In this episode of the Outdoor Podcast, we dive into one of the most chilling and mysterious true outdoor stories ever reported.

On November 15, 2015, 82-year-old hunter Tom Messick entered the woods near Brant Lake in New York’s Adirondack Mountains with six other men for what was supposed to be a routine deer drive. Positioned as a stander while the others pushed deer toward him, Tom was an experienced outdoorsman familiar with the terrain.

But something strange happened that day.

The woods were described as eerily quiet. One hunter reported hearing an unusual sound shortly before the group realized Tom was missing. Despite massive search efforts involving hundreds of volunteers, K9 units, helicopters, state police, and even the FBI, no trace of Tom Messick was ever found. His rifle and walkie-talkie disappeared with him, and he never responded to radio calls.

Was it a tragic accident? A medical emergency? Or something far more mysterious?

This is a true outdoor story that continues to puzzle investigators and haunt the hunting community to this day.

🎙️ Subscribe for more true outdoor stories, hunting mysteries, and real wilderness accounts.

👍 Like & comment your thoughts — what do YOU think happened?

#TrueOutdoorStories #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingMystery

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In this episode, we tackle “The Crossbow Wars”—the ongoing debate surrounding crossbow use, hunting ethics, and fair chase—with Jay Pinsky from Outdoor Wire and Archery Wire.

As crossbows become more common in archery seasons, opinions are divided. Jay brings an industry-wide perspective to discuss the ethical arguments, misconceptions, and realities behind crossbow hunting, and how hunters can move forward while protecting conservation, access, and public perception.

🎙️ Topics include:

• The Crossbow Wars explained

• Ethics vs technology in hunting

• Crossbows and fair chase

• Crossbow vs compound bow debates

• Conservation and hunter unity

This is a must-watch podcast for anyone passionate about archery, bowhunting, and the future of hunting.

In this episode, Dave Thomas and Jay Pinsky discuss the ongoing debate surrounding crossbows in the hunting community. They explore the ethics of hunting, the impact of crossbows on new hunters, and the importance of inclusivity within the archery community. The conversation also delves into the business side of archery, highlighting the role of the Archery Wire and Outdoor Wire in disseminating industry news and innovations in archery equipment.

Takeaways

Crossbows are often unfairly criticized by traditional bow hunters.

The hunting community should focus on inclusivity rather than division.

Ethics in hunting are determined by the hunter, not the equipment used.

New hunters often find crossbows to be a more accessible entry point into the sport.

The Archery Wire and Outdoor Wire serve as vital platforms for industry news.

Innovation in archery equipment benefits all types of hunters.

Community support is crucial for the future of hunting rights.

The relationship between manufacturers and consumers is important for product development.

Crossbows have brought new participants into the hunting community.

The stories behind the products are as important as the products themselves.

 LINK - https://www.archerywire.com/

Products Used:

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Block Targets: https://www.feradyne.com/brands/block-targets/

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Burris: https://www.burrisoptics.com/

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#archery #deerhunting #bowhunting

the crossbow wars, crossbow wars podcast, crossbow hunting ethics, hunting ethics debate, jay pinsky, archery wire, outdoor wire, crossbow fair chase, ethical bowhunting, modern hunting ethics, crossbow vs compound bow, archery controversy, crossbow season debate

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This episode of The Outdoor Podcast is as real as it gets.

We sit down with longtime Team BHP members Ron and Jay to break down an entire bowhunting season — the wins, the losses, the missed shots, and the lessons that only come from decades in the field. From public land pressure to northern Michigan cedar swamps, this conversation dives deep into what bowhunting actually looks like when the cameras aren’t staged.

