The Watering Hole

On Episode 101 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf sits down with Ben Franson to recap an explosive stretch of November rut action across the Midwest. Todd kicks things off by eating humble pie and officially conceding his buck race wager to Justin Zarr, who punched his tag on a monster buck before heading down to Missouri. Todd shares the story behind filling his own Iowa tag with the new Mathews flagship bow, highlighting why trusting real-time deer behavior in the field will outproduce a passive wait-and-see game every single time.www.bowhunting.com 

Episode 100 of The Watering Hole is here, and Todd Graf and Justin Zarr are celebrating in true Bowhunt or Die fashion with an epic giveaway contest for the community. The boys kick things off by setting up the rules for a friendly race to tag a shooter buck first—debating day spreads, authentic buck standards, and setting a strict compound bow ground rule while completely dismissing online sportsbooks. If you want a shot at winning hundreds of dollars in archery gear, apparel, and gift cards, drop your comment below predicting whether Todd or Justin fills their tag first!www.bowhunting.com 

On Episode 99 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf and Justin Zarr dive straight into the drama after a recent social media video of shooting a crossbow at 100 yards set the hunting community on fire. Joined by Kevin Vistisen, host of The Deer Hunter Podcast, the guys unpack the intense backlash, online outrage, and the deep cultural divide between traditional vertical bowhunters and modern crossbow users. From accusations of "redefining archery" to navigating wild comment sections, the conversation pulls back the curtain on why this topic strikes such a visceral chord among whitetail hunters.   The crew tackles the heart of the matter: crossbow ethics, harvest numbers, and marketing controversies. With states like Illinois and Michigan reporting that over 50% of deer taken in archery season are now harvested with crossbows, Justin, Todd, and Kevin debate whether it’s time to separate seasons or focus on hunter recruitment and retention. They break down the dangers of long-range crossbow marketing, the irreplaceable discipline required to shoot a compound bow, and the personal journeys of introducing kids to whitetail hunting without letting them rely entirely on shortcuts.   Whether you view crossbows as an essential entry point for new and aging hunters or an unfair intrusion into archery season, this episode cuts through the keyboard noise with honest perspectives from lifelong bowhunters. Tune in for big laughs, sharp industry insights, and a candid look at where bowhunting culture is headed next.www.bowhunting.com 

On Episode 98 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf, Justin Zarr, and Ben Franson dive deep into the high-stakes world of October bowhunting. The crew recaps an action-packed weekend filled with heartbreaking close calls, including Todd blowing a stalk on a target buck down in his bedding area and Justin’s son navigating a high-pressure crossbow encounter. They share key insights on how early-season mistakes happen, how deer respond to pressure, and why late October remains one of the best times to catch mature whitetails on a predictable pattern.             Ben breaks down his recent success filling freezer tags with double doe harvests, evaluating blood trails and broadhead performance with the NAP Killzone. The guys also review essential gear hacks for silencing equipment using Stealth Strips, optimizing scent control with ScentLok Ridge apparel, and using ozone units to tackle tricky low-wind thermals.              Finally, the team addresses major topics circulating in the hunting community, including conservation officer footage from high-profile poaching investigations, the trend of late-onset hunters passing up legal deer, and tactical setups for unpredictable fall winds. Whether you are hunting from a saddle, ladder stand, or ground blind, this episode is packed with real-world tips to help you execute when giant bucks hit the ground.*This video is NOT sponsored. Some of the links below are sponsored or affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no cost to you. ===========📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒-------------------👍🏻Connect with GuestsTodd Graf ➡️ ‪[ IG @toddgraf ] Justin Zarr ➡️ ‪[IG @sirzarr ] Ben Franson ➡️ ‪[ IG @benfranson ] ===========Shop Our Favorite Stores 🔥-------------------The best place for archery and bowhunting gear ➡️ https://lancasterarchery.com/bowhuntingGet your favorite Bowhunt or Die™ Merch ➡️ https://shop.bowhunting.com/===========Some of Todd & Justin’s Favorite Gear 🏹-------------------Vortex GlassPak™ Pro Binocular Harness ➡️ https://collabs.shop/bl2agiNAP Spitfire XXX Broadheads ➡️ https://collabs.shop/4e9l1cTethrd Ultralock Saddle ➡️ https://collabs.shop/jiz3rcHHA NYTRX Pro Sight ➡️ https://collabs.shop/12hjbv===========This Podcast was Filmed Using:-------------------Camera:Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B0iiutJe1Lens:Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01912ZAuMicrophone:Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01p9Cms3===========Connect with us!   -------------------Facebook: ➡︎  https://www.facebook.com/bowhunting/IG: ➡︎  https://www.instagram.com/bowhuntordie/Join the discussions on our Forums: ➡︎  https://forums.bowhunting.com/===========⏰ Timecodes ⏰0:00 Intro00:36 Heartbreaking Buck Encounter05:17 Bow on the Ground12:20 Weekend Blind Action22:38 Double Doe Harvest30:17 Huge Closeout Sale32:15 Essential Hunting Gear40:55 Poaching Controversy Breakdown44:00 Modern Hunter Mindset54:00 Late October Strategywww.bowhunting.com 

In Episode 97 of The Watering Hole, Todd Graf, Justin Zarr, and the crew kick things off by recounting a brutal early-season hunt ruined by relentless mosquito swarms and forgotten Thermacell units. The guys share the painful reality of sitting in a tree stand while getting eaten alive, setting up camera arms in the dark, and dealing with wild 55-degree temperature swings in October. They break down early-season strategies, trail camera setup blunders, and how unpredictable fall weather impacts buck movement across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois hunting properties.   The conversation dives deep into current bowhunting trends and recent online viral moments. From analyzing controversial long-range shots and shot placement debates on social media to reviewing public land strategies from channels like The Hunting Public, the team unpacks what it really takes to consistently harvest mature bucks. They also share their reactions to recent hour-long whitetail film releases, discussing ethical shot distances, decoy setups, and how limiting your range changes the entire dynamic of a hunt.   Finally, the crew checks in on youth seasons, habitat management work, and bizarre trail camera sightings—including a buck with a mysterious injury and a lingering summer coat. Whether you're prepping for the rut, dialing in your archery gear, or just want a realistic look at the ups and downs of bowhunting, this episode delivers plenty of laughs and practical insights for the woods. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Bowhunt or Die for weekly bowhunting content!*This video is NOT sponsored. Some of the links below are sponsored or affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no cost to you. ===========📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒-------------------👍🏻Connect with Guest Todd Graf ➡️ ‪[ IG @toddgraf ] Justin Zarr ➡️ ‪[IG @sirzarr ] Ben Franson ➡️ ‪[ IG @benfranson ] 🎥Video LinksPublic Land Iowa Video - https://youtu.be/59sMUdFFHrA?si=wkizh0HGGRJSfNSvGe===========Shop Our Favorite Stores 🔥-------------------The best place for archery and bowhunting gear ➡️ https://lancasterarchery.com/bowhuntingGet your favorite Bowhunt or Die™ Merch ➡️ https://shop.bowhunting.com/===========Some of Todd & Justin’s Favorite Gear 🏹-------------------Vortex GlassPak™ Pro Binocular Harness ➡️ https://collabs.shop/bl2agiNAP Spitfire XXX Broadheads ➡️ https://collabs.shop/4e9l1cTethrd Ultralock Saddle ➡️ https://collabs.shop/jiz3rcHHA NYTRX Pro Sight ➡️ https://collabs.shop/12hjbv===========This Podcast was Filmed Using:-------------------Camera:Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B0iiutJe1Lens:Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01912ZAuMicrophone:Amazon ➡️ https://link.amazon/B01p9Cms3===========Connect with us!   -------------------Facebook: ➡︎  https://www.facebook.com/bowhunting/IG: ➡︎  https://www.instagram.com/bowhuntordie/Join the discussions on our Forums: ➡︎  https://forums.bowhunting.com/===========⏰ Timecodes ⏰0:00 Intro0:17 Early Season Mosquito Nightmare04:30 The Thermacell Regre06:48 Iowa Buck & Season Hopes09:38 Concussion & Weekend Off11:39 Tree Stand Setup Issues16:11 Crazy Weather Temperature Swings23:12 Hunting Apparel & Bug Protection26:40 Stay Locked In on All-Day Hunts30:25 Iowa Youth Season Debate34:14 Social Media Shot Placement Debates39:41 Shot Distances & Public Land Trends42:19 Reaction to Wild Whitetail Video48:34 Bizarre Deer Injuries on Camera===========QUESTION ❓- What topics would you like us to cover next?www.bowhunting.com 

In Episode 96 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf share humorous mishaps, gear insights, and tactical strategies from their opening-week hunts. They laugh over common hunter blunders, emphasize tree stand safety, and recount close calls with bucks and sudden coyote interference. The hosts also discuss gear modifications—including 3D-printed saddle accessories—the timing of ground blinds, and the debate over early October morning hunts. Finally, they analyze an incredible 260-inch buck taken in Iowa and offer advice on pacing oneself through changing weather fronts for the rest of the season. www.bowhunting.com 

Welcome to another episode of The Watering Hole! In this episode, host Justin Zarr and the crew dive into the mid-season shift as cooler fall weather and unpredictable rain move in. The team unpacks the distinct strategies and mindsets behind hunting in varying weather conditions, from dealing with rain-soaked days to navigating eastern wind patterns. Between lighthearted banter about missing tags, workplace etiquette, and animal behavior, the conversation highlights the real-world frustrations and triumphs every hunter experiences when stepping into the woods.       As the season progresses, the discussion shifts into tactical gear choices, comparing traditional tree stand setups against the mobility and flexibility of saddle hunting. Justin and the crew break down public versus private land dynamics, trail camera strategies—including multi-angle and $180^\circ$ setups—and the subtle art of limb-trimming without disturbing cover. Whether you are looking for practical tree-stand advice or just want to listen in on genuine hunting stories and humor, this episode delivers valuable insights for every bowhunter.LINKShttps://link.amazon/B0crQPJNX - S Caribeanerwww.bowhunting.com 

In Episode 94 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf jump into the nitty-gritty details of preparing for the upcoming hunting season. The guys catch up on gear check-ins—from evaluating new clothing options like sun shirts to comparing notes on mobile saddle hunting setups, platforms, and climbing stick preferences. They walk through the step-by-step realities of packing gear into the woods, managing mobile platforms, and fine-tuning equipment like stealth strips and bow slings to optimize efficiency when in the tree.   Beyond technical gear talk, the conversation covers late-season food plot strategies, planting clover and chicory, and navigating unpredictable early-fall weather. Justin and Todd also dive into the fun, relatable side of hunter prep, sharing stories about pre-season scouting, managing trail camera photos, and gear list quirks. Packed with practical advice, lighthearted banter, and authentic hunting insights, this episode is essential listening for any bowhunter gearing up to head into the woods. www.bowhunting.com 

In Episode 93 of The Watering Hole, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf unpack a wild Wisconsin hunting trip that Ben recently took. The duo dives straight into the unpredictable reality of the hunt, relaying Ben's story of an opening-morning nightmare where his buddies' crossbow limbs exploded, leaving him without a weapon for the rest of his trip. Between reminiscing about their early days in the woods, discussing the dedication required to brave thick swamps, and debating how age alters a hunter's perspective, Justin and Todd bring their signature humor and unfiltered banter to the table.  The conversation takes a hilarious, high-stakes turn as the hosts dissect trail camera footage, debate buck sizes, and challenge each other's ability to accurately guess rack scores. Things really heat up as they fantasize about what they'd do if they struck it rich in the Powerball, highlighting a massive $44 million property and debating whether dropping that kind of cash on land is actually a smart investment. They round out the episode with hot takes on AI-generated trail cam photos, tag prices, and the ongoing debate surrounding crossbows versus vertical bows.www.bowhunting.com 

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, the guys get fired up as the 2026 deer hunting season officially kicks off. We break down the massive debate taking over Facebook regarding shot placement, early-season strategies, and why people want to push for 50-yard shots when they can't agree on a 30-yard hold.Ben is officially on the hot seat as he prepares for opening weekend on Wisconsin public land. Will he get the team on the board first, or is he passing up 100-inch bucks to hold out for a monster? We also dive into some crazy outdoor news, including the "Toe Buddy" deer sled winch, releasing a billion sterile flies to combat flesh-eating screw worms, and why broadheads sometimes leave wildly different blood trails on identical shots.www.bowhunting.com