The Watering Hole

Welcome back to The Watering Hole with your hosts, Todd Graf and Justin Zarr. In this episode, the team catches up while Todd is working remotely from the wilds of Montana. The conversation kicks off with a look at the latest scouting reports, including recent sightings of bucks starting to grow their summer velvet and the challenges of running trail cameras during the heavy growth period of late spring. We dive deep into recent legislative shifts in the hunting world, specifically focusing on the new cellular trail camera bans on public lands in Idaho and the potential ramifications of Michigan’s upcoming ruling on its one-buck tag regulation.

The second half of the show transitions into practical land management and seasonal preparation. Justin shares his essential advice for maintaining food plots, emphasizing why early mowing and spraying in May and June are far superior to fighting head-high weeds in late July. We break down our preferred "budget" land management toolkit—consisting of an ATV-mounted boom sprayer and a mower—which can handle the vast majority of a hunter's needs. Finally, the guys discuss the stress of the spring application season, reflecting on the high costs of out-of-state tags and the agonizing wait to see if those preference points finally pay off for a dream hunt.

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In this episode of The Watering Hole, hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr dive into a mix of land management updates and a trip down memory lane regarding the evolution of hunting technology. Todd shares the latest progress on his property, detailing the recent planting of hundreds of swamp white oaks and red oaks, along with various shrubs intended to enhance turkey nesting spots and deer bedding areas. The duo also discusses recent local news, including a tornado that touched down near Todd’s place and the exciting NFL draft news of local standout Jennings Dunker being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The conversation shifts to a deep dive into how trail cameras revolutionized the hunting industry, as Todd and Justin recall the days of bulky 35mm cam-trackers that required manual film developing. They reflect on how this technology changed land ownership and hunting pressure, concentrating hunters into smaller areas as big-buck intel became more definitive. To wrap things up, the guys touch on the current surge in tick populations and the serious reality of Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome, reminding everyone to stay protected while out in the spring woods.

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Welcome to another episode of The Waterhole, where this week we tackle the ultimate debate: "Who would you rather fight?" We kick things off with a conversation about what is currently in stock, including our handmade rearview mirror accessories that look like shed antlers. We also take a moment to celebrate Brandon’s birthday and recap some wild recent outdoor footage, including a turkey hunt caught on camera and some interesting run-ins with local wildlife on our property.

The main event for this episode is our discussion on the realities of tracking wounded deer across property lines. We get into the tactical challenges of hunting in areas with high traffic, the importance of maintaining good relationships with your neighbors, and the heated question of whether you would rather face off against a bobcat or a coyote. Whether you are curious about our perspective on predator encounters or just want to hear the latest from the field, this episode has it all.

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In this episode of The Watering Hole, we sit down with Todd Graf and Justin Zarr to dive deep into a variety of topics affecting hunters today. We kick off the conversation with some lighthearted banter before getting into the serious business of land management and the ongoing debate surrounding nonresident hunting regulations. We break down the realities of navigating different state systems, the complexities of tag allocations, and why it is more important than ever to have a solid plan before heading out into the field.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn as we share stories from our recent turkey hunts and reflect on the evolution of hunting technology. From the days of navigating with giant, cumbersome topo maps to the high-tech, GPS-integrated world we live in now, we explore how these tools have changed the game for hunters across the country. We also touch on the controversy surrounding baiting and the intense pressure currently being placed on our public lands, wrapping up with some final thoughts on the future of hunting and the importance of conservation.

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Welcome back to the watering hole, where we are finally getting to the moment you have all been waiting for—the announcement of our big equipment giveaway. We have spent the last several weeks collecting entries from the local deer classics and expos, and we are beyond excited to award a high-performance, brand-new hunting bow to one of our lucky listeners. This isn't just any setup; the winner gets their choice of the latest 2026 model, including their preferred axle length, color, and specific draw specs to ensure it is hunt-ready the moment it arrives. If you entered at one of our recent show booths, listen closely, because we are diving into the results and explaining exactly how to get in touch with us to claim this custom-ordered prize directly from the manufacturer.

Beyond the excitement of the giveaway, we’re digging into the realities of the spring season, from the persistent frustrations of turkey hunting to some serious concerns about local land use. We talk through a recent trip down to North Carolina that didn't exactly result in a filled tag, proving once again that even with the best gear, the birds don't always want to cooperate. The conversation also shifts toward the changing landscape here in Illinois, specifically how the rise of solar farms on adjacent properties might be shaking up traditional deer movement and habitat. We wrap things up by sending out some specialized gear kits to our runners-up as a thank you for keeping the community strong. It is a packed episode full of big wins and honest talk about the challenges we face out in the field.

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In episode 71 of The Watering Hole, Justin returns fully recharged from his family vacation to the Disney and Universal theme parks to share his experiences from the trip. The crew dives into the grueling reality of walking nearly 40 miles in just a few days, debating the merits of different park experiences and the challenges of navigating massive crowds with young children. The conversation takes several humorous turns as the guys discuss everything from dash cams and traffic stops to the "rights" of filming interactions in public, making for a lighthearted and relatable start to the episode.

Shifting focus back to the great outdoors, the team discusses the fast-approaching turkey hunting season and the importance of having a solid plan for the woods. They emphasize the value of using resources like the Hunting Lease Network to secure a spot for the season and encourage listeners to get their gear ready as the birds start moving. The episode wraps up with a look ahead at upcoming adventures, including fishing trips and a highly anticipated segment featuring players from the Carolina Panthers, so be sure to tune in and get ready for a busy season of hunting and fishing.

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In this episode of The Watering Hole, we’re joined by Joe Coy from Fourth Arrow to break down the addictive world of self-filming your hunts. From budget-friendly phone setups and simple camera arms to advanced handycam, mirrorless, and remote zoom systems, we cover the gear tiers that help hunters capture better footage at every level.

We also dive into real-world lessons from the field, including dead batteries, missed recordings, 360 cams, and why DJI action cams are becoming a go-to over traditional options. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your production quality, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you film cinematic hunting memories without draining your wallet.

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In this episode of The Watering Hole, we sit down with Skyler Bradley—the creator behind some of the funniest and most viral hunting content on the internet.

What started as a few videos filmed on a job site turned into millions of views, a deer costume, and a completely different life.

We dive into how it all started, the moment things took off, and the reality of balancing authenticity, hunting culture, and brand deals in today’s content world. Skyler also shares stories behind his most popular videos, close calls in the field, and what it’s really like going all-in on content creation.

There’s plenty of laughs in this one—but also some real insight into how hunting media is changing.

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Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole! In episode 68, hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr dive into a mix of wild stories and essential hunting updates. The show kicks off with a look at a unique 156-acre hunting lease in Iowa and a breakdown of a dramatic trail camera story involving wildfires in Nebraska. You’ll hear about a landowner who discovered a cellular camera melted to a crisp, only to find incredible footage of the blaze once the SD card was recovered. The guys also share a cautionary tale from friend of the show Paul Maser, who had a close call with a standing cornstalk while shed hunting that nearly cost him an eye, leading to a discussion on why safety glasses are a must-have in the woods.

The conversation shifts to more lighthearted territory as Todd and Justin recount their own past mishaps, including Todd’s infamous "knife in the seat" accident during a pond build and the transition from the old days of film development to modern trail cam technology. With turkey season just around the corner, they discuss their upcoming plans for the spring and the challenges of hunting in multiple states. The episode wraps up with some nostalgic 90s hunting talk and a look ahead to next week’s special guest, Skyler Bradley. Whether you're here for the rugged outdoor advice or the hilarious personal stories, this episode has something for every hunter.

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In this episode of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf recap their recent trip to the Iowa Deer Classic and pivot toward their strategic plans for the upcoming spring habitat season. The conversation highlights the jaw-dropping rumors surrounding the legendary "General" sheds, including a polarizing million-dollar price tag, and leads into a debate about whether trail cameras act as "dream crushers" by removing the mystery of the hunt. Todd shares detailed logistics for his 190-acre farm, where he plans to use a mini-excavator to reconstruct water holes with rubber membranes and fabric, emphasizing the importance of non-negotiable practices like soil testing before starting any food plot.

The duo also explores various gear finds and lighthearted interactions from the convention floor, ranging from custom orthotics for their aging feet to specialized "sneaky" lightweight stalking shoes and high-angle trail camera mounts. They recount the fun of meeting young hunters, specifically a group of kids participating in a "trade-up challenge," and offer some candid feedback for show organizers regarding earlier Sunday start times for the early-bird hunting crowd. The episode concludes with a shift in focus toward the upcoming Open Season Expo at the Kalahari Resort and a reminder to listeners to stay mobile by "shaking and moving" rather than relying on stagnant stand placements.

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