Shedding Light Hunting Stories Podcast

Send Travis a Text MessageDriving back from Total Archery Challenge and decided to record some of the tips and simple tricks I’ve learned attending 5 TAC events at Seven Springs Resort in PA. Great event and a ton of fun! If you have questions send me an email at [email protected]. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday on the show I tell my 2026 turkey story and how it all played out in dramtic fashion last Thursday. I had only 35 minutes to call in a Tom, before having to go get my kids off a bus. At the last minute the Tom came in and some gametime decisions had to be made. Hope you enjoy and be sure to check out the video on YouTube!

Send Travis a Text MessageToday Jeremy and I unpack our hunt from last weekend. Jeremy came in to Ohio for his first out of state turkey hunt. Also his first time trying the run n gun style of hunting. We unpack how the hunt went down and how we were able to get one several birds. Shots were fired and we have some stories to share. We also hear about how Jeremy was able to get his first Tom with a bow in Michigan. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday Mike Russell comes on again to share about his 2025 deer season and how he was able to get on a slammer buck. But more than that we discuss what deer hunting means to us and how God can use it to help us grow closer with Him.Video also available on YouTube at Shedding Light Outdoors. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I’m joined by my daughter Ansley, and we unpack the story of how she was able to get her first Tom turkey during youth season in Ohio. If you’ve followed along, we’ve had three previous seasons where it’s been some close encounters, but not able to seal the deal. Things work out perfectly on Saturday and we got some amazing footage that will be coming out soon on our YouTube channel. She was hyper and excited so this made for a fun retelling of the story. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Josh Benedetto, author of the new book "The Long Road Home". Josh comes on to share his experiences as a new hunter and to tell his powerful story of overcoming addiction. Click the link below to check out Josh's book on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0eH2w9yDTo support our ministry please check out our hats and 1/4 zips here: https://shedding-light-outdoors.square.site/

Send Travis a Text MessageIn episode 111 I shared what I’d learned at that time from each of my turkey harvests…which wasn’t a ton of information. I started in 2014 and have found some success over the years. I’ve had 3 years I ate tag soup and have killed 12 turkeys in that time.  I decided to give a breakdown of lessons learned since that last episode and throw it into a bonus episode. I share thoughts on blinds, decoys, shooting Jake’s, e-scouting, and more. Hope this helps in some way!

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by a young man from Texas named Kolton McDaniel. Kolton has a passion for deer hunting and has had some great experiences in the woods. He shares some gun and bow stories along with his powerful testimony. He's thankful to be alive and share that passion today. If you'd like to support Shedding Light Outdoors, please check out our NEW merch site here: https://shedding-light-outdoors.square.site/

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Gen Murofushi from San Diego, California. Gen shares about growing up in Japan but then moving to the US and discovering a passion for turkey hunting in southern California. He now is a guide and board member of BackCountry Heroes, an organization that takes veterans and first responders and their families on hunting and backpacking trips. Gen shares some great turkey stories today. Be sure to check out backcountryhereos.org. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday my co-host Jeremy comes on and we talk about little bit about everything. TAC, Bows & Bibles, and his incredible 2025 deer season. Be sure to check out Jeremy's YouTube Channel: Jeremy Riggin Outdoors for some great content. Also check out Shedding Light Outdoors channel for our latest turkey content being release weekly in the month of March.

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm with my buddy Travis Shirer as we head down the road on a scouting trip to Indiana. We unpack his amazing 2025 deer season and how he was able to tag out in his county with his trad bow. We talk about big bucks vs small bucks, baiting, and more. Be sure to check out his latest turkey video which drops the same day as this podcast on our Shedding Light Outdoor YouTube Channel! 

Send Travis a Text MessageYour co-host Jeremy Bugay from J.R.Outdoors talks with Dylon from The Search YouTube channel. We talk about chasing bucks on permission property and searching for more.You can find The Search on YouTube at- https://www.youtube.com/@thesearch-24See my best bow buck to date: https://youtu.be/PnlxUzvMRPM?si=-BtK-tFhIVdZOd77

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by an old college buddy from Indiana, Jarrod Smith. We tell a funny story from our trip to Italy in college, hear how Jarrod got started in hunting, and one of his most memorable hunts. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I’m joined by my two daughters, Selah, 7, and Ansley who’s 9. We hear from their perspective on how Selah was able to get her first deer and then how Ansley was able to get her first buck. Lots of laughs, side stories, and cuteness in this one. Hope you enjoy. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I tell the story of how I got stick bow close on a doe over Thanksgiving weekend. It took me four hunts to put it all together, and it was awesome when it finally worked out. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday we are joined by Pastor Joby Martin of Jacksonville, Florida. Joby comes on and tells some awesome hunting stories and experiences. We also get to hear some awesome concepts from his new book that is coming out this week: Stand Firm & Act Like Men: Becoming the Man You Were Created to Be Instead of Who the World Says You Are. Awesome conversation! If you enjoy it please leave a rating and a review and share with a friend!To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Firm-Act-Like-Men/dp/1546008217/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fXDVsLaDjGamzXp3iUyh1VaMgoupN6AJaEZw-ueLFiBS7pMZ5fUthfKOnXgIEI_2lync8DVH-Ao3q3x1ckxA1CaSblk3oFNLUNjVBsaulRrlXVsJeiE1rZO6LK-JuceSXwAQMtWTMDKzHgDE_C-XVAXS1-dLqDc8MJ5lJ0Wwc7kkbyPReqanQbRMT2TUnsS6ZFdN4TSmY5wi5V1-COUSV9YhUa_FUgGlX_Z9DphtfZc.etztzPE9i5MPxVobIk9ZKrolqOqL9_hlfqsxQJvhH-Y&dib_tag=se&hvadid=776837543957&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9027716&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=2199489225058330021--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2199489225058330021&hvtargid=kwd-2415907842199&hydadcr=22567_13821264&keywords=stand+firm+and+act+like+men&mcid=b76237eaaa623245b7b12f68d3bae140&qid=1759981051&sr=8-1

Send Travis a Text MessageWe are back from our 2025 Montana elk hunt and what a hunt it was. On the way home my brother Jacob and I unpack the incredible experience. We lay out how the 7 day hunt all went down and what led to a nice bull hitting the ground. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I’m in the truck with my 3 elk hunting partners as we head out to Montana. I have a one on one conversation with each of them and hear some of their great hunting stories along with our gameplan for the upcoming hunt. Stay tuned for the ride back! 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I talk with Russ from High Pressure Hunting YouTube channel. We talk about his buddy getting spurred by a turkey and several public land big buck. We also talk about how he shot a large buck and found a crossbow bolt in its spine. You can check out his channel at High Pressure Hunting and see some of his videos below.https://youtu.be/Q4pevT8io-0?si=_rOfgkwS-UMcx8dvhttps://youtu.be/SM69BsXVHi4?si=05EGP4-nnT8tAmSYhttps://youtu.be/wH896-t4d14?si=-HcBRiFWnyXKJBpn

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Joe Cox of southern Indiana. Joe comes on today to share some great whitetail stories and experiences. He's an excellent story teller! He also shares his journey of sobriety and his struggle with alcohol addiction. Check out Joe's YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/@joecox9456

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined again by Colton Gilman of Montana. We dive into how he made his way on History Channel's Alone show and was dropped off in Africa. Colton unpacks his takeaways and some of the things he learned about himself through the experience. We then hear some awesome deer and elk stories. 

Send Travis a Text MessageNew Co-host Jeremy Bugay interviews Matt Dushane from Madhunts Adventures Youtube channel. We talk turkey hunting and about a Super Wide Minnesota Buck.Matt's Super Wide Minnesota buck Video: https://youtu.be/4s6B7O4M_Qw?si=QXT86lBG1pBJnQgdR100 Archery Shoot with Madhunts Adventures and J.R. Outdoors: https://youtu.be/p2yLAqiUZeg?si=ArWbsMck-Rl6cz7phttps://youtu.be/hiRFee6bwHQ?si=I7hdJZuJswNgjyDb

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by my brand new cohost...well you'll have to listen to find out who it is! I'm excited to have him join me in this endeavor. We have some great interviews ready to go and some lined up as well. So hit that SUBSCRIBE button and share this if you enjoy it. Today we talk about the future of the show and he tells an awesome turkey hunting story along with a hilarious close encounter with a porcupine. If you'd like to come on the show, send an email to [email protected] or a DM to Shedding Light Outdoors on FB or IGListen first then check out the video of the porcupine story here:https://youtu.be/s83JbRsbdfM?si=4ZSRaZbZ6K7A4jFx

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Riley Arnold from Domain Outdoors. We talk food plot strategies and how a beginner can get started along with misconceptions about food plots. We then dive into some excellent deer hunting stories. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday Caleb Huddle comes on to share some fun hunts he's had with family. Not every hunt leads to an animal down but it does lead to lessons learned and some fun stories to share. 

Send Travis a Text MessageWhat a way to start of turkey season in Ohio! On April 21st Travis Williams covered over 5 miles of private land and barely heard a gobble. Yet it all came together on a small chunk of public land. April 22nd Trav Shirer went out with the dream of killing a turkey with his recurve. Today we unpack both hunts and the lessons learned. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday we get a little bit of everything with our guest! David Miller (not David Nelson! My apologies in the intro for saying Nelson) shares some incredible bobcat hunting stories along with a special Montana elk hunt with his dad. We wrap it all up with a nilgai hunt in West Texas. Great conversation and some unique stories! 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined again by my friend Dan Ray from Utah. Dan and I talk about a lot of lessons we have learned in the elk woods. We dive into some tactics but primarily focus on the attitude and characteristics an elk hunter will need to have a good trip and experience. If you'd like to come on the show, send an email to [email protected]. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Jason Jones. Jason shares some traditional archery stories and some crazy tough experiences he's had in life. We talk how Jason has overcome obstacles and challenges that he's faced. Check out Jason and Austin's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JonesBoysHuntingSquad

Send Travis a Text MessageThe title kind of describes how crazy of a story this one is today! I'm rejoined by Jacob Silvey of Arkansas, He gives us an update on what's been happening in the woods since last episode (Ep. 174). He's found some success and most recently on a buck in Kansas. But it didn't come without some struggles along the way including falling out of a tree. Check out InGodwetrustbows on Instagram to see Jacob's buck and his handmade custom bows for sale. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Ben McKinnis from Spokane, Washington. Ben was on the show in 2020 on episode 80. He comes on today to share how he was able to take his first bull elk on an incredible hunt with a buddy. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I’m joined by my wife Kate Williams to unpack the events of October 21st when I was nearly killed in a car accident. We explain my injuries and rehabilitation and then how on my first hunt back in the woods I was able to take my largest buck to date. Have a story to tell? Send me an email at [email protected]

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by local friend, Matt Deems, who was able to take down his first buck with a bow a couple weeks back! And not just any buck, a stud! He tells the story and how it all went down.

Send Travis a Text MessageIt’s been a long while since we’ve had an episode and I am currently looking for guests if you were interested in coming on. Send an email at [email protected]. Today I come on to tell my daughters success story, and a couple of my blunders. Hope your season is going well!

Send Travis a Text MessageIf you've listened to this show you are familiar with a couple of my Australian friends, Joel Fulton and Daniel Mummery. A couple months ago, Daniel was able to get his first sambar deer stag. In early August, he and Joel went deep into the backcountry by bicycle and Joel was up on the trigger this time. With Daniel having some back trouble, they weren't sure how the hunt would go and some doubts started to creep in. All of a sudden, God decided to give them a gift.To watch the full hunt go here and subscribe to Daniel's YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/@thehuntersministry

Send Travis a Text MessageDavid Nelson from Texas joins me on the show today to tell an incredible story from Africa. We hear some of his stories growing up in Texas and then we dive into a hunt that didn't go as expected. Cape Buffalo can be an extremely dangerous animal to hunt and David unpacks the story today. We also hear some life lessons this taught David and you'll benefit from them. Be sure to check out our latest videos on Shedding Light Outdoors YouTube channel. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm rejoined by Dan Ray (and his wife Denise provides some great commentary!). He tells the awesome story of his recent bear hunt in Utah. It wasn't an easy hunt and he unpacks how it all worked out on the day before his season would end. It's a fun conversation and some great life lessons at the end!

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by a local whitetail legend named Rich Wynn. Rich wouldn't call himself a legend. He'd just say he's been blessed. He's been able to harvest quite a few Ohio big bucks along with some from other states as well. Today he shares some of these stories along with his first elk with a recurve bow and the time he had to run down and tackle an antelope! We also get into the story of how his son fell out of a tree stand and how that forever changed their lives.  Please listen until the end! If you'd like to come on the show please send an email to [email protected]!

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Joey Eichelberger from Wisconsin. Joey comes on to share some great deer and turkey stories. We hear an awesome story of how he shot his first compound buck on public land back deep in a swamp. He also shares about his new business called The Bass Raft. You can check it out at the link below: https://bassraft.com/

Send Travis a Text Message***Correction, I say episode 218...it's 217. My bad. Carry on.***For 20 years my Australian friend Daniel Mummery has chased Sambar deer and had hoped to take a stag with antlers. And for 20 years, it hasn't panned out. With limited time to hunt and a critter that is very elusive, opportunities have been few and far between. That is...until a couple weeks ago. Daniel comes on to tell the special story and how his 78 year old dad was along for the journey. Be sure to check out Daniel's YouTube channel and the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34M6l1j0fdE

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I tell the story of how I started the day planning to film and call for a buddy in Ohio but wound up on a piece of public in West Virginia I’d never been to. An hour later I had a turkey over my shoulder and was headed back to the car. Hope you enjoy! 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday on the show Nate Root and I talk about how it all went down for us to punch our 2024 turkey tags...19 minutes apart...on different properties...using a vary similar method. The past week and for Nate, the past year, have had some challenges with the turkeys cooperating. It all panned out yesterday and we share the stories. Be sure to check out our latest YouTube video below on an exciting hunt from youth season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPynGgnN5V8

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I have Alex Rewa on from Unseasoned Outdoors. Alex had the opportunity last year to intern with Bill Winke and we hear what that experience was like along with Alex's great deer and turkey stories. Stay tuned to the end when I talk a little about my eclipse experience. 

Send Travis a Text MessageThere's certain hunting memories that will never leave us. Most of those are ones where family or friends were a part of it. Today Carsen comes on the show to tell a story about he took his grandpa turkey hunting and had an amazing morning in the woods. He also shares some of his other favorite turkey experiences and hunts. You can check out that hunt and the Tag Em Outdoor YouTube Channel here:https://youtu.be/x_wiM7ZK4oo?si=Tdz01u6FP1_mCODP

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Brandon Guindon, senior pastor and elder at RealLife Ministries in Texas. Brandon is an avid hunter and today we talk elk, mule deer, and some of his hunts to Africa as well. Brandon and I also talk about discipleship and how we need to be intentional about it. In fact Brandon has written an excellent book on that topic which I highly recommend. You can check it out below! https://a.co/d/bvay38W

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Trent Ellis from Mississippi. You've probably seen some of Trent's hilarious content on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. If not, check out a couple of his clips, subscribe, and give this episode a listen! Trent is a down to earth guy that loves hunting and we hear some of his best stories today. We also dive into the importance of having Christian friends and how they can help guide us during some hard times. Be sure to check out his channel under his name and also his podcast: Just Your Average Hunter.

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Mitchell Glantz of Iowa. Mitchell has been chasing the Super 10 and hunts a variety of species...mostly with his trad bow. We hear about some amazing hunts and animals he's been able to take. It's a fun interview...if you enjoy it...pass it along to a friend who might as well!

Send Travis a Text MessageI'm back! Thanks for coming back for another episode and if you'd like to come on the show please send me an email at [email protected]!Today I'm joined by Memphis native Mat McGraw. We talk about his early years hunting deer with dogs to his passion for bowhunting now. We hear a lot of great stories and hear Matt's perspective on grace. 

Send Travis a Text MessageToday I'm joined by Danny Ard to hear some awesome stories. Danny shares his traditional archery stories form the past few years which culminates in his first recurve buck. Danny was on episode 6 and it was great to catch up with him again! Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy!

Send Travis a Text MessageToday Austin rejoins the show to share some great stories from his 2023 turkey season and deer season. Austin was able to turn his turkey season around in the last week and get multiple Toms down. And he was also able to take his biggest bucks to date in Alabama.