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Originally released January 25, 2014 | Big Buck Registry Episode 031 You've spent countless hours scouting, hunting, and finally putting a deer on the ground. But what happens after the harvest? Are you getting everything you can out of that venison? In this Big Buck Registry Evergreen Redux episode, we're heading back to 2014 for one of our favorite conversations about wild-game cooking, featuring New Hampshire executive chef, culinary instructor, and fellow deer hunter Corey Fletcher. At the time of the original recording, Corey was the executive chef at Granite Restaurant and Bar in Concord, New Hampshire, and a culinary instructor at Southern New Hampshire University. Unlike chefs who simply prepare wild game, Corey understood venison from both sides of the equation—as a professional cook and as a hunter. Alongside Jay Scott Ammann and Dusty Phillips, Corey takes us through the deer, cut by cut, sharing professional kitchen techniques that hunters can put to work at home. In this episode: Why great venison begins in the field, long before it reaches the kitchen. The three fundamentals of excellent venison: meat quality, cooking technique, and seasoning. How to prepare tenderloins, backstraps, steaks, and roasts. Why different cuts demand different cooking techniques. What actually makes venison taste "gamey"—and how handling and preparation influence flavor. Dry rubs, marinades, spices, and the secret to properly seasoning venison. Making better venison burgers, chili, stews, and country-fried steaks. Turning overlooked neck meat into a stuffed roulade. Why you should save those shanks for braising. Making rich venison stock from bones that might otherwise be discarded. Cooking heart, liver, marrow, and other underutilized parts of the deer. Jay's adventures in homemade venison jerky and Dusty's Kentucky-style country-fried venison. This isn't just a cooking lesson. It's a conversation about respecting the animal, preserving hunting traditions, and making the most of every harvest. Where Is Corey Fletcher Today? A lot has happened since we recorded this conversation. Corey went on to establish Revival Kitchen and Bar in downtown Concord, New Hampshire, opening in 2017. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and creative interpretations of traditional New England cuisine. Revival has weathered the challenges of restaurant ownership, including the pandemic and major building damage, while developing a strong reputation in New Hampshire's dining community. In 2025, Revival received Concord's Top Cap award for Best Dining, and Corey was recognized as the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year. More than a decade after this interview, Corey remains connected to the outdoors through deer hunting, bird hunting, fishing, and foraging. Revival Kitchen and Bar 11 Depot Street, Concord, NH https://www.revivalkitchennh.com Original Companion Music: From Field to Flame We're continuing to bring original companion music to the Big Buck Registry, creating songs inspired by the people, stories, and traditions featured on the podcast. This episode closes with "From Field to Flame," a Big Buck Registry original song inspired by our conversation with Chef Corey Fletcher. It's a tribute to the hunt, the harvest, and the journey from the deer woods to the dinner table. Be sure to listen through the end of the episode to hear the song. A Note About This Archival Episode This interview was originally recorded in 2014. Some of the cooking temperatures and food-handling practices discussed reflect the recommendations or culinary preferences of that time. For current guidance on preparing venison safely, consult university-extension food-safety recommendations. Hunters should also follow their state's chronic wasting disease testing and handling recommendations. Never consume meat from a CWD-positive animal. Venison preparation and food safety: https://extension.psu.edu/proper-care-and-handling-of-venison-from-field-to-table CDC chronic wasting disease information: https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-wasting/about/index.html Connect with Big Buck Registry Website: https://www.bigbuckregistry.com Original 2014 episode: https://bigbuckregistry.libsyn.com/031-how-to-cook-venison-like-an-executive-chef-special-guest-cory-fletcher If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a hunting buddy, and help us keep the stories and traditions of deer hunting alive. Stay safe, shoot straight, and see you next time in the deer woods.

What does President Trump's hunting executive order actually mean for deer hunters—and what still needs to happen before anything changes in the woods? Jay Scott Ammann, Dusty Phillips, and Jim Keller lead this September edition of Deer News with a detailed examination of "Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage," signed September 17, 2026. Featuring excerpts from the president's Rose Garden dinner remarks, we explore public-land access, Sunday hunting, lead ammunition, habitat management, hunter education, and venison donation. We also examine the history behind these policies, reactions from hunting and conservation organizations, and the deadlines that will shape implementation. The central distinction: an executive order directing agencies to act is not the same as every federal property immediately opening to hunting. Also in this episode: • Michigan EHD: Confirmed detections in four southern counties, potential local herd impacts, and comments from Michigan DNR's Brent Rudolph about how the virus spreads. • Massachusetts hunting changes: Expanded hunting opportunities, updated deer-lure rules, and an earlier interview with MassWildlife biologist Martin Feehan explaining deer densities and habitat pressures on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. • Pennsylvania antlerless opportunities: Additional DMAP permits on participating state forests and parks, with forest regeneration helping guide deer management. • Catalina Island: The legal dispute over mule deer removal, the Conservancy's habitat-restoration rationale, and criticism from former BBR guest Robbie Kroger, heard in the documentary Killing Catalina. Throughout the episode, we distinguish announcements from rules in effect, population management from eradication, and stakeholder arguments from established findings. HOSTS Jay Scott Ammann • Dusty Phillips • Jim Keller FEATURED SOURCE AUDIO • President Donald Trump — White House Rose Garden dinner, September 17, 2026 • Brent Rudolph — Michigan Department of Natural Resources • Martin Feehan — CAI's The Point • Robbie Kroger — Killing Catalina documentary Outside audio comes from the original source recordings. These excerpts are not new interviews conducted by Big Buck Registry for this episode. READ MORE AND EXPLORE BBR BBR Blog: https://bigbuckregistry.com/the-bbr-blog/ Deer News: https://bigbuckregistry.com/deernews/ Big Buck Registry: https://bigbuckregistry.com/ PRIMARY SOURCES AND FURTHER READING Executive order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/reinvigorating-americas-hunting-heritage/ White House dinner video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUV87DEi1yA Michigan DNR — EHD information: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/wildlife-disease/wdm/ehd MassWildlife — Fall hunting announcements: https://www.mass.gov/news/2026-fall-hunting-announcements CAI — The effort to expand hunting in Massachusetts: https://www.capeandislands.org/show/the-point/2026-02-03/the-effort-to-expand-hunting-in-massachusetts Catalina Island Conservancy — Restoration plan: https://catalinaconservancy.org/stories/how-were-protecting-catalina-island/ Killing Catalina documentary: https://www.savethecatalinaislanddeer.com/documentary-killing-catalina Before hunting, check current state regulations and the rules for the specific property, including permits, species, equipment, dates, and Sunday restrictions. Have a deer story we should investigate? Send Big Buck Registry the location and a source link. Stay safe, shoot straight, and see you next time in the deer woods.

Hear President Donald Trump's remarks at the September 17, 2026 Rose Garden dinner with members of the hunting, fishing, and outdoor community. During the dinner, Trump discussed two executive orders addressing hunting and saltwater recreational fishing, along with public-land access, lead ammunition, habitat conservation, and other administration priorities. This bonus accompanies our September 2026 Deer News episode, where Jay Scott Ammann, Dusty Phillips, and Jim Keller examine the hunting order's provisions, practical limits, implementation deadlines, and reactions from the hunting and conservation community. The speech is presented without the event's opening and closing music. BBR introductions and closing remarks have been added. The president's statements are presented as part of the public record. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement by Big Buck Registry. For context and analysis, listen to: "Deer News September 2026: Trump's Hunting Order, Public Access & Catalina's Deer Debate." Original recording: The White House Event date: September 17, 2026 Watch the source video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUV87DEi1yA Read the hunting executive order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/reinvigorating-americas-hunting-heritage/ More Deer News: https://bigbuckregistry.com/deernews/ Big Buck Registry: https://bigbuckregistry.com/

NO EASY GROUND — A BBR BONUS TRACK Mature bucks don't live on easy ground—and consistently hunting them requires more than luck. Inspired by our recent conversation with legendary bowhunter John Eberhart, "No Easy Ground" captures the relentless scouting, careful access, scent control, patience and hard-earned lessons behind pursuing pressured mature whitetails. The song serves as a musical companion to John's third appearance on the BBR Deer Hunt Podcast and our discussion of the three-volume Ultimate Guide to DIY Bucks series, written by John Eberhart and Greg Godfrey. Listen to the complete John Eberhart interview in the BBR Deer Hunt Podcast feed. Learn more about Big Buck Registry: https://bigbuckregistry.com "NO EASY GROUND" Concept and lyrics created for Big Buck Registry. This song was inspired by the interview and John Eberhart's hunting philosophy. John Eberhart is not the performer. Stay safe, shoot straight, and see you next time in the deer woods.

