Okayest Hunter ®

We finally got Dillon Deitz on the show, and we spiraled straight into bear season heartbreak, spiritual introspection, and some of the funniest roasts he's done as a practicing comedian.

Dillon the brains and banter behind Elk Don’t Exist, a counterculture hunting brand born from missed shots, public land grind, and the realization that pretending to be a badass makes hunting a lot less fun (for him). We dive into his Montana bear season, the mental game of hunting, and how being honest about your screw-ups, your faith, and your potentially offensive jokes is the real badge of honor in the woods.

We also get into:

Why humor makes hunting better

What it’s like building a brand that doesn’t pretend to be elite

The hilarious (and sometimes unhinged) comments Dillon fields online

Stoicism, Jesus, and that one time a homeless guy humbled an emperor

The power of self-deprecation, Deer Camp comedy, and just being yourself

If you’ve ever missed a shot, doubted your place in the hunting world, or wondered if your goofy, camo-wearing self belongs, you’re not alone. You’re in damn good company among our two brands.

🎧 Elk Don’t Exist apparel: www.elkdontexist.com

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Welcome Back!!  With whitetail season less than 75 days away, big bucks are filtering back into our dreams and daily thoughts. Season 2 of Dropping Pins is back!! We are excited to talk big bucks and hear from seasoned, mature buck killers on all the things that they are thinking, doing, and planning for this upcoming season, along with some amazing stories from past hunts that helped them elevate their whitetail skills. 

This episode is a recap of all the deer-related “stuff” that has kept Derek and family busy since last season, along with plans and ideas for this summer's scouting season and upcoming hunting season. Hopefully, this gets you excited for deer hunting and the great guests coming up soon!!

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We sat down with Austin Nicholas, aka Wilderness Father, to talk about raising kids through time outdoors. From hunting and fishing with his daughter to the viral moment that kicked off his content journey, Austin shares what it means to lean into hardship, stay humble, and keep showing up as a dad.

We cover everything from deer recovery and parenting screw-ups to why the "garbage time" matters just as much as the highlight reel.

If you’re a dad who hunts (or wants to), we think you'll enjoy this one!

Presented by Nosler: Code OHP for 20% OFF

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This week, we’re posted up in Oconomowoc with local hunter and filmmaker Brad Werwinski. We cover everything from hunting in the Dakotas to filming your hunts without overcomplicating it. Brad shares his go-to camera gear, and we get into packing tips, bow case hacks, muzzleloader mishaps, and why thermoses are clutch for late-season sits.

We also talk public land etiquette, bear hunting tactics, and the gear we’re loving right now, like Sitka’s mosquito and tick-resistant Equinox Guard and new saddle gear from Latitude. Plus, Foam Fest updates, filming plans, and some good ol’ Midwest deer camp talk.

No fluff. Just real hunts, hard-earned lessons, and a few laughs.

Presented by Nosler

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He Quit His Job for Deer Camp

We cover bribing squirrels with honey buns, bucks at six yards, and the slow death of public land hunting camps.

A funny, honest convo about why we hunt, and what keeps us coming back.

Presented by: Nosler. Use code OHP for 20% OFF

Show Partners:

Follow Bryce on Instagram: @wisconsin_weekend_warrior

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Meet Whitney Tram­mel, the strength coach-turned-elk­chaser behind the Wild Strength Podcast, from the Okayest Podcast Network.

We kick things off with her move from Texas to Colorado. Whitney breaks down why real backcountry balance isn’t built on a BOSU ball, how a bit of gym grit can keep your heart steady when the buck steps into range, and why she’d rather solo-hunt than rely on guides.

Along the way, we tackle identity, social media stereotypes, imposter syndrome after a failed season, and why tying self-worth to your harvest can backfire. Whitney even shares her top beginner tips and why strength—mental and physical—is the secret sauce for every hunter.

This episode is equal parts hunting tales, workout wisdom, and honest takes on what it means to be truly “wild strong.”

Presented by Nosler: Use code OHP for 20% OFF

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Turkey season is over. Let's talk about deer.

This episode is all about summer deer prep. What to prioritize, how to make the best use of your summer, and why trail cams can be more misleading than helpful if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Eric and Derek get into summer bedding, aggressive moves, buck beds, rub lines, and the high-stakes game of sneaking into a setup without blowing your whole season with one wrong move. There’s also a canoe, a questionable rowboat journey, and a bunch of near-death parenting moments.

Grab a cold one, this one’s a ride.

Presented by Nosler: www.nosler.com, code OHP for 20% off.

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We went to turkey camp, drank way too much KwikTrip coffee, tested some awesome Gerber camping gear, got our butts kicked by gobblers, and had fun fishing for trout in the driftless regions of Wisconsin.

It was awesome.

But in between all that, we hit on something serious. Congress is quietly trying to push through a bill that would sell off 500,000 acres of public land in Utah and Nevada. Not great. We break down what’s going on, why it matters to anyone who loves the outdoors, and how to speak up before it’s gone for good.

Also in this episode: Foam Fest updates, archery league talk, and one of us nearly chokes live on air. Classic Okayest chaos.

Presented by: Nosler--Use code OHP at checkout and save 20%.

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We cracked a bottle of bourbon with country rock artist Troy Grove and talked about his rise from viral TikToks to 6 million Spotify streams, sketchy public land hunts in Tennessee, and the fine line between writing a hunting song and scaring off half your audience.

From hunter harassment to Maryland deer camp stories, this one's a mix of music, mayhem, and making memories in the stand.

Presented by Nosler: www.nosler.com -- Use code OHP for 20% OFF

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Why Hunters Are Hanging It Up and Why Some Never Start

What causes someone to walk away from something they once loved, or never try it in the first place?

This week, we explore the many reasons hunters stop hunting. We cover everything from private land pressure and public land overcrowding to regulation overload, rising gear costs, social stigma, urban sprawl, and the generational shift away from communal deer camps toward solitary trophy pursuits.

There’s real talk about dad life, gear regret, and watching the next generation catch the hunting bug and maybe even lose it if we’re not paying attention. Whether you're one of the few still holding it down in the woods or someone who's stepped away, there's a good chance you’ll hear something that hits home.

This one's about more than tags and tactics. It’s about culture, access, and the future of hunting.

Presented by www.nosler.com -- Use code OHP for 20% OFF!

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