The HUNTXP Podcast

J.D. Larson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two real hunting buddies. Real laughs. Real fails. Real faith. Welcome to the deer camp you can tune into every week.

  1. Breaking the Mold: Kaitlyn Maus on Hunting Success, Grit, and Changing the Game

    6D AGO

    Breaking the Mold: Kaitlyn Maus on Hunting Success, Grit, and Changing the Game

    Kaitlyn Maus isn’t here to play the industry’s game—she’s redefining it. In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected women in the hunting space. Kaitlyn’s not a social media model posing in camo—she’s a bowhunter, storyteller, and self-made success in the field and on YouTube. We talk about chasing mature whitetails in Iowa, navigating the hunting industry as a woman, and staying true to yourself while building a platform. From late-season bow kills to how she’s earned every bit of respect without selling out—this one’s for every hunter who respects the grind. Episodes Mentioned: Harley Early Season Public Land: Wild Game Recipes: We got the discounts for you: 10% off Nested Treestands with code "HUNT10" 15% off Trudave boots with Code "HXP15" 10% off GardePro Trail Cams With Code "HXP10" 🎯 Topics covered: • Kaitlyn’s journey into bowhunting and building a respected YouTube presence • What it’s really like being a woman in a male-dominated hunting industry • Late-season Iowa buck strategy • Ethics, authenticity, and building trust with an audience • Gear, mindset, and lessons from the stand 👉 Don’t miss this powerful, grounded conversation with a true hunter who’s earned it the hard way.

    1h 14m
  2. Real Hunting Questions, Honest Answers Q&A part 2

    FEB 5

    Real Hunting Questions, Honest Answers Q&A part 2

    Get ready for one of our most personal and fun episodes yet. JD and Jonny answer listener-submitted hunting questions — including some from JD’s own kids! From how to hunt bears, to why Jonny really does Hunt Xp, to favorite venison recipes and public land ethics — this episode is packed with real talk and wild stories.We also hit a fire-round of hot takes:🔥 Kuiu vs Sitka🔥 Trail cams ruining the game?🔥 Crossbows in their own season?🔥 TikTok hunters — good or bad?🔥 Face paint vs face mask🔥 And more…👀 Plus: Jonny breaks down how to age a buck from a real trail cam photo, and the guys share their dream hunts, funny school memories, and even what’s on their water bottles.🎧 Perfect for hunters who love gear, ethics, and community — and who aren’t afraid to laugh a little.👇 Drop your own questions in the comments — they might show up in Part 2!#HuntingPodcast #PublicLandHunter #BearHunting #KuiuVsSitka #HuntXp #DeerAging #TurkeyHunting #MeatEater #Archery #CrossbowDebate #HuntingQandA

    34 min
  3. Mobile Hunting Tactics, Saddle Setups, and Trudave Gear First Impressions | HUNTXP Q&A Pt. 1

    JAN 30

    Mobile Hunting Tactics, Saddle Setups, and Trudave Gear First Impressions | HUNTXP Q&A Pt. 1

    In this first part of our special Q&A series, JD and Jonny tackle your questions on mobile hunting gear, rattling tactics, and how weather and pressure change your approach in the Midwest. They kick things off with a hands-on first impression of Trudave’s new waterproof rain set and 800g insulated boots—gear that came out of nowhere to earn a legit spot in our kit. We also unpack lessons from a full season of running and gunning with saddle systems, and dive into how and when to use tactics like rattling (especially in low deer-density areas).If you’re into mobile hunting, gear strategy, or trying to refine your cold-weather setup, this episode is for you. Stick around for laughs, hard-earned insights, and real talk about what works in the woods and what doesn’t .🧰 Gear discussed: • Trudave Waterproof Rain Gear • Trudave 800g Hunting Boots • Mobile hunting strategies (hang-and-hunt, saddle setups) • Tree stand system mods • Midwest-specific whitetail tactics 👉Links + Discounts Below!Support the pod and grab the gear we trust: Trudave Boots & Rain Gear: Get 15% off with code "HXP15" Nested Tree Stand System: Get 10% off with "HUNT10"📩 Got a question for the next Q&A? Hit us up at info@huntxp.com or drop a comment on Spotify.

    49 min

  4. JAN 23

    Can Digital Deer Camp Save a Dying Tradition? | Walt Lee’s Mission to Rebuild Real Hunting Community

    What happens when the hunting camp disappears—but the need for connection remains? In this episode of the HUNTXP Podcast, JD Larson and Jonny sit down with Walt Lee—former co-founder of the now-retired SoCo Hunt—to unpack how modern hunters are becoming increasingly disconnected, and why he’s building a new kind of Digital Deer Camp to bring real community back to the hunting world. As traditional forums fade and social media gets louder (and more toxic), many hunters feel isolated. Walt shares why SoCo ended, what he learned from building it, and how Digital Deer Camp aims to revive the best parts of old-school deer camp culture—camaraderie, mentorship, storytelling, and shared experience—without the noise. The crew dives into the cultural differences between North and South, the unique challenges of hunting Florida whitetails, the responsibility of monetizing hunting content, and the hard question: What impact are we actually having on the space we profit from? If you’ve ever felt like the only hunter at the party… or wondered where the real hunting community went… this one’s for you. 🔥 Exclusive Community Discounts: • 15% Off Trudave Boots → Use code "HXP15" • 10% Off Nested Treestand Systems → Use code "HUNT10" 📌 Topics Covered: Why SoCo Hunt ended The birth of Digital Deer Camp Loneliness in modern hunting culture Florida deer behavior & hunting strategies Public land responsibility & conservation ethics Building positivity and humility in the hunting space Replacing social media noise with real connection #HuntingPodcast #DigitalDeerCamp #HUNTXP #WhitetailHunting #HuntingCommunity #PublicLandHunting #FloridaHunting #DeerCamp #ConservationEthics #ModernHunter #OutdoorCulture #HuntingLife #Trudave #NestedTreestand

    1h 4m
  5. Gone All Season | Season Recap: Big Bucks down in Wisconsin

    JAN 15

    Gone All Season | Season Recap: Big Bucks down in Wisconsin

    In this episode of the HUNTXP Podcast, we sit down with Cole Booth and Mac from Gone All Season to break down the highs, lows, and lessons from their most ambitious whitetail season yet.From an epic muzzleloader drive in Ohio with The Hunting Public crew to solo public land sits in Sheboygan, these guys share what worked, what didn’t, and what it’s really like chasing whitetails while building a media brand from scratch.We get into: • Mac’s Driftless buck — their most watched hunt of the year • Cole’s ground-game rut success and the decision-making behind it • What freelance hunting content life actually looks like • How they scouted, traveled, and hunted smarter all season longNo fluff, no ego — just a couple of dudes putting in the work and letting the camera roll.🎯 If you hunt public land, dream about chasing deer full-time, or just want to hear the real stories behind the hunts — this one’s for you.@huntxpteam on insta Huntxp.com ⸻🔗 Links from the Show: • 🦌 Watch Mac’s Driftless Region Buck Hunt • 🌾 Cole’s Ground Hunt Rut Buck • 🎥 Gone All Season YouTube Channel @goneallseason  • 📸 Follow Gone All Season on Instagram⸻🧰 Audience Discounts & Gear Partner Links:🥾 Trudave Boots – Trusted by the HUNTXP crew.➡️ Claim Your Exclusive 15% Discount with HXP15 : 🌲 Nested Treestand Systems – Lightweight, mobile, deadly.➡️ Grab 10% Off Nested Systems Gearwith "HUNT10" code

    1h 7m
  6. Gear in Review 2025: Our Favorite Hunting Gear from KUIU, TrueDave, Easton, Guard Pro & More

    JAN 8

    Gear in Review 2025: Our Favorite Hunting Gear from KUIU, TrueDave, Easton, Guard Pro & More

    In this episode of the HUNTXP Podcast, JD and Jonny break down their most-used hunting gear of 2025—and topping the list? The Nested Layering System, which crushed in comfort, versatility, and real-deal cold-weather performance. Whether you’re glassing muleys out West or posting up for rutting whitetails in the Midwest, this system flat-out works.We also get into gear that surprised us, held up through abuse, and a few that didn’t quite make the cut. From TrueDave boots that proved their grip on the ice, to heavy arrow setups from Easton, to saddle systems from Guard Pro, we’re giving you a year’s worth of field-tested feedback in under an hour.👊 Want to support the show? Click through our affiliate links below for every piece of gear we mention.🦌 Gear links: 1. Nested Layering System – Build-your-own layering kit: https://nestedtreestands.com/HUNT10 (10% off with code HUNT10) 2. TrueDave Boots – Slip-on, weatherproof boots with elite traction- Jonny's Deck boots - https://amzn.to/4qfseqy- JD's low-cut deck boots - https://amzn.to/3LvyivI- JD's Ankle cut hunting boots - https://amzn.to/4qAOACo- Waders - https://amzn.to/4qduVJh 3. Easton Full Metal Jacket Arrows (300 spine) – Built for heavy setups & ethical penetration: 4. VPA Broadheads – 3-blade design that hits like a hammer: - 3 blade: https://amzn.to/4swKFIK- Omega's: https://amzn.to/4bmbHMG 5. Gardepro Cameras: https://gardepro.com?utm_source=Affiliate+&utm_medium=KOL&utm_campaign=UpPromote+&sca_ref=8123869.ZMJqdIjuk7 --- Get 10% off with code HXP10 6. Barronett Blinds – Roomy, easy-to-pack-in ground blinds: 7. 10-Point Crossbows – High-performance accuracy for tight spots- Wicked Ridge Invader Decock : ⸻Episode Summary:JD and Jonny unpack a full season of gear testing in the 2025 HUNTXP Gear Review episode. Leading the way was the Nested Layering System, which proved itself across cold, wet, and active hunts. They also break down the top-performing boots, arrows, saddle setups, and blinds that earned a permanent spot in their gear room.Whether you’re gearing up for next fall or replacing cold-weather layers now, this is your insider look at what worked—and what didn’t—in the real world.Gear Covered • Nested Layering System • TrueDave Boots • Easton Arrows (300 spine) • VPA 3-Blade Broadheads • Guard Pro Tree Saddle System • Barronett Blinds • 10 Point Crossbow • KUIU Rain Gear & Western Apparel • Trail Cams • Bino Harnesses • Irish Setter Boots (briefly)Notable Quotes “If I could only wear one system from early season to deep cold—it’s Nested. It outperformed everything else in my pack.” — JD“The layering flexibility from Nested made it my go-to no matter what the forecast looked like.” — Jonny

    58 min
  7. Redefining Hunting Success: Eric Clark of Okayest Hunter on Humility, Hate, and the Future of online hunting culture

    12/27/2025

    Redefining Hunting Success: Eric Clark of Okayest Hunter on Humility, Hate, and the Future of online hunting culture

    Eric Clark of Okayest Hunter joins the HUNTXP Podcast for one of the most raw and real conversations we’ve had on modern hunting culture. After catching hate online for posting a photo of his first bow-killed doe, Eric realized just how toxic parts of the hunting community had become — especially toward newer or “average” hunters. That backlash sparked the launch of Okayest Hunter, a countercultural brand built to give voice to the 95% of hunters who don’t measure success in inches of antler. In this episode, we get into: The true story behind Eric’s viral bowhunting backlash How Okayest Hunter is challenging the hunting industry’s ego The cultural pushback from Michigan hunters Raising kids in a healthier deer camp culture Why humility is strength in the woods If you’ve ever been made to feel like your deer “wasn’t big enough,” or your hunt “didn’t count” — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Hosted by JD Larson & Jonny 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube 🌐 HUNTXP.com | OkayestHunter.com #OkayestHunter #HUNTXP #DeerHunting #WhitetailHunting #Bowhunting #PublicLandHunter #HuntingPodcast #HuntingCulture #MichiganHunting #EverymanHunter #HuntingCommunity #HuntingStories #DeerCamp #AuthenticHunting #ModernHunter #BlueCollarHunter #HuntingShaming #MidwestWhitetails #RealHunting #HumilityInHunting

    56 min
  8. Rutcation Recap: New Ground, Big (Viral) Misses, and Tagging Bucks with Our Kids

    12/18/2025

    Rutcation Recap: New Ground, Big (Viral) Misses, and Tagging Bucks with Our Kids

    We’re back from rutcation, and this one covers everything — from hunting new states to passing on the passion to our kids. JD had a close encounter with a mature buck… and busted it. That moment went viral — and so did the backlash. We unpack the miss, the fallout, and what it revealed about today’s internet hunting culture: quick to judge, slow to understand. But it wasn’t all busts. Jonny’s dad tagged a nice buck from his stand, and Jude dropped a buzzer-beater buck in the final moments of rifle season. We reflect on the pressure of hunting with your kids, what we learned this season, and why failure can be one of the most valuable teachers in the woods. 🎯 Real hunts. Real failure. Real community. Gear we recommend Check out the nested tree stands Use code HUNTXP10 for 10% off! #HUNTXP #Rutcation #ViralFail #WhitetailHunting #HuntingPodcast #DeerSeason #HuntingCulture

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Two real hunting buddies. Real laughs. Real fails. Real faith. Welcome to the deer camp you can tune into every week.

Information

  • Creator
    J.D. Larson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © J.D. Larson
  • Show Website
    The HUNTXP Podcast