Pennsylvania Woodsman

In this New Year episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined once again by Jason Goe from Final Stand for a wide-ranging conversation that blends late-season deer hunting tactics with honest reflection on priorities, pressure, and purpose. The discussion moves through practical topics like late-season scouting, mobile setups comparing climbers and saddles, managing hunting pressure, and how Jason balances hunting across Pennsylvania and Maryland. Along the way, they unpack how gear choices, access, food sources, and pressure shape late-season success—and why adapting your approach matters as seasons, landscapes, and life circumstances change.

As the conversation deepens, the focus shifts beyond tactics to mindset. Mitchell and Jason openly wrestle with comparison, social media pressure, goal-setting, and the challenge of staying present in the woods—especially as fathers introducing their kids to hunting. From sharing campfires and deer drives to slowing down hunts so young hunters can enjoy them, the episode highlights the importance of fellowship, mentorship, and keeping hunting fun. It’s an honest reminder that success isn’t always measured in filled tags, but in shared moments, growth, and learning to “run your own race” in the woods and in life.

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In this end-of-year episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined once again by Grant Forney from the Everyday Outdoorsman to reflect on the 2025 hunting season and how their perspectives have evolved. Together, they dig into the shifting balance between archery and rifle hunting, why rifle season has become increasingly meaningful, and how predictability, shared camp time, and cold-weather patterns have reshaped the way they enjoy deer season. The discussion moves beyond antlers and success, touching on pressure, expectations, public land realities, and how chasing “bigger” goals can sometimes cloud the deeper reasons we hunt in the first place.

The episode takes a powerful turn as Grant shares the story of introducing his girlfriend to hunting for the first time—watching curiosity grow into confidence, responsibility, and ultimately a successful rifle harvest. From mentoring without pressure to respecting the weight of taking an animal’s life, the conversation highlights what it truly means to pass on hunting traditions thoughtfully. As the year closes, Mitchell and Grant reflect on priorities, family, mentorship, and the importance of adapting seasons and expectations to the stage of life you’re in. It’s an honest, relatable discussion about growth, balance, and why hunting is about far more than tags filled or trophies earned.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Courtney Williamson from We Do This Too Outdoors.  Courtney shares his journey hunting and fishing from a small town in Kentucky to becoming a prominent voice in the outdoor community. He discusses the challenges of cultural identity, the influence of his father, and the importance of embracing one's passions. Courtney highlights his mission to inspire inner-city youth through outdoor experiences and reflects on the joy of hunting, particularly waterfowl and deer. The conversation also touches on the deeper meaning of Christmas and the values he aims to instill in his children.

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In this solo episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitchell shares the story of a late-season rifle hunt that tested his patience, priorities, and perspective. After a season filled with high expectations, mounting pressure, family responsibilities, mechanical mishaps, and self-inflicted stress, Mitchell heads into the final weekend determined to fill his buck tag. What unfolds is a hard-earned big woods hunt alongside close friends and family—marked by bitter cold, long walks, doubt, and ultimately a brief, narrow shooting window that ends with a buck on the ground. It’s a moment of relief, gratitude, and disbelief that reminds him why he hunts and why the process matters as much as the outcome.
Beyond the harvest, this episode dives deeper into what it truly means to seek—both in the woods and in life. Mitchell reflects on the tension between being driven and being present, between pursuing goals with intention versus drifting through them nonchalantly. He opens up about faith, stewardship, family, and the importance of slowing down to realign priorities, recognizing that many of life’s blessings are not earned, but given. This is a raw, honest conversation about growth, gratitude, and learning to pursue what matters most with purpose—long after the tag is filled and the season winds down.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Collin Chamberlin shares his journey from pursuing a career in environmental science to becoming a stand-up comedian and reconnecting with his love for the outdoors. He discusses the sacrifices made along the way, the importance of storytelling in both comedy and outdoor experiences, and how to create relatable content that resonates with a wider audience. Collin emphasizes that success in the outdoors is not solely about harvesting but about the joy and experiences gained along the way. He also highlights the significance of just showing up and being present in the moment, regardless of the challenges faced.

