Trigger Panic, Blown Hunts, and the Truth About Deer Scoring | 100% Wild Podcast Ep.449

Matt and Tim catch up during the heart of the rut to talk blown hunts, swirling thermals, and the kind of mistakes that keep every bowhunter humble. Matt owns up to battling trigger panic, why upping poundage backfired, and how even a perfect setup can go sideways when the wind flips. The guys trade "Would You Rather" scenarios every hunter can relate to, unpack why score doesn't always tell the story, and share laughs over raccoons, box blinds, and internet critics. It's a loose, honest look at real-world hunting frustrations and the moments that make it all worth it.

00:00 – Pulling up in the Tacoma at fancy neighborhood

00:15 – Podcast intro / Powered by DeerCast & Mtn Ops warm energy

00:29 – Early mornings + time change grind

00:47 – Tagged out vs still grinding

01:36 – Small property hunting challenges

02:01 – "There is no pattern right now" (Rut chaos)

02:20 – Big buck encounter begins

02:52 – Watching rut behavior & scrape activity

03:30 – Buck at 18 yards but won't clear for a shot

03:53 – Trying calls (grunt vs snort-wheeze)

04:52 – Appreciating close encounters during rut

05:11 – Why "you just go anyway" even when exhausted

05:32 – "Trophy Dad" jokes

05:55 – Illinois hunt: warm weather vs beans vs food plot strategy

07:25 – Taking Lola on her first youth hunt

08:13 – Trail cameras showing shooters early

08:55 – Blind & food plot setup decisions

09:29 – Deer movement picking up early

11:18 – Doe parade starts

12:31 – Spikes blow up the field

13:10 – Switching to live cam mode to watch shooters

13:51 – Decision moment: any deer is now on the menu

14:18 – Missed opportunity on a buck

14:45 – Reflecting: Should have let her shoot a doe

15:28 – Family / birthday schedule blocking next sit

15:33 – Segment sponsor shoutout – Leupold

15:41 – Tim takes Sophie out w/ crossbow

16:15 – Hunting from the saddle + setup advantages

17:05 – Rattling brings a buck right in

19:11 – Sophie shoots; blood trail looks good

21:20 – Deer crosses onto neighbor property

22:04 – Trying to get recovery permission

23:00 – Accepting likely coyote outcome

23:45 – "Big Chungus" shows up afterward

24:48 – Why Tim won't shoot a big deer with a crossbow

25:47 – How much harder vertical bow shots really are

26:03 – Sophie already hooked on hunting

28:07 – Shooting platforms, sticks, & crossbow handling

29:13 – Shoutouts to Mark & Terry's giants

30:08 – YouTube comment review (shenanigan rating)

31:00 – Sponsor: Tracker Off Road

31:35 – "Would You Rather" hunting edition begins

33:20 – Thermals busting hunts

34:57 – Punching the trigger / release habits

36:21 – Blind hunting vs tree stand judgment

38:44 – Small buck vs forgetting to record debate

39:56 – Passing 160s vs defending 120s online

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