Nine Finger Chronicles | Sportsmen's Nation

In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer podcast, hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau share their personal hunting experiences, focusing on a recent successful mule deer hunt. They discuss the emotional aspects of hunting, the differences between hunting mule deer and whitetail, and strategies for dealing with unexpected situations in the field. The conversation also covers the importance of learning from failures and the significance of preparation and safety while hunting. Takeaways: Hunting can evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing for home. Successful hunts require patience and persistence. Mule deer hunting presents unique challenges compared to whitetail hunting. Understanding deer behavior is crucial for successful hunting. Preparation and organization are key to a successful hunting experience. Learning from past mistakes is essential for improvement. The rut can change deer behavior and hunting strategies. Calling techniques can significantly impact hunting success. Unexpected encounters

In this conversation, Dan Johnson and Tony Peterson discuss their personal struggles with aging, physical limitations, and the impact of THC on their lives. They explore the realities of hunting, the importance of coaching and mentorship, and the challenges of parenting in the outdoors. The conversation highlights the emotional complexities of hunting, particularly when it comes to teaching children about the realities of life and death in nature. Takeaways: Aging brings physical challenges that affect activities. THC can provide relaxation and aid in sleep. Coaching youth sports can be more fulfilling than hunting. Injuries can change how one approaches outdoor activities. The emotional impact of hunting can be profound. Teaching kids about hunting requires sensitivity and care. Confidence levels in children can vary significantly. The importance of mentorship in outdoor activities. Hunting can be a way to bond with children. The realities of hunting often include difficult lessons. Learn more ab

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Michael Ward discuss the challenges of balancing family life with hunting commitments, the importance of deer population control in suburban areas, and the emotional connections that come with hunting. They delve into the dynamics of hunting big bucks, the joy of harvesting deer, and the future hunting plans that lie ahead. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among hunters and the shared experiences that make hunting a cherished activity. Takeaways: Balancing family commitments with hunting can be challenging. Population control is crucial in suburban hunting areas. Emotional connections to children can impact hunting decisions. The dynamics of hunting big bucks involve competition among hunters. Shooting a buck brings a heightened sense of accomplishment. Camaraderie among hunters enhances the experience of hunting. Hunting in suburban areas requires navigating property access issues. The joy of harvesting deer

On this episode, we barrow an episode form the How To Hunt Deer podcast that where the guys discuss their hunting strategy and what traps to avoid as the season gets rolling. In this episode of the How to Hunt Deer Podcast, hosts Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss various aspects of deer hunting, including the importance of coffee and energy drinks for stamina, the challenges of hunting on small properties, the dangers of overhunting, and the effective use of trail cameras. They emphasize the significance of understanding deer behavior, the pitfalls of social media influence, and the necessity of scent control and weapon maintenance. The conversation wraps up with a strong reminder about safety in the field, particularly the importance of using harnesses while hunting. Takeaways: Coffee and energy drinks are essential for stamina during hunts. Small properties can be effective hunting spots if approached correctly. Overhunting can lead to educated deer and reduced success. Trail cameras provide valua

In this episode of the Hunting Gear podcast, Dan Johnson speaks with Nate Sellers from Average Jack Archery about troubleshooting archery equipment. They discuss the mechanics of bows, the importance of proper measurements, and the significance of shooting through paper for accuracy. Nate shares insights on grip pressure, structural issues in bows, and the tuning of arrows and broadheads. The conversation also covers the impact of fletching and arrow weight on performance, the challenges of tuning different broadhead types, and the importance of understanding the third axis for accurate shooting. Finally, Nate offers practical tips for archers to improve their skills and confidence before the hunting season. Takeaways: A bow is a simple machine that can be easily understood. Shooting through paper helps ensure arrows fly straight. Grip pressure can significantly affect shooting accuracy. Mechanical broadheads can be a reliable option for hunters. Parachuting occurs when an arrow slows down too much in fl

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Alex Gyllstrom discuss the challenges and strategies of bow hunting, particularly in relation to family responsibilities, scouting, and understanding the role of thermals in hunting success. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of hunting in states like Kansas and Iowa, the importance of observation, and adapting plans in the field. The conversation emphasizes the need for efficiency and the joy of the hunting process. Takeaways: Preparation for hunting seasons can be influenced by family responsibilities. Efficiency in scouting and hunting is crucial for balancing family life. Thermals can significantly affect deer movement and hunting success. Understanding terrain features is essential for effective hunting strategies. Baiting can be a useful strategy, but it's not the only option. Adapting plans based on real-time observations is key to success. Scouting and understanding deer be

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, host Dan Johnson is joined by Tom Waters to discuss Tom's recent Kentucky Velvet Buck hunt. They start by reminiscing about the music they listened to growing up, including classic rock, country, and rap. Then, they dive into the details of Tom's hunt, including how he discovered the buck and his baiting strategy. Tom explains that he had been scouting the area for years but only saw the buck for the first time this summer. He also shares his feeder schedule and how he uses it to slow down the deer movement. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the buck's movement patterns and Tom's setup distance from the feeder. Tom Waters shares his experience of harvesting a velvet buck on his property. He explains that he was hunting from a blind near a feeder when the buck showed up. Tom discusses how the deer behavior changes when they shed their velvet and become more aware. He also talks about the deer population in his area, the influence of agricu

In this conversation, Andy May discusses his hunting strategies and experiences, as well as his approach to balancing hunting with other responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing the wind, thermals, and terrain when scouting for deer and setting up tree stands. Andy also shares his perspective on parenting and motivating children in sports. He recounts a story of hunting a buck that frequently crossed onto a neighboring property and how he used a decoy to try to lure the buck within range. The conversation covers various topics related to hunting and parenting. The main themes include the struggle of balancing sports and family, the importance of finding a passion, and the approach to scouting and hunting on unfamiliar properties. The conversation also touches on the significance of fresh sign and the tactics for hunting a bumped deer. Takeaways: Analyzing wind, thermals, and terrain is crucial when scouting for deer and setting up tree stands. Balancing hunting with other responsibilities

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, Dan Johnson interviews Eric Barber from Vortex Optics. They discuss hunting strategies for September and out-of-state trips. Eric shares his approach to hunting in September, focusing on the shift in deer behavior and the importance of speed scouting and being mobile. They also discuss Eric's upcoming out-of-state trips to South Dakota and Wisconsin, and how he plans to locate deer and set up in new areas. They cover topics such as finding water sources, identifying deer concentrations, and using decoys. They also discuss the challenges of hunting public land and dealing with limited access and time constraints. Eric emphasizes the importance of being aggressive and making informed decisions based on available intel. They also touch on the mental pressure and time crunch that hunters often feel towards the end of a hunt. Takeaways: September is a critical time for deer hunting, as the shift in deer behavior occurs with the change in food sources and the

In this conversation, Mark Kenyon shares the story of his son breaking his leg while camping and fishing in Wyoming. He discusses the accident, the emergency surgery, and the recovery process. Mark also talks about his upcoming trips to Alaska to film a blacktail deer hunt and explore the state of salmon. He highlights the importance of protecting wildlife and the challenges they face. The conversation concludes with a discussion about preparing for the upcoming hunting season and the balance between family commitments and hunting. Dan and Mark discuss the challenges of balancing hunting with family and other responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of finding a balance that works for each individual and their unique circumstances. They also discuss the sacrifices that come with being a dedicated hunter and the need to prioritize family and relationships. They share their own experiences and reflect on how their perspectives on hunting have evolved over time. Mark talks about his upcoming hunting trips

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, host Dan Johnson interviews hunting expert Dan Infalt about the importance of seeking advice from experienced hunters and the principles of hunting deer. They discuss the significance of looking at a person's hunting resume before taking their advice, the role of mentorship in improving hunting skills, and the importance of understanding big buck behavior. They also explore the key principles that apply to hunting whitetails in any location, such as focusing on bedding areas and understanding deer movement. Infalt shares his experiences and insights on timing, mistakes to avoid, and the importance of being mobile and adaptable in hunting strategies. Takeaways: When seeking advice on hunting, it is important to consider the experience and track record of the person giving the advice. Mentorship and learning from experienced hunters can greatly improve hunting skills. Understanding big buck behavior and focusing on bedding areas are key principles that a

Bill Jordan, founder of Realtree, shares his journey from being an avid hunter to starting his own camo company. He discusses his passion for hunting and how it has shifted from personal enjoyment to giving back and sharing the experience with his family. Bill also talks about his upbringing in an outdoor family and the influence of his parents had in instilling ethical values in him. He shares stories from his college football career and how he tore his hamstring, which led to a funny story about his first buck with a bow. Finally, he explains the inspiration behind creating the Realtree camo pattern and the initial feedback he received. Bill Jordan, the founder of Realtree, discusses the early years of the company and how it grew to become one of the biggest names in the hunting industry. He talks about the challenges of starting a new business and the importance of perseverance. Jordan also shares how Realtree utilized media, including television and print ads, to promote their products and showcase the ou

In this therapy session, Dan and Tony discuss various topics, including wives asking questions and getting mad when they don't get answered, dealing with bees and mice in their homes, the aging process and body hair, the balance between money and time spent on hunting trips, and the challenges of balancing family time and personal interests. In this conversation, Dan and Tony discuss their excitement for the upcoming deer hunting season. They share their plans and strategies for hunting in different locations and during different seasons. They also talk about the behavior of deer during gun season and how they often return to their original spots after being bumped. The conversation highlights the importance of finding concentrated areas of deer activity and the need for hunters to adapt their strategies based on changing conditions. Takeaways: Wives asking questions and getting mad when they don't get answered can be frustrating. Dealing with pests like bees and mice in the home can lead to disagreements b

