Pennsylvania Woodsman

On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with Dustin Adam.  Dustin has had a roller coaster journey the past few seasons chasing some big deer as well as making some big changes in his life.  Over the last few years, Dustin has been connecting on above average bucks on a consistent basis. While there are some key components to his success, the thing that stands out most is his hard work ethic.  Dustin shares his success stories from the previous two bucks he harvested along with a number of other takeaways.

Dustin is not alone in his hunting pursuits; beside him hunting every bit as hard is his wife Brandy and stepson Waylon.  Together, they have begun a journey managing a newly purchased farm for better hunting and wildlife.  Dustin shares the first buck harvest on this property with Waylon as well as the hurdles he experienced throughout the transition of the ground becoming his own.  These hunting stories have tid bits of tips and advice to pull from and use in the field.  One common theme to the Adam family success is capitalizing in early season.  However, you will find everyone in the family hunting right up until the end whenever needed!

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with Brandy Adam. Brandy works for the National Rifle Association and plays a huge role in planning the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg each year. We kick off with the prep work for the show. A lot has changed since the NRA has taken it over in 2014, and we would argue it's bigger and better than ever. From here, we learn a little bit more about Brandy's journey through the world of hunting and outdoor recreation.

Brandy did not grow up in a hunting family, and has grown from a borderline anti hunter to an extremely successful woman in the field. This part of the show provides a ton of perspective most men will typically never see. Guys, if you've wanted to get your wife or daughter involved in your passions, there is a lot to learn from this episode. Brandy not only hunts harder than some guys, she has a desire to help grow hunting and shooting sports in local clubs, and inspire other women to navigate the unique journey of being a female in the outdoor world.

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On this week/s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch chats with Frank Brock from Morse Nursery.  Frank is an expert in utilizing their plant genetics to improve the quality of a hunting property.  There is a lot to unpack in this episode!  We discuss many of the tree species available at morse nursery, including the most popular: chestnuts, persimmons and pears.  We dive into real world scenarios for applying these to the landscape.  Frank has had the pleasure to work with landowners across the country, and is no stranger to Pennsylvania and the Northeast.

Mitch provides Frank with a few landscape scenarios common to PA landscapes including completely forested ridges to mixed agricultural properties.  From here, Frank shares  a few possibilities to lead us towards success.  This includes how to plant trees with high survival rates, how to shorten the window of time before trees produce, quality sites for planting species based on soil type and moisture, and most importantly, how to orient plantings for advantageous deer hunting.  This is another great episode to get you thinking about new plans for your property this spring season.  Be sure to check out the links below for Morse Nursery, and use the promo code Woodsman10 for a 10% discount on your purchase!

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by founder of Whitetail Landscapes, Jon Teater. Jon hails from Tully, New York and consults with landowners throughout the country, primarily targeting the northeast. Jon is extremely detail oriented - more than many consults you may have seen on YouTube or listen to on other podcasts. This is one of the many things that sets him apart from others within the industry. His attention to deer habits and their tendencies in terrain and hunting pressure dictate how he improves the layout and habitat of a hunting property.

We discuss many different philosophies of property layout and hunting strategies throughout a property. We compare some other well known people's consulting strategies and recommendations, and then break down how different doesn't mean it's wrong. Instead, it is a direct result of the environment and experiences with which that consultant lives and works in. From here we discuss how Jon approaches cutting a bedding area. This includes concepts such as "walls of cover" and segmenting deer with diversity. Even if you are not a private landowner or hunter, there is a lot to unpack in this conversation revolving around mature bucks and how deer relate to their surroundings.  

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As we close the '23 deer season everything is still fresh in our minds.  It's difficult not to begin planning our trips and goals for the 2024 season right now!  Regardless of whether we accomplished our goals or have room for improvement until next year, thorough planning prepares the way for success.  This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch chats with good friend Andrew Muntz from the O2 podcast.  The boys reflect on their 2023 deer season, including Muntz's Drummond Island buck and his trip over to PA deer camp with Mitch (spoiler alert- he missed a buck!).

The conversation goes from 2023 reflection into 2024 planning - and becomes more of a counseling session for Mitch than a series of detailed strategies.  The guys discuss their attempts to resolve personal conflicts such as: enjoying peaceful time in the field, not allowing inches of antler to gauge a season, valuing time with friends and family, prioritizing family and responsibility over deer hunting, and much more.  Mitch is battling the path to take for his next hunting goal - how can you be successful with limited time?  It might not be the sexiest deer hunting conversation, but it sure is as real as it gets and comes from the heart.  

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch catches up with Nate Thomas from the Missouri Woods and Water Podcast, also on Sportsmen's Empire.  The two catch up over deer season, and Nate shares that 2023 deer season was a little tougher than years past.  While he had success in many ways, from taking kids hunting and his brother-in-law harvesting one of the target bucks, things just did not align for Nate's tag to get filled.  A change in scenery is just what the doctor ordered - coyote hunting!

Nate, Micah, and Andy have really invested time and money into the tools of the trade to coyote hunt throughout the calendar year.  The hunt dynamic compared to deer hunting is distinctly different in Nate's eyes, which is why he enjoys it so much.  We discuss tools of the trade: what are essential pieces of equipment, and what are the things that after using for a season you learned were a waste of money?  Nate shares a few exciting hunting experiences with us as well, which is a perfect way to begin the winter portion of predator hunting!

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On this week's Deer Season Special Bonus episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by PA native Aaron Pasquarette.  Aaron films his hunts and has the Legendary Pursuits YouTube channel.  We discuss the journey of filming your own hunts, then dive into the topic at hand: late season deer hunting.  Aaron has been taking out-of-state trips with family and friends each season; last year and this year he was able to wrap a tag around bucks in New York.  Aaron shares the stories of those hunts and the dynamic of a group hunt.  We also discuss tracking deer, flintlock muzzleloader hunting, and how Aaron hopes to connect with a late season PA buck this year.  

Thank you for tuning into these bonus episodes during 2023.  We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing more great content in 2024.  Happy New Year!

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Diehard trappers have already been hitting the field hard, however, those that think about deer hunting commonly start thinking about trapping now.  Bobcat and Fisher season began earlier this month and is over halfway through, Beaver season is underway, and Otter will open in February.  On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch chats with Tom Keller all about trapping, specifically Beaver and Otter.  Tom is the state furbearer biologist who has a wealth of knowledge for trappers and outdoorsmen.

We begin our conversation by updating everyone on the PA Marten Restoration Project, which Tom reviewed with us last year around this time (ep 12-9-22; Should Pennsylvania Reintroduce the American Marten?).  From here we dive into trapping.  We start with general trapping information, and then work towards some specifics of Beaver and Otter trapping.  This includes understanding food sources, scouting, homeranges, trapping sets, and many tips and tactics.  While this episode won't have enough time and information to have you ready to gear up and hit the woods for these critters, it will give new trappers information and old trappers a recap.  

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In this week's Deer Season Special Bonus episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Nathan Killen.  Nathan is well known for being an avid mountain hunter in the state of Virginia while focusing on mature bucks and also hunting with traditional archery equipment.  If you are trying to learn more about becoming a better mountain whitetail hunter, there are few people whose knowledge surpasses Nathan's - listen to as many podcasts with him as you can!  However, of any podcast he has been on, this episode speaks more wisdom than knowledge.

We touch on the giant 170" buck he recently harvested and the journey leading to the day he pulled the trigger.  But Nathan's message is more about the blessing of this harvest.  Nathan shares with us his faith in Jesus Christ, and how through his faith he has been blessed with more opportunity in life than he could ever imagine.  Nathan shares how he does not feel any deer he harvests is done by him, rather, the glory be to the Father in Heaven who has blessed him with this passion he has become pretty good at!  This episode is an awesome appreciation for the season and the real meaning behind Christmas!  Merry Christmas!

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are joined by Brad Hruska from Driven Purpose Outdoors.  Brad is a hard working school teacher with a desire to hunt like the rest of us.  Brad is particularly fond of pursuing big whitetails in PA, OH, and anywhere else he can grab a tag.  He is also kind enough to take us with him by filming and sharing his hunts.  But his reason for sharing his hunts are slightly different than you may be used to.

Filming your hunts is work, and hard work like this can be a way to provide income.  With something as ego driven as hunting, it can also be a way of promotion and status in the hunting media.  Brad's focus is promoting the glory of his hunts to God.  Brad's faith in Jesus Christ has led him to using hunting and filming as a ministry tool.  Brad and Mitch discuss the journey of this ministry, and the battles we face as hunters who are also husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons.  Being relationship driven amidst a self seeking interest like bowhunting is difficult, but through the grace of the Lord, Brad has been able to experience and share some cool stuff!  What better way to celebrate this time of year? Merry Christmas!

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