Okayest Hunter ®

This week, Caleb Frostman makes a trip to the Okayest Hunter podcast studio for an in-person discussion on his journey in hunting. Caleb discusses his vast experience in just about every type of terrain WI has to offer, along with MN.  Caleb cut his teeth as a rifle hunter in the Northwoods of the National Forest and later got the opportunity to hunt a large tract of private property in the Driftless Region of SW WI. There he was able to hone his skills at killing deer, and some big bucks, while observing how deer move through the hill country terrain.  Around 2019, Caleb got the OnX mapping application, which helped him find some public land to turkey hunt on, and after walking some public land and coming across some buck sign, the light bulb went off, and he decided to explore public land for deer hunting. Caleb discussed a great honey hope spot he found right off the get go and how he killed two bucks from the spot in his first two years.  Caleb has killed the majority of his archery deer from the ground, which we discussed heavily. Caleb talks about a few other properties he has scouted and what he looks for when scouting for archery and why a limited hunting schedule shapes his view of scouting for a timeframe as opposed to all season sign.  We wrap up the discussion with a dive into how he turned a late start morning in November into an incredible memory of a beautiful 8 point buck. We end with Caleb’s upcoming season goals, and his selfless disposition shines through with his willingness and desire to take 3 different first time hunters into the deer woods this season. That is exactly what our hunting community needs! Thanks for being an excellent exemplar, Caleb! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we taking hunting too seriously? In this episode, we dig into a question that more hunters may need to ask themselves: Have we gotten so good at hunting—or at least so obsessed with becoming better at it—that we've gotten worse at actually enjoying it? Modern whitetail hunting comes with more information, technology, gear, trail cameras, mapping tools, tactics and access to hunting content than ever before. Add social media to the mix, and every time you open your phone it can look like everyone else is killing giant bucks while you're sitting in a tree wondering what you're doing wrong. But is that reality, or are we comparing our entire hunting season to everyone else's highlight reel? We talk about the pressure hunters put on themselves to kill bigger bucks, own the latest gear, run more cameras, scout harder and constantly optimize every part of deer season. We also discuss how social media can magnify the relatively small number of hunters finding immediate success and create the feeling that you're somehow falling behind. The conversation goes beyond whitetails, too. Have our obsession with deer hunting and trophy bucks pushed small-game hunting, trapping, grouse hunting, waterfowl hunting and simply wandering around the woods with our kids to the side? Some of the best opportunities to create new hunters and lifelong memories may have nothing to do with sitting over a giant buck. Callers join the conversation to share their own experiences with hunting pressure, social media, expensive gear, public-land competition and changing expectations of what makes a successful season. At some point, every hunter has to decide what success actually means. Is it killing the biggest buck? Filling the freezer? Becoming a better hunter? Spending time with your kids? Making memories with friends? Or sometimes… is it enough to simply go hunting? This episode is a conversation about modern hunting culture, whitetail hunting, bowhunting, social media, hunting technology, trophy buck expectations, public-land pressure, small-game hunting and remembering why we started hunting in the first place. If hunting has ever started feeling more like a competition or a job than something you genuinely enjoy, this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more honest conversations about whitetail hunting, bowhunting, deer hunting, hunting culture, outdoor life and everything that happens along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we hunt? It's one of the simplest questions a hunter can be asked—and one of the hardest to answer. In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, the crew starts with summer fishing stories, archery practice, scouting updates, new hunting gear, upcoming seminars, and preparations for another deer season. But the conversation eventually turns into something much deeper. What keeps us coming back year after year? Is it the challenge? The meat? The tradition? The friendships? The pursuit of mature whitetails? Or is there something much more instinctual buried within all of us? The hosts share honest perspectives about why they continue to hunt, discussing everything from mindfulness and personal growth to adrenaline, responsibility, conservation, and the emotional experience that comes with harvesting a deer. It's an authentic conversation that every hunter—new or experienced—can relate to. Along the way, they also discuss: August deer scouting and e-scouting strategies Bow practice and cold-shot preparation Hunting gear updates and mobile hunting setups Trail cameras, OnX tools, and scouting technology Upcoming hunting seminars and community events Building a hunting community through podcasts and shared experiences Whether you're counting down the days until opening morning or reflecting on what hunting truly means to you, this episode offers plenty of laughs, practical insights, and one question every outdoorsman should answer: Why do you hunt? Be sure to leave a comment with your own answer and join the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Derek talks to local WI hunter and videographer Kyle Hollibush of Avon Legend. Kyle was a late-onset hunter starting only 8 seasons ago, but has the drive and thirst for knowledge that has really helped him “figure it out” in the marsh bottoms.  Kyle discusses his experience getting into hunting, where he found inspiration and information, and how the COVID pandemic helped accelerate his learning curve. Kyle discusses how he used trail cameras to help monitor ditches and water crossings to help locate traveling bucks. After finding a good buck, Kyle likes to locate nearby doe bedding thickets and leave soaker cameras up on the outside transitions to learn yearly patterns of pre-rut and rut buck movements checking does.  Kyle dives into detail of how he found a buck on one such camera and, over the course of a couple of seasons, continued to explore and learn more about the area and timing of the buck's movements. One massive scrape in a thicket near a doe bedding area gave Kyle the intel he needed to set up and kill “Tiny” with his bow during the prerut.  Kyle also explains his desire to bowhunt the Ohio rut after having the privilege of gun hunting Ohio and seeing the mature buck sign some of the Republic Ground offered.  Kyle ends the episode with 3 major takeaways that are absolute truths for anyone looking to get serious about killing mature bucks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting dialed in for bow season isn't just about buying a new bow or shooting a few arrows before opening day. It's about building a setup you trust, developing repeatable shooting form, understanding your equipment, and putting in the reps so you're ready when the opportunity finally comes. In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we're joined by Dan from Whale-Tales Archery in Dousman, Wisconsin, for a deep dive into bow setup, archery form, tuning, equipment, practice, and what it really takes to become a more confident and ethical bowhunter. As Dan puts it, “Archery is a hobby. Bowhunting is the reward.” We break down what happens when someone walks into an archery shop looking to get into bowhunting—from choosing a compound bow and establishing a budget to getting draw length and draw weight right, selecting a release, building a consistent anchor point, tuning arrows, setting up a bow sight, and figuring out what actually matters versus what might be overthinking it. We also talk about one of the biggest variables in archery: the shooter. Perfect textbook form isn't always the answer. Repeatability and consistency matter, and learning how your shooting form, release, anchor point, elbow position, draw length, and equipment work together can make the difference between chasing problems and confidently stacking arrows. The conversation also dives into choosing between bow brands, buying your first bow, the risks and advantages of used archery equipment, crossbow hunting and the stigma that still surrounds it, ethical shot distance, understanding your personal limitations, and why being capable of shooting farther doesn't necessarily mean you should take that shot on an animal. Whether you're brand new to bowhunting, upgrading your compound bow, trying to tighten your groups, or getting your hunting setup ready for whitetail season, this episode is a reminder that better bowhunting starts long before you're sitting in a tree. Topics include compound bow setup, archery form, bow tuning, draw length, draw weight, releases, bow sights, arrows, shooting consistency, crossbows, ethical shot selection, bowhunting gear, practice, whitetail hunting, and preparing for deer season. If you're getting ready for bow season, now is the time to shoot your bow, learn your equipment, know your limitations, and get dialed in before the moment that matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek kicks off this season solo with some updates on the upcoming Okayest Hunter Seminar, summer trial cams, IL scouting, and prepping for his son's WI youth hunt.  In Dropping Pins, Derek tells the story of how his group's Illinois public land hunt unfolded and how he was lucky enough to arrow a nice IL buck. The story tells a tale of not settling, asking yourself the tough questions, and not being afraid to make a move or take a shot when a fleeting opportunity presents itself. No one wants to wound a deer, but sometimes you have to try to make it happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whitetail season is getting close, and we're breaking down everything that's changing in our mobile hunting setups for this year. In this episode, we dive into saddle hunting systems, climbing sticks, platforms, mobile hunting packs, bow setup, archery tuning, and the gear we're trusting this fall. We also discuss the latest Latitude equipment, organizing a streamlined hunting pack, reducing weight without sacrificing efficiency, and why simplicity often leads to better hunts. We also talk about preseason preparation, practicing with a new bow, release choices, organizing gear before opening day, and what we're looking forward to at our upcoming live mobile hunting seminar featuring experienced public-land whitetail hunters. Whether you're new to saddle hunting or looking to fine-tune your mobile whitetail system, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest opinions from hunters who spend countless hours chasing mature public-land bucks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to consistently find—and kill—mature whitetails? Sometimes the answer isn't hunting harder… it's making one bold move at exactly the right time. In this episode, Dave Bechtel returns to the podcast to break down the story behind his impressive gun buck, the in-season decisions that led to success, and why adapting to hunting pressure can completely change your season. The crew dives into trail camera strategy, public land and permission property tactics, aggressive stand moves, and how reading both deer and other hunters can put you in the right place when it matters most. Dave also shares the incredible story behind his recent ACL injury, suffered while rushing to protect his young son at swim lessons, and discusses the long road through surgery, rehabilitation, nutrition, and the goal of being back in the woods by October. Along the way, the conversation covers summer scouting, hanging cameras in brutal heat, surviving poison ivy, hunting overlooked spots, and plenty of laughs that make this classic Okayest Hunter conversation one you won't want to miss. If you're preparing for deer season, this episode is packed with practical whitetail hunting insights, relatable stories, and real-world lessons that can help you find more mature bucks this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deer season is almost here, and now is the time to turn months of scouting into a solid hunting plan. In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we dive into the final weeks before opening day and discuss what serious whitetail hunters should be doing right now to increase their odds of tagging a mature buck. We cover trail camera placement, identifying fresh rubs and deer sign, accessing hunting spots without alerting deer, scouting your way into a stand, managing scent, and knowing when to stop scouting and start hunting. We also break down how to identify early-season hotspots, organize properties for different phases of the season, and make better decisions before the first arrow ever flies. Whether you hunt public land, private land, or small properties, these whitetail hunting strategies will help you approach opening day with more confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most hunters dream about owning hundreds of acres. What if you only needed 2.8? In this episode of the Okayest Hunter Podcast, we're joined by Jimie Deegan to discuss one of the most overlooked strategies in whitetail hunting—targeting tiny parcels that everyone else drives past. From killing mature bucks on properties smaller than most backyards to finding overlooked permission ground, Jimie Deegan explains why big deer don't always need big properties. We also dive into the traditions of deer camp, cooking at camp, how hunting has changed over the years, and why the shared experience keeps us coming back every fall. Whether you're hunting public land, knocking on doors, or trying to maximize a small piece of private ground, this episode will change how you look at the map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest mistake in deer hunting isn't your setup, your gear, or your scent... but simply refusing to leave a spot that isn't producing? This week, Eric sits down with Anthony Heller of Deer Vane to talk public land whitetails, mobile hunting, mock scrapes, cell camera strategy, and why comfort zones keep hunters from finding better deer. Anthony shares the unbelievable story of a 171" Wisconsin buck, how a single midday trail camera photo changed his entire approach, and why sometimes the best move is abandoning tradition and hunting where the deer actually are. The conversation also dives into leased land, HLRBO, spot-and-stalk whitetail encounters, hunting pressure, entrepreneurial lessons, and why success in both business and hunting is usually years of work that nobody sees. If you've ever caught yourself saying, "This is just where we hunt," this episode might change the way you look at every property you step onto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer scouting kinda sucks. It's hot, buggy, full of ticks, and half the time you're wondering if you're learning anything at all. So this week we're breaking down what we're actually looking for when we're out there suffering through thick cover, creek crossings, and mosquito swarms. We dig into buck beds, water access, rub lines, trail crossings, trail cameras, and how to gather useful intel without feeling like you're wasting your time. More importantly, we talk through how average hunters can stop overcomplicating scouting and start putting together small pieces of the puzzle. Whether you're chasing early season bucks, trying to understand a new property, or just wondering if summer scouting is worth it, this episode is for you. Because sometimes getting 5% more information is the difference between guessing and having a plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much practice does saddle hunting actually require? More than most of us want to admit. This week, we sit down with Martin Ringeisen with the Mobile Hunters Expo team to talk saddle hunting, putting in the reps, one sticking, gear organization, avoiding common mistakes, and why practicing in your backyard might matter more than buying new gear. We cover: • Saddle hunting mistakes we’ve all made • Why most hunters don’t practice enough • One sticking, platforms, and mobile setups • Tree selection and shot positioning • What happens when your sticks fall out of the tree • Mobile Hunters Expo and trying gear before buying If you've ever felt like a walking wind chime climbing into a tree, you're one of us, and there's hope for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when hunting becomes more than a hobby? In this episode, Eric sits down with Eddie Boyer of Rags to Ridges for an incredibly honest and vulnerable conversation. Eddie shares his journey from prison life to discovering purpose through hunting, public land, faith, photography, and the outdoors. What started with hunting magazines behind bars eventually turned into a complete life shift centered around self-reflection, personal growth, conservation, and chasing adventure in the Pacific Northwest. This episode dives into: Finding hunting later in life Prison, redemption, and second chances Public land conservation Stoicism and personal growth Faith and spirituality in the outdoors Blacktail deer, mule deer, and western hunting Mental health and solitude in nature Why hunting can genuinely change lives This is one of those conversations that goes way beyond deer hunting. Follow Eddie / Rags to Ridges: Instagram: @ragstoridges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Cascini joins the Okayest Hunter Podcast to break down the side of archery and bowhunting most people completely overlook: the mental game. From target panic and self-doubt to elite-level performance psychology, this episode dives into how mindset impacts everything from shooting tournaments to punching tags. We also get into deer camp stories, New Jersey hunting culture, performance under pressure, ego in hunting, and why some of the best hunters and archers are usually the quietest people in the room. If you’ve ever struggled with confidence behind the bow, overthinking shots, comparing yourself to others, or simply trying to become more consistent as a hunter, this one’s worth the listen. We hit on the following topics: Archery performance psychology Target panic Bowhunting mindset Mental coaching in archery Confidence and consistency Hunting culture and ego Deer camp stories Tournament archery pressure The overlap between life, business, and hunting Shout out to our partners: ⁠Latitude Outdoors: ⁠Mobile hunting gear built for hunters who’d rather keep moving than sit in the same spot wondering if the wind betrayed them again. ⁠Rack Hub: ⁠Simple, smart gear storage that helps organize the growing pile of hunting equipment we all swear we actually need. ⁠Gerber Gear: ⁠Knives, tools, and gear built to actually get used instead of just photographed on tailgates. ⁠ASIO Gear: ⁠Technical hunting apparel designed for serious pursuit without taking yourself too seriously. ⁠HLRBO: ⁠Access to private land opportunities without the headache of knocking on doors or chasing down permission slips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Zima joins the podcast for a long-form conversation about deer camp traditions, fatherhood, hunting culture, public land, stoicism, and why hunting feels like it’s about a whole lot more than antlers. We talk about ego in hunting, raising kids outdoors, respecting wild game, the loneliness creeping into modern life, and why community still matters now more than ever. From Wisconsin deer camps to mountain hunts in Alaska, this one goes well beyond gear talk and big bucks. Big thanks to the partners: Latitude Outdoors: Mobile hunting gear built for hunters who’d rather keep moving than sit in the same spot wondering if the wind betrayed them again. Rack Hub: Simple, smart gear storage that helps organize the growing pile of hunting equipment we all swear we actually need. Gerber Gear: Knives, tools, and gear built to actually get used instead of just photographed on tailgates. ASIO Gear: Technical hunting apparel designed for serious pursuit without taking yourself too seriously. HLRBO: Access to private land opportunities without the headache of knocking on doors or chasing down permission slips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Levi Kary from the Western Territory podcast (from the Okayest Podcast Network) jumps in to talk spring bear hunting in Wyoming, what it looks like hunting bears, and why hunting out West isn’t always what you think. We get into baiting setups, close encounters, tag strategy, and the reality of hunting in grizzly country. Check out the Western Territory Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/46AmQrA5hoS5E75I05lco8?si=eeb2463367304950 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 9 is a little different as Eric discusses a recent budget proposal that may or may not have an impact on Wisconsin's public land hunting. Listen to a new intro and outro, be sure to provide your feedback - this is YOUR show and your input is important to us! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wait to Hunt episode discusses different whitetail hunting tactics like spot-and-stalk, still hunting and "waiting to hunt" in a tree stand. Each method has its benefits; hunters have had success with each or a combination of them. Eric plays a clip from episode one when Where to Hunt interviewed Jared Scheffler from Whitetail Adrenaline who he considers an expert stalking and ground pound whitetail hunter. Listen until the very end for an exclusive offer! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we talk about hunting land leases as an alternative to public land hunting, while avoiding the massive expense of purchasing private land, while getting away from crowded public hunting land. Eric asks questions about YOUR leased hunting land experiences to help others navigate the experience if you're new to leased hunting land. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we shorten things up and go solo to discuss wading as a method to a more successful public land hunt. Listen to hear the full details of this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode five Where to Hunt interviews Russ Adams of Public Land Junkies Outdoors. We discuss the passion and privilege of hunting public land. We learned that PLJ Outdoors also helps to bring veterans dreams to fruition with their Veteran Dream Hunts program. It's their way of saying thank you - listen now and learn how you can help! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode four, we interview Loren Hamilton of Public Land Guiding and Outfitting. Loren has an unmatched passion coupled with years of experience guiding hunters on public land. We also talk more about how the changes to the 2014 deer hunting season might affect you as a public land hunter. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode three we talk with Jason Jahnke of Wisconsin Bone about choosing a spot and the "Chosen Ground" all on public land in Wisconsin! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk scouting public land and scouting deer on that land from cyber resources, topo maps and calls to the DNR. After the interview we read off fan favorite venison recipes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we talk public land hunting with Whitetail Adrenaline and after discuss the debate about scent control. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is just a sneak peek. Going forward, the Where to Hunt show will discuss relevant public land hunting topics and feature industry pro-staffers, as well as the everyday public land hunting enthusiast, like yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wheretohunt/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices