Antler Up Podcast

This week on the Antler Up Podcast, I’m joined by Matt Ross from the National Deer Association, who brings nearly two decades of experience studying deer behavior, habitat, and management. Matt shares fascinating insights on how deer use multiple bedding areas throughout the season, how feeding habits and environmental factors influence their movement, and why understanding a deer’s “personality” can give hunters an edge. We also dive into the role hunting pressure plays on deer behavior, and how quickly they adapt and return to patterns once the pressure subsides.

With advances in technology like GPS collars, researchers now have a clearer picture of how deer truly move across the landscape — knowledge that can directly improve a hunter’s approach in the field. Matt and I also touch on the importance of public land initiatives for habitat improvement, why adaptability is key when hunting pressured deer, and how wind and thermals remain critical factors in success. Whether it’s taking calculated risks, shifting strategies, or simply learning more about deer as individuals, this episode is packed with takeaways to help you sharpen your approach this season.

So, grab your gear, sit back, and join us on this episode as we Antler Up!

www.antlerupoutdoors.com

www.tethrdnation.com

www.huntworthgear.com

www.sportsmensempire.com

https://deerassociation.com/

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In this engaging episode, Dan and Jeremy dive deep into a conversation that goes beyond the woods, focusing on the importance of family and the value of experiences over material gains.

They reflect on personal growth driven by outdoor adventures and how their perspectives on hunting have evolved over time. The discussion covers the challenges of hunting in varied environments, the growing impact of technology on the sport, and the significance of clearly defining what it means to be a successful and ethical hunter.

The conversation also touches on the frustrating challenges posed by trespassing and the importance of respecting private land. As they look ahead, Dan and Jeremy share their goals for the upcoming season, emphasizing that the true reward lies in enjoying the process and making lasting memories with loved ones.

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It’s that time of year again — the annual PA hunting season kickoff episode with my good friend Steve Sherk Jr. on the Antler Up Podcast. Steve shares his excitement for the upcoming season while giving us a boots-on-the-ground look at the current state of food sources across Pennsylvania. With drought conditions shaping the landscape, the outlook for acorns is promising, and Steve breaks down how that might influence deer movement patterns early on. We also dive into the importance of bedding areas for setting up early-season hunts and why paying attention to the **three C’s—cover, cold fronts, and cameras—**is critical for success this fall.

Along with strategy, Steve and I talk about the reality of balancing family commitments with time in the woods and how that changes the way we plan our hunts. We cover how Sunday hunting could add more pressure to deer this year, and why trail cameras and historical data remain invaluable tools for understanding movement patterns over time. This episode is loaded with practical insights and grounded advice to help you start the Pennsylvania season with the right mindset and energy. Whether you’re chasing your first buck or refining your approach, Steve brings the knowledge to get you dialed in for opening day.

So, grab your gear, sit back, and join us on this episode as we Antler Up!

www.antlerupoutdoors.com

www.tethrdnation.com

www.huntworthgear.com

www.sportsmensempire.com

https://deerassociation.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is a continuation of the Antler Up Sessions, featuring Nine Finger Chronicles host Dan and Jeremy as they dive into the nitty-gritty of late-summer hunting preparation and gear strategy.

This conversational episode focuses on the practical steps and gear choices necessary to put antlers on the ground before the season heats up.

Dan kicks off the discussion by sharing his initial steps for the year, detailing his trail camera setup on one key property and the ongoing quest for a specific, mature target buck. The conversation quickly transitions into a dedicated gear talk, comparing different mobile hunting setups. Dan and Jeremy weigh the balance between all-day comfort offered by traditional stands and the aggressive mobility required for strategic rut hunting with saddles and lightweight stands.

They conclude that successful hunting requires a tool belt full of options: utilizing comfortable, established stands in high-traffic funnels, while reserving lighter, more mobile systems for crucial micro-adjustments based on real-time deer behavior. This discussion offers valuable insights for any hunter deciding how to best invest in their mobile setup for the upcoming season.

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In episode 4 of the Inside the NDA on the Antler Up Podcast,  I’m joined by Kip Adams of the National Deer Association for an important conversation on some of the biggest issues facing Pennsylvania hunters today. We cover the growing challenge of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and why testing, awareness, and smart prevention efforts are so critical for protecting our herds. Kip explains why CWD is such a serious threat—100% fatal to deer—and outlines how hunters, wildlife agencies, and the NDA are working together to manage and slow its spread.

We also dive into opportunities and responsibilities for hunters, from the new Sunday hunting opportunities in Pennsylvania to the importance of increasing the harvest of antlerless deer for better herd balance. Kip highlights how habitat management, collaboration, and community engagement play a vital role in keeping deer populations healthy for the future. Whether it’s understanding the risks of moving high-risk deer parts, improving local habitat, or simply getting involved with NDA programs, this episode gives hunters the tools and knowledge to make a real impact.

So, grab your gear, sit back, and join us on this episode as we Antler Up!

www.antlerupoutdoors.com

www.tethrdnation.com

www.huntworthgear.com

www.sportsmensempire.com

https://deerassociation.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, Dan Johnson and Jeremy Dinsmore discuss the transition from the Fourth of July to the hunting season. They emphasize the importance of safety during fireworks, the need for preparation, and the strategic setup of trail cameras to track deer movement. The conversation delves into understanding terrain features, access routes, and the significance of thermal hubs and river bottoms in hunting. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of preparation and practice for a successful hunting season.

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In episode 3 of the Inside the NDA on the Antler Up Podcast,  I’m joined by Elizabeth Kligge from the National Deer Association to talk about one of the most important challenges facing hunting today — recruiting and mentoring new hunters. Elizabeth dives into the Field to Fork program and how it’s breaking down barriers, changing perceptions, and creating meaningful entry points into the hunting lifestyle. From showing how food can be the gateway for new hunters to highlighting the role of mentorship in building confidence, Elizabeth shares why this work is vital to the future of conservation.

We also discuss the importance of building a supportive community around new hunters and how experiential learning builds skills while fostering lasting friendships. With the average age of hunters rising, the need to pass on our traditions has never been greater — and programs like Field to Fork are proving that the next generation is ready to step up when given the chance. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode is a powerful reminder that the future of hunting depends on all of us.

So, grab your gear, sit back, and join us on this episode as we Antler Up!

www.antlerupoutdoors.com

www.tethrdnation.com

www.huntworthgear.com

www.sportsmensempire.com

https://deerassociation.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this engaging conversation, Dan and his guest explore the dynamics of college sports rivalries, particularly focusing on football and wrestling. They discuss the impact of NIL on college athletics, the pros and cons of using lighted nocks in hunting, and the importance of preparation for the hunting season. The discussion also delves into decision-making processes in hunting, the influence of weather patterns on deer movement, and personal hunting experiences that highlight the joy of the sport beyond just pursuing big bucks.

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In episode 2 of the Inside the NDA on the Antler Up Podcast, I sit down with Nick Pinizzotto, CEO of the National Deer Association, for an in-depth look at the state of deer hunting in America. Nick shares why, thanks to increased education, resources, and dedicated hunters, deer hunting is in many ways better than ever. We talk about the powerful role citizen conservationists play in improving deer habitats, the unique and passionate culture of Pennsylvania hunters, and how every hunter can make a difference in shaping the future.

Our conversation also dives into the biggest challenges, including the growing threat of chronic wasting disease and the need for hunters to engage beyond the hunt through conservation work, policy involvement, and local sportsman’s clubs. Nick highlights the NDA’s role in providing education and leadership in deer management, while reflecting on how personal hunting experiences evolve with time and knowledge. At the heart of it all, this episode is a reminder that every one of us can contribute to the future of deer and deer hunting—sometimes it just starts with doing one more thing.

So, grab your gear, sit back, and join us on this episode as we Antler Up!

www.antlerupoutdoors.com

www.tethrdnation.com

www.huntworthgear.com

www.sportsmensempire.com

https://deerassociation.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, host Dan and guest Jeremy Dinsmore kick off the Antler Up sessions, discussing various themes related to hunting, personal life, and the chaotic state of the world. They explore the pressures surrounding public land, the excitement of hunting season preparations, and the impact of trail cameras on hunting dynamics. The conversation also reflects on past hunting experiences and the importance of being prepared for the upcoming season, while also touching on the need for educational discussions within the hunting community.

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