InCamp this week, Aaron Hepler talks with Dan Johnson to talk about hunting, family, and the experiences in the woods. They discuss how time spent outdoors creates lifelong memories, and how hunting plays a role in building a legacy.

Dan shares his personal experiences with alcohol, the impact it had on his life, and the lessons he learned through overcoming those challenges. The conversation covers the importance of making intentional choices, appreciating the opportunities we have, and finding gratitude through hunting and time spent outdoors.

Guest Links:

https://sportsmensempire.com/

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

Partners and Affiliates:

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

Wilderness Athlete: https://alnk.to/9IiiTco

Back on Whitetail Brief Aaron Hepler and Tanner Kurtz to talk about managing small hunting properties and getting the most out of the ground you have. They discuss food plot timing, protecting young trees, understanding deer movement, and how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to attracting and holding deer. Tanner also shares insight on hunting small parcels, using trail cameras effectively, and building good relationships with neighbors to become a better steward of the land.

• Timing food plots and habitat improvements around deer behavior
• Protecting young trees from browsing and rubbing damage
• Finding deer movement patterns on smaller properties
• Using trail cameras and observation sits to learn your property
• Managing pressure and building relationships with neighboring hunters

• Late-season habitat work can help reduce pressure and improve future hunting opportunities
• Tree tubes and protection systems are key for growing quality habitat
• Small properties can be extremely productive when you understand transitions, cover, and travel routes
• Good neighbor relationships can make or break hunting opportunities
• Sometimes sitting and observing your property teaches you more than another trail camera

Partners and Affiliates:

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

Wilderness Athlete Link: https://alnk.to/9IiiTco

InCamp this week with forester Greg Berndtson to break down how timber harvests, forest management, and habitat work shape deer behavior and create better hunting opportunities. We cover clear-cuts, shelterwood, overstory removal, forest regeneration, invasive species, and practical habitat improvements that benefit both wildlife and landowners. Whether you hunt public land or manage your own property, this episode will help you better understand the woods and make smarter decisions in the field.

Key Topics

• Clear-cuts vs. shelterwoods vs. overstory removal
• How timber harvests affect deer movement, bedding, and feeding
• Forest regeneration and succession
• Managing invasive species
• Oak management and improving deer habitat
• Habitat improvements for landowners
• Reading topography around timber cuts
• Hunting mature bucks in managed forests

Takeaways

• Timber harvests can dramatically improve deer habitat when done correctly.
• Understanding forest succession helps predict deer use.
• Oaks remain one of the most valuable food sources for whitetails.
• Topography and habitat work together to influence deer movement.
• Strategic habitat management benefits both wildlife and hunting success.

Guest Links:

https://www.instagram.com/berndtsontimber/

http://www.berndtsontimber.com/

Partners and Affiliates:

Wilderness Athlete: https://alnk.to/9IiiTco

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

Victoria Friedges is back InCamp to talk about what she learned from stepping outside her comfort zone last deer season and how those lessons are shaping her approach this year.

We cover the changes she’s making heading into whitetail season, including getting into saddle hunting, checking out new areas of her property, trying new public land opportunities, and improving her practice and preparation.

Victoria also shares more about her work with 1st Phorm, why health and community matter in the outdoors, and her mission to help more women get involved in hunting. From gear changes and scouting strategies to the importance of learning through trial and error, this episode is all about continuing to grow as a hunter and enjoying the process along the way.

Guest Links:

https://www.instagram.com/victoriafriedges/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmDnXgvdYbKzmSW1Uje0JwA

Partners and Affiliates:

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

Wilderness Athlete Link: https://alnk.to/9IiiTco

Ben Koch walks through how he approaches summer scouting and early-season setup work—starting with where deer are already using the landscape, then building stands and access around that reality instead of trying to force patterns.

We get into how he reads summer food sources and edge transitions, how he uses trail cameras in a way that actually informs decisions, and why stand placement done too early or too loosely usually gets exposed once pressure hits. He also breaks down how quickly deer shift when pressure is even slightly off, even if they don’t leave the area.

Guest Links: @ben_koch9 (IG)

Partners and Affiliates:

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

Wilderness Athlete:

https://alnk.to/9IiiTco

InCamp today with Hunter McWaters to talk about his mission from childhood hunting experiences to chasing western hunts. This episode is packed full of a ton of life lessons.

