Nine Finger Chronicles - Deer Hunting Podcast

Most hunters underestimate the true impact coons and overpopulation have on their food plots and cornfields — until they see 90% of their crop vanish in a season. Jesse shares how raccoon populations in Iowa reach staggering levels—sometimes exceeding one raccoon per acre—and how this overpopulation can devastate food sources crucial for big deer. He reveals the simple but often overlooked strategies to manage coon damage, emphasizing that trapping alone isn't enough unless all neighbors join the effort.You'll discover how wildlife biologists label raccoons as North America’s most overpopulated animal—and why just killing a handful wo...

Most hunters can’t handle life’s curveballs—until they learn the secret weapon for staying calm, leading your family through hardship, and hunting bigger deer than ever before.In this candid episode, Dan Johnson and Jeremy cap off a year of resilience, sharing raw stories about managing life's unexpected setbacks—from knee surgeries and emotional storms to chasing 200-inch bucks in a chaotic world. Discover how building mental toughness, setting expectations, and practicing patience can transform not just your season but your entire outlook on life and hunting.You'll learn:The importance of high-pressure moments in shapi...

Most hunters underestimate the power of trail camera strategies—Nate Krick shares how the right spots and timing can make or break your season. Whether you’re chasing giants on private land or trying to crack the code on public land, understanding the nuances of camera placement, water sources, and terrain can give you a decisive advantage. This episode is packed with practical tips and real stories about how long-term camera investment leads to big buck success.You'll discover:The secret to consistent deer movement patterns along creek banks, timber edges, and transition zones that are often overlookedWhy plac...

In this episode, Dan and Doug dive into the nuanced art of obtaining hunting permissions, the evolution of land access strategies, and how relationships, persistence, and good neighborliness can open doors—sometimes even in tough markets. They explore real-world stories, tactics for approaching landowners, and tips for staying respectful and effective in today's environment.Key topics:The importance of persistence and relationship-building in securing permissionStrategies for approaching landowners and what to say (including helping out on farms)How changing landowner attitudes impact access and the rise of lease agreementsThe role of social media and community groups in...

Hunter, conservation, and community collide in this eye-opening conversation about Kentucky’s innovative venison donation program. Discover how hunters are not only filling their freezers but also transforming lives—turning surplus deer into hundreds of thousands of meals for food-insecure families. If you’ve ever wondered how your next hunt could do more than just fill the freezer, this episode reveals the inspiring details behind one of the most impactful wildlife programs in the country.Tom Waters, a seasoned hunter and volunteer with Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry, shares why more hunters need to donate their extra deer—a...

Most hunters rely heavily on high-tech gear, but what if the secret to trophy deer lies in the raw, relentless effort of navigating the wildest, most unforgiving terrains? In this episode, seasoned Wisconsin hunter Aaron Berg pulls back the curtain on hunting in the swampy, waterlogged corners where few dare to go—and what it truly takes to succeed there.Aaron shares jaw-dropping stories of paddling miles into secluded marshes by canoe, battling water, wind, and rugged terrain—all in pursuit of the biggest bucks. Discover how he hunts those impenetrable cattail marshes, sneaks into secret bedding areas, and uses...

Most hunting regulations are about numbers — but what if the future of Michigan's deer herd depends on understanding the stories behind the stats? In this eye-opening episode, Dan Johnson sits down with Michigan hunter and outspoken advocate for change, Brian Meyring, to explore the wild side of deer management, personal stories, and the real impact of regulation shifts. From childhood adventures to high-stakes debates at NRC meetings, Brian shares behind-the-scenes insights that could reshape how you think about hunting in the Great Lakes State.You'll discover:How one buck rule and APR changes are fundamentally altering de...

Most hunters never see a buck that lives to 14 — let alone one that’s 14.5 years old and still roaming Wisconsin’s thick public lands. Imagine the stories this giant could tell, yet most only learn of him after he’s been gone for years. When Zach stumbled upon this legendary old-timer, a whole new dimension of whitetail mastery was revealed—how some bucks quietly outsmart the odds, avoiding hunters’ sights for more than a decade.In this episode, Zach shares the incredible journey of discovering and hunting a buck who defied age and odds, living long enough to be estimated at...

Most hunters overlook the true magic of deer camp—the camaraderie, traditions, and brotherhood that turn a hunting trip into a lifelong legacy. In this episode, Doug Green shares how his 10-year-old deer camp culture isn't just about chasing big bucks, but about passing down stories, building bonds, and keeping the spirit of hunting alive for generations.Imagine a weekend filled with stories around campfires, homemade venison meals nicknamed "Doug's Meat," and years of shared experiences that create lifelong memories. Doug dives into how these traditions started small and grew into a tight-knit community that values selflessness, mentorship, and pa...

Unlock the secrets of out-of-state deer hunting with one Michigan hunter’s epic 2020 Kansas adventure—and what it taught him about chasing giant bucks across borders.Imagine spotting a once-in-a-lifetime buck, only for it to swim away in a river—then coming back in a way that turns your whole hunt upside down. That’s just a slice of the wild story from this trip, where a big Kansas giant, bleeding out in a dry oxbow, eluded and eventually outsmarted him over nearly two miles of relentless tracking.You’ll discover:How different deer behave whe...

