The Healing Power of Bowhunting - Will Jimeno

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that changed our nation forever. For New Jersey bowhunter Will Jimeno — a former New York Port Authority police officer and one of fewer than 20 people to be rescued from the World Trade Center rubble — it is an opportunity to honor of the memory of fellow officers who didn't make it out alive and reflect on the important role his love of bowhunting played in his physical, mental and emotional recovery from those 13 horrifying hours he spent trapped below 30 feet of concrete and steel. Jimeno, a longtime friend of Bowhunter and one of the inspirations for the film World Trade Center, retells his harrowing story and his never-ending mission to honor the legacy of those who lost their lives that day.

Spring is here, and that means one thing—shed hunting and turkey season are in full swing. In this episode of the Bowhunter Podcast, host Christian Berg is joined by Jace Bauserman and Clint Casper to break down the strategies, timing, and tactics that can make or break your success in the woods. From the Midwest to the Rockies, the guys dive deep into when bucks actually drop their antlers, how weather impacts timing, and why late March through early April can be prime time—depending on where you hunt. They also explain how using trail cameras can give you a major edge when targeting specific bucks and locating shed zones. But this isn't just about picking up antlers… You'll learn how shed hunting directly translates into fall success, from identifying bedding areas to understanding movement patterns. The conversation also shifts into spring turkey hunting, covering everything from scouting strategies to reading sign, locating strut zones, and understanding daily bird behavior. And if you're tired of sitting in a blind, you're in for something different. Clint and Jace break down their run-and-gun bowhunting tactics, including: Calling setups that pull birds past you (not straight in) Drawing undetected in the open Using bow-mounted decoys for ultra-close encounters Shot placement tips for clean, ethical kills Whether you're chasing sheds, scouting for deer season, or gearing up for turkeys, this episode is packed with real-world experience and hard-earned lessons from serious bowhunters. If you want to be more effective this fall, it starts right now.

Speed is back in vogue among bowhunters, and Easton's 2026 arrow lineup includes a pair of new offerings designed to help archers achieve maximum velocity. Easton Marketing Director Gary Cornum joins us to discuss the new 5.0 and FMJ Max arrows and how they can help bowhunters customize their arrow builds for peak performance in the field.

Many bowhunters will tell you they never feel more free than when they are afield with a bow in hand. But for guests at Camp Freedom, that is true on many levels. Matt Guedes, Camp Freedom's executive director, joins us to discuss how the nonprofit organization uses archery and bowhunting to aid the healing process of thousands of military veterans, first responders and their families.  For more information, visit https://campfreedompa.org

Spot-Hogg is an iconic name in the archery world, and it's all about accuracy. In fact, the company got its name after its founding father was accused of "hogging the spot" on a tournament target. Two decades later, Spot-Hogg continues to produce some of the most advanced, precise and durable bow accessories on the market. Co-owner Josh Johnson joins us to discuss the new ROTI Modular Sight System and much more.

Bowtech and Excalibur recently launched their 2026 lineups, led by the new Bowtech Alliance and Excalibur RevX TD. Brand Manager Todd Snader joined us at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas to talk about the new models and explain the many high-tech innovations that boost accuracy and help you be more successful in the field.

You could say that Bowhunter TV co-host Danny Farris is lucky. But the truth is, persistence is the real key to his success. After a quarter century of applying for bighorn sheep tag in his home state of Colorado, Farris finally drew the once-in-a-lifetime license in 2025, taking a massive, trophy-class ram during his December hunt. Farris recounts a quarter century of patient waiting, followed by an intense four days in the mountains that culminated with a perfect shot at a range of just 25 yards.

The 2026 Archery Trade Show is just around the corner, and we're expecting a host of new saddles, climbing sticks and related gear to debut in early January. Saddle-hunting authority Greg Staggs, host of the popular Staggs in the Wild YouTube channel, joins us to recap his successful fall whitetail hunts and offer his predictions about what the New Year has in store when it comes to equipment trends for the mobile bowhunter.

January has always been a big month for the bowhunting community, and in 2026 it's going to be bigger than ever thanks to the inaugural Archery and Bowhunting Super Show, a two-day consumer event being held on the heels of the annual Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis. ATA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Poole joins us to discuss this exciting new event, which will give bowhunters an opportunity to attend the archery industry's largest annual gathering to see all the new-for-2026 bows and bowhunting gear up close and personal. Add in the NFAA's Rushmore Rumble and S3DA Indoor Open tournaments happening in tandem with the show and you have the perfect recipe for an all-out stick and string celebration in Indy!

As November winds down and the holidays loom, the rut is waning across the northern two thirds of the whitetail range. Bowhunter Editor Christian Berg, Digital Editor Drew Pellman and Social Media  Manager Tony Jenniges recap their recent hunts, share observations and insights gleaned along the way and look ahead to late-season hunting and upcoming coverage of the 2026 Archery Trade Show in January.