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A chocolate-antler blacktail at 20 yards on opening morning isn’t a fluke—it’s the outcome of a system built on habitat, scent discipline, and patient stand time. We sit down with Cully Scroggins to unpack how a summer-long pattern, a tight entry route, and a believable scent profile turned a thick patch of viny maple and ferns into a daylight magnet. If you’ve ever been told big bucks only move at night, this story will change your map—and your mindset.

We trace Cully’s path from glassing clear cuts to hunting the “right 20 yards,” where cover, wind, and micro terrain do most of the work. He explains why he skipped estrus, leaned on synthetic bedding cues, and treated scent control like gear, not a guess. The payoff wasn’t just photos; it was confidence. Does and fawns kept the area “alive,” the dominant buck shifted the whole mood when he arrived, and a calm draw behind a tree ended with a perfect heart shot and a short death run. Along the way, we pull in hard-won lessons from his college whitetail days—access, permission, and reading edges—and show how those skills translate directly to blacktail success.

We also zoom out to talk herd health, genetics, and policy. From minerals and protein (where legal) to identifying dominant lines like “Scarface” and “Mr. Krabs,” we dig into what actually grows better deer and steadier hunts. Whether you’re wrestling with camera failures, baiting bans, or just the myth of nocturnal movement, you’ll leave with a clear, repeatable plan: find real thick, set smart, enter clean, and let behavior tell you when to draw.

If this conversation helps you rethink your approach, follow the show, share it with a hunting partner, and leave a quick review so more blacktail hunters can find it. Got a tactic that changed your season? Tell us—we might feature it next.

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Nilch’i Wind Checks - An easy to use, must have gear addition to our hunts

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Ready to stop throwing Hail Mary hunts and start building a plan that works? We open the playbook for 2026 and share every path you can take to become your own guide, from the Trophy Tactics course to small-group coaching and immersive field days. You’ll hear exactly who each option serves, how to choose based on your schedule and learning style, and why disciplined note taking and quick troubleshooting turn trail cam photos into tagged bucks.

We walk through the online and in-person Trophy Tactics formats with clear dates, deposits, and discounts, then dig into the monthly coaching program that runs May through January. Coaching adds structure, SMART goals, and real-time support between sessions, so you never feel stuck when a target buck shifts patterns. Two included field days make the system tactile: you’ll evaluate habitat on the ground in March, then build a complete set in August—kill spot, wind, access, stand, blind, drags, and scent—so you’re ready when the season opens.

Alumni Mark and Alex share how they translated the framework into results. One used weekly online cadence to reflect, question, and stack skills; the other leaned on a fast “test set” pivot and a new blind to capitalize when a buck daylighted in a different spot. Their stories underscore the core idea: success is no accident. Data, timing, and decisive moves beat panic every time.

We also unveil the next step: the Hunters’ Gathering, an expanded, multi-day, multi-species weekend at Cascades Camp. Learn blacktail from us, elk strategies with Trent Fisher of Born and Raised, bear tactics with Heather Aldrich, and turkey calling and setups with our own Alex Cheney. Food and lodging are included, capacity is limited, and you’ll get hours of access to ask questions, compare notes, and leave with a kit to hit the ground running.

If this is your year to move from guesswork to a system, pick your lane—course, coaching, field days, or the full Gathering—and commit. Subscribe, share with a hunting buddy, and leave a review telling us which class you’re eyeing next.

Nilch'i Wind Checks
Nilch’i Wind Checks - An easy to use, must have gear addition to our hunts

Dead Down Wind
Scent Elimination Products

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When the sky flips, deer and elk rewrite their script—and we show you how to read it. From August scorchers to winter squalls, we map out what animals actually do in heat, wind, rain, snow, and sudden barometric swings so you can plan smarter sits and stay safe doing it. We start with early season strategy: water and wallows for elk, shady alder–conifer drainages for blacktail, and the way thermals carry cool air and scent through the places bucks already prefer. You’ll hear why rotating shade is a real tactic for deer, and how that scraggly summer coat changes where and when you’ll see them.

Then we tackle wind with two truths hunters often miss: moderate wind can be your ally, but big timber and big gusts introduce real danger. We compare open-country whitetail movement in high winds to how blacktail and elk tuck into leeward pockets, and we lay out practical setups that balance visibility, scent, and safety. Rain is where most folks misread sign; we explain why steady showers tend to bed deer down, how hard bursts push them to their feet, and why the best movement happens between showers and right at the edges of a front. Layer in pressure trends and you get a reliable forecast for daylight activity—rising numbers are great, but sharp drops can kickstart prefront feeding too.

Snow and extreme cold bring their own gifts. Fresh tracks make patterns obvious, post-squall movement can be fast and generous, and cold snaps elevate mid-day action as animals burn calories to stay warm. We also clear up rut confusion: day length sets timing, heat simply shifts the show into the night. Finally, we draw a hard line on thunderstorms and dangerous winds—lightning, falling timber, and overloaded senses make those windows not worth the risk.

Want more filled tags and fewer empty sits? Watch the radar, track pressure, and hunt the moment of change. If this breakdown helped sharpen your plan, follow the show, share it with a hunting buddy, and leave a quick review telling us your best “between showers” or “after the front” success story.

Nilch'i Wind Checks
Nilch’i Wind Checks - An easy to use, must have gear addition to our hunts

Dead Down Wind
Scent Elimination Products

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Shopping for a hunter can feel like trying to read a gear catalog in another language. We make it simple with a clear map of what actually gets used, what’s worth upgrading, and how to time big purchases so you don’t overspend. From arrows, ammo, and batteries to heated vests, merino layers, and trail camera essentials, we share the real-world picks that carry a season—not just a single trip.

We also dig into the details that matter: why a better headlamp changes dark hikes, how alpaca and merino manage sweat across multi-day hunts, and which boots match still sits versus mountain miles. If you’re weighing big-ticket buys, we talk timing for bows, rifles, optics, and how to gift the shopping trip so specs don’t get missed. For trail cams, we cover lifespan, off-season care, SD card systems, and the little add-ons that prevent headaches in the field.

With Camo Fire and Black Ovis winding down, we lay out a smart deal strategy: lean on local shops for expertise, compare Amazon with Walmart’s online-only inventory, watch brand promos, and consider used communities for budget wins. We also explain why knowledge beats gadgets—coaching, classes, and curated gear guides can deliver annual results without the guided hunt price tag. Want a low-stress, high-impact holiday plan for the hunter you love? Use this guide, share it with your gift team, and turn guessing into confidence.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s shopping for a hunter, and leave a quick review to help others find us.

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Ever feel that nagging urge to change everything mid‑sit? We’ve been there. This week, we dig into why second guessing wrecks hunts and how a simple, structured plan—paired with honest data—keeps you on track to tag mature blacktails. We lay out the season framework we teach our coaching groups: a calendar you actually follow, the intel you record each day, and the small, repeatable actions that compound into results. No fluff, no hype, just practical steps that build confidence when the woods go quiet.

We talk through the reality behind those giant summer trail‑cam bucks and why locating is the unromantic keystone of success. You’ll learn how to separate summer patterns from in‑season movement, where to position cameras as deer shift toward bedding and staging cover, and how to log direction of travel and timing so you can predict where a dominant buck will appear. We also map out a scent strategy that works with the rut instead of against it: less is more in pre‑rut, scale gradually as multiple does cycle, and keep entry and exits low‑impact so your best buck never knows he’s being hunted.

You’ll hear stories that prove patience is a strategy, not a slogan—multi‑year chases that turned “15 minutes after dark” into “broad daylight” with a 40‑yard move, early‑season records built on years of scouting, and how to decide when it’s actually smart to deviate from your plan. Whether you’re meat‑focused or targeting a single buck, we show how to set expectations, avoid FOMO, and measure success by decisions, not chance.

If this episode helps your mindset for the season, tap follow, share it with a hunting buddy, and drop us a rating on your podcast app. Tell us: what’s the one change you’ll commit to before your next sit?

Nilch'i Wind Checks
Nilch’i Wind Checks - An easy to use, must have gear addition to our hunts

Dead Down Wind
Scent Elimination Products

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Some hunts hinge on perfect gear. Most hinge on better judgment. We sit down with Smokey Crews to unpack the quiet moves that turn a fleeting chance into a clean kill—why he swears by a Chuck Adams side quiver through thick coastal brush, how a “60-yard” caribou needed a lower hold despite a correct range, and what really happens when a big Roosevelt bull makes that straight-line “death run” into huckleberries. It’s part campfire, part masterclass, and full of the hard-earned notes you won’t find on a glossy gear ad.

We follow Smokey through family drives where a forgotten quiver forced patience, bear baits that vanished minutes after being set, and an opening-day elk that proved bugles can switch on in late August. He lays out a timeline most hunters miss: bulls often start talking around the 20th—22nd, and they’re far easier to call before they’ve been educated by road-landing bugles and preseason “practice.” We contrast side quiver versus bow quiver in real terms—brush clearance, balance, and groups at 50—then bridge into the mental game: most people want a shot; disciplined hunters want a hit. The difference shows up in when you draw, how you hold, and whether you listen when the caller says “move now.”

But this isn’t theory. We get locker weights that challenge assumptions (a skinned Roosevelt bull still hanging at 500 pounds), practical blood-trailing through thick understory, and a candid look at access: caribou herds walking by camp, whitetails on bait, private-land mule deer regrets, and creative bartering with guides to make dream hunts real. Smokey’s stories double as checklists—protect wild behavior, avoid educating animals, communicate ranges as they change, and act before the window closes.

If you’re chasing elk, bears, caribou, or deer—and want fewer “almosts” and more clean, ethical kills—this conversation will sharpen your decisions on day one. Press play, subscribe for more field-tested tactics, and share your biggest early-season lesson or calling mistake with us. We read every note and might feature yours next time.

Nilch'i Wind Checks
Nilch’i Wind Checks - An easy to use, must have gear addition to our hunts

Dead Down Wind
Scent Elimination Products

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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A record is a number; a trophy is a feeling. That line sets the pace as we sit down with Smokey Crews to unpack the mindset, effort, and odd twists of fate behind a lifetime of tags—from a rare, double-shovel caribou taken on the first morning to a hilariously gnarly velvet bull chosen for pure character the next day. We explore how to decide what you’re hunting for, how to hold out when it matters, and when to shoot the one that makes your heart jump.

Smokey breaks down the myths around blacktails, arguing they’re no mystery if you treat them like deer—calls, scrapes, predictable patterns—while being honest about what really limits success: access and effort. We talk timber company gates, paid permits, and the Western shift toward leased ground, plus the unglamorous work of baiting legally, setting cameras, and logging dawn-to-dark sits. Then we dive into moose calling and two unforgettable bulls that died in the road, proving that preparation can turn “luck” into inevitability.

Along the way, Smokey pays tribute to Chuck Adams and Randy Ulmer—mastery forged by practice, not chance—and lays out a practical blueprint: practice three to four times a week to weld form; scout year-round with a map in one hand and edges in your eyes; and build next season from a clear-eyed review of the last. If you’ve ever wondered why some hunters fill tags year after year, you’ll hear the truth: extreme dedication, smart access, and a personal definition of a trophy that keeps the fire alive.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a hunting partner, and leave a review with your definition of a “trophy.” Your take might spark our next conversation.

Nilch'i Wind Checks
Nilch’i Wind Checks - An easy to use, must have gear addition to our hunts

Dead Down Wind
Scent Elimination Products

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Meet Smokey Crews, a living legend in the bowhunting world whose journey from self-taught hunter to record book champion offers profound lessons for archers of all skill levels. Known as "Mr. Roosevelt" for his exceptional success with trophy elk, Smokey's story begins with a seven-year-old boy hunting squirrels alone with a .22 rifle, never having a mentor to guide him.

Smokey takes us back to the early 1960s, when he hunted the boundaries of Olympic National Park with his first bow – a $23 Ben Pearson recurve. His vivid descriptions of elk herds that modern hunters can only dream about transport listeners to a different era of American hunting. "If I had a chance to hunt elk then like I do now, I would hold world records," he reflects, sharing encounters with bulls that would have broken world records at the time.

What truly sets Smokey apart isn't just his impressive collection of record book animals, but his philosophy on archery excellence. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that good form and proper follow-through matter more than where the arrow lands. "The sign of a good shot is shooting with good form, regardless of where the arrow hits," he explains, a principle that has influenced countless archers, including podcast host Dave. This wisdom – focusing on process rather than outcome – offers a powerful framework for improvement that transcends archery.

Now 83, with neuropathy in his feet and two artificial hips, Smokey continues to pursue his twin passions of archery and fly fishing with remarkable dedication. His humility, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of archery's evolution from traditional to modern techniques, makes this conversation an essential listen for anyone serious about improving their skills. Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or just beginning your archery journey, Smokey's experiences provide both practical insights and inspirational fuel for your own pursuit of excellence.

Subscribe now to hear the remaining episodes with Smokey Crews and learn more from one of bowhunting's most accomplished practitioners.

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Venturing into the wilderness alone creates a unique set of challenges that even experienced hunters must carefully navigate. In this practical episode, Aaron and Dave tackle listener Brian's questions about solo hunting strategies and venison preparation techniques that can transform how your family enjoys wild game.

The hosts share a counterintuitive secret that completely eliminated gaminess from their venison - leaving the hide on for several days after field dressing. Though this technique puzzled even their butcher friend, the results speak for themselves, turning venison from a dreaded meal into a family favorite requested for special occasions. They dive into the essential details of proper field care, aging techniques, and processing methods that make all the difference in the final product.

For the solo hunter, equipment choices become critically important. The conversation explores must-have gear including backup GPS systems, satellite communicators, and game retrieval tools that can save your back and your hunt. Dave recounts a powerful personal story about harvesting a deer while battling Lyme disease, illustrating how using terrain advantages and smart techniques can overcome physical limitations when hunting alone.

Beyond equipment, the hosts emphasize the importance of thorough planning, community connections, and mental preparation. Having clear strategies for different scenarios - from blood trailing in darkness to loading heavy game - transforms potentially overwhelming situations into manageable challenges. Their practical advice on leveraging natural terrain, using mechanical advantages, and knowing when to seek help provides a comprehensive guide for anyone heading into the woods alone.

What's your solo hunting story? Have you tried leaving the hide on to improve venison flavor? Share your experiences and join the conversation!

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Decoys have long been a staple in whitetail and turkey hunting, but their potential for blacktail hunting remains largely untapped. Why leave such an effective tool out of your hunting arsenal? Aaron and Dave break down everything you need to know to successfully deploy decoys for blacktail deer this season.

The positioning of your decoy isn't just important—it's absolutely critical. Dave shares his hard-earned knowledge on strategic placement, explaining how bucks and does approach decoys differently. "If I'm using a buck decoy, that buck should circle around to the front," Dave explains, "If it's a doe decoy, most of the time those bucks will approach that doe decoy from the rear." This simple insight could completely transform your hunting success.

The conversation goes deep into practical considerations: Should you use a buck or doe decoy? Standing or bedded? How should you apply scents to enhance realism? When should you add calling to the mix? The hosts cover it all while debunking myths and providing real-world applications specific to blacktail deer behavior.

Perhaps most valuable is their discussion of what not to do—common mistakes that can ruin an otherwise perfect setup. "Don't put the decoy where you want the buck to stand," Dave advises. "Put the decoy so that you're thinking the buck is going to circle toward you, focusing away from you."

Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to add another dimension to your strategy or a beginner trying to increase your odds of success, this episode delivers actionable insights you can implement immediately. Listen now and discover why a simple plastic deer might be the missing piece in your blacktail hunting puzzle.

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