Evergreen Revival of Episode 27 (Originally released December 28, 2013)

READ OUR FULL BLOG POST HERE

In 2013, Big Buck Registry recorded Episode 27 — a conversation that quietly became one of the most important episodes in the show's history. In it, we interviewed certified wildlife biologist Jeff Makemson of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, exploring a topic most hunters never think about:

Where does conservation funding actually come from?

The answer leads directly to the Pittman–Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 — the law that rebuilt America's wildlife, restored whitetail deer from near extinction, and created the modern system of game management we rely on today.

In this revived evergreen episode, we:

• Revisit the original 2013 interview

• Clarify a few points that time and research have refined

• Update what has changed since then

• And deliver a deep-dive monologue explaining the full story behind the Act

If you hunt deer today, this law is part of your story — whether you knew it or not.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• How close deer and other game species came to disappearing in the early 1900s • Why unregulated market hunting devastated wildlife populations • How sportsmen themselves pushed for federal conservation funding • What the Pittman–Robertson Act actually does • How the firearms and ammunition excise tax funds wildlife restoration • How states receive and use Pittman–Robertson funds • How deer populations rebounded from a few thousand to tens of millions • Why hunters are America's largest conservationists • What has changed in conservation funding since 2013 • Why this system still matters for the future of hunting

Featured Guest (Original Interview)

Jeff Makemson Certified Wildlife Biologist Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

Jeff shares firsthand insight into:

• Managing public wildlife lands

• Restoring deer populations

• Funding realities inside state agencies

• Why most hunters don't realize they fund conservation

• How habitat, research, and enforcement are supported

Why This Episode Matters

Without the Pittman–Robertson Act:

• Whitetail deer would be rare or nonexistent in many states

• Public hunting lands would be minimal

• Wildlife agencies would lack scientific staff

• Modern hunting culture would not exist

Every rifle, box of ammunition, and bow sold today continues to fund the system that keeps wildlife thriving.

Episode Structure

• New opening introduction and historical context • Summary and clarification of the original 2013 interview • Updated facts and modern funding perspective • Full deep-dive monologue on the Pittman–Robertson Act • Playback of the original 30-minute Episode 27 interview • Closing summary and reflections on hunters as conservationists

If you value hunting, share this episode. Every hunter who understands this story becomes a stronger advocate for conservation.

In this special year-end Deer News episode, the Big Buck Registry team takes a comprehensive look at the deer hunting stories that shaped 2025 across the United States.

This episode moves state by state through the most consequential changes in deer hunting policy, access, and management—connecting regulation, science, enforcement, and biology into one clear picture of where deer hunting stands today.

The episode begins in the Northeast, where long-running debates finally gave way to major access changes. New York legalized crossbows for deer hunting, New Hampshire expanded legal hunting equipment, and Connecticut widened Sunday hunting opportunities. In Massachusetts, efforts to address deer overpopulation on Martha's Vineyard highlighted conflicts between wildlife management goals and the state's firearm and crossbow laws.

From there, the focus shifts west, where pressure on opportunity continued to build. Montana reaffirmed limits on nonresident deer licenses, reinforcing resident-priority access as demand for Western tags continued to rise.

Chronic Wasting Disease remained one of the most influential forces shaping deer management in 2025. At the federal level, increased funding supported research and state response efforts. Minnesota expanded late-season CWD management hunts, Iowa broadened mandatory testing and reporting requirements, and Missouri reassessed its approach—ultimately rolling back part of its CWD firearms season after evaluating impacts on effectiveness and hunter participation.

The episode also examines how changing rules affected hunters on the ground. Pennsylvania tightened in-season trail camera restrictions, Wisconsin continued to experience hunter fatigue tied to long-term CWD policies, New Jersey reaffirmed Earn-A-Buck as a population control strategy, and Michigan expanded depredation authority allowing deer removal outside traditional seasons.

Beyond policy and regulation, this episode highlights important research and technological developments shaping the future of deer management. New scientific findings raised questions about how early Chronic Wasting Disease infection may occur, including the possibility of transmission from doe to fawn before birth. Emerging technologies also showed promise—from thermal detection systems designed to reduce deer-vehicle collisions, to drone-based surveys improving accuracy in deer population estimates.

Enforcement remained a critical part of the story in 2025. The episode reviews major poaching cases in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, including multi-county investigations, organized poaching rings, and one of the stiffest trophy buck restitution penalties on record.

The year closes in Maine, where consecutive harsh winters and the loss of critical deer wintering habitat served as a reminder that biology still sets the ultimate limits—regardless of policy decisions or technological advances.

The episode also includes an update on Big Buck Registry itself. The team discusses the launch of the new website, a return to in-depth interview-style episodes, and the tools built to help hunters better understand conditions and context—including BBR Weather, Deer Move by Weather, and Deer Move by Moon. Listeners will also hear about new ways to engage with BBR, including suggesting guests, submitting deer for social features, and using long-term reference pages designed to keep information accessible beyond a single season.

This episode is a complete snapshot of deer hunting in 2025—where rules changed, science advanced, enforcement drew clear lines, and biology reminded everyone who ultimately sets the boundaries.

Episode Highlights

• Major deer hunting law and access changes across the U.S.

• Chronic Wasting Disease management strategies and policy reversals

• New research on CWD transmission and persistence

• Emerging technology in deer safety and population monitoring

• High-profile poaching cases and enforcement outcomes

• Habitat loss, winter severity, and biological limits on deer populations

• Big Buck Registry platform updates, tools, and community features

Original Air Date 2013

RE-release Date 2025

In this Evergreen Edition, host Jay Scott Ammann revisits one of the Big Buck Registry's most informative and enduring conversations — a deep dive with wildlife biologist Dr. Grant Woods, recorded in 2013. This remastered episode brings the original clarity of Grant's insights back to the front, exploring how science, observation, and respect for deer behavior shape ethical, effective hunting.

From deer vision and scent control to rut timing, habitat work, and trail camera use, Dr. Woods explains what decades of study have revealed about how whitetails perceive their world — and how hunters can use that knowledge responsibly.

🎧 Key Topics Covered

• Grant's early research on deer scrape behavior and communication

• How those studies led to modern trail-camera strategies

• The truth about deer vision: what colors they actually see

• The science behind moon phases and rut timing

• Why fear, not food, drives most deer movement

• Dr. Woods' scent-control discipline and low-impact hunting access

• Building better food plots and habitat on The Proving Grounds

• Managing deer congregation and disease risk

• The logic behind hunting "the 5 percent" — targeting high-odds corridors

• Late-season patterns and fawn-driven rut activity

• Why venison is among the healthiest meats available

• A reminder that hunting should always be fun, ethical, and rooted in respect

🔍 About Dr. Grant Woods

Dr. Woods is a professional wildlife biologist and the founder of GrowingDeer.tv — a long-running educational series focused on habitat improvement, deer behavior, and management. His decades of research continue to influence hunters, landowners, and conservationists across the country.

🌿 Evergreen Edition Updates

In this refreshed edition, Jay adds new reflections on how Dr. Woods' original insights still stand the test of time. The episode remains a foundational listen for anyone who wants to understand deer biology and behavior from a scientist's point of view — in language every hunter can relate to.

🌐 Links & Resources

• Dr. Grant Woods / GrowingDeer.tv → https://www.growingdeer.tv

• DeerMove™ – Deer Movement Predictor → https://deermove.com

• Speak Your Deer Story → https://www.speakpipe.com/BigBuckRegistry or call 724-613-2825

• Support the Show (Value-for-Value) → https://bigbuckregistry.com/value

• Big Buck Registry Official Site → https://bigbuckregistry.com

🎧 Credits

• Guest: Dr. Grant Woods – Wildlife Biologist, GrowingDeer.tv

• Host & Producer: Jay Scott Ammann

• Music & Production: BBR Studios. BOSPN Media LLC

• Special Segment: The Evergreen Wrap-Up Commentary (2025)

📢 Call to Action

If you enjoyed this Evergreen re-release, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow the conversation:

• Instagram → @BigBuckRegistry

• Facebook → facebook.com/BigBuckRegistry

For more stories, visit BigBuckRegistry.com — where every deer has a story.