John Eberhart returns to the Big Buck Registry Deer Hunt Podcast for the BBR three-peat. John first joined us on Episode 209 in 2017 to discuss hunting heavily pressured bucks and his pioneering use of the tree saddle. He returned on Episode 287 in 2019, when we took a much deeper look at saddle hunting, postseason preparation, bedding areas, entry routes and hunting mature bucks on public land. Now, at 75 years old, John is back to discuss the most comprehensive work of his career: the three-volume "Ultimate Guide to DIY Bucks," coauthored with Tethrd cofounder Greg Godfrey. John began writing the day after retiring in January 2023. Eighteen months later, the manuscript had become so large that it needed to be divided into three books. John then spent another three months narrating and editing the audiobook editions himself. This series brings together more than 60 seasons of John's experience pursuing mature whitetails exclusively on public and free-permission properties. The lessons are supported by dozens of condensed kill stories showing how the strategies worked in actual hunting situations. This conversation goes well beyond the books. John explains why hunting pressure should determine nearly every decision a hunter makes, why he has conducted his serious scouting after the season since 1976 and why repeatedly hunting a productive early-season location can destroy its value during the rut. We discuss security cover, seasonal timing, standing corn, sparring sequences, cellular cameras, saddle hunting, scent control, overlooked river crossings—and why John believes a minivan may be the ultimate DIY hunting vehicle. John also shares some unfiltered opinions about hunting television, modern crossbows, the commercial hunting industry and whether hunting success can truly be measured without competition. Whether you agree with every part of John's system or not, this episode will challenge you to examine how you scout, how you hunt and how much unnecessary pressure you may be placing on your best locations. HERE'S WHAT WE DISCUSS: • Completing the John Eberhart BBR three-peat • Writing the "Ultimate Guide to DIY Bucks" • Why one enormous manuscript became three books • John narrating and editing his own audiobooks • Writing so new hunters can understand hunting terminology • Using real kill stories to demonstrate hunting strategies • Greg Godfrey's role in the books • How John became the "Godfather of Saddle Hunting" • The original Anderson Tree Sling • Trophyline, Tethrd and the evolution of modern saddles • Why John still hunts from his modified 1981 tree sling • The advantages of traveling light • Why climbers can stop hunters from reaching security cover • John's career inside the hunting and outdoor industry • Separating useful products from hunting-industry marketing • Becoming a self-taught bowhunter • Complicated lessons from John's first hunting mentor • Miles Keller and searching for every possible advantage • Discovering postseason scouting in 1976 • Seeing the woods as they appear during the rut • Why preseason scouting can educate mature bucks • Hunting-pressure differences between managed and public land • Thinking like a buck that believes everyone is trying to kill him • How repeated intrusion changes mature-buck behavior • Protecting doe movement ahead of the rut • The four segments of the deer season • Daily timing versus seasonal timing • Early-season food-source strategies • Preseason speed tours • The reality of the October lull • Why falling foliage changes daylight movement • Hunting standing corn without damaging rut locations • Sparring sequences versus aggressive rattling • John's 2022 six-yard sparring-sequence buck • Perimeter and transition security cover • Hunting the destination instead of guessing at one travel route • Shallow river crossings as overlooked deer funnels • A first-evening 171-inch Iowa public-land buck • The abandoned Kansas farmhouse pinch point • Five mature bucks taken near one corner of the old house • Social camouflage and the hunting minivan • Why John prefers a minivan over a pickup truck • Organizing clothing, recovery equipment and hunting gear • John's complete scent-control system • Why covering the head and hair is critical • Contaminated backpacks, aiders and overlooked equipment • John's record-book results before and after adopting scent control • Why John says he no longer selects locations