In this Field Notes episode, Tyson Pottenger breaks down why postseason scouting is one of the most overlooked parts of successful whitetail hunting. Once the season ends, the woods tell the truth — and the hunters willing to pay attention gain an edge long before opening day.

We dive into how to identify high-value scrapes, why they matter beyond the rut, and how understanding scrape locations can reveal travel corridors, security cover, and pressure-based movement. This episode also covers how and when mock scrapes can be effective, the importance of scent awareness, and what postseason sign can teach you about how bucks actually survived the season.

If you’re serious about improving year-to-year consistency, postseason scouting and learning to read scrapes should be non-negotiable. This Field Notes episode is about building understanding, not chasing shortcuts — using the quiet months to prepare for real opportunity when it counts.

• Why postseason scouting should start immediately after the season ends

• What scrapes reveal about buck movement and survival

• Identifying primary vs secondary scrape locations

• How hunting pressure influences scrape usage

• When mock scrapes make sense — and when they don’t

• Using postseason sign to plan next season’s setups

In this episode of InCamp Podcast, I sit down with Josh Kirchner and we dive headfirst into bear hunting, backcountry preparation, and what keeps us coming back to public land year after year.

Josh talks about how his passion for hunting started young and evolved into a deep respect for wildlife, conservation, and the storytelling that surrounds hunting culture. We get into bow hunting bears, risk assessment in the backcountry, and why preparation — mentally and physically — matters more than any piece of gear.

We also talk about the reality of public land hunting. It’s challenging. It’s unpredictable. And it forces you to get comfortable with failure. Bears are stealthy, agile, and flat-out impressive animals. The thrill isn’t just in the shot opportunity — it’s in the chess match.

We hit on social media expectations, keeping things simple, culinary surprises like bear meat becoming a household staple, and why new hunters should prioritize experience.

• Preparation beats hype — especially in the backcountry.

• Public land hunting rewards grit and punishes shortcuts.

• Bears are incredibly stealthy and demand respect.

• Social media doesn’t show the failures — but failure builds real hunters.

• Experience > trophies, especially for new hunters.

• Risk assessment matters more than bravado.

• Bear meat is underrated and absolutely worth the effort.

• Hunting is a therapeutic reset from modern life.

⁠https://dialedinhunter.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter/⁠

⁠https://www.youtube.com/dialedinhunter

In this episode of InCamp Field Notes, I sit down with John Prokop to break down shed hunting strategy, late-winter whitetail behavior, and how to actually find more antlers on public land.

Follow InCamp Podcast! Don't miss the deep dive into shed hunting Pennsylvania with John and connecting your shed hunt to your next big buck!

https://www.instagram.com/john_pro28/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@outdoorfit8997

In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, I sit down with wildlife biologist Andrew Seagren to talk hunting, wildlife biology, and what makes northern Minnesota different.

We dive into deer and grouse management, how fire management shapes habitat, and why aggressive (but smart) hunting strategies can pay off. Andrew also shares perspective on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, conservation, and what hunters need to understand about long-term stewardship.

It’s a boots-on-the-ground look at wildlife biology, conservation, and outdoor adventures from someone living it daily.

• Fire management is critical for healthy deer and grouse habitat.

• Northern Minnesota hunting requires adaptability and grit.

• Aggressive tactics can work—if backed by habitat knowledge.

• Conservation isn’t optional—it’s the future of hunting.

• Training dogs teaches patience, discipline, and reading the woods.

https://www.instagram.com/andrewseagren/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicsDRY_J6CMoQ6oyWojrcQ

Planning an out-of-state hunt? Josh Kirchner and I break down how to choose hunts you can do now, stay legal, and build real experience.

In this episode of InCamp Field Notes, Josh Kirchner joins me to talk out-of-state hunting from start to finish. We cover how to pick hunts that actually fit your schedule, avoid overlap, and prioritize hunting experience over points.

You’ll hear about diving into state hunting regulations, honest communication with authorities, e-scouting, smart camp placement, and post-shot timing. We also touch on hunting safety, especially in hot conditions, plus tips for bear hunting and mule deer hunting trips.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, this episode gives actionable advice to hunt smarter, stay safe, and make the most of every adventure.

https://dialedinhunter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter/

https://www.youtube.com/dialedinhunter

In this episode of the InCamp podcast, Aaron Hepler speaks with Jacob Emery about their shared passion for hunting, the challenges of podcasting, and the importance of family in outdoor adventures. Jacob shares his experiences in hunting, including the ups and downs of the season, the role of technology, and the significance of woodsmanship. They discuss strategies for involving kids in hunting, the impact of social media on the hunting community, and the importance of planning and adaptability in hunting. Jacob also offers valuable advice for new hunters and reflects on his future plans in the hunting world.

