Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting

Nick opens with a personal update on the shift from summer chaos into early fall hunting season, then moves into two connected stories about wild game, generosity, and community. He reflects on being gifted Great Lakes salmon and lake trout, turning part of it into smoked jerky, and how that exchange strengthened a friendship. He also previews an upcoming New Jersey black bear hunt and a new venison donation project that uses hunters’ harvests to help feed others.

Key Topics

• Balancing school, work, family, and hunting preparation as fall approaches
• Why Nick is keeping his current archery setup unchanged
• Repacking his kill kit and bringing a paperback book into the tree stand
• Preparing for an October black bear hunt in New Jersey with Mitchell Shirk
• Processing and preserving gifted Great Lakes salmon and lake trout
• Making smoked fish jerky using a brown sugar and salt cure
• Smoking fish with charcoal and black cherry wood
• The practical process of trimming fillets and removing pin bones
• How gifting wild game can create friendships and strengthen community
• Using salmon as part of a practical meal-prep routine
• The Doe Dash venison donation concept
• Turning donated venison into food for local food banks
• Using recipes to help families enjoy venison beyond burgers and chili
• Nick’s quick 30-minute meatballs and his wife’s grandfather’s gyoza recipe
• The role hunters can play in providing high-quality protein to people in need

Episode Summary

Preparing for Fall Hunting SeasonNick begins by describing the transition into September in Michigan. With school back in session, a nine-to-five job, children, and personal projects all competing for attention, he is learning to manage his time more intentionally.Fall is also the season when outdoor pursuits begin to accelerate. Nick talks about preparing for Michigan’s archery opener and getting his bow back out to start practicing. His equipment has been working well, so he is taking a simple approach: if something is not broken, there is no reason to fix it.One small change he is considering is bringing a paperback book into the tree stand. Rather than spending downtime scrolling on his phone, he wants to use that time to read and gain a different perspective while remaining immersed in the outdoors.

A New Jersey Black Bear HuntNick shares exciting news about an upcoming trip to New Jersey to hunt black bear with Mitchell Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman.The trip is already moving forward, with flights and lodging arranged. Mitchell has been handling much of the scouting, baiting, and stand preparation, while Nick plans to bring his saddle because it allows him to sit comfortably for longer periods.The hunt will be a completely new experience for Nick. In addition to pursuing a new species in unfamiliar country, he will also have to think through the logistics of processing, transporting, and preserving a bear while traveling by plane. He hopes to bring the hide home for a rug and expects to rely heavily on Mitchell’s knowledge of local processors and taxidermists.

The Gift of Great Lakes FishThe central story begins with several fillets of Great Lakes king salmon and lake trout sitting in Nick’s freezer.The important part is not simply the fish. It is how the fish came to him.

Nick received the fish from Jason and Britley, friends he met through their sons’ soccer team. Jason is an avid outdoorsman who spends much of his time waterfowl hunting and fishing on the Great Lakes. After Jason and his fishing team won a tournament, he found himself with more fish than his household could use because Britley has a serious fish allergy.

Jason reached out to Nick, knowing that Nick enjoys both cooking and processing wild game. Nick offered to take some of the fish, prepare it, and turn part of it into jerky so Jason could continue enjoying the harvest without wasting it.Processing Lake Trout for Smoked Jerky

Nick explains the practical work involved in preparing the fish. The fillets had already been scaled, so he focused on trimming them and removing the pin bones.He used needle-nose pliers to locate and pull the bones from the larger fillets. Some of the bones were substantial, especially in the bigger fish.Nick also discusses the differences between the fish. Lake trout has a richer, oilier character than king salmon, which gives it a stronger and more distinctive flavor. Instead of viewing that as a negative, Nick embraced the uniqueness of the fish and found that its higher fat content worked well for jerky.The Cure and Smoking ProcessFor the first batch, Nick followed a method inspired by Hank Shaw. The cure consisted primarily of brown sugar and salt. Because fish absorbs salt quickly, he allowed the fillets to cure for roughly six to eight hours before rinsing them and preparing them for the smoker.

A problem arose when Nick discovered that his smoker had developed a rust issue. Rather than abandoning the project, he adapted by using cooling racks on his charcoal grill.He also used black cherry wood from a storm-damaged tree in his backyard. The combination of charcoal and homemade wood chunks created the smoke needed to transform the fish.Nick describes how the smoke changed the appearance of the bright red fish, giving it a warm, tan color while preserving the visual appeal of the meat. The result was not just flavorful; it was something that looked appetizing before it was even tasted.

Sharing the Finished ProductAfter reducing the moisture and concentrating the flavor, Nick packaged the finished fish and gave it back to Jason.

The amount was noticeably smaller than the original fresh fish because of the water loss during smoking, but the value of the gift had increased. Jason could now enjoy his catch in a preserved form, and he had a product that was easier to store and use.This created a meaningful exchange. Jason had gifted Nick the fish, and Nick returned part of that bounty in a new form. The interaction became more than food preservation. It became a way for two outdoorsmen to share skills, effort, and appreciation.The Community Built Through Wild GameNick connects this experience to the broader tradition of sharing wild game.Hunters and anglers often trade venison, duck breasts, fish, and other harvests with one another. Someone may have extra duck but no fish. Another person may have more fish than their family can use but would gladly trade for venison.These exchanges create relationships. They help people use more of the animals they harvest, reduce waste, and give friends an opportunity to experience food they may not otherwise have access to.Nick reflects on the familiar saying:

Copy

“If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.”

For Nick, the saying leaves out something important. When you give someone a fish, you may also create gratitude, conversation, friendship, and a desire to share in return.

Fish as Everyday Meal Preparation Not all of the gifted fish became jerky. Nick also used some of it for family meals and meal preparation.He describes preparing salmon with rice and avocado as a balanced lunch containing protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Having prepared meals available helped him avoid relying on fast food during a busy workday.This connects the gift of fish to another benefit: wild game and locally harvested food can become part of a practical everyday routine, not just a special occasion meal.From Friendship to OutreachThe conversation then expands beyond the exchange between Nick and Jason.

Attribution Code

"Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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Sometimes a race doesn’t go according to plan—and sometimes it's an even bigger surprise at the end.

In this episode, we take a look back on a race when the hounds made a switch in mid-race, something we never knew about until just before dark when we corralled a giant in the rocks. 

It’s the kind of chase that reminds you why these moments stick with you: the chase, the instincts, the adrenaline, and the surprise waiting at the end. What started as one race quickly turned into a story worth telling—and a memory that takes you right back to being there.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined once again by his good friend Jason Goe for a conversation about scouting whitetails when time in the woods is limited. As work, family, and everyday responsibilities take up more time, preparing for deer season doesn't always look like it once did. Jason explains why, if he had to choose, he'd put more value on in-season scouting than months of offseason preparation. The guys discuss map scouting, reading terrain and habitat changes, finding fresh sign, and Jason's approach to "speed scouting" his way through unfamiliar areas until he finds where the deer are actually spending their time.

The conversation digs into how aggressive a bowhunter can afford to be, when to stop and hunt versus keep scouting, and why bumping deer doesn't necessarily ruin a spot. Jason shares several examples of bucks he eventually killed because he was willing to take the scenic route, investigate something he observed, or abandon a good-looking setup when the deer told him he was in the wrong place. They also discuss trail cameras, planning limited vacation days around the rut, building confidence through experience, and resisting the temptation to overcomplicate deer hunting. Whether you have an entire week to hunt or you're trying to make the most of a Saturday and Sunday, this conversation is about gathering information, adapting to what the woods are telling you, and learning how to hunt what's happening right now.

Some hunting stories are funny. This one is pure deer-camp gold. Greg Franzoni and Dan Johnson trade the kind of public-land memories, family traditions, and hard-earned lessons that only come from years in the woods - and a few disasters you have to hear to believe.

Greg shares how a second-weekend deer camp became a multi-generation tradition built on communication, patience, and a whole lot of laughter. Dan brings the perspective of a bowhunter and storyteller who knows exactly how much the culture around hunting matters, especially when kids, dads, buddies, and grandkids all start showing up with their own stories.

You’ll discover:

• Why deer camp is about far more than filling a tag
• How Greg’s crew manages public-land deer drives with walkie-talkies, shared maps, and constant awareness
• The hilarious origin stories behind nicknames like Roadkill and Joe Boo
• What it was like hunting with barely any gear, frozen feet, and questionable orange
• Why the meals, the cabin, and the stories around the table may be the real reason the tradition survives

Greg also opens up about becoming a hunter without growing up in a hunting family, how bowhunting changed his approach, and why teaching, sports, and outdoor life all connect through the same competitive, comedic spirit. Dan adds his own unforgettable childhood hunting mishaps, including one that will make every listener wince and laugh at the same time.

This episode is a reminder that hunting is never just hunting - it’s the people, the stories, the rituals, and the shared history that keep bringing everyone back. Essential listening if you love deer camp, public-land hunting, family traditions, or just a great story told by two guys who know how to keep it real.

Vitalize Seed, Grandpa Ray Outdoors, Northwoods Whitetail, Real World Wildlife Products

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of managing hunting properties, focusing on food plots, soil health, and the common mistakes landowners make. The host and guests share insights on the importance of soil testing, proper planting techniques, and the significance of timing and seed selection in achieving successful food plots. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to land management, considering factors like soil temperature, depth, and the diversity of plant species to maximize hunting success.

Takeaways

• Building relationships with clients enhances the consulting experience.
• Soil biology is crucial for seed germination and plant growth.
• Random seed distribution can be beneficial for food plots.
• Timing and depth of planting significantly affect crop success.
• Understanding seed quality is essential for effective planting.
• Soil tests are necessary to determine nutrient needs.
• Small plots require careful plant selection to avoid overgrazing.
• Diversity in plant species can improve food plot resilience.
• Avoiding blind fertilizer applications can prevent nutrient imbalances.
• Managing deer density is critical for food plot success.

Tags hunting, land management, food plots, soil testing, seed selection, deer hunting, habitat improvement, agricultural practices, wildlife management, planting techniques

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September deer hunting is all about reading the landscape before the deer read you. If your season opens now, Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau break down exactly how they’d attack the first week of September - from scouting from the road to picking apart food, cover, water, and the subtle pressure points that actually reveal deer movement.

The big question is simple: if opener was tomorrow, where would you start? Dan and Jason answer that with a practical, boots-on-the-ground plan for early season whitetails, whether you’re hunting private ground, public land, or a short out-of-state trip. They dig into why the first move is often glassing field edges at last light, how to use maps and OnX layers to identify bed-to-food transitions, and when it makes sense to stay aggressive with in-season scouting instead of burning a stand too early.

You'll discover:

• How to scout a September opener without overhunting your best spots
• Why drought, crop production, and water sources can completely change deer behavior
• How acorns, mast years, and shaded bean fields can create or kill a setup
• Why one buck may go hard-horn fast and shift movement earlier than you expect
• When to hunt from the road, when to go inside-out, and when to stay out entirely

Dan also shares a real-world look at what’s happening on his properties right now - from changing crop color to early hard-horned bucks and the possibility that deer movement is already shifting. Jason adds a state-by-state perspective, comparing dry western ground to moisture-rich eastern states and showing how the same September tactics need to change based on terrain, crop conditions, and deer density.

If you hunt a September opener, have limited time in the woods, or are trying to avoid blowing up a good property before the season even starts, this episode gives you a clear framework for where to look first and what sign matters most. Essential listening if you want to make your first hunt of the season your best one.

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In this episode, I sit down once again with Michael Pitts from Realtree to break down everything you need to know heading into early season. We dive into our personal game plans for this year, what’s already standing out in the woods, and how to stay one step ahead of deer before pressure starts to build.

Michael shares key insights on scouting smarter—not harder—including what specific signs to focus on, how to interpret early-season movement, and the small details that can make or break your hunt. From food sources and bedding transitions to trail camera strategies, this conversation is packed with practical tips you can apply right now.

If you’re looking to fine-tune your early season approach and maximize your chances from day one, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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On this episode of The Wisconsin Sportsman, Pierce is joined by Brett Smith from Whitetail Land Management Services to do a little reflection, and suggestion on the current state of deer hunting in Wisconsin! Brett is a Wisconsin-native and the owner of Whitetail Land Management Services, who specializes in helping folks design and manage their properties around the country. In this conversation, Brett shares his thoughts on whether or not Buffalo County is still all it's cracked up to be, whether or not CWD is as serious as they say, the importance of deer herd balance, and how cell cameras are ruining hunting and disconnecting you from your property. All that and more in this week's episode!

Huge thanks to Brett for coming on the show! Be sure to get in touch with him at whitetaillandmangementservices.com and follow along with him @whitetaillandmangement on social media

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TAKE ACTION THROUGH BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS

Clean comedy, childhood chaos, and a brutally honest conversation about what actually shapes us.

Dan Johnson and MCKV start with a laugh about Wayne's World, blooper reels, and the kind of humor that still works without swearing, but the episode quickly turns into something far more revealing: a raw, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful look at growing up, sibling battles, and the long shadow of childhood.

You’ll hear Dan and MCKV swap stories about:

• sibling sabotage, unplugged Sega Genesis games, and the psychology of being the older or younger brother
• what it was like growing up on farms, with acres of freedom, beaver dams, creek stomping, barefoot gravel, and zero supervision
• why kids used to create their own games for hours, and whether today’s comfort makes everyone softer
• the difference between real hardship and modern inconvenience, from one bathroom houses to kids arguing over favorite showers
• how shame, embarrassment, and being made fun of as a kid can shape the way you handle money, clothes, and confidence as an adult

Dan opens up about a painful childhood moment involving divorce, stepfamily tension, and getting mocked for wearing Walmart shoes instead of Nikes, and explains how that experience helped form the thick skin and calm-under-pressure mindset he carries today. MCKV pushes the conversation deeper, asking how temperament, environment, and insecurity collide to shape the adults we become.

This is the kind of episode that hits because it’s funny before it gets honest, and honest before it gets profound. If you grew up rough, grew up privileged, or are raising kids somewhere in between, you’ll recognize a lot of yourself here.Perfect for anyone who loves real talk about parenting, resilience, brotherhood, and the weird ways childhood never really leaves us.

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Ready to publishPheasant hunting gets a whole lot better when you learn how a father-son crew turned South Dakota bird camp into a 30-year tradition, and why the best hunting stories sometimes start with World Series tickets. Brandon Marcourt breaks down the kind of upland and waterfowl setup most hunters only dream about, from wild pheasants and pothole ducks to the dogs, land access, and family rituals that keep the whole thing running.

Dan Johnson and Brandon trade stories about getting ready for youth season, the pull of cool August mornings, and what it means to finally have the gear, cameras, bow, and stands ready to go. But the real hook is Brandon's story about his dad and a buddy swapping Minnesota Twins World Series tickets for hunting permission in South Dakota, a deal that led to years of pheasant hunts, new land access, and a hunting tradition that has lasted decades.

You'll discover:

• How Brandon's crew built a reliable pheasant and waterfowl routine across multiple South Dakota trips each year
• Why hard winters, iced-over grass, and a bad hatch can make or break pheasant numbers
• What it takes to train a Labrador to hunt both pheasants and ducks, and why a fully trained bird dog is worth the investment
• How experienced dogs like Finn learn to read birds, scent, and wind with less input over time
• Why Brandon believes the best hunting memories now come from watching his kids and dogs work birds together

Brandon also shares what it costs to buy and train a real hunting dog, how he handles different commands in the field, and why pheasant hunting offers a completely different kind of challenge than deer hunting. If you've ever wondered what makes bird camp addictive, how family hunting traditions get built, or why upland hunting becomes more appealing as the years go by, this one will hit home.

Perfect for deer hunters, bird hunters, dog lovers, and anyone who misses that first fall chill and feels the season calling. If you love hearing how hunting traditions get passed down and why the dog is often the heart of the hunt, hit play.

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