We talk about:

The reality of filming hunts and how editing can change perception

Why public land bowhunting is harder than ever

How deer jump the string, even at close range

Shot angles, penetration, shoulder hits, and why things go wrong

Mechanical vs fixed blade broadheads

Missed shots, wounded deer, and doing everything possible to recover them

The emotional rollercoaster of bowhunting — from buck of a lifetime opportunities to empty-handed seasons

The tradition and meaning behind hunting Hubbard Lake, a place passed down through generations

This episode isn’t about highlight reels or guaranteed kills — it’s about honest bowhunting, hard decisions, long sits, and the mental game that keeps hunters coming back year after year.

If you hunt public land, chase mature whitetails, or want to understand the real side of bowhunting, this episode is for you.

🎯 Episode Sponsors

XOP Outdoors – Tree stands, packs, and mobile hunting gear built for serious hunters

Carbon Express – High-performance arrows trusted by bowhunters nationwide

👉 Subscribe to The Outdoor Podcast for real hunting stories, gear talk, and field-tested knowledge.

👉 New episodes every week.

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Products Used: 

Carbon Express: https://www.feradyne.com/brands/carbon-express/products/

Block Targets: https://www.feradyne.com/brands/block-targets/

Trophy Ridge : TAKE 20% off use code BHP2024

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XOP: https://xopoutdoors.com/

MOULITRE : https://www.moultrie.com/

GAS Bowstrings: https://gasbowstrings.com/

Burris: https://www.burrisoptics.com/

Element Outdoors: https://elementoutdoors.com/

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00:00 Welcome to The Outdoor Podcast

00:26 Inside the BowhunterPlanet Studio & Garage Setup

01:10 Season Recap: Wins, Losses & Lessons Learned

02:20 The Reality of Filming Hunts vs What Viewers See

03:29 How Editing Can Change a Hunting Story

04:45 Early Days of Filming Hunts & Old-School Trail Camera Tactics

06:02 Public Land Bowhunting Strategy: Finding Intersections

07:18 Paying for Public Land Scouting – Smart or Wrong?

08:20 Hubbard Lake: A Sacred Hunting Tradition

09:38 Rebuilding the Family Cabin & What It Means

11:10 Northern Michigan Deer Behavior & Hunting Pressure

12:07 First Buck Down: October Success Story

13:36 Broadhead Talk: Mechanical vs Fixed Blade

15:03 Shot Angles & Why Penetration Fails

16:14 The Importance of Practicing Realistic Shot Angles

17:27 The Craziest Bowhunting Shots Ever Taken

18:07 Sponsors: XOP Outdoors & Carbon Express

19:37 Freak Accidents & Unbelievable Shot Stories

21:08 Tagging Out & Making Memories with Family

22:10 String Jumping Explained: Why Deer Duck the Arrow

23:35 Silent Woods & Hyper-Alert Deer

25:00 Illinois vs Michigan: Changing the Bowhunting Mindset

27:17 Passing Shooter Bucks & Letting Them Grow

28:42 Buck of a Lifetime Encounter Breakdown

30:04 Shoulder Hits, Penetration & Hard Truths

31:33 Tracking, Recovery & Calling in a Dog

33:10 Redemption Buck: When It Finally Comes Together

34:24 Final Thoughts, Lessons Learned & Season Wrap-Up

35:05 Closing Message & See You N

#archery #deerhunting #bowhunting 

 Keywords:

bowhunting podcast

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whitetail deer hunting podcast

missed bow shots

deer jumping the string

shot angles bowhunting

broadhead penetration

Michigan bowhunting

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traditional bowhunting stories

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Summary:

In this episode of the Outdoor Podcast, Tim and Dave sit down with Randy from TenPoint to discuss the latest innovations in crossbows for the upcoming hunting season. They explore the exciting new product lineup for 2025, including the TRX Ultra crossbow, the AccuSlide system, and the Vision scope. Randy shares insights into the Phantom crossbow and the resurgence of the Titan X Decock. The conversation also highlights the importance of accessories for crossbow hunters and the commitment of TenPoint to quality and American manufacturing.

Takeaways

The fall season is a key time for crossbow launches.

TenPoint's 2025 lineup includes innovative features for hunters.

The TRX Ultra crossbow offers enhanced accuracy and performance.

AccuSlide system provides safe and easy cocking and decocking.

The Vision scope allows for advanced targeting and recording capabilities.

The Phantom crossbow fills a gap in the mid-range market.

The Titan X Decock is making a comeback with great features.

Accessories play a crucial role in enhancing the hunting experience.

TenPoint emphasizes quality and American manufacturing in their products.

The podcast highlights the importance of community and connection in hunting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Outdoor Podcast and Exciting Launches

02:33 Reflecting on the Past Year and Product Successes

05:31 Unveiling the TRX Ultra: Innovations and Features

10:49 The AccuSlide System: Safety and Convenience in Cocking

16:23 Exploring the Vision Scope: Advanced Technology for Hunters

25:20 Introduction to Innovative Hunting Technology

27:27 Exploring the New Crossbow Features

30:01 Legal Considerations for Crossbow Use

32:53 The New Phantom Bow Unveiled

36:49 Reviving the Titan Bow

40:25 Accessories and Cases for Crossbows

keywords

TenPoint, crossbows, hunting, outdoor podcast, product launch, AccuSlide, TRX Ultra, Vision Scope, Phantom Crossbow, Titan X, accessories

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Products Used:

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Block Targets: https://www.feradyne.com/brands/block-targets/

Trophy Ridge : TAKE 20% off use code BHP2024

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XOP: https://xopoutdoors.com/

MOULITRE : https://www.moultrie.com/

GAS Bowstrings: https://gasbowstrings.com/

Burris: https://www.burrisoptics.com/

Element Outdoors: https://elementoutdoors.com/

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#archery #deerhunting #bowhunting

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In this episode, Trey R. shares his unexpected journey into archery, explaining how a simple invitation to the shooting range turned into a lifelong passion for the sport.

What started as a casual outdoor activity quickly became something much bigger. From shooting his first arrow to spending hours at the range, Trey describes the excitement, focus, and transformation that archery brought into his life. The moment he released that first shot, he knew he wanted to own a bow and dive deeper into the archery world.

This story highlights the power of outdoor adventure, trying something new, and discovering a hobby that challenges both the mind and body. Archery offers a unique balance of excitement, discipline, and community—making it one of the most rewarding outdoor sports to experience.

Whether you’re considering your first bow, curious about archery, or simply enjoy inspiring outdoor stories, this conversation shows how one moment can spark a lasting passion.

🎯 Key Topics Covered

First-time archery experience

Shooting a bow for the first time

Discovering a new outdoor passion

The excitement of the shooting range

Personal growth through hobbies

The welcoming archery community

Introduction and Guest Welcome

- 00:00:00

Trey's Journey into Archery

- 00:03:00

Discovering the Therapeutic Nature of Archery

- 00:09:00

Starting the Dreaded Archer Podcast

- 00:15:00

Hunting Stories and Personal Growth

- 00:21:00

The Hunting Landscape in Texas vs. South Dakota

- 00:27:00

Building Community and Mentorship in Archery

- 00:33:00

Conclusion and Future Plans

- 00:39:00

Products Used:

Carbon Express: https://www.feradyne.com/brands/carbon-express/products/

Block Targets: https://www.feradyne.com/brands/block-targets/

Trophy Ridge : TAKE 20% off use code BHP2024

https://www.beararchery.com/pages/trophy-ridge

XOP: https://xopoutdoors.com/

MOULITRE : https://www.moultrie.com/

GAS Bowstrings: https://gasbowstrings.com/

Burris: https://www.burrisoptics.com/

Element Outdoors: https://elementoutdoors.com/

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#archery #deerhunting #bowhunting

archery passion, first bow experience, shooting my first arrow, beginner archery story, outdoor adventure archery, trying archery, first time at shooting range, archery journey, discovering a new hobby, archery lifestyle, personal growth through archery, learning archery basics

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In this episode of the Outdoor Podcast, Tim and Dave sit down with Jason Fogg from Xpedition Archery to dive into the launch of their newest bow—the X-Lite. Jason breaks down the innovative materials and engineering behind the platform, including the performance benefits of Magnite and the refined design updates across the new lineup. They also explore the X-Lock tuning system, which gives shooters an easier, more precise way to fine-tune their setup. The discussion rounds out with Xpedition’s community-driven treasure hunt event and a look at where the brand is headed in the evolving archery market.

NEXLITE - CLICK HERE

Takeaways

The X-Lite bow offers a unique shooting experience.

Magnite is a revolutionary material that reduces weight significantly.

The design of the new bows focuses on structural stability and vibration dampening.

The X-Lock tuning system allows for easy adjustments to the bow's performance.

The NXB cam provides a smooth draw and customizable let-off options.

Expedition Archery is expanding its dealer base and product offerings.

Community engagement is key, as seen in the treasure hunt event.

The new accessories are designed to complement the bows aesthetically and functionally.

The pricing strategy aims to make high-quality bows accessible to more consumers.

Future plans include expanding the product line to include options for youth and entry-level archers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Xpedition Archery

02:52 The X-Lite Bow Experience

05:35 Innovative Materials: The Magic of Magnite

08:39 Designing the Next Generation Bow

11:31 The X-Lock Tuning System Explained

14:10 The NXB Cam: Smooth and Efficient

17:10 Accessories and Customization Options

20:02 Engaging the Community: The Treasure Hunt

22:55 Future Directions for Xpedition Archery

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Summary EP - 17

In this episode of the Outdoor Podcast, host Dave Thomas speaks with Randy Kitts from Darton Archery about the company's legacy, innovations in bow technology, and the importance of Christian values in the archery community. They discuss Randy's journey in taking over Darton, the challenges faced in the archery industry, and the introduction of the new Tri-Tec bow, which features advanced technology while maintaining an accessible price point. The conversation emphasizes the significance of consumer experience and dealer support in the archery market.

Takeaways

• Darton Archery has a rich history and legacy in the archery community.
• Randy Kitts emphasizes the importance of Christian values in guiding business decisions.
• Transitioning Darton involved significant challenges, including marketing and manufacturing.
• The evolution of Darton’s bow technology has led to innovative designs and features.
• Pricing strategy is crucial for making archery accessible to new consumers.
• The Tri-Tec bow introduces advanced features while keeping prices competitive.
• Consumer experience is a priority for Darton, making tuning and adjustments easier.
• Dealer support is essential for the success of archery products in the market.
• Randy's journey reflects a commitment to improving the archery experience for all.
• The podcast highlights the importance of community and shared values in the archery industry.

Titles

• The Legacy of Darton Archery
• Randy Kitts: A Journey of Faith and Innovation

Sound bites

• "This bow is loaded with features."
• "It's better than getting sued."
• "The engineering is spot on."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darton Archery and Its Legacy

02:37 Randy Kitts' Journey and Christian Values in Archery

05:43 The Transition of Darton Archery: Challenges and Changes

08:46 Innovations in Darton’s Bow Technology

11:27 Pricing Strategy and Market Positioning

14:15 The Tri-Tec Bow: Features and Design

16:56 The Importance of Consumer Experience and Dealer Support

19:55 Conclusion and Future of Darton Archery

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EP15 Summary

In this episode of the Outdoor Podcast, hosts Dave and Jamie discuss the latest developments in hunting gear with Tom LaLond from XOP. They delve into the recent product launches, focusing on the engineering excellence behind their new packs and tree stands. The conversation highlights the importance of innovative design, pricing strategies, and the evolution of hunting techniques. Personal hunting stories and experiences are shared, emphasizing the challenges and joys of the sport. The episode concludes with a discussion on archery equipment and the behavior of deer, providing insights for both novice and experienced hunters.

Takeaways

The recent product launch has been a significant success for XOP.

Innovative design in packs enhances functionality for hunters.

Pricing strategy plays a crucial role in market positioning.

Mobile hunting techniques are becoming increasingly popular.

Personal hunting stories highlight the challenges faced by hunters.

Archery equipment selection is vital for successful hunts.

Understanding deer behavior is key to effective hunting strategies.

The evolution of tree stands reflects advancements in hunting gear.

Quality and affordability are essential in outdoor products.

Future innovations in hunting gear are on the horizon.

Titles

The Evolution of Hunting Gear

Innovative Designs for Modern Hunters

Sound bites

"You don't need to do that."

"It's been a fun journey."

"It's been a fun journey."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics

02:39 Product Launch Success and Engineering Excellence

05:24 Innovative Pack Design and Functionality

08:12 Affordable Quality in Outdoor Gear

11:01 Evolution of the Striker Pack

13:39 Mobile Hunting Gear and Techniques

20:59 Evolution of Tree Stands

26:14 Diverse Hunting Styles and Strategies

29:03 Personal Hunting Experiences and Stories

34:52 Filming Hunting Adventures

37:35 Hunting Adventures in Michigan

38:05 The Thrill of the Hunt

39:26 Choosing the Right Equipment

40:35 Experiences with Different Broadheads

41:30 Unique Hunting Experiences

42:26 The Importance of Arrow Setup

45:31 Understanding Deer Behavior

47:50 The Differences in Deer Species

50:23 Challenges in Michigan Hunting

52:13 Looking Ahead to Future Hunts

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SPECIAL EDITION MATHEWS LAUNCH DAY!

Summary - EP15

This podcast episode features Daniel Parker from Mathews Archery delves into the brand's history, innovations, and the personal journey of Daniel Parker within the archery industry. The conversation highlights Mathews' commitment to quality and innovation, particularly with their new ARC series bows, which are designed for both hunting and target shooting. Daniel shares his personal story of entering the archery world, starting from a bow shop in Wisconsin, and his eventual role at Mathews. The discussion also covers the technical advancements in Mathews' bows, such as the SWX2 cam and the integration of accessories, which enhance performance and user experience. The episode emphasizes Mathews' dedication to maintaining a strong relationship with their dealers and the archery community, as well as their efforts to support the industry through events and collaborations. Daniel also touches on the company's culture, which values employee well-being and encourages a balance between work and personal passions like hunting. The episode concludes with a look at upcoming releases and events, inviting listeners to engage with Mathews through various channels.

Takeaways

• Hunting is an expected and integral part of life.
• The fall season brings a unique blend of excitement.
• Work responsibilities do not overshadow the passion for hunting.
• There is a strong sense of community among hunters.
• Balancing work and personal passions is essential.
• The thrill of the hunt is unmatched during peak seasons.
• Preparation for hunting season is crucial.
• Hunting fosters a connection with nature.
• The chaos of the season adds to the excitement.
• Sharing experiences with others enhances the joy of hunting.
• 
  

00:00:00 - Introduction to Mathews Archery

The episode begins with an introduction to Mathews Archery, highlighting the brand's reputation for innovation and quality in the archery industry.

00:03:00 - Daniel Parker's Journey in Archery

Daniel shares his personal journey, detailing how he started in a Wisconsin bow shop and eventually joined Mathews, emphasizing the mentorship and experiences that shaped his career.

00:06:00 - Innovations in Mathews' Bows

This section explores the technical advancements in Mathews' bows, focusing on the SWX2 cam and the integration of accessories that enhance performance and user experience.

00:09:00 - The ARC Series: Design and Features

A comprehensive look at the design and features of the new ARC series, discussing its versatility for both hunting and target shooting, and the engineering behind its development.

00:12:00 - Mathews' Culture and Community Engagement

Daniel discusses the company's culture, highlighting the importance of employee well-being, work-life balance, and Mathews' commitment to supporting the archery community through events and collaborations.

00:15:00 - Upcoming Releases and Events

The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming releases and events, encouraging listeners to engage with Mathews through various channels and participate in community events.

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