Nine Finger Chronicles - Deer Hunting Podcast

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 expectationsDan 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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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 itEric 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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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 setupsDan 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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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 fastThen 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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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 awayDan 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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When a water hole can transform your deer hunting season — and when it might not make a difference at all. Dan Johnson and Arron Bleise dive headfirst into the real-life tactics and unexpected secrets that could make or break your success in the woods. From creating the perfect water hole for only $90 to analyzing how deer behavior shifts with weather, moon phases, and even social media, this is your blueprint for smarter, more strategic hunting.Arron Bleise, a seasoned hunter and habitat manager, shares how a simple water hole on his farm became a “game changer,” attracting dozens of bucks—sometimes more than he can count—just like that. He reveals how he built it for less than a hundred bucks, and why, despite the doubts of some hunters, water is proving to be the ultimate magnet in both thick woods and open country. Combining technical setup tips with stories of chasing the elusive buck of a lifetime, Arron shows how to leverage one element to increase your odds and fine-tune your approach.Meanwhile, Dan Johnson offers perspectives from years of experience — emphasizing patience, timing, and the importance of understanding that deer movement is often more about luck, habitat, and timing than about chasing perfect conditions. They dissect the influence of moon phases, weather, and even social media trends, unraveling the myths and truths behind what really triggers deer to move.You’ll discover:How to build a water hole that deer may flock to, with a budget-friendly setup that’s easy to replicateWhy water sources can shift deer behavior more than you think — and how to identify the right spotsThe role of moon phases and weather patterns in strategic hunting, and why patience might be your best toolWhy some hunters have it all wrong about timing, and the importance of geography, habitat, and luckHow seemingly small adjustments to habitat, like adding water or reducing intrusions, can lead to big resultsThis episode isn’t just about water holes — it’s about understanding that success comes down to patience, observation, and adaptation. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, Dan and Arron are here to unlock your hunting potential and shift your perspective on what it takes to tag your next buck.Perfect for hunters hunting hard in the fall, chasing big bucks in big woods, or anyone fed up with cookie-cutter tactics — this is your dose of raw, real-world wisdom. Turn small investments into big breakthroughs, and learn how patience, strategy, and a little bit of water can change everything.Tune in and get inspired to make smarter choices, optimize your habitat, and hunt with confidence. Your next trophy might just be a water hole away.Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.comCheck out Troll Co. Clothing at trollco.com/chronicles and enter NFC25 for an awesome discount.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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most hunters are their own worst enemy—overthinking, pressure, and unrealistic expectations can turn a fun hobby into stress. What if you could have your best season yet by simply shifting your mindset and approach?In this episode, Dan Johnson shares practical, no-nonsense strategies to make hunting more enjoyable and successful. From redefining your goals for better focus to recognizing and adjusting your mistakes, you'll discover how small mindset shifts can have a massive impact on your results. Dan breaks down how early and calm entrance times, setting realistic expectations, and finding a hunting buddy can transform your experience. Instead of chasing perfection, he emphasizes embracing the moment, having fun, and respecting the process.You'll explore:Why fun should be your top priority and how to keep hunting enjoyable regardless of outcomesConcrete tactics for setting achievable goals—like filling the freezer early or targeting specific deer behaviorsThe importance of acknowledging mistakes and making proactive adjustments, such as moving stands or refining scent controlWhy hunting early and patiently waiting for the right moment can boost successThe value of camaraderie—finding a hunting buddy to keep motivation high and share the ups and downsHunting isn't just about killing game—it's a journey of patience, learning, and connection with nature. Missing out on this perspective risks turning your passion into frustration.Perfect for hunters of all experience levels, especially those seeking to rediscover the fun and fulfillment in the sport. If you want to hunt smarter, be more relaxed, and enjoy every moment afield, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in, rethink your approach, and get ready for your best season yet.Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.comCheck out Troll Co. Clothing at trollco.com/chronicles and enter NFC25 for an awesome discount.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.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy