Podcast
Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast
Hosted by Clint Campbell · EN
Truth From The Stand is a weekly whitetail deer hunting podcast built for serious DIY hunters. For 10 years, we've been covering the tactics, strategies, and real stories that help hunters consistently kill mature bucks. From early season scouting and food plots to scrape hunting, rut tactics, and late season pressure, we cover it all. Each week we sit down with experienced whitetail hunters, bowhunters, and public land hunters to break down what's actually working in the field. Whether you're chasing bucks on public land or private ground, managing a property, or just trying to punch your tag on a mature deer, this is your podcast. New episodes every Wednesday. Follow the show so you never miss one
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP. 485: Why Most Hunters Quit Too Early | The Grit Formula | HOS
Mar 2500:22:13Tap to summarizeI started thinking about something I’ve run into a lot lately—not just in the woods, but on a jiu-jitsu mat, and honestly even going back to my wrestling days. It’s that moment when things get hard and your brain starts trying to talk you out of it. Not because you’re in real trouble… just because you’re uncomfortable. I’ve felt it getting smashed by guys half my size, I’ve felt it sitting in a tree when nothing’s moving, and I’ve definitely felt it in a few other places along the way. And the more I’ve paid attention to it, the more I’ve realized that moment—right there—is usually where things start to go one way or the other. So this episode is really about that. About staying composed when it would be easier not to. About figuring out how to keep going without panicking or making a bad decision just to feel better. Because whether it’s hunting, jiu-jitsu, or anything else, the people who stick with it a little longer tend to be the ones who end up where they want to go. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 485 The role of grit in hunting and life Lessons from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling Angela Duckworth's research on grit and success Practical ways to develop mental toughness The importance of a clear top-level goal SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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EP. 484: The Deer Hunting Rules That Don’t Actually Work
Mar 1801:35:15Tap to summarizeThis week Tony Peterson is back on the podcast, and we dig into the parts of hunting that don’t always follow the rules. We talk about how weather, pressure, and the difference between public and private ground shape deer movement—and why woodsmanship still matters more than most people think. A lot of the conversation centers on paying attention to what’s actually happening around you, spending more time in the woods, and being willing to adapt when the plan stops making sense. Like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on a simple truth: the longer you do this, the more you realize getting better mostly comes from time, observation, and learning something new every season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 484 Woodsmanship and observation still drive success, especially on pressured public land. Understanding how deer react to human presence is often the difference between close encounters and empty sits. Spending more time in the field increases opportunity and reveals patterns trail cameras often miss. Finding big bucks and killing them require very different strategies. Breaking conventional hunting rules can lead to unexpected success in challenging environments. Most barriers in hunting are mental, not tactical. The best hunters treat every season as a learning process, adapting to what the woods are showing them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →EP.483: I Hunted 3 States in One Season—Here's What I Learned
Mar 1101:32:34Tap to summarizeThis week I’m joined by Rendell Erik, and we cover a pretty wide range of things that all circle back to the same idea—getting better at the stuff we care about, whether that’s in the gym, on the range, or in the woods. We talk about the transition into traditional archery and how it forces you to slow down and really pay attention to your form, your shot process, and even the way your body moves. It’s a different kind of discipline, and in a lot of ways it mirrors the same mindset you need if you’re trying to stay consistent with fitness or mobility work. From there we get into the hunting side of things—postseason scouting, learning new terrain, and figuring out how deer actually move through the places we hunt instead of how we think they should. Rendell shares some experiences from this past season, including a few close calls and missed opportunities that most of us can probably relate to. And like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on the reality that the longer you do this, the more you realize the real progress usually comes from paying attention, adapting, and being willing to learn from every season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 483 Transitioning to traditional archery forces better body mechanics and shooting discipline than many hunters expect. Mobility, movement patterns, and proper technique matter just as much in fitness as they do in shooting a bow well. Small adjustments in anchor point, form, and consistency can dramatically improve shooting performance. Postseason scouting and terrain study reveal how deer actually move through landscapes—not how we assume they do. Mature deer often travel much farther between bedding and food sources than most hunters realize. Hunting new states and unfamiliar terrain pushes hunters to adapt quickly and rely on observation and instinct. The biggest improvements come from learning from mistakes, staying patient, and enjoying the process. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →EP. 482: The Bucks That Disappear (And Why Most Hunters Never Figure It Out)
