Wild Spirits Outdoors

Episode 35 is a solo episode packed with real talk, spring hunting stories, and the grind behind the lifestyle.

This week, I recap: Recent work travel and what it means to be home.

Morel mushroom hunting and time in the woods with my wife.

Week 3 of the Train to Kill workout and archery routine.

A full breakdown of my latest turkey hunt—what worked and what didn’t.

I also cover the upcoming May 13th Michigan NRC meeting, announce SLATRA Archery joining the podcast on May 19th,

I also am excited to introduce a new partnership with SKRE Gear, where listeners can get 20% off and free shipping using this link:

https://skregear.com?sca_ref=11144532.UwBU8OjHF7vNT

If you’re about discipline, growth, and doing things the right way in the woods—this one’s for you.

🔥Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.🔥

No Script. Just real treestand talk- the failures, the mindset shifts, and everything in between.This one goes deeper than tags and trophies: I get into the mental battles that most guys don't talk about. If you've ever questioned yourself in the woods or had questions about hunting mindsets... this one's for you.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.Drop a comment or question! Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.#HuntingPodcast #whitetailhunting #bowhunting #outdoorlife #outdoorpodcast #deerhunting #hunting

ARE YOU GETTING READY FOR ARCHERY SEASON? Season is fast approaching! Don't just shoot a few arrows and call yourself season-ready. When the moment of truth comes… elevated heart rate, awkward angle, low light… things can go sideways in a hurry! If you haven't practiced for it, that’s not bad luck- That’s lack of preparation. I'll break down a step-by-step 16-week system designed to take you from a casual archery hunter… to a trained killer when it actually matters.

We'll cover:

🏹 Building strength and endurance for proper shot execution

🏹 Fixing form issues that quietly ruin accuracy

🏹 Real-world shooting scenarios (tree stand, pressure, angles)

🏹 How to train for the ONE shot that counts

🏹 The truth about lethality and responsibility

This isn’t about shooting tight groups in your backyard for social media- This is about becoming the kind of hunter that:

✔ Makes clean, ethical shots

✔ Recovers animals efficiently

✔ Respects the life you’re taking

👉 If you take your hunting seriously… this episode is non-negotiable.

🎧 Listen now on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

🔥Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.🔥

#ArcheryPractice #BowhuntingLife #ShotPlacement#ArcheryTraining #BowhuntingTips #ArcheryAccuracy #TrainToHunt

Spring is here, and it’s time to chase gobblers. In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we break down the key strategies you need to find birds, call them in, and close the deal this turkey season. From roosting tactics and calling strategies to decoy setups and hunting styles, this episode is built to help both new hunters and experienced woodsmen become more effective in the field. We also lay out a simple, high-success plan for beginners—because turkey hunting isn’t about doing more… it’s about doing the right things at the right time. 🎯 Have a question? Send it our way. We’ll be answering listener questions in an upcoming episode—and giving you a shoutout on the show.

🎧 Follow, share, and get ready to hit the woods. Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

Episode 31 is raw, honest, and guaranteed to spark conversation.We’re diving into the unpopular opinions in the hunting world with a primary focus on my home state- Michigan. Takes that might make people uncomfortable but need to be discussed if we actually care about deer, conservation, and the future of hunting.From herd health misconceptions to the obsession with shooting bucks… from social media’s impact on hunting culture to whether all hunters are truly conservationists—we’re challenging the status quo.This isn’t about tearing hunters down. It’s about raising the standard- mine included.Topics covered:Why most hunters misunderstand deer herd healthHow buck obsession hurts herd healthThe truth about doe harvest and herd balanceHow social media hunting quarrels may be doing more harm than anti-huntersPublic land pressure and changing deer behaviorHard truths about hunting culture todayWhether you agree or disagree, this episode will make you think.👇 Drop your most unpopular hunting opinion in the comments.🔥 Subscribe for more real conversations on hunting, conservation, and the outdoors.

In this episode of Wild Spirits Outdoors, I sit down again with Jordan Hoover to break down the latest developments surrounding the Deer Advisory Team (DAT) pause, the upcoming Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting, and the ongoing debate around the One Buck Rule (OBR).With DAT meetings suspended until August and the April NRC meeting approaching fast, many hunters are asking the same questions:What’s really going on behind the scenes?Is the One Buck Rule still on the table?And what should Michigan hunters be doing right now?This episode isn’t about telling you what to think- it’s about asking the questions that matter and giving you the information you need to stay engaged.Because whether you realize it or not… decisions are being made.If you care about Michigan deer hunting, deer management, whitetail strategy, or hunting regulations, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.👇 Join the conversation:What’s your stance on the One Buck Rule—and what questions do YOU have?

If you want better hunts this fall, the work starts right now.In this solo episode of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we break down what land managers and serious whitetail hunters should be doing during March, April, and May to improve hunting properties across the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.Spring is the most critical window to build food, create cover, and design a property that actually holds deer.This episode dives deep into real-world, boots-on-the-ground strategies including:Post-season scouting and how to read your property after winterShed hunting insights and what they reveal about your deer herdHinge cutting and timber stand improvement for better bedding areasFrost seeding clover and building early-season nutritionSoil testing and fixing the #1 reason food plots failSpring food plot strategies (cool season vs. warm season crops)Controlling invasive species like buckthorn and autumn oliveDesigning access routes that keep you from blowing out your propertyCreating sanctuariesBuilding a property plan that produces results year after yearWhether you manage 10 acres or 500, this episode gives you a clear, actionable spring game plan to improve habitat, grow bigger deer, and increase your odds this fall.Who This Episode Is For:Whitetail huntersLand managers and property ownersDIY habitat buildersAnyone serious about improving their hunting groundFollow & Connect:Follow Wild Spirits Outdoors for more no-BS takes on hunting, habitat, and the outdoors lifestyle.Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

In this episode I sit down in studio with Paul Sikkenga- member of the Lower Peninsula Deer Advisory Team and Founder of the Facebook group "DNR Watchdog" as we continue to discuss regulations surrounding Michigan deer hunting right now. If you listened to the two-part series with Jordan Hoover (Ep. 24 and Ep. 25), this episode will follow up with that conversation bringing a different perspective.

We dig into Michigan deer management, baiting, the role of the Deer Advisory Team, influence of the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission, where hunters disagree... and where they strongly disagree.

The hope of these discussions is to make one think regardless of their position.

I am joined in Studio by Todd Taylor, Michigan Assistant State Lead for The Fallen Outdoors.

We Talk About:

Veteran Brotherhood

Healing through the Outdoors

Purpose after Service

Combating Isolation and Veteran Suicide

This episode dives deep into how outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing, and time spent in the woods are helping veterans reconnect, rebuild, and rediscover purpose. If you care about faith, family, freedom, and the outdoors... this one matters. For more information, please visit thefallenoutdoors.org or contact Todd Taylor at [email protected]

I'm honored to welcome Michigan native, author, storyteller, and the voice of Michigan Backroads- Mr. Ron Rademacher to the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast Studio! Ron has spent over 3 decades exploring hidden gems here in the Great Lakes State. From forgotten trails and hidden waterfalls to scenic country hikes and sleepy smalltown charms- he has spent decades seeking out the places most travelers miss. His passion for discovery is why Michigan Backroads has become the go-to resource for road trips, weekend getaways, nature spots, and quirky Michigan wonders. In this episode you'll hear: Ron's philosophy on why the road less traveled matters. Tips for that perfect weekend escape tucked into Michigan's woods, shorelines, and backroads. Stories of breathtaking views, hidden oddities, and Michigan history whispering from forgotten corners of the mitten. Whether you're planning your next adventure, looking for inspiration, or just itching to explore something real, Ron's perspective will get your boots tapping and your wheels turning!