The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 369: Michigan Bear Season Success 2025

In this episode of the Bow Hunter Chronicles podcast, the Adam along with his father Charlie Miller and good friend and cameraman Joe Davis recount their experiences from a bear hunting camp, discussing the excitement of the first hunt of the year, the strategies used for baiting, and the emotional rollercoaster of encountering and tracking a bear. They share insights on the challenges faced during the hunt, the importance of video production in capturing the experience, and the lessons learned from the adventure. The conversation highlights the camaraderie and joy of hunting, as well as the unexpected twists that come with it.

Takeaways

The first hunt of the year brings excitement and anticipation.

Baiting strategies are crucial for successful bear hunting.

Tracking a bear requires patience and attention to detail.

The emotional impact of a missed shot can be significant.

Video production adds a new layer to the hunting experience.

Hunting with friends enhances the overall experience.

Preparation is key for a successful hunt.

Understanding bear behavior can improve hunting success.

The camaraderie of hunting creates lasting memories.

Every hunt is a learning experience, regardless of the outcome.

Chapters00:00 Bear Camp Recap and Excitement

04:35 Hunting Experience and Expectations

09:42 Baiting Strategies and Bear Behavior

15:18 The First Hunt: Anticipation and Setup

20:35 The Encounter: First Bear Sighting

26:00 The Shot: Success and Heartbreak

31:40 Tracking the Bear: The Blood Trail

37:22 The Recovery: Dragging the Bear Out

43:09 Reflections on the Hunt and Video Production

Harvest Log

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 368: Clear Cuts and Camaraderie - Aaron Hepler - In Camp Podcast

In this episode of the Bow Hunter Chronicles Podcast, Adam  interviews Aaron Hepler, the host of the In Camp Podcast. They discuss the foundation of Aaron's podcast, which aims to explore a variety of outdoor activities beyond just deer hunting. Aaron shares his experiences in balancing family life with outdoor pursuits, his upbringing in hunting and fishing, and the importance of mentorship in the hunting community. They also delve into the challenges of modern hunting, the role of trail cameras, and strategies for hunting in clear cuts. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being well-rounded in outdoor activities and the joy of sharing experiences with others.

00:04:32 Introduction to In Camp Podcast
00:07:08 The Importance of a Well-Rounded Outdoor Experience
00:09:36 Balancing Family Life and Outdoor Pursuits
00:13:17 Growing Up in the Outdoors: Early Influences
00:17:48 The Shift in Hunting Culture and Mentorship
00:22:21 Understanding Deer Hunting: From Basics to Advanced Strategies
00:27:07 The Role of Trail Cameras in Modern Hunting
00:31:22 Navigating the Challenges of Hunting with Technology
00:42:37 The Role of Trail Cameras in Hunting
00:50:29 Learning from Observation and Experience
01:01:58 Understanding Clear Cuts and Their Impact on Deer Behavior
01:15:01 Hunting Strategies for Peak Season

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 367: An Uncomfortable September - Wyoming Mule Deer and DIY Black Bear

In this episode, Adam talks with Nate Rozeveld, host of the Michigan Wild Podcast about his experiences and insights from a recent mule deer hunting trip in Wyoming. They discuss the planning and preparation that went into the hunt, including the importance of understanding the terrain and acclimatizing to the elevation. The conversation highlights the thrill of the chase, the unpredictability of wildlife encounters, and the dynamics of hunting with a partner. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the lessons learned and the memorable moments that make hunting a unique adventure. In this conversation, they discuss their recent hunting experiences, focusing on the emotional highs and lows of the hunt, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. They reflect on the thrill of discovery in the wild, the physical demands of the terrain, and the importance of preparation for future hunts. The conversation also touches on the nuances of hunting regulations and personal motivations behind hunting decisions. In this conversation, Nate and Adam discuss various aspects of bow hunting, including equipment choices, arrow selection, and strategies for hunting bears and whitetails. They delve into the transition from bear hunting to whitetail hunting, highlighting the excitement of a new lease and the challenges of balancing private and public land hunting. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of hunting, the importance of experiences over trophies, and the anticipation of the upcoming hunting season.

