Prayin and Slayin Podcast

A target buck. Three weeks without a picture. One opening-weekend opportunity.

Spencer Odle joins the Prayin' and Slayin' Podcast from West Tennessee to tell the story of "Split"—a mature velvet 9-point that Spencer had his sights set on all summer.

Spencer grew up hunting and fishing alongside his dad and granddad on a 532-acre Tennessee property his family has managed since 1992. After years of bowhunting, 2026 finally gave him the opportunity he'd been waiting for: a mature target buck during Tennessee's early velvet season.

Split first showed up with a bachelor group in June. By mid-July, Spencer knew which buck he wanted. Then, just weeks before season, Split disappeared.

Until one trail-camera notification changed everything.

Opening weekend brought an encounter Spencer won't soon forget. A spike at five yards. Split suddenly appearing at 20. A shot Spencer wasn't willing to force. A group of young bucks that brought out an unexpected territorial side of Split—and finally, a 24-yard opportunity at a licking branch Spencer originally established when he was just 17 years old.

We also talk about growing up in the outdoors, managing whitetail habitat, early-season deer patterns, the Bow Hunting League, bowhunting since age 12, Dr Pepper venison jerky, future turkey adventures, and why sometimes the best hunting strategy is simply knowing when NOT to make a move.

TELL US SOMETHING GOOD: Spencer closes the episode with a reminder to trust in the Lord, pray about everything, put Him first, and be thankful for another day.

PRAYIN' & SLAYIN' PARTNERS

DEADNUTS Outdoors – American-made 2D lifesize targets built for realistic practice. Save 10% with code PRAYIN10.

PUCK Outdoors – Built to keep your mouth calls and small tackle organized and ready when you need it. Save 10% with code PRAYIN10.

LTFO Knee Bag – Comfort in the tree. Stability when it's time to make the shot. Use code PRAYIN10.

10% of Light The Fire Outdoors proceeds support Veterans & Conservation through the License to Kill Initiative.

Join the Prayin' and Slayin' Campfire Community on Facebook and share your own hunting stories with us.

Keep Prayin' and Slayin'.

What do you get a six-year-old for his birthday? For Jack, the answer was easy: go speed goat hunting with Dad.

In this special episode of the Prayin’ and Slayin’ Podcast, we’re handing the mic over to Jeremy Chvilicek, host of From Field to Future, for a father-son adventure that captures exactly what the newest show on the Prayin’ and Slayin’ Network is all about.

Jack’s birthday happens to line up perfectly with Montana’s archery season, and last year Jeremy and Jack started a tradition they hope will last for years to come: forget the presents and parties — head east and chase pronghorn instead.

This year, Jeremy drew the tag, loaded the gear, and hit the road with his almost-six-year-old hunting partner. What follows is a weekend filled with camping, spot-and-stalk archery hunting, a couple of close encounters with antelope, some lessons learned the hard way, and a whole lot of prairie dog shooting when the speed goats weren’t cooperating.

But this episode is about much more than punching a tag.

Jeremy digs into why he and his wife are prioritizing experiences over things, how he keeps young kids engaged during long days outdoors, and why success with kids doesn’t always look like bringing an animal home. He also shares how shooting prairie dogs and reactive targets can build real-world shooting skills before kids are old enough to hunt big game.

There’s no antelope in the cooler at the end of this one — but there are memories, lessons, and another chapter in a birthday tradition that Jack and his dad will hopefully share for decades.

That’s what From Field to Future is all about: getting kids outdoors today to build better adults tomorrow.

PRAYIN’ AND SLAYIN’ NETWORK PARTNERS

DEADNUTS Outdoors — Train like you hunt with lifesize, photorealistic 2D targets built for the field. Use code PRAYIN10 for 10% off.

PUCK Outdoors — Simple, purpose-built organization for the gear that keeps your hunt moving. Use code PRAYIN10 for 10% off.

Light The Fire Outdoors Knee Bag — Comfort Evolved. Stay Steady. Stay Ready. Built as a tree-mounted knee rest and versatile shooting support for the hunter who spends long hours in the field. Use code PRAYIN10 for FREE SHIPPING.

Like, follow, and subscribe to the Prayin’ and Slayin’ Podcast and check out From Field to Future for more conversations about getting the next generation outside.

Keep Prayin’ and Slayin’.

“If the market doesn’t provide the solution, you build it yourself.”

In this special partner feature of the Prayin’ and Slayin’ Podcast, we’re bringing you the origin story of one of our premier network partners: DEADNUTS Outdoors.

Aaron sits down with DEADNUTS co-founder Cole Daniels to take it all the way back to Washington State in 2020.

Amid lockdowns and uncertainty, the Daniels family had a simple but important goal: teach their boys how to ethically place an arrow on an elk.

When they went looking for realistic targets to help prepare them for that moment, they found a problem. The options were expensive, heavy, difficult to get, or simply didn’t provide the realistic practice experience they were looking for.

So they built their own.

Armed with a box cutter, some ingenuity, and a vision, the Daniels family hand-cut the first DEADNUTS target in their garage.

What started as a way to better prepare their own sons for the hunt has grown into something much bigger. Today, DEADNUTS 2D Targets can be found at dealers across the country, on ranges, at events, and through partnerships with major conservation organizations — all while staying focused on the original mission: helping hunters get better reps so they can make more ethical shots when it matters.

INSIDE THE EPISODE:

The COVID Catalyst — How a lockdown and a family need became the spark for a new outdoor brand.

American Ingenuity — Going from hand-cut garage prototypes to precision manufacturing and nationwide distribution.

The Ethics of the Shot — Why practicing on realistic 2D animals can help hunters better understand shot placement before facing the real thing.

Scaling the Mission — The journey from a garage in Washington to retailers and hunting communities across the country.

Conservation First — Why giving back to wildlife, conservation organizations, and the hunting community remains a major part of the DEADNUTS mission.

THE STANDARD:

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” — Ecclesiastes 9:10

Listen now and hear how a family trying to prepare their kids for an elk hunt turned a problem into a product — and a product into a growing American outdoor brand.

NETWORK PARTNERS & GEAR:

DEADNUTS Outdoors 2D Targets Use code PRAYIN10 for 10% off: www.deadnutsoutdoors.com

The Knee Bag by Light The Fire Outdoors Use code PRAYIN10: www.lightthefireoutdoors.com

PUCK Outdoors Use code PRAYIN10: www.puckoutdoors.com

Keep Prayin and Slayin.

In this episode of The Prayin' and Slayin', Podcast we hit a major milestone: our first-ever bear hunting story on the podcast. Joining us is Kade Davis, a Canadian-born hunter now living in Montana, who brings a heavy dose of grit and some classic northern flavor to the show (yes, he actually said "out for a rip"—a legendary moment for the pod).

Kade walks us through the intense reality of a solo spring bear hunt in the Montana wilderness. We break down the mental game of being alone in bear country, the physical grind of the pack-out, and the sheer adrenaline of a successful solo harvest. But beyond the hunt, we dive into the character required to navigate life and the outdoors with integrity.

In This Episode:

• The Solo Mission: The logistics and mindset of hunting Montana spring bears alone.
• "Out for a Rip": A legendary Canadian moment and the story behind Kade’s journey from the North to the Big Sky State.
• The Harvest: Breaking down the successful stalk and the work that begins after the shot.
• The Reps of Discernment: How experience in the field translates to recognizing truth and character in the world.
• Something Good: Why staying humble and kind is the ultimate standard for a man.

Something Good: "Always be humble and kind."

The Verse: Hebrews 5:14 – "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (We relate this to the "reps" required in the woods and in life to discern the fruit of people’s actions and the path ahead.)

Podcast Partners:

• DEADNUTS Outdoors: (Use Code: PRAYIN10) for 10% off your 2D Target!
• The Knee Bag: (Use Code: PRAYIN10) For FREE SHIPPING on your order!
• PUCK System: (Use Code: PRAYIN10) For 10% off your Reed Call or Fishing PUCK!

The Road Back to Texas: Homesteading, Family, and the Long Game with Ben Slocum

From the rugged coast of Oregon back to the heart of Texas, Ben Slocum’s journey is a testament to following the "call" home. In this episode of Prayin' and Slayin', Ben sits down with Justin Wilson to share his story of building a life rooted in faith, family, and the land.

We track Ben’s path from meeting his wife and starting a family in the Pacific Northwest to landing in Hutto, Texas, and finally establishing their new homestead near Alice. Ben shares the realities of building a legacy from the ground up, the importance of community, and wraps it all up with a classic story of a rainy-day turkey hunt on the new property.

In This Episode:

* The Journey Home: Moving from the Oregon coast back to Texas roots.

* Building the Legacy: The challenges and rewards of establishing a family homestead.

* The Hutto Days: Reflections on life in the home of the Hippos.

* The Rainy Day Hunt: A story of opportunity on the farmstead

* Something Good: Why kindness is a mandatory standard for the modern man.

Ben's Something Good:

"Be kind to everyone, because you never know what someone else is going through."

The Verse:

1 Peter 3:8 – "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."

Prayin and Slayin Podcast Partners:

* DEADNUTS Outdoors 2D Targets: (Use Code: PRAYIN10 for 10% off your order!

* The Knee Bag saddle hunter knee comfort and shooting rest system: Use code PRAYIN10 for 10% off your order!

* PUCK Mouth Call and Fly Fishing Storage System: Use code PRYAIN10 for 10% off your order!

"Humility isn't thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less."

In this episode of the Prayin and Slayin Podcast, I’m joined by an old friend and fellow Iowan, US Army Veteran Craig Greer. Craig’s journey has taken him from the small towns of Iowa to the rugged wilds of Alaska, and eventually to the mountains of New Zealand.

We dive deep into the reality of military life, the distinct shift between Active Duty and the Guard, and the discipline forged in those environments. Craig shares the story of a "trip of a lifetime" to New Zealand with his father, pursuing Red Stag, Fallow deer, and rams. It’s a powerful testament to the bond between father and son and the importance of making those memories while the window is open.

More importantly, we discuss the responsibility of passing this heritage down to the next generation and the "Something Good" Craig lives by: Stay humble and kind to everyone.

Inside the Episode:

* The Alaska Frontier: Lessons learned while stationed in the Last Frontier.

* Service & Transition: Navigating the realities of Active Duty vs. the Guard.

* The New Zealand Dream: A father-son journey for Red Stag and Fallow deer.

* Legacy in the Field: The intentionality required to raise outdoor kids.

* The Standard of Humility: Why kindness is a requirement, not a suggestion.

The Scripture:

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." — James 4:10

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PARTNER SUPPORT:

The season is closer than you think. Preparation is the difference between a story and a harvest.

* DEADNUTS Outdoors 2D Targets: It is archery prep time. Do not step into the woods with a "good enough" zero. Get your 2D targets and dial it in.

* The Knee Bag: Saddle hunters, the time to refine your setup is now, not in October. Protect your knees and stay in the tree longer.

* PUCK Outdoors: September is right around the corner. Your elk calls are your lifeline—keep them in tip-top shape and protected with a Puck.

Use Code: PRAYIN10 at checkout for all three to save 10% and support our "License to Kill Initiative" sponsoring veteran hunting and fishing licenses across the USA!

Keep Prayin and Slayin!

Everyone starts somewhere—but no one succeeds alone.

In this episode of the Prayin and Slayin Podcast, we're joined by Jason and young hunter Zi as they share the story behind Zi's first successful turkey hunt. While the longbeard was the goal, the real story is about mentorship, humility, and having the courage to ask for help.

Whether it's in hunting, life, or our walk with Christ, growth begins when we're willing to admit we don't have all the answers. It takes courage to seek guidance from those who have gone before us—and even greater courage to approach God with our needs.

Hebrews 4:16 reminds us:

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

That same principle plays out in the field. Zi's first turkey wasn't just the result of calling in a gobbler—it was the result of trusting a mentor, remaining teachable, and stepping into an experience that will last a lifetime.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Zi's unforgettable first turkey hunt
• Why mentorship is one of the greatest gifts in the outdoors
• The courage and humility it takes to ask for help
• What Hebrews 4:16 teaches us about seeking God's guidance
• Passing on hunting traditions and building the next generation of outdoorsmen

Whether you're introducing someone to hunting, raising the next generation, or simply looking for encouragement in your own walk, this episode is a reminder that strength isn't found in pretending you have it all together—it's found in having the courage to ask for help.

This episode is brought to you by:

DEADNUTS OUTDOORS

Take your practice beyond punching paper with DEADNUTS OUTDOORS' premium 2D lifesize archery targets. Featuring lifesize and real photography, replaceable VITAL-X vital zones, and durable construction built for countless shots, these targets are designed to make every arrow count. Whether you're preparing for whitetail season, chasing elk in the mountains, or introducing a new hunter to ethical shot placement, train with purpose.

Visit www.deadnutsoutdoors.com and use code PRAYIN10 to save while supporting the Prayin and Slayin Podcast.

The Knee Bag from Light The Fire Outdoors

Comfort creates confidence, and confidence creates opportunity. The patent-pending Knee Bag from Light The Fire Outdoors is built for saddle hunters. Use it as a knee cushion against the tree, a shooting support, or a versatile field bag—all proudly Made in the USA by veterans and backed by a mission to give back to veterans and conservation.

Learn more at www.lightthefireoutdoors.com/gear and use code PRAYIN10 for Free Shipping!

PUCK Outdoors.

From protecting your turkey or Elk calls to organizing your fishing tackle, PUCK Outdoors keeps your gear protected and mission-ready. Visit www.puckoutdoors.com and use code PRAYIN10 to save while supporting the podcast.

Keep Prayin'. Keep Slayin'.

What happens when faith, perseverance, and servant leadership come together?

This week on the Prayin and Slayin Podcast, we're joined by Kristen Kopehafer—Pennsylvania Game Commission District 1 Commissioner, conservation advocate, entrepreneur, and passionate outdoorswoman.

Kristen shares the incredible journey behind the fight to expand Sunday hunting opportunities in Pennsylvania, the years of dedication it took to help make it a reality, and the unforgettable 380-yard harvest that became a personal reminder that perseverance pays off.

Together, we discuss what it means to lead through service, balancing family, business, conservation, and faith while staying committed to a mission that's bigger than yourself.

Anchored in Galatians 6:9-10, we explore what Scripture teaches about remaining faithful even when the work is difficult:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..."

In this episode, we discuss:

• Kristen's role in expanding Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania
• The conservation efforts that shape the future of hunting
• The story behind her incredible 380-yard harvest
• Leading with faith while serving your community
• Balancing entrepreneurship, family, and public service
• Why perseverance always produces a harvest

Whether you're passionate about conservation, public lands, hunting, or simply striving to live a life of purpose, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement.

This episode is brought to you by DEADNUTS OUTDOORS.

Train with purpose using DEADNUTS OUTDOORS' premium 2D lifesize archery targets featuring realistic photography and replaceable VITAL-X vital zones. Whether you're preparing for deer, elk, or bear season, practice for ethical shot placement with confidence. Visit www.deadnutsoutdoors.com and use code PRAYIN10 to save 10% on your order.

This episode is brought to you by The Knee Bag from Light The Fire Outdoors.

The patent-pending Knee Bag is built for saddle hunters and treestand hunters who demand comfort and stability in the field. Made in the USA by veterans, it's designed to serve as a knee cushion, shooting support, and versatile field companion—all while supporting a mission that gives back to veterans and conservation. Learn more at www.lightthefireoutdoors.com and use code PRAYIN10 to save 10%!

Keep Prayin' and Slayin'!

This episode is brought to you by PUCK Outdoors.

Protect your turkey calls, organize your fishing tackle, and keep your hunting essentials mission-ready with PUCK Outdoors. Visit www.puckoutdoors.com and use code PRAYIN10 to save 10% while supporting the podcast.

In this episode of the Prayin and Slayin Podcast, we sit down with Hunter and Megan Alsip to break down a season that perfectly illustrates the hierarchy of a life well-lived: God First, Family Second, and Hunt Third.

The Alsips share the incredible story of their Ohio season, which kicked off with Megan dropping a massive buck they called the "Trump Train." While Megan set the bar high, Hunter’s season ended with a "Moonlight Meat Buck"—a basket rack whitetail that proved the true trophy is found in the experience and the provision, not just the inches on the wall.

Beyond the harvest stories, this is a deep conversation about the "Something Good" that keeps a marriage and a family anchored. We discuss marriage vows forged in the woods, the beautiful chaos of parenthood in the outdoors, and how to maintain your priorities when the pressure of the season kicks in.

We ground this conversation in Matthew 6:25-33, reminding us not to be anxious about our lives or what we will eat, but to "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Hunter and Megan live this out by ensuring the hunt never takes the place of the Provider.

A powerful takeaway from this episode is the advice to "Hunt like Jesus is in the blind with you." We explore how to use the silence of the timber not just for scouting, but for prayer and intentional conversation with the Creator. Whether you are a husband, a wife, or a parent trying to lead your family in the field, this episode is a roadmap for keeping your heart right while you hunt hard.

Key Topics Covered:

* "Trump Train": Megan’s giant Ohio buck.

* "Moonlight Meat Buck": Why every harvest matters.

* Marriage & Parenthood: Navigating the outdoors as a team.

* The Hierarchy: God First, Family Second, Hunt Third.

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SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS

We only partner with brands that share our values and build gear that stands up to the standard. Use code PRAYIN10 at checkout to save 10% and support the mission of this network.

Deadnuts Outdoors 2D Targets.

Every shot on a DEADNUTS Target trains you for the real thing in the woods!

Shop here: https://deadnutsoutdoors.com/discount/prayin10

Code: PRAYIN10

Puck Outdoors

Reed call storage tackle pucks for those back country trips on the mountain or by the stream!

Shop here: https://puckoutdoors.com/discount/prayin10

Code: PRAYIN10

The Knee Bag

The ultimate knee comfort option for mobile hunters.

Shop here: GEAR

Code: PRAYIN10 for FREE SHIPPING on your order!

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KEEP PRAYIN AND SLAYIN!

The Standard of Execution.

In this episode, we sit down with Hayden Crass from Kentucky. Hayden is a man who understands the grind of the construction industry and carries that same work ethic into the timber. We dive into the details of his recent milestone: harvesting his first buck out of a saddle.

Saddle hunting requires a higher level of preparation, mobility, and discipline. Hayden breaks down the transition, the learning curve, and the moment of truth when the preparation finally met the opportunity.

What we cover:

* The Construction Mindset: How running a family business in Kentucky shapes his approach to the outdoors.

* The Saddle Shift: Why he made the move to saddle hunting and how it changed his tactical advantage.

* The Harvest: A play-by-play of his first successful buck from the ropes.

* Gratitude in the Grind: Why your current position is exactly where you need to be.

Connect with Hayden:

* TikTok: [@fulldrawkentucky](https://www.tiktok.com/@fulldrawkentucky)

The Closing Word:

"Always be grateful for where you are and what you have, because someone else is always looking at you wishing they had what you do." — Hayden Crass

NETWORK PARTNERS & MISSION-CRITICAL GEAR

DEADNUTS OUTDOORS

Elevate your archery game with the most realistic 2D targets on the market.

* Use Code: PRAYIN10 for 10% off.

* Shop here: (https://www.deadnutsoutdoors.com/discount/field10

THE KNEE BAG by LTFO

The ultimate stability solution for the mobile and saddle hunter.

* Use Code: PRAYIN10 for FREE SHIPPING.

* Shop here: [prayinandslayin.com/gear](https://prayinandslayin.com/gear)

PUCK OUTDOORS

Protect your calls and tackle with the industry's most durable storage.

* Use Code: PRAYIN10 for 10% off.

* Shop here: https://puckoutdoors.com/discount/prayin10

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KEEP PRAYIN AND SLAYIN!