Mar 401:37:08Tap to summarizeThis week Brian Dombrowski is back on the podcast, and we spend a lot of time talking about what actually happens after the plans fall apart—which, if you hunt long enough, is most of the time. We get into his season bouncing between Wisconsin and Illinois, the reality of hunting pressured ground, and why mature bucks have a way of simply disappearing when you think you’ve got them figured out. We also dig into the growing role of technology—from trail cameras to drone recovery—and where that line sits between being helpful and changing the hunt altogether. More than anything, this conversation is about adapting in real time… learning terrain instead of fighting it… and accepting that success usually comes from covering ground, paying attention to historical sign, and sticking with the process long after confidence starts to fade. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 482 rian wrapped up a strong season, including multiple successful hunts across Wisconsin and Illinois. The guys discuss using a drone for deer recovery and where technology fits ethically in modern hunting. Hunting thick cover highlights how mature bucks can disappear even when you’re doing everything right. Scouting, historical sign, and terrain understanding remain the foundation for finding older deer. Rising hunting pressure and out-of-state traffic are changing how deer — and hunters — behave. Trail cameras and data help, but success still comes down to prediction, patience, and experience. The episode reinforces that shared stories, hard lessons, and community are what keep hunting meaningful. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →EP. 481: Trust Your Gut or Trust Your Gear? | Nathan Killen
Feb 2501:37:20Tap to summarizeThis week I’m joined by Nathan Killen, and we get into the stuff that doesn’t show up in highlight reels — weather that doesn’t cooperate, thermals that don’t do what you expect, and seasons that force you to adjust whether you want to or not. We talk traditional archery, food sources, scrapes, rattling, and the little woodsmanship details that still matter no matter how much technology creeps into the picture. Nathan and I both share seasons where patience mattered more than aggression, and where trusting your gut made more difference than any piece of gear ever could. There’s a thread running through this one about balance — using tools without losing the mystery, learning without overcomplicating it, and remembering that comparison will rob the joy out of this faster than a blown wind ever will. This episode is about instinct, adaptability, and keeping the hunt honest. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 481 Weather, thermals, and food sources dictate deer movement more than anything else. Traditional archery sharpens awareness and forces you to earn every opportunity. Older bucks live by patterns — your strategy has to adjust to theirs. Hunt the edges of sign, not just the sign itself. Woodsmanship is built through reps, not talent. Trusting your gut often beats overthinking the setup. Technology can help — but the mystery is what keeps hunting meaningful. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →EP.480: The Long Game: Mature Bucks, Mindset & Fitness
Feb 1801:42:37Tap to summarizeAlright, so this one’s just me. I dug into a pile of listener questions and it turned into something bigger than I expected. We talk about antlers, sure—but mostly we talk about reps. About why the time in the woods matters more than the score on a tape. About building a life that actually lets you hunt the way you want to hunt, instead of squeezing it in around everything else. I get into scouting in big woods, what’s changed for me with a traditional bow, and why humility shows up real quick when you put the wheels away and go back to wood and string. There’s some nuts-and-bolts stuff in there too—how I approach out-of-state hunts, what I’ve learned the hard way, and even a breakdown of the hunting trailer and cabin projects that are shaping the next few seasons. But if there’s a thread running through all of it, it’s this: hunting isn’t separate from the rest of your life. Your fitness matters. Your recovery matters. Your mindset matters. If you want to do this for decades, you’d better treat it like something worth keeping. This episode’s about playing the long game—on deer, and on yourself. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 480 Nothing is ever as bad as it feels in the moment — perspective matters. Build a life that supports your passions instead of squeezing them in. Reps kill more deer than antler obsession ever will. Big woods demand patience, wind awareness, and a willingness to feel lost. Traditional gear forces awareness and sharpens woodsmanship. Fitness, recovery, and sleep are part of staying in the game for decades. Set attainable goals — then stack experience until bigger ones make sense. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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EP. 479: Losing the Noise to Find the Hunt Again
Feb 1101:25:02Tap to summarizeTim Palmer and I sat down in that quiet stretch after the season—the part of the year where the noise fades and you’re left with what the year actually gave you. We talk winter weather, ice fishing, and why water deserves more respect than most people give it. We get into this past season—what went right, what didn’t, and how Tim shifted his approach away from pressure and back toward enjoyment. There are stories from the high country, close calls, grizzlies, and the kind of lessons you only learn when things don’t go perfectly. A lot of this conversation lives in the mental space—trusting your prep, staying present when it counts, and understanding how mindset can either free you up or get in your way. This one’s about reset, perspective, and remembering why being out there matters in the first place. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 479 Letting go of pressure can bring the enjoyment—and performance—back into hunting. Time in nature has real therapeutic value when you allow it to slow you down. Mindset often matters more than tactics when things get tense or uncertain. Trusting your preparation frees you to stay present when it counts most. High-stakes moments expose mental weaknesses faster than physical ones. Reflection after the season is how real growth actually starts. Resetting your approach can be the difference between burnout and longevity. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →EP.478: Standing On The Shoulders of Legends | No Shortcuts
