The Southern Outdoorsmen Hunting Podcast

This week on the Thursday Q&A, we’re tackling some of the biggest debates in deer hunting—from bait, minerals, and food plots to summer scouting, scent, and mature buck behavior. We also answer a listener question about hunting rocky, mountainous terrain in Arkansas and share how we’d approach finding and killing an older buck in big-woods country.In this episode:Do minerals, Deer Cane, and attractants actually work?The biggest mistake hunters make when baiting deerWhy mature bucks prioritize security over foodAre food plots overrated compared to bedding cover?Common deer club management mistakes that keep older bucks from survivingDoes artificial deer scent help or hurt your odds?How to properly use scent if you choose to hunt with itSummer scouting vs. in-season scouting—which is more effective?Camouflage vs. solid colors: does it really matter?How we’d hunt rocky mountainous terrain in the Ouachita Mountains of ArkansasFinding habitat diversity, terrain funnels, and mature bucks travel in big woodsPlus upcoming events, World Deer Expo, and Mobile Hunters Expo updates.Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXPGrab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aKJoin Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aRUse code “SOUTHERN” for a discount on Whitetail Hill food plot seed & trees - https://linkly.link/2myBPUse the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfmCheck out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDIUse code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewearHave you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story HereNOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts. Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we’re diving into your hottest deer hunting takes and answering some of the biggest questions from The Southern Outdoorsmen community. From crossbows and dog hunting to cell cameras, persimmons, and deer behavior, we tackle some of the most controversial topics we’ve discussed in a while.In this episode, we discuss:Should crossbows have their own season?Are Southern gun seasons too long?Should dog hunting be allowed on public land?Are mature bucks more wary of cell cameras than standard trail cameras?Do ozone products and scent control actually work?Are persimmon trees overrated as a hunting food source?Can terrain ever be too steep for deer?What do deer eat in hardwood bottoms besides acorns?Should public land have statewide antler restrictions?The biggest lessons we’ve learned that changed the way we hunt over the last five years.Is modern deer hunting losing the traditions that made it special?We’d love to hear your thoughts on these topics. Join the discussion in our Circle community and let us know where you agree—and where you think we’re completely wrong.Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXPOur Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What actually creates bigger bucks? Is it genetics, nutrition, habitat, or something else entirely?In this episode, National Deer Association’s Lindsay Thomas Jr. separates decades of deer research from hunting folklore. We dive into the biggest myths surrounding deer management, aging bucks on the hoof, habitat improvement, feral hogs, and the science that has fundamentally changed how we understand whitetails. If you’re serious about becoming a better deer hunter or land manager, this episode is packed with practical, research-backed information you can apply immediately.Topics discussed:Why genetics matter far less than most hunters thinkThe Mississippi State study that changed how we view big bucksHow to accurately age bucks on the hoofCommon mistakes hunters make when managing deerWhy cull buck programs don’t improve geneticsThe truth about nutrition, habitat, and antler growthHow to improve a property—even if it’s smallFood plots vs. timber management: where to invest your effortHow hunting pressure influences mature buck movementThe four biggest factors that actually affect deer movementWhy feral hogs are so damaging to deer and turkey populationsWhy trapping is far more effective than simply shooting hogsHow to work with neighbors to improve deer quality across a landscapeLessons from over two decades of deer research and managementJoin our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we are throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes of all time with whitetail legend Bobby Worthington! In this episode, Bobby talks about perfecting archery setups to get mature bucks in bow range and make the shot count. Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dillon Harper has spent over a decade hunting North Georgia’s mountains, breaking down the terrain features that consistently produce deer, bears, and hogs. In this conversation, he explains why hidden springheads have become the most important feature he hunts—and how they can concentrate animal movement in vast mountain terrain.In this episode:Why Dillon believes some hidden springheads are more valuable than saddlesHow “community springs” pull multiple game trails into a single locationUsing LiDAR and slope shading to identify overlooked mountain featuresThe connection between water, terrain funnels, and rutting buck movementSummer scouting strategies for deer, bears, and hogsHow bear activity helps predict productive deer hunting locationsMonitoring mast crops and adjusting for changing food sourcesFinding isolated water sources that don’t appear on topo mapsTrail camera tactics for dealing with curious black bearsBear hunting strategies, bedding habits, and locating mature boarsWild encounters with bears deep in the mountainsWhy learning to read topography can dramatically improve mountain hunting successWhether you hunt deer, bears, or simply enjoy learning how animals use mountain terrain, this episode is packed with practical scouting and hunting insights from one of the most dedicated mountain hunters you’ll meet.Want to learn even more? Join our Circle here - https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-communityOur Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we hit some listener Q&A submissions, along with some questions that our circle members have been posting over the last week! Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For nearly five decades, Mike Rex has pursued mature whitetails across Ohio and helped score some of the biggest bucks ever harvested in the state. In this conversation, he shares the lessons, mistakes, and observations that changed the way he hunts mature deer.In this episode:Why some of the biggest bucks get killed by beginner huntersThe surprising places mature bucks feel safestHow mature bucks learn and adapt to hunting pressureWhat 48 years of deer hunting taught Mike about deer behaviorWhy age is the biggest factor in growing giant bucksThe difference between hunting big deer and hunting specific deerHow trail cameras changed what we know about mature bucksWind direction, terrain, and how bucks use both to their advantageWhy many hunters unknowingly educate the deer they’re huntingThe story behind Mike’s biggest bucks and the lessons they taught himCommon mistakes hunters make when targeting mature whitetailsWhy some deer seem impossible to kill—and how they eventually get killedThe role of hunter access, public land pressure, and predictable human behaviorHow wildlife management and hunting regulations impact deer hunting todayJoin our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXPGrab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aKJoin Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aRUse the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfmCheck out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDIUse code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYOUse code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewearHave you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story HereNOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts. Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXPGrab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aKJoin Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aRUse the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfmCheck out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDIUse code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYOUse code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewearHave you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story HereNOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts. Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Larry Weishuhn has spent over 50 years studying, managing, and hunting whitetail deer across North America. In this episode, Larry shares lessons learned from decades as a wildlife biologist, including why mature bucks seem to disappear, what hunters misunderstand about deer movement, and how habitat, nutrition, and age shape deer populations.In this episode:• Why hunters think mature bucks are gone when they’re still on the property• The truth about “nocturnal” bucks and midday deer movement• Larry’s experience managing whitetail populations across Texas and the Southeast• What helicopter surveys taught him about deer behavior and habitat• Surviving 13 helicopter crashes• How nutrition impacts antler growth, body size, and herd health• The role of age, genetics, and habitat in producing mature bucks• Whether hunters can actually influence deer genetics through harvest strategies• Why some bucks move miles from where they’ve spent most of the year• Common mistakes hunters make when evaluating deer herds• The biggest changes Larry has seen in whitetail hunting over the last 50+ yearsJoin our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXPGet a discount on your Poncho Outdoors shirts here - https://linkly.link/2bfPZGrab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aKJoin Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aRUse the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfmCheck out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDIUse code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYOUse code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewearHave you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story HereNOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts. Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXPGet a discount on your Poncho Outdoors shirts here - https://linkly.link/2bfPZGrab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aKJoin Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aRUse the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfmCheck out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDIUse code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYOUse code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewearHave you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story HereNOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts. Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode discusses legal hunting, outdoor heritage, and historical hunting practices. Always follow current game laws, seasons, limits, licensing requirements, firearm safety rules, and youth-supervision laws. We do not encourage illegal harvest or unsafe firearm handling. Dale Bordelon has spent more than 50 years hunting the Louisiana swamps the old way. In this episode, Dale shares incredible stories of giant swamp bucks, handmade dugout boats, cane duck calls, market hunting history, and the hunting lessons passed down from generations of Louisiana woodsmen. From outsmarting a 235-pound swamp buck to preserving traditions that are quickly disappearing, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, hunting history, and unforgettable stories from a lifetime in the woods. Join the Southern Outdoorsmen Circle—our private community where you can connect directly with us, join live Hunter Hangouts, and learn alongside serious hunters from across the country - https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode we cover some listener Q&A submissions: 1. What's some good advice for bowhunting from the ground? 2. What is the best way to network in your area to find properties to hunt, gain hunting mentors or find hunting buddies? 3. Do's and Dont's of interacting with other hunters on public ground 4. Is hunting getting more popular? 5. What are some tips for someone who wants to start making hunting related content? 6. What are our throughts on spot burning? 7. What are the bare minimum products you need to purchase to start hunting? Join our Circle Community here - https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXP Get a discount on your Poncho Outdoors shirts here - https://linkly.link/2bfPZ Grab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aK Join Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aR Use the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfm Check out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDI Use code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8 Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYO Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewear Have you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story Here NOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts.  Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join our Circle community today to talk with Jacob & Andrew, make posts, and connect with other members! We will be replacing our patreon with Circle, so Patreon members, make sure you switch over! Here is the link - https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community James White is as old-school as it gets! In this interview we sit down with him to discuss his lifetime of deer hunting experinece starting in the 1960's. James recounts some of his wildest stories from almost being drowned by a buck, to falling out of tree stands. He also gives valuable insight into how he targets mature bucks IN pine thickets, how he finds where the biggest, oldest bucks are spending their time, ground hunting, finding the right feed tree and a lot more. If you enjoy this episode, please share it with some buddies! Y'all Stay Southern Join our Circle Community here - https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXP Get a discount on your Poncho Outdoors shirts here - https://linkly.link/2bfPZ Grab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aK Join Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aR Use the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfm Check out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDI Use code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8 Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYO Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewear Have you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story Here NOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts.  Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we are doing some listener Q&A submissions focused on hunting annual patterns for deer, finding deer on leases with other members, and more! We are very excited about our new circle community! Check it out here - https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/join?invitation_token=977a11dc06f3137a0f364d317f7bfd43b85d3124-eeb39c51-6b81-4985-83ef-60fae67f1f95 Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXP Get a discount on your Poncho Outdoors shirts here - https://linkly.link/2bfPZ Grab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aK Join Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aR Use the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfm Check out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDI Use code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8 Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYO Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewear Have you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story Here Come chat with us on our Thursday Hunter Hangouts! Join our Patreon - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXU NOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts.  Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our buddy Pablo Esquivel is back! If you haven't heard our first interview with Pablo, go watch it now! Watch it here - https://youtu.be/AoKzXWmhGaQ Pablo had a deer season most guys can only dream of, tagging 6 different bucks in 4 states, one of which was his personal best which he tagged on some Alabama public land! This season had a little bit of everything for Pablo, including a major leg injury, finding a giant pile of cash, causing a resturant evacuation and a lot more! Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXP Get a discount on your Poncho Outdoors shirts here - https://linkly.link/2bfPZ Grab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aK Join Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aR Use the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfm Check out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDI Use code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8 Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYO Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewear Have you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story Here Come chat with us on our Thursday Hunter Hangouts! Join our Patreon - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXU NOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts.  Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy