#206: MAKE MOCK SCRAPES WORK with Steve Bartylla

Dan Schmidt sits down with Brad Rucks to answer your top questions about hunting in November.

Are scent-control products a total gimmick, or do they actually work? In this episode of Deer Talk Now, host Dan Schmidt sits down with veteran whitetail expert Steve Bartylla to break down the hard truths of odor management. Drawing on decades of field experience and lessons learned from trapping and legendary hunters like Gary Clancy, Steve explains why half-hearted attempts fail, how microclimates and thermals trick even experienced hunters, and why whitetails react instantly to the slightest trace of human odor. Tune in as they discuss practical, next-level strategies—from managing your gear and washing boots to avoiding hidden scent traps—that will help you stay out of a mature buck's nose this season!

In this episode of Deer Talk Now, host Dan Schmidt sits down with Keith Mark, founder and CEO of Hunter Nation, to discuss the critical battles being fought to protect America's hunting heritage. Tune in as they cover major advocacy efforts—including gray wolf delisting, public land access, baiting regulations, and streamlining deer tagging processes. Plus, Keith shares big news on upcoming Hunter Nation events featuring music legend Ted Nugent in Green Bay and football icon Brett Favre in Waukesha!

In this podcast, Daniel Schmidt and Steve Bartylla dive deep into the science and strategy behind mineral licks. Learn when, where, and how to establish mineral sites to maximize herd health, boost antler growth, and use them as a tool for your trail cameras and scouting strategy. Whether you're managing a small property or looking for an edge this fall, Steve shares his proven tactics for making mineral licks actually work for your deer herd.

In this podcast, Host Daniel Schmidt talks with Randy Wood about how to trouble shoot 10 common problems people have with their crossbows.

In this podcast Dave Schoenberger and Dan Schmidt reminisce on Dave's trophy buck from the 2025 season. This buck was a 21 pointer that grossed 271 inches.

In this podcast Donal Barry Jr. recaps his hunt of an incredible 32 pointer that scored 272 5/8".

In this podcast, Steve Bartylla explains how he sets up mock scrapes, the purpose of them, and his best tips for making scrapes.

descriptionIt might be summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to start thinking about hunting deer in the colder months. Randy Flannery shares his deer tracking wisdom in this Deer Talk Now Podcast from how to tell the size of a buck’s rack from a track to how you know you can catch up to the deer versus endlessly tracking. 

Do deer seem to bust you, even when you're convinced you're doing everything right? There may be a scientific reason why. Mike Slinkard explains how electroreception works in animals and how understanding this little-known sense could help you gain an edge in the woods.