and exit without alerting bedded bucks, how to stack the odds in your favor at stand locations, and how to maximize a small property without spending a fortune. We also talk food plots, fruit trees, Big Rack Trophy Products, and Jeff's favorite food plot mix for killing big bucks. If you're managing a small property or simply want to become a better deer hunter, this episode is packed with proven strategies you can put to work. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we're recording from our new Wisconsin lease, and are joined by team member Kaleb Comstock all the way from Nebraska. We break down everything that went into securing this property and why we chose to lease a farm in an area that isn't known for producing giant bucks. We discuss what made this a true 201 property, the pros and cons of leasing versus buying, and why building strong relationships with landowners can create incredible hunting opportunities. Kaleb also shares how he's been able to secure permission on multiple farms in proven big buck country. Lastly, we talk about the benefits of hunting public land, whether outfitting is something worth pursuing, and if door knocking for permission is really dead. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru

Welcome back to the WhitetailDNA Podcast! On today's episode, we sit down with our good friend Kaleb Greiner. Kaleb is the owner and operator of Flatlander Media and Land Management. He drives a tractor for a living and is one of the best we know to do it. Kaleb has spent years helping landowners build farms that consistently produce mature bucks, and he shares the practical strategies that actually work. We cover optimal fall food plot planting dates, the biggest mistakes hunters make with food plots, why soil testing and proper fertility are non-negotiable, and how to maintain productive perennial plots. Kaleb also walks through his step-by-step food plot process, breaks down the pros and cons of annuals versus perennials, calls out what he believes is a complete waste of time and money, and shares his approach to stacking food plots for high-odds sits throughout the season. If you're looking to improve your property and put yourself in front of more mature deer, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Enjoy the show! *New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday* Connect with WhitetailDNA: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram & Facebook Visit the WhitetailDNA Website Shop  WhitetailDNA Merch The WhitetailDNA Podcast is Presented By: Pnuma Outdoors - Save 20% (code: WDNA20) Woodhaven Calls - Save 10% (code: WNDA10) Tactacam Reveal Cameras  Custom Archery & Outdoors Hoyt Archery OnX Hunt Plot Blaster Domain Outdoor Vortex Optics HHA Kifaru