In this episode, I sit down with Bracy Alt, a young bass angler with a powerful story. Bracy talks about how her family — especially her dad — got her hooked on fishing and how high school tournaments lit the fire for her competitive side. She opens up about battling through a health scare with a benign tumor, the anxiety that came with it, and how her faith and community carried her through.

We dig into her journey of resilience, the ups and downs of fishing tournaments, and the lessons she’s learned both on and off the water. Bracy shares how the outdoors, hunting, and fishing keep her grounded, and how she wants to use her story to inspire others to chase their passions and trust God through the hard stuff.

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Key Takeaways

    •    Bracy’s fishing roots trace back to family time on the water.

    •    From high school to college tournaments, competitive fishing shaped her journey.

    •    A major health scare tested her resilience, but faith and community support pulled her through.

    •    The fishing community showed up big during her surgery and recovery.

    •    She’s honest about dealing with anxiety and the mental side of both fishing and life.

    •    Lessons from fishing and hunting: patience, humility, and growth.

    •    She shares a few stories about family dynamics, sibling teamwork, and outdoor adventures.

    •    Bracy hopes her testimony helps others who are going through tough times.

    •    Her goal is simple: use her platform to spread positivity, faith, and encouragement.

https://www.instagram.com/braci_ault/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdtoErOIz76N3AS34oHNCHA

https://www.bassmaster.com/

https://www.wvcwarriorathletics.com/sports/fishing/index

Description:

In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, Aaron Hepler sits down with Jake Hofer to talk all things hunting, land management, and the outdoor lifestyle. From the Great American Outdoors Show to his role in Exodus content creation, Jake shares how a passion for education and conservation shapes his work and hunts.

We dive into whitetail hunting strategies, the balance between data and gut instinct, and why the process often matters more than the kill. Hear stories from hunting across states like Iowa and beyond, plus insights on weather patterns, scouting, deer behavior, and private land management from the Back 40 mini-series.

Whether you’re here for deer hunting stories, land management tips, or just a dose of hunting community camaraderie, this episode will inspire you to focus on the journey, mindset, and experiences that make hunting unforgettable.

Key topics:

    •    Land management for better hunting and conservation

    •    How weather impacts deer activity

    •    The power of mindset in hunting success

    •    Lessons from hunting across different states

    •    Building community and sharing outdoor knowledge

Links!!!

https://www.youtube.com/@whtldeer

https://open.spotify.com/show/54MBIEtbKnd7yQIXt2N6xn

Summary

In this episode, with Chad Sylvester to talk through what hunting looks like when life gets full—work, family, and everything in between. Chad shares how shifting careers gave him more time with his family and space to hunt with more intention.

We get into how hunting’s changed for him over the years—from chasing outcomes to valuing the process. There’s talk about learning from mistakes, staying patient, and using tech as a tool without letting it take over. We also touch on how travel and public land shape the way we hunt, and how things like mentorship, community, and regulation play a bigger role than people think.

At the end of the day—it’s about what you take from the whole experience.

Takeaways

• Chad values the freedom to run his business while maintaining work-life balance.
• Transitioning to a new job has improved Chad's family life quality.
• Chad's grandfather instilled important hunting skills and ethics in him.
• Technology should be used as a tool, not a crutch in hunting.
• Understanding deer behavior is crucial for successful hunting.
• Mistakes in hunting are opportunities for learning and growth.
• Chad emphasizes the importance of patience in hunting.
• Hunting connects us to primal instincts and nature.
• Traveling for hunting can strain family dynamics but also recharge the hunter.
• Chad is now more focused on the experience of hunting rather than just the kill. Hunting is about the experience, not just the kill.
• Building resilience through hardships is essential for personal growth.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping hunting experiences.
• Mentorship and community influence are vital in the hunting journey.
• Regulations significantly impact hunting opportunities and practices.
• The shift in hunting perspectives can lead to more fulfilling experiences.
• Doing hard things contributes to mental resilience and growth.
• It's important to care for and advocate for public land.
• Memorable hunting experiences often teach valuable life lessons.
• Influencing others positively can create a ripple effect in the hunting community.

Summary:

In this episode, I sit down with my good buddy Rich Yoder to talk all things shooting — from competitive three-gun to predator hunting, bowfishing, and everything in between. We cover the stuff that matters: trigger control, consistency, equipment that actually works, and how practice in high-stress situations can sharpen your performance in the field.

Rich breaks down his background in competitive shooting and how those fundamentals carry over into hunting — not just the mechanics, but the mental game. We get into crossbows vs. traditional bows, dealing with target panic, and how ethical hunting always comes down to taking the first good shot — not the perfect one.

We also talk about confidence. It doesn’t come from gadgets or gimmicks — it comes from putting in the reps and knowing your gear. Whether it’s a rifle, bow, or shotgun, the principles stay the same: follow through, stay calm under pressure, and keep building discipline through real reps.

It’s a solid conversation full of stories, insights, and hard-earned lessons. If you shoot, hunt, or just want to get better behind any weapon — this one’s worth your time!

Takeaways:

• Shooting requires a consistent checklist for accuracy.
• Understanding harmonics in rifle shooting is crucial.
• Practice with different firearms enhances overall shooting skills.
• Trigger control is the most critical aspect of shooting.
• The mental aspect of shooting is as important as physical skills.
• Building confidence comes from consistent practice and familiarity with equipment.
• Different shooting disciplines require unique techniques and approaches.
• Crossbows require practice just like traditional bows.
• Shooting in a high-stress environment can improve performance.
• The importance of following through on a shot cannot be overstated. Knowing when to take the shot is crucial.
• Ethical hunting means taking the first good shot.
• Practice makes perfect; exposure to shooting is key.
• Understanding animal behavior can improve success rates.
• Target panic can affect shooting accuracy.
• Calmness and focus are essential during a shot.
• Equipment should be reliable and suited for the task.
• Shooting techniques can be improved through competition experience.
• Avoid gimmicks; focus on fundamental skills.
• Preparation and mental readiness are vital for hunting success.

Summary:

Chancy Walters jumped on the mic and we covered a little bit of everything—his start in the outdoors, fishing tournaments, chasing big bucks in Iowa, and how art ties into all of it. We got into the pressure of hunting spots, missing deer, what separates confidence from luck, and how scouting really makes or breaks a season. There’s plenty of laughs, solid takeaways, and a reminder that balancing hunting, life, and chasing the next one isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it.

TakeAways:

-Fishing Bass Circuits

-Why wildlife arts gives Chancy opportunity

-Unconventional Whitetail Tactics

-Bowhunting whitetails with the pressure

-What got Chancy hooked on hunting and fishing

-Chancy's Travel aspirations for hunting and fishing

-Iowa Deer talk

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/chancywalters/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/chancywaltersoutdoors/

https://whitetailadrenaline.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooWwU3K2CVtnEOVjy7wOJiRqVh1Ma7_gBSESzgY61w6rBPrEVcO

Summary:

On this episode, Megan Plete joins us to talk hunting, fishing, and what it means to build a stronger outdoor community—especially for women and new hunters. She shares her experience growing up in New York, the value of mentorship, and why getting kids outside early matters. We also dive into her work with the National Deer Association, her path into outdoor writing, and what really keeps us coming back to the woods and water. It’s not just about filling tags—it’s about connection, purpose, and passing it on.

Takeaways:

• New York offers diverse fishing and hunting opportunities.
• Overcoming fears in the outdoors is essential for beginners.
• Megan's journey in the outdoors began with her father.
• Female mentorship is crucial in the hunting community.
• Instilling a love for the outdoors in children is a priority.
• Artemis Sportswomen provides a supportive community for women.
• Crossbows can be a beginner-friendly tool for hunting.
• Unity among hunters is vital for the future of hunting.
• Scouting techniques are essential for successful deer hunting.
• The National Deer Association focuses on conservation and education.

LINKS:

https://deerassociation.com/

https://artemis.nwf.org/

https://www.instagram.com/megan_plete/p/DHOa-PsADxg/

Summary:

In this episode, I talk with Caleb Wistad about what shaped his passion for fishing and hunting, starting with his roots in Wisconsin. We dig into the value of tradition, how fishing content has evolved, and the role of technology in the modern outdoors. Caleb shares honest takes on adapting to changing conditions, staying sustainable, and why multi-species fishing keeps things exciting. He’s got a clear vision for the future, grounded in experience and driven by a real love for the outdoors.

TakeAways:

• Caleb Wistad is passionate about the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting.
• He grew up in Wisconsin, where outdoor traditions are deeply rooted.
• Fishing and hunting are problem-solving games that require adaptability.
• Technology, like LiveScope, has changed the way anglers approach fishing.
• Sustainable fishing practices are crucial for preserving fish populations.
• Caleb emphasizes the importance of understanding ecosystems and their changes.
• He enjoys multi-species fishing and believes it enhances skills.
• Caleb's YouTube channel focuses on detailed fishing techniques and tips.
• He recently transitioned to full-time content creation on YouTube.
• Personal experiences and memorable catches shape his fishing journey.

