EatWild 84 - Stand Hunting for Big Bucks with Mike Bridger

Mike Bridger shares his process for finding and hunting big whitetail bucks. Mike breaks down his process of e-scouting, placing trail cameras, stand placement and putting as shares the story of hunting Chuck, a once-in-a-lifetime buck. In the conversation, we compare the experiences of still hunting and sitting. We discuss the scouting process and key features to look for, as well as the importance of access and wind direction in setting up hunting sites. We talk about the challenges of calling deer, the benefits of using tree stands, and the differences between still hunting and sitting in blinds. Additionally, we touch on the use of bait to attract deer, the significance of security and cover in hunting spots, and the joy of enjoying a cold beer after a hunt.

This episode is supported by BC Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BCBHA). The BCBHA is a young conservation organization dedicated to protecting wild places and critters that live in these wild places. Come out to a local event and get to know the BCBHA community. 

The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. The app is an essential tool to make you more comfortable in the woods. The mapping layers, navigation tools and hunting regulations are all packed into the app to give you the info you need on your next adventure. 

As always, this podcast is brought to you by Seek Outside. They make unique ultralight tents and packs for your next adventure. Use the discount code EATWILD on your next purchase. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Passion for Hunting 01:19 The Excitement of Camera Checks 02:25 The Heartbreak of Camera Failures 03:57 Determining the Success of a Camera Spot 05:37 Comparing Still Hunting and Sitting 07:15 Introducing Chuck and Hunting System 09:31 Preparing Hunting Sites 11:13 Checking Cameras and Hunting Sites 13:13 Ground Blind Setup 14:54 Managing Multiple Hunting Sites 18:11 Transitioning from Hunting to Scouting 20:32 Scouting Process and Key Features 22:31 Understanding Deer Scrapes 25:22 Creating Mock Scrapes 33:28 Considering Access and Wind Direction 37:06 Heartbreaking White Tail Hunts 40:06 Dealing with White Tails and Movement 41:38 The Failed Grunt Call 42:52 Utilizing Tree Stands 43:26 Rattling from a Tree Stand 45:00 The Effectiveness of Calling Deer 46:13 The Difference Between Still Hunting and Sitting in Blinds 47:07 Adapting Hunting Methods to Age and Ability 48:41 The Evolution of Hunting Methods 51:27 Introducing New Hunters to Hunting 53:10 The Challenges of Still Hunting 54:18 Choosing the Right Bullet for Hunting 55:38 Using Bait to Attract Deer 57:56 The Importance of Security and Cover in Hunting Spots 59:51 The Benefits of Using Trail Cameras 01:00:39 The Joy of a Cold Beer After a Hunt 01:03:51 The Game-Changing Gear: Ultra-Light Backpack Chairs 01:05:59 Dream Hunt in British Columbia