In this conversation, Jason Whitlow shares his journey into hunting, detailing his early experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped his passion for the sport. He discusses the significance of naming a buck after his father, the preparation and execution of a memorable hunt, and the challenges of filming while hunting. Jason also delves into deer behavior, movement patterns, and strategies for finding target bucks, emphasizing the importance of knocking on doors for hunting permissions. He reflects on the pressure of being part of the Seek One team and the lessons learned from his early hunting days, including the value of shooting does for experience. The conversation concludes with insights on balancing hunting opportunities across different locations and the connections made within the hunting community. In this engaging conversation, Jason Whitlow shares his experiences and insights into the world of hunting and taxidermy. He discusses the mystery of deer disappearing from hunting grounds, his journey into taxidermy, and the importance of gaining shooting experience. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of hunting, as well as the evolving nature of wildlife management and personal growth in the field.

Takeaways

• Jason started hunting at a young age with his father.
• He became serious about bow hunting at 18.
• The buck he named after his dad was particularly special.
• Preparation for the hunt involved extensive door knocking for permissions.
• Deer movement can vary significantly between urban and rural areas.
• Spring is a time for shed hunting and securing hunting spots.
• Shooting does early on helps build confidence and experience.
• Filming adds pressure but can also enhance the hunting experience.
• Jason emphasizes the importance of staying calm during a hunt.
• He shares his connection with the Seek One team and the community of hunters.
• Deer often disappear due to hunting pressure and changing ranges.
• Taxidermy can be a fulfilling career path for hunting enthusiasts.
• Gaining experience through shooting smaller game is crucial for skill development.
• Networking and adapting to new hunting spots can lead to success.

• Shooting does is just as important as hunting bucks for population control.
• Social media can create unrealistic expectations about hunting success.
• Every hunter should aim to shoot as many deer as possible early in their career.
• The thrill of the hunt often comes from the unpredictability of deer behavior.
• Building a history with a deer can be rewarding but is not always possible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jason Whitlow and His Hunting Journey

03:00 The Story Behind Naming the Buck

05:55 The Hunt: Preparation and Execution

08:54 Understanding Deer Movement and Behavior

12:04 Spring Strategies for Finding Target Bucks

15:09 The Pressure of Filming and Hunting

17:55 Lessons Learned from Early Hunting Experiences

20:59 Balancing Target Bucks with New Opportunities

23:58 Connecting with Seek One and Hunting Community

27:57 The Mystery of Disappearing Deer

30:53 The Art of Taxidermy: A Personal Journey

37:53 Future Aspirations in Taxidermy

45:10 The Importance of Shooting Experience

Keywords

hunting, deer hunting, Jason Whitlow, Seek One, bow hunting, hunting stories, deer movement, hunting strategies, urban hunting, hunting pressure, hunting, deer, taxidermy, bowhunting, wildlife, outdoor skills, hunting tips, deer behavior, hunting experience, taxidermy techniques