In this episode, the guys catch up on the bittersweet end of the football season, reflecting on how the Chicago Bears overachieved this year despite the tough finish. The talk quickly shifts to the woods after Todd shares a cool discovery—a vintage "artifact" Easton arrow found while scouting. This leads into a deep dive on the technical side of archery, breaking down what those old-school aluminum numbers like "2413" actually mean for arrow diameter and spine. Along the way, they share a few laughs over a heated debate comparing the simple perfection of oatmeal cream pies to the "bland junk" of sushi, while looking forward to hitting the Iowa Deer Classic and other big expos coming up this March.

The conversation takes a more serious turn as they look at how technology is changing the way we hunt, specifically through the lens of 360-degree cameras. Todd talks about how reviewing wide-angle footage was a total eye-opener, showing him exactly how many deer he was missing while distracted by his phone. This sparks a bigger discussion on hunting ethics and the growing controversy surrounding drones and trail cameras on public land. They weigh the "mind-boggling" number of cameras found in the woods against the potential for new regulations and the backlash from social media warriors. It’s a candid look at the struggle to balance high-tech gear with the traditional spirit of the hunt.

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n this episode of "The Watering Hole," the team recaps their experiences at the most recent Archery Trade Association (ATA) show. The hosts discuss the new shift in the event being open to the public for the first time, debating whether the move successfully drives value for vendors or if the show's glory days of massive foot traffic are in the past. They also dive into a series of candid product reviews, ranging from innovative climbing stick accessories to some of the most experimental bows on the market.

Highlights from the floor include a breakdown of the "Skyhook" hands-free climbing system and a look at the "Revolution" bow, which leads to a debate on whether high-tech designs always translate to better performance. The guys also share their thoughts on the practical side of gear, such as new solutions for stripping arrow wraps and the latest 3D targets from Reinhardt. Whether you're a mobile hunter looking for a lighter setup or just want to hear the latest industry drama, this episode covers the hits and misses of the show.

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In this episode of The Watering Hole, the crew dives into a heated debate over "light discipline" and whether headlamps actually spook deer. While Todd swears by creeping through the darkness or using only red lights to stay "sneaky," Justin argues that white light makes zero difference, citing footage of deer ignoring bright beams from just 20 yards away. They suggest the fear of using lights is mostly a mental hurdle for hunters, especially since deer are already accustomed to car headlights and trail camera flashes. To settle the argument once and for all, the team plans to consult a biologist to explain the science of deer vision and how they perceive different light spectrums. Beyond the headlamp talk, the guys prep for the upcoming Bowhunting and Archery Super Show in Indianapolis, defend their decision to use tracking dogs on recent hunts, and discuss the difficulty of finding mature bucks as the late-season weather shifts.

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