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Deer camp vibes are in full swing! We’re chatting coyotes, chili, and classic deer camp camaraderie. Friends of Eric's take the mic in place of Greg and Derek as the crew dives into everything from quick gear grabs to KwikTrip runs, sharing laughs and stories about public land struggles, predator encounters, and the timeless "scent control vs. luck" debate.
With callers weighing in from South Carolina to the Nicolet National Forest, the hunting spectrum is as broad as the variety of firearms—30.30s, 300 Blackouts, and even a muzzleloader's and the 6.5 Creedmoor. Meanwhile, we honor the unspoken camp traditions, from splitting venison with the crew to arguing over who’s packed and who’s procrastinating.
Good luck out there, hunters. Remember: it’s your tag; hunt how you want.
Presented by Nosler -- Use code: OHP for 20% OFF
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Eric's redemption hunt took center stage as he shared the story of his spike buck success on public land after a tough season. Battling a cough and missing gear, he adapted, hunted from the ground, and made it happen with a well-placed shot. The episode wove humor and heart, from close encounters with bucks and lessons learned on scent and setup to candid reflections on hunting challenges.
Listener calls added depth, with tales of mishaps, food plot tweaks, and grappling with CWD realities. The big takeaway? Hunt your own hunt, embrace the grind, and celebrate every hard-earned moment in the woods.
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In this video blog segment of Dropping Pins, Derek is scouting the National Forest in Northeastern Wisconsin for potential stand locations for next weekend's Firearms season opener.
Derek revisits some of his old honey holes, but things are different…VERY different! After a large straight-line wind storm hit the area about 8 years ago, logging crews have been busy clear-cutting most of the area. This has added plenty of browse and new food sources for the wildlife, but it definitely requires boots on the ground to locate the new best spots to intercept a buck during the high-pressure gun season.
Derek walks the viewer through the thought process of how and where he is scouting. We look at how deer relate to clear cuts and different terrain “traps” that help funnel deer into monotonous terrain.
In the end, we find a few promising spots, hang four cameras, and get one hang-one stand prepped for opening morning.
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This week, Derek recaps an unforgettable blacktail hunt in the rugged beauty of Oregon. From high-stakes moments to laid-back camaraderie, this is what hunting is all about. The team battled through steep shale bluffs and shifting winds while adapting to a new hunting style. But the pressure didn't stop them. Supported by friends old and new, they came together for an experience more about the journey than the trophies.
Derek’s 783-yard shot on a forked horn buck was a personal victory. Keegan's media magic captured every raw moment, from the anxious dry-firing practice to the adrenaline-filled trek to recover the buck. Meanwhile, Greg nailed a still-hunting buck, flipping the usual roles between the two of them.
This hunt wasn’t just about deer, though—it was about teamwork, perseverance, and the emotional highs and lows that come with it. Whether it was Keegan sprinting up mountains to catch the perfect shot or the shared thrill of packing out Greg’s buck, the entire crew played a crucial role. And let’s not forget Lindon, who brought the trip full circle with his mom’s “Big Chicken Energy” (yes, seriously—chicken might just be the new secret to hunting success).
With a film in the works that will bring all this to life, Derek and Greg's Oregon adventure is one for the books. Tune in for some heartfelt laughs, some near-misses, and one epic finish. If you’re hunting this season, don’t forget your BBQ chicken—trust us, it works.
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In this Dropping Pins episode, Derek dives into the mindset and strategies behind successful hunts, especially with his upcoming Illinois trip. Between old spots and fresh sign, Derek breaks down the tendencies hunters have to rely on familiar locations versus taking on new territory. Through stories of past hunts with his dad, Derek shares how sticking to the “known” can pay off—like it did during a memorable rut hunt up north—and how it can backfire when you’re too married to a spot that just isn’t working anymore.
From mobile setups to navigating the latest trends in public land hunting, it’s all about keeping an open mindset and letting fresh intel lead the way. Whether it’s using historical knowledge or adapting on the fly, Derek encourages everyone to mix in a little exploration. We’ve all had those places we keep coming back to, but sometimes a fresh approach is exactly what’s needed to bag that mature buck.
So, if you’re gearing up for the rut or planning a hunt of your own, join Derek for this episode packed with relatable stories and practical tips that might just help you beat the odds this season.
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In this week’s episode, the guys were all over the place—in the best way possible. They started off chatting about gear, sponsors, and some fresh Okayest Hunter merch, like the "hunting season survivor" crewnecks and new flannels that’ll keep you warm and lookin’ okay.
They took some calls from listeners, each sharing rut updates from Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, and beyond.
Sounds like bucks are starting to shadow the does, but the does aren’t quite ready for them yet.
The crew had a good laugh about early rut strategies versus the total chaos of the peak rut, where bucks go full-blown crazy and chances of tagging one get wild.
Things got sidetracked (naturally) with a funny debate on duck hunting behavior, and they dished out opinions on camo, stand setups, and the struggle of waiting on deer movement.
By the end, there was an exciting sneak peek: the Okayest Hunter crew’s dropping more gear soon—think cozy buffalo plaid flannels, more options for the hunting season survivor collection, and even a Beer Camp line featuring some favorite brews.
All in all, a solid episode to get everyone pumped for the season!
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The crew brings relatable stories from hunting the rut, with stories every hunter can appreciate. From last-minute second-guessing things to the thrill—and heartbreak—of tracking deer, they talk about the emotional rollercoaster of being out in the field when things don't go to plan.
We dive into recent hunts, close encounters with elusive bucks, and the different challenges faced on both public and private lands. We also share practical tips, like using drones for recovery, handling nerves, and the power of patience.
Through candid admissions, laughter, and a listener call-in from Eric's Dad, this conversation is a reassuring reminder that at some point, all hunters face their fair share of mishaps and triumphs.
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Derek shares the story of a textbook rut hunt that came together perfectly, showing just how unpredictable and rewarding deer season can be. After scouting a promising area and setting up quietly, he was ready to go—until a mature 10-pointer responded to his calling sequence and stepped into range. With a well-placed shot and the support of Eric and Tyler for the track and drag-out, Derek tagged a solid buck on public land, a true highlight of the season. His persistence, from preseason scouting to holding out until the last possible minute, paid off in a big way.
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In this episode, we take the podcast on the road, recording live from the Majestic Theater with serial entrepreneur Andy Wines. While Andy dives deep into his productive and intentional approach to work, he shares how he balances his entrepreneurial ventures with deer hunting. The conversation flows naturally from tactical hunting insights—like scouting with trail cams and choosing the right stand—to the profound, almost spiritual aspects of harvesting your own food and passing down traditions to the next generation. We touch on the romantic side of hunting, exploring the primal connection to nature, and why being in the woods offers a reset like nothing else. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just curious about the lifestyle, this episode delivers a mix of humor, insight, and heartfelt moments. Don't miss Andy's take on what makes deer camp sacred, and the joy of sharing these traditions with his daughter.
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Joe Van Beek joins this episode of Dropping Pins with an epic early-season deer hunting success story. As a new dad juggling family and hunting, Joe shares the detailed strategy that helped him bag one of his best bucks yet. He dives deep into how he scouted the area, set up trail cameras, and utilized unique access points to outsmart mature deer during a hot and dry early fall. With confidence, patience, and meticulous attention to detail, Joe’s plan paid off, resulting in a thrilling encounter where he had a 45-minute standoff with the buck at just 26 yards. From scouting swamps to making calculated decisions in the field, this episode is packed with insights for hunters looking to elevate their game. Plus, Joe’s post-hunt encounter with the police over a driveway blood trail adds a hilarious twist to the story!
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The Okayest Hunter Podcast kicks off with Greg’s return, bringing plenty of classic OHP banter. The crew dives into early-season hunting updates as Greg shares his recent bowhunting experiences, including a few close encounters but no shots fired. They strategize around an incoming cold front and juggle hunting plans with family commitments.
The conversation heats up with gear talk, featuring Muck Boots’ new Alpha Pursuit ankle boot, and they explore its benefits for Midwest hunting. The highlight of the show is guest Jody Marler, a homebuilder and media pro from Montana, who’s taking a nostalgic trip back to Illinois for some whitetail action. The group trades stories on deer camps, the evolution of hunting gear, and keeping things authentic in the outdoor world. Perfect for anyone who loves swapping hunting strategies and hearing down-to-earth stories from the field.
Check out the new Muck Alpha Pursuit Ankle Boot: https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101146695-15887989
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In this episode, Derek sits down with Big Buck Killer Ryan Glisky of Pennsylvania. Ryan starts off by talking a little bit about his early season success in Maryland this year with a great buck he took on an early season betting pattern. Ryan relates a lot of his decision-making with confidence that has been built up over the years in the areas and styles of hunting he incorporates.
The conversation turns from early season to Ryan‘s favorite time of year to hunt which is the rut. He talks about his focus on doe betting areas and travel pinch points between dough betting. The idea of confidence comes up again as they discuss the importance of putting time in and sticking it out in locations, you have confidence in.
Ryan shares a wealth of knowledge and a diverse range of strategies that he has used to put himself in front of mature bucks.
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Ryan Shutts joins Eric and Derek from Bear Archery to talk about the latest lineup of Bear bows, including the highly anticipated Persist 33, Whitetail INT, and the Legit Max. They dive into Bear Archery's mission of making hunting accessible to everyone by offering bows that are not only packed with innovative technology but are also highly adjustable to fit a wide range of hunters. Ryan shares his passion for archery and breaks down each bow’s unique features while the hosts throw in a bit of banter about their recent hunts and family experiences in the deer woods. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode highlights some of the best bow options for anyone looking to level up their archery game this season.
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In this episode of Dropping Pins, Derek talks with good buddy Matt Streim who owns Weathered Oaks Game Calls and is co-host of the Okayest Fisher Podcast. Although Matt cut his teeth as a Northwoods tree stand hunter, circumstances have since changed and Matt has found himself hunting areas that are lacking trees large enough to hunt from. This has created the opportunity for him, along with the family members he hunts with, to explore ground hunting mature whitetails. No blinds, no enclosed hunting shack, just a homemade stool/ chair and experience with how to blend into the surroundings.
Matt talks about some of the challenges of hunting from the ground, and how one of the largest hurdles coming from a tree stand background, is giving up visibility and basically only being able to focus your shots to one side of you, rather than 360 degrees.
Matt discusses things he has learned and how he uses these techniques to stay super mobile and keep the deer unaware of his next moves. Matt dives into an awesome story about one of the closest encounters with a mature buck I’ve ever heard. The story offers all sorts of learning moments, from time of year, pre-rut behavior, ground cover and positioning etc.
This is an interesting and effective tactic and hopefully after hearing Matt explain the process and its benefits, you give it a try and add another deadly tactic to your hunting tool kit.
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Eric flies solo this week, catching up with everyone right before heading off on a family vacation. With hunting season underway, he shares a sweaty 90-degree hunting recap, dealing with malfunctioning trail cams and some seriously obnoxious doe blowing his cover.
You can expect the usual Okayest humor, a bit of gear talk (spoiler: mosquitoes hate Sitka), and the stress of juggling family life, work, and hunting.
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This episode starts off a little unexpectedly as Derek and Tony are just chit chatting before hit the record button, but things escalate quickly as they often do with good hunting stories, and Derek hits record after Tony dives into a great story about one of his first travel public land hunts. This hunt takes place before the public land DIY hunting craze hit and many of Tony’s fellow outdoor industry insiders didn’t think hitting the public would pay off in any way. But Tony had to prove them wrong! This story kicks off an awesome episode with plenty of stories from Tony with all sorts of great learning moments, anecdotes, and key takeaways.
Tony shares his incredibly down to earth and relatable experiences with listeners as he provides lessons learned from his vast experiences hunting public land all across the US.
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This week Derek and Eric chat with Ryan Shutts, the Product Manager behind Bear Archery’s compound and youth bow lines. Ryan shares insights on Bear’s deep-rooted tradition in archery and how they're keeping Fred Bear's blue-collar, accessible ethos alive in a world where prices keep going up.
We chat about the resurgence of traditional archery, the smooth draw of single-cam bows like the Adapt 2, and why balance is something to strive for in a bow in contrast to shaving pounds. Ryan also shares tips for getting your kids into archery and the importance of finding the right bow to match your hunting style. He also answers a bunch of listener questions!
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Today Derek talks to Devin Duncan of Virginia. Devin grew up hunting the vast public land mountains of western Virginia and learned the ropes from his father. Devin talks about how his dad had used mules for years to pack into remote steep terrain and also for packing out the harvest.
Devin talks about the woods of his area and how the deer survive in pockets of terrain. We discuss an awesome hunting story from Devin’s largest buck, takes a couple seasons ago. Devin goes into detail about how and why he chose the area he did and how he chose to approach his spot. All the decision making he put into setting and making a move later in the day paid off HUGE with a chance at a monster mature buck followed by a strange bear sighting.
Devin shares some ideas about backpack style hunting, tree stands, saddles, and still hunting.
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In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, Jace Martinetto shares his journey from being a landscaper to becoming the producer and videographer for outdoor hunting shows, including Okayest Hunter and Jake Break Hollow. Jace discusses how his passion for videography led him to take big risks, invest in his craft, and eventually transition from his media business to focusing full-time on building Jake Break Hollow—a unique hunting show inspired by camaraderie and the "good life" of the outdoors. Jace also opens up about the challenges and excitement of moving across the country to pursue this venture.
Check out Jake Brake Hallow: https://www.jakebrakehollow.com/
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In this episode, Derek sits down to talk with another big buck killer from the North East. Rodney Elmer of Mountain Deer Taxidermy is a generational hunter from Vermont who chases big buck tracks through New England when the snow flies. He has been a hunter safety educator, taxidermist, and seminar speaker and most recently created a successful YouTube channel focused on having fun with family and friends in the deer woods.
Rodney and Derek start by chatting about the terrain and territory that Rodney hunts in the NE. This big woods terrain is not only challenging on hunters but also the deer population. They discuss deer habits and behaviors and how that relates to time of year and the landscape they live in.
Rodney gets into an awesome tracking story from his younger years in which tracking a small buck led him to a much larger buck, which decided to teach Rodney a few lessons that day. Rodney does a masterful job explaining and laying out his thought process on what he did and why, as well as how the buck used a variety of evasive maneuvers to distance himself from danger.
Rodney’s story led to a conversation about the overall mentality and immense challenge that is hunting mature bucks. Rodney gives the listener plenty to think about as he deviates from tactics and talks about mindset, positivity, karma, and doing what we do for the right reasons.
This was such an honest and refreshing discussion about hunting, and hopefully, it helps us all keep our minds in the right headspace this season.
Check out his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHNQN7oV2bO6nHZ1WU0Stg
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