Original Air Date 2013

RE-release Date 2025

In this Evergreen Edition, we revisit one of the Big Buck Registry’s most iconic conversations — Dr. Grant Woods, wildlife biologist and founder of GrowingDeer.tv, returns through the archive to remind us why great deer management never goes out of style. Originally recorded in 2013, this remastered and enhanced episode bridges past and present: new audio clarity, added context from 2025, and a closing commentary from host Jay Scott Ammann.

Dr. Woods walks us through the fundamentals of deer biology, seasonal behavior, scent control, habitat management, and hunting ethics. In the wrap-up, Jay breaks down what’s changed over the past decade — from prescribed fire practices and regenerative food plots to trail-camera regulations, moon-phase research, and the ongoing realities of Chronic Wasting Disease.

If you’ve ever wanted a master class in understanding whitetails — from one of the best minds in the field — this Evergreen Edition is your chance to hear it anew, with insights updated for the modern hunter.

• How Dr. Grant Woods built his approach to deer biology and management

• The rise of prescribed fire as a habitat-renewal tool

• Regenerative food plots and soil health practices

• Scent control and human pressure — what still matters most

• The evolution (and regulation) of trail cameras

• Updated science on moon phase and deer movement

• Chronic Wasting Disease: 2025 status and management focus

• Jay’s closing commentary on stewardship, ethics, and the future of deer hunting

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

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

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

• CWD Surveillance & Updates – U.S. GS: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/current-distribution-chronic-wasting-disease

• Trail-Camera Regulations Overview – RMEF: https://www.rmef.org/elk-network/new-arizona-law-banning-use-of-trail-cams-for-hunting-takes-effect-january-1st/

• Prescribed Fire & Habitat Studies – USDA: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/prescribedfire

• 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)

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.

• 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

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

• 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

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.