Original Air Date 2013

Re-release Date 2025

In this Evergreen edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast, we're reaching back to one of our most impactful early episodes — a 2013 conversation with Dean Vanier, founder of Northwoods Common Scents.

Dean has spent over 30 years perfecting his approach to whitetail communication using 100% pure scent — and in this masterclass, he shares how hunters can use scent not as a gimmick, but as a tool for understanding and influencing deer behavior.

We cover:

• Mock scrapes, drag rags, and the concept of the "virtual deer"

• Why buck urine is underrated early in the season

• Dean's scent layering strategy through all phases of the rut

• How scent helps you "talk" to deer using their own instincts

• And how the industry has changed since this episode first aired — including CWD laws, synthetic scents, and ATA/RHA certification

Dean's methods are still converting skeptical hunters to this day — and his passion for woodsmanship through scent makes this one of the most timeless episodes in our archive.

🎧 Listen now to revisit a true craftsman in the deer woods.

🔗 Learn more about Dean and his products at: https://www.teamnorthwoods.com

✅ Subscribe & Follow for more Evergreen episodes from the BBR vault.

Original Air Date: 2013 Re-release Date: 2025 Guest: Randy Gagne, Master Bow Technician – Morse's Sporting Goods (Hillsborough, NH)

Episode Summary:

In this special re-release of Episode 15, we sit down with master bow technician Randy Gagne of Morse's Sporting Goods to explore the fundamentals of compound bow setup, arrow tuning, broadhead prep, and ethical archery. Originally recorded in 2013, this episode is part of our Evergreen Series—timeless interviews remastered for today's listeners, with fresh updates and modern context.

Randy has long been one of New England's most sought-after bow techs. From draw length and string life to crossbows, rest types, and seasonal prep, this episode delivers a masterclass in bowhunting setup that's just as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.

Now in 2025, we also revisit Randy's journey—including his expansion into taxidermy, and how his role has evolved in preserving both the gear and the memories of a successful hunt.

🧰 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to determine correct draw length and poundage

• The difference between fixed and mechanical broadheads

• Why proper string maintenance is essential (and what can go wrong)

• How to check your arrows for hidden issues

• The evolution of whisker biscuits and drop-away rests

• Why tuning matters more than brand

• How crossbows have transformed the archery world

• Randy's real-world tips for storing, prepping, and practicing with your bow

• What's changed in bowhunting technology since 2013

• How Randy's work has expanded into taxidermy and memory preservation

🏹 Modern Updates & References:

In the intro and commentary, Jay shares how the following have advanced since the original airing:

• Cam tech (Bowtech DeadLock, Mathews SwitchWeight)

• Carbon risers and flagship bows like the Hoyt RX-8, Mathews LIFT

• Strings (pre-stretched, peep-alignment without tubing)

• Arrows (micro-diameter, high FOC, spine consistency)

• Broadheads (SEVR, Iron Will, Magnus, Rage, G5)

• Crossbows (e.g., Ravin R500 @ 505 fps)

• Smart tech (Garmin Xero, digital rangefinding, app-based tuning)

Influencer shoutouts include: 🧠 John Dudley 🏹 Levi Morgan 🎯 Chris Bee 📏 Tim Gillingham 🏔️ Cameron Hanes

🛠️ Featured Guest: Randy Gagne

• Role: Master Bow Technician & Taxidermist

• Business: Morse's Sporting Goods – Hillsborough, NH

• Website: https://www.morsesportinggoods.com

• Specialties: Compound bow setup, string/cam tuning, gear fitting, ethical prep, and custom taxidermy

🎧 Subscribe & Share

Like what you heard? 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen. 🌲 Visit us at BigBuckRegistry.com 📩 Share this episode with a hunting buddy. 💬 Leave a review to help more hunters discover timeless knowledge.

In this episode, we explore the most pressing wildlife management issues across the United States, from record-breaking deer hunting seasons to groundbreaking conservation efforts. From Mississippi's legal battle over deer-dog hunting to Missouri's fight against chronic wasting disease, we're diving deep into the decisions shaping the future of hunting, wildlife preservation, and public safety. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or just curious about how these topics affect your community, this episode has something for everyone.

Topics Covered

• Mississippi's Deer-Dog Hunting Debate: A tradition under scrutiny—can property rights and hunting heritage coexist?
• Ohio's Record Deer Harvest: What's driving the highest deer harvest in 13 years?
• Pennsylvania's Proposed Hunting Rule Changes: How 2025 could redefine hunting across the Keystone State.
• Missouri's Chronic Wasting Disease Fight: Will new carcass disposal rules change the game for hunters and conservationists?
• Montana's Landfill Deer Culling Efforts: Why a landfill is at the center of the state's disease containment strategy.
• Maine's Deer Dilemma: Lyme disease, car crashes, and the search for innovative solutions in Southwest Harbor.
• Grand Rapids' Urban Deer Hunt Proposal: Archery in city limits—could it work?
• Ohio Poacher's Record-Breaking Fine: The $43,000 trophy buck case shaking up the hunting community.
• New York's Venison Donation Program: Turning an illegal hunt into a win for families in need.

💬 Have thoughts on today's stories? Share your opinions with us on social media using #BBR

Links and Resources

• Mississippi Wildlife Regulations
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Pennsylvania Game Commission
• Missouri Department of Conservation
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
• Feeding New York State Venison Program

Big Buck Registry Links

• Official Website: Big Buck Registry
• Spotify: Deer Hunt - Big Buck Registry
• Apple Podcasts: Big Buck Registry Podcast
• iHeartRadio: Listen on iHeartRadio
• TuneIn: Listen on TuneIn
• Amazon Music: Listen on Amazon Music

Social Media Profiles

• Facebook: Big Buck Registry on Facebook
• Instagram: @bigbuckregistry2012
• Twitter: @BigBuckRegistry

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast, host Jay Scott Ammann welcomes former President Theodore Roosevelt, one of history's greatest hunters and conservationists. Roosevelt shares captivating stories of hunting whitetail and mule-deer, delving into their unique behaviors, the challenges of the chase, and the importance of respecting the animals and the land. He also explains the principles of ethical hunting and his role in establishing game laws and preserving wild places for future generations.

Key Discussion Points:

• • Whitetail Deer Hunting

• • Why Roosevelt admired the adaptability and resilience of whitetail deer.
  • Memorable hunts across the Adirondacks, Dakota river bottoms, and Louisiana swamps.

    Mule-Deer Adventures

  • Tracking mule-deer in the rugged Rocky Mountains and Badlands.
  • The unique challenges of hunting mule-deer versus whitetails.

    Hunting Ethics

  • Roosevelt's philosophy of fair chase and the importance of ethical hunting.
  • Stories of rejecting unfair practices like jacking and crusting.

    Conservation Legacy

  • How Roosevelt's experiences shaped his fight for game laws and protected lands.

The critical role hunters play in preserving America's wilderness.

Notable Quotes:

• "The true hunter is a man of ethics and honor."
• "The whitetail deer is a symbol of the wilderness that still endures."
• "Without conservation, the future of hunting—and the wild itself—remains at risk."

Subscribe to the Big Buck Registry's Deer Hunt Podcast for expert hunting tips, legendary stories, and conservation insights. Share this episode and help spread Roosevelt's timeless message about ethical hunting and wilderness protection.

Social Media and Website Links

• Website: Big Buck Registry Podcast
• Follow Us:
  • Facebook: @BigBuckRegistry
  • Instagram: @BigBuckRegistry
  • Twitter: @BigBuckRegistry
  • Tell Us Your Story: www.SpeakPipe.com/bigbuckregistry

Welcome to the October 2024 Edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer News, news you might have missed over the last month.

