One of the best things about hunting is that you get to do it your way. Unfortunately, in today's social media driven world, we've let outside influences have to much control over how we hunt. It's time we got back to how it used to be. Hunt for yourself and no one else. Unapologetically. It's not selfish, or inconsiderate, it's preservation. Don't let anyone take away from you what hunting can be.

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For some reason, people in hunting media and content creation love to give poachers a platform. Especially when they kill big deer. Illegally. The reason is actually fairly obvious. It's all for clicks. We need to stop though. It's damaging to hunting, hunting culture, and the guys and gals who do it the right way. That's what the guys are talking about this week. Let us know what you think.

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For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

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For the last couple years we've tried to provide an update on the prevalence of EHD in Illinois at this time of year. Since it's been so dry, it seems to be on everyone's mind. As it usually is in August and September. Here's what we've seen and heard in the state. What about you? Leave a comment and let us know!

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For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

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Steve Sherk is undeniably one of the good guys in the industry. He's also undeniably a public land, big woods, big buck killer. Steve has a wealth of knowledge on big buck behavior and how to get them on the ground. He runs over 180 trail cameras for his guide service, spends 300+ days in the woods every year, and has been guiding hunts for a long time. There are few people with more experience and data points than Steve when it comes to the type of hunting he does. He also writes for North American Whitetail and loves to share his knowledge whenever and wherever possible.

This week, we talked about the biggest factors in deer movement patterns, where to find big bucks throughout the year, and how he keeps and uses his trail camera data.

For more on Steve, check out episodes 19, 71, 100, and 137.

You can follow him on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/sherksguideservice/

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

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Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game Supplements for all your mineral and protein needs! Go to Raksmineral.com and use code FULLDRAW for 15% off your entire order!

Submit questions or comments to:

[email protected]

Find us on Social:

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This week we are coming to you from the Sitka Gear outlet in Vernon Hills, Illinois. We've got guests from Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Backcountry Hunter's & Anglers, Learn to Hunt, and Tanglefree Waterfowl. Oh, and of course, Sitka as well. All great interviews on episode 168!

Ducks Unlimited - https://www.ducks.org/illinois

BHA - https://www.backcountryhunters.org/illinois

Tanglefree Waterfowl - https://tanglefree.com/

Learn To Hunt - https://huntillinois.org/learn-to-hunt

Delta Waterfowl - https://www.facebook.com/ILdeltawaterfowl/

Sitka Vernon Hills - https://www.sitkagear.com/vernon-hills-store

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game Supplements for all your mineral and protein needs! Go to Raksmineral.com and use code FULLDRAW for 15% off your entire order!

Submit questions or comments to:

[email protected]

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We've got a bit of a throwback episode this week, as Canyon dives into an article from North American Whitetail. Specifically, one from Steve Sherk called "Don't Miss Deer Days." These are the weather events that make for the best days of the season to kill big bucks. Hope this helps this fall!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

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Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game Supplements for all your mineral and protein needs! Go to Raksmineral.com and use code FULLDRAW for 15% off your entire order!

Submit questions or comments to:

[email protected]

Find us on Social:

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We're coming to you from the 2025 Illinois Deer and Beer Fest this week. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi and to all our new listeners! This is probably our favorite show every year and most of that is due to the people who come out and see us. Nate also got to meet a couple mounts of what could be our newest predators in Illinois.

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game Supplements for all your mineral and protein needs! Go to Raksmineral.com and use code FULLDRAW for 15% off your entire order!

Submit questions or comments to:

[email protected]

Find us on Social:

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Nate and Blake are back in studio this week to discuss how poorly run Illinois is when it comes to conservation, the fall food plot situation, and the upcoming season. Per usual, we covered a lot of ground on this episode, so throw on some good boots and come with us!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game Supplements for all your mineral and protein needs! Go to Raksmineral.com and use code FULLDRAW for 15% off your entire order!

Submit questions or comments to:

[email protected]

Find us on Social:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50IZ_HE2pnMBjRyPpmgvMg

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This week, Canyon and Austin (both whitetail consultants), talk about when you should and when you shouldn't hire a consultant to help with your whitetail property. There's a lot of reasons it's a good idea, and there's several situations where it isn't. Check out the episode and comment what you think!

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

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Tactical Approach Outdoors:

Tacticalapproachoutdors.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tacticalapproachoutdoorsLLC

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TacticalApproachOutdoors

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game Supplements for all your mineral and protein needs! Go to Raksmineral.com and use code FULLDRAW for 15% off your entire order!

Submit questions or comments to:

[email protected]

Find us on Social:

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Illinois HB2726 gives the IDNR power to reintroduce apex predators like black bears, wolves, and mountain lions to Illinois. I don't think this is a great idea. The bill has already passed Congress and now sits on the governor's desk. If you care about our wildlife, your kids' safety, and your peace of mind when enjoying the outdoors, call his office and tell him to veto it.

https://www.illinois.gov/about/contact-us.html

Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831

Ridge Hunter Products and Merchandise:

Ridgehunteroutdoors.com

Discount Code: RHOPOD for 10% off everything in your order

Support our Partners:

For any info on real estate available through Midwest Farm and Land, or anything that RG Outdoors has, contact Rodney Hawkins 618-925-3153.

Check out Raks Big Game Supplements for all your mineral and protein needs! Go to Raksmineral.com and use code FULLDRAW for 15% off your entire order!

Submit questions or comments to:

[email protected]

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