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On Episode 99 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf and Justin Zarr dive straight into the drama after a recent social media video of shooting a crossbow at 100 yards set the hunting community on fire. Joined by Kevin Vistisen, host of The Deer Hunter Podcast, the guys unpack the intense backlash, online outrage, and the deep cultural divide between traditional vertical bowhunters and modern crossbow users. From accusations of "redefining archery" to navigating wild comment sections, the conversation pulls back the curtain on why this topic strikes such a visceral chord among whitetail hunters.    The crew tackles the heart of the matter: crossbow ethics, harvest numbers, and marketing controversies. With states like Illinois and Michigan reporting that over 50% of deer taken in archery season are now harvested with crossbows, Justin, Todd, and Kevin debate whether it’s time to separate seasons or focus on hunter recruitment and retention. They break down the dangers of long-range crossbow marketing, the irreplaceable discipline required to shoot a compound bow, and the personal journeys of introducing kids to whitetail hunting without letting them rely entirely on shortcuts.    Whether you view crossbows as an essential entry point for new and aging hunters or an unfair intrusion into archery season, this episode cuts through the keyboard noise with honest perspectives from lifelong bowhunters. Tune in for big laughs, sharp industry insights, and a candid look at where bowhunting culture is headed next. www.bowhunting.com

On Episode 98 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf, Justin Zarr, and Ben Franson dive deep into the high-stakes world of October bowhunting. The crew recaps an action-packed weekend filled with heartbreaking close calls, including Todd blowing a stalk on a target buck down in his bedding area and Justin’s son navigating a high-pressure crossbow encounter. They share key insights on how early-season mistakes happen, how deer respond to pressure, and why late October remains one of the best times to catch mature whitetails on a predictable pattern.              Ben breaks down his recent success filling freezer tags with double doe harvests, evaluating blood trails and broadhead performance with the NAP Killzone. The guys also review essential gear hacks for silencing equipment using Stealth Strips, optimizing scent control with ScentLok Ridge apparel, and using ozone units to tackle tricky low-wind thermals.               Finally, the team addresses major topics circulating in the hunting community, including conservation officer footage from high-profile poaching investigations, the trend of late-onset hunters passing up legal deer, and tactical setups for unpredictable fall winds. Whether you are hunting from a saddle, ladder stand, or ground blind, this episode is packed with real-world tips to help you execute when giant bucks hit the ground. *This video is NOT sponsored. Some of the links below are sponsored or affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no cost to you.  =========== 📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒 ------------------- 👍🏻Connect with Guests Todd Graf ➡️ ‪[ IG @toddgraf ]  Justin Zarr ➡️ ‪[IG @sirzarr ]  Ben Franson ➡️ ‪[ IG @benfranson ]  =========== Shop Our Favorite Stores 🔥 ------------------- The best place for archery and bowhunting gear ➡️ https://lancasterarchery.com/bowhunting Get your favorite Bowhunt or Die™ Merch ➡️ https://shop.bowhunting.com/ =========== Some of Todd & Justin’s Favorite Gear 🏹 ------------------- Vortex GlassPak™ Pro Binocular Harness ➡️ https://collabs.shop/bl2agi NAP Spitfire XXX Broadheads ➡️ https://collabs.shop/4e9l1c Tethrd Ultralock Saddle ➡️ https://collabs.shop/jiz3rc HHA NYTRX Pro Sight ➡️ https://collabs.shop/12hjbv =========== This Podcast was Filmed Using: ------------------- Camera: Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B0iiutJe1 Lens: Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01912ZAu Microphone: Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01p9Cms3 =========== Connect with us!    ------------------- Facebook: ➡︎  https://www.facebook.com/bowhunting/ IG: ➡︎  https://www.instagram.com/bowhuntordie/ Join the discussions on our Forums: ➡︎  https://forums.bowhunting.com/ =========== ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 Intro 00:36 Heartbreaking Buck Encounter 05:17 Bow on the Ground 12:20 Weekend Blind Action 22:38 Double Doe Harvest 30:17 Huge Closeout Sale 32:15 Essential Hunting Gear 40:55 Poaching Controversy Breakdown 44:00 Modern Hunter Mindset 54:00 Late October Strategy www.bowhunting.com

