Pennsylvania Woodsman - Sportsmen's Empire

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Grant Forney of the Everyday Outdoorsman to discuss the nuances of hunting during the rut.  This conversation emphasizes the importance of weather conditions, historical knowledge and strategic planning. They share personal experiences and insights on deer behavior, hunting techniques, and the excitement of the rut during archery season, providing valuable tips for both novice and seasoned hunters. In this conversation, Mitch and Grant discuss various aspects of deer hunting in Pennsylvania, focusing on hunting patterns, communication tactics with deer, the significance of all-day sits during the rut, and the mental challenges hunters face. They also share personal experiences and advice for both novice and experienced hunters, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and enjoyment in the hunting experience.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch is joined by Cody Readinger, a successful bow hunter known for consistently harvesting big bucks in challenging terrains. The conversation delves into Cody's journey from a casual hunter to a dedicated bow hunter, the emotional experiences tied to hunting, and the importance of scouting and preparation. They discuss the balance between family life and hunting passion, Cody's hunting philosophy, and the story behind his latest big buck. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding terrain features and the challenges of hunting in Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. In this segment, Cody shares his insights on deer hunting, emphasizing the importance of fieldwork, understanding deer behavior, and utilizing technology like cameras for tracking. He discusses his strategic approach to hunting, particularly focusing on wind direction and the significance of patience and preparation. The conversation culminates in a profound moment of connection with a buck, leading to reflections on faith and the journey of growth in both hunting and life. They share their insights on the influence of podcasts in learning about hunting, the importance of embracing failure, and the need to find a personal 'why' in the hunting experience. Cody discusses the impact of social media on expectations and the significance of valuing experiences over mere success. The conversation also touches on personal reflections, life lessons, and the role of faith in guiding one's journey in hunting and life.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by PA native Chris Weist.  The two delve into the intricacies of deer hunting, discussing various strategies, mental challenges, and the impact of technology on the hunting experience.  This includes how Chris prioritizes his time throughout the fall, what challenges he is facing, how to navigate feed trees in monotonous timber, and much more. They explore the importance of patience, the significance of food sources, and the need for aggressive tactics in certain situations. The discussion also touches on setting realistic goals and expectations for the hunting season, as well as the balance between utilizing technology and maintaining the adventure of hunting.

On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by returning guests and good friends Mike Lesher, Mark Lesher, Jason Miller and Jared Lesher.  The five sit down near the close of the 2024 New Jersey Segment A bear hunt, and discuss what a week it was!  Beginning in summer, the crew made multiple trips to scout and locate bears that would meet their season goals.  The Leshers and Jason hunted all week long and were able to have some cool encounters with archery tackle.  Mitch came to camp with his Lyman Flintlock muzzleloader in hand later in the week.  Tune in to hear the highs, lows, mishaps and successes of this DIY public land bear hunt!  This episode truly highlights the camaraderie and teamwork shared by this crew of guys!

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Troy Fowler, known as the Ranch Fairy.  The two discuss a highly controversial topic: quartering towards shot angles with archery equipment.  Can you really shoot through the shoulder of a deer with a bow?  With most arrow set ups, no, not without luck or wounding the animal.  Arrows don't like bone, especially with lighter arrow setups that are commonly used.  Troy emphasizes the importance of understanding shot placement and the anatomy of deer. Troy also compares the toughness of deer and pigs, highlights the significance of arrow setup and flight, and encourages critical thinking in bowhunting. He shares valuable lessons from his experiences and stresses the need for discipline and understanding of equipment in order to be successful in hunting.  That means knowing what your arrow is capable of doing should it encounter a heavy bone like the humerus of a whitetail.  If it can't go through it, don't take the shot!  Or, listen to the 12 factors of arrow flight from the Ashby Bowhunting foundation to learn what setups have the highest chance of passthrough if you so decide to take this shot angle.  This episode revolves around making ethical choices in the world of bowhunting.  

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch interviews Cliff Bailey, a passionate hunter and creator of KEO Vlogs on YouTube. They discuss Cliff's background in hunting, the evolution of his family's hunting traditions, and the journey of creating his YouTube channel. The conversation delves into land management practices, the journey of targeting bigger bucks, and the lessons learned over the years. They also explore hunting strategies, the significance of wind, and how to manage pressure while hunting. Cliff shares insights on deer behavior, the role of food sources, and the impact of the rut on hunting success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patience, knowledge, and adaptability in the pursuit of hunting big mature deer.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch interviews Ricky Brule, host of the Range Podcast and Creative Director for Vaportrails Bowstrings. They discuss Ricky's various roles in content creation, the balance between work and personal hobbies, and the impact of social media on the hunting community. The conversation delves into the controversies surrounding hunting practices, particularly the use of crossbows, and the importance of community and family in the hunting experience. Ricky shares insights on adapting hunting techniques across different regions and reflects on the changing priorities that come with fatherhood. The episode concludes with a reminder to enjoy the journey of hunting and the significance of building connections within the community.

On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jason Goe and Jere Preston from the Final Stand YouTube channel.  This episode discusses various aspects of hunting, beginning with a conversation focusing on modern muzzleloaders versus flintlocks.  The boys dive into Jere's recent trip back from bear hunting in Canada, then shift gears to whitetail hunting in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The conversation also delves into strategies for hunting on public land, the importance of monitoring ground scent and wind control, and the impact of technology on hunting practices. 

Throughout the discussion, the speakers share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of being a dedicated hunter. Additional topics navigate the evolution of hunting strategies, emphasizing the importance of scouting over gimmicks and the nuanced role of trail cameras. The team shares insights on navigating public land hunting, the significance of timing in scouting, and the challenges of introducing children to hunting in a meaningful way. The discussion also touches on the importance of family traditions in hunting and the need for a supportive community that values both successes and failures in the sport.  This is a don't miss episode sure to fire you up for the start of 2024 deer season!

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Jeremy Dinsmore of the Antler Up Podcast to discuss preparations for the upcoming hunting season. They talk about technical difficulties with recording podcasts, practicing shooting their bows, and managing their schedules. They also touch on the use of trail cameras and the importance of trusting their instincts while hunting. In this conversation, Jeremy and Mitchell discuss their scouting and hunting strategies for deer. They talk about the importance of scouting and gathering information through trail cameras, as well as the challenges of piecing together the puzzle of deer movement. They also discuss the timing of the hunting season and the importance of being patient and selective in choosing locations to sit and deer to pursue. Jeremy expresses his desire to improve his woodsmanship skills and become more proficient in different hunting scenarios. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the hunt and making memories, regardless of the size or caliber of the deer harvested.

This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are back with part 2 of our conversation with Cole Seitzinger in what we are calling a "Dream Season".  If you missed last week, Cole shares his 2023 PA P&Y buck story and the obstacles experienced along the way.  It was 8 days later Cole was able to lay hands on his target 150 class buck in the Prairie State.  However, the theme of overcoming obstacles remains in place!

Despite initial setbacks and doubts, Cole's wife encouraged him to go on his Illinois hunt after a 12-year hiatus, arriving a day late due to family obligations.  Cole bounced around the farm until landing in a tree that proved to be successful.  Initially, the wind kept him from hunting his primary target location.  The tree he picked was a good distance away but allowed him to observe from a distance.  The power of November had his target buck on his feet, which just happened to cruise by his tree in bow range mid-morning. Lots of lessons learned from stand selection and shot placement, to tracking, trusting your instincts, and sharing memories made in the field.