In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Pierce Nelles of the Wisconsin Sportsman to explore the world of rut hunting.  While focusing on deer hunting strategies, they begin with the importance of being a well-rounded outdoorsman and the impact it has on you as a deer hunter.  From here we break down Pierce's plans and strategies for breaking down 3 different hunting property options for sweet November. In addition to these properties and rut talk, the guys discuss the evolving culture of hunting in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. They discuss personal experiences, the significance of scouting, understanding wind and thermals, and the impact of trophy hunting on traditional deer camp camaraderie. The conversation also touches on the future of hunting and conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for responsible management of deer populations and the hunting culture.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch reflects on his recent bear hunting trip in New Jersey, sharing both the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned. He discusses the preparation leading up to the hunt, the unexpected difficulties encountered during the trip, and the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in the face of adversity. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the value of being in nature, the significance of community, and the spiritual aspects of hunting.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, host Mitchell Shirk engages with guests Tim Hubler and Jason Gann about their experiences and insights into hunting during the chaotic hunting season. They discuss the challenges of balancing family life with hunting, the myths surrounding the October lull, and strategies for preparing for the whitetail rut. The conversation also delves into the unique experience of Sika hunting in Maryland, highlighting the camaraderie and excitement that comes with outdoor adventures.

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Steve Sherk.  The two start by catching up and sharing some personal dilemmas of having to go to weddings during hunting season and how this often creates some problems!  The conversation turns towards the new Sunday hunting opportunities offered in Pennsylvania and how this will affect Steve's personal hunting as well as guide service.  From here we move into the main topic of the episode: a deep dive.

What's the deep dive? It's not just the woodsmanship and the deer hunting nuances, it's the spiritual connection felt in Creation.  Steve shares more of his personal backstory leading him not just to hunting but to more beyond chasing whitetail deer.  This episode reveals a bigger, more holistic view of time spent in the woods this fall.  Tune in to hear Steve's journey, and who knows, maybe it will impact your hunting too.  

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On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Steve Chilcote to discuss the complexities of timber management.  They begin by discussing the roles of foresters and loggers, the importance of proper timber harvesting techniques, and the long-term implications of forestry decisions on wildlife habitats. They explore various types of timber cuts, the dynamics of timber markets, and the necessity of setting clear goals for land management. The discussion emphasizes the value of consulting with forestry professionals to ensure sustainable practices and maximize both timber value and wildlife benefits. Additionally, they highlight how these forestry decisions directly impact deer habitats, influencing hunting opportunities and strategies for managing deer populations effectively.

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jere Preston to delve into the intricate dynamics of hunting as both an individual and team sport. They explore the impact of social media on hunting culture, the importance of teamwork, and the characteristics that make a good hunting partner. Jere shares his personal experiences from the hunting season, including the thrill of his early season buck and the challenges faced during tracking and recovery.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as they discuss the trials of bowhunting, emphasizing the importance of learning from one's own experiences to make the best decisions in the field. Mitch and Jere reflect on the emotional journey of hunting, the lessons learned from past experiences, and the excitement of upcoming hunting plans. This episode is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in bowhunting, offering listeners valuable insights into making informed decisions through personal growth and reflection.

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Joining Mitch on this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is his good friend Aaron Hepler, as they dive into the fast-approaching 2025 deer season. Life's been a bit hectic lately, and that chaos is spilling over into hunting season prep—but that's all part of the journey. The episode kicks off with a chat about Aaron’s new podcast, the InCamp Podcast, before shifting to a recent episode that ties directly into an upcoming adventure: New Jersey’s Segment A bear season. Mitch and Aaron share their excitement, plans, and expectations for the trip.

From there, the focus turns to deer season. Drawing on experiences from past seasons, the guys break down key windows of opportunity and how those lessons might shape their strategies this year. Along the way, they trade stories, reflect on goals, and discuss how to stay grounded and focused amid the busyness of everyday life. This episode is the perfect listen to sharpen your mindset and get fired up for the best time of year—hunting season.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by  seasoned hunter Alex Krzywulak to explore the intricacies of early season hunting. They delve into the challenges and strategies that come with navigating public land, balancing family commitments, and the relentless pursuit of that elusive buck. Alex shares his personal experiences and insights, offering listeners a glimpse into the mindset and preparation required to succeed in the field.

Listeners will gain valuable tips on scouting, understanding deer behavior, and making the most of limited time in the woods. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, this episode provides practical advice and thought-provoking discussions that will inspire you to approach your next hunting season with renewed enthusiasm and strategic insight. Tune in to discover how to master the art of early season hunting and overcome the challenges that come your way.

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This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Little Mountain Outfitter's owner Devon Zimmerman and shop technician Terry Bergey.  These boys are hard at it this time of year setting up, tuning, and getting everyone ready for the upcoming season.  Hopefully you didn't delay your preparations too long!  In this episode we will cover a variety of topics relating to daily life.  It can be easy to think that working around bows and the hunting industry would lead to the perfect hunting lifestyle.  These two shed light on the fact that while someone is hunting, the other guy needs to man the shop!

Little Mountain Outfitters has been operating over 7 years now.  Since then, a lot has changed.  Not just the growth of the business but also the hunting dynamic and goals set with each season.  We discuss our preparations going into season (or lack thereof), shop dynamics, equipment tendencies and experiences, the evolution of hunting goals through time, and much more.  Make sure your equipment is ready to go if you haven't already, and if you need help these guys got you covered!

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Matt Beisswanger for a traditional bowhunting conversation.  Matt is a team member of Inside Twenty whose focus is sharing traditional bowhunting and their faith in Christ.  Matt has been toting the stickbow since 2006 on and off and has wrapped a tag around numerous critters including some magnificent whitetail bucks.  He's learned a lot when it comes to transitioning from hunting with a compound.

The closer you need to get to your quarry, the more you need to learn about them in order to be successful.  For those who have hunted with a crossbow or a compound, you'd think switching to a traditional bow would be as simple as changing equipment and hunting the same as with your modern bow.  That has not been Matt's experience.  In fact, Matt shares with us how he manipulates stand locations to cater to closer shot opportunities.  He discusses stand height, cover needed within a set up, and different mindsets while scouting a location.  There is some creativity in this episode you may or may not have heard before, and it all revolves around getting Inside Twenty yards.  

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