Okayest Hunter ®

What if the biggest mistake in deer hunting isn't your setup, your gear, or your scent... but simply refusing to leave a spot that isn't producing? This week, Eric sits down with Anthony Heller of Deer Vane to talk public land whitetails, mobile hunting, mock scrapes, cell camera strategy, and why comfort zones keep hunters from finding better deer. Anthony shares the unbelievable story of a 171" Wisconsin buck, how a single midday trail camera photo changed his entire approach, and why sometimes the best move is abandoning tradition and hunting where the deer actually are. The conversation also dives into leased land, HLRBO, spot-and-stalk whitetail encounters, hunting pressure, entrepreneurial lessons, and why success in both business and hunting is usually years of work that nobody sees. If you've ever caught yourself saying, "This is just where we hunt," this episode might change the way you look at every property you step onto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laryngitis turns into an unexpected advantage as the conversation slows down and gets more thoughtful than usual. What starts as trade show chatter quickly becomes a grounded discussion about bows built for real hunting situations, not just spec sheets. Ryan Shutts from Bear Archery joins to walk through the thinking behind their 2026 lineup of bows like the Redeem, Alaskan Pro, Resilient, Adapt HP, and more. The focus stays on adjustability, forgiveness, and why confidence and comfort matter more than chasing maximum numbers. There is plenty of talk about short draw lengths, aging shoulders, youth shooters, and bows that can grow with someone or be passed down instead of replaced. Along the way, there are side tangents on trade show chaos, overengineering, minivans, and why Bear continues to be a first love for so many bowhunters and a brand people return to later in life. A practical, honest look at archery gear through the lens of actually hunting deer and enjoying the process. Presented by Nosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, this week we kicked this one off by wondering where you’re actually listening to us (dog walk? treadmill? treestand?… hopefully not on the can...). Then we bounce from ATA into “staying hunt ready” the only way we know how; half gear talk, half real-life chaos, and a little bit of “don’t pee into the wind” wisdom that absolutely belongs in a hunting handbook. We recap the feel of ATA this year (more reunion than rave), catch up on seeing partners and buddies in-person, and talk through what actually matters about new gear—specs aside. Latitude’s new whitetail-focused packs (Praxis + Flyer) get broken down in plain English: why you’d care, what problems they solve, and which type of hunter they seem built for (from “all-day grind” to “two-hour grab-and-go”). From there we get into the real “hunt ready” stuff: dialing in a quiet and efficient mobile system, small upgrades that make a big difference, shooting through the offseason, and why archery leagues might be the most underrated confidence-builder you can do before fall. And because we can’t help ourselves, we go down the broadhead rabbit hole... fixed vs expandable, penetration vs blood trail, and the universal truth: I want my cake and I want to eat it too… and I’d also like to find the deer without needing a drone, a dog, and therapy. We also take a live call from a long-time listener, Noah, talk late-season realities, and end with what we’re most excited about next: scouting missions with friends, more in-person guests, and building our own circle—without chasing celebrity hunters or controversy for clicks. Bonus: There’s no episode next week (Vegas/SHOT), so enjoy this one while you’re shoveling the driveway… or sitting on the can… or pretending you’re “working.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hit record, crack jokes, and somehow end up doing a full 2025 deer season year-in-review with the crew—public land chaos, private land chirping, a perfectly-orchestrated deer drive, and the universal truth that the freezer doesn’t fill itself (unfortunately). You’ll hear: Tyler’s first real taste of public land deer hunting (and the humbling that comes with it) The Thanksgiving-ish deer drive that turned into a full-blown tradition Matt’s “dumb luck” story that includes a 47-yard double-lung from the ground… after ditching the camera (as is tradition) Derek’s heater of a season across Wisconsin + Illinois, capped by the best kind of win: his son taking his first deer A few real talk moments on what Okayest Hunter actually stands for—kindness isn’t weakness, community matters, and the loudest negativity doesn’t get to define the mission It’s funny, it’s rowdy, it’s heartfelt in the least convenient way… and it’s the perfect sendoff into almost 2026. Brought to you by Nosler. Shoot straight. Keep it tight. And try not to lose your boots in the marsh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walking out the door to the deer woods feels a lot different when there’s a spouse at home, kids melting down, and a to-do list a mile long. Hunting fills your cup, but sometimes it drains everyone else’s. On this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, Eric and Derek tackle the “taboo” topic almost no hunting shows touch: what deer season really does to marriages, families, and modern dads. We talk honestly about guilt, selfishness, “hunting season survivor” spouses, and how easy it is to overdraft your family’s emotional bank account chasing a few precious sits in November. We also share the story behind our Sweet November Sweepstakes, why we had to nuke our old Apple Podcasts feed (and all the reviews with it), and how the Okayest community rallied to rebuild ratings from scratch. There’s a live winner draw, plenty of laughs about tech issues and vertical video chaos, and some surprisingly heavy moments about generational deer camp, getting kids involved, and raising a family that still wants to come “home” to the woods with you. If you’re a hunter who loves your family as much as you love the rut—and a spouse who’s ever felt like a hunting widow—this one’s for you. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review on the new Okayest Podcast Network feed so more okayest hunters (and their better halves) can find the show. Presented by Nosler: CODE OHP for 20% OFF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices