Welcome back to another episode of the Generations of Hunt podcast! Today, I'm joined by my good friend , Dave, who helped me out with the "Stay Out September" series. We're here to catch up on how his hunting season went and to share some of the lessons learned along the way.

Dave kicked off the season with high hopes, having done extensive winter, spring, and summer scouting. His wife rescheduled a trip to Disney, giving him a full week in early October to hunt. Dave set up a solo hunt camp in Southern Michigan, sleeping in a minivan and braving the cold. Despite the challenging conditions, it was a rewarding experience that taught him a lot about hunting new terrain.

Dave attended the Bowhunter Chronicles camp for the first time, which was a mix of camaraderie and serious hunting. He faced new terrain challenges but enjoyed the experience of hunting with a group. One memorable moment was his creative tree selection for a hunt, which involved climbing a spindly tree to get to a massive oak.

Dave had two main spots for the rut season. The first spot was disrupted by another hunter who unknowingly used the same trail as the target buck. Despite this, Dave learned valuable information about the buck's behavior, such as the early opening of scrape lines.

The second spot was a Metro Detroit public land property where Dave had patterned a buck over two years. Despite setting up a camera and hunting strategically, he faced challenges from other hunters and even had his camera tampered with. However, he still managed to gather crucial data for future hunts.

Early Season: Dave confirmed that his scouting was accurate, even if the timing was slightly off.

Rut Season: He learned that bucks can open scrape lines earlier than expected and that human presence can significantly alter deer behavior.

Public Land Hunting: Encounters with other hunters can be both respectful and disruptive, highlighting the importance of adaptability.

Dave's season was a mix of highs and lows, but it was filled with valuable lessons and experiences. From solo camping in a minivan to navigating the complexities of public land hunting, Dave's journey offers insights for hunters of all levels.

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Generations of Hunt podcast, we kick off a new sub-series with a special guest, Matt Michalek, affectionately known as Matt.com. Matt is a tech-savvy hunter from Michigan who brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion, especially when it comes to data and industry trends.

We dive into several hot topics, starting with the recent developments in Michigan's deer management and regulations. Matt sheds light on the new Deer Management Council and the upcoming recommendations that could impact the 2024 hunting season. We also discuss the controversial solar farm projects and their implications for local wildlife.

One of the key points we explore is the impact of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) on the deer population. Matt provides insights into the data, revealing that while EHD had a significant impact, it wasn't as devastating as some feared. We also touch on the ongoing debate about baiting and its legality, with Matt sharing his personal experiences and observations.

We delve into the statistics of deer harvests, particularly during the muzzleloader season, and the surprising trend of hunters using their combo tags for antlerless deer. This leads to a broader discussion about the need for better population management and the role hunters play in conservation.

The episode also covers the proposed changes in hunting license prices, including the controversial increase for senior hunters and the adjustments for non-resident tags. We debate the potential impact of these changes on hunter participation and conservation efforts.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding and adapting to new regulations, as well as the need for hunters to take an active role in managing the deer population. Matt's data-driven approach provides a fresh perspective on these issues, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of hunting in Michigan.

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In this episode of Generations of Hunt, I had the pleasure of chatting with Matt, one of our seasoned big buck hunters. We kicked things off discussing the temptations of Black Friday sales, especially when it comes to upgrading hunting gear. Matt shared his recent gear changes, including his switch to the Maverick saddle and the Ranger 22 pack, which have significantly improved his hunting experience.

We then dove into Matt's hunting season, which started off slow in October due to concerns about CWD and EHD affecting the deer population. Matt spent the early part of the season exploring public lands and attending the Bowhunter Chronicle camp, where he finally started seeing some deer activity. By late October, he began getting promising pictures of bucks on his family's property, which reignited his hunting fervor.

Matt recounted the thrilling hunt on November 2nd, where he successfully shot a massive buck after a brief but intense encounter. He detailed the meticulous process of tracking and recovering the deer, which ended with a short and successful track job. The buck, a mainframe eight with a kicker, turned out to be his biggest to date, and Matt shared his excitement about getting it mounted.

We also touched on the broader aspects of hunting, including the challenges of finding the perfect backpack and the importance of having the right gear. Matt and I discussed the potential changes in hunting regulations, such as the idea of a one-buck rule or an earn-a-buck system, and reminisced about the nostalgia of traditional muzzleloader seasons.

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The conversation shifts to their hunting strategies, with both hosts discussing the importance of adapting to changing conditions and deer behavior. They touch on the challenges of hunting in different states, including issues with trespassers and the unpredictability of deer movement during the rut.

Joe recounts a thrilling encounter with a large buck, detailing the moments leading up to his successful shot. He describes the adrenaline rush and the process of tracking the deer afterward. The episode concludes with both hosts expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming hunting seasons and the lessons learned from their experiences.

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Welcome back to the Generations of Hunt Podcast! This is your host, Joe. I want to start by apologizing for the unexpected hiatus. After returning from deer camp, I received the unfortunate news of a close relative's passing, which threw everything into disarray. On top of that, work has been incredibly hectic, with seven-day workweeks and ten-hour days. Any free time I had was spent hunting, leaving no room for the podcast. I know these are just excuses, but I wanted to explain the situation to everyone who's been wondering why I suddenly stopped.

Moving forward, I plan to release episodes biweekly until the end of the year. After that, I might revamp the schedule and direction of the podcast. Balancing work, parenting, school, and hunting has been challenging, but I am committed to continuing the podcast.

Matt is currently in Missouri hunting and has also been busy with trips to the Dakotas for pheasant hunting. As for me, I'm gearing up for the opening gun day here in Michigan and looking forward to spending time at deer camp with family and friends. It's always a great experience to unwind and learn from the older generation.

This season has been eventful. I had a great time at Adam from Bowhunter Chronicles' camp, hunting with Nate from Michigan Wild and the BDS Outdoors crew. Deer camp is always a blast, and I highly recommend starting one, even if it's just with a few buddies on public land.

I've had some issues with trespassers on my private land, which has been frustrating. Despite these challenges, I've managed to have a successful season so far. I shot a doe a few weeks ago, and it was a clean and quick kill. I also shot a buck, but I'll save the details for a future episode.

Work has been demanding, but I promise to get the podcast back

hello, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of the Generations That Hunt podcast. It's October, and you know what that means—whitetail season is open in Michigan and most other states. It's a busy time for all of us hunters, and I've been swamped with house renovations and school, but I'm excited to get out there soon.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with my buddy Matt , who is joining our team to help with filming for our YouTube channel. Matt recently went on an elk hunt in September, and we discussed his experiences and the challenges he faced.

Matt shared his background, growing up hunting on his family's 60-acre property in southwest Michigan. He didn't have a traditional deer camp experience but got into public land hunting in his mid-20s. His first big game hunt on public land was an over-the-counter elk hunt in Colorado, which he described as a life-changing experience.

We talked about the importance of having a good support system during hunting trips and how crucial it is to stay positive, even when things don't go as planned. Matt's recent elk hunt was tough—they didn't see a single elk—but he emphasized the value of the experience and the camaraderie with his hunting buddies.

We also touched on the logistics of planning out-of-state hunts, the importance of applying for points in various states, and the dream of hunting in Alaska someday. Matt's optimism and passion for hunting are truly inspiring, and I'm excited to see the content he'll create for our YouTube channel.

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we dive into the final week of our "Stay Out September" series, focusing on the importance of getting your house in order before the hunting season kicks off. With opening day just a week away, we discuss the need to balance our passion for hunting with our responsibilities at home, especially for those of us with families.

We emphasize the significance of completing household chores and projects, often referred to as the "honey-do list," to ensure that our spouses and families are happy and supportive of our time spent in the woods. Joe shares his experiences as a married man with kids, while I reflect on my situation as a married individual without children. We both agree that being intentional with our time and responsibilities can lead to a more enjoyable hunting season.

Throughout the episode, we touch on strategies for planning ahead, such as using weather apps to anticipate hunting conditions and organizing our schedules to accommodate family needs. We also highlight the importance of communication with our partners, ensuring they feel involved and appreciated.