Unlock the secrets to consistently harvesting mature whitetails using strategies that most hunters overlook. Imagine turning your property into a deer magnet by mastering one simple principle that could transform your hunts overnight: access.In this episode, seasoned deer hunter and strategist Bill Winkie reveals how the key to success isn’t just about finding the biggest buck, but about understanding how deer MOVE and HOW to get in and out without them knowing. He shares his groundbreaking approach—reverse engineering stand locations from entry and exit routes rather than finding perfect spots first—and explains why the terrain shapes...

Most people think Texas is all about big fences, high-priced leases, and endless hog hunts. But Hunter Thompson’s story shatters that stereotype—he’s part of a groundbreaking environmental restoration company that turns degraded wetlands into thriving habitats, and as a bonus, he gets to hunt some of the best property along the way.In this episode, Hunter shares fascinating insights into how federal and state laws drive wetland mitigation projects, creating unique opportunities for hunters willing to put in the effort. You’ll learn how restoration work not only saves ecosystems but also supports a vibrant...

Most landowners are missing the secret sauce to transforming their properties into whitetail magnets — and Brett Smith is here to share the insider strategies that can turn a crappy farm into a buck-producing machine in just a few years.Imagine walking onto a once-ordinary parcel and within a few seasons, seeing giant bucks move confidently through the thickest thickets you created. Brett, owner of Whitetail Land Management Services, reveals how topography, strategic timber cuts, and habitat tweaks can dramatically boost your odds of trophy success — even if you’re starting with a less-than-stellar landscape. He’s helped hunters and landowne...

Most musicians chase Nashville dreams; Rafe Carlson built his from the ground up in Minnesota—playing small-town clubs, fending off industry pressures, and still making his unique Northwoods sound.In this unforgettable episode, Rafe shares the raw, unfiltered journey of quitting his day job and turning a leap of faith into a full-time career. From tiny gigs tipping $50 to festival stages supporting Jake Owen, he reveals the behind-the-scenes struggles and the defining moments that kept him going—like the night he played on Lake Superior's pier with tips in a milk jug and realized this was the real...

Most hunters overlook the evolving landscape of wildlife management, technology, and ethics — until now. Pierce Nelles cuts through the noise with a candid look at how AI, drones, and high fences are reshaping hunting the next 20 to 50 years. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these rapid advances or curious about what the future holds, this episode is your blueprint for understanding where the hunting world is headed—and why it matters now more than ever.Pierce and Dan break down the surprising ways AI is changing visual content, graphic design, and even how hunters plan their seasons. You'll...

Unlock the truth behind Michigan’s controversial one buck rule and discover how this bold shift could reshape the state’s deer hunting culture—and its future. If you’re a hunter tired of the status quo or curious about how policy changes ripple through tradition, this episode is your front-row seat to the debate shaping Michigan’s wilderness.Brandon Adamski, a passionate Michigan hunter and host of the Buck Barn podcast, pulls back the curtain on years of frustration with deer herd mismanagement and social pressures that have kept the state’s buck numbers skewed. In an honest, candid conve...

Most hunters overlook the secret to consistently finding and ambushing mature bucks — and it’s not about the latest tech or fancy gear. Pierce Nelles shares a behind-the-scenes look at how he locates prime deer bedding and travel corridors using simple, proven methods, and why understanding deer behavior beats all the stats and gadgets.In this episode, you'll discover how subtle observations during the scouting process can unlock the highest quality hunting spots — from reading deer sign to analyzing pressure and movement patterns. Pierce breaks down the importance of slow, deliberate entry, how to interpret their bed-to-feed cycle...

Most hunters dream of a state with premium bucks, plentiful public land, and an accessible, thriving deer population — but what happens when those rules start to change? Parker McDonald, a seasoned hunter from Alabama, joins Dan Johnson to unpack the seismic shifts happening in deer management across the U.S., especially in Michigan, Missouri, and beyond. From the nuanced impact of one-buck rules to the influence of social media outrage, this episode reveals the real story behind changing regulations and what they mean for everyday hunters.You’ll discover how states like Michigan are experimenting with policies aime...

Most men realize too late that life’s true joys are found in the simple moments, not possessions or status. Pierce Nelles from the Wisconsin Sportsman podcast and I share a no-nonsense conversation about what really brings happiness, resilience, and purpose — and why we often chase the wrong things until it's almost too late.In this episode, Pierce and I open up about overcoming life's tough lessons through adversity and reflection, from lessons learned in the chaos of guide days to the quiet revelation of living in the moment. You'll discover how recent changes—like a year alcoho...

Unlock the future of hunting with groundbreaking technology that turns data into deer movements and land management strategies—before you even step into the woods. Gregg Farrell from Reveal Trail Cameras and Tacticam reveals how their latest innovations could transform the way you understand and improve your property, whether you're a seasoned landowner or a weekend warrior.In this episode, you’ll discover how Habitat IQ, a land management tool built for every hunter, provides real-time insights into where deer bed, feed, and travel—without relying solely on traditional scouting or anecdotal guesses. Gregg dives into the intricate algorithms driven...