Pennsylvania Woodsman
By: Sportsmen's Empire
Language: en
Categories: Sports, Wilderness, Education, Society, Culture
The Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast is driven to provide relatable hunting, trapping, and fishing content in the Keystone state. Tag along with host Mitchell Shirk and cohost Robby Henne as they interview state biologists and officials, industry professionals, and Average Joe's who've mastered their niche in the outdoors. We strive to unite the outdoor community through relevant, tried-and-true information; regardless of the playing field on private or public land. Our content is focused on honing your craft, and celebrating Pennsylvania's outdoor heritage.
Episodes
Running Your Own Race: Late Season Lessons from the Woods
Jan 07, 2026In this New Year episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined once again by Jason Goe from Final Stand for a wide-ranging conversation that blends late-season deer hunting tactics with honest reflection on priorities, pressure, and purpose. The discussion moves through practical topics like late-season scouting, mobile setups comparing climbers and saddles, managing hunting pressure, and how Jason balances hunting across Pennsylvania and Maryland. Along the way, they unpack how gear choices, access, food sources, and pressure shape late-season success—and why adapting your approach matters as seasons, landscapes, and life circumstances change.
As the conversation de...
Why Rifle Season Hits Different: Perspective, Reflection, and Passing It On
Dec 31, 2025In this end-of-year episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined once again by Grant Forney from the Everyday Outdoorsman to reflect on the 2025 hunting season and how their perspectives have evolved. Together, they dig into the shifting balance between archery and rifle hunting, why rifle season has become increasingly meaningful, and how predictability, shared camp time, and cold-weather patterns have reshaped the way they enjoy deer season. The discussion moves beyond antlers and success, touching on pressure, expectations, public land realities, and how chasing “bigger” goals can sometimes cloud the deeper reasons we hunt in the first place.
Cultural Identity in the Outdoors: A Conversation with Courtney Williamson
Dec 24, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Courtney Williamson from We Do This Too Outdoors. Courtney shares his journey hunting and fishing from a small town in Kentucky to becoming a prominent voice in the outdoor community. He discusses the challenges of cultural identity, the influence of his father, and the importance of embracing one's passions. Courtney highlights his mission to inspire inner-city youth through outdoor experiences and reflects on the joy of hunting, particularly waterfowl and deer. The conversation also touches on the deeper meaning of Christmas and the values he aims to instill i...
Duration: 01:16:11Reflections from the Bottom of the 9th: The Last Day of Rifle Season
Dec 17, 2025In this solo episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitchell shares the story of a late-season rifle hunt that tested his patience, priorities, and perspective. After a season filled with high expectations, mounting pressure, family responsibilities, mechanical mishaps, and self-inflicted stress, Mitchell heads into the final weekend determined to fill his buck tag. What unfolds is a hard-earned big woods hunt alongside close friends and family—marked by bitter cold, long walks, doubt, and ultimately a brief, narrow shooting window that ends with a buck on the ground. It’s a moment of relief, gratitude, and disbelief that reminds him...
Duration: 00:47:06The Sacrifices Behind Pursuing Your Dreams
Dec 10, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Collin Chamberlin shares his journey from pursuing a career in environmental science to becoming a stand-up comedian and reconnecting with his love for the outdoors. He discusses the sacrifices made along the way, the importance of storytelling in both comedy and outdoor experiences, and how to create relatable content that resonates with a wider audience. Collin emphasizes that success in the outdoors is not solely about harvesting but about the joy and experiences gained along the way. He also highlights the significance of just showing up and being...
Duration: 01:27:58The Buck We'll Never Forget: a Father, a Son, and a Moment in Time
Dec 03, 2025On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jake Fiola—an everyday Pennsylvania hunter, father, and endlessly reflective outdoorsman. Jake shares the story of an early-season hunt that became far more meaningful than the arrow, the antlers, or even the rare size of the buck he harvested. Hunting with his young son for the first time from an elevated stand, Jake found himself navigating a swirl of emotions: excitement, nerves, nostalgia, and the sobering responsibility of ensuring his child’s safety. What unfolded was a moment that would change how he sees hunting, fatherhood, and th...
Duration: 01:19:42Success at Bear Camp, Pumped for Deer Camp!
Nov 26, 2025This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is riding solo sharing his hunt over the weekend. The trip to bear camp resulted in three bears harvested in the big woods of north central Pennsylvania, one of which Mitch was fortunate enough to tag himself! This recap episode covers the organization of the group, planning ahead and good communication, what sign was found while hunting that led to this successful hunt, and how Mitch's bear almost got away. Camp tradition is special, and bear camp is just the beginning. Less than one week away is deer camp and we get to re...
Duration: 00:37:59Chasing Shadows: Black Bear Hunting Tradition and Tactics in the Big Woods
Nov 19, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Clint Stout, a lifelong Pennsylvania hunter who grew up immersed in the tradition of bear camp. Clint shares a deep well of experience—from understanding food cycles like chestnut oak, grapes, and hickories, to interpreting how bears shift patterns with weather, pressure, and seasonal changes. He and Mitch explore why bear hunting requires a different mindset than deer hunting, and how woodsmanship, patience, and miles of boot leather make all the difference in deciphering this elusive animal. Their conversation dives into terrain reading, the randomness of bear mo...
Duration: 01:28:53Beyond The Trophy: A Late Bloomer’s Passion For The Outdoors
Nov 12, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Tim Schlappich, a Pennsylvania native and member of the Final Stand crew who found his passion for hunting later in life. Tim shares his journey from being an avid angler and traveler in the military to diving headfirst into the world of whitetails, first in Nebraska’s river bottoms and now across the big woods and marshes of the East Coast. Through trial, patience, and curiosity, he’s learned to balance the challenges of new terrain, the lure of technology, and the importance of keeping the adventure aliv...
Duration: 00:48:20From Forced Friendships to Field Days: Hunting, Humor, and Humility
Nov 05, 2025In this episode of The Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Nick Otto of the Huntavore Podcast with a special guest appearance from “Tommy Tines.” What starts as a lighthearted chat about friendship and family chaos quickly unfolds into a conversation about priorities, patience, and the pursuit of balance between hunting, home life, and faith. Nick recounts his season in Michigan, complete with the tale of a hard-earned eight-point buck, some comical interruptions, and a few honest reflections about how our love for hunting can both test and teach us.
Together, Mitch and Nick dig into the deep...
Refining Your Rut Hunt: Balancing Property Options
Oct 29, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Pierce Nelles of the Wisconsin Sportsman to explore the world of rut hunting. While focusing on deer hunting strategies, they begin with the importance of being a well-rounded outdoorsman and the impact it has on you as a deer hunter. From here we break down Pierce's plans and strategies for breaking down 3 different hunting property options for sweet November. In addition to these properties and rut talk, the guys discuss the evolving culture of hunting in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. They discuss personal experiences, the significance of scou...
Duration: 01:19:00Humbled: A New Jersey Bear Hunt Reality Check
Oct 22, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch reflects on his recent bear hunting trip in New Jersey, sharing both the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned. He discusses the preparation leading up to the hunt, the unexpected difficulties encountered during the trip, and the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in the face of adversity. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the value of being in nature, the significance of community, and the spiritual aspects of hunting.
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Duration: 00:51:44October Adventures: Comparing Kansas and Pennsylvania Perspective
Oct 15, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, host Mitchell Shirk engages with guests Tim Hubler and Jason Gann about their experiences and insights into hunting during the chaotic hunting season. They discuss the challenges of balancing family life with hunting, the myths surrounding the October lull, and strategies for preparing for the whitetail rut. The conversation also delves into the unique experience of Sika hunting in Maryland, highlighting the camaraderie and excitement that comes with outdoor adventures.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...
Duration: 00:51:28Secrets of the Mountain: A Deep Dive with Steve Sherk
Oct 08, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Steve Sherk. The two start by catching up and sharing some personal dilemmas of having to go to weddings during hunting season and how this often creates some problems! The conversation turns towards the new Sunday hunting opportunities offered in Pennsylvania and how this will affect Steve's personal hunting as well as guide service. From here we move into the main topic of the episode: a deep dive.
What's the deep dive? It's not just the woodsmanship and the deer hunting nuances, it's the spiritual con...
Duration: 00:59:53Understanding Forestry Cuts and How They Relate to Your Hunting
Oct 01, 2025On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Steve Chilcote to discuss the complexities of timber management. They begin by discussing the roles of foresters and loggers, the importance of proper timber harvesting techniques, and the long-term implications of forestry decisions on wildlife habitats. They explore various types of timber cuts, the dynamics of timber markets, and the necessity of setting clear goals for land management. The discussion emphasizes the value of consulting with forestry professionals to ensure sustainable practices and maximize both timber value and wildlife benefits. Additionally, they highlight how these forestry decisions directly i...
Duration: 01:25:16Experience Is The Ultimate Teacher For A Bowhunter
Sep 24, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jere Preston to delve into the intricate dynamics of hunting as both an individual and team sport. They explore the impact of social media on hunting culture, the importance of teamwork, and the characteristics that make a good hunting partner. Jere shares his personal experiences from the hunting season, including the thrill of his early season buck and the challenges faced during tracking and recovery.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as they discuss the trials of bowhunting, emphasizing the importance of learning from one's...
In Camp Discussion with Aaron Hepler: Season Kickoff
Sep 17, 2025Joining Mitch on this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is his good friend Aaron Hepler, as they dive into the fast-approaching 2025 deer season. Life's been a bit hectic lately, and that chaos is spilling over into hunting season prep—but that's all part of the journey. The episode kicks off with a chat about Aaron’s new podcast, the InCamp Podcast, before shifting to a recent episode that ties directly into an upcoming adventure: New Jersey’s Segment A bear season. Mitch and Aaron share their excitement, plans, and expectations for the trip.
From there, the focus...
Duration: 01:31:59Early Season: Focus on the Basics and Don't Overcomplicate it!
Sep 10, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by seasoned hunter Alex Krzywulak to explore the intricacies of early season hunting. They delve into the challenges and strategies that come with navigating public land, balancing family commitments, and the relentless pursuit of that elusive buck. Alex shares his personal experiences and insights, offering listeners a glimpse into the mindset and preparation required to succeed in the field.
Listeners will gain valuable tips on scouting, understanding deer behavior, and making the most of limited time in the woods. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to t...
Duration: 01:05:27Life in the Bow Shop: Are You Ready for Archery Season?
Sep 03, 2025This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Little Mountain Outfitter's owner Devon Zimmerman and shop technician Terry Bergey. These boys are hard at it this time of year setting up, tuning, and getting everyone ready for the upcoming season. Hopefully you didn't delay your preparations too long! In this episode we will cover a variety of topics relating to daily life. It can be easy to think that working around bows and the hunting industry would lead to the perfect hunting lifestyle. These two shed light on the fact that while someone is hunting, the other...
Duration: 01:06:10Strategy Adjustments with Traditional Archery Equipment
Aug 27, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Matt Beisswanger for a traditional bowhunting conversation. Matt is a team member of Inside Twenty whose focus is sharing traditional bowhunting and their faith in Christ. Matt has been toting the stickbow since 2006 on and off and has wrapped a tag around numerous critters including some magnificent whitetail bucks. He's learned a lot when it comes to transitioning from hunting with a compound.
The closer you need to get to your quarry, the more you need to learn about them in order to be successful. For...
Duration: 01:30:52Failed Food Plots from Drought: Implementing Plan B
Aug 20, 2025Fall food plots greatly influence hunting success and wildlife attraction. Planting in August and September on the east coast can be sketchy, especially when late summer droughts can persist. This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is riding solo discussing a plan of action if disaster strikes in your fall food plots. Mitch shares personal experiences salvaging food plots that did not establish from drought stress in the past.
Farming is always a gamble with the weather. After initially planting food plots, Mitch discusses when to scout your plots and how to help evaluate if alternative action is need...
Duration: 00:42:30Bear Hunting Wisdom: Scouting and Navigation for a Successful Fall
Aug 13, 2025This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Rob Henne for a captivating journey through the Pennsylvania wilderness as they uncover the secrets of bear hunting. In this episode, they delve into the art of scouting and navigating the rugged terrain, sharing insights and experiences that span decades. From understanding the importance of food sources to identifying the perfect pinch points, their conversation offers a wealth of knowledge for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.
As Mitch and Rob explore the intricacies of group hunting and the dynamics of solo adventures, you'll gain a deeper...
Duration: 01:25:38Balancing Life and Land: Squeezing Time for Food Plots
Aug 06, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast, Mitch reflects on the delicate balance between his passion for hunting and the demands of daily life. Fresh from a family vacation, he shares insights into managing a busy schedule, including his wife's coaching commitments and his son's school activities. Mitch delves into the art of food plot management, discussing no-till techniques, seed selection, and the challenges posed by weather and timing. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family while pursuing personal goals, offering listeners a candid look at how he navigates the complexities of work, family, and his love for...
Duration: 00:46:30Chasing Down a Food Plot Dream
Jul 30, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Taylor Fleisher to discuss food plots. Taylor has a background in plants and soil, and has always been tinkering with food plot blends. That has motivated him to start his company Tractor Beam Attractants and food plot seed blends. This episode not only discusses food plots, it also highlights chasing down a dream within things of personal interest.
Mitch and Taylor bounce around from the beginning of Taylor's food plot journey to the customization of blends he's developed. Not only do they discuss planting nuances like h...
Duration: 01:09:43Presidential Clients, July Ruts, and Gators in a Turkey Setup
Jul 23, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Mike Tussey from Nomad Outdoors. Mike shares his journey from being a middle school PE teacher to becoming a prominent figure in the hunting industry. He discusses the dynamics of the hunting business during the offseason, the importance of managing turkey populations, and the unique challenges faced as a hunting guide. Mike also shares memorable client interactions, including experiences with high-profile hunters, and reflects on the diversity of hunting experiences in Florida. The conversation touches on sustainability issues in hunting, the significance of scouting, and the unique a...
Duration: 01:01:07Make Foodplots Simple Again!
Jul 16, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Al Tomechko to discuss the intricacies of establishing successful food plots for deer hunting. They explore various topics including the challenges of planting, the importance of setting clear goals, and the techniques for effective food plot management. The discussion also covers the significance of soil health, seeding rates, and the timing of planting in relation to weather conditions. Albert shares insights on equipment for smaller plots and emphasizes the value of diversity in food plot blends to attract deer throughout the hunting season. The conversation concludes with a f...
Duration: 01:05:17Pennsylvania Native and Dallas Safari Club CEO: Rob McCanna
Jul 09, 2025On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Rob McCanna, CEO of Dallas Safari Club. Rob shares his journey from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to leading a prominent organization focused on wildlife conservation and hunting heritage. He discusses the importance of engaging the next generation, the challenges facing hunters and conservationists, and the need for unity within the hunting community. Rob emphasizes the role of Dallas Safari Club in promoting sustainable hunting practices and invites listeners to get involved in conservation efforts.
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Duration: 01:11:18From Hunt to Rescue: A Life Changing Fall from a Treestand
Jul 02, 2025On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Dakota Gray who shares his journey of being a passionate hunter and his treestand accident that led him to become a paraplegic. He reflects on his early experiences in hunting, the life-changing fall from a deer stand, and the miracles that surrounded his recovery. Dakota discusses the importance of faith, family support, and mental health in overcoming challenges. He also shares how he adapted his hunting practices post-accident and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of a positive mindset and the role of God in...
Duration: 01:07:26Establishing a New Tradition: Pennsylvania Bear Camp
Jun 25, 2025This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by some family for a bear hunting conversation. The family guests are his younger cousins Jacob, Josh, and Isaac Mengel, who've recently begun a journey of starting their own bear hunt tradition at their cabin in northern PA. Previously their camp did not have a consistent tradition of hosting a bear hunt, and the times it did turned into solo endeavors. For the last four hunting seasons, they have started their mission to learn how to bear hunt their historic hunting grounds, and how to do it with a group. The...
Duration: 02:26:52A Once in 17 Years Fishing Opportunity: Cicada Fishing
Jun 18, 2025This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by friends Clayton Good and John Kolb of Suffering Outdoors YouTube channel to discuss a unique outdoor experience. Clayton and John are both avid fly fisherman and are trying their best to capitalize a narrow window of casting an uncommon dry fly: a cicada. As this week's episode is rolling, cicadas are buzzing throughout the keystone state creating a feeding frenzy and fishing experience like no other. The two discuss the past week of fishing experiences, what they have learned so far, and what they look forward to. Along the way...
Duration: 01:08:43PA Public Land Triple Trophy within 600 Yards
Jun 11, 2025On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by friend Clayton Good to discuss Clayton's remarkable hunting season, where he achieved the coveted triple trophy. They delve into the challenges faced during the season, the importance of scouting and understanding food sources, and the emotional highs and lows of hunting. The discussion also covers strategies for success in bear hunting and the significance of collaboration among hunters. The guys delve into their recent hunting experiences, sharing insights on strategies, the thrill of the hunt, and the importance of patience and scouting. They discuss the dynamics of group...
Duration: 01:55:38The Truth Behind Arrow Efficiency and Mechanics
Jun 04, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Chris Romano, host of the Wing and Tail Outdoors podcast. Chris shares his experiences in archery, including his recent participation in the TAC event. The discussion delves into the importance of mental preparation, the balance between equipment and shooter skills, and the intricacies of arrow mechanics. The archery industry has done an excellent job of marketing to consumers without consumers truly understanding arrow flight. Chris shares his knowledge behind the physics of arrow flight and penetration, emphasizing the significance of understanding kinetic energy and momentum in archery. He als...
Duration: 01:19:49Food Plot Challenges: Weather and Patience
May 28, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch reflects on the challenges faced during the turkey hunting season and transitions into discussing the complexities of food plot management. He emphasizes the importance of patience, the impact of weather on planting conditions, and the balance between tillage and no-till practices. Additionally, he shares his plans for transforming unused land into a more beneficial wildlife habitat, highlighting the role of herbicides and the significance of establishing switchgrass for wildlife. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on future plans and the excitement for the upcoming fall season.
Hosted...
Duration: 00:41:18Changes Coming to Pennsylvania Elk Hunting
May 21, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch and Bryan Hale explore various complexities of elk hunting regulations in Pennsylvania, discussing recent changes aimed at managing crop damage caused by elk and the implications of new tag regulations. The discussion highlights community feedback on these changes and the evolving landscape of hunting in the state. In this conversation, Bryan and Mitchell discuss allocation of bull tags, the impact of non-resident hunting licenses, and upcoming changes in elk management. They explore the implications of new regulations on hunting success rates and the overall experience for hunters, particularly in light of c...
Duration: 01:12:14Combating the Mentally Draining Parts of Turkey Season
May 14, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Kevin Creeley of the Mid Atlantic Outdoorsman Podcast. In this conversation the guys delve into the intricacies of turkey hunting, discussing the seasonal variations across different states, the impact of weather and barometric pressure on turkey behavior, and the challenges hunters face due to hunting pressure. They share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability in the field. Turkey hunting can be a mentally draining pheet when the 20 pound birds don't want to cooperate the way we think they should. This episode highlights how pushi...
Duration: 01:20:58Behind the Tough Hunting Exterior
May 07, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Dan Johnson to explore the multifaceted world of podcasting, hunting, and fatherhood. They discuss the evolution of podcasting, the challenges of information overload, and the deeper meanings behind hunting as an outlet. Dan shares personal stories about how fatherhood has transformed his perspective on life, emphasizing the importance of communication and emotional expression in parenting. They also touch on the launch of Dan's new podcasts, 'Man Therapy' and 'Two D's One Podcast', which aim to provide relatable content for fathers navigating the complexities of family life.
<... Duration: 00:45:00
Applying Turkey Hunting Wisdom Through Expert Advice
Apr 30, 2025On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch and Paul Campbell delve into the world of turkey hunting, exploring the resurgence of camouflage styles, the mastery of mouth calls, and the insights gained from legendary turkey hunters. They discuss the importance of patience and understanding turkey behavior, as well as the impact of hunting pressure on turkey populations. The dialogue emphasizes the evolution of hunting techniques and the joy of interacting with the environment while pursuing turkeys. In this conversation, Mitch and Paul discuss various aspects of turkey hunting, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding turkey behavior, and the...
Duration: 00:54:10Hunt Slowly During Spring Gobbler Season
Apr 23, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is riding solo sharing some turkey hunting experiences. Most turkey hunters would agree that chasing gobbling turkeys and calling aggressive to a red hot gobbler is hard to beat. However, the amount of times throughout a season that happens can be on the low end. In reality, turkeys are creatures of habit that are seeking refuge from predators, feeding, and breeding is mixed in throughout the spring. Patience is a virtue in the spring woods at times!
Mitch shares two different hunting experiences from the past and draws his...
Duration: 00:49:50Are Spring Food Plots Necessary?
Apr 16, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Al Temechko of Vitalize Seed. The two discuss the busy spring planting season, emphasizing the importance of soil health, plant physiology, and the role of diversity in food plots. They explore the debate between monoculture and diverse blends, highlighting the benefits of balanced planting for attracting deer and ensuring successful yields. The discussion also touches on the significance of soil testing and the misconceptions surrounding summer food plots in deer management. In this conversation, Al and Mitch delve into the intricacies of habitat management and hunting advice, emphasizing th...
Duration: 01:01:35Oklahoma Hunting Trip with Podcast Network Team
Apr 09, 2025This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is quite a bit different than normal. Mitch had the opportunity to join Nick Otto (Huntavore podcast), Nate Rozeveld (Michigan Wild podcast), Andrew Muntz and John Hudspeth in Oklahoma at the end of March for a three day hog hunting experience. John was gracious enough to invite some of us down for what has turned into an annual event to shoot wild pigs at his ranch. This was a unique experience and one for the memories!
During this hunt recap episode, the guys sit down after an action packed weekend wit...
Duration: 01:20:20Understanding Pot Calls w/ High Calling Custom Turkey Calls
Apr 02, 2025In this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Nathan Taylor of Higher Calling Custom Turkey Calls. Nathan shares his journey from a young turkey hunter in West Virginia to a passionate call maker. He discusses the evolution of his skills, the art of building turkey calls, and the relationship between competition calling and real-life hunting. Nathan emphasizes the importance of understanding turkey sounds and the biases that hunters may have, while also highlighting the need for versatility in calls to adapt to different hunting situations. In this conversation, Mitch and Nathan discuss various aspects of t...
Duration: 01:08:46Episode 200 Q&A
Mar 26, 2025In this special 200th episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, host Mitchell Shirk reflects on his journey through podcasting, sharing insights from the past episodes, the challenges faced, and the relationships built along the way. He discusses the unexpected beginnings of the podcast, the joy of connecting with guests, and the lessons learned about hunting and personal growth. The episode also covers future hunting aspirations, the complexities of hunting on public versus private land, and the value of consulting for land management. Mitch emphasizes the importance of understanding pressure and habitat in successful hunting strategies, while also addressing the ongoing...
Duration: 01:22:33Navigating Forestry Management and NRCS Funding
Mar 19, 2025On this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Steve Chilcote to discuss various aspects of forest management, funding opportunities for landowners, and the challenges faced in property renovation. They delve into the importance of forest management plans, the role of NRCS and EQIP in providing funding, and the significance of addressing invasive species. The discussion also highlights the need for reinvestment in land management and the potential for creating food plots and orchards. The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of native plants and the ongoing challenges of deer pressure in agricultural settings. In...
Duration: 01:07:13Drones. Meat Processing, and Adventure with Old Friends
Mar 12, 2025This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch catches up with Kurt Kissinger. Kurt is a friend from the past that Mitch has recently connected with through their careers in agriculture. Between farming and hunting, there are always lots of things to catch up on. Kurt is a licensed drone operator and has his own company Pinnacle Agridrone. Kurt specializes in applying nutrients and pesticides to agricultural crops but also aids in forestry practices as well. The two discuss how drones flow into the workflow of managing forests in Pennsylvania, then delve off into other topics.
The conversation turns to...
Duration: 01:06:59Understanding Diaphragm Mouth Calls
Mar 05, 2025This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we are talking turkey. Jason Miller of JMiller Custom Calls is back to discuss some details about mouth calls. The types of cuts used, pressure and stretch of reeds, and material used all influence the sounds and volume of each call. Jason discusses in more depth how you may want to influence your decisions in call choice based on these components. Jason makes quality calls and has over 30 years experience turkey hunting. Make sure you check out JMiller Custom Calls on Facebook and Instagram, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any...
Duration: 01:08:39Adjusting Strategy to a Tiny Deer Hunting Property
Feb 26, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is hashing out a plan in his mind to improve one of his small hunting properties. As usual, it starts with a vision and leads to lots of work. After finding some success in the past on a 2 acre archery hunting property, new ideas have come into mind to make it better. While hunting the property over the years, the deer have taught Mitch how to better manipulate his hunting strategy. This involves changing a food plot shape and size, moving a stand location, modifying deer trails, and improving the cover...
Duration: 00:39:51Technology's Impact on Modern Hunting
Feb 19, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Nate Rozeveld from the Michigan Wild podcast to discuss their experiences in the hunting community, the evolution of hunting popularity, and the impact of technology on hunting practices. They explore the joys of small game hunting, the ethics surrounding the use of technology, and personal moral dilemmas faced by hunters. The discussion highlights the importance of networking within the podcasting community and the shared passion for the outdoors. In this conversation, Nate and Mitch explore the importance of being challenged in life and hunting, the reevaluation of personal go...
Duration: 01:04:25Tips & Tricks for Switchgrass and Annual Screen Establishment
Feb 12, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is back in his element consulting on crops. This week's crop is a hot topic in the wildlife habitat and management world - switchgrass. Switchgrass use has grown in popularity for habitat improvement as well as food plot screening. While it's extremely effective when established, it's slightly more difficult to get started when compared to your fast growing annual food plots. Mitch breaks down a few details and experiences he has had that hopefully you can implement into your switchgrass planting.
In addition to switchgrass, the use of annua...
Duration: 00:45:47Understanding Coyote Behavior for Better Hunting
Feb 05, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Rich Yoder who shares his extensive experience in hunting, particularly focusing on predator hunting. He discusses the transition from traditional hunting to predator hunting, the impact of coyotes on deer populations, and the ethical considerations surrounding predator hunting. Rich emphasizes the importance of understanding animal behavior and the need for responsible hunting practices. The conversation also touches on the growing popularity of predator hunting and the implications it has for wildlife management. In this conversation, Mitch and Rich delve into the intricacies of coyote and fox hunting, exploring...
Duration: 01:21:39Kansas Waterfowl Hunt with Wing Chaser Outdoors
Jan 29, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch recounts his out-of-state hunting trip he took last week to Kansas. This was like nothing he's ever experienced before, as he was invited as a guest to join a group of guys from North and South Carolina to participate in an outfitted 3-day wing hunt. The group was hosted by Wing Chaser Outdoors guiding service who absolutely knocked the hunting experience out of the park. During the 3 days of hunting, the group killed around 100 geese and a dozen mallard ducks. Shoulders and cheeks are sore from all the shooting, but the...
Duration: 00:44:03Reliving a Late Season PA Bull Elk Hunt
Jan 22, 2025On this week's episode Mitch is joined by friends and family Jacob Mengel and Neal Kerschner. Neal was fortunate to draw the tag of a lifetime: a Pennsylvania bull elk tag. Neal was joined by his dad and Jacob, and the crew was able to experience what most only dream about. Neal punched his tag on a beautiful 6x6 on the second day of the season on public land. He was proud to have the hunt play out in a manner closely to what he envisioned: a hunt worth working for. An added bonus is that Neal's bull may be the...
Duration: 01:40:05From Passion to Business: New Era Habitat Services
Jan 15, 2025In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Hunter Scott and Tyler Hanna from PA Boys Outdoors and H3 Game Calls. They discuss their hunting seasons and the growth of their brands, as a new brand has been developed in the world of food plot and habitat consulting. The conversation delves into food plot management, strategic land management, and setting realistic expectations for hunting properties. They emphasize the significance of access routes, wind direction, and habitat improvement for successful deer management. In this conversation, they discuss various strategies for enhancing deer hunting success through effective habitat m...
Duration: 00:59:10I Don't JUST Hunt Deer!
Jan 08, 2025This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by good friend Aaron Hepler to reminisce on this past year's hunting season. If you've followed along to the show this season, you know that life has gotten busy and Mitch took a while to get into deer hunting mode. Fortunately for him, he was not alone, as Aaron didn't jump on the deer hunting bandwagon too quickly either this season. For the last 15+ years, both of these guys have been diehard deer hunters, especially when it comes to bowhunting. Turns out, there are other fun things to do too!
Aa...
Duration: 01:52:38A Hematoma, Lost Phone, and a 2.5 Mile Track
Jan 01, 2025On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, it's story time as Mitch recounts the events of opening week of rifle season at camp. Each season during rifle season, he along with family and friends join together for some old fashioned deer drives in the big woods of northern PA. The events throughout this week led to exactly what you read in the title, a hematoma on Mitch's leg, how he lost his cell phone during a drive, and the events leading to recovering a 130" mountain buck.
During the course of this three day hunt, Mitch's leg injur...
Duration: 01:06:58Beginner to Proficient Flintlock Shooting
Dec 25, 2024On this week's episode Mitch is gearing up for Pennsylvania's late season deer hunting with his flintlock muzzleloader. This unique weapon has a 3+week long season for deer each year that creates a fun opportunity to fill a tag. Over the past few years, Mitch has become slightly more serious in his shooting and preparation to fill a tag with the ol' smoke pole. This was not always the case, in fact, plenty of animals have been scared by his inaccurate shooting in the past. This forced a change to buckle down and learn how to become more accurate with...
Duration: 00:40:58Celebrating The Hunt For Two Mountain Bucks
Dec 18, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch welcomes DJ Hoshauer back to the podcast to share hunting stories from this season, including DJ's successful season filled with unique experiences across multiple states. The conversation delves into some challenges faced such as unanticipated health concerns, and also recaps some exciting highlights. In this conversation, DJ shares his extensive experiences and insights from years of hunting, focusing on the 4 year journey of pursuing a unique buck he tagged opening day of Pennsylvania rifle season. He discusses the importance of scouting, understanding deer behavior, and adapting strategies based on environmental pr...
Duration: 01:57:04Off Season Prep Leads to Best Deer Season
Dec 11, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch is joined by his friend Dana Schreffler, who shares his journey into archery hunting. Dana has deer hunted in the past but has just recently become more serious, and his off season preparation led to quickly filling all his tags this year. As the two podcast while butchering some deer Dana shot on opening weekend, they delve into the journey that began for Dana a few short years ago and what evolved into his hunting plans for 2024. They discuss the importance of scouting, understanding property dynamics, and adapting to changing condit...
Duration: 00:48:11Bear Season Recap and Rocky Start to Deer Season
Dec 04, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is flying solo by the seat of his pants. With the holidays and hunting season, it's hard to get much of anything planned this time of year! On the road home from opening weekend of deer camp, Mitch recaps the past 10 days of hunting season. This includes a successful northwoods bear camp where the gang harvested 3 bears on the first 3 drives of opening day. Mitch delves into the backstory of why he believes this hunt was so successful, as the hunt Captain and good friend Clayton Good did an excellent job o...
Duration: 00:30:29Out of State Hunting: Hit the Ground Running
Nov 27, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Aaron Pasquarette to discuss his successful trip to Ohio this fall. They begin by elaborating on the challenges and joys of balancing hunting with family and work commitments. They delve into Aaron's strategies for scouting, setting up, and connecting with deer in the Buckeye State. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, adaptability, and understanding deer behavior in the pursuit of a successful hunt. In this conversation, Aaron shares his thrilling experiences and emotions during a recent hunting trip, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of hunting. He di...
Duration: 01:07:37Lessons From Harvesting a 900 Pound Bear
Nov 21, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Brian Melvin. During the Segment A 2024 New Jersey Bear Season, Brian killed a 770 lb field dressed bear. It's estimated live weight is around 900 pounds! He recounts the story of this record-breaking bear hunt, the challenges faced during retrieval, and the unique characteristics of the bear he hunted. Brian discusses the history of his pursuit of this particular bear, the pressures and patterns in bear hunting, and the importance of comfort and security in bear habitats. He also emphasizes the significance of baiting strategies and the balance between hunting pre...
Duration: 01:50:35Diving into the Infamous "Rutcation"
Nov 13, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Grant Forney of the Everyday Outdoorsman to discuss the nuances of hunting during the rut. This conversation emphasizes the importance of weather conditions, historical knowledge and strategic planning. They share personal experiences and insights on deer behavior, hunting techniques, and the excitement of the rut during archery season, providing valuable tips for both novice and seasoned hunters. In this conversation, Mitch and Grant discuss various aspects of deer hunting in Pennsylvania, focusing on hunting patterns, communication tactics with deer, the significance of all-day sits during the rut, and the...
Duration: 01:06:02Powerful Story for an Appalachia Giant
Nov 06, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitch is joined by Cody Readinger, a successful bow hunter known for consistently harvesting big bucks in challenging terrains. The conversation delves into Cody's journey from a casual hunter to a dedicated bow hunter, the emotional experiences tied to hunting, and the importance of scouting and preparation. They discuss the balance between family life and hunting passion, Cody's hunting philosophy, and the story behind his latest big buck. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding terrain features and the challenges of hunting in Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. In this segment...
Duration: 02:16:18The Beast of the East: Chris Weist
Oct 30, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by PA native Chris Weist. The two delve into the intricacies of deer hunting, discussing various strategies, mental challenges, and the impact of technology on the hunting experience. This includes how Chris prioritizes his time throughout the fall, what challenges he is facing, how to navigate feed trees in monotonous timber, and much more. They explore the importance of patience, the significance of food sources, and the need for aggressive tactics in certain situations. The discussion also touches on setting realistic goals and expectations for the hunting season, as wel...
Duration: 00:53:46Bear Down with a Flintlock Muzzleloader
Oct 23, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by returning guests and good friends Mike Lesher, Mark Lesher, Jason Miller and Jared Lesher. The five sit down near the close of the 2024 New Jersey Segment A bear hunt, and discuss what a week it was! Beginning in summer, the crew made multiple trips to scout and locate bears that would meet their season goals. The Leshers and Jason hunted all week long and were able to have some cool encounters with archery tackle. Mitch came to camp with his Lyman Flintlock muzzleloader in hand later in the we...
Duration: 01:17:40Are Quartering Towards Shot Angles Ethical with a Bow?
Oct 16, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch is joined by Troy Fowler, known as the Ranch Fairy. The two discuss a highly controversial topic: quartering towards shot angles with archery equipment. Can you really shoot through the shoulder of a deer with a bow? With most arrow set ups, no, not without luck or wounding the animal. Arrows don't like bone, especially with lighter arrow setups that are commonly used. Troy emphasizes the importance of understanding shot placement and the anatomy of deer. Troy also compares the toughness of deer and pigs, highlights the significance of arrow setup and flight...
Duration: 01:17:23Evolving in Your Whitetail Hunting Journey
Oct 09, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch interviews Cliff Bailey, a passionate hunter and creator of KEO Vlogs on YouTube. They discuss Cliff's background in hunting, the evolution of his family's hunting traditions, and the journey of creating his YouTube channel. The conversation delves into land management practices, the journey of targeting bigger bucks, and the lessons learned over the years. They also explore hunting strategies, the significance of wind, and how to manage pressure while hunting. Cliff shares insights on deer behavior, the role of food sources, and the impact of the rut on hunting success. The...
Duration: 01:09:51Social Media and Hunting: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Oct 02, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch interviews Ricky Brule, host of the Range Podcast and Creative Director for Vaportrails Bowstrings. They discuss Ricky's various roles in content creation, the balance between work and personal hobbies, and the impact of social media on the hunting community. The conversation delves into the controversies surrounding hunting practices, particularly the use of crossbows, and the importance of community and family in the hunting experience. Ricky shares insights on adapting hunting techniques across different regions and reflects on the changing priorities that come with fatherhood. The episode concludes with a reminder to...
Duration: 00:54:23Capitalizing on Pressured Hunting Land in Pennsylvania Style
Sep 25, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jason Goe and Jere Preston from the Final Stand YouTube channel. This episode discusses various aspects of hunting, beginning with a conversation focusing on modern muzzleloaders versus flintlocks. The boys dive into Jere's recent trip back from bear hunting in Canada, then shift gears to whitetail hunting in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The conversation also delves into strategies for hunting on public land, the importance of monitoring ground scent and wind control, and the impact of technology on hunting practices.
Throughout the discussion, the speakers share per...
Duration: 02:06:13Trust Your Instincts and Be Patient
Sep 18, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Jeremy Dinsmore of the Antler Up Podcast to discuss preparations for the upcoming hunting season. They talk about technical difficulties with recording podcasts, practicing shooting their bows, and managing their schedules. They also touch on the use of trail cameras and the importance of trusting their instincts while hunting. In this conversation, Jeremy and Mitchell discuss their scouting and hunting strategies for deer. They talk about the importance of scouting and gathering information through trail cameras, as well as the challenges of piecing together the puzzle of deer m...
Duration: 01:04:13Dream Season: Illinois Bruiser
Sep 11, 2024This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are back with part 2 of our conversation with Cole Seitzinger in what we are calling a "Dream Season". If you missed last week, Cole shares his 2023 PA P&Y buck story and the obstacles experienced along the way. It was 8 days later Cole was able to lay hands on his target 150 class buck in the Prairie State. However, the theme of overcoming obstacles remains in place!
Despite initial setbacks and doubts, Cole's wife encouraged him to go on his Illinois hunt after a 12-year hiatus, arriving a day late due to f...
Duration: 00:55:36Timing the Kill: Being Strategic with Your Time
Sep 04, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by his buddy Cole Seitzinger, who talks about balancing family life with hunting and his transition to hunting with a saddle. The balancing act requires Cole to be specific with his time to allow success; the saddle helps with his time efficiency. The conversation begins with the pros and cons of saddle hunting and the impact of content creation on the hunting experience. From here, Cole breaks down the hunt for his 2023 PA buck.
Cole was able to harvest this buck on the first sit of the yea...
Duration: 00:53:48Countdown To Bear Season
Aug 28, 2024In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch discusses his experience with bear scouting and hunting leading into the 2024 season. After a successful 2023 season, he is back in New Jersey for bigger and better things. There were many takeaways from last season, forcing Mitch to modify his preparation for an even better outcome this year. This includes the importance of scouting and finding food sources, as well as the need for fallback options and scouting for people pressure.
Finding food in summer is a start, but it's also crucial to continue to monitor as the season start to cl...
Duration: 00:33:48Make Pennsylvania Hunting Great Again
Aug 21, 2024This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is bound to ruffle someone's feathers. Take it with a grain of salt; it's two average Joe's having a conversation about their opinions of hunting in PA. Our guest is John Kolb from Suffering Outdoors, and he and Mitch discuss five items that they believe if changed would improve the hunting opportunity in Pennsylvania. Both John and Mitch are avid bowhunters, so the majority of this discussion revolves around improvements for our own self-interest.
Before we start, let's make it known that we both believe the Pennsylvania state agency does an...
Duration: 01:13:47Duck Call Building BS Session w/ Northern Duck Calls
Aug 14, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch introduces Shaun Trump from Northern Duck Calls to the show. Shaun is as passionate about duck hunting as Mitch is about deer. So much so, that he's turned a hobby of building ducks calls into a business. After our introduction, Shaun discusses how he first got into building calls and the complexities of using a lathe and combining it with reeds and cutouts. He also discusses his experiences of hunting ducks in Arkansas, and how the culture of waterfowl hunting is much different when compared to the northeast. You are able...