LINKS:

https://www.youtube.com/@calebwistad

https://www.instagram.com/hookedupwi/?hl=en

https://linktr.ee/incamppodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=3297a3e4-b616-433b-b29f-0696a41b15c2

In this conversation, I sit down with Jace Bauserman to hear how he went from having no hunting background at all to becoming a voice in outdoor writing. We talk a lot about what makes hunting meaningful—the importance of public lands, bringing hunters together, and how much mentorship matters when you’re just starting out. Jace opens up about the discipline it takes to be successful, both in the field and as a freelance writer, and why trying different hunting styles keeps things fresh.

We also dig into the monotony that can come from doing the same hunts over and over, and how stepping into new experiences brings the excitement back. There’s some real honesty about the pressure of high-stakes hunts and the mental preparation required to handle them. Throughout the discussion, we keep coming back to the ideas of respect, responsibility, and growth—how learning and adapting is really what shapes you as a hunter. Whether it’s balancing public and private land or finding joy in the grind, this conversation is all about embracing the journey and building a well-rounded perspective on hunting.

• Public lands are vital for recreation and need to be protected.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in developing hunting skills.
• Respect for wildlife and laws is essential in hunting.
• Hunting teaches discipline and dedication to one's craft.
• Freelance writing in the outdoor industry requires persistence and adaptability.
• Diversity in hunting methods enhances the overall experience.
• Reflection on personal growth is important for continued development.
• Building relationships with mentors can shape one's career path.
• The outdoor writing industry is competitive and requires continuous improvement. Diversity in hunting experiences can enhance enjoyment.
• Mental preparation is crucial for high-stakes hunts.
• Public and private land hunting each offer unique challenges.
• Patience is key when hunting in unfamiliar environments.
• Embracing the journey is as important as the outcome.
• Learning from different hunting styles can improve skills.
• The pressure of hunting can be both motivating and daunting.
• Hunting is about the experience, not just the kill.
• Every hunting trip offers a chance to learn something new.
• Connection to nature through hunting is invaluable.

https://www.instagram.com/jace_bauserman/?hl=en

https://www.jacebauserman.com/

https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/

In this episode, I sit down with Beau Martonik and relate the rich traditions of hunting, from bear hunting adventures to the importance of family and community in outdoor experiences. They discuss the evolution of hunting culture, the unique aspects of deer camp in Pennsylvania, and the challenges of hunting on public versus private land. The conversation also delves into the thrill of elk hunting and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of storytelling and camaraderie in the hunting community. We talk about details in elk hunting, sharing personal experiences and insights on elk behavior, hunting strategies, and the importance of patience and preparation. They discuss the lessons learned from missed opportunities and the value of scouting and understanding animal behavior. The conversation emphasizes the significance of experience in hunting and the challenges of sharing hunting experiences in the age of social media.

Takeaways

• Bear hunting can lead to unique culinary experiences.
• Transitioning from city life to rural hunting can be fulfilling.
• Family connections are vital in outdoor traditions.
• Hunting culture is evolving with new generations.
• Deer camp traditions are important for camaraderie.
• Public land hunting offers diverse opportunities.
• Private land can have its own challenges.
• The thrill of the hunt is enhanced by shared experiences.
• Elk hunting presents unique challenges and learning opportunities.
• The landscape of Pennsylvania offers varied hunting experiences. Experience is crucial in understanding elk behavior.
• Patience can lead to better hunting opportunities.
• Scouting is essential for successful hunts.
• Learning from missed opportunities is part of the process.
• Elk hunting requires adapting strategies based on behavior.
• The importance of timing in hunting cannot be overstated.
• Balancing strengths and weaknesses is key to improvement.
• Sharing hunting experiences can be challenging in the digital age.
• Every hunt is a learning opportunity, regardless of the outcome.
• Success in hunting often takes longer than anticipated.

Links:

https://eastmeetswesthunt.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooVNcC5FsU335AlIlZ-s3mM3k9hcgVUMgTa622nAeYEVgrwrx0K

In this conversation, I talk with Howie Miller as he shares his insights on summer scouting for deer hunting, discussing strategies, challenges, and the importance of understanding deer behavior. He reflects on his early hunting experiences, the culture of deer camp, and the significance of sharing stories and experiences in the outdoors. The discussion emphasizes the balance between hunting and enjoying nature, as well as the camaraderie that comes with deer camp traditions.

Takeaways

• Summer scouting is crucial for understanding deer patterns.
• Trail cameras help in monitoring deer activity and behavior.
• The culture of deer camp is an essential part of hunting tradition.
• Hunting is not just about the kill; it's about the experience.
• Understanding food sources is key to successful hunting.
• The importance of adapting hunting strategies based on environmental changes.
• Sharing stories and experiences enhances the hunting culture.
• Building a connection with nature is vital for hunters.
• Preparation and planning are essential for a successful hunting season.
• Enjoying the outdoors should be prioritized alongside hunting.