In Episode 97 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf, Justin Zarr, and the crew kick things off by recounting a brutal early-season hunt ruined by relentless mosquito swarms and forgotten Thermacell units. The guys share the painful reality of sitting in a tree stand while getting eaten alive, setting up camera arms in the dark, and dealing with wild 55-degree temperature swings in October. They break down early-season strategies, trail camera setup blunders, and how unpredictable fall weather impacts buck movement across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois hunting properties.    The conversation dives deep into current bowhunting trends and recent online viral moments. From analyzing controversial long-range shots and shot placement debates on social media to reviewing public land strategies from channels like The Hunting Public, the team unpacks what it really takes to consistently harvest mature bucks. They also share their reactions to recent hour-long whitetail film releases, discussing ethical shot distances, decoy setups, and how limiting your range changes the entire dynamic of a hunt.    Finally, the crew checks in on youth seasons, habitat management work, and bizarre trail camera sightings—including a buck with a mysterious injury and a lingering summer coat. Whether you're prepping for the rut, dialing in your archery gear, or just want a realistic look at the ups and downs of bowhunting, this episode delivers plenty of laughs and practical insights for the woods. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Bowhunt or Die for weekly bowhunting content! *This video is NOT sponsored. Some of the links below are sponsored or affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no cost to you.  =========== 📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒 ------------------- 👍🏻Connect with Guest  Todd Graf ➡️ ‪[ IG @toddgraf ]  Justin Zarr ➡️ ‪[IG @sirzarr ]  Ben Franson ➡️ ‪[ IG @benfranson ]  🎥Video Links Public Land Iowa Video - https://youtu.be/59sMUdFFHrA?si=wkizh0HGGRJSfNSv Ge =========== Shop Our Favorite Stores 🔥 ------------------- The best place for archery and bowhunting gear ➡️ https://lancasterarchery.com/bowhunting Get your favorite Bowhunt or Die™ Merch ➡️ https://shop.bowhunting.com/ =========== Some of Todd & Justin’s Favorite Gear 🏹 ------------------- Vortex GlassPak™ Pro Binocular Harness ➡️ https://collabs.shop/bl2agi NAP Spitfire XXX Broadheads ➡️ https://collabs.shop/4e9l1c Tethrd Ultralock Saddle ➡️ https://collabs.shop/jiz3rc HHA NYTRX Pro Sight ➡️ https://collabs.shop/12hjbv =========== This Podcast was Filmed Using: ------------------- Camera: Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B0iiutJe1 Lens: Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01912ZAu Microphone: Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01p9Cms3 =========== Connect with us!    ------------------- Facebook: ➡︎  https://www.facebook.com/bowhunting/ IG: ➡︎  https://www.instagram.com/bowhuntordie/ Join the discussions on our Forums: ➡︎  https://forums.bowhunting.com/ =========== ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 Intro 0:17 Early Season Mosquito Nightmare 04:30 The Thermacell Regre 06:48 Iowa Buck & Season Hopes 09:38 Concussion & Weekend Off 11:39 Tree Stand Setup Issues 16:11 Crazy Weather Temperature Swings 23:12 Hunting Apparel & Bug Protection 26:40 Stay Locked In on All-Day Hunts 30:25 Iowa Youth Season Debate 34:14 Social Media Shot Placement Debates 39:41 Shot Distances & Public Land Trends 42:19 Reaction to Wild Whitetail Video 48:34 Bizarre Deer Injuries on Camera =========== QUESTION ❓- What topics would you like us to cover next? www.bowhunting.com

In Episode 96 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf share humorous mishaps, gear insights, and tactical strategies from their opening-week hunts. They laugh over common hunter blunders, emphasize tree stand safety, and recount close calls with bucks and sudden coyote interference. The hosts also discuss gear modifications—including 3D-printed saddle accessories—the timing of ground blinds, and the debate over early October morning hunts. Finally, they analyze an incredible 260-inch buck taken in Iowa and offer advice on pacing oneself through changing weather fronts for the rest of the season.  www.bowhunting.com

Welcome to another episode of The Watering Hole! In this episode, host Justin Zarr and the crew dive into the mid-season shift as cooler fall weather and unpredictable rain move in. The team unpacks the distinct strategies and mindsets behind hunting in varying weather conditions, from dealing with rain-soaked days to navigating eastern wind patterns. Between lighthearted banter about missing tags, workplace etiquette, and animal behavior, the conversation highlights the real-world frustrations and triumphs every hunter experiences when stepping into the woods.        As the season progresses, the discussion shifts into tactical gear choices, comparing traditional tree stand setups against the mobility and flexibility of saddle hunting. Justin and the crew break down public versus private land dynamics, trail camera strategies—including multi-angle and $180^\circ$ setups—and the subtle art of limb-trimming without disturbing cover. Whether you are looking for practical tree-stand advice or just want to listen in on genuine hunting stories and humor, this episode delivers valuable insights for every bowhunter. LINKS https://link.amazon/B0crQPJNX - S Caribeaner www.bowhunting.com

In Episode 94 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf jump into the nitty-gritty details of preparing for the upcoming hunting season. The guys catch up on gear check-ins—from evaluating new clothing options like sun shirts to comparing notes on mobile saddle hunting setups, platforms, and climbing stick preferences. They walk through the step-by-step realities of packing gear into the woods, managing mobile platforms, and fine-tuning equipment like stealth strips and bow slings to optimize efficiency when in the tree.    Beyond technical gear talk, the conversation covers late-season food plot strategies, planting clover and chicory, and navigating unpredictable early-fall weather. Justin and Todd also dive into the fun, relatable side of hunter prep, sharing stories about pre-season scouting, managing trail camera photos, and gear list quirks. Packed with practical advice, lighthearted banter, and authentic hunting insights, this episode is essential listening for any bowhunter gearing up to head into the woods.  www.bowhunting.com

In Episode 93 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf unpack a wild Wisconsin hunting trip that Ben recently took. The duo dives straight into the unpredictable reality of the hunt, relaying Ben's story of an opening-morning nightmare where his buddies' crossbow limbs exploded, leaving him without a weapon for the rest of his trip. Between reminiscing about their early days in the woods, discussing the dedication required to brave thick swamps, and debating how age alters a hunter's perspective, Justin and Todd bring their signature humor and unfiltered banter to the table.   The conversation takes a hilarious, high-stakes turn as the hosts dissect trail camera footage, debate buck sizes, and challenge each other's ability to accurately guess rack scores. Things really heat up as they fantasize about what they'd do if they struck it rich in the Powerball, highlighting a massive $44 million property and debating whether dropping that kind of cash on land is actually a smart investment. They round out the episode with hot takes on AI-generated trail cam photos, tag prices, and the ongoing debate surrounding crossbows versus vertical bows. www.bowhunting.com

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, the guys get fired up as the 2026 deer hunting season officially kicks off. We break down the massive debate taking over Facebook regarding shot placement, early-season strategies, and why people want to push for 50-yard shots when they can't agree on a 30-yard hold. Ben is officially on the hot seat as he prepares for opening weekend on Wisconsin public land. Will he get the team on the board first, or is he passing up 100-inch bucks to hold out for a monster? We also dive into some crazy outdoor news, including the "Toe Buddy" deer sled winch, releasing a billion sterile flies to combat flesh-eating screw worms, and why broadheads sometimes leave wildly different blood trails on identical shots. www.bowhunting.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole with hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf! In this episode, the guys kick things off by checking in on seasonal updates, including a recent fishing trip to Ontario, Canada, and a look at early deer hunting activity picking up across the region. From discussing the challenges of navigating thick forest burns to analyzing local velvet buck sightings and trail camera videos, Justin and Todd cover all the anticipation leading right up to the start of the season. Later in the show, the hosts dive into pre-season preparations, food plot strategies, and the unpredictable weather patterns impacting their setups. They also take a look at the latest hunting gear generating buzz online, including an innovative folding climbing stick from B7 Outdoors. Wrap up with the crew as they share key tips on mock scrapes, optimal camera placement, and getting fully dialed in for the upcoming hunt. www.bowhunting.com

In this episode of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf jump into the reality of pre-season deer prep, trail camera strategies, and the inevitable highs and lows of target buck hunting. The guys break down a wild weekend story involving a target buck found dead off the road, discussing what it really takes to stay motivated when plans go sideways. From moving cameras to managing stand setups, they offer an unfiltered look at the grit and humor required during the late-summer hustle. The conversation then shifts to some of the biggest controversies in the hunting world today, including social media clout, poachers getting exposed online, and infamous hunting scandals from over the years. Justin and Todd dive into a heated discussion about hunting ethics, passing on big bucks vs. putting meat in the freezer, and how modern technology and cameras impact today's hunter. Plus, stick around for a few hilarious personal tangents on poison ivy nightmares and awkward encounters in the woods! www.bowhunting.com

