Pennsylvania Woodsman

Sportsmen's Empire

The Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast is driven to provide relatable hunting, trapping, and fishing content in the Keystone state. Tag along with host Mitchell Shirk and cohost Robby Henne as they interview state biologists and officials, industry professionals, and Average Joe's who've mastered their niche in the outdoors. We strive to unite the outdoor community through relevant, tried-and-true information; regardless of the playing field on private or public land. Our content is focused on honing your craft, and celebrating Pennsylvania's outdoor heritage.

  1. Simplifying Deer Hunting: Efficiency Over Complexity

    HACE 3 DÍAS

    Simplifying Deer Hunting: Efficiency Over Complexity

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell sits down with Pennsylvania hunter Tom Runscavage for a thoughtful conversation about hunting, family life, and the challenge of staying passionate about the outdoors when time becomes limited. With young kids at home and another on the way, Tom shares how his perspective on deer hunting has evolved over the years—from chasing every opportunity in the woods to learning how to prioritize family, responsibilities, and the few hunting opportunities he still gets each season. The discussion dives into the reality many hunters face as life changes: balancing ambition in the woods with the responsibilities that come with growing families and busy careers. The conversation also explores the modern hunting landscape, from the overwhelming amount of gear and media content available today to the importance of keeping things simple. Tom and Mitchell discuss how many hunters get caught chasing complex strategies while overlooking the fundamentals that truly matter—habitat, access, and basic deer sign. From the pressures of limited time to the importance of hunting efficiently and keeping expectations realistic, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that success in the woods often comes down to doing the basics well and remembering why we hunt in the first place. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h y 3 min
  2. Integrated Habitat: Managing Trees and Growing Legacy

    25 FEB

    Integrated Habitat: Managing Trees and Growing Legacy

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Dave Hoy — physical therapist, lifelong Pennsylvania hunter, and founder of Integrated Habitat Solutions — for a thoughtful conversation centered on habitat work, long-term thinking, and balancing passion with real life. Dave shares how cutting trees, reshaping food plots, and implementing timber harvest strategies have transformed both his hunting properties and his mindset. From edge feathering and crop tree release to hard mast plantings and nursery-grown chestnuts, the discussion dives deep into practical habitat manipulation while emphasizing patience, process, and learning through experience Beyond chainsaws and soil health, the conversation takes a deeper turn into career, family, and perspective. Dave reflects on nearly three decades as a physical therapist, the evolving seasons of fatherhood, and why he’s building a passion-driven habitat business without the pressure of making it his sole income. Together, he and Mitchell unpack the realities of the hunting industry, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and why long-term stewardship — not short-term results — defines true success. This episode is as much about legacy and growth as it is about food plots and timber harvests Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h y 5 min
  3. From Interested to Involved: Helping New Hunters Stay in the Game

    11 FEB

    From Interested to Involved: Helping New Hunters Stay in the Game

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell sits down with Jae Ellison for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, education, and the often-overlooked gap between taking hunter education and becoming a lifelong hunter. Jae shares his unconventional path into the outdoors—starting as a non-hunter, building a career in outdoor education, and eventually finding his way into hunting as an adult after moving to Pennsylvania. Together, they explore how failure, challenge, and intentional learning shape both outdoor leadership and the hunting journey, and why hunting offered Jae a meaningful connection to the outdoors that felt different from work for the first time in years. The discussion then turns toward mentorship, community, and hunter retention—why so many people complete hunter education but never buy a license, and what the hunting industry can do to better support new hunters beyond basic safety training. Jae and Mitchell unpack the role of fellowship, shared experiences, and belonging in keeping hunters engaged, while also addressing the limits of modern media, the loss of in-person connection, and the importance of accessible next-step education. From hunter mentorship platforms to Jae’s upcoming Evolving Hunter Podcast, this episode is a thoughtful look at how hunting traditions grow, adapt, and survive when experienced hunters are willing to help others find their place in the woods. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h y 2 min
  4. Slowing Down Before Reacting: A Response to Rifle Season's Opening Day Proposal

    21 ENE

    Slowing Down Before Reacting: A Response to Rifle Season's Opening Day Proposal

    In this solo episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch takes listeners through his initial reaction to a proposed change to Pennsylvania’s statewide firearm deer season—specifically, a proposal that would move opening day to the Saturday before Thanksgiving. What begins as a discussion about season structure quickly turns inward, as Mitchell openly shares how frustration, impatience, and strong opinions began to spill into other areas of his life. Through an unexpected moment of conviction while reading Proverbs 18, he reflects on the dangers of reacting before listening, speaking before understanding, and allowing passion to override wisdom. With a more measured and humble perspective, Mitchell then revisits the proposal itself, laying out thoughtful concerns around Thanksgiving traditions, deer camp culture, bear season impacts, rut timing, weather arguments, and student opportunity claims. Rather than ranting or assigning blame, he encourages respectful dialogue, personal responsibility, and constructive engagement with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This episode is both a timely discussion on a hot-button hunting issue and a candid reminder that how we respond—to change, disagreement, and frustration—often matters more than the issue itself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min

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The Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast is driven to provide relatable hunting, trapping, and fishing content in the Keystone state. Tag along with host Mitchell Shirk and cohost Robby Henne as they interview state biologists and officials, industry professionals, and Average Joe's who've mastered their niche in the outdoors. We strive to unite the outdoor community through relevant, tried-and-true information; regardless of the playing field on private or public land. Our content is focused on honing your craft, and celebrating Pennsylvania's outdoor heritage.

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