The Southern Outdoorsmen Hunting Podcast

This week on the Thursday Q&A, we’re tackling some of the biggest debates in deer hunting—from bait, minerals, and food plots to summer scouting, scent, and mature buck behavior. We also answer a listener question about hunting rocky, mountainous terrain in Arkansas and share how we’d approach finding and killing an older buck in big-woods country.
In this episode:
Do minerals, Deer Cane, and attractants actually work?
The biggest mistake hunters make when baiting deer
Why mature bucks prioritize security over food
Are food plots overrated compared to bedding cover?
Common deer club management mistakes that keep older bucks from surviving
Does artificial deer scent help or hurt your odds?
How to properly use scent if you choose to hunt with it
Summer scouting vs. in-season scouting—which is more effective?
Camouflage vs. solid colors: does it really matter?
How we’d hunt rocky mountainous terrain in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas
Finding habitat diversity, terrain funnels, and mature bucks travel in big woods
Plus upcoming events, World Deer Expo, and Mobile Hunters Expo updates.

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Use code “SOUTHERN” for a discount on Whitetail Hill food plot seed & trees - https://linkly.link/2myBP

Use the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfm

Check out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDI

Use code TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8

Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewear

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Larry Weishuhn is back on the show, and in this conversation he dives into the timeless hunting skills that can’t be bought, downloaded, or replaced by technology. From the story of his very first buck to decades of lessons chasing mature whitetails across North America, Larry shares the woodsmanship principles that have shaped his hunting career.
In this episode, we discuss:
Larry’s unforgettable first buck and how it shaped his lifelong passion for whitetails
How the pioneers of modern mature buck hunting changed the way hunters think
Why woodsmanship is a skill that has to be earned—not purchased
The psychology of confidence, lucky charms, scents, and why paying attention matters most
Reading tracks, rubs, scrapes, and other overlooked sign
Lessons learned from decades as a wildlife biologist
Deer vocalizations, grunting, rattling, and what deer are really communicating
Why mature bucks often move when other hunters aren’t in the woods
Larry’s approach to all-day sits and midday deer movement
How to choose high-odds stand locations beyond obvious food sources
The importance of observation, perception, and trusting your instincts in the woods
Practical tips for becoming a better woodsman and more complete deer hunter

Whether you’re new to deer hunting or have decades of experience, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from one of the most respected voices in the whitetail world.
Check out Larry's newest book, Deer Addictions.
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This week we’re diving into your hottest deer hunting takes and answering some of the biggest questions from The Southern Outdoorsmen community. From crossbows and dog hunting to cell cameras, persimmons, and deer behavior, we tackle some of the most controversial topics we’ve discussed in a while.
In this episode, we discuss:
Should crossbows have their own season?
Are Southern gun seasons too long?
Should dog hunting be allowed on public land?
Are mature bucks more wary of cell cameras than standard trail cameras?
Do ozone products and scent control actually work?
Are persimmon trees overrated as a hunting food source?
Can terrain ever be too steep for deer?
What do deer eat in hardwood bottoms besides acorns?
Should public land have statewide antler restrictions?
The biggest lessons we’ve learned that changed the way we hunt over the last five years.
Is modern deer hunting losing the traditions that made it special?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these topics. Join the discussion in our Circle community and let us know where you agree—and where you think we’re completely wrong.

Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠

Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXP

Our Sponsors:
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Most hunters focus on what to plant, but the bigger question is where, why, and how. In this episode, Caleb Huckaba of Whitetail Hill breaks down the biggest food plot mistakes he sees, how to design food plots that actually produce daylight mature buck encounters, and why strategy often matters more than the seed itself. Whether you’re planting a quarter-acre kill plot on a permission property or managing a large hunting tract, this episode is packed with practical habitat and hunting advice you can apply this season.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The biggest food plot mistakes hunters make
- Why mature bucks only visit some food plots after dark
- Kill plots vs. destination food plots
- Where food plots should be located in relation to bedding
- Food plot layout and hunting strategy
- Soil testing, pH, lime, and improving poor soils
- Choosing the right food plot blend for your goals
- Small property and permission-land food plot strategies
- How to plant successful food plots with or without equipment
- Food plot diversity and seasonal attraction
- Using chestnuts, persimmons, and other mast trees to improve hunting
- Creating year-round food sources and property hotspots
- Stand placement, access routes, and reducing hunting pressure

Use code “SOUTHERN” for a discount on Whitetail Hill food plot seed & trees - https://linkly.link/2myBP

Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.com

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In this Q&A edition of the show, we cover a wide array of questions and hot takes from listeners!
How should you hunt areas with tornado/storm damage?
Can a property become an immature buck factory?
Is flat land harder to hunt than hill country?
Are more trail camera bans coming?
Are sliding bow sights overkill?
and a lot more!

Join our Circle Community here - ⁠https://the-southern-outdoorsmen.circle.so/checkout/join-the-community⁠

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code OUTDOORSMEN for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy