Welcome back to another episode of the Generations of Hunt podcast, where we dive into the bucking truth of hunting and outdoor adventures. I'm joined by my co-host, Matt, and we kick things off by discussing the recent weather changes and how it's the perfect time to start hiking for sheds. We share some personal anecdotes about the brutal cold and the excitement of finding sheds.

We then transition into a discussion about deer holding their antlers longer due to a second rut and the impact of a mild winter. Matt shares his buddy's theory on this, and we debate the scientific evidence behind it. We also touch on the importance of starting early to find sheds before the state land gets crowded with people and their dogs.

Next, we delve into the recent Team USA ice fishing tournament held in Michigan, where the US team disappointingly placed sixth. We joke about the challenges of releasing fish from the ice and the potential of making ice fishing an Olympic sport.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as we discuss survival shows. We ponder whether we would participate in one and share our thoughts on the mental and physical challenges involved. We also talk about the strategies and hardships faced by contestants on shows like "Alone" and "Survivor."

We then shift gears to discuss the National Deer Association's findings on the distance between shed antlers. According to their research, 56% of match sets are found within 10 yards of each other, which is a fascinating insight for shed hunters.

Our discussion moves to the impact of weather on deer movement, referencing a new MSU Deer Lab study. We debate the effectiveness of hunting apps and the importance of actual deer sightings over predictive models.

We also touch on the controversy surrounding new solar panel projects in Michigan, particularly in Gaylord. We discuss the role of organizations like BHA in pausing these projects and the potential impact on public lands.

Finally, we dive into the topic of antler point restrictions (APRs) and their effectiveness in encouraging hunters to shoot more does. We reference another MSU study that suggests APRs do not significantly impact doe harvest rates.

Welcome back to another episode of the Generations of Hunt podcast! Today, I'm joined by my good friend , Dave, who helped me out with the "Stay Out September" series. We're here to catch up on how his hunting season went and to share some of the lessons learned along the way.

Dave kicked off the season with high hopes, having done extensive winter, spring, and summer scouting. His wife rescheduled a trip to Disney, giving him a full week in early October to hunt. Dave set up a solo hunt camp in Southern Michigan, sleeping in a minivan and braving the cold. Despite the challenging conditions, it was a rewarding experience that taught him a lot about hunting new terrain.

Dave attended the Bowhunter Chronicles camp for the first time, which was a mix of camaraderie and serious hunting. He faced new terrain challenges but enjoyed the experience of hunting with a group. One memorable moment was his creative tree selection for a hunt, which involved climbing a spindly tree to get to a massive oak.

Dave had two main spots for the rut season. The first spot was disrupted by another hunter who unknowingly used the same trail as the target buck. Despite this, Dave learned valuable information about the buck's behavior, such as the early opening of scrape lines.

The second spot was a Metro Detroit public land property where Dave had patterned a buck over two years. Despite setting up a camera and hunting strategically, he faced challenges from other hunters and even had his camera tampered with. However, he still managed to gather crucial data for future hunts.

Early Season: Dave confirmed that his scouting was accurate, even if the timing was slightly off.

Rut Season: He learned that bucks can open scrape lines earlier than expected and that human presence can significantly alter deer behavior.

Public Land Hunting: Encounters with other hunters can be both respectful and disruptive, highlighting the importance of adaptability.

Dave's season was a mix of highs and lows, but it was filled with valuable lessons and experiences. From solo camping in a minivan to navigating the complexities of public land hunting, Dave's journey offers insights for hunters of all levels.

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Generations of Hunt podcast, we kick off a new sub-series with a special guest, Matt Michalek, affectionately known as Matt.com. Matt is a tech-savvy hunter from Michigan who brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion, especially when it comes to data and industry trends.

We dive into several hot topics, starting with the recent developments in Michigan's deer management and regulations. Matt sheds light on the new Deer Management Council and the upcoming recommendations that could impact the 2024 hunting season. We also discuss the controversial solar farm projects and their implications for local wildlife.

One of the key points we explore is the impact of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) on the deer population. Matt provides insights into the data, revealing that while EHD had a significant impact, it wasn't as devastating as some feared. We also touch on the ongoing debate about baiting and its legality, with Matt sharing his personal experiences and observations.

We delve into the statistics of deer harvests, particularly during the muzzleloader season, and the surprising trend of hunters using their combo tags for antlerless deer. This leads to a broader discussion about the need for better population management and the role hunters play in conservation.

The episode also covers the proposed changes in hunting license prices, including the controversial increase for senior hunters and the adjustments for non-resident tags. We debate the potential impact of these changes on hunter participation and conservation efforts.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding and adapting to new regulations, as well as the need for hunters to take an active role in managing the deer population. Matt's data-driven approach provides a fresh perspective on these issues, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of hunting in Michigan.

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• VPA (Vantage Point Archery): Check out the newly released Omega broadheads with bleeders—designed for precision and performance. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore VPA Broadheads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🏹 Exclusive Code: Use GTH10 at checkout for a discount.

• Latitude Outdoors: The Maverick saddle is the ultimate lightweight, compact choice for hunters. Weighing in at just 21 ounces, it’s the lightest saddle on the market. The innovative, patent-pending cradle chassis provides twice the support and enhances comfort, while the foldable bottom portion eliminates the "saggy diaper" feeling when walking. It supports up to 300 pounds and fits waist sizes from 28" to 40".🌟 Save Now: Use code GTH at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latitude Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a special discount.

🎧 Connect With Us:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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