As we wrap up the series, we reflect on what we've learned, the value of preparation, and the importance of community among hunters. We encourage our listeners to take the time to get organized, enjoy the upcoming hunting season, and remember that the relationships we nurture at home are just as important as the deer we pursue in the woods. Good luck to everyone on opening day!

I had the pleasure of welcoming back Alex and Jeff from VPA, a company known for their high-quality broadheads. With the hunting season underway, we dove into the perennial debate about which broadheads to choose, especially since we've been using VPA's products and have been thoroughly impressed.

We kicked off the conversation by discussing the busy nature of their operations, even during what many consider the off-season. Jeff and Alex shared insights into the materials used in their broadheads, specifically the differences between 1045 carbon tool steel and the more premium S7 steel. They explained how each material affects edge retention and sharpening, emphasizing that while the 1045 is easier to sharpen, the S7 holds an edge longer, making it a favorite among their customers.

Dave posed some great questions about the durability and performance of broadheads, particularly in relation to different game animals. Jeff highlighted that their broadheads are designed to withstand tough conditions, even when shot through bone, and that ethical hunting is a core value for VPA. They also discussed the importance of testing and feedback in their product development process, ensuring that every broadhead meets high standards before hitting the market.

We explored the trend of broadhead weights and sizes, noting that while lighter and faster options are popular, there's a growing appreciation for heavier setups that provide better penetration. Jeff and Alex shared their commitment to creating durable, ethical products that hunters can rely on for multiple seasons, rather than disposable options that require frequent replacement.

The episode wrapped up with a discussion on the innovative Omega broadhead, which features replaceable bleeders designed for durability and re-sharpening. Jeff and Alex's passion for their products and dedication to customer feedback was evident throughout our conversation, making it clear that VPA is committed to providing hunters with the best possible tools for ethical hunting.

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Welcome back to Generations of Hunt! In this episode, Dave and I dive into the final gear prep for the hunting season. We've covered getting into shape, shooting practice, and running through your gear in previous weeks. Now, it's time to focus on the minutiae of your setup, especially your clothing and ensuring everything is quiet and efficient.

Thank you for tuning in, and we hope these tips help you have a successful and enjoyable hunting season. Happy hunting!

Key Points Discussed:Clothing and Gear OrganizationNoise ReductionLighted Nocks and BatteriesFilming Your HuntsMinimalist ApproachFinal Thoughts

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Welcome back to another episode of the Generations of Hunt Podcast! This week, Matt and I are recording from the garage, so bear with us if the audio isn't perfect.

We dive into some exciting new gear updates.Matt recently got the Heat Boost Huntworth bibs and jacket for my birthday, but with the current 80-degree weather, I haven't had a chance to test them out. Matt shares his thoughts on the new VPA Broadheads, specifically the three-blade fixed head, and we discuss the benefits of different broadhead setups.

Matt has made a significant change in his hunting setup, moving from a stand to a saddle. He talks about the advantages of the Latitude sticks, which are much lighter than his previous gear, and how this change will impact his hunting strategy this season.

I share a wild story about almost getting scammed while trying to buy a new Hoyt bow. After a series of suspicious interactions and a fake motorcycle accident, I finally managed to get the bow from a legitimate seller. This experience has made me more cautious about online transactions, and I emphasize the importance of using secure payment methods like PayPal goods and services.

With September here, our excitement for deer season is ramping up. We discuss the early opening of various states' hunting seasons and the unusual early crop turn this year. This could make for an interesting mid-season, especially with the potential EHG scare due to the wet summer.

Matt shares his struggles with getting a successful food plot going this year. Despite multiple attempts and different seed brands, heavy rains have thwarted his efforts. However, he's optimistic about his latest planting and hopes it will attract deer come October.

We also touch on our out-of-state hunting plans. Matt will be heading to South Dakota for a pheasant hunt and later to Missouri for deer hunting. Looking ahead, we have trips planned to Kansas and Iowa, which promise better chances at larger bucks compared to Michigan.

As we wrap up, we reflect on the upcoming season and our strategies. Whether it's focusing on private land or exploring new public land spots, we're both eager to see what this hunting season has in store.

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