Before the Echo

Crossbows have become one of the most divisive topics in the hunting community. But after reading hundreds of comments and having countless conversations, I've come to realize that hunters aren't really fighting about crossbows.They're fighting about challenge.They're fighting about identity.They're fighting about what hunting means to them.In this episode, I dive into the real reasons hunters turn on each other over equipment choices and why these conversations often become much bigger than the gear itself. We discuss challenge vs. success, convenience vs. fulfillment, and whether making something easier always makes it better.This isn't an episode about telling anyone how they should hunt. It's an honest conversation about why we care so much about how other people hunt and what we might learn from those disagreements.I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.---

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In this episode of Before the Echo, we're joined by the marketing director Cameron Derr from Hawke Optics to break down one of the most important—but often misunderstood—parts of a hunter's setup: optics.We dive into Hawke's entire lineup, from budget-friendly options for new hunters to premium glass built for serious whitetail, western, and long-range hunters. If you've ever wondered how much you should spend on binoculars, a riflescope, or a rangefinder, this episode is for you.We discuss:• What separates entry-level optics from premium optics• When spending more money actually matters• The biggest optics mistakes hunters make• Choosing the right binoculars for your style of hunting• Scope options for deer hunters at different budgets• How Hawke designs optics for real-world hunters• Getting the best value for your moneyWhether you're looking to upgrade your current setup or buy your first piece of quality glass, this conversation will help you make a more informed decision before spending your hard-earned money.Check out Hawke Opticshttps://us.hawkeoptics.comUse code **BTE** at checkout to save money on your order.*What optics are you currently running, and what would you like us to cover in a future optics episode? Let us know in the comments!#BeforeTheEcho #HawkeOptics #DeerHunting #WhitetailHunting #HuntingGear #Binoculars #Riflescope #Optics #PublicLandHunting #Bowhunting

Could Oregon become the first state to effectively ban hunting, fishing, and trapping?In this episode of Before the Echo, I break down Oregon Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), also known as the PEACE Act. Supporters say the proposal is about expanding animal protections, while opponents argue it would remove legal exemptions that currently protect hunting, fishing, trapping, farming, livestock production, and other activities under Oregon's animal cruelty statutes.We discuss:• What IP28 actually says• Why hunters across America are paying attention• The 120,000+ signatures submitted to qualify for the ballot• Potential impacts on conservation funding• Wildlife management concerns• Why this debate extends far beyond Oregon• What hunters can do to get involvedWhether you support or oppose the proposal, I encourage everyone to read the initiative for yourself and understand both sides of the issue.

The Counterintuitive Path to Following Jesus | John 12 Bible StudyIn this episode of the Rooted & Raised Podcast, we dive into John 12 and explore one of the most challenging truths Jesus ever taught:"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." – John 12:24The world tells us to chase comfort, success, and self-preservation. Jesus teaches the exact opposite. In John 12, we see Mary's extravagant worship, Jesus' triumphal entry, and His call for believers to surrender their lives in order to truly live.In This Episode:✔️ Why Mary poured out expensive perfume on Jesus✔️ The difference between true worship and religious appearance✔️ What Jesus meant by "losing your life" to find it✔️ Why following Christ often feels counterintuitive✔️ How surrender leads to spiritual fruitfulness✔️ Practical ways to apply John 12 to your daily walkWhether you're new to the Bible or have been following Christ for years, John 12 offers a powerful reminder that God's way is often very different from our own.

What if becoming a better hunter isn't about doing more—but doing less?In this episode of Before the Echo, I break down 15 things I stopped doing over the years that ultimately made me a more successful and consistent deer hunter. From over-hunting good spots and chasing every new trend to buying gear I didn't need and ignoring access routes, these are real lessons learned through trial, error, and plenty of mistakes.Whether you're a new hunter trying to shorten the learning curve or a seasoned hunter looking to sharpen your approach this fall, I think you'll find something in this episode that challenges the way you think about hunting.Topics include:• Over-hunting good areas• Scouting mistakes• Public land pressure• Gear addiction• Hunting trends and social media• Access routes and deer movement• Learning from failure• And much moreI'd love to hear from you:What's one thing you stopped doing that made you a better hunter?Drop a comment below and join the conversation.

**The Future of Deer Hunting: Better or Worse? | Solo Podcast**Is deer hunting headed in the right direction, or are we losing something that made it great in the first place?In this solo episode of Before the Echo, I share my thoughts on where deer hunting is headed over the next 5–10 years. From advancing technology and social media influence to public land pressure, recruitment of new hunters, access to land, regulations, and the rise of mobile hunting, we dive into the biggest changes impacting today's deer hunter.We'll discuss:• How technology is changing the way we hunt• The future of public land hunting• Social media's impact on hunting culture• Recruiting the next generation of hunters• The balance between tradition and innovation• What concerns me most about the future• Reasons I'm optimistic about what's aheadWhether you're a die-hard traditional bowhunter, a mobile hunter, or just someone who loves spending time in the woods, this conversation is for you.What do you think? Is the future of deer hunting better or worse? Let me know in the comments.**Partners & Sponsors**

Turkey season never really ends. In this episode of **Before the Echo**, we dive into some of the biggest topics in turkey hunting today, including:

In John 11, we walk through one of the most powerful moments in all of Scripture — the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Why did Jesus wait? What does His response teach us about suffering, faith, grief, and the glory of God? And what did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life”?In this Bible study, we break down the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus verse by verse and look at the deep spiritual truths found in this chapter. We also discuss one of the shortest yet most meaningful verses in the Bible: “Jesus wept.”Whether you're walking through a difficult season, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your understanding of Scripture, John 11 is filled with hope and encouragement.

What would I do differently if I started hunting from scratch today?In this episode, I sit down and honestly talk through the mistakes, wasted years, bad habits, and lessons I've learned throughout my hunting journey. From gear obsession and overcomplicated tactics to public land pressure, scouting, fitness, and balancing hunting with family and faith — this is the advice I'd give myself if I had to start all over again.Whether you're a brand new hunter or someone who's been doing this for years, I think there's something in this conversation that can help you become a better and more grounded hunter.Topics we cover:The biggest mistakes new hunters makeWhy gear matters less than people thinkDeer behavior vs hunting tacticsPublic land pressureWind and access mistakesTraditional archerySocial media's effect on huntingWhy I'd simplify everythingBalancing hunting, faith, and familyDrop your thoughts and experiences in the comments — what would YOU do differently if you started over?#Hunting #Whitetail #PublicLand #Bowhunting #TraditionalArchery #DeerHunting #BeforeTheEchoPARTNERS & DISCOUNT CODESLatitude Outdoorshttps://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/Code: BTE saves 15%ASIO Gearhttps://www.asiogear.com/Code: Echo15 saves 15%Stealth Outdoorshttps://www.stealthoutdoors.com/Code: BTE10 saves 10%Razor Broadheadshttps://www.razorbroadheads.com/Code: BTE saves 20%Hawke Opticshttps://us.hawkeoptics.com/where-to-buy.htmlCode: BTE saves 15%

In this episode of Rooted & Raised, we dive into Gospel of John Chapter 10 and one of the most powerful statements Jesus ever made: “I am the good shepherd.”What does it mean to truly know the voice of Jesus?How do we recognize the difference between the Shepherd and the thieves of this world?And why does John 10 bring so much comfort to believers today?We talk through:Jesus as the Good Shepherd“My sheep hear My voice”The thief that comes to steal, kill, and destroyEternal security in ChristWhat it means to follow Jesus dailyHow John 10 still applies to families and believers todayWhether you've studied John many times or are reading it for the first time, we hope this conversation encourages you to grow deeper in your faith and trust the Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep.If this episode encouraged you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today.#John10 #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #RootedAndRaised #BeforeTheEcho #Faith #Jesus #TheGoodShepherd #ChristianYouTube #BiblePodcast

Michigan just made some BIG changes to the deer regulations… but what do they actually mean for hunters?In this episode of Before the Echo, we break down the newest Michigan deer season regulation changes, the confusion around the “1 buck” discussion, and how these updates could impact public land hunters, weekend hunters, and deer management moving forward.Are these changes good for the future of hunting?Will it actually help age structure and deer quality?Or is this being blown out of proportion online?We dive into all of it in this episode.

