The HUNTXP Podcast

What happens when the hunting camp disappears—but the need for connection remains?

In this episode of the HUNTXP Podcast, JD Larson and Jonny sit down with Walt Lee—former co-founder of the now-retired SoCo Hunt—to unpack how modern hunters are becoming increasingly disconnected, and why he’s building a new kind of Digital Deer Camp to bring real community back to the hunting world.

As traditional forums fade and social media gets louder (and more toxic), many hunters feel isolated. Walt shares why SoCo ended, what he learned from building it, and how Digital Deer Camp aims to revive the best parts of old-school deer camp culture—camaraderie, mentorship, storytelling, and shared experience—without the noise.

The crew dives into the cultural differences between North and South, the unique challenges of hunting Florida whitetails, the responsibility of monetizing hunting content, and the hard question: What impact are we actually having on the space we profit from?

If you’ve ever felt like the only hunter at the party… or wondered where the real hunting community went… this one’s for you.

🔥 Exclusive Community Discounts:

• 15% Off Trudave Boots → Use code "HXP15"

• 10% Off Nested Treestand Systems → Use code "HUNT10"

📌 Topics Covered:

• Why SoCo Hunt ended

• The birth of Digital Deer Camp

• Loneliness in modern hunting culture

• Florida deer behavior & hunting strategies

• Public land responsibility & conservation ethics

• Building positivity and humility in the hunting space

• Replacing social media noise with real connection

#HuntingPodcast #DigitalDeerCamp #HUNTXP #WhitetailHunting #HuntingCommunity #PublicLandHunting #FloridaHunting #DeerCamp #ConservationEthics #ModernHunter #OutdoorCulture #HuntingLife #Trudave #NestedTreestand

In this episode of the HUNTXP Podcast, we sit down with Cole Booth and Mac from Gone All Season to break down the highs, lows, and lessons from their most ambitious whitetail season yet.From an epic muzzleloader drive in Ohio with The Hunting Public crew to solo public land sits in Sheboygan, these guys share what worked, what didn’t, and what it’s really like chasing whitetails while building a media brand from scratch.We get into: • Mac’s Driftless buck — their most watched hunt of the year • Cole’s ground-game rut success and the decision-making behind it • What freelance hunting content life actually looks like • How they scouted, traveled, and hunted smarter all season longNo fluff, no ego — just a couple of dudes putting in the work and letting the camera roll.🎯 If you hunt public land, dream about chasing deer full-time, or just want to hear the real stories behind the hunts — this one’s for you.@huntxpteam on insta Huntxp.com ⸻🔗 Links from the Show: • 🦌 Watch Mac’s Driftless Region Buck Hunt • 🌾 Cole’s Ground Hunt Rut Buck • 🎥 Gone All Season YouTube Channel @goneallseason  • 📸 Follow Gone All Season on Instagram⸻🧰 Audience Discounts & Gear Partner Links:🥾 Trudave Boots – Trusted by the HUNTXP crew.➡️ Claim Your Exclusive 15% Discount with HXP15 : 🌲 Nested Treestand Systems – Lightweight, mobile, deadly.➡️ Grab 10% Off Nested Systems Gearwith "HUNT10" code

In this episode of the HUNTXP Podcast, JD and Jonny break down their most-used hunting gear of 2025—and topping the list? The Nested Layering System, which crushed in comfort, versatility, and real-deal cold-weather performance. Whether you’re glassing muleys out West or posting up for rutting whitetails in the Midwest, this system flat-out works.We also get into gear that surprised us, held up through abuse, and a few that didn’t quite make the cut. From TrueDave boots that proved their grip on the ice, to heavy arrow setups from Easton, to saddle systems from Guard Pro, we’re giving you a year’s worth of field-tested feedback in under an hour.👊 Want to support the show? Click through our affiliate links below for every piece of gear we mention.🦌 Gear links: 1. Nested Layering System – Build-your-own layering kit: https://nestedtreestands.com/HUNT10 (10% off with code HUNT10) 2. TrueDave Boots – Slip-on, weatherproof boots with elite traction- Jonny's Deck boots - https://amzn.to/4qfseqy- JD's low-cut deck boots - https://amzn.to/3LvyivI- JD's Ankle cut hunting boots - https://amzn.to/4qAOACo- Waders - https://amzn.to/4qduVJh 3. Easton Full Metal Jacket Arrows (300 spine) – Built for heavy setups & ethical penetration: 4. VPA Broadheads – 3-blade design that hits like a hammer: - 3 blade: https://amzn.to/4swKFIK- Omega's: https://amzn.to/4bmbHMG 5. Gardepro Cameras: https://gardepro.com?utm_source=Affiliate+&utm_medium=KOL&utm_campaign=UpPromote+&sca_ref=8123869.ZMJqdIjuk7 --- Get 10% off with code HXP10 6. Barronett Blinds – Roomy, easy-to-pack-in ground blinds: 7. 10-Point Crossbows – High-performance accuracy for tight spots- Wicked Ridge Invader Decock : ⸻Episode Summary:JD and Jonny unpack a full season of gear testing in the 2025 HUNTXP Gear Review episode. Leading the way was the Nested Layering System, which proved itself across cold, wet, and active hunts. They also break down the top-performing boots, arrows, saddle setups, and blinds that earned a permanent spot in their gear room.Whether you’re gearing up for next fall or replacing cold-weather layers now, this is your insider look at what worked—and what didn’t—in the real world.Gear Covered • Nested Layering System • TrueDave Boots • Easton Arrows (300 spine) • VPA 3-Blade Broadheads • Guard Pro Tree Saddle System • Barronett Blinds • 10 Point Crossbow • KUIU Rain Gear & Western Apparel • Trail Cams • Bino Harnesses • Irish Setter Boots (briefly)Notable Quotes “If I could only wear one system from early season to deep cold—it’s Nested. It outperformed everything else in my pack.” — JD“The layering flexibility from Nested made it my go-to no matter what the forecast looked like.” — Jonny

Eric Clark of Okayest Hunter joins the HUNTXP Podcast for one of the most raw and real conversations we’ve had on modern hunting culture.

After catching hate online for posting a photo of his first bow-killed doe, Eric realized just how toxic parts of the hunting community had become — especially toward newer or “average” hunters. That backlash sparked the launch of Okayest Hunter, a countercultural brand built to give voice to the 95% of hunters who don’t measure success in inches of antler.

In this episode, we get into:

• The true story behind Eric’s viral bowhunting backlash

• How Okayest Hunter is challenging the hunting industry’s ego

• The cultural pushback from Michigan hunters

• Raising kids in a healthier deer camp culture

• Why humility is strength in the woods

If you’ve ever been made to feel like your deer “wasn’t big enough,” or your hunt “didn’t count” — this episode is for you.

🎙️ Hosted by JD Larson & Jonny

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube

🌐 HUNTXP.com | OkayestHunter.com

#OkayestHunter #HUNTXP #DeerHunting #WhitetailHunting #Bowhunting #PublicLandHunter #HuntingPodcast #HuntingCulture #MichiganHunting #EverymanHunter #HuntingCommunity #HuntingStories #DeerCamp #AuthenticHunting #ModernHunter #BlueCollarHunter #HuntingShaming #MidwestWhitetails #RealHunting #HumilityInHunting

We’re back from rutcation, and this one covers everything — from hunting new states to passing on the passion to our kids. JD had a close encounter with a mature buck… and busted it. That moment went viral — and so did the backlash. We unpack the miss, the fallout, and what it revealed about today’s internet hunting culture: quick to judge, slow to understand.

But it wasn’t all busts. Jonny’s dad tagged a nice buck from his stand, and Jude dropped a buzzer-beater buck in the final moments of rifle season. We reflect on the pressure of hunting with your kids, what we learned this season, and why failure can be one of the most valuable teachers in the woods.

🎯 Real hunts. Real failure. Real community.

Gear we recommend

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#HUNTXP #Rutcation #ViralFail #WhitetailHunting #HuntingPodcast #DeerSeason #HuntingCulture

Every hunter faces it sooner or later — that sinking feeling after the shot when the blood trail fades. In this episode, JD and Jonny sit down with Shane Simpson, co-creator of the TRAKR app and one of the most respected deer trackers in the country.Shane breaks down what really happens after the shot — from reading sign and understanding hit location, to how blood tracking dogs are changing recovery odds for hunters across the country. You’ll hear how the TRAKR app is connecting hunters and trackers faster than ever, what hunters should do (and not do) before calling a tracker, and how privacy and data are helping everyone become more ethical, successful hunters.Plus, the crew dives into mobile setups, off-season scouting, and how tools like the Nested Treestand system give hunters a serious edge in pressured states.This one’s packed with real talk, hard-earned lessons, and more than a few laughs.⸻🔗 Links & Resources🧭 Download the TRAKR App: https://www.gettrakr.com/▶️ Follow Shane Simpson on YouTube:  @ShaneSimpsonHunting  🌲 Check out Nested Treestands: https://nestedtreestands.com/HUNT10📸 Follow HUNTXP: HUNTXP.com ⸻🦴 Key Takeaways • How to interpret blood trails and hit sign before calling a tracker. • Why blood tracking dogs are changing the game — and how to find one fast. • The biggest mistakes hunters make after the shot (and how to avoid them). • The power of privacy and how the TRAKR app protects your hunting spots. • Why early-season scouting and real data can make you a better hunter. • Bonus: JD and Jonny share their funniest close calls and bear run-ins.#HUNTXP #DeerTracking #ShaneSimpson #TRAKRApp #WhitetailHunting #BloodTrail #HuntingDogs #DeerRecovery #BowhuntingTips #PublicLandHunter #HuntingEthics #DeerHuntingPodcast #TrackingDeerAfterTheShot

Sometimes the best hunts aren’t about filling tags — they’re about the people, the stories, and the moments that shape who we are as hunters. In this episode, JD Larson sits down with Garrett Davis, a Kansas bowhunter with a passion for traditional archery and chasing experiences over trophies.From growing up in the whitetail-rich plains to honing his craft with a stick and string, Garrett brings a grounded, humble take on why the journey matters more than the outcome. Whether you’re deep into trad life or just trying to slow down and enjoy the process again, this one’s packed with stories, lessons, and that campfire feel that makes hunting what it is.Even though technical gremlins sidelined Johnny halfway through, the conversation still runs deep — covering everything from Western hunts to life balance, faith, and finding joy in the grind.⸻🧭 Episode Highlights • Garrett’s take on what it means to “chase experience, not just game.” • Lessons learned bowhunting Kansas whitetails. • Why traditional archery builds mental toughness and patience. • How Garrett balances hunting, family, and purpose. • The beauty of slowing down and letting the woods teach you.🏹Quote “If you’re only hunting to fill a tag, you’re missing what the woods are really offering you.” – Garrett Davis

This week, JD and Jonny catch up with one of our favorite returning guests—Joe Jones from Outdoors in Color. From his first gobbler and a son’s first dove, to punching tags in elk country and stacking coyotes—Joe’s 2025 season was anything but slow.📍 Topics We Cover: • His full DIY Idaho elk hunt recap • Lessons from calling and scouting solo • Turkey hunting mistakes that almost cost him his first bird • Raising kids who hunt and fish • Coyote control and helping the neighbor • Off-season elk prep, gear changes, and physical trainingIf you’re a dad juggling the chaos of kids and camo—or just dreaming of the mountains—this one hits home.🔗 FOLLOW JOE:Instagram: @OutdoorsInColor💥 Don’t forget to leave a review, share the episode, and subscribe to HUNTXP wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Dixon, founder of Whitetail Research, to dig into his groundbreaking thermal‑drone study of mature bucks. We unpack what drone footage reveals that GPS collar data often misses, explore why bucks move when they do (and when they don’t), and talk real tactics you can test this fall.

• Derrick’s story: how quitting his job and tracking deer for a full season led to one of the most talked-about whitetail projects on YouTube

• Why thermal drones expose movement patterns GPS collars can’t

• What triggers a mature buck to stand up, and how wind, thermals, and light interact

• How to hunt “movement windows” most hunters never realize are happening

• Practical tactics for everyday hunters—no expensive gear required

• How staging areas, terrain edges, and overlooked travel corridors can be decoded by thermal flight patterns

• 🔬 Whitetail Research Website: whitetailresearch.net

• 🎥 Whitetail Research on YouTube (Derrick Dixon): youtube.com/@WhitetailResearch

• Featured video: What 1 YEAR of Thermal Whitetail Research Taught Me

Want more content like this? Gear breakdowns, strategy deep-dives, and real-talk about hunting in the modern world—it’s all happening at HUNTXP.com. Join the crew, level up your season, and get access to exclusive gear drops, giveaways, and member-only content.

This is deer camp for the digital age. Welcome to HUNTXP.

🎯 What You’ll Learn🔗 Links & Resources🧢 Join the HUNTXP Community

In this raw and real episode of the HUNTXP Podcast, JD and Jonny sit down with Melody, a fierce traditional archer and ground hunter, to unpack what it means to live the trad life. From overcoming neurological challenges to dropping does with a recurve, Melody's story hits deeper than most. She shares how shooting in her basement helped her win a Wisconsin state title, why she made the shift to ground hunting, and the mental and physical grit that traditional bowhunting demands.We also dig into gear talk—her go-to longbow (the Old Mountain Mesa), why repetition trumps range time, and how trad hunters can keep their edge year-round. If you’re into longbows, recurves, or just want to sharpen your woodsmanship, this one’s for you.Whether you're new to traditional archery or a seasoned stickbow hunter, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged.huntxp.com for more ➡️ Topics Covered:Winning a trad archery shoot with 9-yard basement practiceLiving with neurological conditions while staying in the huntTransitioning from treestand to ground huntingWhy off-season reps matter more than range timeBow setups, target habits, and muscle memoryBuilding a meaningful hunting lifestyle over hype📍Stay connected, stay consistent, and remember—traditional archery isn’t just a method. It’s a mindset.#TraditionalBowhunting#TraditionalArchery#LongbowLife#RecurveBow#GroundHunting#BowhuntingTips#BasementArchery#OldMountainMesa#WomenWhoHunt#StickbowChronicles#BowhuntingStories#OffSeasonTraining#MuscleMemoryMatters#TraditionalHunter#DIYBowhunting#Women in traditional archeryOld Mountain Mesa longbowBasement archeryReal-world bowhunting stories