Big Woods Bucks - Deer Hunting -Education & Entertainment
BIG WOODS BUCKS PODCAST is a knowledge-based podcast dedicated to teaching people the skills, tactics, and techniques needed to become a successful hunter by taking each of you along on our adventures. Hosted by legendary whitetail tracker Hal Blood and co-hosted by Joe Kruse and Lee Libby, listen as they share the vast knowledge they have of big woods deer hunting. They are some of the best big woods deer hunters in the world. Education through entertainment is the corner stone of our business.
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Aggressive Deer Hunting Tactics With The Hunting Beast from Wisconsin, Dan Infalt
04/24/2024
Aggressive Deer Hunting Tactics With The Hunting Beast from Wisconsin, Dan Infalt
· Join Hal, Joe and Rick as they compare, contrast and share different yet extremely effective big woods tactics with “The Hunting Beast” from Wisconsin, Dan Infalt. You will feel like you are at deer camp listening to an in-depth conversation between these gifted hunters/woodsmen sharing their knowledge, tactics, stories, and passion for the outdoors. It could help you connect dots to the information needed on locating and harvesting the buck of your dreams. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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144| “Hunting The Big Woods of Pennsylvania With Steve Sherk ”
04/08/2024
144| “Hunting The Big Woods of Pennsylvania With Steve Sherk ”
· In this episode of the Big Woods Bucks podcast, Steve Sherk of Sherk’s Guide Service out of Pennsylvania comes on to talk about hunting the Big Woods of Pennsylvania. Steve talks about his methods for scouting and bagging big mountain bucks on large tracts of public land in the mountains of Pennsylvania. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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143| “Tracking Bucks In Wisconsin And Minnesota with Todd Havel”
03/25/2024
143| “Tracking Bucks In Wisconsin And Minnesota with Todd Havel”
· In this episode of the Big Woods Bucks Podcast, Hal, Joe, and Good Lee talk with Todd Havel of Misty River Trackers about tracking bucks and hunting the big woods of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Todd talks about his approach to hunting these big woods areas of the Midwest, and how tracking is growing as a popular method of hunting these areas. The gang trade notes with Todd on hunting the Midwest and the Northeast, and talk about land access, differences in gear, and predator control. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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142| “Hunting from New Hampshire, to Maryland, to South Dakota with Jeff Paradis”
03/12/2024
142| “Hunting from New Hampshire, to Maryland, to South Dakota with Jeff Paradis”
· In this episode of the Big Woods Bucks Podcast, team member Jeff Paradis discusses his hunts in South Dakota, Illinois, and hunting sika deer in Maryland. Also, Matt Breton drops by to talk about recent efforts to restructure Vermont's fish and game regulators, with potentially disastrous consequences for sportsmen. Email Matt Breton @ or use this link to reach your legislators: · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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141| “Hunting, Fishing, and Family with Tucker Carlson”
02/26/2024
141| “Hunting, Fishing, and Family with Tucker Carlson”
· In this episode of the Big Woods Bucks Podcast, Hal Blood, Joe Kruse, and Chris Dalti visit Tucker Carlson at his home in Maine to talk about hunting, fishing, and family. Tucker and the gang trade hunting and fishing stories, talk about hunting tradition and ethics, and discuss Maine history and lore. Tucker introduces the gang to his hunting dogs, and the gang gives Tucker a limited-edition Big Woods Buck Rabbit Tracker—a custom-engraved Henry .22 with Skinner Sights' Big Woods Bucks Tracker Peep Sight. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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140| “Live at Huntstock: RUNNING A GUIDE BUSINESS ”
02/09/2024
140| “Live at Huntstock: RUNNING A GUIDE BUSINESS ”
· In this episode, recorded live at Huntstock 2023, the Big Woods Bucks team sits down and discusses the ins and outs of running a guide business in the northwoods. It is a snapshot into how much experience the BWB team members have in the woods and what qualifies them to educate to help fellow hunters be the best they can be.