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, host Dan Johnson interviews Bill Winke about deer hunting strategies. They discuss topics such as scouting in the summer, creating sanctuaries on hunting properties, the importance of access routes, and the behavior of mature bucks. Winke emphasizes the significance of entry and exit routes and the impact they have on deer movement. He also shares his approach to hunting new properties and the importance of understanding deer behavior during different phases of the rut. Winky advises against getting fixated on one specific buck and highlights the importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Dan Johnson gives an update on his life and discusses his upcoming hunting season. He shares how his South Dakota hunt may be compromised due to coaching his son's football team. He also reflects on his experience at the Iowa State Fair and the rising costs associated with attending. Dan provides advice on hunting strategies, emphasizing the importance of woodsmanship and being aware of deer behavior. He encourages listeners to shoot their bows and practice with their firearms to prepare for the season. Takeaways: Balancing hunting and other responsibilities can be challenging, but setting expectations with family and managing time effectively can help Woodsmanship and understanding deer behavior are crucial for successful hunting Practicing with bows and firearms is essential to improve accuracy and readiness for the season Avoid getting caught up in hunting content that may not be applicable to your specific situation Take advantage of opportunities to travel and hunt different sp

In this episode, Dan and Dan Matthews discuss their favorite wild game meals and their love for sweets. They also touch on the topic of energy drinks and the challenges of managing groceries in their households. The conversation transitions to the advancements in hunting equipment and the ease of entry into hunting. In this conversation, the Dan's discuss the use of trail cameras and the impact they have on hunting. They debate whether trail cameras make hunters better or if they simply provide more convenience and information. They also explore why Wisconsin consistently produces big deer despite having a rifle season during the rut. They speculate that Wisconsin's success may be due to a combination of factors, including a large number of hunters, a tradition of hunting big bucks, and the presence of ample cover and agriculture. They express curiosity about the reasons behind Wisconsin's success and suggest further research and conversations with wildlife biologists. Takeaways: The hosts share their favori

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau discuss hunting strategies and when to stay or move to a new spot. They talk about the importance of knowing when does come into heat and how it can increase your chances of success. They also discuss the use of trail cameras and how to interpret nocturnal activity. They share their experiences with hunting specific spots and how long to give a spot before deciding to move. They also touch on the importance of wind direction and how it can affect your hunting strategy. In this conversation, Jason and Dan discuss various aspects of hunting deer, including wind direction, access routes, hunting strategies, and out-of-state hunts. They emphasize the importance of understanding deer behavior and patterns, as well as adapting to different hunting environments. They also highlight the need to enjoy the hunting experience and not get too caught up in the details. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and tips for deer hunters. Takeaways: Knowing when d

In this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, host Dan Johnson interviews Jon Teater from Whitetail Landscapes about habitat management for hunting properties. They discuss the importance of understanding the complex environment that deer live in and how it affects their behavior. Teater explains that the most common goal for clients is to shoot bigger quality deer, but this goal can be abstract and requires a deep understanding of the deer composition and the specific makeup of a high-quality deer. They also discuss the role of risk and pressure in deer behavior and how to create a habitat that reduces risk and holds deer on the property. Teater emphasizes the importance of good habitat and cover, as well as the balance between food availability and cover value. He also explains how to assess the carrying capacity of a property by measuring the amount of biomass consumed by deer. Jon and Dan discuss the importance of habitat improvement and deer management. They cover topics such as diverse diets fo

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Jeremy Dinsmore discuss the challenges of balancing hunting with family and work responsibilities. They share personal stories and insights about being busy parents and how it affects their hunting pursuits. They also talk about the importance of setting up trail cameras and mock scrapes to gather information about deer movement and behavior. The conversation highlights the anticipation and excitement of the upcoming hunting season. In this conversation, Jeremy and Dan discuss their experiences with trail cameras and the challenges of predicting deer behavior. They talk about the difficulty of hunting older age whitetail bucks and the importance of understanding their patterns. They also discuss the impact of changing food sources and betting areas on deer movement. The conversation touches on the trend of being too mobile while hunting and the importance of patience and staying in one spot. They also talk about the correlation between rain and deer antler growth. Finally, the

In this conversation, Dan Johnson and Joe Jones discuss the challenges of balancing work and family with their passion for the outdoors. They also provide an update on Joe's pursuit of a particular buck and his efforts to gain access to a 200-acre property. Joe shares his strategies for patterning the buck and his excitement about the new hunting opportunity. In this conversation, Joe and Dan discuss the behavior and patterns of a mature buck that Joe is hunting. They explore the idea that the buck is not truly nomadic but rather has multiple core areas where he feels safe. They also discuss the buck's sensitivity to human pressure and cameras, and the potential impact of cattle on his movement. Joe shares his plan to hunt the back walls of the property and use mock scrapes to attract the buck. Dan advises Joe to be cautious about sharing information and to consider hanging a tree stand while setting up trail cameras. Takeaways: Finding time for outdoor activities with family can be challenging when balancin