🏹 SKRE Gear Use the link below for 20% OFF plus FREE shipping: Ultralight and Durable Hunting Gear & Apparel | Skre Gear🏹 SLATRA Archery Use promo code WSO10 for 10% OFF your order at Slatra Archery📸 Yellowstone.ai Smarter trail cameras. Less guessing. More hunting. Use promo code WSO15 for 15% OFF your order at Yellowstone.ai — Cellular Trail Cameras🏹 Leveled Outdoors Visit them on social media and stay tuned for the grand opening of their new shop in Holton, MI and come shoot the Big Shot Hunting Simulator.
Who is going to carry hunting, fishing, and our outdoor traditions forward when we're gone? That’s a question every sportsman should be thinking about. On Episode 48 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, I am joined by fellow Michigan native Travis McCormick from Great Lakes Outdoors for a wide-ranging conversation about deer hunting, fishing, waterfowl hunting, and something even bigger—the importance of recruiting new hunters and welcoming people into the outdoor community. We spend plenty of time talking hunting and fishing, but the heart of this conversation is about passing it on. If we want hunting to have a strong future, we can't simply assume the next generation will find its way into the woods on its own. Experienced hunters have an opportunity—and I believe a responsibility—to mentor, teach, answer questions, share access when possible, and give someone that first experience. Great Lakes Outdoors is working to do exactly that by helping bring more people into the hunting fraternity and creating opportunities for people who may not otherwise have someone to introduce them to it. In this episode we get into:

🦌 Deer hunting and the culture surrounding it

🦆 Waterfowl hunting

🎣 Fishing and the broader outdoor lifestyle

🌲 Conservation and protecting our outdoor heritage

🤝 Hunter recruitment and mentorship

🏹 Breaking down barriers for new hunters

 Why passing these traditions forward matters-

The responsibility experienced sportsmen have to the next generation.

QUESTION FOR YOU: Who introduced YOU to hunting or fishing? Drop their name or your story in the comments. Better yet, tell us about someone you've introduced to the outdoors. If you enjoy conversations about hunting, conservation, wildlife management, outdoor culture, and protecting the future of our traditions, subscribe to Wild Spirits Outdoors and join the conversation.

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

#WildSpiritsOutdoors #GreatLakesOutdoors #Hunting #DeerHunting #WaterfowlHunting #Fishing #HunterRecruitment #Conservation #Mentorship #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingPodcast #MichiganHunting

🏹 SKRE Gear Use the link below for 20% OFF plus FREE shipping: https://www.skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors

🏹 SLATRA Archery Use promo code WSO10 for 10% OFF your order at https://www.slatraarchery.com

📸 Yellowstone.ai Smarter trail cameras. Less guessing. More hunting.

🏹 APA Archery

🏹 Leveled Outdoors Stay tuned for the grand opening and the upcoming BigShot Hunting Simulator.

There’s a lot more to a good arrow build than cutting a shaft, gluing in an insert, and throwing on some broadheads.

On Episode 47 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Tom Caltagirone, owner of Leveled Outdoors, for a conversation that feels a lot like hanging around the bow shop after hours.

We get into arrow builds, bow setups, tuning, and the little details that can make a big difference when it matters most. But like most good conversations between hunters, we wander off the trail a few times, talk a little BS, tell some stories, and get into something I think matters just as much as the technical side of archery: Supporting the local small businesses that support hunters.

Your local bow shop isn't just a place to buy arrows or have a bow worked on. The good ones provide knowledge, experience, service, and relationships that you simply can't put in an Amazon box. Tom has built Leveled Outdoors around that mentality, and this episode gives you a look at the knowledge and passion behind the business. We cover:

🏹 Arrow building and component selection

🎯 Bow setup and tuning

🔧 Why the little details matter

🦌 Hunting, archery, and plenty of BS along the way🇺🇸 The importance of supporting locally owned outdoor businesses🤝 Why relationships with knowledgeable local shops still matter

Whether you're building your own arrows, trying to tighten up your bow setup, or just enjoy sitting around talking archery and hunting, this one's for you. Support the people who support our hunting community. Support local. Support small business.

🎙️ Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast – Episode 47Guest: Tom Caltagirone | Owner, Leveled Outdoors

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

#WildSpiritsOutdoors #LeveledOutdoors #Bowhunting #Archery #ArrowBuilding #BowTuning #WhitetailHunting #SupportSmallBusiness #HuntingPodcast #Bowhunter

🏹 SKRE Gear Use the link below for 20% OFF plus FREE shipping:

https://www.skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors⁠

🏹 SLATRA Archery Use promo code WSO10 for 10% OFF your order at https://www.slatraarchery.com

📸 Yellowstone.ai Smarter trail cameras. Less guessing. More hunting.

🏹 APA Archery

🏹 Leveled Outdoors Stay tuned for the grand opening and the upcoming BigShot Hunting Simulator.

Can better deer hunting really be achieved through regulation alone... or does the future of hunting require something much bigger? What began as a conversation contrasting Michigan and Iowa regulations quickly evolved into one of the most thought-provoking discussions we've ever had on the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast. Joining me are Skip Sligh of Iowa Whitetail and Jordan Hoover of the UPDAT, two respected voices with decades of experience in deer hunting, conservation, and wildlife management. Together, we explore why healthier deer herds, better hunting, and a stronger future may depend just as much on hunter culture and leadership as they do on laws and regulations. This isn't an argument about who's right. It's a conversation about where we go from here. In this episode we discuss:

Why Iowa consistently produces mature whitetails- and what can realistically be learned from its success.

The unique challenges facing Michigan.

The strengths and shortcomings of today's deer management strategies.

Why regulations alone cannot solve every problem.

The role hunter culture plays in shaping the future of our sport.

Stewardship, responsibility, and passing hunting on to the next generation.

The importance of the 20 to 55-year-old demographic in leading meaningful change.

Common misconceptions surrounding deer management and hunting policy.

What every hunter- regardless of where they live- can do to make a positive impact.

Whether you hunt public land or private, chase giant Midwestern whitetails, or simply care about the future of hunting, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

This isn't just an episode about deer management. It's about the future of deer hunting itself.

👇 After listening, let us know in the comments:

What will have the biggest impact on the future of deer hunting where you live- better regulations, a stronger hunting culture, or both?If you enjoy conversations that challenge conventional thinking while bringing hunters together, please: 👍 Like the video 💬 Join the discussion 📲 Share this episode with a fellow hunter 🔔 Subscribe to Wild Spirits Outdoors for new episodes every Tuesday.Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.#Whitetail #DeerHunting #Michigan #Iowa #Whitetails #Conservation #HuntingCulture #DeerManagement #PublicLand #Bowhunting #WildSpiritsOutdoors #HuntingPodcast #Stewardship #OutdoorPodcast #WhitetailHabitat #ConservationLeadership #Archery #BigBucks #WildlifeManagement #Hunters

🏹 SKRE Gear Use the link below for 20% OFF plus FREE shipping: https://www.skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors⁠

🏹 SLATRA Archery Use promo code WSO10 for 10% OFF your order at https://www.slatraarchery.com

📸 Yellowstone.ai Smarter trail cameras. Less guessing. More hunting.

🏹 APA Archery

🏹 Leveled Outdoors Stay tuned for the grand opening and the upcoming BigShot Hunting Simulator.

Have you ever dreamed of hearing a bull elk bugle echo through the Colorado mountains? Then this episode is for you. On Episode 45 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with Ben Adair for an in-depth Colorado Elk Hunting 101 masterclass designed specifically for hunters who want to make their first western elk hunt a reality—or become more successful if they've already been there. From planning your hunt and choosing a Colorado unit to understanding elk behavior, thermals, calling strategies, gear, shot placement, and packing a bull off the mountain, Ben shares practical, experience-driven advice that can save you time, money, and frustration. We also dive into Ben's championship elk-calling background, discuss what separates good callers from great ones, and explore how changing wildlife management—including Colorado's wolf reintroduction—is influencing elk behavior and the hunting experience. Whether you're a seasoned western hunter or a Midwest whitetail hunter dreaming of hearing your first September bugle, this episode is packed with actionable information you can apply to your next adventure.

