In this episode of the Wing and Tail Boys podcast, hosts Angelo and Chris reflect on their previous conversation with Brian Melvin, who shot a bear that could potentially be a world record. They discuss the emotional aspects of hunting, the implications of baiting in bear hunting, and the challenges of targeting mature deer.

Chris and Angelo continue on to discuss their hunting strategies as they approach the pre-rut season. They reflect on their experiences, the importance of understanding deer behavior, and the environmental indicators that signal the onset of the rut. The conversation also touches on the use of technology in hunting, navigating new hunting grounds, and the significance of adapting strategies based on observations. The hosts emphasize the need for hunters to be proactive, experiment with new tactics, and learn from their experiences in the field.

In this episode of the Wing and Tail Boys podcast, hosts Angelo and Chris welcome Brian Melvin, a passionate hunter from New Jersey who recently harvested the state's, and unofficially the world’s, record black bear. Brian shares his unique journey into hunting, starting from a non-hunting family to becoming an avid bear hunter.

He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in bear hunting, particularly focusing on the intelligence and behavior of mature bears. The conversation delves into Brian's experiences, the importance of scouting, and the lessons learned through trial and error in the field. He goes on to share how those trials and errors helped to build his list of what to do and what not to do in the woods to find success.

Brian shares his emotional journey of hunting a specific bear he pursued for years. He discusses the doubts and challenges he faced, the importance of preparation and equipment, and the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way. The conversation also touches on the significance of weather patterns, the impact of arrow weight on performance, and the unique characteristics of the bear he hunted. Brian concludes by sharing his future plans for outdoor adventures and the importance of giving back to the community through hunting.

In this episode, Chris and Angelo discuss their recent hunting experiences, focusing on the challenges of self-filming, equipment setups, and strategies for navigating the October lull in hunting. They share personal anecdotes about their gear, the difficulties of filming while hunting, and the importance of commitment in achieving success. The conversation emphasizes the learning curve associated with new equipment and techniques, while also highlighting budget-friendly options for hunters.

In this conversation, Chris and Angelo discuss various aspects of hunting, focusing on optimizing gear for tree climbing, strategies for navigating the October lull, and targeting mature bucks. They share personal experiences and insights on how to effectively scout and hunt, emphasizing the importance of understanding deer behavior and adapting to changing conditions in the woods. The conversation also touches on the challenges of filming while hunting and the need for a systematic approach to gear organization.

As the conversation continues, Angelo and Chris delve into their personal hunting experiences, discussing the challenges and lessons learned throughout the season. They reflect on the importance of patience, strategy, and understanding deer behavior, emphasizing that the journey and stories behind each hunt are what truly matter. The conversation also touches on the technical aspects of hunting, including the use of cameras and the frustration of missed opportunities.

The hosts go on to discuss various aspects of hunting, including innovative camera mounting techniques for capturing the hunting experience, personal hunting stories, tracking deer, analyzing deer size and age, understanding antler growth potential, and deer management strategies. They share insights on their experiences in the field, the importance of capturing the moment, and the science behind deer management. The conversation concludes with Angelos recap of his New Jersey Buck and the first buck of 2024 for the Wing and Tail Boys.

Thank you for taking the time to join us this week and remember…

Success is Just a Commitment Away!