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139| “Rick Labbe's 2023 Season 5 Bucks in 5 States”
01/25/2024
139| “Rick Labbe's 2023 Season 5 Bucks in 5 States”
· In this episode, Rick Labbe and Garnett Robinson sit down with Joe and Hal to discuss how their seasons went. Rick tells the story of his 5 bucks in 5 different states, as well as his Wyoming elk hunt. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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138| “2023 Deer Season Wrap-up”
01/08/2024
138| “2023 Deer Season Wrap-up”
· In this Big Woods Deer Season Wrap-up, Hal, Joe, Mike Stevens and Rylan talk about their bucks, including Hal’s trip to the Adirondacks where he shot a big woods ADK buck he tracked down on snow. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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137| “Trading Deer Stories at Lake Parlin Lodge”
11/27/2023
137| “Trading Deer Stories at Lake Parlin Lodge”
· Join Hal, Joe, and Stephen Schanz as they sit down and talk with Big Woods Outfitters Guide John Benway as they talk with some of the hunters who killed bucks during the third week of the Maine rifle season, including Stephen Gemma who shot a slammer of ten-point buck. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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136| “The BWB Team Gears Up For Deer Season”
11/10/2023
136| “The BWB Team Gears Up For Deer Season”
· · Join Hal, Joe, Bad Lee & Mike Stevens as they discuss the lead up to what is predicted to be a productive deer season. · A bit of talk about moose talk to share. · Every coyote is a wolf now”??? · Preparation is important – Tire Chains · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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135| “Rodney Elmer and Taylor Elmer Talk Big Woods Hunting at Huntstock with the Mountain Deer Crew”
10/23/2023
135| “Rodney Elmer and Taylor Elmer Talk Big Woods Hunting at Huntstock with the Mountain Deer Crew”
· In this podcast, recorded live at Huntstock 2023, Rodney Elmer and Taylor Elmer of Mountain Deer Taxidermy in Vermont talk big woods hunting on bare-ground and snow across the NorthEast. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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134| “Big Buck Stories from the Adirondacks to Maine with ADK Trackers”
09/27/2023
134| “Big Buck Stories from the Adirondacks to Maine with ADK Trackers”
· Hal and Joe sit down at Huntstock with Jim Massett, Joe DiNitto, and Steve Grabowski of the ADK Trackers to discuss still-hunting and tracking in the Big Woods of the Adirondacks and Maine. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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133| “Big Woods Hunting & Landowner Relations with Maine Game Warden Corporal Kris McCabe”
09/06/2023
133| “Big Woods Hunting & Landowner Relations with Maine Game Warden Corporal Kris McCabe”
· Maine Game Warden Corporal Kris MacCabe of North Woods Law sits down with Hal Blood, Joe Kruse, and Lee Libby to talk about big woods hunting, land owner relations, and the future of Maine's unique system of public access on private land. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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132| “Maine Buck Tracking Stories with Jason Nadeau”
08/23/2023
132| “Maine Buck Tracking Stories with Jason Nadeau”
· Jason shares his story from last year’s buck which gross scored 168” with Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club and dressed at 217 lbs. · Jason has been a big part of coyote crusade in Jackman, Maine area which has had a real positive effect on deer population. · Good tip shared when in a tangled mess: “Walk the skid roads.” · When the leaves fall, they start roaming! · Pecking order among bucks observed. · A long-bodied buck = HEAVY WEIGHT Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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Title: 130| “Big Buck Stories from the New Hampshire and the Adirondacks
07/21/2023
Title: 130| “Big Buck Stories from the New Hampshire and the Adirondacks
· Big Woods Bucks team members Brad Willey of New Hampshire and Kevin Stone of the Adirondacks sit down with Hal Blood and Joe Kruse at the 2023 Big Woods Bucks picnic to talk big buck hunting in New Hampshire, the Adirondacks, and Maine. Brad tells the story of how he shot his most recent buck still-hunting and grunting, and Kevin Stone describes how he got his 2022 Adirondack buck by hitting his grunt tube while moving down the track. This episode contains lots of tips for still-hunting, tracking, and the differences between the different Big Woods states. · Connect with . · Big Woods Bucks on , , and . · Shop . · Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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129 | “Finding the Next One" with Neil Pendleton
06/29/2023
129 | “Finding the Next One" with Neil Pendleton
Big Woods Bucks team member Neil Pendleton and CEO Chris Dalti join Hal Blood and Joe Kruse to talk about Neil's film "The Next One." The Next One tells the story of Neil's 2022 deer season, and how Neil killed an archery buck, a Maine buck tracking, and an Adirondack buck tracking. In this episode, Neil talks about how he set goals for himself and went about achieving them, and gives advice on how other hunters can set goals and accomplish those goals in the woods this fall. Connect with . Big Woods Bucks on , , and . Shop . Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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128| “Old School Maine Deer Tracking Stories with Matt Vining”
06/12/2023
128| “Old School Maine Deer Tracking Stories with Matt Vining”
Title: 128| “Old School Maine Deer Tracking Stories with Matt Vining” Local Jackman, ME legend Matt Vining joins Hal and Joe to tell some stores about tracking deer. Born and raised off-the-grid in the Big Woods of Maine, Matt Vining grew up hunting, trapping, fishing, and living the Big Woods lifestyle. In this episode, Matt shares his knowledge and experiences tracking deer in the big woods, including the old days when the Benoits would camp on his family’s property and he’d hunt with Larry Benoit and the whole Benoit family. Connect with . Big Woods Bucks on , , and . Shop . Check out , , and use discount code “BWB” for a 20% discount on .