Topics Covered:

Colorado Elk Hunting 101

Planning your first DIY elk hunt

Public land strategy

Elk behavior and thermals

Championship elk calling

Gear that matters

Shot placement and recovery

Packing out an elk

Colorado wolf impacts on elk hunting

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast and leave a rating—it helps more hunters discover the show.

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

🏹 SKRE Gear Use the link below for 20% OFF plus FREE shipping: https://www.skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors⁠🏹

SLATRA Archery Use promo code WSO10 for 10% OFF your order at https://www.slatraarchery.comBow season is closing in, the arrows are flying, and it's time for another solo campfire conversation. In Episode 44 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we're keeping things lighthearted and diving into a little bit of everything that makes this lifestyle great. From an unforgettable weekend at the R100 Archery Shoot at Saginaw Valley Field & Stream Club, to gear reviews, product showcases, archery season preparation, and listener Q&A, this episode feels more like hanging out with hunting buddies than sitting through another lecture. We'll recap the R100, talk about meeting some incredible people like Ben Adair of Rocky Mountain Outfitters, discuss the upcoming Colorado elk hunting episode, highlight some awesome partners, and answer your hunting questions as we gear up for whitetail season. also talk bows, trail cameras, hunting gear, preseason preparation, and why now is the time to get your equipment tuned and ready before opening day. Whether you're a hardcore bowhunter, a gear junkie, or someone who simply loves the hunting lifestyle, this episode is packed with laughs, stories, and practical advice to get you fired up for fall. In This Episode:

✔️ R100 Archery Shoot recap✔️ Great people and hunting stories✔️ Product reviews & gear showcase✔️ Bow season preparation tips✔️ Partner shoutouts✔️ Listener Q&A✔️ Colorado elk hunting teaser✔️ Archery talk and preseason strategy

Follow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a hunting buddy.

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

#WhitetailHunting #Bowhunting #Archery #WhitetailDeer #DeerHunting #HuntingPodcast #ArcherySeason #BowSeason #HuntingStories #OutdoorPodcast #WhitetailPodcast #WildSpiritsOutdoors

Visit https://slatraarchery.com and use promo code "WSO10" at checkout for 10% off your order!

Visit https://skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors for 20% off your order plus free shipping!

Every deer hunter has experienced it. Your trail cameras are full of mature bucks all summer long. Velvet-covered giants are showing up like clockwork... then almost overnight, they vanish. Where did they go? In Episode 43 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, I break down the science behind one of whitetail hunting's most frustrating events. Learn why bucks change their behavior after velvet shed, how summer heat affects the entire deer herd, and what separates properties that merely attract bucks from those that consistently hold mature deer throughout the fall. I'll discuss bachelor groups, testosterone, changing food sources, hunting pressure, bedding cover, security cover, habitat management, and practical strategies that can help keep more mature bucks on your property during hunting season. Whether you hunt a small parcel, a large farm, or public land, you'll come away with a better understanding of mature buck behavior and actionable ideas to improve your odds this fall.

Topics Covered:

Summer deer behavior

Heat stress and whitetails

Why bucks leave after velvet shed

Mature buck bedding

Food plots vs. security cover

Habitat improvements

Trail camera strategy

Small property hunting

Whitetail management

Deer hunting tactics

Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

Visit https://slatraarchery.com and use promo code "WSO10" for 10% off your order!

Visit https://skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors for 20% off your order plus FREE SHIPPING!

Tradition or stewardship? Meat hunter or trophy hunter? Public land or private land?

For years, hunters have debated these questions—but what if we've been asking the wrong ones?

In Episode 42 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we explore how whitetail hunting culture has evolved over the last two decades and why the conversation has become so divided.

This isn't a debate about who's right or wrong. It's a conversation about why we hunt, how we define success, and what it truly means to be a steward of the land and the resource.

From camp traditions and family values to habitat improvement, mature buck management, public-land adventure, and the realities of hunting under ever-changing conditions, this episode examines the philosophies shaping today's hunters.

Whether you fill every tag, pass young bucks, manage your own property, or simply treasure time in the woods, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the future of hunting—and your place in it.

Because in the end, hunting isn't just about the deer we pursue. It's about the values we choose to carry into the woods, and it's about accountability for the folks that write the regulations

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

Visit https://www.slatraarchery.com/ and use promo code "WSO10" at checkout for 10% off your order!Visit https://skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors for 20% off your order and FREE SHIPPING!Episode 41: ULTIMATE WHITETAIL HUNTING DREAM TEAM

If you had 2 buck tags, your bow, 10 days to hunt, and could choose 8 people from the greatest minds in whitetail hunting history... who would make your team? That's exactly what I'm tackling in Episode 41 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast. The scenario is simple: Five days on a dream private property loaded with mature bucks. Then we're blindfolded, dropped onto 5,000 acres of unfamiliar public land filled with swamps, marshes, ridges, clear-cuts, and rugged hill country. From a field of 64 legendary hunters, habitat managers, deer biologists, scouting experts, public land tacticians, mobile assassins, and wild cards, we build the ultimate whitetail hunting dream team. Along the way we debate names like Fred Bear, Dan Infalt, Mark Drury, Jeff Sturgis, Dr. James Kroll, John Eberhart, Larry Benoit, and many more. Who gets make the Elite 8? Who gets left behind? And who would YOU choose? This episode is guaranteed to spark debate around every deer camp, hunting camp, and tailgate in America.🏹 Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

#WildSpiritsOutdoors #WhitetailHunting #Bowhunting #PublicLand #PrivateLand #DeerCamp #Whitetails #HuntingPodcast #MatureBucks #HabitatManagement #DeerBiology #DanInfalt #MarkDrury #JeffSturgis #JohnEberhart #FredBear

Visit www.slatraarchey.com and use promo code WSO10 at checkout for 10% off your order!

Receive 20% off your order and free shipping from SKRE:

www.skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors

What would you do when the moment isn’t perfect… but the buck of a lifetime steps into your world anyway?In this episode of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we break down 8 realistic bowhunting scenarios that every serious whitetail hunter will eventually face. From split-second shot decisions to unpredictable stand encounters, wind shifts, pressure moments, and ethical dilemmas in the field—this episode is built to challenge how you think, not just how you hunt.These aren’t theoretical questions. These are the kinds of situations that happen in real timber, on real sits, when your heart rate spikes and your instincts take over. Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or just getting serious about whitetails, these scenarios will force you to confront your hunting ethics, decision-making process, and preparation level.This isn’t just about filling tags- it’s about becoming a more complete, disciplined, and aware bowhunter.If you hunt whitetails, these scenarios will hit home.

For Episode 39 of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we're stepping away from deer hunting and habitat management for a night around the campfire. Join me as we explore some of the most famous cryptid encounters in American history, including Sasquatch, Michigan Dogman, Mothman, the Jersey Devil, Ape Canyon, and more. I'm examining the eyewitness accounts, evidence, theories, and mysteries that continue to captivate hunters, outdoorsmen, and wilderness enthusiasts across the country. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode is a fun dive into the legends that have been passed down through generations of people who spend their lives in the outdoors. Most importantly, we want to hear from you! What's the strangest thing you've ever experienced in the woods that you still can't explain?

Use promo code "WSO10" at www.slatraarchery.com for 10% off your order!

Visit www.skregear.com/wildspiritsoutdoors and get 20% off your order plus free shipping!