Nine Finger Chronicles - Deer Hunting Podcast

Dan Johnson, Sportsmen's Empire

About

The Nine Finger Chronicles podcast covers a variety of topics including hunting gear reviews and information, individual hunter profiles, hunting success stories, and hunting strategy tips and tactics. Host Dan Johnson is a passionate sportsman whose year revolves around bowhunting, his crazy family, and his overall love for Mother Nature. This podcast is brought to you by the Sportsmen's Nation Outdoor Podcast Network.

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866 episodes

A One Eyed Buck Story

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan is joined by returning guest Tom Watters from Kentucky to tell a story about a one-eyed 140 class 10 pointer that lives on his farm. Tom shares how he first noticed this buck because he had a major eye injury and an extremely sick looking body. Tom didn't expect this buck to make it through the winter. However, this buck made through two more winters and returned as a health 4 year old. Tom describes where this lived, the terrain he used, food sources, and of course the strategy he implemented to connect with this big Kentucky buck. Enjoy and share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 9m
Mar 27
Derailed B.S. Session

This episode was supposed to be about spring habitat improvement. However, once the conversation started rolling the entire episode was derailed and it turned in to two fathers and passionate outdoorsmen talk about what they love about hunting. On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan is once again joined by Mitch Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman for a good old fashioned BS Session. Enjoy and Share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 12m
Mar 22
NWTF Annual Turkey Episode

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan talks with Mark Hatfield, a wild turkey biologist from the National Wild Turkey Foundation, about the state of the wild turkey in North America. Mark kicks off the show by explaining his role as National Director of Science & Planning. He assists in guiding the NWTF's mission, strategic oversight, and research. Mark goes in to detail about some of the research projects he has been a part of over the years and how he closely works with both federal and state agencies to manage the wild turkey population. This is an awesome episode that let's you behind the curtain of the NWTF. Enjoy and Share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m
Mar 20
Skip Goes Hard On Habitat

When it comes to experienced land managers and an advocate for the whitetail deer, there is none greater than Skip Sligh. On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Skip and Dan break down his annual habitat management strategy. The two kick off the episode with a little BS Session about a presentation he gave at the recent Iowa Deer Classic about bogus rules and regulations trying to become introduced and what can happen when hunters ban together and voice their opinions. Listen as Skip talks about enhancing the careering capacity of the deer on the land through creating natural browse, bedding areas, trigger control, and removing unwanted vegetation. This is habitat talk at the highest level, including topics that may go against popular belief. Enjoy and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 20m
Mar 13
From Super Bowl Champ To Outdoor Philanthropist

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan chats with Super Bowl Champion, avid outdoorsman, and philanthropist, Matt Light. Straight out of the womb, Matt was introduced to the outdoors through his father and grandfather, learning just about aspect of hunting, fishing, trapping, and living off the grid. Believe it or not, Matt's grandfather was even friends with the GOAT, Fred Bear. From the outdoors to the gridiron, Matt excelled as an offensive lineman in high school, at the University of Purdue, and then an 11 year career with the New England Patriots where he not only helped his team win multiple Super Bowls, but played with and against some of the greatest names in NFL history. Now that Matt is retired, he has turned his focus to the foundation that he runs with his family. The Light Foundation, helps kids get involved with the outdoors through hunting, fishing and a variety of programs designed to build the next generation of leaders. Another excellent episode where we highlight someone who is passionate about the outdoors and sharing his passion with others. Enjoy and Share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 26m
Mar 11
Mediocre At Best

On this mediocre episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan catches up with one of the most mediocre guest he has every had on the show, Justin Zarr. Justin and Dan get in to a mediocre conversation about the evolution of hunting media, hunting entertainment, and some of their favorite shows of days gone by. The guys also discuss the difference in content between platforms like YouTube and Carbon TV, and, the Outdoor Channel. Another great episode full of both entertainment, education and good old fashioned BS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 12m
Mar 08
Sacrifice, Success, Land, & Bowhunting with Tim Kent

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Tim Kent of New York talks about hunting, family, sacrifice, balancing success, and land. Tim is one of Dan's oldest friends from the hunting industry, and hops on the podcast for an epic BS Session. Tim and Dan swap thoughts on the meaning of success in terms of both life in general and deer hunting. Tim explains that in the past he was extremely focused on the on the kill, and now, the overall experience including the land on which these deer call home. Just another relatable conversation about family, life, and our hunting pursuits. Enjoy and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 20m
Mar 01
BS Session - Pay To Play Hunting Access