according to wind • Hunting television versus ordinary pressured properties • Why competition matters when evaluating hunting ability • Security cover in the mountains, marshes and agricultural country • Cellular cameras as both an advantage and a trap • Why some camera-avoiding bucks never appear in photographs • Mounting cameras above a mature buck's normal sightline • Hunting fresh camera information during travel hunts • John's opinion of modern crossbows • Archery practice, bow fitting and disappearing pro shops • One-stick climbing and rappelling • Saddle selection for larger hunters • Staying connected to the tree from the ground up • Health and conditioning as hunting tools • Why John still works out and prepares trees at 75 • Hunting access as today's greatest challenge • The difficulty facing new public-land hunters • Preserving John's story in a future BBR book • Where to purchase signed books and audiobook editions • The original BBR closing song, "No Easy Ground" JOHN EBERHART LINKS: John's Official Website and Autographed Books: https://deer-john.net/ Ultimate Guide to DIY Bucks at Tethrd: https://tethrd.com/products/ultimate-guide-to-diy-bucks Eberhart Outdoors on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eberhartoutdoors4219 PREVIOUS BBR APPEARANCES: Episode 209 – John Eberhart: Saddle Hunting High Pressured Bucks Episode 287 – John Eberhart: Saddle Hunting Novice to Expert https://bigbuckregistry.libsyn.com/287-john-eberhart-saddle-hunting-novice-to-expert BIG BUCK REGISTRY: Website: https://bigbuckregistry.com/ Listen to the Podcast: https://bigbuckregistry.com/ Follow, subscribe and share this episode with another deer hunter. Your support helps BBR continue preserving the knowledge, personalities and stories that make deer hunting an enduring piece of American outdoor culture. CREDITS: Hosted, Written, Edited and Produced by Jason "Jay" Scott Ammann Original Closing Song: "No Easy Ground" Big Buck Registry® is a registered brand of BOSPN Media LLC. Stay safe, shoot straight, and see you next time in the deer woods.

What makes great venison? Is it the shot? The equipment? The grinder? The seasoning? Or does it start long before any of those things? In this Big Buck Registry Revival Episode, we're revisiting one of our most practical and enduring conversations from the archives. Originally recorded in 2013, this episode features deer processor Al Gambardella, who spent years behind the cutting table helping hunters turn harvested whitetails into high-quality table fare. A lot has changed in the hunting world since this conversation first aired. Hunters today have access to better equipment, more information, and countless resources focused on field-to-table hunting. We also face new challenges, including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), evolving regulations, testing programs, and changing recommendations surrounding deer handling and processing. Yet as we listened back through this episode, one thing became clear: The fundamentals haven't changed. Proper field care, rapid cooling, cleanliness, attention to detail, and respect for the animal remain the foundation of quality venison. In this conversation, Al shares practical advice on: • Field dressing and initial meat care • Cooling and aging venison properly • Common mistakes hunters make after the harvest • Skinning and butchering techniques • Selecting a deer processor • Packaging and freezing venison • Maintaining meat quality from field to freezer • Why the little details matter Whether you're processing your first deer, handling every deer yourself, or simply looking to get more value from your harvest, this episode offers timeless lessons that remain as relevant today as they were more than a decade ago. Important Note for Today's Hunters Since this episode was originally recorded, Chronic Wasting Disease has expanded into many areas across North America. Hunters should always consult their state wildlife agency for the latest recommendations regarding testing, carcass transportation, disposal, and meat handling in their area. Connect with Big Buck Registry Website: https://www.bigbuckregistry.com Join thousands of deer hunters who listen each week for conversations with hunters, biologists, conservationists, outdoor personalities, and experts from across the deer hunting world. Thanks for listening and supporting the Big Buck Registry Deer Hunting Podcast.