Welcome back to The Watering Hole with Justin Zarr and Todd Graf! In Episode 89, the guys get super hyped as hunting season approaches. They dive deep into all things food plots—sharing personal stories from the field, including a hilarious mishap involving forgotten rakes, and discussing how recent soaking rains have been a game-changer for early germination. Justin and Todd also talk timing, soil prep, and the essential role of nitrogen and urea in getting those fall brassica plots looking like lush green carpets.   Later in the show, the conversation shifts to gear, archery setups, and the annual Bowhunting.com forum deer contest. The guys break down the contest rules—covering buck scoring, team dynamics, and a massive announcement about a $1,000 Lancaster Archery gift card prize pool for the winning team! Plus, Todd and Justin debate how they’d spend a free $100 on gear, from lighted nocks and fletching supplies to arrow wraps and release aids. Tune in for expert land management tips, gear talk, and classic bantering! www.bowhunting.com

In episode 88 of The Watering Hole, the crew sits down with special guests Justin Spring and Dylan Ray from the Pope and Young Club to dive into the past, present, and future of bowhunting. While many hunters immediately think of the record book and official scoring when they hear Pope and Young, this conversation goes far beyond trophy measurements. The guys explore the shift in how modern hunters document their harvests—from physical record books to social media—and why preserving the official history and validity of bowhunting remains just as critical today as it was when the organization was founded 65 years ago.   The discussion tackling the biggest debates in the hunting community today features topics like evolving archery technology, clarifying peep sights, and the hotly debated rise of crossbows during archery seasons. Justin and Dylan share insights into how Pope and Young works to protect the integrity of the sport, break down the non-typical scoring system, and unpack why the iconic Mel Johnson world record typical whitetail still stands unbeaten after six decades. Beyond the scores, this episode highlights Pope and Young's core mission to preserve, promote, and protect bowhunting privileges for generations to come. Tune in for a deep dive into conservation, ethics, and everything you need to know about joining the movement! MEMBERSHIP LINK - https://pope-young.org/Podcast-Membership www.bowhunting.com

In Episode 87 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf kick things off by counting down the final two months until hunting season begins. The guys dive into the thrill of early morning trail camera alerts, catching big bucks on live feeds, and how technology—and local baiting laws—have changed the scouting game compared to the "good old days". They also reflect on how early white oak acorns and apple trees are currently driving deer movement ahead of the fall push.   Later in the episode, Justin and Todd gear up for the upcoming season by breaking down their favorite whitetail backpacks and hunting setups. From comparing lightweight saddle gear to debating noisy zippers, janky materials, and ultimate stand comfort, the hosts take an honest look at what works in the field. Plus, they issue a challenge to the listeners: comment below with your go-to whitetail pack and let them know what gear you'll be trusting this fall! www.bowhunting.com

In this episode of The Watering Hole podcast, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf dive into late-summer whitetail prep, property maintenance, and off-season scouting strategies. After a lighthearted chat about woodland poison ivy, summer humidity, and personal hygiene habits, the hosts pivot to the practical work required before bowhunting season arrives. Justin details his hands-on field prep, including spraying micro kill plots, clearing thick trail brush with mini skid steers and hand saws, and repositioning tree stands to better account for wind direction and thermal movement.   The conversation also covers recent trips to Iowa, reflecting on everything from local cross-state bike rides to placing trail cameras and evaluating food plot techniques like brassicas and drone-assisted seeding. The guys engage in a friendly debate on the tactical advantages of hunting low bottomland funnels versus setup strategies along steep high-ground bluffs and ridge lines. Tune in for land management tips, scouting updates, and essential tree stand safety checks as the crew prepares for the upcoming fall hunts.   www.bowhunting.com

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole with hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr! In Episode 85, the guys sit down to chat about navigating the brutal summer weather, featuring a candid conversation on wildfire smoke, air quality alerts, and extreme heat. They dive into how these conditions impact scent control and deer movement ahead of hunting season, alongside a casual banter session covering sports—from the Tour de France and professional golf to their hilarious takes on soccer and its evolving popularity.   The conversation shifts to summer land management and fishing success. Todd and Justin break down recent fishing trips, sharing effective drop-shot techniques and bait choices for landing big bass in deep, warm waters. They also dive into critical late-summer food plot strategies, land lease developments, and practical tips for maintaining water holes and managing pond oxygen levels to keep wildlife and fish thriving through the summer heat. ARROW WRAPS! - https://shop.bowhunting.com/collections/arrow-wraps www.bowhunting.com