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127| “Springtime – A Time for Renewal and Time for Learning”
06/01/2023
127| “Springtime – A Time for Renewal and Time for Learning”
Bad Lee for Governor??? Hal’s deer clinic inspires new buck trackers. Scouting has indicated even more deer than last year based on tracks . Bucks wander more in hardwoods. Spring scouting can reveal “New Special Places.” Don’t get in the routine of visiting the same old places, veering off helps you discover new places. Bucks fights are rare to witness in big woods. Brian Donaghy gives us an update on trout in North Country. Just about time for deer fawns and moose calves to be seen. Buzzards or turkey vultures is the big woods? Coyote bill results. Our lifestyle follows the seasons. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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126| “Springtime - Woodsman Lifestyle Experiences”
05/15/2023
126| “Springtime - Woodsman Lifestyle Experiences”
Smelting update. Joe finds deer antlers while hunting for moose sheds. Green on top, green on bottom, hardwoods in the middle??? Some older bucks winter up high. Mike said not one piece of old man’s beard on any trees in the area. What does that mean??? Lone Star ticks are nasty. Hal finds a new signpost with his grandson while moose antler shed hunting. Puss Pocket??? Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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125| “Effective Spring Scouting for Mature Bucks”
04/27/2023
125| “Effective Spring Scouting for Mature Bucks”
If you are into shed hunting it is a great time to combine with deer scouting for next fall. Gathering intel from the network. Spring Scouting can lead to strategy for next fall especially for hunting the big woods. Logging can change where feed grows which can affect where you find the deer next fall in the big woods. For Hal, signposts remain his most sought-after sign in the big woods. Voting for LD 814 Coyote legislation probably won’t pass. What kind of forest do deer live in – birch and poplar or maple and yellow birch with soft woods mixed in? Start by road scouting in the spring. What can you surmise looking up and down a culvert when riding the road? Why can the onX hybrid mode help you scout in the spring? Are hardwood ridges where you can see the furthest be the best places to set up in the big woods? What is one of Hal’s best tips for scouting in the spring? Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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124 | “Making the Case for Wool”
04/13/2023
124 | “Making the Case for Wool”
Our special guest, John Glidden founder of Minus33 and Chairman of the Board, is truly an expert in all aspects of wool from shearing the right sheep to softening to the skin to explaining how it keeps you warm even when wet. The Glidden family has been in the wool business for 116 years and specifically John has approximately 50 years of experience. Why merino wool is extremely soft to the skin compared to older scratchy wool. Why it doesn’t shrink like wool from years ago. The importance of understanding layering your clothing for any woodsman. All-inclusive one-time outerwear is warm in more extreme conditions but how do you cool down? Minus33 sock design prevents blisters because? Sleeping bags help dry your clothes, help them feel fresh for the next day. Difference between reground vs virgin wool. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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123 | “Coyote hunting under attack again legislation (LD 814) - who is fighting for the deer herd?”
03/22/2023
123 | “Coyote hunting under attack again legislation (LD 814) - who is fighting for the deer herd?”
Our guest is Tim Farrar who is an expert coyote hunter from Maine and been hunting ad studying them since early 70’s. Anti-hunting legislation being heard in legislative session – Bill LD814 anti-hunting assault on coyote hunting year-round. After we recorded this podcast, Maine House Bill LD 814’s public hearing date was changed to April 3rd. 2023 at 1pm in the Cross Building Rm 206. Why ???– coyote population in Maine has thrived even though hunters have hunted for decades. Nothing is driving this bill from a scientific perspective. Tim talks about a transient population being as big as a resident population. Pups drift from the mom in September. Territories can spread out approaching 100 miles. Coyotes can kill a moose??? Once a female coyote is bred, they will move into deer yards for an easier food source. Do coyotes influence the bobcat population? Spring Thaw is sold out. Thanks for all your support. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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122 | “Recap of Rick Labbe’s Last Few Hunts This Past Year”
03/06/2023
122 | “Recap of Rick Labbe’s Last Few Hunts This Past Year”
Rick shares details of some of his last hunts and it is jam packed with tips and some close encounters. When you feel you are close is when the wind game starts. 20 to 25 ft. bounds going down hill off mountain is a big buck. Buck just knew that a road was there, so he paralleled the road for a 1 ½ miles then swung back up the mountain. When do binoculars come in handy? Deep snow stressed deer out and probably caused them to lose antlers early. Sneak and peek into the wind. Yut, Yut I think so!!! Knocking snow way up high buck probably has a high rack. 2023 Spring Thaw Tickets go on sale – only 50 available to buy them online now. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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121 | “The Hour-Long Hilarious Ramble – Wow! Back by Popular Demand with Garnett Robinson”
02/22/2023
121 | “The Hour-Long Hilarious Ramble – Wow! Back by Popular Demand with Garnett Robinson”
As expected, some lighthearted fun with Garnett and his escapades from last fall. Rick Labbe and Garnett Robinson’s bikini contest. Lots of deer being sighted and they are in great shape. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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120 | “More Reflection and Lessons Shared from This Past Deer Season”
02/10/2023
120 | “More Reflection and Lessons Shared from This Past Deer Season”
Coyote update – deer are pretty much spread out and not concentrated. Team member Stephen Schanz shares his deer season after he finished guiding clients. Stephen shares a good example of how deer habits change as food and cuts change. Deer dig for food near planted red pines but not sure what they feed on. Got to sound like a deer when hunting in crunchy conditions. Bucks with white antlers primarily are rubbing on maple and poplar. Shooting through whips at 70 + yards with a muzzle loader is difficult. The hunts when you don’t get the buck seem to be the best lessons to learn from. I beat the buck but didn’t kill him??? Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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119 | “Sometimes assuming can be a catalyst for a mistake. At the very least take time to learn from it.”
01/16/2023
119 | “Sometimes assuming can be a catalyst for a mistake. At the very least take time to learn from it.”
Lee Schanz shares his account of the buck he killed but didn’t find till the week after. Lee wanted to share to help you avoid making the mistake he did. Even with a killing shot deer don’t always bleed. Ravens can be a tell-tale sign. At this year’s Yankee Classic in VT. Jan. 20-22, 2023, we will announce BWB buck pool winner. Deer have been everywhere it is just a good winter for them with the lack of snow. Found only 1 coyote track in a 50 mile snowmachine ride. Mostly crust can’t run dogs. Moose are sparring – they have been active but seem to be holding their antlers. In association with Coburn Summit Riders Snowmobile Club, BWB & Woodman Arms, Mark and Kassandra Woodman will be running the Boston Marathon this year to support The Boston Children’s Hospital and their patient partner and her family. Buy a raffle ticket at . What is a dooryard? Windstorm knocked tress down for plenty of feed in woods for deer. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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“At Deer Camp in Massachusetts”
01/09/2023
“At Deer Camp in Massachusetts”
Boys discuss their experiences with tracking bucks in Mass. Bucks are starting to show up in bachelor groups. Clumps of hair indicate sparring. A saddle between mountain tops is a good spot for deer to travel. Freezers are full. Tail flicker indicates deer are calm. Jeff Paradis shares his experience with a tracking dog. Dogs are amazing but trailing wounded deer on your own can build your instincts as well. Boys talk about their longest drag. If I kill him how long is the drag going to be; Cross that bridge when we get to it!! Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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117 | “In Depth Class on How to Track a Big Woods Buck- Lesson upon Lesson”
12/17/2022
117 | “In Depth Class on How to Track a Big Woods Buck- Lesson upon Lesson”
Hal shares another close call with plenty of lessons in the story Sometimes you must break your own rules The ½ hour rule Rick shares story of his bruiser from South Dakota Out west, giant bucks don’t mine laying in the cattle – they use them as radar Ricks story of his Maine buck from this year with plenty of lessons in it. Big Woods Bucks can be like bobcats – if you stay on them for several days you can wear down and they basically want to get a look at you 99% of the time when you jump a buck he??? When he is stepping out and he is striding about 4ft you better run Words of wisdom for any tracker – “Keep after it- never give up” Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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116 | “Report of a Great Couple of Weeks of Big Woods Buck Hunting”
12/01/2022
116 | “Report of a Great Couple of Weeks of Big Woods Buck Hunting”
The Stomach Flu Excuse. Too Many Details!!! It is all about getting on the right one at the right time. Step on high spots around water and when in the woods but DON’T step on high spots when you’re in the high ground. Mark describes his method of 3rd gear, 2nd gear 1st gear, death creep. Joe said: " if I could have teleported myself, I would have killed him 5 times because I was familiar with the area." A story develops from daylight. Hal says: " you cannot control when the 2 points connect." The buck didn’t care about me but cared more about the does. Coyote patrol had helped last few years. Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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115 | “Recap of Week 1&2 Maine Deer Camp”
11/17/2022
115 | “Recap of Week 1&2 Maine Deer Camp”
Even with record higher temps more deer sightings then we can remember Lots of stories that add up to learning experiences Guide/Team Member Ben Allen gets nominated for guide of the month??? Many hunters come up here not expecting to see anything, but things can happen fast Have to keep going through the motions even when conditions are tough. Did anyone get swamp-ass? asks Hal Ben Allen’s 8 year old daughter Anna gets her 1st deer Sam Dalti gets another nice RI buck Joe reminds us our daughters can be into hunting just give them a chance Hal says when he finds a lot of rubs in a spot he has to get exploring! Sign post Park? Don’t forget to use the discount code for your onX membership. Go to on onxmaps.com and enter discount code bwb for 20% discount. Please keep important feedback. Please use the link below. The Big Woods Team…
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