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan talks with Tony Shelly of Texas about pay-to-play hunting access. Tony is a lifelong Texan and grew up in the leasing and hunt club culture. Tony explains that it's not as bad as one might think paying for hunting access. Tony explains the difference between leasing land to hunt and being a member of a hunt club, how the find land to lease, how they set expectations with everyone who hunts their lease, and what one can expect to pay when leasing land. Here is another great example of how different parts of the U.S. have different hunting cultures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m
Feb 28
Midlife Crisis with Tony Peterson

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan and Tony share how they are handling their midlife crisis. The guys talk about their concerns for the future of hunting access for their children, their struggles with alcohol, and their happy marriages. After a hefty BS session, the guys actually talk about deer hunting. Topics include: winter scouting, gaining access to new properties, and just about every topic surrounding big bucks. Another fun episode with Tony, you may not learn much, but you will relate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 22m
Feb 23
The Difference Between Ag Ground & Big Woods Bucks

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan interviews upstate New York resident Justin Taylor about the difference between hunting ag ground and big woods deer. Justin explains that hunting big woods bucks is not easy and takes a certain skill set to get within shooting range of a big buck. In northern New York, Justin tells us that 130 class buck is a big deal. Back in the late 1800's homesteaders planted apple trees near their homes, now, when scouting for places to hunt, Justin looks for these old homesteads and the apple trees that remain. The guys also break down big woods deer behavior, how they move through the terrain, and of course food sources. In the BS portion of this episode, the guys share their thoughts abut the direction we are going with hunting, and how hunting is becoming a pay to play activity. Greed for big horns, and more acres per hunter resulting in over populated public, are causing many of us to struggle finding access for our hunting future. Enjoy and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 42m
Feb 14
Ep. 10 - No Foreplay: Putting A Target Buck In The Dirt

On this No Foreplay episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan is once again joined by Troy Pottenger of Idaho to talk about the steps he takes once he has identified a target buck. You will hear Troy ask the question, "Is the buck killable?" Once you can answer this question, then you can move on to locating access routes, what wind and weather conditions get the target buck on his feet, trail camera information, and the importance of knowing the thermals in a given tree stand location. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54m
Feb 07
Ep. 9 - No Foreplay: Target Panic vs. Buck Fever

On this "No Foreplay" episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan is joined by Andy May to discuss the difference between target panic and buck fever. Andy shares his story about acquiring target panic several years ago and what he did to to get out of his archery slump. He talks about pin movement, jerking right before the shot, where to find information that will help you beat target panic, and different styles of shooting, AKA command vs surprise shooting. Andy then moves on to "buck fever" He feels that buck fever is completely different that target panic and is completely normal for all hunters to go through. Andy suggest breathing in for 3 seconds, then exhaling for 3 seconds in order to slow down your heart-rate. Just another informative episode with an experienced hunter and archer. ENJOY & SHARE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54m
Feb 02
Epic BS Session with Tony Peterson

Maybe is daydreaming, maybe it's hallucination, or maybe it's the stress of life building up and finally getting an opportunity to vent to another grown man that has a similar life. On this episode, and it's one hell of an episode, Dan is once again joined by the phenom Tony Peterson for another epic BS Session. This episode doesn't have a theme, doesn't have plot, and nothing serious is covered. Topics of discussion include, hunting and archery in cinema, if Dan needs therapy, cuteness contests between puppies and otters, and what wild animal the guys would want try to tame. This episode is a break from the norm that we all need this time of year. Good laughs and good times! ENJOY & SUBSCRIBE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 21m
Jan 31
Ep. 8 - No Foreplay: Shot Placement

Back with another episode of "No Foreplay" on the Nine Finger Chronicles hunting podcast, Clint and Dan break down shot placement on whitetails. The guys discuss several scenarios like frontal shots, where to aim on a broadside deer, and if treestand placement results in a certain kind of shot opportunity. Clint also talks about his transition in to traditional archery. Another awesome episode full of great information. Enjoy and SUBSCRIBE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49m
Jan 26
Ep. 7 - No Foreplay: Freedom, Hunting Regulations, and Predators

On this "No Foreplay" episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan is once again joined by Troy Pottenger for an interesting discussion on hunting rules and regulation that pertain to public hunting lands and the reintroduction of wolves in to certain parts of North America. Listen close for buzzwords like "freedom" and "we" when talking about public land and hunters banning together to get changes made to current rules and regulation in their state to hopefully improve the hunting experience for everyone. Enjoy and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44m
Jan 24
Ep. 6 - No Foreplay: How Does Early Season Weather Impact Deer Movement?

On this "No Foreplay" episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan and Jeremy Dinsmore of the Antler Up podcast discuss early season weather patterns and how they affect deer movement. This discussion revolves around the September and early October timeframe and covers deer behavior in hot temperatures and when cold fronts move in. Within this topic the guys talk about how a heavy precipitation event can turn a regular cold front in to a must hunt scenario. Just another great episode with a bunch of great information and ideas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33m
Jan 22
Ep. 5 - No Foreplay: Post Season Scouting

On this "No Foreplay" episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, Dan is once again joined by Clint Campbell to discuss the nuances of post season scouting. When comes to scouting a new property once the hunting season is over, it can be a bit overwhelming knowing what to do as far as scouting is concerned. Don't worry, this episode breaks it all down. The guys talk about looking for specific terrain features, the impact of food sources and feed trees, intersecting trails, planning access routes, and how to take advantage of scouting in the snow. Another great episode, full of great information from two hunters who take bowhunting very seriously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37m
Jan 19
Ep. 4 - No Foreplay: How Pressure Affects Deer Movement

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles "No Foreplay" series, Dan is joined by Troy Pottenger to discuss how pressure affects deer movement, especially older bucks. Troy explains the different types of pressure deer are exposed to throughout the year and how they react to it, what happens after a buck is bumped, soft bumps vs. hard bumps, and how deer react to apex predators. Then, Troy shares the strategy he uses to hunt these pressured deer including multiple talking points about access routes.. Although this is a short episode, it is packed with a ton of great information. Enjoy and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31m
Jan 17
Ep. 3 - No Foreplay: Antlerless Deer Tags

On this episode, Jeremy Dinsmore of the Antler Up podcast is back on the show to talk with Dan about how antlerless deer tags are allocated. Jeremy lives in Pennsylvania and expresses how complicated it is get these tags. On the other hand, Dan is very happy with how doe tags are issued in his home state of Iowa. Other topics of conversation include, the dates certain tags are issues, how many you can buy at one time, hunting and fishing combo licenses, and habitat stamps. Another awesome episode, where we skip the BS and get right in to the good stuff. Thanks for following along! Tell your friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24m
Jan 13
Ep. 2 - No Foreplay: Clint Campbell of Truth From The Stand

On second episode of the "No Foreplay" series on the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan is joined by Clint Campbell of the Truth From The Stand podcast to talk all about poaching. The guys discuss if the rules and regulation in their states are up to their liking, if the punishment of wild game violations are harsh enough, and whether or not those who make their living in the hunting industry should receive harsher punishments for poaching. Tons of great conservation about a topic that happens more than we would like to admit. Poachers SUCK! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31m
Jan 12
The Direction of Hunting In North America

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan has a very interesting conversation with Aaron Warbritton of the  @TheHuntingPublic  about the direction of hunting in North America. The guys discuss topics like hunting access on private and public land, trophy hunting, trail cameras and crossbows, and the overall hunting culture in the US. The two hash out the positives and negatives we are all dealing with every season as hunters. Sometimes it takes difficult conversations with each other in order to understand the the direction we move in out live. Excellent episode, check it out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 21m
Jan 10
Ep. 1 - No Foreplay: Jeremy Dinsmore of Antler UP

This is this first episode in a new series from the Nine Finger Chronicles called "No Foreplay". No long introductions, no dinner and a movie, in this series we get straight to the point. On this episode, Dan talks with Jeremy Dinsmore of the Antler Up podcast about the hunting rules and regulations in his home state of Pennsylvania. The guys discuss tag allocations, antler point restrictions, and Sunday hunting in the Keystone State. This is a deep dive in to a couple of very specific topics regarding issues we are hunters face every year. Enjoy and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Jan 08
First B.S. Session of 2024

This is the first episode of 2024 and kicks off the 10th year of the Nine Finger Chronicles hunting podcast. We kick things off with a good old fashioned B.S. Session with Andrew Muntz of the Ohio Outdoors Podcast. The topics of conversation revolve around hunting rules and regulations, poaching charges and crimes, and how wildlife laws are are being passed. This is an excellent episode to kick off the new year and I hope all of you much success over the course of the next 365 days! Enjoy and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 37m
Jan 03
Hunter Profile with A.J. Lewis

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan is joined by A.J. Lewis of Ohio to talk about his passion for bowhunting whitetails. A.J. and Dan kick off the episode by chatting about his job and how it has led him to live in two really good whitetail states, Kansas and Ohio. While A.J. was living in Kansas he took advantage of buying their lifetime hunting license. Now, living in Ohio, A.J. can skip the non-resident applications process and hunt in Kansas every year. Next, A.J. talks about about 3 major adjustments he made to his bowhunting strategy that led him to more encounters with mature bucks. Conversation includes, access routes, less time in the woods is better than more, and of course getting ultra mobile with a saddle. Another fun episode with a serious hunter who has a full time job, family, and limited time to hunt... ENJOY! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 32m
Dec 20, 2023
Hunter Profile with Garrick Harrison

Oklahoma native Garrick Harrison hops on the Nine Finger Chronicles to BS about hunting in the Sooner State. Dan and Garrick talk about what makes Oklahoma so special when it comes to growing big deer. Garrick shares his opinion when it comes to how tags are allocated in the state and his thoughts on non-resident hunters. The guys discuss Garricks yearly hunting strategy for filling his archery and rifle tags on both private and public land. Another great conversation with a hunter who takes deer hunting very seriously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 17m
Dec 15, 2023
The Adaptive Outdoorsman

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan talks with Shawn Jordan of the Adaptive Outdoorsman about a disability he has had to deal with his entire life. Shawn was born with club feet and a heart murmur. Doctors said he would never walk. But, with two older brothers his therapy was trying to keep up with them. Somewhere around 30 years of age, Jon was introduced to hunting through his father-in-law. Now, Shawn uses his disability to assist and inspire others that may be struggling to get in the woods because a new or lifelong disability. We absolutely love this story and want to send a huge shoutout to Shawn for sharing his hunting journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 1m
Dec 13, 2023
Double Drop Dreams

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan talks with Ohio native Zach Johns about his recent success hunting a huge double drop tine buck. Zach breaks down the block of timber that this buck would occasionally cruise through, the surrounding farms in regards to hunting pressure, and where he believed this buck was bedding on a neighboring farm. Zach also explains that he didn't recognize this buck until after he shot him and that his buddy missed him the previous year. Now a DOUBLE DROP GIANT, the game was on. Zach needed the right wind and to make some minor adjustment to his treestand locations. The rest is history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 9m
Dec 06, 2023
Dan Comes Out To Tony Peterson

People change, cultures change, and in todays world we as society have become more tolerant to those who are different than us. On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan comes out of the closet to his guest Tony Peterson, when he admits that he no longer is just a bowhunter. Recently Dan bought a muzzleloader and this year he will be hunting the late season with firearm. On top of that, Dan and Tony get in to another conversation about specific rules and regulations that they like and dislike including the attempted introduction of crossbows in to the Iowa archery season. The guys also get in to a discussion about the difference between hunting stories where the hunter uses a bow verses using a gun and public land verses private land. Just another great BS Session with Tony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 16m
Dec 04, 2023
WASP Week - Episode #3 - Thinking Out-loud

On this episode of the Nine Finger Chronicles, and the final installment of WASP Week, Dan talks about his plans for the rest of the year and a couple goals for next season. Dan explains why he is excited for the upcoming late season after the purchase of a CVA muzzleloader. In the second half of this episode, Dan talks about his plans to hunt more whitetails in other midwestern states like Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Then he ends the episode by debating whether or not he should buy a new bow for next years archery season. Just another fun episode, ENJOY! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46m
Dec 01, 2023
WASP Week - Episode 2

On this 2nd episode of WASP Week, John Nalls of Pennsylvania talks to us about living that full fledge bowhunting life. John talks about when he started hunting as a kid, hunting in an area that has a large population of people, and his adventures on both public and private land. He also explains why he decided to pick up a bow over a gun and his love for the chess match that we call bowhunting. The guys finish the episode by talking about their arrow set-ups and their favorite WASP broadheads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

59m
Nov 29, 2023