We talk about the challenges that come with pursuing difficult hunts, why putting yourself in uncomfortable situations builds character, and how hunting has strengthened Hunter’s faith and perspective on life.

Hunter shares how he balances big goals with family, faith, and the temptation to let hunting become an obsession. We also discuss starting small, building skills over time, and why some of the hardest days in the field often teach the biggest lessons.

Whether you’re chasing western adventures, chasing whitetails close to home, or just looking for a reason to get outside more, this conversation is about growth, perseverance, and finding purpose through the challenges we choose to take on.

Hunter's Links:

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

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

Partners and Affiliates:

Wilderness Athlete: ⁠https://alnk.to/9IiiTco⁠

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

A bird dog can have all the drive in the world, but without obedience, you’re fighting an uphill battle every time you hunt.

InCamp this week, Alexis Miller joins me to talk about what makes a dependable upland dog. We cover why obedience has to come before everything else, how to help your dog build confidence, and when to trust a dog’s natural instincts versus stepping in as the handler.

We also get into the differences between training pointing dogs and retrievers, using GPS collars to keep dogs safe, hunting steep country, and managing multiple dogs in the field. Whether you’re working with your first bird dog or trying to get more out of the one you already own, there are plenty of tips in this conversation that you can apply this season.

Guest Links:

https://www.instagram.com/hightailhuntress/

Partners and Affiliates:

Partners:

Wilderness Athlete: https://alnk.to/9IiiTco

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

InCamp Whitetail Brief is back with episode every other week until September when we go full bore!

This weeks first installment is with a Whitetail Hunting fanatic and InCamp favorite bowhunter, Howie Miller.

Some of you know Howie, but what you may not know is that he has recently moved to his property in the north woods of PA. Howie is well versed in land management and creating better whitetail habitat.

This one is full of useful information for the public land hunter and for the hunter who is learning to manage their own little piece of paradise. Hang out til the end cause there is a fun story that Howie tells about camp life!

Guest Link:

https://www.instagram.com/howie_h2_miller/

Partners:

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

Wilderness Athlete Link: https://alnk.to/9IiiTco

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

This week I’m InCamp with Cameron Derr of Hawk Optics for a conversation centered around becoming a more consistent whitetail hunter. We break down scouting strategies, trail camera placement, hunting new ground, and how weather, terrain, and timing all play a role in finding mature bucks. Cameron shares lessons from hunting both close to home and out of state, along with practical tactics that have helped him become more successful over the years.

We also get into the when a reset is needed and when to keep hunting. Success matters, everyone wants to fill tags and become a better hunter, but it’s easy to lose sight of why you started. Some of the best hunts end with a punched tag, while others leave you with lessons that make you better the next time you step into the woods. We talk about balancing the pursuit of success with appreciating the process, because both are what keep us coming back.

Guest Links:

https://www.instagram.com/camthecameraman_/

https://us.hawkeoptics.com/

Partners and Affiliates:

Wilderness Athlete ( https://alnk.to/9IiiTco )

⁠⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠⁠

⁠https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/⁠

InCamp this week I'm talking with Chad Sylvester. This is a conversation that goes past hunting tactics and gear. We dig into the way hunters talk about hunting, how non-hunters often view what we do, and whether we’re doing a good job communicating the values that drive us into the woods each season.

We discuss the role hunters play in conservation, where conservation dollars actually come from, and why simply saying “hunting is conservation” may not be enough to connect with people outside our community. Chad shares his perspective on ethical hunting, meaningful experiences in the outdoors, and why the memories, lessons, and relationships built through hunting often matter far more than the harvest itself.

We also talk turkey hunting, family life, introducing kids to the outdoors, the influence of social media on hunting culture, and the challenge of balancing technology with authentic outdoor experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong hunter or someone interested in conservation and the future of our outdoor traditions, this episode offers an honest discussion about where hunting fits in today’s world and where it may be headed next.

Guest links:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/sylvester_chad/⁠

⁠https://www.kikofirearms.com/⁠

Partners:

⁠https://www.deadondisplay.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/birddogcustomwoodwork/⁠

https://www.jmillercustomcalls.com/