In this edition, first Jim takes us to Michigan to explore a Michigan Bill that Seeks to Reverse Deer Hunting Restrictions for Youth, Veterans, and Disabled Hunters. Then Dusty covers a story in Wisconsin about the Wisconsin DNR Initiating a Review of Deer Management Units Ahead of the 2025 Season. Jay explores the New York DEC Transition to Electronic Deer Tags for the 2024-2025 Hunting Season. Dusty covers the latest on CWD and Jay discusses deer overpopulation, both stories from Virginia. Finally, Jim wraps up with a CWD story out of Texas.

Show Notes for Big Buck Registry's Deer News - January Edition

Topics Discussed:

• Nationwide Debate on Drones for Deer Recovery - Exploring the ongoing debate across the United States regarding the use of drones in deer hunting and recovery.
• Hawaii's DLNR Axis Deer Culling Program - Discussing Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources initiative to control the Axis deer population in Maui Nui.
• Ohio's Record-Breaking Buck Investigation - Delving into Ohio's investigation into the potentially illegal harvest of a record-breaking white-tailed deer in Clinton County.
• The James Keel Dwarf Buck Story - Unveiling the fascinating story of James Keel's harvest of a unique dwarf buck in Mississippi.
• Deer Culling in Wildwood, Missouri - Examining the deer culling efforts and their implications in Wildwood, Missouri.
• Washington DC's Decade-Long Deer Snipe Program - Reviewing the long-term deer snipe program in Washington DC and its impact.
• Texas Deer Hunting Economy - Analyzing the economic aspects and significance of deer hunting in Texas.
• The Disappearance of Turbo the Deer in South Carolina - Investigating the mysterious disappearance of Turbo, a well-known deer on an island in South Carolina.
• NWTF Deer Hunt for Disabled Hunters in Virginia - Highlighting the annual National Wild Turkey Federation deer hunt in Virginia, dedicated to disabled hunters.
• New Wisconsin Legislation for Deer Hunting - Discussing new legislative measures in Wisconsin aimed at improving deer hunting in the northern region.

**End of Show Notes**

Topics Discussed

• Wisconsin Gun Deer Season: The 2023 season saw a decline in harvests, emphasizing safety in hunting practices.
• Massachusetts Sunday Deer Hunting Debate: Legislators are considering lifting a century-old ban on Sunday deer hunting.
• Minnesota's "Hunters For Hunters" Group: A new group is focusing on the impact of wolves on deer populations.
• Unsolved Case of Hunter Terry Brisk: Minnesota still seeks answers seven years after the mysterious death of Terry Brisk.
• Deer Hunting Expansion in Massachusetts: The Quabbin Reservoir sees an expansion of deer hunting to address rising deer populations and protect ecosystems.
• Utah Hunting Regulation Changes for 2024: Significant changes to hunting regulations, focusing on modernization and sustainability.
• Pittsburgh Pilot Deer Control Program: A successful pilot program in city parks has culled 64 deer, aiding urban wildlife management.

In this November Edition of the BBR Deer News, news you might have missed over the last month, we cover several stories from around the country. Here are the stories we cover and felt were news worthy:

• Controversial Sharpshooters: Discussion on sharpshooters hired to kill deer from helicopters on Catalina Island, California.
• Kentucky Poaching Cases: Coverage of poaching incidents in Kentucky.
• Urban Deer Hunting in West Virginia: A story about deer hunting in urban areas of West Virginia.
• New Bow and Arrow Hunt in Rhode Island: Introduction of a newly sanctioned bow and arrow hunting method in Rhode Island.
• Tree Stand Safety in Wisconsin: Advice on avoiding ash trees for tree stands in Wisconsin.
• Chronic Wasting Disease in Minnesota: Examination of a CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) story in Minnesota.
• Spear Hunting in Arkansas: Discussion about the practice of spear hunting in Arkansas.
• Potential Record Buck in Texas: Report on a potential new record-setting buck in Texas.
• Major Changes in Utah: Discussion of significant changes in deer hunting regulations in Utah.
• Deer Population Management Debate in New York: Insights into a debate over managing a growing deer population in Jamestown, New York.