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.  

Fall food plots greatly influence hunting success and wildlife attraction.  Planting in August and September on the east coast can be sketchy, especially when late summer droughts can persist.  This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is riding solo discussing a plan of action if disaster strikes in your fall food plots.  Mitch shares personal experiences  salvaging food plots that did not establish from drought stress in the past.  

Farming is always a gamble with the weather.  After initially planting food plots, Mitch discusses when to scout your plots and how to help evaluate if alternative action is needed.  He discusses what plant species work to salvage a food plot, when they can be planted, and how they can be planted.  While the process of replanting may be repetitive, there are a few things to consider between species selection, weed management, and soil crusting which may occur from drought stress.  All in all, doing something is better than nothing!

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Rob Henne for a captivating journey through the Pennsylvania wilderness as they uncover the secrets of bear hunting. In this episode, they delve into the art of scouting and navigating the rugged terrain, sharing insights and experiences that span decades. From understanding the importance of food sources to identifying the perfect pinch points, their conversation offers a wealth of knowledge for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.

As Mitch and Rob explore the intricacies of group hunting and the dynamics of solo adventures, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and strategies that make a successful hunt. Whether you're interested in the camaraderie of group drives or the solitude of a lone pursuit, this episode provides valuable tips and stories that highlight the challenges and rewards of bear hunting in Pennsylvania. Tune in to discover how to enhance your hunting experience and connect with the rich traditions of the great outdoors.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast, Mitch reflects on the delicate balance between his passion for hunting and the demands of daily life. Fresh from a family vacation, he shares insights into managing a busy schedule, including his wife's coaching commitments and his son's school activities. Mitch delves into the art of food plot management, discussing no-till techniques, seed selection, and the challenges posed by weather and timing. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family while pursuing personal goals, offering listeners a candid look at how he navigates the complexities of work, family, and his love for the outdoors. Join Mitch for an engaging conversation on finding harmony in the hustle and bustle of life, all while preparing for a successful hunting season.

On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Taylor Fleisher to discuss food plots.  Taylor has a background in plants and soil, and has always been tinkering with food plot blends.  That has motivated him to start his company Tractor Beam Attractants and food plot seed blends.  This episode not only discusses food plots, it also highlights chasing down a dream within things of personal interest.  

Mitch and Taylor bounce around from the beginning of Taylor's food plot journey to the customization of blends he's developed.  Not only do they discuss planting nuances like how to choose a good seed blend, they also tie in hunting strategy.  Too often, food plots become night time use only due to their improper setup.  Designing plots and planting season long food are critical.  Take notes, planting season is right around the corner!

On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Mike Tussey from Nomad Outdoors.  Mike shares his journey from being a middle school PE teacher to becoming a prominent figure in the hunting industry. He discusses the dynamics of the hunting business during the offseason, the importance of managing turkey populations, and the unique challenges faced as a hunting guide. Mike also shares memorable client interactions, including experiences with high-profile hunters, and reflects on the diversity of hunting experiences in Florida. The conversation touches on sustainability issues in hunting, the significance of scouting, and the unique aspects of hunting in Florida, including deer and bear hunting. Mike concludes by discussing the future of Nomad Outdoors and the importance of building a community around the brand.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Al Tomechko to discuss the intricacies of establishing successful food plots for deer hunting. They explore various topics including the challenges of planting, the importance of setting clear goals, and the techniques for effective food plot management. The discussion also covers the significance of soil health, seeding rates, and the timing of planting in relation to weather conditions. Albert shares insights on equipment for smaller plots and emphasizes the value of diversity in food plot blends to attract deer throughout the hunting season. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of understanding deer density and its impact on food plot success.

On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Rob McCanna, CEO of Dallas Safari Club.  Rob shares his journey from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to leading a prominent organization focused on wildlife conservation and hunting heritage. He discusses the importance of engaging the next generation, the challenges facing hunters and conservationists, and the need for unity within the hunting community. Rob emphasizes the role of Dallas Safari Club in promoting sustainable hunting practices and invites listeners to get involved in conservation efforts.

On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Dakota Gray who shares his journey of being a passionate hunter and his treestand accident that led him to become a paraplegic. He reflects on his early experiences in hunting, the life-changing fall from a deer stand, and the miracles that surrounded his recovery. Dakota discusses the importance of faith, family support, and mental health in overcoming challenges. He also shares how he adapted his hunting practices post-accident and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of a positive mindset and the role of God in his life. This episode is your pre-season reminder to WEAR YOUR SAFETY HARNESS!!

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by some family for a bear hunting conversation.  The family guests are his younger cousins Jacob, Josh, and Isaac Mengel, who've recently begun a journey of starting their own bear hunt tradition at their cabin in northern PA.  Previously their camp did not have a consistent tradition of hosting a bear hunt, and the times it did turned into solo endeavors.  For the last four hunting seasons, they have started their mission to learn how to bear hunt their historic hunting grounds, and how to do it with a group.  The guys share their experiences of how they got started, the obstacles along the way, the mess ups, and the successes, including Isaac's first bear harvested from a drive with only five people!  This conversation sheds light on perspective from new bear hunters and how they overcame the intimidation factor of hunting a new species in a tough environment.