Episodes
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On this week's episode Mitch is gearing up for Pennsylvania's late season deer hunting with his flintlock muzzleloader. This unique weapon has a 3+week long season for deer each year that creates a fun opportunity to fill a tag. Over the past few years, Mitch has become slightly more serious in his shooting and preparation to fill a tag with the ol' smoke pole. This was not always the case, in fact, plenty of animals have been scared by his inaccurate shooting in the past. This forced a change to buckle down and learn how to become more accurate with quality practice.
Mitch shares his experiences shooting after purchasing a book about black powder rifle accuracy. He shares the process he installed into his routine for load development and practice to help alleviate flinching, and build a handload with the right powder charge and patch thickness. There are a few other tricks he has picked up that have helped his success along the way. If you're an experienced flintlock shooter, this may not be your episode. However, if you're the fella that didn't fill a deer tag and is deciding to dust off the flintlock after a few years of not being engaged, this may help you get ready!
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch welcomes DJ Hoshauer back to the podcast to share hunting stories from this season, including DJ's successful season filled with unique experiences across multiple states. The conversation delves into some challenges faced such as unanticipated health concerns, and also recaps some exciting highlights. In this conversation, DJ shares his extensive experiences and insights from years of hunting, focusing on the 4 year journey of pursuing a unique buck he tagged opening day of Pennsylvania rifle season. He discusses the importance of scouting, understanding deer behavior, and adapting strategies based on environmental pressures. The conversation also highlights the emotional aspects of hunting, including the thrill of the chase, the lessons learned from missed opportunities, and the significance of family involvement in the hunting experience. After catching up on DJ's season, the two share the story of their hunt together last week when Mitch filled his 2024 PA buck tag. They cover the planning stages, strategies employed during the hunt, the camaraderie shared between friends, and the reflections on the day's events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of enjoying the experience over simply filling a tag, highlighting the thrill of the chase and the value of teamwork in hunting.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch is joined by his friend Dana Schreffler, who shares his journey into archery hunting. Dana has deer hunted in the past but has just recently become more serious, and his off season preparation led to quickly filling all his tags this year. As the two podcast while butchering some deer Dana shot on opening weekend, they delve into the journey that began for Dana a few short years ago and what evolved into his hunting plans for 2024. They discuss the importance of scouting, understanding property dynamics, and adapting to changing conditions in the field. In this conversation, the guys share their experiences and insights from a successful hunting season, discussing strategies for hunting deer, the importance of balancing family life with hunting, and reflections on personal growth as a hunter. They emphasize the significance of communication with your spouse, the lessons learned from hunting, and the satisfaction of achieving goals in the field.
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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is flying solo by the seat of his pants. With the holidays and hunting season, it's hard to get much of anything planned this time of year! On the road home from opening weekend of deer camp, Mitch recaps the past 10 days of hunting season. This includes a successful northwoods bear camp where the gang harvested 3 bears on the first 3 drives of opening day. Mitch delves into the backstory of why he believes this hunt was so successful, as the hunt Captain and good friend Clayton Good did an excellent job of scouting and strategically placing standers.
Next he dives into the opening weekend of deer season at his camp in north central PA. With little scouting preparation going into this weekend, there needed to be a few cards in his favor for things to line up. Spoiler alert - the cards were subpar at best. Mitch discusses why the area he chose to sit on opening day was good, however it missed the spot by about 100 yards. Still hunting with a gun was also on Mitch's mind to level his odds and cover ground, but with snow and rain followed by temps in the teens, the snow became so crunchy it was nearly impossible to still hunt successfully. Moral of the story: there is plenty of season left, keep grinding, and be patient.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Aaron Pasquarette to discuss his successful trip to Ohio this fall. They begin by elaborating on the challenges and joys of balancing hunting with family and work commitments. They delve into Aaron's strategies for scouting, setting up, and connecting with deer in the Buckeye State. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, adaptability, and understanding deer behavior in the pursuit of a successful hunt. In this conversation, Aaron shares his thrilling experiences and emotions during a recent hunting trip, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of hunting. He discusses the importance of preparation, the balance between family life and hunting, and the fulfillment he finds in the adventure of the hunt. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of communication in family dynamics during hunting seasons and the essence of woodsmanship in achieving success in the field.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Brian Melvin. During the Segment A 2024 New Jersey Bear Season, Brian killed a 770 lb field dressed bear. It's estimated live weight is around 900 pounds! He recounts the story of this record-breaking bear hunt, the challenges faced during retrieval, and the unique characteristics of the bear he hunted. Brian discusses the history of his pursuit of this particular bear, the pressures and patterns in bear hunting, and the importance of comfort and security in bear habitats. He also emphasizes the significance of baiting strategies and the balance between hunting pressure and bear comfort, culminating in valuable lessons learned from his experiences. Brian shares his insights on bear hunting, emphasizing the importance of patience, scouting, and understanding bear behavior. He discusses the strategies for baiting and the use of cameras in tracking bears, as well as the significance of e-scouting in modern hunting. The conversation highlights the need for hunters to adapt to seasonal shifts in food sources and bear patterns to improve their chances of success. Brian shares his extensive knowledge on bear hunting, focusing on understanding bear behavior, travel corridors, and late-season strategies. He discusses the importance of scouting, the nuances of hunting in different segments, and the challenges of navigating swamps. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of using firearms and the significance of wind patterns in successful bear hunting. Brian introduces his new venture, Timber Life Outdoors, where he aims to share his hunting experiences and insights with a broader audience.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Grant Forney of the Everyday Outdoorsman to discuss the nuances of hunting during the rut. This conversation emphasizes the importance of weather conditions, historical knowledge and strategic planning. They share personal experiences and insights on deer behavior, hunting techniques, and the excitement of the rut during archery season, providing valuable tips for both novice and seasoned hunters. In this conversation, Mitch and Grant discuss various aspects of deer hunting in Pennsylvania, focusing on hunting patterns, communication tactics with deer, the significance of all-day sits during the rut, and the mental challenges hunters face. They also share personal experiences and advice for both novice and experienced hunters, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and enjoyment in the hunting experience.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch is joined by Cody Readinger, a successful bow hunter known for consistently harvesting big bucks in challenging terrains. The conversation delves into Cody's journey from a casual hunter to a dedicated bow hunter, the emotional experiences tied to hunting, and the importance of scouting and preparation. They discuss the balance between family life and hunting passion, Cody's hunting philosophy, and the story behind his latest big buck. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding terrain features and the challenges of hunting in Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. In this segment, Cody shares his insights on deer hunting, emphasizing the importance of fieldwork, understanding deer behavior, and utilizing technology like cameras for tracking. He discusses his strategic approach to hunting, particularly focusing on wind direction and the significance of patience and preparation. The conversation culminates in a profound moment of connection with a buck, leading to reflections on faith and the journey of growth in both hunting and life. They share their insights on the influence of podcasts in learning about hunting, the importance of embracing failure, and the need to find a personal 'why' in the hunting experience. Cody discusses the impact of social media on expectations and the significance of valuing experiences over mere success. The conversation also touches on personal reflections, life lessons, and the role of faith in guiding one's journey in hunting and life.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by PA native Chris Weist. The two delve into the intricacies of deer hunting, discussing various strategies, mental challenges, and the impact of technology on the hunting experience. This includes how Chris prioritizes his time throughout the fall, what challenges he is facing, how to navigate feed trees in monotonous timber, and much more. They explore the importance of patience, the significance of food sources, and the need for aggressive tactics in certain situations. The discussion also touches on setting realistic goals and expectations for the hunting season, as well as the balance between utilizing technology and maintaining the adventure of hunting.
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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by returning guests and good friends Mike Lesher, Mark Lesher, Jason Miller and Jared Lesher. The five sit down near the close of the 2024 New Jersey Segment A bear hunt, and discuss what a week it was! Beginning in summer, the crew made multiple trips to scout and locate bears that would meet their season goals. The Leshers and Jason hunted all week long and were able to have some cool encounters with archery tackle. Mitch came to camp with his Lyman Flintlock muzzleloader in hand later in the week. Tune in to hear the highs, lows, mishaps and successes of this DIY public land bear hunt! This episode truly highlights the camaraderie and teamwork shared by this crew of guys!
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Troy Fowler, known as the Ranch Fairy. The two discuss a highly controversial topic: quartering towards shot angles with archery equipment. Can you really shoot through the shoulder of a deer with a bow? With most arrow set ups, no, not without luck or wounding the animal. Arrows don't like bone, especially with lighter arrow setups that are commonly used. Troy emphasizes the importance of understanding shot placement and the anatomy of deer. Troy also compares the toughness of deer and pigs, highlights the significance of arrow setup and flight, and encourages critical thinking in bowhunting. He shares valuable lessons from his experiences and stresses the need for discipline and understanding of equipment in order to be successful in hunting. That means knowing what your arrow is capable of doing should it encounter a heavy bone like the humerus of a whitetail. If it can't go through it, don't take the shot! Or, listen to the 12 factors of arrow flight from the Ashby Bowhunting foundation to learn what setups have the highest chance of passthrough if you so decide to take this shot angle. This episode revolves around making ethical choices in the world of bowhunting.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch interviews Cliff Bailey, a passionate hunter and creator of KEO Vlogs on YouTube. They discuss Cliff's background in hunting, the evolution of his family's hunting traditions, and the journey of creating his YouTube channel. The conversation delves into land management practices, the journey of targeting bigger bucks, and the lessons learned over the years. They also explore hunting strategies, the significance of wind, and how to manage pressure while hunting. Cliff shares insights on deer behavior, the role of food sources, and the impact of the rut on hunting success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patience, knowledge, and adaptability in the pursuit of hunting big mature deer.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch interviews Ricky Brule, host of the Range Podcast and Creative Director for Vaportrails Bowstrings. They discuss Ricky's various roles in content creation, the balance between work and personal hobbies, and the impact of social media on the hunting community. The conversation delves into the controversies surrounding hunting practices, particularly the use of crossbows, and the importance of community and family in the hunting experience. Ricky shares insights on adapting hunting techniques across different regions and reflects on the changing priorities that come with fatherhood. The episode concludes with a reminder to enjoy the journey of hunting and the significance of building connections within the community.
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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jason Goe and Jere Preston from the Final Stand YouTube channel. This episode discusses various aspects of hunting, beginning with a conversation focusing on modern muzzleloaders versus flintlocks. The boys dive into Jere's recent trip back from bear hunting in Canada, then shift gears to whitetail hunting in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The conversation also delves into strategies for hunting on public land, the importance of monitoring ground scent and wind control, and the impact of technology on hunting practices.
Throughout the discussion, the speakers share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of being a dedicated hunter. Additional topics navigate the evolution of hunting strategies, emphasizing the importance of scouting over gimmicks and the nuanced role of trail cameras. The team shares insights on navigating public land hunting, the significance of timing in scouting, and the challenges of introducing children to hunting in a meaningful way. The discussion also touches on the importance of family traditions in hunting and the need for a supportive community that values both successes and failures in the sport. This is a don't miss episode sure to fire you up for the start of 2024 deer season!
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Jeremy Dinsmore of the Antler Up Podcast to discuss preparations for the upcoming hunting season. They talk about technical difficulties with recording podcasts, practicing shooting their bows, and managing their schedules. They also touch on the use of trail cameras and the importance of trusting their instincts while hunting. In this conversation, Jeremy and Mitchell discuss their scouting and hunting strategies for deer. They talk about the importance of scouting and gathering information through trail cameras, as well as the challenges of piecing together the puzzle of deer movement. They also discuss the timing of the hunting season and the importance of being patient and selective in choosing locations to sit and deer to pursue. Jeremy expresses his desire to improve his woodsmanship skills and become more proficient in different hunting scenarios. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the hunt and making memories, regardless of the size or caliber of the deer harvested.