Ben Martin, founder of the Hunt Regs app, joins the show to talk about how he went from a first-generation hunter to building one of the most useful tools in modern hunting. We get into the real problem hunters face with confusing regulations, how his app simplifies everything based on your exact location, and how it's now being used by state agencies to improve poaching reporting and enforcement. 🎯 What We Cover How Ben got into hunting with no background or mentors The frustration of navigating hunting laws across different states Building the Hunt Regs app with no tech experience The massive challenge of organizing hunting regulations How the app tells you what's legal based on your exact location The poaching reporting system and how it works Why anonymous reporting is critical How state agencies are using the app Real-world success from better reporting The future of the app, including fishing and conservation tools Using journaling and data to improve hunting success Some of the strangest hunting regulations out there 📱 About Hunt Regs Hunt Regs is designed to make hunting regulations simple by showing hunters exactly what's legal based on where they are and what they're hunting. It also includes a built-in poaching reporting system that allows users to quickly and anonymously report violations with location data, photos, and detailed descriptions. 🚨 Why This Matters Hunting laws are often confusing and hard to access Many violations happen simply due to lack of clarity Better reporting helps game wardens do their jobs more effectively Technology is becoming a bigger part of conservation 🔗 Learn More Hunt Regs App (search in App Store or Google Play) 🎙️ Connect with Big Buck Registry Website: https://www.bigbuckregistry.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigbuckregistry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbuckregistry ⭐️ Enjoying the Podcast? If you like the show, be sure to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more hunters find the podcast.

Evergreen Revival of Episode 27 (Originally released December 28, 2013) READ OUR FULL BLOG POST HERE In 2013, Big Buck Registry recorded Episode 27 — a conversation that quietly became one of the most important episodes in the show's history. In it, we interviewed certified wildlife biologist Jeff Makemson of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, exploring a topic most hunters never think about: Where does conservation funding actually come from? The answer leads directly to the Pittman–Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 — the law that rebuilt America's wildlife, restored whitetail deer from near extinction, and created the modern system of game management we rely on today. In this revived evergreen episode, we: Revisit the original 2013 interview Clarify a few points that time and research have refined Update what has changed since then And deliver a deep-dive monologue explaining the full story behind the Act If you hunt deer today, this law is part of your story — whether you knew it or not. What You'll Hear in This Episode • How close deer and other game species came to disappearing in the early 1900s • Why unregulated market hunting devastated wildlife populations • How sportsmen themselves pushed for federal conservation funding • What the Pittman–Robertson Act actually does • How the firearms and ammunition excise tax funds wildlife restoration • How states receive and use Pittman–Robertson funds • How deer populations rebounded from a few thousand to tens of millions • Why hunters are America's largest conservationists • What has changed in conservation funding since 2013 • Why this system still matters for the future of hunting Featured Guest (Original Interview) Jeff Makemson Certified Wildlife Biologist Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Jeff shares firsthand insight into: Managing public wildlife lands Restoring deer populations Funding realities inside state agencies Why most hunters don't realize they fund conservation How habitat, research, and enforcement are supported Why This Episode Matters Without the Pittman–Robertson Act: Whitetail deer would be rare or nonexistent in many states Public hunting lands would be minimal Wildlife agencies would lack scientific staff Modern hunting culture would not exist Every rifle, box of ammunition, and bow sold today continues to fund the system that keeps wildlife thriving. Episode Structure • New opening introduction and historical context • Summary and clarification of the original 2013 interview • Updated facts and modern funding perspective • Full deep-dive monologue on the Pittman–Robertson Act • Playback of the original 30-minute Episode 27 interview • Closing summary and reflections on hunters as conservationists If you value hunting, share this episode. Every hunter who understands this story becomes a stronger advocate for conservation.

In this special year-end Deer News episode, the Big Buck Registry team takes a comprehensive look at the deer hunting stories that shaped 2025 across the United States. This episode moves state by state through the most consequential changes in deer hunting policy, access, and management—connecting regulation, science, enforcement, and biology into one clear picture of where deer hunting stands today. The episode begins in the Northeast, where long-running debates finally gave way to major access changes. New York legalized crossbows for deer hunting, New Hampshire expanded legal hunting equipment, and Connecticut widened Sunday hunting opportunities. In Massachusetts, efforts to address deer overpopulation on Martha's Vineyard highlighted conflicts between wildlife management goals and the state's firearm and crossbow laws. From there, the focus shifts west, where pressure on opportunity continued to build. Montana reaffirmed limits on nonresident deer licenses, reinforcing resident-priority access as demand for Western tags continued to rise. Chronic Wasting Disease remained one of the most influential forces shaping deer management in 2025. At the federal level, increased funding supported research and state response efforts. Minnesota expanded late-season CWD management hunts, Iowa broadened mandatory testing and reporting requirements, and Missouri reassessed its approach—ultimately rolling back part of its CWD firearms season after evaluating impacts on effectiveness and hunter participation. The episode also examines how changing rules affected hunters on the ground. Pennsylvania tightened in-season trail camera restrictions, Wisconsin continued to experience hunter fatigue tied to long-term CWD policies, New Jersey reaffirmed Earn-A-Buck as a population control strategy, and Michigan expanded depredation authority allowing deer removal outside traditional seasons. Beyond policy and regulation, this episode highlights important research and technological developments shaping the future of deer management. New scientific findings raised questions about how early Chronic Wasting Disease infection may occur, including the possibility of transmission from doe to fawn before birth. Emerging technologies also showed promise—from thermal detection systems designed to reduce deer-vehicle collisions, to drone-based surveys improving accuracy in deer population estimates. Enforcement remained a critical part of the story in 2025. The episode reviews major poaching cases in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, including multi-county investigations, organized poaching rings, and one of the stiffest trophy buck restitution penalties on record. The year closes in Maine, where consecutive harsh winters and the loss of critical deer wintering habitat served as a reminder that biology still sets the ultimate limits—regardless of policy decisions or technological advances. The episode also includes an update on Big Buck Registry itself. The team discusses the launch of the new website, a return to in-depth interview-style episodes, and the tools built to help hunters better understand conditions and context—including BBR Weather, Deer Move by Weather, and Deer Move by Moon. Listeners will also hear about new ways to engage with BBR, including suggesting guests, submitting deer for social features, and using long-term reference pages designed to keep information accessible beyond a single season. This episode is a complete snapshot of deer hunting in 2025—where rules changed, science advanced, enforcement drew clear lines, and biology reminded everyone who ultimately sets the boundaries. Episode Highlights Major deer hunting law and access changes across the U.S. Chronic Wasting Disease management strategies and policy reversals New research on CWD transmission and persistence Emerging technology in deer safety and population monitoring High-profile poaching cases and enforcement outcomes Habitat loss, winter severity, and biological limits on deer populations Big Buck Registry platform updates, tools, and community features

Original Air Date 2013 RE-release Date 2025 In this Evergreen Edition, host Jay Scott Ammann revisits one of the Big Buck Registry's most informative and enduring conversations — a deep dive with wildlife biologist Dr. Grant Woods, recorded in 2013. This remastered episode brings the original clarity of Grant's insights back to the front, exploring how science, observation, and respect for deer behavior shape ethical, effective hunting. From deer vision and scent control to rut timing, habitat work, and trail camera use, Dr. Woods explains what decades of study have revealed about how whitetails perceive their world — and how hunters can use that knowledge responsibly. 🎧 Key Topics Covered Grant's early research on deer scrape behavior and communication How those studies led to modern trail-camera strategies The truth about deer vision: what colors they actually see The science behind moon phases and rut timing Why fear, not food, drives most deer movement Dr. Woods' scent-control discipline and low-impact hunting access Building better food plots and habitat on The Proving Grounds Managing deer congregation and disease risk The logic behind hunting "the 5 percent" — targeting high-odds corridors Late-season patterns and fawn-driven rut activity Why venison is among the healthiest meats available A reminder that hunting should always be fun, ethical, and rooted in respect 🔍 About Dr. Grant Woods Dr. Woods is a professional wildlife biologist and the founder of GrowingDeer.tv — a long-running educational series focused on habitat improvement, deer behavior, and management. His decades of research continue to influence hunters, landowners, and conservationists across the country.   🌿 Evergreen Edition Updates In this refreshed edition, Jay adds new reflections on how Dr. Woods' original insights still stand the test of time. The episode remains a foundational listen for anyone who wants to understand deer biology and behavior from a scientist's point of view — in language every hunter can relate to.   🌐 Links & Resources Dr. Grant Woods / GrowingDeer.tv → https://www.growingdeer.tv DeerMove™ – Deer Movement Predictor → https://deermove.com Speak Your Deer Story → https://www.speakpipe.com/BigBuckRegistry or call 724-613-2825 Support the Show (Value-for-Value) → https://bigbuckregistry.com/value Big Buck Registry Official Site → https://bigbuckregistry.com   🎧 Credits Guest: Dr. Grant Woods – Wildlife Biologist, GrowingDeer.tv Host & Producer: Jay Scott Ammann Music & Production: BBR Studios. BOSPN Media LLC Special Segment: The Evergreen Wrap-Up Commentary (2025)   📢 Call to Action If you enjoyed this Evergreen re-release, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow the conversation: Instagram → @BigBuckRegistry Facebook → facebook.com/BigBuckRegistry For more stories, visit BigBuckRegistry.com — where every deer has a story.

