Ep. 44: Pre-Season Bowhunting Prep, Trail Cam Insights & Bear Encounters

The season is almost here, and Mike Manley (retired Green Beret, lifelong bowhunter) and Dan Ziemer break down everything they’re doing to prepare. From surprising trail cam footage to the surge in bear activity across Pennsylvania, this episode is packed with real-world lessons for everyday hunters.We cover:Why trail camera video reveals more than photos ever willMoon phase & temperature patterns showing up in Moultrie camera dataA major uptick in bear encounters—and how to protect your gearPre-season practice with hinge releases, crossbows, and new target systemsGear prep: batteries, flashlights, knives, medical kits, packs, and layering systemsPermethrin and Insect Shield clothing to keep ticks and mosquitoes out of your huntRisks and rewards of hunting in the rainWhy fewer acorns this fall could actually improve deer movementPlus: details on our Sitka Stratus 2.0 jacket giveaway, Tactacam Reveal cameras, and the Grayl UltraPress purifier—all field-tested gear we personally use. Don't forget to enter the giveaway here: https://gleam.io/zbA3l/everyday-bow-hunter-quarterly-giveawaySee the best early season insect shield treated gear here: https://archeryhunting.com/best-insect-repellent-hunting-clothes-for-2025-what-actually-works/👉 Subscribe for more bowhunting strategy, gear reviews, and pre-season insights.👉 Visit ArcheryHunting.com for more content and resources.

This one’s for every bowhunter who’s ever blown a setup, left the bow hanging too long, or climbed a tree and forgot half their gear.Yeah… we’ve done it too—and we’re owning it.In this episode, Mike and Dan break down the real-world mistakes that ruin hunts, even for seasoned bowhunters. From poor access routes and bad draw timing, to leaving too early or forgetting to grab your bow—we talk about what goes wrong, why it happens, and how to fix it before it costs you a deer this season.We also dig into:Why doe bedding areas are everything in late OctoberHow bucks shift bedding and movement patterns as the season evolvesWhy your first two hunts feel off (and how to get dialed in faster)Using trail cameras smarter, especially video mode and solar setupsWhy wind, thermals, and scent signature matter—especially in mountain terrainThe danger of treating early-season hunts like they don’t count (they do)And yeah… that time one of us peed out of the stand and missed a buckWe’re not just pointing fingers—we’re telling the stories, owning the failures, and helping you be more prepared than ever heading into the season.🎯 Giveaway Reminder!Enter to win one of FOUR prizes in our Quarterly Giveaway, ending Sept 30:Sitka Stratus 2.0 Jacket ($400 value)Tactacam Reveal X 3.0 Pro Trail CameraGrayl UltraPress Water PurifierEveryday Bowhunter T-Shirt➡️ Enter now: https://gleam.io/zbA3l/everyday-bow-hunter-quarterly-giveaway📌 Links & Tools Mentioned:Website: https://archeryhunting.com👕 Swag, Gear, and Support:Shop shirts, mugs, and stickers here: https://geni.us/everydaybowhunter-swag

In this episode, Dan and I dig into how we are fine-tuning our bows, arrows, and training for the upcoming archery season. I dive into how I am testing different vanes and fletching my arrows differently to test broadhead flight at longer ranges.Dan discusses conservation and ongoing collared bear studies in Pennsylvania, and we highlight the potential Sunday hunting options that will soon be available in the state.We talk about how advanced training techniques that go beyond just shooting your bow can make every trip into the woods (especially in the dark) better. The Everyday Bow Hunter Quarterly Giveaway!-----------------------------------------------------We are giving away a Sitka Stratus 2.0 Jacket, a Tactacam Reveal Pro 3.0, a Grayl Water Purifier Water Bottle, or an Everyday Bow Hunter T-Shirt to four lucky entrants. The Giveaway has already started and ends on September 30th! Enter Here to Win: https://gleam.io/zbA3l/everyday-bow-hunter-quarterly-giveawayMy 2025 Gear List Breakdown (What I'm Carrying): ➡︎ https://geni.us/2025gearlistMy Best Bow Hunting Gear 2025 List ➡︎ https://geni.us/best-bowhunting-gearThe Everyday Arrow Weight Formula ➡︎ https://archeryhunting.com/the-everyday-arrow-weight-formula-a-fast-track-to-the-right-hunting-arrow/⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Get "The Everyday Bow Hunter" T-Shirts and other SWAG Here: https://geni.us/everydaybowhunter-swagIn this episode, the Everyday Bowhunter podcast talks about getting ready for the **hunting** season and shares some **hunting tips**. They discuss **archery hunting** and shoulder pain, along with the excitement building as the season gets closer and they continue **bowhunting**. Tune in to the Everyday Bowhunter podcast to learn more!#huntingpodcast #bowhuntingpodcast #bowtuning #arrowtuning #archeryseason #bowprep #bowhunting #conservationefforts #bearstudy #archerytraining #theeverydaybowhunter

In this episode of The Everyday Bow Hunter Podcast, we tackle three big stories every bowhunter should care about:🔥 Mike Lee’s Public Land Sale Proposal – We break down Sen. Mike Lee’s attempt to sell off up to 1.2 million acres of BLM land in 11 states. We explain what it means for hunters, how it almost made it into the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and why it sparked backlash from hunters, veterans, and even fellow Republicans.🦌 PA Sunday Hunting Bill (2025) – The Pennsylvania Sunday hunting bill has officially hit the governor’s desk. We share our honest thoughts on what this could change for bowhunters and public land hunters in PA if it becomes law.📸 Moultrie Edge 2 Giveaway Winner – We announce the winner of our Moultrie Edge 2 cellular trail camera giveaway and share why this cam impressed us in the field.👉 Subscribe for more honest gear reviews, hunting strategy, and public land discussions.Get your Everyday Bow Hunter Logo T-Shirt & More here: https://everydaybowhunter-shop.fourthwall.com/products/the-everyday-bow-hunter-light-tee➤ Learn more at: https://archeryhunting.com➤ Join the Insider for future giveaways + exclusive gear tips Here: https://geni.us/everdayinsider#mikelee #publicland #bowhunting #sundayhunting #moultrieedge2 #cellcameragiveaway #pahunting #huntingpodcast #theeverydaybowhunter

n this episode, Dan and I dig into the data from our 10-year deer study — specifically the post “Where Bucks Bed (and How to Hunt Them Without Blowing It)” — and break down what it really means for bowhunters trying to get within 150 yards of a mature buck before the rut.We also talk arrow building:Our current setupsWhat mistakes we see most hunters makeWhy your arrow weight matters more than you think (especially inside 30 yards)Plus, we share some interesting early-season trail cam intel and how it ties into bedding and travel patterns.👉 Check out the full “Where Bucks Bed” post:https://archeryhunting.com/where-bucks-bed-and-how-to-hunt-them-without-blowing-it/🎯 Best Insect-Repellant Hunting Clothes for 2025https://archeryhunting.com/best-insect-repellent-hunting-clothes-for-2025-what-actually-works/🎁 Moultrie Edge 2 Trail Camera Giveaway (Ends June 30):https://gleam.io/SluUy/the-everyday-bow-hunter-monthly-giveaway🧠 Become an Insider & Access the Full 10-Year Deer Study:https://archeryhunting.com/everyday-bow-hunter-insider-portal/Join Here (100% FREE): https://archeryhunting.com/join-the-everyday-bow-hunter-elevate-your-hunting-game/

If you’re a bowhunter, your success this fall starts right now. In this episode, I break down why the next 4 months, from June through September, are the most important prep window of the year.Whether you’re brand new to bowhunting or have a few seasons under your belt, this episode will help you make smart moves all summer long.The real reason summer matters more than most hunters realizeWhat to focus on right now (and what can wait)Why gear testing and layering should happen now, not in OctoberMy summer scouting plan and how I apply the 80/20 ruleThe simple checklist that keeps your season on trackLightweight layering advice for hot-weather missionsWhy most hunters screw up their early-season plan — and how to avoid it“You don’t have to do everything. But if you do the right things now, your chances go way up when October hits.”✅ Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera Giveaway🧭 Insider Portal — Access Hunt Planning Tools & Strategy GuidesGet my best gear checklists, scouting templates, and hunting strategies — all free when you join the Everyday Bow Hunter Insider Portal.Hosted by Mike Manley, retired Green Beret and lifelong bowhunter, the Everyday Bow Hunter Podcast delivers no-nonsense advice for real-world hunters. No fluff. No sponsor bias. Just practical strategy and gear talk that actually helps you hunt better.#bowhunting #deerhunting #archeryhunting #huntingseasonprep #summerhunting #scoutingseason #earlyseasonprep #trailcameras #bowhunterchecklist #mobilehunting #publiclandhunting #bowhuntingtips #huntinggear #everydaybowhunter #huntsmarter #whitetailhunting #whitetailstrategy #mockscrapes #preseasonprep #huntingchecklist

This episode kicks off with one of the funniest moments we’ve had in camp — and no, it’s not about deer or turkeys (at first). You’re getting trout stories, massive fish, and my dad unexpectedly stealing the show.Then we get into the first weekend of Pennsylvania’s spring gobbler season, where things took a wild turn before daylight even settled in. We talk about:A 23 3/8-inch trout that blew everyone awayWhy my dad might secretly want to be on the podcastOur morning hunt setups, how things unfolded, and who got shots off earlyThe weather swings that made gobbler movement unpredictableReal-world spring turkey hunting takeaways you can useThis is one of those episodes where the hunting was solid, the stories were better, and we left the woods with full hearts and full coolers.🧠 Why listen?I’m Mike Manley — a retired Green Beret turned bowhunter and strategist. I bring decades of experience planning missions, scouting terrain, and executing under pressure — and I apply all of that to helping everyday hunters like you hunt smarter.[0:00] My dad’s podcast debut and a monster trout story[10:30] How the trout turned into a “trout gun” (yeah, really)[14:00] Our spring gobbler opener and what went down before 6:30 AM[19:45] The challenges of shifting weather and adjusting on the fly[26:00] Key lessons for any turkey hunter heading into the woods📬 Join the Insider (100% Free)Get weekly strategy tips, gear picks, and exclusive downloads → https://geni.us/everdayinsider🔗 Useful Links:Website: https://archeryhunting.comGear: https://geni.us/2025gearlist🎯 Follow on Social:Instagram | Facebook | YouTube → @EverydayBowHunter

Most bowhunters set their sight and forget it. But dialing in your bow sight the right way—with real field feedback, not just range sessions—can make the difference between a clean shot and a clean miss.In this episode, Dan and I break down some of the overlooked details about bow sight setup, especially for mobile and public land bowhunters. We talk about second and third axis leveling, why most bowhunters don’t practice the right way, and what you should actually be thinking about before you draw back on a buck.We also talk gear, practice habits, and how to build confidence in your setup—not just in your yard, but in real hunting situations. If you’ve ever second-guessed your sight in the moment of truth, this one’s for you.What We Cover in This Episode:The common bow sight mistake most hunters overlookHow to think about yardage and angle compensation in the woodsReal talk about practicing for real-world bowhunting, not 3D targetsWhy second and third axis leveling actually matters (and when it doesn’t)Confidence, sight adjustment, and what makes a system reliable under pressureMike and Dan’s personal sight setup tips from the fieldMentioned Gear & ToolsTruglo Apex Covert Pro Bow Sight ➡︎ https://geni.us/Hp5sCBE Trek 3-Pin Bow Sight ➡︎ https://geni.us/gXdM9WBGardePro Trail Camera ➡︎ https://geni.us/gardepro-liveMy 2025 Gear List (What I'm Carrying): ➡︎ https://bit.ly/2025-gear Best Bow Hunting Gear of 2025 (My Picks) ➡︎ https://bit.ly/42pM7jOConnect with Mike & Dan:🎯 Website: https://archeryhunting.com📺 YouTube: The Everyday Bow Hunter🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast for weekly bowhunting insights from the field.

Spring scouting is the key to unlocking mature buck bedding areas in hill country. If you want to tag a big buck this fall, now is the time to hit the woods and find primary and secondary bedding, travel routes, and terrain features that hold deer year after year.In this episode, we break down exactly how to scout hill country buck beds, including:✔ Where Bucks Bed in Hill Country – How they use ridges, points, and leeward slopes.✔ Key Bedding Sign to Look For – Identifying buck beds, rub lines, and transition areas.✔ How Thermals & Wind Impact Bedding – Why bucks bed in specific spots based on wind and thermals.✔ Using E-Scouting to Find Bedding Before You Scout – Tips for mapping out your scouting trips.✔ Trail Camera Strategies for Bedding Areas – How to monitor bucks without blowing them out.✔ Boots-on-the-Ground Scouting – Why spring is the best time to locate untouched buck beds.If you hunt in big woods, hill country, or pressured public land, these scouting techniques will give you an edge when the season rolls around.=============================All Products and Gear Mentioned in this Video=============================Bohning Pocket Quiver: ➡︎ https://amzn.to/4ipwKimBohning Fletching Jig (w/Straight Clamp): ➡︎ https://amzn.to/4iFvwiABohning Right Clamp (for Right Helical Fletching) ➡︎ https://amzn.to/4bGUU5jSitka Equinox Guard Insect Shield Hoody ➡︎ https://alnk.to/3U2AUtFEaston 4mm FMJ Arrows ➡︎ https://eastonarchery.com/arrows_/4mm-fmj-match-grade/My 2024 Gear List Breakdown: ➡︎ https://bit.ly/2024-gear

The hunt doesn’t start in the fall—it starts right now in the off-season. In this episode of The Everyday Bow Hunter Podcast, Mike Manley and Dan Zeamer break down what bowhunters should be doing now to set themselves up for success when the season rolls around.From fine-tuning your shooting form to scouting better spots and analyzing what worked (or didn’t) last season, this episode is packed with real-world strategies for the everyday bowhunter.🔑 Key Topics in This Episode:✅ Off-season shooting routines – How to keep your form sharp and avoid bad habits✅ Why your scouting isn’t over – How to analyze last season’s deer movement and adjust✅ Bow setup and tuning tips – Adjustments you should make now, not in September✅ Gear check: What’s working and what’s not – How to optimize your setup✅ Hunting mindset & mental preparation – Why your confidence matters just as much as your bowIf you’re serious about becoming a better bowhunter, the work starts NOW. This episode gives you a step-by-step approach to making the most of the off-season.🔔 Subscribe & Follow to The Everyday Bow Hunter Podcast so you never miss an episode!📌 Resources & Links:📍 Website: The Everyday Bow Hunter📍 YouTube Channel📍 Instagram📍 Facebook💬 Have questions or a topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message on Instagram or in the YouTube comments!