2026 Whitetail Forecast: Best Times & Tactics for the Entire Season

When should you wait for the right conditions—and when should you get more aggressive? This 2026 whitetail forecast follows the season from September's shifting buck patterns through the November rut and into late-season food sources. On episode 183 of the Bowhunter Podcast, Christian Berg welcomes Emily Konkler and Darron McDougal, with Danny Farris joining later, for a practical discussion of when, where and how they hunt mature whitetails. The panel starts with disappearing early-season bucks: what changes when velvet comes off, food sources shift and hunting pressure increases? They explain how trail-camera information, property knowledge and carefully chosen conditions influence when they hunt—and when they stay out. October brings acorns, cold fronts and opportunities around Halloween. Emily shares how she learned a new property and adjusted her approach to take her split-G2 buck. Darron and Danny discuss hunting from the ground, calling and using decoys in open terrain. For the prime rut, the conversation turns to all-day sits, midday movement, bedding-area funnels and more aggressive approaches. Danny explains his buck-and-doe decoy setups before the panel moves into December's secondary rut and January's food-driven patterns. The episode uses the Fish and Game Forecaster as a starting point, alongside the panel's personal experience. Their date selections are predictions, not guarantees; local conditions, deer behavior and hunting pressure remain central to the discussion. Listen for: • Why early-season buck patterns can disappear overnight • Early-October food sources and late-October cold fronts • November rut timing and midday opportunities • Ground hunting and buck-and-doe decoy setups • Secondary-rut opportunities and late-season food • When to be patient and when to change your approach Featuring Christian Berg, Emily Conklar, Darron McDougal and Danny Farris. Bowhunter Podcast: All bowhunting, all the time.

How do you balance marriage, family and a serious passion for bowhunting? On this episode of the Bowhunter Podcast, host Christian Berg sits down with longtime contributor and dedicated DIY public-land bowhunter Greg Staggs — along with Greg's wife, Alison — for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, relationships and more than three decades in the whitetail woods. Greg and Alison revisit the story behind his 2012 article Tribute to a Bowhunter's Wife, including the hunting question Greg asked Alison on their very first date and the approach that has helped them balance family life with an intense hunting schedule. The conversation then turns to Greg's decades-long pursuit of DIY public-land whitetails, his evolution into saddle hunting and one-sticking, lightweight mobile hunting setups, tree safety and why mobility has changed the way many experienced bowhunters approach the woods. Along the way, Christian, Greg and Alison trade stories about family, hunting partners, raising young hunters and the realities of spending a lifetime pursuing whitetails. Topics include: Balancing marriage, family and hunting Greg and Alison's first-date hunting story 37 years of DIY public-land bowhunting Whitetail strategy and mobile hunting Saddle hunting and one-sticking Lightweight climbing systems Tree-stand and saddle safety Hunting with family Staggs in the Wild The Bowhunter Podcast is presented by Tactacam.

Bowhunting season is almost here, and mobility could be the key to getting within range of your next buck. Bowhunter editor Christian Berg sits down with Tethrd co-founder Greg Godfrey to talk saddle hunting, the new Phantom XP, and why a lightweight, mobile setup can give bowhunters more options in the field. Greg and Christian break down some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding saddle hunting, from comfort and safety to the perceived learning curve. They discuss how quickly new saddle hunters can become comfortable climbing, shooting and setting up—and why a saddle can replace an entire collection of traditional tree stands. They also dive into the new Phantom XP, which combines the simplicity of Tethrd's original Phantom with an expansion panel designed to provide additional comfort during long sits without sacrificing mobility. And with Christian discovering a potential 190-inch Kentucky whitetail on his trail camera, the conversation quickly turns to putting those saddle-hunting tactics to work. In this episode: Why saddle hunting isn't as difficult as it looks The advantages of staying mobile Single-panel vs. two-panel saddles What's new with the Tethrd Phantom XP How to practice shooting from a saddle Choosing and preparing trees for different wind directions Getting started before hunting season Greg's upcoming whitetail hunts Christian's giant new Kentucky buck Whether you're an experienced saddle hunter or considering making the switch, this episode is packed with practical advice for becoming lighter, faster and more adaptable in the whitetail woods.

Bowhunter editor Christian Berg sits down with newly appointed Bowtech President & CEO Colin Legge to discuss the company's move from Eugene, Oregon, to Houston, Texas, what it means for dealers and bowhunters, and the vision driving Bowtech's future. Colin shares why Bowtech is relocating its headquarters and manufacturing, how the company plans to become more connected with customers, and what's ahead for product development, innovation, and the upcoming Anthem target bow. He also discusses rebuilding the Bowtech brand, attracting top talent, and creating an interactive archery experience at the new Houston headquarters. In this episode: Why Bowtech is moving to Houston Colin Legge's vision for the company's future Bowtech product innovation and upcoming launches The new Anthem target bow Building a customer-focused archery brand The future of Bowtech hunting bows Behind-the-scenes insights from the new CEO Whether you're a longtime Bowtech shooter or simply interested in the future of the archery industry, this conversation offers an inside look at one of bowhunting's most recognizable brands.

