EP. 416: Shaping The Battlefield | Bill Thompson | Johnny Stewart

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Bill Thompson from Spartan Forge for a deep dive into the evolving strategies of deer hunting and the tools that make it possible. We’re talking about ditching the treestand for the ground, the mobility it brings, and how it allows you to stalk smarter, not harder. Bill breaks down how understanding terrain, wind patterns, and using cutting-edge tech like Spartan Forge can completely reshape your approach. We also dig into the parallels between hunting and military tactics—think shaping the battlefield and controlling variables to stack the odds in your favor. Bill shares his personal journey from military service to leading a business in the hunting industry, and how the lessons he learned on the battlefield translate to the whitetail woods. But this episode isn’t just about gear and strategy. We tackle the sometimes harsh dynamics within the hunting community and the importance of empathy and building each other up. Plus, Bill and I talk about journaling hunts, learning from failures, and why staying grounded—literally and figuratively—is the key to long-term success. This is an episode packed with real talk, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your season. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 416 Ground hunting adds mobility and adaptability  Understanding terrain and using LIDAR can uncover critical deer movement areas Transition zones and wind shifts  Leveraging historical wind data Positivity, journaling, and reflecting on hunts improve long-term strategies and mindset Empathy and collaboration  SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Support our partners: Asio Gear , Exodus Outdoor Gear, Tethrd , Spartan Forge —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices