The Obsession Podcast

The biggest whitetail mystery? The guys are asked in thier minds what is the biggest whitetail mystery? Karl and Mike sit down and discuss a few of the major things they have seen over the last 30 plus years of hunting that has been the hardest to understand, or to try and figure out why the whitetails do what they do. Let us know what you think is the hardest thing to figure out when you are hunting your areas. Put it right here in the comments lets have a discussion we want your opinions. As always thanks for watching we apprecaitae each of you, and we hope you had a Merry Christmas. 2026 is just around the corner.

The Core Contradiction of letting deer grow and holding them on small properties? The conflict lies between the goal of growing mature bucks and the reality of small property limitations. "Letting Them Grow" (The Goal): To harvest mature bucks (often 3.5 to 5.5+ years old), you have to pass on younger bucks. The mantra is "Let them go, so they can grow." This requires a long-term investment of time and restraint. "Holding Them" (The Problem): Home Range vs. Property Size: A mature whitetail buck's home range is typically much larger (often 640+ acres or a square mile) than most small hunting properties (e.g., 20, 40, or 80 acres). The Risk: You cannot physically "hold" a free-ranging buck on a small property 100% of the time. When you "let him grow" and he wanders off your property (which he inevitably will to feed or breed), he is at risk of being harvested by neighbors who may not share your management goals. The Paradox: By improving your land to hold more deer, you may attract more bucks, but you also risk feeding and housing them only for them to get shot the moment they cross your fence line. Common Discussion Points on This Topic Becoming the "Core" Area: Accepting that you can't hold a deer 24/7, but striving to be the place where he spends his daylight hours (bedding) or feels safest. The Sanctuary Concept: Designating a large percentage of a small property as a "no-go" zone for humans so deer feel virtually unpressured, encouraging them to stay during daylight. Neighborhood Co-ops: Trying to build relationships with neighbors to get everyone on the same page about age-structure goals (though this is often difficult). Attraction vs. Pressure: The balance of improving habitat (food plots, timber stand improvement) without pressuring the deer off the property with too much human activity.

"We discuss the self-defined 'hunter' versus 'killer' labels on social media. Honestly people, what the hell is with the killer labels in social media? The word 'killer' should never be associated with hunters or hunting. A killer is in jail! A good hunter is a totally different thing! The guys talk about this label that many hunters nowadays think is a sign of excellence. In reality, it's disrespectful to hunters in general and makes us all look bad in the public eye. Being a good hunter starts with respect for the game you are hunting. We talk about excitement, respect, and remorse—the three main things we think every hunter in the world experiences with the harvest of any animal he or she pursues. As always, we want to hear your thoughts. Leave them right here in the comments. We appreciate each of you! Have a great week and good luck out there if you are still hitting it hard." #theobsessionpodcast #hunting #deerhunting #outdoorlife #bowlife #hunting #landmanagement #huntingtips #whitetailhunting #whitetailhunting #huntingtips #outdoorlife #huntingethics #rushoutdoorswi #iamatthegymwhereareyou #iaminthewoodswhereareyou #bowandarrow

Social media and how much worse it keeps getting our rant on this subject. The guys sit down and talk about what they have seen change this year even more then the past few years on social media. We discuss what we see happening good and bad in our industry. Is all of this B.S killing hunting? Are you actually learning anything, and most importantly. How do you guys feel about what you are seeing here on social media? We really want to here your views so leave a comment here in the comment section on our Youtube channel. As always thanks for watching and we appreciate each of you. Have a great week we will see you next Saturday.

Deer gun season starts and the Wisconsin DNR puts out deer #'s in the state. Well its gun season here in Wisconsin. We wish everyone good luck and be safe out there. The guys are heading to North Dakota to chase whitetail with a bow. But before they left that talk about the crazy number the Wisconsin DNR says we have for deer they also hit on gun deer season in our state. Expectations and thoughts for success. Besafe and we appreciate each of you. Good luck. #theobsessionpodcast #deerhunting #bowhunting #huntingseason #huntinglife #deerseason #huntingtips #whitetail #whitetailhunting #huntingtips #iminthewoodswhereareyou #strengthinthehuntpowerinthegrind

Lockdown now what? Tactics for Success. Well if you still have a tag it is a time consuming sit for the next week or so. That said there are a few tactics Mike and Karl use for success over this time and the guys hit on them in the podcast. These are what the guys use to raise the odds in their favor over this timespan. Thanks for watching and like always we appreciate your time. Good luck out there. General "lockdown" deer hunting strategies often include: Patience and persistence: As mentioned in the prompt, it can be a time-consuming sit, requiring long hours in the stand. Focusing on food sources: After the initial peak of the rut (breeding season) when bucks are actively chasing, they often return to primary food sources. Hunting near thick cover/bedding areas: Deer tend to rest more during this phase, making areas around their bedding spots key locations. Lets Break this all down!

Lockdown and late rut hunting tips for success Nov 9th to Nov 16th We are getting into the Lockdown and things are starting to get tough. Here are a few tactics that we use for success on bucks over this time span. Mike and Karl talk about the things that they have used over the years if they have not filled thier tags at this time yet. With many of the bucks taken already, and all of the pressure that the deer have had over the last few weeks, and with the lockdown in full swing oppurtunities are less but they are still there guys stick with it put the time in and play it smart you can still take the buck of your dreams.

Rut Hunitng tips and techniques for buck success Nov 2nd to Nov 9th. Now the rut is in full swing and maybe past the middle of the seeking phase in most northern states. Its lock down time or is it. Karl and Mike discuss the tactics they will be using if they have still not filled their tag yet here in Wisconsin. The guys hit on locations to hunt the bigger bucks in your area what to expect to see nad maybe a few ideas on how to change your luck if things are getting tough. Remember depending on where you hunt north to south in the country these techniques may very by a few days to a week northern states are almost always deeper in the rut cycle than southern states. We appreciate you checking the show remeber to please subscribe and like the show as we are just showing what we have learned over the 30 yrs of whitetail hunting all over the US. As always we appreciate each and everyone of you! Good luck and keep at it there are still giant roaming the woods.

Rut tactics for big bucks Oct 26th to Nov 2nd. Tactics for hunting bucks oct 19th to oct 26th tips & more. Between October 26 and November 2, bucks are in the early seeking phase of the rut, transitioning from their late-October patterns to actively searching for the first does coming into heat. Bucks will be restless, their testosterone levels are rising, and they are moving more in daylight, making this a prime time for hunters. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the rut. Its one of the best weeks to hunt these bucks using these prerut tactics. Mike and Karl talk about what they are pulling out of the bag this next week weather permitting. Its time to get the horns, the calls and the decoys into play coming this week. But first remember we still have to play the game smart so the guys discuss how things change from this weekend to next. It is proabably the biggest change in tactics over a one week span in the year. Have a great week, and good luck to all of you. Here are some key tactics to consider for this week:

Tactics for hunting bucks oct 19th to oct 26th tips & more. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the heavy prerut rut. Its one of the best weeks to hunt these bucks using these prerut tactics. Mike and Karl talk about what they are pulling out of the bag this next week weather permitting. Later in the week its time to get the horns, the calls and the decoys into play coming the end of this week. But first remember we still have to play the game smart so the guys discuss how things change from this weekend to next. It is proabably the biggest change in tactics over a one week span in the year, and this is how we see it. As always thanks for watching, and leave your comment we apprecaite each of you. Have a great week, and good luck to all of you. Here are some key tactics to consider for this week:

Tactics for hunting bucks oct 12th to oct 19th tips & more. Karl and Mike discuss the best tactics for taking one of your target bucks over the next week leading up to the prerut. This is a exciting time don't blow your chances for later in the season by making a bad mistake. the guys talk about the do's and don'ts for this next week as we inch closer to the prerut action coming soon for the best chances to take a giant later this month. Target acorns: Mid-October can be a "lull" because deer shift their focus from food plots to mast crops like white oak acorns. Bucks often bed closer to these new, abundant food sources, making timber hunting more productive than watching open fields. Monitor seclusion: Avoid hunting major food plots that receive high hunting pressure. Instead, focus on smaller, secluded food sources or "staging areas" where bucks hang up before entering larger fields at dark. Locate bedding cover: If you are comfortable with aggressive tactics, you can identify a buck's bedding area and set up within 200 yards. This is risky but can be effective during this period when bucks feel secure. Hunt travel corridors: Position stands in funnels or travel corridors between bedding areas and food sources. Bucks will often work rub and scrape lines in these transition areas close to bedding. Remember check out the show for great examples of all of this and more.

The Three Best Tactics For You This Year To Take A Great Buck. Karl and Mike are asked what are the three best tactics they use to take big bucks each year. The guys talk about what they have been most successful doing over the last 30 yrs almost while shooting good bucks each season. Karl also brings up the one thing they avoid using like the plague! So checkout this short podcast and maybe catch a couple tips to help you shoot the big buck on your hunting spots this fall!

The First Major cold front is hitting right now! These are some tips for oct 6th to oct 11th the first big cold front of the season is here. These are some of the main plans and tips for hunting this week Oct 6th to Oct 11th Good luck out there. Remember to Like and subscribe it sure will help us out. We appreciate each of you.

For Mike and Karl, the number of years needed for success on mature bucks isn't about physical endurance but rather about accumulated knowledge and strategic adjustments as the body ages. While the physical demands of hunting can become more challenging with age, seasoned hunters often find that experience makes them more efficient, not less. Does success on mature deer come easier with age? Yes, in many ways. Mature bucks are the most difficult to hunt, but they also become more consistent in their behavior as they get older. The deep knowledge gained over decades of hunting helps experienced hunters anticipate these movements, allowing for more strategic and less physically demanding hunts. Here's how experience can increase the odds of bagging a mature buck: Reading the land: An experienced hunter can find the "X marking the spot" on a property—the one or two key locations that consistently hold mature deer. This skill is developed by spending more time scouting than hunting. Focusing on security and details: Veteran hunters know that mature bucks prioritize safety above all else. This means being meticulous about details like minimizing scent, planning entry and exit routes, and hunting the right locations at the right time. Playing the waiting game: Experienced hunters have the patience to wait for the ideal conditions—such as the perfect wind or a specific weather pattern—before hunting a high-pressure spot. This is a level of discipline that younger, more impatient hunters may lack. Understanding behavior: Over time, a seasoned hunter gains a deep understanding of deer habits, knowing when and where to hunt specific areas during different parts of the season. How the hunt evolves with age As the body gets older and less tolerant of physical strain, the hunting approach naturally adapts. It becomes less about brute force and more about strategic cunning and careful planning. Smarter hunting: The hunt transforms from a high-energy "gonzo" approach to a "minimalist style" focused on strategy. This might mean less field time and more time scouting and waiting for the perfect moment. Adjusting tactics: Physical limitations, such as knee and hip pain, lead hunters to adapt their methods. Instead of long, grueling hikes, older hunters might favor shorter canoe trips or focus on hunting fields. Technology as an equalizer: Modern gear and technology help compensate for declining physical abilities. Tools like cellular trail cameras reduce the need for disturbance, while hunting apps can aid in identifying ideal spots with less foot traffic. Prioritizing enjoyment over exertion: The goal shifts from simply covering ground to maximizing every minute spent afield. The focus moves to enjoying the experience, being in nature, and appreciating the process. As one hunter put it, the main thing is "being there". Ultimately, the biggest limitation on a hunter's career is often mental, not physical. The wisdom gained over a lifetime of hunting ensures that the love for the sport—and the drive for success—can continue for as long as one's mindset allows.

The guys have been asked what is the biggest challenge for them when on a hunt! Then they answer the question on what is the most challenging hunt they do? Wow that is a wide open question. Mike and Karl lay out the challenges they see on each of the different hunts they go on. The demand mentally, and physically depending on what animal you are chancing varies from animal to animal. The mental game is one of the hardest for most to control the guys layout how they prep for each and show the success they have had over the years using some of the techniques. We appreciate each of you. Have a great week.

The guys are asked about opening weekend tactics for success here in Wisconsin. These rule apply to hunting anywhere in the Midwest for opening weekend. But over the years the guys have done very well early season here in Wisconsin some of the best bucks they have shot have been the first two weeks of bow season. Here are few of the tactics the guys use to be successful early in the season. Thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

Hunting bucks based on historical data can be an effective strategy, as mature bucks tend to follow predictable travel patterns and use the same core areas year after year, provided the habitat remains unchanged. By documenting and analyzing past observations, you can identify high-probability ambush points for future hunts. Gathering historical data Trail camera photos: Log the date, time, weather conditions, and moon phase for every quality buck picture. Many hunting apps and modern camera systems provide analytics to show peak movement times and patterns based on these data points. Past sightings: Document every encounter you have from the treestand, noting the time of day, stand location, and any relevant weather conditions like wind direction. This helps identify key areas and travel routes. Sign and habitat: Record locations of past rub lines, scrapes, and bedding areas. While fresh sign is important, knowing where bucks have used the terrain in the past can predict where a new buck will establish a travel corridor in the future. Use mapping apps like onX Hunt to pin and annotate these spots. "The 7-Day Rule": One theory suggests that a mature buck will use the same trails and visit the same scrapes around the same date each year. If you have historical trail cam photos or observations, you can plan a hunt for that specific location a year later. Applying historical data During the early and late season Bucks are on a strict bed-to-feed-to-bed routine during these periods. Your historical data can help you locate secure bedding areas and identify the primary food source they favor at a specific time of year. The best strategy is to set up an ambush between the bedding and feeding areas, catching the buck in the transition or staging zone. Position yourself closer to the bedding area for morning hunts and nearer the food source for evening hunts. During the rut Although the rut seems chaotic, mature bucks often return to the same areas to scent-check doe bedding areas each year. Focus on historical "choke points" or "funnels" that lead into doe bedding areas. Your old records can confirm which terrain features consistently produce rutting activity. Use your data to identify key rut dates. If you've observed a specific buck (or mature buck activity in general) during the pre-rut, peak rut, or a specific rut "peak" in the past, those dates are good indicators for the current year.

Jon from Wisconsin asks should you hunt in September and early October or wait till later and how do you guys hunt them if you are chasing the early? Thanks for the question Jon. The guys talk about the strategies they have used for early season success, and talk about the best times and places that they have had success over the last 30 yrs of bowhunting early season. What do you all do for the early season and do you push the locations to hunt these bucks? Leave a comment on the channel here and let us know what you do. As always thanks for watching we appreciate each of you.

The top three addons needed for hunting success each year. Bill from Illinois asked the guy what are the top addons for small properties for big buck success each and every year? Bill thinks it is food as it should be number one at all times. Well here are the top three addons the guy have clients concentrate on for excellent success each year, and why they say these three in this order. Karl and Mike base their own properties on these concepts in this order so they can take the biggest bucks in the area each year on their properties. Let us know what you think is the top three for you, and why. Thanks for watch, and remember to like and share we appreciate each of you we will see you next weekend. Have a great week.

Bowhunting equipment we will not use and why. The guys have been asked by Steven about what are the newest bowhunting equipment that is out that they will not be using this fall. Well here you go. Excessively feature-rich bows: While new bows are constantly evolving to be faster, quieter, and more dead-in-hand, some newer models might prioritize speed or specific features at the expense of a smooth draw cycle or a shorter, less forgiving brace height. A hunter might opt for a slightly older model that offers a better overall balance of attributes for their shooting style. Overly complex or fragile accessories: Some hunters prefer to keep their setup simple and robust, especially when hunting in challenging environments where delicate components could be damaged. They might choose to avoid sights with many features or easily breakable parts, instead opting for durable and well-protected pin sights. Bows that have a harsh draw cycle: Some aggressive cam systems on newer bows can make the draw cycle less smooth than older models, which can be a personal preference for some hunters. A hunter might choose a bow with a smoother draw even if it means slightly less speed. The newest bowhunting equipment we will not use and why

The MSU deer lab study on weather effects & deer movement our thoughts and conclusions. Well you asked our thoughts on the findings from MSU, and the weather and how it effects the deer movement! You guys know we are huge on the weather and what it does positive, and negative to the deer movement. So here is the thoughts from us, and if we are going to change some of the ways we hunt due to the findings from MSU. We also hit on our findings and our success after following weather and fronts for success. Lets hear about your success or failure with hunting the weather do you think it is worth the time? We appreciate each of you subscribe, and Like we appreciate your support have a great weekend we will see you next Saturday.

The guys answer this question When is the last time you should be going in on your small parcel for success this fall in our eyes. We talk about why you should be letting your place rest a little before the season when and why. what do you think is the dates for success.

Do you make rules on your property, & then do you follow them? Well we do have our rules when it comes to hunting! Not only on our properties but in general here are a few of the rules we make for our selves. Yes we follow them to a tee its probably why we get along so well, and have been hunting together for over 25yrs this season. What do you guys have for rules on your places or when you go hunting? Or do you think rules are bad for hunting meaning size limits and so on? Let us know what you think!

The guys are asked If there are two types of hunters and if so what is the difference? Karl, and Mike are not quite sure how to take this question everyone that hunts see themselves as a hardcore hunter we think. Here is our view on being a bowhunter, and these are the good and bad in our view of just being a hunter and what hunting seems to be turning into. Thanks for the question we appreciate each of you! Let us know your thoughts and what you think hunting is to you, and what it is turning into. Have a great week.

The real %'s you shoot that giant buck that shows up on your small property Hunting success rates for giant bucks on small properties are not easily quantified with exact percentages. However, several factors significantly impact the likelihood of success. Key factors affecting success Understanding Deer Behavior and Habitat: Recognizing that deer on smaller properties, especially trophy bucks, often utilize a larger surrounding area for their needs, including neighboring properties, is crucial. Therefore, understanding how your property fits into the local deer herd's movement patterns and habitat requirements is paramount. Habitat Improvements: While smaller properties may not offer everything a deer needs, focusing on creating and enhancing the elements that are most lacking in the area can attract and hold deer. This includes: High-Quality Bedding Areas: Deer need secure places to rest and feel safe from predators. Creating dense cover and thickets can provide this security. Strategic Food Sources: If natural food sources are limited, planting food plots (even small ones) or supplementing existing ones can make your property more attractive. Focus on foods that are appealing during the hunting season. Water Sources: Ensuring access to water can draw deer to your property, particularly if water is scarce in the surrounding area. Low Hunting Pressure: Mature bucks are highly sensitive to hunting pressure. Over-hunting a small property can quickly drive deer to neighboring properties or make them nocturnal. Strategic Hunting Techniques: Careful Entry and Exit Routes: Design your access routes to minimize disturbing the deer, considering prevailing winds and terrain features to stay concealed. Multiple Stand Locations: Having several stand locations allows for flexibility with wind conditions and prevents deer from patterning your movements. Targeted Hunting: Rather than hunting the same spot repeatedly, utilize trail camera data and observations to identify specific buck movements and hunt only when conditions are optimal. Neighbor Cooperation: Working with neighboring landowners to manage deer populations and hunting pressure can be highly beneficial. Establishing a cooperative approach can create a larger, more attractive habitat and improve overall hunting success for everyone involved. Trail camera surveys and success rates Trail camera surveys are a valuable tool for understanding deer populations and informing management strategies. Studies have shown that with a density of one camera per 100 acres for 10-14 days, up to 90% of the deer herd can be photographed. However, on smaller properties, a higher camera density may be necessary as bucks can dominate camera sites, affecting the accuracy of sex ratio estimates. It's important to note that these surveys don't directly quantify the percentage of bucks you will shoot. Instead, they provide data about the herd's characteristics, enabling you to make informed decisions to increase your chances of encountering and potentially harvesting a trophy buck. In conclusion, while there isn't a definitive percentage you'll shoot that giant buck, implementing sound management and hunting practices on your small property can significantly increase your chances of success. Focusing on creating quality habitat, minimizing hunting pressure, and hunting strategically are key elements to consider.