What does it take to find consistent success in the challenging deer hunting environment of Eastern North Carolina? Brian reveals how a $1,000 investment in a jon boat completely transformed his hunting strategy and led to early-season success this year.

Accessing areas where other hunters can't or won't go often makes the difference between seeing deer and seeing trophy deer. Brian walks us through his entire journey — from rebuilding a jon boat to navigating swampy terrain to ultimately harvesting a beautiful 9-point buck he nicknamed "Cheeto" because of its uniquely shaped tine. His story culminates in an unexpected encounter with a wedding party while retrieving his deer by boat, creating a memory that will last a lifetime.

The conversation dives deep into practical hunting tactics tailored for early-season conditions. Both hunters share their observations about deer movement patterns in warm weather, explaining why they focus exclusively on evening hunts when temperatures remain high. They discuss the critical importance of wind direction, trail camera placement, and hunting travel corridors versus food sources depending on the time of season.

Technical details abound for serious bowhunters, from saddle hunting benefits to shot execution strategies that help manage adrenaline during critical moments. Brian explains his patient tracking approach, waiting a full 45 minutes after the shot before beginning to follow the blood trail — a discipline learned from past mistakes. The episode wraps with reflections on what makes Eastern North Carolina deer hunting uniquely challenging and rewarding, emphasizing that success here requires more than luck — it demands preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to go where others won't.

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What separates a good arrow from a truly exceptional one? In this revealing conversation with Cody Griffin, Promotions Manager at Easton, we pull back the curtain on the engineering excellence that makes Easton the premier arrow manufacturer in the world.

Cody takes us inside the closely-guarded manufacturing facilities in Salt Lake City, where American engineering and innovation create arrows that have dominated Olympic archery since 1996. We explore the revolutionary Acu-Carbon process that allows Easton to control four critical arrow elements simultaneously - something no other manufacturer can match. From spine consistency to component tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch, you'll understand why serious archers trust Easton when performance matters most.

The discussion dives deep into the technical aspects that make Easton arrows stand out, including why the Axis 5MM has earned its reputation as "the 30-30 of the arrow world." We break down myths about spine indexing, explore the engineering behind the new Match Grade system, and reveal the sweet spot for hunting arrow setup that balances trajectory with terminal performance.

Beyond the technical details, Cody shares his journey from retail bow shop employee to corporate brand ambassador, illustrating how customer service and archery passion remain at the core of Easton's identity. We also explore the broader archery community, highlighting influential figures who have elevated the sport while maintaining authenticity.

Whether you're a competitive archer seeking every advantage or a dedicated bowhunter demanding reliability when it matters most, this episode delivers rare insights into the science and craftsmanship behind the arrows trusted by champions worldwide.

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What does it really mean to be self-sufficient in today's disconnected world? Alison Zeiselmeier might have the answer.

As our first female guest on the podcast, Alison brings a refreshing perspective to traditionally male-dominated outdoor pursuits. From growing up with parents who encouraged outdoor exploration to becoming a skilled bow hunter, homesteader, and professional taxidermist, her journey exemplifies authentic connection with the natural world.

Our conversation weaves through the challenges and triumphs of bow hunting, including Alison's candid recounting of missed shots and the humbling learning curve that comes with developing true skill. We explore her philosophy of ethical hunting—where taking an animal's life is just the beginning of a process that honors the creature by using as much as possible, from meat to bone broth.

Particularly fascinating is Alison's solo backcountry elk hunting expedition in Colorado, where she traveled alone across country, camped along remote trails, and hunted on horseback through mountain terrain. Though she didn't harvest an elk, her description of riding horseback in total darkness, trusting her mount along dangerous mountain trails under star-filled skies, captures the transcendent moments that make such journeys worthwhile.

As a female taxidermist, Alison brings exceptional attention to detail to her craft, describing the process of transforming hunters' trophies into lasting memories. Nothing compares to the joy of seeing a young hunter's face when presented with their first mounted deer—a testament to the emotional connections hunting creates across generations.

Throughout our discussion, one theme remains constant: the value of capability and self-reliance. Whether it's growing food, hunting meat, or navigating wilderness alone, Alison's story reminds us that these skills connect us to our humanity in profound ways. Ready to explore your own outdoor journey? This conversation might be just the inspiration you need.

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Every hunter dreams of exploring new territories, but planning a successful out-of-state hunt requires more than just booking time off and hitting the road. In this candid conversation with experienced hunter and outdoorsman JR Owen, we unpack the essential elements that separate triumphant adventures from disappointing expeditions.

Fresh off his 700-mile journey on the Appalachian Trail, JR brings his methodical planning approach to hunting preparation. He breaks down the critical first steps of selecting a destination based on budget, species availability, and terrain preferences. The conversation takes a practical turn as we explore the often-overlooked importance of thoroughly understanding state regulations, which can vary dramatically across borders and change yearly.

Equipment preparation emerges as another cornerstone of success, with JR emphasizing the value of "shakedowns" - comprehensive testing of all gear before departure. From proper sleeping systems that match anticipated temperatures to ensuring your bow or rifle is perfectly tuned, these preparations prevent the heartbreak of equipment failures in the field.

What truly sets this discussion apart is the tactical wisdom for hunting unfamiliar terrain. JR shares his approach to scouting new areas, building rapport with locals, and adapting to different deer behaviors across regions. His experiences hunting in Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arizona provide real-world context for these strategies, highlighting how terrain differences demand flexibility in hunting approaches.

Whether you're planning your first out-of-state adventure or looking to improve your success rate on established trips, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's learned through both triumphs and failures. Because as JR reminds us - you're not getting any younger, so commit to the adventure. The memories will be worth every moment of preparation.

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What separates the consistently successful bow hunters from those who struggle season after season? The answer might surprise you. It's not about having the latest gear or hunting the most days - it's about strategic thinking and methodical preparation that happens long before opening day.

Levi Marshall, a dedicated whitetail hunter, reveals his systematic approach to scouting and hunting that has helped him harvest mature bucks on pressured properties. The conversation opens with a critical but often overlooked foundation - ensuring your home life is balanced before attempting to focus in the field. As Levi explains, "If your home life isn't in order, I'm not going to be a hundred percent involved or focused on the tasks at hand."

From there, we explore the counterintuitive strategies that drive his success. While many hunters wait until summer to begin scouting, Levi believes your next hunting season begins as soon as the current one ends. His approach to trail cameras challenges conventional wisdom - using fewer cameras strategically placed and rarely checked to minimize pressure. Most surprisingly, he refuses to hunt unless he's confirmed deer movement through observation first: "I don't sit in a tree stand unless I physically see something that I can action on."

The most valuable insights come when discussing bedding area identification, access strategies, and the critical importance of wind and weather patterns. Levi's military background informs his tactical approach, treating every hunt like a mission with no detail too small. Through stories of success and failure, he paints a picture of whitetail hunting as a process of continuous learning and adaptation rather than random luck.

Whether you're struggling to consistently tag mature bucks or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers actionable strategies to transform your hunting experience. The question hunters should ask themselves isn't "Where should I hunt?" but rather "Am I hoping or am I hunting?"

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Ruben Carreras takes us on a compelling journey through his evolution from Marine Corps parachute rigger to accomplished bowhunter and fitness enthusiast. After years of hunting frustration, Ruben finally cracked the code this season, harvesting two impressive bucks within nine days using a traditional bow – an achievement that came from fundamentally changing his approach to hunting.

The secret to his success wasn't simply logging more hours in the stand. Instead, Ruben discovered that strategic patience, understanding deer behavior, and mastering entry routes made all the difference. "Just because you have time to be in the woods doesn't mean you should," he shares, emphasizing how counterproductive it can be to hunt during suboptimal conditions. His breakthrough came when he completely changed his approach angle to a familiar hunting spot, creating a scenario where his scent wouldn't reach deer until they were already within shooting range.

Equally impressive is Ruben's physical transformation. Starting at 225 pounds and struggling to run a mile, he committed to a fitness journey that saw him drop to 175 pounds before eventually pursuing bodybuilding. This improved physical condition directly enhanced his hunting effectiveness, allowing him to access more remote areas and recover harvested animals more efficiently. Now approaching his first bodybuilding competition, Ruben embodies the discipline that carries over between the gym and the woods.

Whether you're struggling with hunting consistency, looking to improve your physical capabilities, or simply appreciate authentic stories of outdoor passion, this conversation delivers powerful insights about patience, strategy, and the discipline required for success in both hunting and life. Join us for a candid discussion about what it truly takes to evolve as a hunter and as a person.

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A wooden bow in hand, watching an arrow's perfect flight, and feeling that connection to something ancient and primal—this is the world of traditional bowhunting that Joe Long introduces us to in this captivating conversation. From his earliest memories of fashioning homemade bows as a child to becoming an accomplished traditional archer, Joe shares how the "mystical flight of the arrow" captured his imagination and never let go.

We dive deep into the technical aspects that make traditional archery uniquely challenging yet rewarding. Joe explains why he prefers different feather lengths for various hunting scenarios, the advantages of hunting from a saddle versus a lock-on stand, and how shooting a traditional bow can actually make you more deadly with a compound. For anyone curious about making the transition to traditional archery, his practical insights offer a roadmap for success.

The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn when we explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of extended hunting trips. Both hunters describe a remarkable phenomenon where, after several days in the wilderness, ancient instincts awaken—heightened awareness, sharper senses, and a profound connection to the natural world that simply isn't possible during shorter outings. This reconnection to our evolutionary heritage as hunters offers a powerful counterpoint to our increasingly digital, disconnected lives.

Conservation issues take center stage as Joe articulates the critical importance of science-based wildlife management, particularly regarding Colorado's proposed ban on mountain lion hunting. His measured explanation of predator-prey dynamics challenges common misconceptions and highlights how proper hunting regulations contribute to ecosystem health rather than harm it. We finish with masterful turkey hunting tactics, from decoy setups to calling strategies, that will have you eager for spring season.

Whether you're a seasoned traditional archer or simply curious about this ancient pursuit, this episode reminds us that hunting represents something far more meaningful than just a successful harvest—it's about conservation, connection, and carrying forward the wisdom of our ancestors. Join us next time for more authentic outdoor conversations!

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What does it take to operate at the highest levels across multiple domains of life? Justin Morris reveals the mindset and methods that have allowed him to excel in federal law enforcement while passionately pursuing bow hunting, jiu-jitsu, and outdoor adventures.

As a former military member who transitioned through private contracting into local police work and eventually to the Department of Justice, Justin brings a unique perspective on discipline and performance. His approach is refreshingly straightforward: go all-in on everything, surround yourself with people who make you feel "common among uncommon men," and maintain relentless forward momentum.

"I have to constantly be doing something," Justin explains, describing his 4 AM wake-ups, daily jiu-jitsu training, and full workdays followed by bow hunting or other pursuits. But rather than presenting himself as superhuman, he shares practical insights about simplifying processes, eliminating wasted time, and maintaining focus on fundamentals. His philosophy that "it's easier to maintain than restart" applies equally to fitness, skills development, and life management.

Justin also candidly discusses his rapid immersion into bow hunting over the past two years—the mistakes made, lessons learned, and the humbling experience of a dangerous fall that reinforced the importance of safety protocols even for experienced outdoorsmen. His reflections on hunting smaller properties, finding joy in the process rather than just success, and planning for strategic improvement in upcoming seasons offer valuable insights for hunters at any experience level.

Perhaps most compelling is Justin's insight into how these intense physical challenges provide essential mental space in a high-stress life. Whether in the silence of a tree stand or the discipline of martial arts training, these pursuits offer more than just accomplishment—they create a counterbalance to professional demands and a connection to what matters most.

What will you commit to going "150%" into after listening to this episode? Follow our social pages for future content, upcoming giveaways, and more conversations with remarkable individuals pushing the boundaries of performance in all aspects of life.

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Some times you've got to get aggressive bowhunting whitetil deer and create your own luck. That's exactly what Joe did this year with his aggressive bow hunting tactics. In this episode of the show we sit down with Joe Kolaszewski a prior Recon Marine who transferred to the Navy and is currently serving as a Critical Flight Care Nurse, and discuss his bow hunting tactics, the reason he shoots an 80lb bow, how he involves his family in his hunting adventures and his plans for his upcoming Elk Season in Colorado. 

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Bow hunting on it's own is hard enough. As a bowhunter you are constantly battling and over coming new challenges, but when you start later in life, have to compete with dog hunters and have injuries to over come it can really be even more of a challenge.

In this episode I sit down with Bryan Gay and discuss his background, his successful 2024 season, how he got his late start into bow hunting and the challenges he has faced.

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