Wired To Hunt Podcast

The whitetail rut is often described as unpredictable chaos, but how much of buck behavior can we actually anticipate? On this episode of Back 40, we're joined by Tony LaPratt, Bronson Strickland, Jason Michael, and Skip Sligh to break down what's truly predictable during the rut. From bedding areas and travel corridors to hunting pressure, doe behavior, and shifting buck movement, we explore the patterns hunters can rely on and the variables they simply can't control. Is the rut really as random as it seems, or are hunters overlooking the clues that could put them in the right place at the right time? We're separating rut myths from practical hunting strategies to help you make better decisions when it matters most.

Presented by Moultrie

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The whitetail rut is in full swing, but as we move deeper into November, hunting strategies may need to change. On this week's episode of Rut Fresh Radio, we're checking in with Nate Forwood in Delaware, Nick Caramela in New Jersey, and Reid Smith in Illinois to get a firsthand look at buck activity across the country. We'll break down what hunters are seeing in the woods, how breeding activity is impacting daylight movement, and what tactics can help you capitalize on one of the most exciting stretches of deer season. From the Midwest to the East Coast, we're bringing you real-time rut reports to help you make the most of your next hunt.

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The breeding phase of the rut can be really slow, but that's not a good reason to stay out of the woods. Deer research suggests a much different approach, which involves putting in the time while waiting on a mature buck to go looking for a new girlfriend after holing up with an estrus doe for a day or two.

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This week on the show, Mark is breaking down the story of the mature buck he recently killed on public land and the five major lessons you can take from this and apply to your upcoming hunts during the rut and beyond.

Presented by Moultrie

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The best week for buck activity is here. This week on Rut Fresh, we’re checking in across three key regions as November whitetail movement begins to hit another level. Wes Delks of Higgins Outdoors breaks down what he’s seeing in Indiana, Sam Hallam gives us the latest from the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas, and forestry student Ricky Davis reports from Eastern Tennessee. We cover current buck movement, rut activity, hunting pressure, weather, and what each guest expects to happen over the next several days. If you have days to burn in November, this is the stretch to use them. Bucks are covering ground, daylight movement is increasing, and things can change fast. Get in the woods. It’s time.

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Deer hunters often think the rut will make up for a poor strategy, or low-effort sits, but it usually won't. Serious hunters learn to put in the time, and then pivot to new spots when their plans don't pan out. If you want to kill a mature buck right now, don't sleep on this episode.

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Are you hunting the sign a mature buck left behind or figuring out where he’s going next? This week on Back 40, Bronson Strickland, Tony LaPratt, Jason Michael, and Skip Sligh break down how they read buck sign and use it to predict a deer’s next move. We dive into scrapes, rubs, bedding, travel corridors, hunting pressure, and the clues that actually matter when deciding where to set up. As the rut approaches and bucks begin covering more ground, knowing where a deer has been is only part of the equation. The real challenge is anticipating where he’ll be when you’re in the stand. If you’re trying to turn fresh sign into an actual encounter with a mature buck, this episode will help you think one move ahead.

Presented by Moultrie

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Don’t let the heat fool you, November is almost here. This week, K.C. Smith checks in from Texas, Dalton Tunis brings us a report from northern Indiana, and Thomas Mlsna joins us from Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. With warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of whitetail country, we break down what each hunter is seeing right now, how bucks are moving despite the heat, and what’s changing as we head into one of the most anticipated stretches of the season. From fresh sign and food sources to current conditions and increasing rut activity, we’re getting boots-on-the-ground reports from three very different regions. Tune in for fresh, in-season whitetail intel as October comes to a close and November begins.

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Bleating, grunting, snort-wheezing, and rattling, all have their place in a deer hunter's arsenal. When and how you use each call matters though, and not all calling situations are created equally.

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This week on the show I'm joined by Dan Infalt, one of the most renowned DIY whitetail bowhunters of the modern era, to discuss how his hunting approach shifts on a week by week basis from late October through the end of November.

Presented by Moultrie

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