Pennsylvania Woodsman

Sportsmen's Empire
  • 4.6 (25)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Weekly

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. Can Hunters Have Too Much Opportunity?

    3d ago

    Can Hunters Have Too Much Opportunity?

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell takes a step back from hunting tactics and guest interviews to tackle a question that has been weighing on his mind: Can hunters have too much opportunity? Reflecting on five years of podcasting, decades of hunting in Pennsylvania, and the many changes that have shaped modern hunting seasons, he explores how expanded opportunities—from crossbows and Sunday hunting to additional tags and longer seasons—have transformed the hunting landscape. Drawing on personal experiences, conversations with older generations, and a thought-provoking quote from legendary turkey hunter Tom Kelly, Mitchell wrestles with whether more opportunity always leads to a better hunting experience. The conversation moves beyond regulations and hunting seasons into something deeper: appreciation, tradition, and the value of anticipation. Mitchell shares stories from his own hunting journey, reflects on lessons learned from family, and examines how convenience and abundance can sometimes diminish the satisfaction that comes from hard-earned experiences. Rather than offering definitive answers, this episode is an invitation to think critically about the future of hunting, the traditions we value, and what truly makes time in the woods meaningful. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation is designed to spark reflection and continue around deer camps, kitchen tables, and tailgates across Pennsylvania. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  2. Learning to Hunt Without a Hunting Family

    Jun 3

    Learning to Hunt Without a Hunting Family

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by podcast listener and newer hunter Kyle Byers to discuss what it’s like entering the hunting world without a hunting background. Kyle shares how concerns about food security during the COVID era sparked an interest in harvesting his own food, eventually leading him down the path of deer hunting, turkey hunting, and even a western elk adventure. From studying regulations and hunting podcasts to learning terrain, scouting, and deer behavior through trial and error, Kyle offers an honest perspective on the steep learning curve that many first-generation hunters face. The conversation dives into Kyle’s first deer harvest, the emotions that followed, and the satisfaction of taking an animal from the field to the dinner table for his family. Mitchell and Kyle discuss the importance of gaining repetitions as a hunter, learning through mistakes, and how some of the most meaningful experiences often come from difficult hunts, long drags, and time spent in the outdoors. The episode also explores hunting mentorship, the future of Pennsylvania’s Certified Hunter Program, and why hunting continues to challenge, humble, and shape those who pursue it. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone considering getting started later in life, this conversation is a reminder that every experienced hunter was once a beginner. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 13m
  3. Inside Pennsylvania’s 2026 Elk Season Changes

    May 27

    Inside Pennsylvania’s 2026 Elk Season Changes

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell sits down with returning guest Bryan Hale from Elk County Outfitters to break down the major changes coming to Pennsylvania elk hunting for the 2026 season and beyond. The conversation dives deep into the new elk application process, the removal of the fallback option, bonus point consolidation, updated zone structures, and the addition of a brand-new October rifle season. Bryan explains how the new five-choice application system works, what hunters should consider before applying, and why understanding season dates, hunting styles, and personal availability is now more important than ever for applicants hoping to draw a coveted Pennsylvania elk tag. As the discussion unfolds, Mitchell and Bryan also tackle the larger conversation surrounding opportunity versus quality in modern hunting management. They discuss the biological reasoning behind increasing bull tag allocations, concerns over long-term age structure and trophy quality, the effects of increased hunting pressure, and the challenge wildlife agencies face when balancing hunter demand with herd management. Along the way, Bryan shares stories from the 2025 season, including guiding television host Greg Ritz on a Pennsylvania elk hunt and the emotional milestone of Elk County Outfitters harvesting their 400th elk since opening in 2001. Whether you’re a serious elk applicant or simply interested in wildlife management and hunting culture, this episode offers an inside look at one of the biggest shifts Pennsylvania elk hunting has seen in years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 17m
  4. ET Custom Calls and Late Season Longbeards

    May 20

    ET Custom Calls and Late Season Longbeards

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell sits down with longtime turkey hunter and custom call maker Ed Terefenko for a deep dive into the art of turkey calling and the mindset required to hunt pressured late-season gobblers. Ed shares the story behind ET Custom Calls, how he taught himself to build handcrafted box calls over two decades ago, and why consistency, cadence, and realism matter far more than simply making noise in the woods. The conversation explores everything from tuning custom calls and soft calling techniques to the importance of confidence in your equipment and learning directly from real turkeys in the spring woods. As the episode unfolds, the discussion shifts toward the grind of Pennsylvania’s later turkey season — balancing work, family, coaching, and hunting while still finding ways to stay persistent when birds become pressured and unpredictable. Mitchell and Ed talk through scouting strategies, hunting limited morning windows before work, locating birds late in the year, and why the final weeks of the season often produce some of the most rewarding hunts. More than just tactics, this episode captures the obsession, discipline, and love for turkey hunting that keeps hunters waking up at 4 AM long after most people have already packed their gear away for the year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 21m
  5. Aggressive, Not Reckless: Week 3 Pennsylvania Turkey Hunting Strategy

    May 13

    Aggressive, Not Reckless: Week 3 Pennsylvania Turkey Hunting Strategy

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by his longtime friend DJ Hoshauer for an honest, story-filled conversation recapping the highs, lows, and lessons learned from the first two weeks of Pennsylvania turkey season. From close encounters in the mountains to missed opportunities at point-blank range, the guys break down what’s actually happening in the woods right now and why persistence matters more than perfection. DJ shares stories of hunting with his daughters during the junior season and opener, the challenge of tight shooting windows in mountain terrain, and why even experienced hunters still make mistakes when adrenaline and gobbling birds enter the equation The conversation then shifts into a practical discussion focused on hunting the next stretch of the season — how pressured birds behave differently, why getting tight on the roost still matters, and how calling strategy changes as the season progresses. Mitchell and DJ unpack the difference between aggressive and reckless turkey hunting, the importance of reading a bird’s “temperature,” and why week three can quietly become one of the best windows of the entire season. More than tactics alone, this episode is about staying persistent, enjoying the process, and remembering why spring mornings in the turkey woods keep hunters coming back year after year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 5m
  6. May 6–13: A Game Plan for Week 2 Gobblers

    May 6

    May 6–13: A Game Plan for Week 2 Gobblers

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined once again by Jake Stanisch of Long Branch Game Calls to break down the realities of moving from opening week into the second week of turkey season. With many hunters experiencing slow starts, changing weather, and increasing hunting pressure, this conversation centers around how to stay mentally sharp and avoid overthinking when things don’t go as planned. Jake shares insights on when to stay the course versus when to adapt, emphasizing the importance of scouting, reading sign, and understanding what turkeys are actually doing—not just what we expect them to do. The discussion dives deep into calling strategies, realism, and how to separate yourself from other hunters in heavily pressured woods. From tree calling and mid-morning tactics to adjusting tone, cadence, and call selection, Jake explains how subtle differences can make a major impact. The episode also covers regrouping when birds go quiet, the value of getting tight on roosted turkeys, and how persistence often pays off later in the season. Whether you're hunting weekends or grinding out every morning, this episode offers practical tactics and a steady mindset to help you navigate one of the toughest stretches of the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 10m
  7. Pennsylvania Turkey Season: Strategizing the Opening Week

    Apr 29

    Pennsylvania Turkey Season: Strategizing the Opening Week

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell kicks off a new multi-part turkey season series focused on breaking down the season week by week — starting with opening week in Pennsylvania. After sharing a candid and personal reflection on priorities, time, and the temptation to let hunting take center stage, he resets the focus on what truly matters: faith, family, and keeping the pursuit in its proper place. It’s an honest look at the internal struggle many hunters face this time of year, and a reminder that success isn’t defined by a filled tag. From there, Mitchell is joined by Jason Miller for a deep dive into how experienced hunters approach the first few days of turkey season. The conversation covers everything from managing hunting pressure and respecting other hunters to breaking down property selection, early-season calling strategy, and reading birds in real time. With a heavy emphasis on situational awareness and patience, they discuss when to be aggressive, when to back off, and how understanding bird behavior early in the season can set the tone for weeks to come. This episode blends real-world tactics with hard-earned perspective. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    2h 8m
  8. How Far Do You Take It? The Rabbit Hole of Archery Performance

    Apr 22

    How Far Do You Take It? The Rabbit Hole of Archery Performance

    In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Chris Romano for a deep and wide-ranging conversation that starts with fatherhood and quickly transitions into the evolving world of archery and bowhunting. From raising young kids and introducing them to the outdoors to sharing moments through music and everyday life, the discussion highlights how hunting often intersects with the bigger picture of family, growth, and passing on tradition. It’s a relatable look at how priorities shift over time, and how the outdoors continues to play a meaningful role through every stage of life. The conversation then dives headfirst into the science of arrow flight — breaking down everything from arrow spine and FOC to drag, vane configuration, and real-world performance on animals. Chris shares his journey down the “rabbit hole” of optimizing archery setups, challenging conventional thinking and exploring how modern equipment and deeper understanding can improve both accuracy and effectiveness in the field. More than just a technical discussion, this episode emphasizes education over ego, encouraging hunters to understand their equipment, question assumptions, and continually strive to become more ethical and effective in their pursuit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 15m
See All (262)

4.6
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Sportsmen's Empire
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    262
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017 Sportsmen's Empire
  • Show Website
    Pennsylvania Woodsman

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