The next generation of cellular trail cameras has arrived. In this episode of the Bowhunter Podcast, Christian Berg is joined by Gregg Farrell, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Tactacam, to break down the all-new Reveal 4.0 lineup and the innovations designed to help hunters scout smarter and spend less time checking cameras. From dramatically improved battery life and enhanced image quality to customizable battery packs and a brand-new wind sensor, Gregg explains how the Reveal 4.0 system is built to give deer hunters more reliable information before they ever step into the woods. In this episode: The new Reveal 4.0 Pro and X cameras Up to 2–3x longer battery life Dual-lens technology for sharper day and night images Improved trigger performance and PIR sensor technology Rechargeable FlexPack battery options New solar panel and power management system Built-in GPS, Live View, and app improvements The new Wind Sensor and how it helps hunters make better stand decisions Why wind data can change your hunting strategy Whether you're looking to upgrade your trail camera setup or simply want to learn what goes into today's most advanced cellular cameras, this conversation offers an inside look at the technology shaping modern deer hunting.

Bowhunter TV is back for its 22nd season, and in this special episode of the Bowhunter Podcast, host Christian Berg sits down with longtime Bowhunter TV veterans Curt Wells and Danny Farris to celebrate more than two decades of all-bowhunting television. From incredible adventures and dream hunts to heartbreaking misses, close calls, and behind-the-scenes stories, the trio reflects on what has made Bowhunter TV the longest-running bowhunting-exclusive show on Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel. In this episode: The story behind Curt Wells' unforgettable Alberta moose hunt Danny Farris' once-in-a-lifetime Colorado bighorn sheep hunt Completing Colorado's legendary Big Nine with a bow Memorable Bowhunter TV moments from the last 22 seasons Close encounters with moose, bears, and mountain goats The challenges of filming hunts with a cameraman Travel nightmares, DIY adventures, and life on the road Why Bowhunter TV remains committed to 100% bowhunting Whether you've watched Bowhunter TV from the beginning or are discovering it for the first time, this episode offers a rare look behind the camera and into the lives of the hunters who have helped shape one of bowhunting's most respected television programs. Bowhunter TV Season 22 premieres July 1 on Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel.  

Champion archer, engineer, and co-owner of Beast Broadheads and Bowmar Archery, David Houser joins the Bowhunter Podcast for an in-depth conversation on bow tuning, competitive archery, and the explosive growth of Beast Broadheads.  David breaks down the often-overlooked details that can dramatically improve bow accuracy, including D-loop position, D-loop length, draw length tuning, and stabilization setup. Drawing from years as a professional competitive archer and his engineering background from Penn State University, David explains how small adjustments can transform a bow's sight picture and consistency.  The conversation also dives deep into the creation of Beast Broadheads, the engineering philosophy behind the design, and how the company developed its patented "bone avoiding technology." David shares the story of how he transitioned from full-time pro shooting into entrepreneurship alongside Josh Bomar and the team behind one of the hottest brands in archery today.  Topics covered include: Bow tuning fundamentals for hunters D-loop positioning and sight picture optimization Draw length micro-adjustments Stabilizer setup strategy The engineering behind Beast Broadheads Broadhead aerodynamics and penetration Competitive archery lessons applied to bowhunting Accuracy testing and long-range shooting Future innovations coming from Beast Whether you're tuning a new hunting setup for fall or looking to improve your consistency and confidence behind the bow, this episode is packed with practical advice and technical insight from one of the sharpest minds in modern archery. 

On this episode of the Bowhunter Podcast, we sit down with Bryce Pick from Spot Hogg Archery and longtime bowhunter and writer Jace Bauserman to break down one of the most interesting new bowsight innovations in recent years: the Spot Hogg PRIZ system. The PRIZ is a non-magnifying prism designed to work with Spot Hogg's new ROTI sight housing, helping archers gain additional sight clearance and extend their practice range without changing their hunting setup. Bryce explains how the system bends light to shift the sight picture, allowing shooters to move their sight housing higher while still aiming at the same point. Jace shares his real-world experience using the PRIZ in the field and on the range, including how it has helped him practice at extreme distances with his actual hunting bow, arrows and sight setup. The conversation also covers legality, ethical bowhunting, long-distance practice, TAC-style shoots, setup tips and why shooting farther can make normal hunting distances feel more controlled and confident. This is not about encouraging long-range shots on animals. It is about becoming a better archer through better practice, better sight clearance and more precise aiming at extended distances.

On this episode of the Bowhunter Podcast, host Christian Berg sits down with world champion archer and passionate bowhunter Paige Pearce for a deep dive into the mental side of archery and bowhunting. Paige shares stories from her competitive career, her bowhunting adventures, and her new feature in Bowhunter Magazine, including a high-pressure lion hunt in South Africa that tested years of preparation and instinct. From tournament pressure to buck fever, Paige explains why success with a bow often comes down to more than physical practice — it comes down to training your mind. The conversation covers visualization, subconscious programming, shot routines, confidence, equipment setup, and how bowhunters can better prepare for the moment of truth. Paige also discusses her Insight Mental Programming system, how it works, and why mental preparation can help hunters make better shots when adrenaline is high. Whether you're preparing for whitetail season, western big game, 3D shoots, or tournament archery, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay calm, focused, and ready when it matters most.

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.