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On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jake Fiola—an everyday Pennsylvania hunter, father, and endlessly reflective outdoorsman. Jake shares the story of an early-season hunt that became far more meaningful than the arrow, the antlers, or even the rare size of the buck he harvested. Hunting with his young son for the first time from an elevated stand, Jake found himself navigating a swirl of emotions: excitement, nerves, nostalgia, and the sobering responsibility of ensuring his child’s safety. What unfolded was a moment that would change how he sees hunting, fatherhood, and the legacy we pass to the next generation.

Together, Mitch and Jake dive into themes every parent-hunter wrestles with—slowing down, letting go of control, teaching through experience, and rediscovering why we hunt in the first place. Jake’s story isn’t about a giant buck; it’s about gratitude, perspective, and the miracle of watching a child experience the woods the way we once did. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that the true trophies in the outdoors are the memories made, the values shared, and the lives shaped while sitting side-by-side in a tree.

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This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is riding solo sharing his hunt over the weekend.  The trip to bear camp resulted in three bears harvested in the big woods of north central Pennsylvania, one of which Mitch was fortunate enough to tag himself!  This recap episode covers the organization of the group, planning ahead and good communication, what sign was found while hunting that led to this successful hunt, and how Mitch's bear almost got away.  Camp tradition is special, and bear camp is just the beginning.  Less than one week away is deer camp and we get to relive the tradition all over again.  Thanks for listening and good luck this season!

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Clint Stout, a lifelong Pennsylvania hunter who grew up immersed in the tradition of bear camp. Clint shares a deep well of experience—from understanding food cycles like chestnut oak, grapes, and hickories, to interpreting how bears shift patterns with weather, pressure, and seasonal changes. He and Mitch explore why bear hunting requires a different mindset than deer hunting, and how woodsmanship, patience, and miles of boot leather make all the difference in deciphering this elusive animal. Their conversation dives into terrain reading, the randomness of bear movement, and the surprising intelligence of mature boars that seem to melt into the landscape.

The episode also turns toward the culture of Pennsylvania bear hunting—its camaraderie, its generational stories, and how modern hunting dynamics have shifted the feel of camp. Clint and Mitch reflect on how pressures such as expanded seasons, societal pace, and changing traditions have altered the rhythm of bear camp, and why preserving that atmosphere matters. Whether you're a lifelong bear hunter or someone curious about what makes this season so special, this episode captures the rugged spirit, challenges, and heartfelt heritage of Pennsylvania’s bear woods.

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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Tim Schlappich, a Pennsylvania native and member of the Final Stand crew who found his passion for hunting later in life. Tim shares his journey from being an avid angler and traveler in the military to diving headfirst into the world of whitetails, first in Nebraska’s river bottoms and now across the big woods and marshes of the East Coast. Through trial, patience, and curiosity, he’s learned to balance the challenges of new terrain, the lure of technology, and the importance of keeping the adventure alive.

Throughout their conversation, Mitch and Tim reflect on the tension between trophy hunting and personal fulfillment—how the fun, the people, and the places matter more than antlers on the wall. From Sika deer on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to DIY filming and mentoring new hunters, Tim’s story captures the spirit of curiosity and humility that makes hunting special. It’s an episode about growth, grit, and remembering why we step into the woods in the first place.
 

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In this episode of The Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Nick Otto of the Huntavore Podcast with a special guest appearance from “Tommy Tines.” What starts as a lighthearted chat about friendship and family chaos quickly unfolds into a conversation about priorities, patience, and the pursuit of balance between hunting, home life, and faith. Nick recounts his season in Michigan, complete with the tale of a hard-earned eight-point buck, some comical interruptions, and a few honest reflections about how our love for hunting can both test and teach us.

Together, Mitch and Nick dig into the deeper side of deer season—how faith keeps us grounded, how friends keep us humble, and how even in the middle of chaos, a little laughter can go a long way. From managing family calendars to processing venison with the kids, this episode blends humor, heart, and a healthy dose of perspective. Whether you’re a serious trophy hunter or just love filling the freezer, this conversation reminds us what really matters when the woods go quiet.

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