04:03 Introduction and Hunt Setup
09:28 Hunting Strategy and Expectations
15:15 Acclimatization and Health Considerations
20:52 Adjusting Strategies and Learning Curves
26:18 Day Two: New Locations and Discoveries
32:09 Reflections on the Hunt and Future Plans
39:35 Setting the Stage for the Mule Deer Hunt
44:44 The Thrill of the Chase
01:01:34 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Hunting
01:12:09 Lessons Learned and Future Plans
01:20:22 Navigating Private and Public Land Challenges
01:35:22 Preparing for the Bear Hunt
01:47:00 The Quest for a Bear on Home Turf
01:52:18 Choosing the Right Method of Take
02:05:31 Transitioning to Whitetail Hunting
02:12:36 Hunting Dynamics and Opportunities
02:17:13 The Emotional Connection to Hunting
02:24:23 The Balance of Effort and Reward in Hunting
02:34:14 Looking Ahead: Future Hunting Plans

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 366: Balancing Hunting, Family and Life - Matt Lehr - Hunt Mentality

In this episode, Adam Miller reconnects with Matt Lehr, who shares his journey back into the hunting community and social media. They discuss the evolution of mobile hunting setups, the importance of comfort and practicality in the field, and the mental challenges hunters face. Matt emphasizes the need for balance between hunting and personal life, the impact of social media on hunting identity, and the value of authenticity in the hunting community. He also reflects on the ethics of hunting and the pressures within the industry, encouraging listeners to focus on self-development and the legacy they leave behind.

06:15 Reconnecting with the Outdoors
08:55 Evolution of Mobile Hunting
11:38 Comfort on the Road
14:32 Adapting to Weather Challenges
17:10 The Hunt Mentality and Personal Growth
19:59 Social Media and Identity in Hunting
22:45 Ethics and Integrity in Hunting
25:17 Finding Balance in Life and Hunting
41:57 The Right Way to Represent Hunting
42:24 Industry Comparisons: Hunting and Beyond
45:04 Hunt Mentality: A New Perspective
46:26 Hunting and Personal Development
49:56 Work-Life Balance in Hunting
50:13 Questions for Finding Balance
52:03 Legacy and Relationships
54:18 Investing Time Wisely
58:14 Hunting as a Reward System
01:00:55 The Company You Keep
01:04:52 Social Media and Hunting Expectations
01:08:01 The Evolution of Hunting Standards
01:09:59 Authenticity in Hunting Content

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 365: Behind the Eight Ball - Season Prep

In this episode of the Bow Hunter Chronicles Podcast, Adam  and John discuss preparation for elk and bear hunting, the importance of doe management, and the challenges faced in the field. They also delve into bow setups, broadhead choices, and the community aspect of hunting, emphasizing the camaraderie and shared experiences that come with the sport.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Huntworth Gear

04:31 Preparing for the Hunting Season

11:01 Confidence in Hunting Skills

16:08 E-Scouting and Hunting Strategies

22:12 Whitetail Management and Hunting Dynamics

26:52 The Evolution of Hunting Mindsets

35:06 Truck Troubles and Bear Baiting

39:20 Creative Baiting Strategies for Bears

43:42 Hunting Equipment and Preparation

53:44 Elk Hunting Plans and Experiences

01:06:01 Bear Hunting and Future Plans

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 364: Critical Storytelling - Bobby Kennedy - Captured Resolve

In this episode, Adam Miller interviews Bobby Kennedy, a passionate hunter and filmmaker known for his work with Man Over Beast. They discuss Bobby's unique upbringing as a homeschooled child in a hunting family, the impact of his education on his love for the outdoors, and the evolution of his hunting experiences. Bobby shares insights into the art of self-filming, the importance of storytelling in hunting, and the balance between capturing the hunt and enjoying the experience. They also explore the differences between hunting in Michigan and out of state, gear recommendations, and Bobby's future plans in the hunting world.

https://youtu.be/pEZBoKHLvxU?si=f9OmOZCOZ360TTSi
Chapters

06:49 — Introduction to Bobby Kennedy and Amish Life

09:39 — Homeschooling and Outdoor Education

12:23 — Hunting Family Traditions

15:06 — Transitioning to Public School

17:35 — The Birth of Man Over Beast

20:07 — Romanticizing Hunting

22:59 — The Art of Filming Hunts

25:30 — Filming for Others vs. Self-Filming

28:03 — Capturing the Essence of the Hunt

30:54 — Emotional Connection in Filming

33:34 — Inspiration and Influences in Filming

37:40 — The Art of Storytelling in Filmmaking

40:35 — Inspiration and Cinematic Techniques

42:10 — Upcoming Hunting Adventures

44:36 — Out-of-State vs. Michigan Hunting

47:52 — The Pressure of Hunting Culture

50:34 — Changing Perspectives on Hunting Regulations

53:23 — Gear Preferences and Influencer Trends

58:35 — Overrated and Underrated Gear

01:01:43 — Camera Setup for Filmmaking

01:03:46 — Where to Find Bobby K's Work

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 363: Veterans, Mentors and Archery - Andrew Comtois - Outdoor Driven

In this episode, Adam Miller reconnects with Andrew Comtois from Outdoor Driven to discuss the latest initiatives, including a knife sale benefiting veterans. They delve into the challenges of archery, the importance of mentorship for new hunters, and the mental aspects of precision shooting. Andrew shares insights on Outdoor Driven's mission to support veterans and first responders through hunting experiences, emphasizing the need for community involvement and quality gear. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding deer behavior and the rewarding nature of outdoor activities.

06:00 Introduction to Outdoor Driven and Knife Partnership
12:52 Experiences at the Total Archery Challenge
21:03 Archery Journey: Expectations vs. Reality
26:22 The Importance of Practice and Precision in Archery
34:10 Veteran's Journey in Hunting
37:07 Outdoor Driven Initiatives
40:20 Archery and Mentorship Programs
45:29 Overcoming Public Land Challenges
50:15 The Importance of Mentorship in Hunting
55:54 Therapeutic Benefits of Nature
59:53 Future Goals for Outdoor Driven

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 362: Bear Hunting Secrets with The Hunting Beast - Dan Infalt

This week on the podcast Adam talks with the hunting beast Dan Infalt, a man very well known as an accomplished mature buck killer , to switch gears and talk bear hunting. Dan is also a very accomplished bear hunter and has had great success hunting bears in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We discuss bear baiting tactics, strategies on where to find bears, what types of baits and scents to use as well as what not to do.

Takeaways

Bear hunting requires a different mindset than deer hunting.

Bait placement is critical for success in bear hunting.

Understanding bear behavior can significantly improve hunting outcomes.

Scent management is essential when setting up bait sites.

Bears can smell bait from great distances, making scent a key factor.

Patience is crucial; bears may not come in immediately after baiting.

Using a variety of bait can attract different bears.

Hunting pressure affects bear behavior and movement patterns.

Tracking and monitoring bear activity with cameras is beneficial.

The experience of bear hunting can be rewarding and exciting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bear Hunting and Gear

02:23 Dan Infalt's Journey into Bear Hunting

05:12 The Chess Game of Bait Hunting

07:39 First Experiences with Baiting Bears

10:33 Lessons Learned from Early Hunts

13:07 Strategies for Successful Baiting

16:02 Understanding Bear Behavior and Patterns

18:55 Setting Up Bait Sites Effectively

21:40 Managing Baiting Volume and Frequency

24:08 Impact of Dog Hunting on Baiting

26:59 Navigating Bear Hunting Challenges

30:14 Differences Between Bear and Deer Hunting

32:54 Proximity of Bait Sites and Terrain Features

41:35 Bear Baiting Strategies

46:54 Hunting Success Stories

49:51 Bear Hunting Techniques

55:43 Timing and Location for Bear Hunting

01:01:54 Understanding Bear Behavior and Baiting

01:06:37 Passion for Bear Hunting and Knowledge Sharing

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 361: Season Goals and Reflections -ROAM

