Chase The Unknown Podcast

We talk with author and trapper Zach Hansen about late-onset hunting, moving to remote Idaho, and why trapping wolves sharpened every other outdoor skill. The path runs through failure, grit, and reclaiming trades we let slip as a country.

• adult-onset hunting sparked by nutrition and self-reliance 
• moving to a 35-person Idaho town at the end of an 80-mile dirt road 
• bowhunting mistakes, missed shots, and learning discipline 
• Sawtooth terrain realities and the mental game of backcountry hunts 
• why trades and shop-class skills matter for modern life 
• trapping as the fastest route to woodsmanship and animal behavior 
• wolf population growth, management needs, and scent control 
• policy pressure from lawsuits vs strong local support 
• respect for predators, ethical realities, and community mentorship

Make sure you go check Zach out. Make sure you go check out his podcast and his books. If you want to find out more about trapping or how to get into it, don't hesitate. Please hit Zach up. If he can't, he will be able to find somebody and tell them to help you out.

We go deep on Florida’s brutal public land, the move back to New England, and how faith, family, and photography shape a better hunter and a better neighbor. AJ shares bear management realities, turkey plans, and the gear choices that build confidence when pressure rises.

• Florida’s extreme hunts and shifting rut windows
• Learning WMAs, quotas, and local regs
• Moving to Connecticut and finding community
• Balancing family time with a realistic season
• Photography as memory, mentorship, and meaning
• Bear populations, policy, and ethical methods
• Arrow builds for consistency and forgiveness
• Why turkey hunting fuels group camaraderie
• Keeping confidence over hype in gear choices

Make sure you guys go give him a follow. The link will be down in the description below

We dive deep into the 70 Rule with Brandon Barlow, a revolutionary system for timing your whitetail hunts based on fawn development and historical data rather than generic rut predictions.

• Using fawn births to backdate and identify when your local rut actually occurs
• How the 70 Rule gets its name from three key metrics - spots, track size, and body weight
• The story of the 20-point "Magnolia Buck" killed through four years of pattern documentation
• Why bucks found doing natural daylight behaviors are more consistent and easier to kill than those pulled by bait
• The importance of distinguishing between daylight and nighttime buck behavior
• The four types of food sources deer use and how to hunt them strategically
• Why focusing on the "first food" when deer leave bedding areas creates high-percentage shot opportunities
• Details on Brandon's upcoming books explaining his system and the history of whitetail hunting

To learn more about the 70 Rule and Brandon's system, visit https://the70rule.com/or follow https://www.instagram.com/_brandon_barlow?igsh=MTVteDJzMnpyenoxdQ== on Instagram. Brandon has set aside a budget for free books for podcast listeners - reach out to him directly to request a copy.

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Johnny Bauman never expected that a frustrating moment in the field would spark an entirely new business venture. After taking some buddies on their first duck hunt where they bagged trophy greenheads, he found himself scrambling to properly preserve their birds for mounting. What followed was an hour-long ordeal of researching techniques and gathering supplies – all while thinking, "There's got to be a better way."

That moment of necessity became the birthplace of Tagged and Bagged, a comprehensive pre-taxidermy preservation system that's rapidly becoming essential gear for serious hunters. Johnny joins us to unpack how he transformed a simple idea into a full-fledged product line that's now backed by over 350 taxidermists across the country.

What's particularly fascinating about Johnny's journey is his unwavering commitment to quality and American manufacturing. Despite the significantly higher costs and logistical challenges, every component of Tagged and Bagged kits is 100% made in America. From the waterproof outer bags to the extra-thick freezer bags, wet towelettes, gauze for blood absorption, and even migratory bird tags for legal transportation – each element has been meticulously designed based on extensive research with taxidermy professionals.

The company's explosive growth allowed Johnny to leave his full-time job last December, but his motivation extends far beyond business success. Tagged and Bagged actively supports programs taking children with cancer on dream hunting trips, reflecting Johnny's belief that the outdoor experience offers profound healing and connection. "I don't care if you never buy my product," he explains. "I just want to build relationships and hear your hunting stories."

Whether you're an experienced waterfowl hunter who's ruined trophy birds in the past, a fishing enthusiast looking to properly preserve your catch, or someone who appreciates American-made products created by passionate outdoorsmen, this conversation reveals how innovation happens when authentic problems meet determined problem-solvers. Take a listen and discover the remarkable story behind the product that's changing how hunters preserve their hard-earned success.

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That familiar anticipation is in the air – the rustling leaves, cooling temperatures, and the promise of another bow season. The Chase the Unknown team reunites for their first Field Notes episode, capturing the excitement and preparation that comes with early September hunts.

The crew welcomes newcomer Connor to the Boondocks Hunting family, bringing Wisconsin perspective to the predominantly East Coast team. Connor shares his journey from Chicago suburbanite to dedicated whitetail hunter through a chance encounter with a mentor who introduced him to archery hunting two decades ago. His story echoes what many self-taught hunters experience – learning through trial, error, and the guidance of patient mentors.

Gear talk dominates much of the conversation as Mike debates between his trusted Hoyt and a newly acquired Matthews bow. The discussion evolves into hilarious tales of hunting mishaps – from forgotten releases to dropped cameras and impromptu barefoot hikes through rough terrain. These stories highlight a universal truth among hunters: preparation is everything, but adaptability might be even more important.

Delaware emerges as the team's early-season focus, with several members heading south to take advantage of what Real Tree has called "America's most underappreciated hunting state." They break down the abundant public land opportunities, manageable hunting pressure, and generous season dates stretching from September to February. The conversation moves to hunting regulations across states, contrasting Delaware's sensible two-buck limit with New Jersey's seven-buck allowance.

Beyond the technical aspects of the hunt, the team touches on something more profound – the fading tradition of check-in stations and hunting camps, where stories and knowledge were exchanged in person rather than through screens. In their own way, they're preserving this camaraderie through their shared field experiences and willingness to drop everything to help track a wounded deer or troubleshoot a gear issue.

Ready to join us for a season of hunting adventures, hard-earned lessons, and unforgettable moments in the field? Subscribe now and follow along as we document our 2023 bow season – the triumphs, challenges, and everything in between.

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The path from novice to seasoned hunter isn't straight, easy, or guaranteed. Jesse Richard knows this journey intimately, having transformed from a duck-hunting farm kid into one of Iowa's most respected deer hunters and the founder of Outdoor X Media.

Jesse pulls back the curtain on the evolution of hunting media over the past two decades. Remember those massive 25-pound cameras that cost $20,000? Jesse started filming hunts when equipment was cumbersome and hunting footage was exclusively produced by major companies. His storytelling takes us through the technological revolution that's democratized hunting content creation, from those early days of selling DVDs at gas stations to today's smartphone capabilities.

What truly resonates is Jesse's candid reflection on persistence. For fifteen years, he hunted without taking a buck over 140 inches, despite hunting in Iowa—a state legendary for trophy whitetails. Now, after tagging out three consecutive seasons, he shares the wisdom gained through countless empty-handed trips home: "If it's not old enough, it better be big enough. If it's not big enough, it better be old enough."

The conversation travels through the painful impact of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease on Iowa's deer herd, the ethics of using trail cameras, stand placement strategies, and the politics that shape hunting regulations. Jesse's perspective challenges both traditional and progressive hunting philosophies, arguing for a pragmatic approach that embraces legal advantages while respecting the quarry.

Whether you're hunting private land in the Midwest or public ground on the East Coast, Jesse's insights apply across geography and experience levels. His dream hunt? Mountain lion with a bow—a refreshingly unique answer that perfectly captures his authentic approach to the outdoors.

Subscribe to Chase the Unknown for more conversations with hunters who've earned their wisdom through years of dedication to the craft and love of wild places.

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Brian’s story proves that success in the woods isn’t just about technology—it’s about showing up.

Raised on tradition, Brian was reluctant to use trail cams until 2019, when a giant 10-point buck with a kicker tine changed everything. Almost staying home because of the “wrong wind,” his wife reminded him: “you can’t kill them sitting on the couch.” That push led to a 26-yard shot on a 150” Pope & Young buck known as Kicks.

This week on the Chase The Unknown Podcast, we bring you a special segment: Echoes of the Hunt: Behind the Hunt. From instinct and woodsmanship to trail cams and apps, Brian found the balance—and learned that consistent time in the woods is what truly matters.

🎙️ Tune in now to hear the full story.

Do you hunt more by instinct or by tech? Let us know ⬇️

#ChaseTheUnknown #EchoesOfTheHunt #BehindTheHunt #BoondocksHunting #WhitetailHunting #BowhuntingStories #BigBuckDown #DeerHunting #HuntingPodcast #HuntingTraditions #TrailCamLife #PopeAndYoung

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Joe Miles, founder of Asio Gear, shares his journey from South Carolina whitetail hunter to creator of innovative camo patterns inspired by nature's perfect predators. His lifelong passion for bowhunting mature bucks led to developing gear specifically designed for the challenges of whitetail hunting.

• South Carolina hunting background with August 15th rifle opener and historically unlimited buck harvest
• Midwest hunting experiences revealed drastically different deer sizes and behaviors
• Creation of Asio Raptor pattern inspired by watching great horned owls disappear in the woods
• Development of RapX pattern for ground hunters based on terrestrial predators
• Designing gear specifically for bowhunters with strategic pocket placement and bow-friendly features
• Building premium gear at accessible prices through direct-to-consumer model
• Expanding from seven initial products to nearly 50 SKUs covering all hunting conditions
• African hunting experiences and the role of hunters in wildlife conservation
• Recommended "90% system" for hunters looking to try Asio gear

Check out Asio Gear's whitetail-specific camo and apparel at their website or follow them on Instagram to see how hunters are succeeding with their innovative patterns.

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We dive deep into hunting essentials with a roundtable discussion featuring experienced hunters sharing their must-have gear, superstitions, and strategies for success in the field.

• Personal hunting superstitions range from finding turkey feathers to playing solitaire to transition from daily life to "hunting mode"
• The importance of quality boots, extra releases, and weather monitoring tools emerges as top equipment recommendations
• Knowledge of deer biology and behavior trumps any single piece of gear for hunting success
• Debate over wind strategy reveals different approaches - some avoid hunting on bad wind days while others believe consistency creates familiarity
• Scent control products from companies like Rack Getter and Scent Assassin receive unanimous endorsement 
• Public land hunting encounters require careful navigation and sometimes strategic retreat
• Personal stories reveal territorial conflicts that can occur despite following regulations
• Experienced hunters emphasize practicing with equipment in realistic field conditions
• Using technology like OnX Maps and Hunt Stand proves valuable for understanding property and planning hunts
• The roundtable agrees the thrill comes from preparation meeting opportunity in the field

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The woods go quiet, time slows down, and in that stillness, you realize hunting connects us to something far greater than ourselves. This conversation with Zach Spicher, founder of Echoes of the Hunt, reveals how hunting narratives preserve the soul of our outdoor traditions.

Zach's journey began unlike many in the hunting community - not as a child following family traditions, but as a teenager discovering the woods on his own terms. His first deer encounter resulted not in a harvest but in pure fascination as he watched the animals move, setting the stage for a lifelong passion. After joining the military, hunting evolved from an occasional pursuit during leave periods to becoming the cornerstone of his family's lifestyle.

"I feed my family through hunting," Zach explains, describing how harvesting game and tending their garden represents their commitment to living connected to the land. His recent transition to bowhunting demonstrates the hunter's eternal pursuit of greater challenge and deeper connection - bringing him literally face-to-face with the animals he pursues.

What truly separates this conversation from typical hunting discussions is Zach's mission to preserve hunting narratives through written storytelling. In a world dominated by short-form videos and diminishing attention spans, Echoes of the Hunt stands as a testament to the power of the written word. Zach meticulously crafts stories that capture not just the harvest moment but the sensory experiences, emotions, and meaningful connections that make hunting a transformative experience.

The most powerful moments come when Zach shares stories of taking his children hunting for the first time, creating memories that transcend any harvest. These narratives - of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters in the field together - represent the essence of why hunting traditions endure through generations.

Join us for this deeply thoughtful exploration of hunting's true meaning and discover why sometimes the best hunting stories aren't about what we take from the woods, but what the woods give to us.

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