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This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are back with part 2 of our conversation with Cole Seitzinger in what we are calling a "Dream Season". If you missed last week, Cole shares his 2023 PA P&Y buck story and the obstacles experienced along the way. It was 8 days later Cole was able to lay hands on his target 150 class buck in the Prairie State. However, the theme of overcoming obstacles remains in place!
Despite initial setbacks and doubts, Cole's wife encouraged him to go on his Illinois hunt after a 12-year hiatus, arriving a day late due to family obligations. Cole bounced around the farm until landing in a tree that proved to be successful. Initially, the wind kept him from hunting his primary target location. The tree he picked was a good distance away but allowed him to observe from a distance. The power of November had his target buck on his feet, which just happened to cruise by his tree in bow range mid-morning. Lots of lessons learned from stand selection and shot placement, to tracking, trusting your instincts, and sharing memories made in the field.
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by his buddy Cole Seitzinger, who talks about balancing family life with hunting and his transition to hunting with a saddle. The balancing act requires Cole to be specific with his time to allow success; the saddle helps with his time efficiency. The conversation begins with the pros and cons of saddle hunting and the impact of content creation on the hunting experience. From here, Cole breaks down the hunt for his 2023 PA buck.
Cole was able to harvest this buck on the first sit of the year at this property. He had not hunted it for 3 seasons, in fact the previous sit he also arrowed his largest PA buck to date. Cole shares the ins and outs of learning the timing of the properties he hunts, and how he had to make an adjustment after missing the best time at another property. This is part one of two, tune in next week when Cole breaks down his trip to Illinois where he arrowed a bruiser!
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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch discusses his experience with bear scouting and hunting leading into the 2024 season. After a successful 2023 season, he is back in New Jersey for bigger and better things. There were many takeaways from last season, forcing Mitch to modify his preparation for an even better outcome this year. This includes the importance of scouting and finding food sources, as well as the need for fallback options and scouting for people pressure.
Finding food in summer is a start, but it's also crucial to continue to monitor as the season start to close in. Mitch shares the scale of land he is scouting both with cameras and boots-on-ground, and how he plans to choose stand locations for wind direction and lay of the land. The goals and outlook for this season are slightly different from normal: be patient, learn from your experiences, and set realistic expectations for the hunting season with the time that's available to prepare.
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This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is bound to ruffle someone's feathers. Take it with a grain of salt; it's two average Joe's having a conversation about their opinions of hunting in PA. Our guest is John Kolb from Suffering Outdoors, and he and Mitch discuss five items that they believe if changed would improve the hunting opportunity in Pennsylvania. Both John and Mitch are avid bowhunters, so the majority of this discussion revolves around improvements for our own self-interest.
Before we start, let's make it known that we both believe the Pennsylvania state agency does an excellent job of collecting data and making well informed decisions for our hunting seasons. This is not an episode of critique, rather expanding on what's already worked well in the Keystone state, with a dash of selfish-interest. We start the episode by listing a few things the state has already implemented that have made hunting regulations easier or created better hunting opportunities. From here we break down our five points of interest, leading up to our grand finale. Let's just say, the final point argues the use of a trigger during archery season... What do you think would make hunting PA better?
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On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch introduces Shaun Trump from Northern Duck Calls to the show. Shaun is as passionate about duck hunting as Mitch is about deer. So much so, that he's turned a hobby of building ducks calls into a business. After our introduction, Shaun discusses how he first got into building calls and the complexities of using a lathe and combining it with reeds and cutouts. He also discusses his experiences of hunting ducks in Arkansas, and how the culture of waterfowl hunting is much different when compared to the northeast. You are able to sense a "homesick" feeling from Shaun when he talks about Arkansas, but he quickly changes the subject to building a network and culture here in the northeast around duck hunting. If you're looking to upgrade some duck calls for this season, shop local and check out Northern Duck Calls!
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