Feb 401:22:51Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Joe Miles, and we’re digging into the kind of hunting that doesn’t get easier with better gear—cold sits, traditional bows, and the work it takes to stay honest in the woods. We talk longbows, confidence at the shot, and why preparation matters more when you strip things back instead of piling them on. Joe shares what drew him deeper into traditional archery, how projects like Brothers of the Bow shaped his perspective, and why legacy and authenticity still matter in modern hunting. We also get into the reality of public versus private ground, work ethic in the field, and even what it’s like stepping into truly dangerous game—where mistakes don’t get forgiven. This one’s about doing things the hard way on purpose, and what you gain when you do. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 478 Cold weather exposes preparation gaps fast—wind, not temperature, is usually the real enemy. Traditional archery rewards discipline; expensive gear means nothing without consistent practice. Confidence at the shot matters more than equipment, especially when buck fever hits. Events like Winter Strong create learning through shared scenarios, not shortcuts. The appeal of longbows and recurves is growing because they reintroduce challenge and intention. Authentic hunting culture values grit, work ethic, and legacy over brand-driven influence. The best hunting stories—and growth—come from friction points, not easy paths. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →EP. 477: Is Hunting Being Watered Down
Jan 2801:19:38Tap to summarizeThis week on Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Chad Sylvester for a conversation that started light and ended up digging pretty deep. We talk about whether hunting has become watered down, and what that question really means in a world shaped by technology, influence, and constant noise. Somewhere along the way, we get into old boots, old lessons, and the kind of hunting experiences that leave a mark because they’re earned, not curated. We unpack how modern tools, social media, and shifting expectations have changed the way a lot of us experience the woods—and how easy it is to lose sight of why we started hunting in the first place. Chad and I get honest about influence, ego, motivation, and the tension between chasing outcomes and honoring the process. At the heart of it all is a reminder that woodsmanship, awareness, discomfort, and humility can’t be watered down—and that the best parts of hunting still live in the friction, the uncertainty, and the quiet moments when nobody’s watching. This one’s about reconnecting with what matters, questioning our motives, and remembering that the hunt is supposed to shape us—not the other way around. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 477 Hunting can feel watered down when friction and challenge are removed. Real growth comes from discomfort, effort, and earned experience. Woodsmanship and reading nature are skills that can’t be replaced or diluted. Influence can be driven by ego—or by a genuine desire to help others. Self-reflection reveals why we hunt and what truly motivates us. The dilution of hunting reflects broader cultural shifts, not just technology. The deepest value of hunting lies in connection, struggle, and personal growth. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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EP.476: Effort Over Outcome | Two Buck Season | Travis Keith
Jan 2101:51:49Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Travis Keith, and we wander through the overlap between hunting, wrestling, and the kind of mindset it takes to stay in the fight when things don’t go your way. We talk about tracking—both deer and personal progress—the role mentors play whether you realize it or not, and how most of the real learning comes from the hunts that don’t end the way you planned. Travis shares stories from recent seasons, close calls, and creative ways he’s gained access to overlooked spots, along with the unexpected generosity he’s found from other hunters along the way. It’s a conversation about patience, effort, faith, and listening to your gut—about remembering why you picked up a bow in the first place and how the woods have a way of giving back if you’re willing to slow down and pay attention. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 476 Tracking skill, effort, and mindset often matter more than gear when it comes to recovering deer. Wrestling and hunting share the same foundation: discipline, resilience, and learning through discomfort. Most real growth comes from failed hunts, missed opportunities, and honest self-reflection. Mentorship and community quietly shape better hunters, even when lessons come indirectly. Patience, faith, and trusting your instincts can open doors that strategy alone can’t. Creative access and adaptability often lead to overlooked opportunities in pressured areas. Hunting is ultimately about the journey, gratitude, and the people you meet along the way—not just the kill. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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