Duration: 00:47:17Not Your Daddy's Deer Shanty
Aug 07, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, we dive deep into the Radix Hunting Monarch blind line up. Our guest is none other than Clifford Martin, owner and operator of Radix hunting gear. One thing to note about Radix is the attention to quality in their products. That's because Clifford is a diehard successful deer and turkey hunter, and strives to provide the best possible equipment in the field for himself and also consumers. If it doesn't pass his extensive testing, it gets modified before you can ever get your hands on it!
We begin by brea...
Duration: 01:11:18Trials Converting Cropland to Wildlife Habitat
Jul 31, 2024Troy Dietterich is back on this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman for part two of his property conversion. In addition to experimenting with different food plot practices, he is creating more usable cover and native browse on his property. This includes converting a 3-acre crop field back into wildlife habitat. In this episode we discuss: field layout, goals and objectives, vision of balance between cover and food plots, screening and plant establishment, maintenance and upkeep, and most of all - patience. Enjoy the process and keep some of Troy's learning experiences in mind for your next habitat project!
Traditional Archery Knowledge Dump w/ Cory Gulvas
Jul 24, 2024Sometimes good things just take time. This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is no exception, as this is a slightly longer conversation. Our guest is Cory Gulvas and we dive into the world of traditional archery. Cory's passion has driven him to competition level shooting, solely hunting with a recurve, and even bow building. In that time, Cory has faced nearly any obstacle that a new stickbow shooter could possibly experience. Take notes if you're a noob!
Cory is often approached for advice, and typically finds people struggling with the same things repeatedly. We discuss getting into t...
Duration: 01:22:29Lessons Learned from Food Plots without Herbicide
Jul 17, 2024Branching off from last week's episode, we discuss weed management and some key in-the-field observations. Mitch mentioned that there are three common "modes of action" to control weeds including mechanical (tillage, hand pulling), chemical (herbicide), and biological (plant competition). Is it possible to manage weeds with only one? This week's guest on the Pennsylvania Woodsman is Troy Dietterich who shares some interesting observations from his personal hunting property.
Troy and his wife prefer to limit the use of pesticides on their property. This is something anyone can do successfully if they stay dedicated and work hard towards. That...
Duration: 00:44:21Are No-Till Food Plots Really Worth It?
Jul 10, 2024No-till and soil health have almost become buzz words in the food plot world. The practices themselves are sound and have a good purpose when it comes to wildlife use. But does that mean you need to keep up with the Jones' just because someone else told you so? This week Mitch shares his exposure to no-till food plotting, a few of the reasons why he adopted it, and shares a few hurdles you may face when making the transition. This is all from the hip first hand experiences in Agriculture as well as food plots. He discusses weed manag...
Duration: 00:43:01Pre-Season Archery Shooting Checklist and Routine
Jul 03, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Nate Sellers of Average Jack archery. The episode dives into opening the case and dusting off your bow from last season. We discuss how to get back into shooting shape - this includes, reps, routine, gear checks, tuning, and more. Practice makes perfect, but what about when you don't have a lot of time to practice? Being intentional about what you are practicing, and practicing it the correct way goes a long way if reps are frequent but short. Small steps build confidence for shooting at game this...
Duration: 00:37:41Time Management, Season Goals and Expectations
Jun 26, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are kicking things off in a different style. While we are cruising through summer, we still have a ways off before the fall. Work, honey-do list, and summer time activities are still the bulk focus of our time. Therefore, if success in fall is to happen, it needs to be done by maximizing the little time we have to prepare and staying focused. Mitch and the guest will set a timer for 30 minutes and dive into a topic. When the timer runs out, it's back to the real world. Take the sa...
Duration: 00:41:42Hunting Trips and Adventures w/ Ronnie Folk
Jun 19, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by good friend Ronnie Folk. Ronnie is retired and has enjoyed many wonderful hunting trips across North America and even abroad into Africa and New Zealand. However, annual hunting trips were not always the norm. Ronnie worked hard his whole life building a successful paving business as well as raising a family, so the time off which we discuss was earned through hard work.
We begin by catching up on a recent Brown Bear hunting trip Ronnie had this spring in Alaska. While the trip did not r...
Duration: 00:50:02Dos and Don'ts of Summer Food Plot Establishment
Jun 12, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Al Tomechko of Vitalize Seed Company. For much of the PA latitude, we are nearing the end of the desired planting window for vitalize's summer plot Nitroboost. Whether you're late to the spring planting party or on the fence of adopting the 1-2 planting system, this episode revolves around potential hurdles or mistakes people commonly make this time of year. After Al and Mitch decompress via soil biology and farming nerd talk, Al breaks down some common challenges people face adopting "soil health principles." This episode covers thing...
Duration: 01:02:12Caught Between Reflection and Preparation of Bear Season
Jun 05, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is riding solo discussing what the month of June looks like amidst hunting season. June is a tough month; it's not that he doesn't want to be immersed with preparation for next year, but at the moment it's difficult to devote the time. It's a month to be caught between reflecting on a successful season and how to prepare for the next. Fortunately, 2023 was very successful from the standpoint of filling tags, so how can it get much better?
With life strings pulling in multiple directions, Mitch takes the ti...
Duration: 01:06:162024 Turkey Season Finale
May 29, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by good friend Jason Miller from JMiller Custom Calls. Between Mitch, Jason, and their hunting buddies, a lot of successful turkey hunts unfolded in multiple states. This season was one that just seemed to always work out in favor of the hunter. We discuss the hunts that transpired in April during New Jersey and Maryland's opening week of season, and lead into the Pennsylvania season.
Both Mitch and Jason harvested a turkey in PA on the first two days of the season. From there, each of them we...
Duration: 02:10:37What Makes a Pennsylvania Elk Hunt Successful?
May 22, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by returning guest Bryan Hale of Elk County Outfitters. One notable trait of Bryan - the man is a grinder. He works tirelessly to maintain success at Elk County Outfitters for clients and his team. So how does Bryan stay sane throughout this process? That's the beauty of hunting - it's a much greater endeavor than killing. Comradery and fellowship bring greater reward in the end.
As hunters, it can be very easy to stress ourselves out to fill a tag and meet a certain expectation. This ad...
Duration: 01:14:49Redneck Turkey Tour & Chasing 49
May 15, 2024On this week's episode Mitch is joined by good friend and hunting partner Earl Thomas. Earl is one of the most passionate turkey hunters Mitch knows, and annually sets out to hunt in multiple states on what has been dubbed the "Redneck Turkey Tour." Earl has been fortunate to tag a handful of gobblers already this spring and still has a few hunts left.
Every hunter's experiences lead them to hypothesize and act a certain way while pursuing game. This has led to many coffee shop conversations such as, does weather impact turkey gobbling? What about the barome...
Duration: 01:14:26Turkey Biology w/ Pennsylvania Turkey Biologist
May 08, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are joined by none other than Mary Jo Casalena; Pennsylvania's State turkey biologist. In conjunction with University research, Mary Jo is working to lead our state in the right direction for long term healthy wild turkey populations. Ongoing research is monitoring population trends in different portions of the state, and observing surrounding influences that may produce higher, lower, or stable populations. We discuss habitat types and balances, differences between WMUs, population trends, and more. This podcast answers many questions about PA turkeys, and also helps us formulate more questions - hope...
Duration: 01:29:01Bird Brain Full Effect - Approaching PA Opener
May 01, 2024For all the turkey fanatics out there, this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is gearing up for opening day on May 4th. Our guest is Jed Fetter, a diehard PA hunter and president of the Appalachian Chapter for Turkeys for Tomorrow. This episode covers a multitude of topics including:
-Turkeys for Tomorrow Appalachian Chapter
-Observations and Hypothesis of turkey trends in our hunting areas
-Gear, Scopes on Shotguns, TSS VS Lead
-Opening Weekend vs Late Season
-Pressured bird observations
A lot to unpack in this episode le...
Duration: 01:19:36On the Hunt for a Pennsylvania Grand Slam
Apr 24, 2024This week on the Pennsylvania Woodsman we are joined once again by Jason Goe from Final Stand YouTube channel. Previously Jason discussed hunting Sika deer in Maryland, this week we unpack the rest of Jason's successful fall of 2023. Jason was able to harvest a mountain whitetail with a bow, a fall gobbler, and his first Pennsylvania black bear. In addition to PA and MD Sika deer, he tagged two whitetail bucks with a bow in MD during the archery season. Talk about a season to remember!
We breakdown the timeline and story behind each of these hunts. Throug...
Duration: 01:26:23Navigating Land Consultants and Timber Harvests
Apr 17, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Mitch chats with Jared Van Hees. Jared is the host of the Habitat Podcast, and he and Mitch discuss the journey of the show as well as Jared's land purchasing and managing. Jared has acquired more knowledge in this time than most will in a lifetime through hard work and networking from a diverse group of habitat managers. As we reflect back on this process, we discuss a few obstacles that folks newer to the world of habitat management may face.
Goal orientation is of utmost importance. In fact, bein...
Duration: 01:14:00Kill Turkeys by Feet or by Seat
Apr 10, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by turkey hunting guru Paul Campbell. Paul is the host of multiple podcasts including the O2 podcast and Turkey Season podcast. He is also employed by the National Wild Turkey Federation. To say turkeys are a part of Paul's life is an understatement!
This week is a good old fashioned BS session to kick off spring. Paul has had the pleasure to interview many well-known turkey hunters and also hunt with a few. With this in mind, Paul shares his perspective on many hot topics from callin...
Duration: 01:08:22Food Plot Fertility: Choose Amendments Wisely
Apr 03, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch continues his food plot planning conversation from the previous week. Mitch's career as a full time agronomist has him assisting in row crop management across eastern Pennsylvania. This includes making soil fertility decisions to maximize crop yield and farm profitability. The planning that occurs on farm operations translates to our food plotting - plan ahead for success and use the correct tools for the job at hand.
One of the most frustrating things Mitch comes across in the world of food plotting is the array of recommendations produced by...
Duration: 00:53:22Clover Food Plot Maintenance and New Seeding Establishment
Mar 27, 2024Happy Easter everyone! We hope you are able to enjoy time with family this week, and slow down to celebrate the gift we've received through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's death. On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodman, Mitch is gearing up for spring food plots, specifically clover. Clover is one of the most popular food plots in the world of whitetails, and now is the time to get them started on a positive note.
We begin with discussing frost seeding methods and timing - you may still have an opportunity to frost seed in the next...
Duration: 00:47:46Chasing the Thrill, Not Inches
Mar 20, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch catches up with bowhunter Matt Beisswanger. Mitch and Matt were able to connect at a local event recently leading to Matt coming on and sharing his 2023 hunting season Matt was able to harvest 7 deer with his recurve bow, including two bucks - one in Pennsylvania and one in Illinois. In order to tell this story, we have to go back a few years... almost 20!
Matt progressed as a bowhunter throughout his life until he picked up traditional archery in 2006. He enjoyed shooting and did some hunting with the Bea...
Duration: 01:20:45Maryland Public Land Sika Deer Hunting Success
Mar 13, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by PA native Jason Goe. Jason had an absolutely fantastic hunting season this year, and we dive into the multiple days of success chasing after the miniature elk that roam the marshes of Maryland - sika deer. We begin the conversation by Jason sharing his introduction to sika deer hunting as well as all out-of-state hunting experiences. From here, we navigate getting outside of our comfort zone and hunting new types of habitat. Jason shares a few experiences that showcase the importance of having good woodsmanship skills in unfam...
Duration: 01:27:03Target Shooting, New Archers, and New Careers with Nate Sellers
Mar 06, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by PA's very own Average Jack Archery - Nate Sellers. A lot has transpired since Nate's last appearance on the show. Nate has transitioned into the outdoor industry full time between his pro shop and also working for Huntworth gear. We discuss this new journey and what his next goals are; one of which is being more competitive in target archery.
We discuss the growth and lack thereof in the sport of archery. There was a time many local clubs had high levels of competitive archers. Today...
Duration: 01:12:235 Consecutive Pennsylvania Black Bear Seasons
Feb 28, 2024Harvesting a bear within a lifetime in Pennsylvania is an accomplishment by most hunter's standards. However, doing so in regularity degrades the theory many say to a person's success - luck. On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman we chat with Ryan Hausman. Ryan has harvested a bear the last five years in a row with rifle, muzzleloader, and archery equipment. One of his bears topped out at 615 lbs field dressed!
This episode revolves all around Ryan's stories and experiences. There is nothing lacking from the entertainment department in this episode. Some of the situations Ryan has fo...
Duration: 01:17:18Struggling During the Month of February
Feb 21, 2024This week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman is quite a bit different from normal. Mitch rides solo and just talks about life during the winter months. To cut it truthfully, February sucks. Not a lot is happening if you're a deer hunter, and the reality is most of us do not have the ability to devote a lot of time to hunting, considering the months of neglect other things in life get while hunting season goes throughout fall.
Most shows are doing a great job of keeping the fire lit for the upcoming season. Mitch envies them, becaus...
Duration: 00:43:09Cat and Mouse Whitetails on Long Distance Properties
Feb 14, 2024On this week's episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by PA hunter Howie Miller. Howie works his tail off in and out of the field to make the most of his time in the woods. Howie reflects on the 2023 grind of a season where he played cat and mouse with a dandy buck throughout the fall. Howie lives in the southern half of the state, but chooses to hunt as much as possible around his camp in the northern portion of PA. This creates challenges when hunting deer that are not resident to your living quarters.
Howi...
Duration: 01:18:44