What makes great venison?

Is it the shot? The equipment? The grinder? The seasoning?

Or does it start long before any of those things?

In this Big Buck Registry Revival Episode, we're revisiting one of our most practical and enduring conversations from the archives. Originally recorded in 2013, this episode features deer processor Al Gambardella, who spent years behind the cutting table helping hunters turn harvested whitetails into high-quality table fare.

A lot has changed in the hunting world since this conversation first aired.

Hunters today have access to better equipment, more information, and countless resources focused on field-to-table hunting. We also face new challenges, including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), evolving regulations, testing programs, and changing recommendations surrounding deer handling and processing.

Yet as we listened back through this episode, one thing became clear:

The fundamentals haven't changed.

Proper field care, rapid cooling, cleanliness, attention to detail, and respect for the animal remain the foundation of quality venison.

In this conversation, Al shares practical advice on:

• Field dressing and initial meat care • Cooling and aging venison properly • Common mistakes hunters make after the harvest • Skinning and butchering techniques • Selecting a deer processor • Packaging and freezing venison • Maintaining meat quality from field to freezer • Why the little details matter

Whether you're processing your first deer, handling every deer yourself, or simply looking to get more value from your harvest, this episode offers timeless lessons that remain as relevant today as they were more than a decade ago.

Since this episode was originally recorded, Chronic Wasting Disease has expanded into many areas across North America. Hunters should always consult their state wildlife agency for the latest recommendations regarding testing, carcass transportation, disposal, and meat handling in their area.

Website: https://www.bigbuckregistry.com

Join thousands of deer hunters who listen each week for conversations with hunters, biologists, conservationists, outdoor personalities, and experts from across the deer hunting world.

Ben Martin, founder of the Hunt Regs app, joins the show to talk about how he went from a first-generation hunter to building one of the most useful tools in modern hunting.

We get into the real problem hunters face with confusing regulations, how his app simplifies everything based on your exact location, and how it's now being used by state agencies to improve poaching reporting and enforcement.

• How Ben got into hunting with no background or mentors
• The frustration of navigating hunting laws across different states
• Building the Hunt Regs app with no tech experience
• The massive challenge of organizing hunting regulations
• How the app tells you what's legal based on your exact location
• The poaching reporting system and how it works
• Why anonymous reporting is critical
• How state agencies are using the app
• Real-world success from better reporting
• The future of the app, including fishing and conservation tools
• Using journaling and data to improve hunting success
• Some of the strangest hunting regulations out there

Hunt Regs is designed to make hunting regulations simple by showing hunters exactly what's legal based on where they are and what they're hunting.

It also includes a built-in poaching reporting system that allows users to quickly and anonymously report violations with location data, photos, and detailed descriptions.

• Hunting laws are often confusing and hard to access
• Many violations happen simply due to lack of clarity
• Better reporting helps game wardens do their jobs more effectively
• Technology is becoming a bigger part of conservation

• Hunt Regs App (search in App Store or Google Play)

• Website: https://www.bigbuckregistry.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigbuckregistry
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbuckregistry

If you like the show, be sure to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more hunters find the podcast.

Evergreen Revival of Episode 27 (Originally released December 28, 2013)

READ OUR FULL BLOG POST HERE

In 2013, Big Buck Registry recorded Episode 27 — a conversation that quietly became one of the most important episodes in the show's history. In it, we interviewed certified wildlife biologist Jeff Makemson of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, exploring a topic most hunters never think about:

Where does conservation funding actually come from?

The answer leads directly to the Pittman–Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 — the law that rebuilt America's wildlife, restored whitetail deer from near extinction, and created the modern system of game management we rely on today.

In this revived evergreen episode, we:

• Revisit the original 2013 interview

• Clarify a few points that time and research have refined

• Update what has changed since then

• And deliver a deep-dive monologue explaining the full story behind the Act

If you hunt deer today, this law is part of your story — whether you knew it or not.

• How close deer and other game species came to disappearing in the early 1900s • Why unregulated market hunting devastated wildlife populations • How sportsmen themselves pushed for federal conservation funding • What the Pittman–Robertson Act actually does • How the firearms and ammunition excise tax funds wildlife restoration • How states receive and use Pittman–Robertson funds • How deer populations rebounded from a few thousand to tens of millions • Why hunters are America's largest conservationists • What has changed in conservation funding since 2013 • Why this system still matters for the future of hunting

Jeff Makemson Certified Wildlife Biologist Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

Jeff shares firsthand insight into:

• Managing public wildlife lands

• Restoring deer populations

• Funding realities inside state agencies

• Why most hunters don't realize they fund conservation

• How habitat, research, and enforcement are supported

Without the Pittman–Robertson Act:

• Whitetail deer would be rare or nonexistent in many states

• Public hunting lands would be minimal

• Wildlife agencies would lack scientific staff

• Modern hunting culture would not exist

Every rifle, box of ammunition, and bow sold today continues to fund the system that keeps wildlife thriving.

• New opening introduction and historical context • Summary and clarification of the original 2013 interview • Updated facts and modern funding perspective • Full deep-dive monologue on the Pittman–Robertson Act • Playback of the original 30-minute Episode 27 interview • Closing summary and reflections on hunters as conservationists

If you value hunting, share this episode. Every hunter who understands this story becomes a stronger advocate for conservation.

In this special year-end Deer News episode, the Big Buck Registry team takes a comprehensive look at the deer hunting stories that shaped 2025 across the United States.

This episode moves state by state through the most consequential changes in deer hunting policy, access, and management—connecting regulation, science, enforcement, and biology into one clear picture of where deer hunting stands today.

The episode begins in the Northeast, where long-running debates finally gave way to major access changes. New York legalized crossbows for deer hunting, New Hampshire expanded legal hunting equipment, and Connecticut widened Sunday hunting opportunities. In Massachusetts, efforts to address deer overpopulation on Martha's Vineyard highlighted conflicts between wildlife management goals and the state's firearm and crossbow laws.

From there, the focus shifts west, where pressure on opportunity continued to build. Montana reaffirmed limits on nonresident deer licenses, reinforcing resident-priority access as demand for Western tags continued to rise.

Chronic Wasting Disease remained one of the most influential forces shaping deer management in 2025. At the federal level, increased funding supported research and state response efforts. Minnesota expanded late-season CWD management hunts, Iowa broadened mandatory testing and reporting requirements, and Missouri reassessed its approach—ultimately rolling back part of its CWD firearms season after evaluating impacts on effectiveness and hunter participation.

The episode also examines how changing rules affected hunters on the ground. Pennsylvania tightened in-season trail camera restrictions, Wisconsin continued to experience hunter fatigue tied to long-term CWD policies, New Jersey reaffirmed Earn-A-Buck as a population control strategy, and Michigan expanded depredation authority allowing deer removal outside traditional seasons.

Beyond policy and regulation, this episode highlights important research and technological developments shaping the future of deer management. New scientific findings raised questions about how early Chronic Wasting Disease infection may occur, including the possibility of transmission from doe to fawn before birth. Emerging technologies also showed promise—from thermal detection systems designed to reduce deer-vehicle collisions, to drone-based surveys improving accuracy in deer population estimates.

Enforcement remained a critical part of the story in 2025. The episode reviews major poaching cases in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, including multi-county investigations, organized poaching rings, and one of the stiffest trophy buck restitution penalties on record.

The year closes in Maine, where consecutive harsh winters and the loss of critical deer wintering habitat served as a reminder that biology still sets the ultimate limits—regardless of policy decisions or technological advances.

The episode also includes an update on Big Buck Registry itself. The team discusses the launch of the new website, a return to in-depth interview-style episodes, and the tools built to help hunters better understand conditions and context—including BBR Weather, Deer Move by Weather, and Deer Move by Moon. Listeners will also hear about new ways to engage with BBR, including suggesting guests, submitting deer for social features, and using long-term reference pages designed to keep information accessible beyond a single season.

This episode is a complete snapshot of deer hunting in 2025—where rules changed, science advanced, enforcement drew clear lines, and biology reminded everyone who ultimately sets the boundaries.

• Major deer hunting law and access changes across the U.S.

• Chronic Wasting Disease management strategies and policy reversals

• New research on CWD transmission and persistence

• Emerging technology in deer safety and population monitoring

• High-profile poaching cases and enforcement outcomes

• Habitat loss, winter severity, and biological limits on deer populations

• Big Buck Registry platform updates, tools, and community features

Original Air Date 2013

RE-release Date 2025

In this Evergreen Edition, host Jay Scott Ammann revisits one of the Big Buck Registry's most informative and enduring conversations — a deep dive with wildlife biologist Dr. Grant Woods, recorded in 2013. This remastered episode brings the original clarity of Grant's insights back to the front, exploring how science, observation, and respect for deer behavior shape ethical, effective hunting.

From deer vision and scent control to rut timing, habitat work, and trail camera use, Dr. Woods explains what decades of study have revealed about how whitetails perceive their world — and how hunters can use that knowledge responsibly.

• Grant's early research on deer scrape behavior and communication

• How those studies led to modern trail-camera strategies

• The truth about deer vision: what colors they actually see

• The science behind moon phases and rut timing

• Why fear, not food, drives most deer movement

• Dr. Woods' scent-control discipline and low-impact hunting access

• Building better food plots and habitat on The Proving Grounds

• Managing deer congregation and disease risk

• The logic behind hunting "the 5 percent" — targeting high-odds corridors

• Late-season patterns and fawn-driven rut activity

• Why venison is among the healthiest meats available

• A reminder that hunting should always be fun, ethical, and rooted in respect

Dr. Woods is a professional wildlife biologist and the founder of GrowingDeer.tv — a long-running educational series focused on habitat improvement, deer behavior, and management. His decades of research continue to influence hunters, landowners, and conservationists across the country.

In this refreshed edition, Jay adds new reflections on how Dr. Woods' original insights still stand the test of time. The episode remains a foundational listen for anyone who wants to understand deer biology and behavior from a scientist's point of view — in language every hunter can relate to.

• Dr. Grant Woods / GrowingDeer.tv → https://www.growingdeer.tv

• DeerMove™ – Deer Movement Predictor → https://deermove.com

• Speak Your Deer Story → https://www.speakpipe.com/BigBuckRegistry or call 724-613-2825

• Support the Show (Value-for-Value) → https://bigbuckregistry.com/value

• Big Buck Registry Official Site → https://bigbuckregistry.com

• Guest: Dr. Grant Woods – Wildlife Biologist, GrowingDeer.tv

• Host & Producer: Jay Scott Ammann

• Music & Production: BBR Studios. BOSPN Media LLC

• Special Segment: The Evergreen Wrap-Up Commentary (2025)

If you enjoyed this Evergreen re-release, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow the conversation:

• Instagram → @BigBuckRegistry

• Facebook → facebook.com/BigBuckRegistry

For more stories, visit BigBuckRegistry.com — where every deer has a story.

Original Air Date 2013

Re-release Date 2025

In this Evergreen edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast, we're reaching back to one of our most impactful early episodes — a 2013 conversation with Dean Vanier, founder of Northwoods Common Scents.

Dean has spent over 30 years perfecting his approach to whitetail communication using 100% pure scent — and in this masterclass, he shares how hunters can use scent not as a gimmick, but as a tool for understanding and influencing deer behavior.

We cover:

• Mock scrapes, drag rags, and the concept of the "virtual deer"

• Why buck urine is underrated early in the season

• Dean's scent layering strategy through all phases of the rut

• How scent helps you "talk" to deer using their own instincts

• And how the industry has changed since this episode first aired — including CWD laws, synthetic scents, and ATA/RHA certification

Dean's methods are still converting skeptical hunters to this day — and his passion for woodsmanship through scent makes this one of the most timeless episodes in our archive.

🎧 Listen now to revisit a true craftsman in the deer woods.

🔗 Learn more about Dean and his products at: https://www.teamnorthwoods.com

✅ Subscribe & Follow for more Evergreen episodes from the BBR vault.

Original Air Date: 2013 Re-release Date: 2025 Guest: Randy Gagne, Master Bow Technician – Morse's Sporting Goods (Hillsborough, NH)

Episode Summary:

In this special re-release of Episode 15, we sit down with master bow technician Randy Gagne of Morse's Sporting Goods to explore the fundamentals of compound bow setup, arrow tuning, broadhead prep, and ethical archery. Originally recorded in 2013, this episode is part of our Evergreen Series—timeless interviews remastered for today's listeners, with fresh updates and modern context.

Randy has long been one of New England's most sought-after bow techs. From draw length and string life to crossbows, rest types, and seasonal prep, this episode delivers a masterclass in bowhunting setup that's just as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.

Now in 2025, we also revisit Randy's journey—including his expansion into taxidermy, and how his role has evolved in preserving both the gear and the memories of a successful hunt.

• How to determine correct draw length and poundage

• The difference between fixed and mechanical broadheads

• Why proper string maintenance is essential (and what can go wrong)

• How to check your arrows for hidden issues

• The evolution of whisker biscuits and drop-away rests

• Why tuning matters more than brand

• How crossbows have transformed the archery world

• Randy's real-world tips for storing, prepping, and practicing with your bow

• What's changed in bowhunting technology since 2013

• How Randy's work has expanded into taxidermy and memory preservation

In the intro and commentary, Jay shares how the following have advanced since the original airing:

• Cam tech (Bowtech DeadLock, Mathews SwitchWeight)

• Carbon risers and flagship bows like the Hoyt RX-8, Mathews LIFT

• Strings (pre-stretched, peep-alignment without tubing)

• Arrows (micro-diameter, high FOC, spine consistency)

• Broadheads (SEVR, Iron Will, Magnus, Rage, G5)

• Crossbows (e.g., Ravin R500 @ 505 fps)

• Smart tech (Garmin Xero, digital rangefinding, app-based tuning)

Influencer shoutouts include: 🧠 John Dudley 🏹 Levi Morgan 🎯 Chris Bee 📏 Tim Gillingham 🏔️ Cameron Hanes

• Role: Master Bow Technician & Taxidermist

• Business: Morse's Sporting Goods – Hillsborough, NH

• Website: https://www.morsesportinggoods.com

• Specialties: Compound bow setup, string/cam tuning, gear fitting, ethical prep, and custom taxidermy

Like what you heard? 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen. 🌲 Visit us at BigBuckRegistry.com 📩 Share this episode with a hunting buddy. 💬 Leave a review to help more hunters discover timeless knowledge.

In this edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer News, we bring you twelve key stories every hunter should know as we head deeper into 2025. From Washington D.C. to the backwoods of Wisconsin, this roundup covers everything from sweeping conservation wins and poaching crackdowns to predator control, CWD outbreaks, and controversial legislation. Congress wraps up the Biden era with major investments in wildlife and outdoor access, while states wrestle with issues like buck limits, deer tag programs, and firearm restrictions. Whether you're in the tree stand, driving the backroads, or tuning in from camp, this is the news shaping the future of whitetail hunting across America.

1. ACE & EXPLORE Acts (Washington, D.C.) Congress passes two bipartisan bills funding CWD research, wetlands restoration, and outdoor access—plus mandates broadband in public rec areas and shooting range construction. 
2. ESA Reform & Fish & Wildlife Director Nominee (Washington, D.C.) Proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act stir debate, and Brian Nesvik’s nomination to lead the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service raises concerns among environmental groups.
3. Wisconsin Poaching Crackdown Over 250 deer were illegally killed in one of the largest poaching crackdowns in state history. Offenders face jail time, steep fines, and decades-long license bans.
4. Texas Deer Smuggling Operation Texas Game Wardens file 1,200+ charges in a massive deer breeding and smuggling case. Violations include CWD testing failures and falsified records.
5. Maine Coyote Hunting Bill Rejected A bill aiming to restrict coyote hunting to a defined season is shot down. Officials say year-round control is vital to protect deer, pets, and livestock.
6. Ohio CWD Cases Increase Ohio reports 24 new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease this season. Wildlife officials expand surveillance zones and urge hunters to submit samples.
7. Oklahoma Buck Limit Proposal Lawmakers consider reducing the annual buck limit from two to one. Some hunters support the change; others want more data before backing the bill. 
8.  Florida Antlerless Deer Rule Changes Hunters in Deer Management Unit D2 can now harvest antlerless deer all season long on private land. The bag limit increases to better manage the herd.
9. Pennsylvania Deer Season Opener Debate A new bill seeks to shift the season opener back to Monday after Thanksgiving. The move would restore tradition but may limit access for some hunters.
10. Michigan Doe Tag Legislation Proposed legislation offers hunters two free antlerless tags with a base license, aimed at reducing herd size, crop damage, and deer-vehicle collisions.
11. Maryland Lead Ammo Ban Fails Efforts to phase out lead hunting ammunition stall in the state legislature. The debate over wildlife safety and affordability continues.
12. Colorado Gun Law Tightens Colorado passes a law restricting semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. Hunters express concern over how it may affect traditional sporting use.

In this episode, we explore the most pressing wildlife management issues across the United States, from record-breaking deer hunting seasons to groundbreaking conservation efforts. From Mississippi's legal battle over deer-dog hunting to Missouri's fight against chronic wasting disease, we're diving deep into the decisions shaping the future of hunting, wildlife preservation, and public safety. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or just curious about how these topics affect your community, this episode has something for everyone.

Topics Covered

• Mississippi's Deer-Dog Hunting Debate: A tradition under scrutiny—can property rights and hunting heritage coexist?
• Ohio's Record Deer Harvest: What's driving the highest deer harvest in 13 years?
• Pennsylvania's Proposed Hunting Rule Changes: How 2025 could redefine hunting across the Keystone State.
• Missouri's Chronic Wasting Disease Fight: Will new carcass disposal rules change the game for hunters and conservationists?
• Montana's Landfill Deer Culling Efforts: Why a landfill is at the center of the state's disease containment strategy.
• Maine's Deer Dilemma: Lyme disease, car crashes, and the search for innovative solutions in Southwest Harbor.
• Grand Rapids' Urban Deer Hunt Proposal: Archery in city limits—could it work?
• Ohio Poacher's Record-Breaking Fine: The $43,000 trophy buck case shaking up the hunting community.
• New York's Venison Donation Program: Turning an illegal hunt into a win for families in need.

💬 Have thoughts on today's stories? Share your opinions with us on social media using #BBR

Links and Resources

• Mississippi Wildlife Regulations
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Pennsylvania Game Commission
• Missouri Department of Conservation
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
• Feeding New York State Venison Program

Big Buck Registry Links

• Official Website: Big Buck Registry
• Spotify: Deer Hunt - Big Buck Registry
• Apple Podcasts: Big Buck Registry Podcast
• iHeartRadio: Listen on iHeartRadio
• TuneIn: Listen on TuneIn
• Amazon Music: Listen on Amazon Music

Social Media Profiles

• Facebook: Big Buck Registry on Facebook
• Instagram: @bigbuckregistry2012
• Twitter: @BigBuckRegistry

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast, host Jay Scott Ammann welcomes former President Theodore Roosevelt, one of history's greatest hunters and conservationists. Roosevelt shares captivating stories of hunting whitetail and mule-deer, delving into their unique behaviors, the challenges of the chase, and the importance of respecting the animals and the land. He also explains the principles of ethical hunting and his role in establishing game laws and preserving wild places for future generations.

Key Discussion Points:

• • Whitetail Deer Hunting

• • Why Roosevelt admired the adaptability and resilience of whitetail deer.
  • Memorable hunts across the Adirondacks, Dakota river bottoms, and Louisiana swamps.

    Mule-Deer Adventures

  • Tracking mule-deer in the rugged Rocky Mountains and Badlands.
  • The unique challenges of hunting mule-deer versus whitetails.

    Hunting Ethics

  • Roosevelt's philosophy of fair chase and the importance of ethical hunting.
  • Stories of rejecting unfair practices like jacking and crusting.

    Conservation Legacy

  • How Roosevelt's experiences shaped his fight for game laws and protected lands.

The critical role hunters play in preserving America's wilderness.

Notable Quotes:

• "The true hunter is a man of ethics and honor."
• "The whitetail deer is a symbol of the wilderness that still endures."
• "Without conservation, the future of hunting—and the wild itself—remains at risk."

Subscribe to the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast for expert hunting tips, legendary stories, and conservation insights. Share this episode and help spread Roosevelt's timeless message about ethical hunting and wilderness protection.

• Website: Big Buck Registry Podcast
• Follow Us:
  • Facebook: @BigBuckRegistry
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  • Twitter: @BigBuckRegistry
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