Vulnerable Podcast

The guys are back after a few weeks away, and there's a lot to catch up on.Cory shares how becoming a father has completely changed his life, while the conversation shifts into one of the biggest debates in modern hunting: Has technology made deer hunting better... or has it taken away what made it special?From cellular trail camera bans and hunting pressure to mature buck strategy, food plots, mineral sites, public land adventures, and the growing influence of social media, this episode dives deep into how hunting has evolved over the last 20 years.We also discuss:Becoming a new dad and balancing family with huntingWhy some states are banning cellular trail camerasAre trail cameras hurting mature buck age structure?The pressure of chasing one specific giant buckPublic land vs. managed private landFood plots, mineral sites & summer scoutingTactacam Defend security camerasSoil testing for better food plotsUpcoming hunts, concerts, and what's next for Vulnerable OutdoorsWhether you're chasing your first buck or your biggest buck, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best part of hunting is simply being in the woods.New episodes every week.🎙️ Follow, subscribe, and join the Vulnerable Outdoors community.

In Vulnerable EP 31, Cory and Joel sit down with longtime hunter Mike Barry for one of the most wide-open deer camp conversations yet.Mike has been hunting with Joel Snow and 5 Star Outfitters since around 2007 or 2008, and he brings years of stories from chasing mature Ohio bucks, shed hunting, southern Ohio deer hunting, and some giant buck encounters that almost came together.This episode also dives into the serious EHD outbreak in southern Ohio, how it impacted deer numbers, what hunters were seeing, and how it changed the season in certain areas.But this one is not just hunting.Mike also shares stories from his career with the Army Corps of Engineers, including underwater welding, lock and dam work, zero-visibility diving, scary underwater moments, NASA training, and disaster cleanup work in Maui after the wildfires.We talk about:Ohio whitetail huntingSouthern Ohio EHDMature buck movementRut timing and weatherShed hunting giant deer180-inch eight-point encountersLate-season deer huntingUnderwater weldingArmy Corps divingHunting with Joel Snow and 5 Star OutfittersThis episode is a true deer camp conversation — hunting stories, work stories, laughs, close calls, and real talk.Subscribe to the Vulnerable Podcast for more whitetail stories, hunting strategy, outfitter conversations, and deer camp talk.Spotify Title:Vulnerable EP 31: Underwater Welding, EHD, and Giant Ohio Buck Stories with Mike BarrySpotify Description:In Vulnerable EP 31, Cory and Joel sit down with longtime hunter Mike Barry.Mike has been hunting with Joel Snow and 5 Star Outfitters since around 2007 or 2008, and he shares stories from years of chasing mature Ohio bucks, shed hunting, late-season hunting, and southern Ohio deer hunting.The crew also talks about the EHD outbreak in southern Ohio, how it impacted deer numbers, rut timing, weather, giant buck encounters, and what makes hunting with Joel different.Mike also brings a completely different side to the conversation with stories from his career with the Army Corps of Engineers, including underwater welding, lock and dam work, zero-visibility diving, NASA training, and disaster cleanup work in Maui.This one is part hunting podcast, part deer camp, part wild work stories — and packed with real conversation.

In Episode 31 of the Vulnerable Podcast, Cory and Joel sit down with longtime hunter and hunting-industry veteran Rob Gerard.Rob shares stories from his time working with major outdoor brands like Horton Archery, Carbon Express, Leupold, SIG Sauer, Benelli, and Beretta, plus his history hunting with Joel Snow and 5 Star Outfitters.The crew talks mature Ohio bucks, outfitter relationships, old-school hunting camps, Cabela’s and Bass Pro, crossbows, compound bows, trail cameras, and Rob’s wild story of killing a heavy 170-class Ohio buck after a last-minute ground blind setup and a second-chance shot.A great episode for anyone who loves whitetail hunting, the outdoor industry, and real deer camp stories.

The Laws boys are back for round two on the Vulnerable Podcast, and this one is packed with real hunting stories, turkey strategy, and the kind of campfire conversation that makes this crew so much fun to have on.In Episode 30, Cory Arbogast and Joel Snow sit down with Trevor, Tracy, and Landon Laws to talk about their Ohio turkey trip, hunting through cold rain, longbeards shutting down, calling tactics, coyotes messing with roosted birds, and what really happens when a hunt does not go as planned.Trevor also breaks down his wild turkey season chasing birds across multiple states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Kansas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Mexico. The crew gets into Gould’s turkeys, ocellated turkeys, the World Slam, hunting pressure, public vs. private ground, door knocking, trapping, snapping turtles, deer hunting culture, and a whole lot more.This episode is honest, funny, raw, and full of real-world hunting experience from guys who flat-out love chasing turkeys.Hosted by Cory Arbogast and Joel Snow of 5 Star Outfitters.

Happy Father’s Day from the Vulnerable Podcast!This special episode is all about family, legacy, and the men who shaped us. Join hosts Cory Arbogast and Joel Snow as they welcome their dads — Ken Arbogast and Paul Snow — for a deep, hilarious, and heartwarming conversation about:Building businesses and raising kidsLife lessons from decades in construction, Honda, and entrepreneurshipWhitetail hunting, duck dogs, deer camps, and wild youth huntsThe roots of 5 Star Outfitters.Family traditions, small-town Ohio, and what it means to pass it onFrom laugh-out-loud stories about trapping foxes and broken down dirt bikes to insightful talk about deer management and duck dog competitions, this episode hits different. Whether you're a hunter, a dad, or just someone who loves a good story — this one’s for you.👨‍👦 To all the dads out there: we see you, we respect you, and we thank you.

In Episode 29 of Vulnerable, Cory, Joel, and Chris break down an unforgettable start to Ohio turkey season.Chris gets his first turkey, and the morning turns into one of those hunts you never forget — gobblers hammering from the roost, birds hitting the ground fast, decoys getting worked, and multiple longbeards putting on a show after the shot.Joel walks through the setup, the calling, why the birds came in the way they did, and what hunters can learn from the hunt. The guys also talk about Ohio’s early spring, turkeys breeding, jakes, fawns dropping early, Michigan possibly moving to a one-buck rule, Illinois tags, old-school turkey hunting, Waffle House, Grandpa Tom, and the infamous turkey gizzard situation.This episode is part hunting strategy, part campfire story, and part pure chaos — exactly what turkey season is supposed to be.Subscribe to Vulnerable for real hunting stories, whitetail talk, turkey season breakdowns, and raw conversations from the woods.

This might be our best episode yet.On this episode of Vulnerable, Cory, Joel, and Chris sit down with JD Piet, the man behind Bustin Fur Audio / BFA and a sound producer and hunter connected with FoxPro. JD records real coyote vocals, pup distress, coyote fights, prey distress, fawn sounds, and other predator sounds used by serious coyote hunters across the country.This episode goes deep into the world of predator hunting, coyote behavior, night hunting, thermal scopes, calling strategy, and what coyotes are actually doing throughout the year.We talk about:How JD went from concrete work to recording coyotes for a livingBFA, FoxPro, and how real predator sounds are madeRaising and recording live coyotesWhy coyotes respond differently in spring, summer, fall, and winterPup distress, fawn distress, coyote fights, howls, and prey soundsThermal hunting and how it changed the coyote gameWhether coyotes really hurt deer and turkey populationsFawns, turkeys, raccoons, foxes, and predator impactCalling coyotes in Ohio versus out westGiant coyotes, crazy night hunting stories, and real predator behaviorIf you deer hunt, turkey hunt, predator hunt, manage land, or just love learning how wild animals actually operate, this is one you do not want to miss.Coyotes are smarter, more vocal, more territorial, and more complex than most hunters realize. JD breaks it down from years of firsthand experience hunting them, recording them, raising them, and studying how they react.This episode is packed with real information, real stories, and the kind of hunting knowledge you do not hear every day.Thanks for watching Vulnerable. Like, comment, subscribe, and let us know what part of this episode surprised you the most.

In Episode 27 of Vulnerable, the crew sits down for another unfiltered round of real hunter talk — recorded April 8th while juggling softball/baseball coaching and life.Topics include:Beaver takeover: Massive tree destruction along a creek (entire field edge wiped out), starting 4 dams, and plans for Conibear 330s + drowning setsMole trapping stories: One guy catching moles in yards like it's nothing — how far they dig in a night, their "excavator paws," and why they're wrecking lawnsCoyote & predator control: $600/coyote nuisance work in suburbs, late-term pups debate, and switching from coyotes to molesTrail camera upgrades: Tactacam 3.0 Pro trade-in program review, outfitter features (request photos), vs. Moultrie/Spartan issues, and ideas for a real camera trigger speed testDeer management: 37 mineral sites done, zinc supplementation for fighting EHD, urban deer explosions in Columbus suburbs, and why land prices in Ohio have ZERO to do with baitingStand strategy: The "funnel" spot that changed everything (houses on both sides, deer forced through a narrow strip at 1 PM during the rut)Turkey & predator talk: Exploding raccoon populations, low poult survival, and moreBonus laughs: Rollercoaster fails, old trapping dorm room stories, high winds & deer movement myths busted, and life updates (new baby on the way, coaching chaos)Raw opinions, zero filter, and plenty of "that's exactly how it is" moments. If you love honest deer hunting, predator control, and property management talk — hit play and drop your wildest nuisance animal story in the comments!Timestamps available soon. New episodes drop when life (and ball seasons) allow.Subscribe for more Vulnerable hunter conversations!#VulnerablePodcast #DeerHunting #PredatorControl

In this raw, late-night podcast episode (recorded March 22), we dive deep into an epic coyote hunting adventure that had the woods lighting up for miles! One hunter shares his first thermal night hunt experiences — howling responses from every direction, watching coyotes wrestle and interact on thermal, triple-team setups in open fields, and the mind-blowing moment a pair winded the crew at over 550 yards and bolted.We break down:Why bolt-action suppressed rifles are dominating semi-autos for coyotes right nowPipe dream sets that survived 60-70 mph winds, snow, rain, and still caught coyotes after 11-12 days untouchedTrapping lessons: doubles/triples, dirt holes vs. pipe dreams, dealing with coons and deerHow coyotes are protecting turkeys on the properties (and why it's time for war on predators)Bonus: Post-season deer mineral site updates, walking properties before green-up, shed finds, old-school bowhunting stories behind the house, and why baiting isn't driving Ohio land pricesPlus plenty of laughs about sleep deprivation, March Madness, coyote "late-term abortions," red fox sightings, and more.If you're into whitetail deer management, predator control, or just love real hunter talk — this one's for you. Drop your best coyote story in the comments!Timestamps coming soon...#CoyoteHunting #WhitetailDeer #PredatorControl

Welcome back to The Vulnerable Podcast – where real hunters keep it raw, no filters, just straight talk from the woods to the mic. In Episode 25 (Second Take Edition), Cory and Joel kick things off with a hilarious do-over after a quick camera glitch – because perfection isn't the goal, authenticity is.Recorded on March 11th, the guys catch up after a three-week hiatus forced by life: softball coaching, graduations, weddings, moves to Nashville, and everything else that gets in the way of hunting season prep. Joel shares how he's juggling helping coach his daughter's softball team while eyeing tournament schedules around her May graduation – talk about real-life balancing act for dedicated dads and hunters.The conversation flows into future episode planning: potential guests like Chris Harshbarger (who's now all-in after some initial hesitation), JD, Darren, and more local legends. They brainstorm individualized interviews if needed, especially since Darren might not be the biggest talker. If you're in the Ohio hunting scene, you know these names carry weight – stay tuned for what's coming.Local shoutouts and laughs: Chris Harshbarger's recent change of heart, the Tammy Lenn Queen of Hearts hitting $24,000 (who won it? Still a mystery), and quick side tangents on life in Bellefontaine and central Ohio. It's the kind of casual, unscripted banter that makes Vulnerable feel like you're sitting around the campfire with buddies.Whether you're prepping for the next Ohio deer season, dealing with family commitments pulling you from the stand, or just love hearing real hunters shoot the breeze – this episode delivers. No heavy deep dives this time, just genuine updates, laughs, and a promise of more fire episodes ahead (CWD reality checks, tag costs, CRP impacts, drones in hunting, and guest bombshells).Timestamps:0:00 – Second Take Intro & Date Check1:00 – Life Updates: Softball, Graduations, Moves10:00 – Scheduling Around Hunts & Family20:00 – Future Guests: Chris Harshbarger, JD, Darren & More30:00 – Local News & Laughs (Tammy Lenn Queen of Hearts)40:00+ – Wrap-Up & TeasersIf you're new here, hit subscribe and turn on notifications – we drop episodes when life allows, but they're always worth the wait. Drop a comment: Who's your dream guest for Vulnerable? What Ohio hunting topic do you want next?Thanks for listening – get out there, stay vulnerable, and we'll see you in the next one.Link to full playlist: [insert your channel playlist link]Support the pod: Share with your hunting crew!#VulnerablePodcast #OhioHunting #DeerHunting #PodcastThumbnail Suggestion for YouTube:Use your aggressive real-looking deer head image (the one with glowing orange/red eyes, snarling mouth open wide, dramatic orange energy cracks/lighting around the face, big thick whitetail antlers, dark forest background with snow/dust particles for atmosphere).Overlay bold white/yellow text at top: "Vulnerable EP 25"Bottom text: "Second Take Chaos + Guest Teasers!"Add a small red "NEW" badge in corner and your podcast logo if you have one.Style: High-contrast, intense, viral hunting thumbnail vibe – make the deer's eyes pop to draw clicks. Crop tight on the head/mouth for max impact on mobile.

In this eye-opening Vulnerable EP 24, ODNR District Wildlife Supervisor Gary Comer (31+ years in wildlife management) joins the crew for a no-holds-barred talk on Ohio's deer, habitat, and the future of hunting. From the glory days of CRP pheasant hunting (75-80 roosters off 75 acres?!) to why baiting bans, overpopulation concerns, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) aren't just "western problems." Gary breaks down low prevalence rates so far (under 1% statewide, 73+ positives since 2020, 24 new in 2024-25 season mostly in Hardin/Marion/Wyandot/Allen/Morrow), surveillance areas, why it's a "slow cancer," hunter behavior impacts, and why fewer deer = healthier herds long-term. Plus: public land management, district oversight, deer harvest trends (232K+ checked in recent seasons), and why ignoring CWD could hurt future generations.Raw, honest outdoors talk – if you're a hunter in Ohio (or anywhere), this episode challenges common myths and gives real ODNR perspective. Gary's not holding back!Smash like if CWD worries you, subscribe for more expert guests & unfiltered hunting debates, and comment below: Do you think CWD is overhyped? Team bait or no bait? What's your biggest Ohio deer concern? 🦌💀🔥

Back at it on Vulnerable EP 23! Join Cory, Joel, and Chris as they dive into Joel's new obsession: coyote trapping in Ohio. From four-coil dogless traps (#2s, MB 550s, Bridgers) and dirt-hole sets to catching multiple coyotes in one night (including Garrett's big male!), we break down beginner tips, numbers game strategy (aim for dozens of sets for consistent catches), and why it's tougher than deer hunting. Plus, huge bobcat sightings booming in Ohio (1,000+ estimated statewide?), thermal/night vision plans, roadkill stake-outs, and a heartfelt night at "The Beat Goes On" fundraiser – raising big money for kids with heart issues (Eddie Montgomery meet-and-greet, $7K mic stand auction, Pappy Van Winkle bottles, full pallet of Busch Light!). We also relive childhood deer memories that sparked a lifelong passion. Raw talks, laughs, and real outdoors life – if you're into trapping, predators, charity events, or bourbon lore, this one's for you!Hit like if coyotes are smarter than people think, subscribe for more unfiltered episodes, and comment: Ever trapped coyotes? Seen a bobcat? What's your wildest fundraiser story? 🦝🔥🦌

Dive into Vulnerable EP 22 where hosts Cory and Joel spill the beans on the wild 2025-2026 Ohio deer season! From record-breaking snowstorms and family birthday mishaps to jaw-dropping buck hunts (including a 5.5-year-old warrior buck saga), we break down successes, failures, and the controversial rise of drones in hunting – are they a recovery miracle or an unfair edge? Plus, crossbow evolution, cell cam tactics, baiting ethics, and shocking Ohio harvest stats (over 232K deer checked!). If you're a hunter, outdoorsman, or just love raw stories, this episode is packed with laughs, debates, and pro tips. Don't miss the drone horror stories and why Ohio's bucks are legendary!Subscribe for more unfiltered hunting podcasts, hit the like button if drones freak you out too, and drop your thoughts in the comments: Team Drone or Ban It?

We’re back in the garage studio after Thanksgiving + shotgun season, and we’re getting back to weekly Thursday episodes. In this episode of Vulnerable, Joel Snow breaks down the real November rut timeline from the outfitter side — what was hot, what locked down, and why it felt like a rollercoaster every ~48 hours. We also talk:How snow impacts movement and why some seasons “feel” different than the numbers Ohio gun week + youth check numbers and what they suggest The corn/baiting conversation: if baiting goes away, who it helps, who it hurts, and why it’s being tied to CWD Strategy: cautious morning sits early, hunting does/food evenings, then shifting as lockdown hits Drop a comment: Do you think baiting should be banned, and what would it change on the ground where you hunt?

On this episode of Vulnerable, we sit down with Kenny and Tom (Maine) — longtime friends of Joel Snow who’ve been hunting Ohio with him for years. The conversation starts with pure hunting-camp comedy and real friendship… and then Kenny drops a hammer: his Yukon moose that made ALL-TIME Boone & Crockett, scoring 228 1/8”. Kenny breaks down the Yukon grind (spike camps, passing a 60” wide moose, and what “width” means in moose hunting), then walks through the moment it all came together — the shots, the recovery, and the guide realizing it could “make the books.” We also get into:The Maine vs Ohio hunting reality (big woods, “needle in a haystack” giants, and property posting rules) Why this camp feels like family, and why the “whole experience” matters just as much as the tag A bunch of unfiltered stories that will have you laughing like you’re sitting at the lodge with usIf you want more big-game stories, whitetail culture, and real hunting people, subscribe and drop a comment: Would you pass a 60 wide” moose?

DescriptionDeer season is OPEN and we’re kicking off Deer Camp at Five Star Outfitters the only way we know how: big stories, bigger numbers, and a pile of hard-earned lessons. Our guest is Rusty Vi of Island 34—a 2,600-acre Mississippi River island operation that turns into a private refuge feeding up to 10,000,000 duck-use days a season, sees 400,000+ waterfowl in a day during cold blasts, and runs two relift pumps pushing ~80–90K gallons/min to flood ~400 acres of corn and rice. Rusty also built wheelchair-accessible, hydraulic waterfowl pits so veterans can hunt shoulder-to-shoulder, and he’s in an all-out thermal-drone war on feral hogs. We also talk Tennessee’s velvet season, CWD realities, the power-company fiasco on 3-phase, and the Ohio opener’s early-season chess match—including the story of Rusty’s 193” “Dust” buck from Joel’s camp.You’ll hear about:Opening week at Deer Camp, Ohio — how we set up and why early can be deadlyIsland 34 explained: the numbering, the bridge, and why it’s technically Tennessee on Arkansas’ sideRefuge math: duck-use days, why corn cover beats rice for survival, and those wild pump specsVeteran hunts: ADA design, 50-ft pits, track chairs, truck lifts, and real inclusion in the blindHog eradication: thermal drones, flood tactics, air cannons, and the ugly reproduction mathTennessee velvet & CWD: tags, timing, and herd age-class differences vs OhioPower & diesel: the 3-phase price hike, diesel burn rates, and what it takes to keep water movingThe 193” “Dust” buck and why early-season patterns matter more than hypeIf this episode fires you up, smash subscribe, drop a comment with your best Deer Camp tradition, and tell a vet you want to bring them hunting this year.

Description:This is the story you dream about in the stand and never actually expect to live through.On this episode, Joel sits down with Deputy Sheriff & whitetail hammer Zach Prickett, the guy behind a straight-up freak of an Ohio buck that tapes 228 7/8". From guiding turkeys with Joel back in the day, to juggling 4 kids, shift work, and a whitetail obsession—Zach walks us through every crazy detail of how this deer went from ghost… to legend. zacks transcriptYou’re gonna hear it all:How Zach patterned a once-in-a-lifetime buck that ONLY showed up in daylightThe odds of even seeing a deer like this (think 1 in millions)The neighbor calling about a “huge deer in the pines” behind the houseZach sprinting home, grabbing his bow, and shooting this giant at 47 yards… in a front yard pine thicketThe bow getting RUN OVER two weeks before seasonArrows that wouldn’t tune, blown-up confidence, EHD panic, weird east winds, hog manure, dead batteries, and a Moultrie cam that held the “he’s still alive” pics hostageGiant deer showing back up in cut beans, on corn, and nearly busting him when the Ozonics shuts off at the worst possible timeIf you love big buck breakdowns, real-life chaos, and no-BS whitetail talk, this episode is your vibe.👊 Do us a favor:If this story fires you up, smash the LIKE button, drop a COMMENT about the craziest thing that’s ever gone wrong on one of your hunts, and SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss the next giant.

We kick off with camp vibes (yes, “Liquor Cleanout Night”) and a quick tribute before diving straight into opening-week tactics: how to set blind windows to avoid the dreaded “black hole,” why mature bucks J-hook the downwind side of bait, and using staging areas between beans and corn to make them killable. Joel relives the legendary Horse-Trailer setup (and a youth-season giant), we talk youth-hunt timing, content do’s/don’ts for TikTok, and the real-world ethics around albino/piebald deer. Practical, no-BS tips: flick corn wide (not piles), let a wary doe “bless” the field, and plan safe, stealthy access—even when there’s a seven-foot tile ditch waiting to eat you.

We’re back with Joel and Chris breaking down the Lake Cumberland poker-run chaos, early velvet shed (testosterone + daylight shift), acorn drops vs beans, why your plots are starving in this drought, quick water-hole hacks, and blind/stand setups that actually kill. We also dig into real Ohio buck-size odds and why most hunters don’t tag out. Pull up—this one’s loaded.

Ron Lance has hunted with Joel Snow for 25 straight years—and dropped a 211-inch and 198-inch buck from the same stand four years apart. We dig into the stories behind those giants, the evolution of Joel’s outfitting, the truth about TV crews vs. real clients, mechanical vs. fixed broadheads, and the Yukon moose hunt that turned camp upside down (shoutout to “Marty the cook”). If you love whitetails, big antlers, and unfiltered camp talk, this one’s for you.Highlights25 years in camp: how it started at a Bob Evans & never stoppedTwo 200s from the same tree (bow) — how rare is that?!COVID-year camp life, grit, and keeping the hunts rollingMoose in the Yukon: riverboats, chainsaws, and a near-record bullWhy Joel downsized to keep age structure & quality upMechanical vs. fixed: the shot that “zippered” a 170From plumbing & heating to full-time outfitter—hard lessons learnedIf this episode fired you up, smash Like, drop your favorite moment in the comments, and Subscribe for weekly whitetail, gear, and big-buck strategy deep dives. 🦌🔥

Rick’s back—and we go deep. Beatty Buck origins, the Brian Stevens freak frame (why “four 14-inch tines” blows minds), how B&C/P&Y/Buckmasters actually measure racks, the “common base” controversy, replicas, panel scoring drama, and field-photo tricks that make covers. Plus trapping roots, Ohio stories, and why the deer matters more than the number. Comment your biggest scoring gripe.

DescriptionRecorded Aug 25, we cover fresh EHD chatter in Logan & Champaign Counties, how to build rub-post + licking-branch sets that actually stop bucks, late-summer plot tweaks (rye/oats/brassicas), camera strategy (scrapes vs edges, 360 options), and Joel’s back-to-back Illinois buck stories (muzzy + bow). Wind, entry/exit, and CWD travel tips included. Subscribe for weekly whitetail intel.

Joel Snow goes deep on how trapping lit the fuse: snagging his first Fur-Fish-Game at 13, catching a red fox on night one, hair-trigger pan mods, rock-solid bedding, dirt-hole sets, double-staking for coyotes, and running a 200-mile trapline while in college. We break down red vs gray fox behavior, fur prices then vs now, Tom Miranda/Russ Carman lures, and coon/muskrat/mink tactics—plus wild stories about Tom Miranda and Stan Potts Hunts. Subscribe and drop your trapping questions!

In this episode of the Vulnerable podcast, legendary outfitter Joel Snow tells the unbelievable true story of how he killed a 201" giant Ohio whitetail — with only 6 hours of actual hunting time after years away from the stand.Joel breaks down:How he found the buck with only one photoWhy timing and scouting mattered more than the rutHis thoughts on bedding, scrapes, water access, and camera strategyHow he hung a tree stand just 5 feet off the groundHis real-time reaction the moment the buck appearedThis is a masterclass in big buck strategy, woodsmanship, and whitetail psychology — all wrapped in raw, unfiltered storytelling from a guy who has outfitted hundreds of successful hunters.If you're serious about deer hunting, managing land, or chasing mature bucks — this is a must-watch.🎧 Listen, learn, and laugh with Joel, Cory, and Chris as they dive into what it really takes to outsmart a 200" buck during the Ohio whitetail rut.

n Episode 10 of the Vulnerable podcast, we dive deep into the future of outfitting with longtime outfitter Joel Snow. From the changing dynamics of land access and bartering for permission to the shift in hunter behavior and late-season tactics, this episode is packed with real-world insights from 25+ years in the whitetail woods. We also talk about the economics of hunting, outfitting longevity, landowner relationships, and how whitetail hunting is evolving.This is the episode for anyone who wants to understand the business and strategy behind successful deer hunting in 2025 and beyond.

n this episode of Vulnerable, we sit down with the iconic Rick Busse — a name synonymous with taxidermy in Ohio. From growing up hunting squirrels in the 70s to building one of the most respected taxidermy reputations in the Midwest, Rick shares it all. We dive into his early days with recurves and Baker tree stands, his surprising past in the music industry (including opening for Wonder Woman herself), and his deep passion for white-tailed deer. This one’s full of history, laughs, and raw whitetail wisdom.Whether you're a hunter, trapper, or just love a good story, this episode hits every note.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if Rick has ever mounted one of your deer!

In Episode 8 of Vulnerable, Joel and Cory go deep into how to manipulate deer movement using fences, hog panels, and habitat edges. Joel shares his DIY method for building waterholes using rubber roofing and a garden hose—and how they help kill mature bucks during the rut. They also dive into the controversial topic of crossbows and whether they deserve their own season. The episode wraps up with Joel telling the story behind a client who killed TWO 200" bucks from the same tree and how CRP and landowner relationships can change your hunting game.

In this raw and hilarious episode of Vulnerable, we sit down with our longtime friend and professional butcher Travis Harshbarger — the man behind hundreds of deer every season. We get into:🔪 Travis’ wild journey from high school to mastering the butcher’s knife🦌 What REALLY happens during Ohio’s gun week (and how many twisted teas it takes)💀 Why some deer come in half-gutted or still full of secrets🔥 The truth about deer heart recipes, broadheads in nostrils, and butcher war stories🚨 Travis' honest take on CWD, EHD, and why the state's handling of it is total bullsh*t🧼 Field dressing tips, why some deer are straight-up rotten, and how butchers know it🧠 Why mounting your deer might not be worth it anymore—and why Euro mounts are taking over🦴 What it’s really like being up at 2AM processing 600+ deer a yearThis is the behind-the-scenes truth you won’t get anywhere else — unfiltered, real, and straight from a guy who's elbow-deep in the whitetail world.

In this episode of the Vulnerable Podcast, we sit down with wildlife biologist Gary Comer Jr. to unpack 30+ years of hard-earned experience managing Ohio’s exploding deer population.We cover:CWD, EHD, and diseases in whitetailsThe real story behind urban coyotes and downtown deerWhy Ohio has more deer now than ever in historyWhat’s changed since the 80s: hunting pressure, trail cams, and age structureHow 50% of fawns die and why it’s normalThe brutal truth about why most hunters don’t shoot doesWhy the "one buck state" model worksAre predators like bears and coyotes helping or hurting deer herds?The real reason giant bucks survive suburbiaWhy hunter numbers are falling fast—and what it means for the futureThis is one of our deepest, rawest episodes yet.🎯 Whether you’re a hunter, landowner, or just a whitetail junkie—this one is nonstop education and storytelling.🎙️ Hosts: Cory Arbogast, Joel Snow🎓 Guest: Gary Comer Jr., Wildlife Biologist🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and share this episode with a buddy who needs to hear it.

In this powerful episode of VULNERABLE, Joel Snow, Cory Arbogast, and Chris Murphy sit down and get real about what it actually takes to kill a mature whitetail — and it’s NOT luck.We kick it off with wild stories about Ohio turkey season and an unexpected run-in with a freakin’ Sandhill Crane (aka ribeye in the sky 🦅). Then Joel drops a MASTERCLASS on hunting strategy that every serious deer hunter should hear.🔥 Learn the concept of “V-Days” — the specific days when a farm becomes deadly.🧠 Hear Joel’s full breakdown of how he patterned and killed a 200-inch giant by observing, not overhunting.🎯 Understand why most hunters blow it in early season — and how patience, discipline, and the right stand location can make all the difference.🏹 From camera setups to wind strategies, crop influence, and buck movement — this episode is PACKED with value for hunters who want to kill mature deer consistently.💥 Plus:Pheasant farm stories from Cory’s childhoodWhy big bucks avoid 10 out of 11 camerasWhen Joel bubble-wraps a propertyThe moment a 200" buck walked to within 25 yards... and the rest is history👊 This is one of our most honest, in-depth episodes yet — and it’s what the VULNERABLE podcast is all about.🎧 Full episodes drop weekly — every Thursday morning at 5 AM.🔥 Subscribe. Share. Be VULNERABLE.#VulnerablePodcast #WhitetailDeer #DeerHunting #HuntingPodcast #JoelSnow #CoryArbogast #BigBuckDown #OhioHunting #HuntingTips #PatterningBucks #VDays #TrailCams #EarlySeasonDeer #Bowhunting #HuntingStories

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Vulnerable Podcast, where we dive deep into real hunting stories, unfiltered passion, and generational grit.This week, we sit down with Tracy Laws and his sons Trevor and Landon, a powerhouse hunting family from North Carolina, alongside Ohio outfitter Joel Snow and co-host Cory Arbogast. What starts as a turkey hunting recap quickly evolves into a story-packed ride through decades of friendship, outfitting, youth hunting, and chasing the elusive World Slam.🔶 Highlights from this episode:Tracy’s Origin Story: From dairy farming to real estate, to becoming a full-time outfitter and cameraman for hunting legends.Trevor’s Journey: The youngest commercial trapper in North Carolina, who now runs a crawl space and HVAC business so he can chase turkeys nationwide. Hear how he’s hunted 27 states, lived in his truck, and knocked out a single-season Grand Slam AND World Slam before age 24.Landon’s Quiet Grind: The younger of the two, Landon shares his methodical approach to hunting, how he graduated early, started his own detailing business, and followed his brother’s footsteps in turkey hunting with 60+ kills.Cultural Chaos in Mexico: Trevor recounts his wild, raw, no-frills oscillated turkey hunt in the Yucatán jungle. Harley Davidsons, jungle blinds, cigarette runs, box springs, and language barriers—this is not your average outfitter experience.Old-School vs. New-School Hunting Filmmaking: From the polished Hunt Masters shows to the raw, real YouTube generation, we talk what works, what doesn’t, and what the future looks like for hunting content.Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a fan of public land grind, or just here for the wild-ass stories (lasers on turkeys?!), this episode is a reminder of what makes hunting culture so damn rich.🎯 Real hunters. Real stories. Real vulnerable moments.Subscribe for weekly episodes where we don’t sugarcoat the hunt.

YouTube Description (Episode 3):🎙️ EPISODE 3: FOOD PLOTS, TURKEY TACTICS & LAND PRESSURE | VULNERABLE PODCASTIn this episode of the Vulnerable Podcast, outfitter Joel Snow breaks down the real impact of food plots, how hunting pressure destroys your chances without you realizing it, and why most turkey hunters are doing way too much.We talk deer. We talk turkey. And we talk truth.🦌 KEY TOPICS:Why Joel avoids traditional food plots (and what he does instead)How to manage pressure across multiple farmsWhen food plots actually hurt mature buck movementJoel’s thoughts on turkey hunting tactics, overcalling, and early season setupsThe difference between feeding and hunting — and why it mattersWhat makes a good turkey property (and why most people mismanage both deer and turkey habitat)Joel’s early years working farms and getting permission the old-school way🧠 NO FILTER. NO SPONSORS. JUST STRAIGHT KNOWLEDGE.Joel doesn’t do hype. He does results. If you’re serious about killing mature bucks or calling in turkeys, this episode gives you a veteran’s playbook — no fluff.🎯 WHO WE ARE:Joel Snow – Elite Ohio outfitter with 25+ years of deer and turkey experienceCory Arbogast – Host and co-owner of Rack RageChris Murphy – Sound/video guy and rookie hunter learning alongside you📍 Missed the first two episodes? Start here:🎥 Ep. 1 (Joel’s Origin Story): https://youtu.be/dFUeguj-XJI🎥 Ep. 2 (Tracking 30+ Bucks): https://youtu.be/YOUR_EP2_LINK📸 Follow us on IG: @vulnerablepodcasthunt👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔁 Share, and 🔔 Subscribe if you're about real hunting talk — not industry noise.

Joel’s exact method for locating, tracking, and prioritizing shooter bucksHow to identify when a buck is truly vulnerable and what to do nextWhat “the spark” looks like — the single moment a mature buck becomes killableMistakes that 90% of hunters make when targeting big deerWhat to do when you lose permission or a key property mid-seasonThe mindset and discipline it takes to run a legit outfitting operation while chasing world-class deer🎯 REAL TALK. REAL STRATEGY. NO FLUFF.Joel lays it all out — how he builds a hit list, watches for behavior shifts, and sets clients up for success year after year. This is the stuff the big names don’t want to tell you… but Joel doesn’t care about fame — he cares about results.You won’t hear this level of detail on any other hunting podcast. That’s a promise.👊 WHO THIS IS FOR:Hunters who want to kill mature bucks — not just get luckyGuys who obsess over trail cam data, weather patterns, moon phases, and pressureYoung hunters looking to build a real foundationOutfitter-curious folks wondering how top-tier operations manage dozens of clients and dozens of bucksAnyone sick of fake, influencer-driven hunting media and wants the real deal🎙️ MEET THE CREW:Joel Snow – A pioneer in whitetail outfitting with hundreds of mature bucks taken through smart management, client discipline, and next-level tactics.Cory Arbogast – Co-host and long-time hunting student digging into the methods that actually matter.Chris Murphy – The rookie, the question-asker, and the sound/video guy keeping us rolling.

🎙️ EPISODE 1: FROM BASEMENT BEDS TO BIG BUCKS – THE JOEL SNOW ORIGIN STORY | VULNERABLE PODCASTWelcome to the very first episode of the Vulnerable Podcast — a raw, unfiltered dive into the mind of legendary outfitter Joel Snow, told like never before. This isn’t just a hunting podcast. It’s a masterclass on whitetail strategy, outfitting, and the art of intercepting mature bucks when they’re at their most vulnerable.🔥 This Episode Covers:The real story of how Joel turned a couple of cots in a basement into a nationally known outfitting operation.Why we scrapped our first podcast (Age Over Inches) and launched Vulnerable instead.The truth about social media, outfitting, and hunting in the new age.How Joel built Five Star Outfitters with zero followers and 100% word-of-mouth.The Six Signs of Vulnerability we use to target mature bucks (food, water, weather, pressure, moon, and wind).Why hunting smart beats hunting often.Joel’s early days trapping, mowing, and asking for permission — and how that kickstarted 26 years of elite-level deer hunting success.The infamous 1,000+ mature bucks Joel has patterned and killed through clients — and what it taught him.🎯 Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hunted for decades, this episode will shift your mindset. We're talking real tactics, real stories, and zero fluff.🦌 WHO IS JOEL SNOW?A man who:Built Five Star Outfitters from the basement up — literally.Hosted the biggest names in the hunting industry quietly and consistently, without the need for fame.Tracked and targeted 30-40 mature bucks a season for over 25 years.Was among the first outfitters in Ohio to lease land and build a sustainable whitetail management business model.Has a client return rate that most businesses would kill for.Prefers age and inches — not just antler size.🎙️ WHO WE ARECory Arbogast – Host, hunter, and student of the game who knows when to shut up and let the legend speak.Joel Snow – Outfitter, mentor, and walking whitetail encyclopedia with a no-BS approach.Chris Murphy – Rookie hunter, camera guy, and the relatable everyman asking the questions you’re probably thinking.🧠 WHAT VULNERABLE MEANS TO USMature bucks are ghosts — elusive, smart, and nearly impossible to kill… unless they slip up. That slip-up is vulnerability, and it’s your window. Whether it’s weather, food pressure, moon phase, or a bad decision chasing does, we hunt those windows — not the whole season.This podcast is all about those moments. And helping YOU find them.🎧 LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO LEARN:How to build a profitable hunting business from nothingWhen NOT to hunt — and why discipline kills more deer than desireWhy most guys are hunting wrong — and what you can do to fix itHow to read vulnerability signs and turn trail cam pics into real kill opportunitiesWhat makes the perfect customer, and how to be oneWhat it takes to manage 35+ properties and get 70–80% of your clients a shot on a mature buck🦅 LEGACY, LEARNING, AND LAUNCHING SOMETHING DIFFERENTThis podcast isn't about flexing. It's about passing down knowledge that would otherwise die with the men who lived it. This is Joel’s story. But it’s also your blueprint.We’re not influencers. We’re just honest hunters with years of bloody boots, broken gear, and lessons the hard way.🛑 IF YOU’RE TIRED OF:Fake hunting contentInfluencers with zero killsPodcasts with no soulWasted time in the woods…then welcome to the podcast built for the ones who want more.🔔 SUBSCRIBE, DROP A COMMENT, AND SHARE THIS EPISODEHelp us grow by liking this video, dropping a comment (tell us your story or where you're watching from), and sharing it with a buddy who needs to hear this.🎯 EPISODE TITLE: From Basement Beds to Big Bucks – The Joel Snow Origin Story🎥 Podcast: Vulnerable🎙️ Hosts: Cory Arbogast, Joel Snow, Chris Murphy🏹 Location: Five Star Outfitters HQ, Ohio