Petersen's Bowhunting Radio

The 2024 Archery Trade Show recently concluded in St. Louis. This week, Lancaster Archery's PJ Reilly joins us to discuss some of the most exciting new bowhunting products seen at the show. We also preview the 2024 Lancaster Archery Classic taking place this weekend as most of the world's top shooters converge on Eastern Pennsylvania.

If you think all camouflage is the same, think again! This week, we do a deep dive on Code of Silence, clothing a brand that keeps bowhunters concealed both audibly and visually thanks to host of innovative features. From completely silent fabrics to incredible to late-season warmth to an exclusive, light-absorbing camouflage pattern that makes you virtually disappear in the woods, Code of Silence truly stands apart from the crowd.

Frank McDonough is a decorated tournament shooter and accomplished archery coach who has helped students to dozens of state and national titles. He's also a passionate bowhunter who knows that approaching your shooting with a competitor's mindset can help you in the field. Frank and Editor Christian Berg discuss some finer points of shooting and things you can do this off-season to be more successful next fall.

Throw out everything you know about whitetail hunting when you pursue the free-ranging sika deer that inhabit the marshes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. TJ Jenkins of Muddy Marsh Outfitters joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss how these wiry, elusive members of the elk family — native to Japan — got to the Free State, the challenges of hunting them and why they draw dedicated bowhunting enthusiasts from across the country.

He’s archery hunted for ornery hogs, gnarly gators, big bucks and more. Now, he has a trophy room that would make many hunters jealous — and he’s only 8 years old! On this week’s Bowhunting Podcast, KC Christopher and his dad, Blake, join Associate Editor Mark Demko to talk about the magical journey they’ve been on the past few years, with KC taking more than 30 animals before his 9th birthday. What a start!

On Nov. 1, one Pennsylvania bowhunting family recorded a day for the ages. Cody Gulvas killed a public-land, Pope and Young buck with his recurve bow, while his brother-in-law and Texas Rangers coach Corey Ragsdale won the World Series! Gulvas and Ragsdale join us to discuss the whirlwind 24 hours and how a love for archery and deer hunting keeps them connected throughout the year.

The New Year is still three weeks away, but we've got all your 2024 hunting bow information right here! Lancaster Archery's PJ Reilly hasn't just seen most of the year's best new hunting bows — he's shot them and produced video reviews highlighting top new features and technologies. PJ joins us to discuss the 2024 bow lineups from Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, Bear, Elite and more and share his personal thoughts on the new models.

Bowhunting after the rut and firearms season can be a daunting task. However, saddle-hunting icon John Eberhart has been doing it successfully for decades. Eberhart, who has taken 20 Pope and Young bucks from five states, joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to share tips on scoring on your dream buck when deer numbers are down, the rut is long over and the weather is downright gnarly. You won’t want to miss what the Godfather of Saddle Hunting has to say!

Sooner or later, every bowhunter experiences a good run of bad luck, when absolutely nothing goes right. For Colorado bowhunter Danny Farris, the 2023 season was nearly four months of disaster, followed suddenly by two trophy whitetails in a span of just four days! Danny and Editor Christian Berg discuss how a positive attitude and refusal to quit are the keys to surviving the slumps and starting your next hunting hot streak.

Crossbow hunting continues to grow in popularity, and on this episode Barnett CEO Ryan Busbice joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss what to look for if you’re in the market for a new horizontal bow. Whether you are looking to purchase a first crossbow for your kids or upgrade your current rig with something better, this episode is one you won't want to miss!

Peak rut is winding down, and your deer tag is still burning a hole in your pocket. Don’t fret; you can still get the job done! Successful whitetail hunters and outdoor communicators Josh Honeycutt and Tim Kent join Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss how you can make your own deer-hunting luck in late November and December.

The Bowhunting crew downed three bucks in four days during last week's Ohio rut hunt! Join Editor Christian Berg, Contributor Clint Casper and certified whitetail fanatic Ryan Bertsch as they recap the hunt and discuss how adapting to ever-changing conditions throughout the rut was key to their success.

It's Go Time, and we help you score! Dave Mitchell and Matt Morrett from the Pennsylvania Game Commission — two avid deer hunters with more than 50 years of combined bowhunting experience — join Associate Editor Mark Demko to share their top rut-hunting tips, including tactics for adjusting on the fly when the deer seem to disappear, hunting pressured public lands and adapting to challenging weather conditions.

Every bowhunter knows playing the wind and employing proven scent-control practices are critical to success. But what about hunting marginal winds or tricky locations where swirling is common? Buddy Piland of Ozonics joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss best practices when it comes to scent control, how to overcome challenges and how ozone technology can boost your odds of tagging out.

Kill Your Buck Before HalloweenMost bowhunters live for the whitetail rut, but late October may be an even better time to kill a mature buck. This week, a pair of big-buck veterans — Billy See of Iowa and Damian Riffle of Ohio — join Associate Editor Mark Demko to talk about why this is their favorite time to hunt and share the tips and tactics you need to bag your buck by Halloween!

Want to know the absolute BEST days to chase whitetails this season? Well, look no further! In this episode, our all-star panel of experts gives you the FIVE BEST days to be in the woods this fall and winter, as well as the longer periods of peak productivity you should key in on as you make your bowhunting plans. Field Editors Bill Winke and Eddie Claypool join Editor Christian Berg and Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss how you can maximize your time afield!

If you're a whitetail fanatic looking for some fresh field wear options, Vycah is right up your alley. Vycah owner Scott Estes is a self-proclaimed deer-hunting addict who created his products with whitetails in mind. From the original Vycah camoflauge patterns to super-quiet fabrics and a host of thoughtful design features, the entire Vycah lineup is built to help whitetail hunters remain hidden and be more successful. 

Some of North America's finest elk hunting can be found in the boreal forests of Northwestern Alberta. Bowhunting in this dense habitat takes place in close quarters, with shots often measuring 10 yards or less. Associate Editor Mark Demko and professional elk guide Brad Kercher take a break from chasing bulls to discuss what makes Alberta's elk hunting so good.

Just about every bowhunter has come to the end of a blood trail without locating the animal that left it. Now, there is a new option for finding game after the shot thanks to Ohio-based Drone Deer Recovery. Owner Mike Yoder joins us to discuss the growing popularity of using thermal drones to recover downed game, drone recovery success rates and how state regulations impact the use of this fascinating technology.

If you are looking for bowhunting adventure, few destinations can match Manitoba. From bruiser black bears to trophy whitetails and a shot at a 60-inch moose, this remote Canadian province offers bountiful game and stunningly beautiful landscapes. Keevin Erickson of Travel Manitoba joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss why this destination should be on every bowhunter’s bucket list!