Nine Finger Chronicles - Deer Hunting Podcast

Dan Johnson, Sportsmen's Empire
  • 4.8 (438)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Semiweekly

Going strong for over a decade with real relatable podcasts, The Nine Finger Chronicles covers in-depth hunting strategy, individual hunter profiles, hunting success stories, and current events surrounding hunting rules, regulations and conservation practices. Host Dan Johnson is a passionate sportsman whose year revolves around the outdoors, his crazy family, and his overall love for Mother Nature. This podcast is brought to you by the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network.

  1. 2d ago

    This Is What Brain Damage Sounds Like

    The advice hunters get online is often backwards. Stop chasing the perfect setup, obsessing over every rule, and letting other people define what a “good” hunt looks like. Dan J. shares a raw, funny, and honest reality check on modern deer hunting—and what can happen when you stop overthinking and just hunt. Dan takes on the pressure to manage every inch of ground and hunt by committee, then makes the case for trusting your woodsmanship, reading the sign, and spending more time in the woods. He shares his plans for the rut and explains why staging areas are among his favorite low-impact setups.In this episode, Dan talks about wind, access, fresh sign, trail cameras, and knowing when to take the shot instead of chasing the perfect hunt. He also reflects on hunting with kids, setting expectations, filling the freezer, and how a phone-free sit reminded him to slow down and enjoy the woods. Along the way, Dan makes the case for less social-media ego, more gratitude, and celebrating hunters on their own terms. Not every deer has to be a giant to make the season memorable.For bowhunters heading into the rut—and anyone ready to stop overcomplicating the hunt—this is an unfiltered reminder to get outside, enjoy the moment, and make the season your own. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. Oct 16

    STOP Overthinking Your Hunt

    Cold fronts are overrated if you do not know what the deer are already telling you. Ross Cady joins Dan Johnson for a brutally honest deer hunting conversation about when to hunt, when to wait, and how to stop letting analysis paralysis ruin your season. Ross breaks down a real-time decision on whether to hunt an October cold front, using trail camera intel, crop progress, scrape activity, and property layout to weigh a risky sit against a better window in late October and early November. If you have ever stared at OnX too long, second-guessed a stand setup, or worried about “blowing” a spot before the rut, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. You’ll discover: Why standing corn can completely change buck movement on Iowa farmsHow Ross evaluates mature buck activity on the north end of his property versus doe-heavy southern coverWhy a cold front alone is not enough to justify burning a hunt dayHow mock scrapes, trail cameras, and transition points can reveal what deer are actually doingThe mental trap of social media hunting pressure and unrealistic trophy expectations Dan and Ross also get real about what it means to actually enjoy hunting again. They talk through the freedom that comes from trusting your instincts, the value of making the best decision with the information in front of you, and why a successful hunt is about more than inches on a rack. Ross also shares his perspective as someone who works with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, giving a unique look at how farmers, deer hunters, and land managers see the same landscape through very different lenses. Along the way, the two compare notes on overanalyzing setups, calling your shot, and knowing when to stop worrying and just go hunt. Essential listening if you are trying to make better late-October decisions, manage your hunt days wisely, or break free from the obsession with perfection. If this season has you overthinking every move, this episode will help you get back to what matters most - being in the woods, making a plan, and letting the hunt happen. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. Oct 14

    Epic October: B.S. Session

    Is the October lull real, or did the deer just hear you’re coming and decide to take the week off? Dan Johnson and Pierce Nelles debate the seasonal mystery, swap whitetail advice, and ask the important questions—like whether a cold front is worth spending PTO on, and whether a giant buck photo means you’re actually good at hunting. They get into fresh scrapes, trail-camera tricks, hunting pressure, and why advice from a guy with a giant food plot may not exactly fit your five-acre setup. There’s also talk about teaching young hunters, career regrets, Amish hats, baby names, and Dan’s ongoing battle with drywall.Come for the October-lull argument. Stay for the detours. Leave with a reminder to trust the sign in your own woods—and maybe hire someone else for the bathroom remodel. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. Oct 9

    Blueberries & Big Bucks

    A family-owned blueberry farm the size of a small company. A hunter who packs out elk, chases bucks across state lines, and still walks 13 miles a day switching irrigation valves. Eric McKay returns with the kind of farming-and-hunting conversation that makes you rethink what it takes to stay in the game. Dan J. sits down with Eric to unpack how a 1,000-acre Michigan blueberry operation actually works - from processing 5 to 7 million pounds a year to battling frost, extreme heat, and the brutal timing of spring freezes that can wipe out a crop without killing the bushes. Eric breaks down how weather changes sugar content, why Lake Michigan helps and hurts at the same time, and what it really means to keep a multi-generation farm family-owned when bigger buyers are always circling. We also get deep into the hunting side of Eric's life, including what keeps him coming back to southern Illinois, why his favorite Michigan window is late October, and how his western addiction started in 2012 and never really stopped. He shares what makes Colorado his favorite elk destination, why Montana tested him harder than almost any trip he's taken, and how altitude, dehydration, and sheer pack-out misery separate a fun hunt from a true grind. You'll discover: How a blueberry farm processes, packages, and markets fruit at massive scaleWhy late frosts, summer heat, and rainfall can change both yield and flavorWhat deer do around blueberry farms and how hunters use that to their advantageWhy Eric prefers specific timing windows in Michigan and southern IllinoisWhat makes western public land hunting so addictive, physically brutal, and worth it Eric also talks about hunting with his kid and wife, managing tags across multiple states, and why this season is more about family, freezer fills, and being in the woods than chasing giant score numbers. If you love whitetail strategy, western hunting stories, or the reality of making a living on the land, this one is loaded.Perfect for hunters, farmers, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of hard work, weather, deer movement, and chasing big country. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. Oct 7

    Hunting Down One Buck: What Do Nocturnal Trail Cam Pictures Mean?

    Hunting Mature Bucks: Trail-Camera Clues, Access, and Public-Land Pressure When a mature buck appears on camera in the middle of the night, is it a real opportunity—or just another clue to file away? Dan and returning guest Pierce dig into how they interpret trail-camera photos, plan hunts, and make decisions when a buck only shows up a few times each season. They discuss the role of wind, thermals, access routes, and historical movement, along with why sitting a proven setup can sometimes beat constantly moving. The conversation also explores the challenges of hunting small parcels and public land, where pressure and limited access can change a carefully made plan. Dan and Pierce share hard-earned lessons from missed opportunities, close encounters, and years of hunting. They also talk about earning landowner trust and finding a respectful path to hunting permission. Whether you’re trying to make sense of nocturnal trail-camera activity, hunt a pressured property, or get closer to a mature buck, this episode offers grounded strategies and honest perspective from the field. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. Oct 2

    Finding Success In The Big Woods & Swamps

    Joey Mnczunski joins Dan Johnson to share how he left a crowded family lease in southern Michigan and built a public-land hunting approach in Northern Michigan’s big woods. Over years of scouting and hunting, Joey learned to read swamps, clear-cuts, river bottoms, and changing deer pressure—and to hunt the spots rather than chase one specific buck. Joey talks about how antler point restrictions may have affected hunting in the region, how he finds promising ground, and why he rarely hunts the same tree twice in a season. He also breaks down speed scouting by boat, locating scrape hubs along fire trails, and adjusting to deer that move into swamps as firearm season approaches. The conversation includes the story behind Joey’s last-season buck: a once-logged autumn olive thicket regrew, the deer sign returned, and Joey set up there—leading to a close-range encounter.If you’re interested in public-land deer hunting, big woods scouting, or adapting your strategy to terrain and pressure, this episode is packed with lessons earned in the field. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. Sep 30

    Suburban Bowhunting & Population Control

    Urban deer hunting gets wild fast when 10 acres can hold 15 to 20 deer. Returning guest Mike Ward joins Dan Johnson to explain how he and his organization help manage overpopulated deer in southeastern Pennsylvania, where deer move through backyards, landscaping beds, and neighborhoods. They discuss why deer numbers rebound despite heavy harvest pressure, how township partnerships and archery-only management work, and why hunting small suburban parcels still depends on wind, access, and understanding deer and human movement. Mike also explains how donated venison supports local food banks. Plus, hear the story of an opening-day hunt on an 8-acre property where Mike and a friend each tagged a buck—including a 10-point buck Mike hadn’t known was there. It’s a look at the realities of suburban deer management, the challenges of hunting tight parcels, and the surprising opportunities that can come with them. Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Check Out www.outdoorsy.com and enter NFC to have your service fees removed. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. Sep 25

    Opening Week Public Land Buck Down

    AI is already changing deer hunting faster than most hunters want to admit. Dan Johnson and returning guest Aaron Berg break down how drone recovery, public-land strategy, and early-season buck behavior are forcing hunters to rethink what is fair, what is effective, and where the line should be drawn. Aaron shares the reality of running a deer recovery drone in the middle of hunting season, including what a recovery costs, how long he’ll search, and why some hunters are using the technology exactly as intended while others are pushing into shady territory. Dan and Aaron get into the ethics of using drones for scouting, how quickly the thermal and imaging tech can expose deer movement, and why some states are starting to get nervous about where this all leads. Then Aaron tells the story of a wild early-season public-land hunt that ended with a hard-earned buck from a tiny pocket of white oaks surrounded by bedding cover and water. You’ll hear how he hunted a brutally specific wind, slipped in with his saddle gear, watched does and multiple bucks filter through, and finally sealed the deal after making three shots in one of the strangest deer encounters imaginable. You’ll discover: Why drone recovery is becoming both a lifesaver and a controversyHow fast AI-generated images can blur the line between real and fakeThe gray area around drones, property lines, and recovering wounded deerWhy early-season white oak hunting can still produce a mature buckHow Aaron uses wind, terrain, and bedding access to create high-odds public-land setups Dan also pushes into the bigger question every hunter should be asking now: how much technology is too much? If you care about deer hunting ethics, public-land tactics, or simply hearing a brutally honest success story from a guy who earns every tag, this one belongs on your list. Perfect for hunters who love real-world tactics, public-land problem solving, and honest conversations about where modern hunting is headed. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code thompsoncigar.com/NFC for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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4.8
out of 5
438 Ratings

About

Going strong for over a decade with real relatable podcasts, The Nine Finger Chronicles covers in-depth hunting strategy, individual hunter profiles, hunting success stories, and current events surrounding hunting rules, regulations and conservation practices. Host Dan Johnson is a passionate sportsman whose year revolves around the outdoors, his crazy family, and his overall love for Mother Nature. This podcast is brought to you by the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network.

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