In this episode, the hosts reflect on their past hunting seasons, discussing their successes, challenges, and the lessons learned. They share their goals for the upcoming season, including aspirations to hunt out of state, the importance of family involvement in hunting, and the equipment they plan to use. The conversation emphasizes the significance of setting realistic goals and the camaraderie that comes with hunting together.Reflecting on past seasons helps set future goals.Hunting strategies vary greatly among individuals.Family involvement enhances the hunting experience.Setting high goals can lead to greater satisfaction.Out of state hunting presents unique challenges and opportunities.Equipment choice can significantly impact success.The importance of patience and persistence in hunting.Sharing experiences with friends can enrich the hunting journey.Documenting hunts can create lasting memories.Flexibility in hunting plans is crucial for success.

Chapters 

 02:50Introduction and Season Goals

01:01 03:51Reflecting on Last Season's Experiences

04:45 07:35Setting Goals for the Upcoming Season

07:01 09:51Different Approaches to Hunting

09:22 12:12Plans and Expectations for the Season

12:53 15:43The Wild Card: Brad's Hunting Journey

20:01 22:51Challenges and Flexibility in Hunting Strategies

23:21 26:11Hunting Goals and Aspirations

27:13 30:03Reflections on Last Season's Hunting Experience

30:41 33:31Planning for the Upcoming Season

34:57 37:47Exploring Different Hunting Methods

39:21 42:11The Challenges of Hunting with a Crossbow

44:25 47:15Hunting Goals and Aspirations

49:27 52:17Mule Deer Hunting Plans

54:09 56:59Strategies for Out-of-State Hunts

58:41 01:01:31Scouting and Camera Strategies

01:03:40 01:06:30 Family Involvement in Hunting

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The Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast - Episode 360: Shifting Perspectives: From Chasing Deer to Chasing Experiences - Arron Bleise - The Fall Podcast

In this episode, Adam Miller and Arron Bleise discuss a range of topics related to hunting, including the mysterious lost episode of their podcast, the inspiration behind their filming techniques, the challenges of self-filming, and the evolution of their hunting styles. They delve into the unique experiences of public land hunting, the importance of scouting, and the balance between filming and hunting. Arron shares his upcoming plans for hunting in Iowa and reflects on how the experience of hunting has changed for him over the years. The conversation also touches on the significance of deer in defining success and the exciting new products coming from Latitude.

.Chapters04:05 The Mysterious Lost Episode  

05:54 Inspiration and Motivation in Content Creation  

09:46 The Evolution of Filming Techniques

 15:02 The Balance of Storytelling and Editing  

20:27 Navigating Public Land Hunting Experiences

 28:33 The Romanticism of Hunting

 29:27 Public vs. Private Land Hunting Strategies  

32:09 Adapting to New Hunting Environments

 33:58 The Challenges of Public Land Hunting  

36:23 Experiences in Kansas and Illinois  

39:19 Mindset and Pressure in Public Hunting

 40:35 The Work Ethic of Hunting Partners  

42:38 Learning Through Experience

 46:00 The Importance of Time in Hunting

 48:43 The Complexity of Private Land Hunting

 53:06 Plans for the Upcoming Hunting Season  

55:17 Chasing Cold Fronts and Hunting Goals  

56:10 The Experience Over the Kill

 58:33 Self-Filming and the Pressure of Content Creation  

01:01:04 The Journey of Hunting: Struggles and Reflections  

01:03:43 Shifting Perspectives: From Deer to Experience  

01:08:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Hunting

 01:15:56 Exciting Developments at Latitude Outdoors  

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