• Hunting is about the experience, not just the kill.
• Podcasting requires significant effort in scheduling and editing.
• Involving family in hunting creates lasting memories.
• Technology can enhance hunting but should not replace traditional skills.
• Woodsmanship is essential for successful hunting.
• Frustration in hunting can be alleviated by changing locations or styles.
• It's important to set realistic goals for hunting seasons.
• New hunters should seek positive influences and resources.
• Planning hunts around family schedules is crucial.
• Preference points for tags can lead to better hunting opportunities.

https://www.instagram.com/thehuntingdad_podcast/

https://www.youtube.com/@do3outdoors741

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Alex Grosso of BuckDown Podcast to discuss their experiences in deer hunting, focusing on the camaraderie and mentorship that comes with the sport. They share personal anecdotes about hunting successes and the importance of scouting, especially during the postseason. Alex emphasizes the significance of understanding deer behavior, utilizing maps for e-scouting, and the value of hunting with friends who may not have as much experience. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing hunting with family life, particularly for new dads, and how to make the most of limited scouting time.keywordsdeer hunting, hunting tips, postseason scouting, mentorship, hunting stories, camaraderie, hunting success, e-scouting, family and hunting, hunting strategies.

• "You can always learn something from somebody else."
• "The biggest thing I've learned is cover."
• "Access is the most important part of the game."
• "I like to paint a fictional story in my head of what I think the deer is doing."
• "If I can find dropping acorns, cover, good terrain, I'm in the right spot."

In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, Aaron Hepler and Byron Horton sit down to unpack recent hunts, hard realities in the deer woods, and where hunting is headed as technology keeps pushing forward. Byron shares lessons from a tough muzzleloader season in Ohio shaped by EHD, and how seeing the effects firsthand forces you to recalibrate expectations and effort.

From there, the conversation opens up into a deeper discussion around technology in hunting—cell cameras, fishing electronics like forward-facing sonar, and where the line is between using tools and losing the identity of a primitive pastime. The guys don’t argue against technology outright, but they question how much is too much, and what happens when efficiency starts replacing skill, patience, and learning.

They wrap it up talking about mentorship, bringing new hunters along the right way, and why the responsibility to pass this stuff on matters now more than ever. If hunting is going to last, it has to be taught—not shortcut.

• Technology isn’t going away—but how we use it matters

• EHD is a real reminder that hunting never owes us success

• Difficulty is what builds skill, confidence, and respect for the process

• Mentorship is how hunting survives long-term

• Taking someone new hunting carries real responsibility

  
  

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

  https://garageguys-614.com/

  https://deerhuntergear.com/

Post-season scouting doesn’t stop when the season ends—it just changes shape. In this episode, Jared Larsen breaks down how he blends winter scouting with shed hunting to learn more about deer behavior without burning out a property. We talk about when it makes sense to scout, when it doesn’t, and how deer survival during winter should guide your decisions.

Jared explains how sheds fit into a bigger scouting plan, why narrowing your focus beats covering ground blindly, and what mature bucks do differently once the season is over. From bedding areas and travel routes to using the ONX Hunt app to log sheds and sign, this conversation ties post-season scouting directly into better decisions for next hunting season—with a little turkey hunting talk mixed in at the end.

⁠https://www.onxmaps.com/⁠

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

In this episode of the InCamp Podcast, Aaron Hepler sits down with Rich Yoder to break down predator hunting from the ground up—what works, what doesn’t, and what actually matters when you’re trying to consistently call in foxes and coyotes. From Pennsylvania farm country to wide-open Kansas ground, Rich shares real-world experience on how predators respond to pressure, terrain, and calling strategy.

They dig into fox hunting as the easiest entry point, why your call is the single most important tool, and how predator behavior differs drastically from big game. The conversation covers rifle and ammunition selection, adapting to weather challenges, and learning to read predator movement when things don’t go according to plan—which is most of the time.

Rich also goes deep on fur handling, explaining how small mistakes can ruin a hide and when it makes sense to outsource fur processing. The episode closes with a detailed discussion on night hunting optics, comparing thermal and night vision systems, and why clarity and target orientation matter more than raw tech specs. If you’re serious about predator hunting—or looking to get started the right way—this episode is loaded with usable advice.

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

https://nightprowleroptics.com/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Precision-Tactics-LLC-100093144871167/