Original Air Date 2013 Re-release Date 2025 In this Evergreen edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast, we're reaching back to one of our most impactful early episodes — a 2013 conversation with Dean Vanier, founder of Northwoods Common Scents. Dean has spent over 30 years perfecting his approach to whitetail communication using 100% pure scent — and in this masterclass, he shares how hunters can use scent not as a gimmick, but as a tool for understanding and influencing deer behavior. We cover: Mock scrapes, drag rags, and the concept of the "virtual deer" Why buck urine is underrated early in the season Dean's scent layering strategy through all phases of the rut How scent helps you "talk" to deer using their own instincts And how the industry has changed since this episode first aired — including CWD laws, synthetic scents, and ATA/RHA certification Dean's methods are still converting skeptical hunters to this day — and his passion for woodsmanship through scent makes this one of the most timeless episodes in our archive. 🎧 Listen now to revisit a true craftsman in the deer woods. 🔗 Learn more about Dean and his products at: https://www.teamnorthwoods.com ✅ Subscribe & Follow for more Evergreen episodes from the BBR vault.

Original Air Date: 2013 Re-release Date: 2025 Guest: Randy Gagne, Master Bow Technician – Morse's Sporting Goods (Hillsborough, NH) Episode Summary: In this special re-release of Episode 15, we sit down with master bow technician Randy Gagne of Morse's Sporting Goods to explore the fundamentals of compound bow setup, arrow tuning, broadhead prep, and ethical archery. Originally recorded in 2013, this episode is part of our Evergreen Series—timeless interviews remastered for today's listeners, with fresh updates and modern context. Randy has long been one of New England's most sought-after bow techs. From draw length and string life to crossbows, rest types, and seasonal prep, this episode delivers a masterclass in bowhunting setup that's just as relevant today as it was over a decade ago. Now in 2025, we also revisit Randy's journey—including his expansion into taxidermy, and how his role has evolved in preserving both the gear and the memories of a successful hunt. 🧰 What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to determine correct draw length and poundage The difference between fixed and mechanical broadheads Why proper string maintenance is essential (and what can go wrong) How to check your arrows for hidden issues The evolution of whisker biscuits and drop-away rests Why tuning matters more than brand How crossbows have transformed the archery world Randy's real-world tips for storing, prepping, and practicing with your bow What's changed in bowhunting technology since 2013 How Randy's work has expanded into taxidermy and memory preservation 🏹 Modern Updates & References: In the intro and commentary, Jay shares how the following have advanced since the original airing: Cam tech (Bowtech DeadLock, Mathews SwitchWeight) Carbon risers and flagship bows like the Hoyt RX-8, Mathews LIFT Strings (pre-stretched, peep-alignment without tubing) Arrows (micro-diameter, high FOC, spine consistency) Broadheads (SEVR, Iron Will, Magnus, Rage, G5) Crossbows (e.g., Ravin R500 @ 505 fps) Smart tech (Garmin Xero, digital rangefinding, app-based tuning) Influencer shoutouts include: 🧠 John Dudley 🏹 Levi Morgan 🎯 Chris Bee 📏 Tim Gillingham 🏔️ Cameron Hanes 🛠️ Featured Guest: Randy Gagne Role: Master Bow Technician & Taxidermist Business: Morse's Sporting Goods – Hillsborough, NH Website: https://www.morsesportinggoods.com Specialties: Compound bow setup, string/cam tuning, gear fitting, ethical prep, and custom taxidermy 🎧 Subscribe & Share Like what you heard? 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen. 🌲 Visit us at BigBuckRegistry.com 📩 Share this episode with a hunting buddy. 💬 Leave a review to help more hunters discover timeless knowledge.

In this episode, we explore the most pressing wildlife management issues across the United States, from record-breaking deer hunting seasons to groundbreaking conservation efforts. From Mississippi's legal battle over deer-dog hunting to Missouri's fight against chronic wasting disease, we're diving deep into the decisions shaping the future of hunting, wildlife preservation, and public safety. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or just curious about how these topics affect your community, this episode has something for everyone. Topics Covered Mississippi's Deer-Dog Hunting Debate: A tradition under scrutiny—can property rights and hunting heritage coexist? Ohio's Record Deer Harvest: What's driving the highest deer harvest in 13 years? Pennsylvania's Proposed Hunting Rule Changes: How 2025 could redefine hunting across the Keystone State. Missouri's Chronic Wasting Disease Fight: Will new carcass disposal rules change the game for hunters and conservationists? Montana's Landfill Deer Culling Efforts: Why a landfill is at the center of the state's disease containment strategy. Maine's Deer Dilemma: Lyme disease, car crashes, and the search for innovative solutions in Southwest Harbor. Grand Rapids' Urban Deer Hunt Proposal: Archery in city limits—could it work? Ohio Poacher's Record-Breaking Fine: The $43,000 trophy buck case shaking up the hunting community. New York's Venison Donation Program: Turning an illegal hunt into a win for families in need. 💬 Have thoughts on today's stories? Share your opinions with us on social media using #BBR Links and Resources Mississippi Wildlife Regulations Ohio Department of Natural Resources Pennsylvania Game Commission Missouri Department of Conservation Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Feeding New York State Venison Program Big Buck Registry Links Official Website: Big Buck Registry Spotify: Deer Hunt - Big Buck Registry Apple Podcasts: Big Buck Registry Podcast iHeartRadio: Listen on iHeartRadio TuneIn: Listen on TuneIn Amazon Music: Listen on Amazon Music Social Media Profiles Facebook: Big Buck Registry on Facebook Instagram: @bigbuckregistry2012 Twitter: @BigBuckRegistry

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast, host Jay Scott Ammann welcomes former President Theodore Roosevelt, one of history's greatest hunters and conservationists. Roosevelt shares captivating stories of hunting whitetail and mule-deer, delving into their unique behaviors, the challenges of the chase, and the importance of respecting the animals and the land. He also explains the principles of ethical hunting and his role in establishing game laws and preserving wild places for future generations. Key Discussion Points: Whitetail Deer Hunting Why Roosevelt admired the adaptability and resilience of whitetail deer. Memorable hunts across the Adirondacks, Dakota river bottoms, and Louisiana swamps. Mule-Deer Adventures Tracking mule-deer in the rugged Rocky Mountains and Badlands. The unique challenges of hunting mule-deer versus whitetails. Hunting Ethics Roosevelt's philosophy of fair chase and the importance of ethical hunting. Stories of rejecting unfair practices like jacking and crusting. Conservation Legacy How Roosevelt's experiences shaped his fight for game laws and protected lands. The critical role hunters play in preserving America's wilderness. Notable Quotes: "The true hunter is a man of ethics and honor." "The whitetail deer is a symbol of the wilderness that still endures." "Without conservation, the future of hunting—and the wild itself—remains at risk." Subscribe to the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast for expert hunting tips, legendary stories, and conservation insights. Share this episode and help spread Roosevelt's timeless message about ethical hunting and wilderness protection.   Social Media and Website Links Website: Big Buck Registry Podcast Follow Us: Facebook: @BigBuckRegistry Instagram: @BigBuckRegistry Twitter: @BigBuckRegistry Tell Us Your Story: www.SpeakPipe.com/bigbuckregistry

Welcome to the October 2024 Edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer News, news you might have missed over the last month. In this edition, first Jim takes us to Michigan to explore a Michigan Bill that Seeks to Reverse Deer Hunting Restrictions for Youth, Veterans, and Disabled Hunters. Then Dusty covers a story in Wisconsin about the Wisconsin DNR Initiating a  Review of Deer Management Units Ahead of the 2025 Season.  Jay explores the New York DEC Transition to Electronic Deer Tags for the 2024-2025 Hunting Season.  Dusty covers the latest on CWD and Jay discusses deer overpopulation, both stories from Virginia.  Finally, Jim wraps up with a CWD story out of Texas.