What 45 Years of Public Land Hunting Taught Dan InfaltTonight on Before the Echo we sit down with legendary public land hunter Dan Infalt for a deep conversation about the lessons, mistakes, strategies, and mindset he's developed over nearly 45 years of chasing mature bucks on public land.Dan has become one of the most respected and influential whitetail hunters in the country by consistently doing things differently. In this episode, we dive into the experiences that shaped his approach to scouting, bedding areas, hunting pressure, big woods bucks, mobile hunting, and understanding mature deer behavior.We cover:How deer hunting has changed over 45 yearsThe biggest mistakes hunters makePublic land pressure and accessBig woods whitetailsScouting and bedding strategiesHunting smarter, not harderMobile hunting evolutionLessons only time in the woods can teachJoin us live and bring your questions in the chat.#DanInfalt #WhitetailHunting #PublicLand #DeerHunting #TheHuntingBeast #BeforeTheEcho #BigBucks #Bowhunting #MatureBucks #HuntingPodcast

Just figured I'd share the 20 YouTube channels I actually watch on a regular basis.Nothing crazy here… just the stuff I tend to throw on whether I'm driving, working, or just killing time. Some hunting, some mindset, some random stuff mixed in.If you're looking for something new to watch, there might be a few in here you haven't seen before.And if not… at least you know what I've been wasting my time on

What if you could see… but still miss the truth right in front of you?In this episode, we break down one of the most powerful miracles in the Gospel of John—when Jesus heals the man born blind. But this chapter is about way more than physical sight. It's about spiritual blindness, pride, and what it really means to see Jesus for who He is.The religious leaders had perfect vision… yet they couldn't recognize the Son of God standing right in front of them. Meanwhile, a man who had never seen anything ends up seeing more clearly than all of them.This chapter will challenge you to ask:* Am I truly seeing Jesus… or just going through the motions?* Is pride keeping me spiritually blind?* What happens when Jesus opens your eyes?If you've ever wrestled with doubt, truth, or what it really means to follow Christ—this one hits deep.---**In this episode:*** The healing of the blind man (John 9:1–12)* The Pharisees' response and spiritual blindness* Bold faith in the face of pressure* What it means to truly “see” Jesus---**Subscribe to Before the Echo for more Bible studies, hunting content, and real conversations about faith and life.**---**

In this episode of Rooted & Raised, we break down one of the most intense and controversial chapters in the Gospel of John — Chapter 8.From the woman caught in adultery…to Jesus declaring “I am the Light of the World”…to one of the boldest statements He ever made: “Before Abraham was, I AM.”This chapter forces a decision.

In this episode, we break down John 7 and one of the most powerful moments in Jesus' ministry.The crowd is divided. The religious leaders are trying to arrest Him. And yet… no one can lay a hand on Him because His time had not yet come.Why?We dive into what Jesus meant when He said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink,” and how so many people completely missed who He really was—even while standing right in front of Him.This chapter challenges us in a big way:Are we judging by appearance… or seeking truth?Are we going through the motions… or actually coming to Jesus?If you've ever wrestled with doubt, confusion, or trying to understand God's timing—this one is for you.

Michigan could be on the verge of a major deer hunting change — moving from a 2 buck tag system down to just 1. But nothing is finalized yet… and the decision is coming soon.In this episode, I sit down with Dave Buikema from Razor Broadheads to break down what's actually happening, why it's being considered, and what it could mean for hunters across the state.Is this the right move for herd management and hunting quality… or is it taking opportunity away from everyday hunters?We cover:Why Michigan is considering going to a 1 buck limitThe potential impact on deer populationsHow this could change hunting strategyWhat hunters on BOTH sides are sayingWhat happens next with the vote in MayThis is one of the biggest potential rule changes we've seen in a long time — and it directly affects YOU if you hunt Michigan.

Most people will follow Jesus… until it gets uncomfortable.In John 6, we see one of the most shocking moments in the Bible—Jesus goes from feeding thousands and gaining a massive following… to watching the crowd walk away almost overnight.Why?Because He stopped giving people what they wanted… and started telling them what they needed.In this episode of the Before the Echo Podcast, we break down:The feeding of the 5,000 and what it reveals about human natureWhy people chased Jesus for the wrong reasonsThe hard teaching that made people leaveWhat it really means when Jesus said “eat my flesh and drink my blood”And the question we all have to answer: Are we following Jesus for who He is—or for what He can give us?This chapter will challenge you. It will expose motives. And it will force you to decide where you stan

The game has changed… but most turkey hunters haven't.In this episode of the Before the Echo Podcast, we break down what's really going on with today's pressured gobblers—and why so many hunters keep getting close… but can't seal the deal.We dive into:How hunting pressure is changing turkey behaviorThe small mistakes that cost you birdsWhat successful hunters are doing differentlyThe subtle signs a gobbler is actually killableReal in-the-woods decisions that make or break a huntIf you've ever had a hunt fall apart at the last second… this one's for you.

Do you actually want change… or just the idea of it?In John 5, Jesus meets a man who had been stuck for 38 years — same problem, same excuse, same outcome. But instead of just healing him, Jesus asks a question that hits every one of us:“Do you want to be healed?”This episode dives into:Why some people stay stuck for yearsThe excuses we don't even realize we're makingWhat real faith actually looks likeThe authority of Jesus — and why it mattersThis one will challenge you.

In this episode of Before the Echo, we sit down with Shane Simpson to break down the real truth about killing public land gobblers.If you've ever struggled with pressured birds, crowded public land, or gobblers that just won't commit—this episode is for you.We dive into:Run-and-gun turkey hunting tactics that actually workHow to locate and kill pressured public land gobblersAggressive vs soft calling strategiesMidday tactics most hunters overlookMistakes that are costing you birdsShane shares real-world experience and strategies that go against the grain—and flat out kill turkeys on public land.

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

In this episode of Before the Echo, I sit down with Matt Zernzach from The Push Archery to talk about the growing movement of traditional bowhunting and why more hunters are picking up a stickbow.We dive into instinctive shooting, transitioning from compound bows to traditional archery, the mental side of shooting, and why traditional bowhunting forces you to become a better woodsman. Matt shares insights from years of teaching traditional archery and building one of the most respected educational platforms in the trad community.If you've ever considered shooting a recurve or longbow, or you're already deep in the traditional archery world, this conversation is packed with insight.Topics We Cover• Why traditional archery is exploding right now• Instinctive shooting vs gap shooting• The biggest mistakes new trad shooters make• Why traditional bowhunting changes how you hunt• Arrow weight, broadheads, and trad setups• The future of traditional archeryCheck Out The Push Archery

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

Technology is changing hunting faster than ever. Thermal optics, drones, cellular cameras, live mapping, and more are becoming common tools in the woods. But at what point do we have to stop and ask the question… where do we draw the line?In this episode of the Before the Echo Podcast, we dive into the growing debate around modern hunting technology. Are tools like thermal scopes and drones just another evolution of hunting equipment, or do they start to cross a line that changes the very spirit of the hunt?We talk about:• Thermal optics in hunting• The rise of drones for scouting and recovery• Technology vs traditional hunting skills• Fair chase and the ethics of modern hunting• Where each of us personally draws the lineThis isn't about attacking anyone's approach — it's about having an honest conversation about the future of hunting and the responsibility we have to protect what makes it special.I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.Where do YOU draw the line when it comes to hunting technology?This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

In this episode of Before the Echo, I sit down with Greg from The Hunting Public to talk about the real side of hunting on YouTube.We dive into some honest conversations about hunting gear, filming hunts, the mental side of bowhunting, and what the future of hunting might look like. Greg shares what gear actually matters in the woods, what hunters tend to waste money on, and how filming hunts has changed the way he approaches chasing mature bucks.We also get into the behind-the-scenes reality of building a hunting media brand, and Greg answers some bigger questions about where hunting and hunting content may be headed in the future.If you enjoy conversations about hunting strategy, mindset, and the real challenges of public land hunting, you're going to love this one.Topics We CoverGear hunters waste money onGear that actually matters in the woodsHow filming hunts changes the way you huntResetting mentally after blowing a mature buck encounterThe business side of hunting contentConcerns about the future of huntingWhat Greg would tell every young hunter starting outCheck Out The Hunting PublicSubscribe to their channel here:

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

Follow Jason on youtube in the links belowTruck Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@Jason-SamkoHunting Channel and Patreonhttps://www.youtube.com/@SamkoTradBowhttps://www.patreon.com/c/tradbowpodcast/posts?vanity=tradbowpodcastThis show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

This show is brought to you by Latitude Outdoors and Asio Gear!Latitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY SUPPORTING OUR PARTNERSLatitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

Follow Before the Echo on Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/beforetheechohunting/Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEUun2B14oDuAdhWJoSEtA/joinSupport the podcast by supporting my partners!Visit Latitude Outdoors for all you saddle hunting gear.https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/ Code "BTE" will save you 15% off! @latitudeoutdoors ASIO Gear (CODE Echo15 to Save 15%)http://www.asiogear.com/?utm_source=bte @ASIOgear Stealth Outdoorshttps://www.stealthoutdoors.com/Use the Code "BTE10" to save 10% @StealthOutdoors Razor Broadheadsvisit www.razorbroadheads.com and use code "BTE" to save 20%!Follow them on instagram https://www.instagram.com/razorbroadheads/Hawke Opticswww.hawkeoptics.comUse Code "BTE" for 15% off! DON'T FORGET TO HIT THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON AND IF YOU LIKE THE CONTENT SMASH THE LIKE BUTTON.

Follow Beau here!https://www.youtube.com/@ghostbuckshuntingvideos7832SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY SUPPORTING OUR PARTNERSLatitude Outdoors – Premium saddle hunting gear built for serious hunters

In this episode, I sit down with my group of hunting buddies to talk about the group chat that keeps us going all season long. We share every hunt—wins, losses, close calls, and lessons learned. That constant support and shared excitement is what helps us stay motivated, sharp, and successful from opening day to the final tag filled.

Follow Before the Echo on Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/beforetheechohunting/Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEUun2B14oDuAdhWJoSEtA/joinSupport the podcast by supporting my partners!Visit Latitude Outdoors for all you saddle hunting gear.https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/ Code "BTE" will save you 15% off! @latitudeoutdoors ASIO Gear (CODE Echo15 to Save 15%)http://www.asiogear.com/?utm_source=bte @ASIOgear Stealth Outdoorshttps://www.stealthoutdoors.com/Use the Code "BTE10" to save 10% @StealthOutdoors Razor Broadheadsvisit www.razorbroadheads.com and use code "BTE" to save 20%!Follow them on instagram https://www.instagram.com/razorbroadheads/Hawke Opticswww.hawkeoptics.comUse Code "BTE" for 15% off! DON'T FORGET TO HIT THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON AND IF YOU LIKE THE CONTENT SMASH THE LIKE BUTTON.

In this episode we sit down with Clayton Stark to talk about coon hunting. We go into how he started coon hunting, the fur market, competition hunting, and much more!Follow Clayton at the following links.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@starkoutdoors-p3qand https://www.youtube.com/@stark_outdoorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stark_outdoors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayton.stark.526

Follow Before the Echo on Instagram⁠https://www.instagram.com/beforetheechohunting/Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEUun2B14oDuAdhWJoSEtA/joinSupport the podcast by supporting my partners!Visit Latitude Outdoors for all you saddle hunting gear.https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/ Code "BTE" will save you 15% off! @latitudeoutdoors ASIO Gear (CODE Echo15 to Save 15%)http://www.asiogear.com/?utm_source=bte @ASIOgear Stealth Outdoorshttps://www.stealthoutdoors.com/Use the Code "BTE10" to save 10% @StealthOutdoors Razor Broadheadsvisit www.razorbroadheads.com and use code "BTE" to save 20%!Follow them on instagram https://www.instagram.com/razorbroadheads/Hawke Opticswww.hawkeoptics.comUse Code "BTE" for 15% off! DON'T FORGET TO HIT THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON AND IF YOU LIKE THE CONTENT SMASH THE LIKE BUTTON.

In this episode we are joined by Jace Allen to talk how he gets on so many bucks and gets them on the ground on public land! Follow Jace HEREhttps://www.facebook.com/jace.allen.5https://www.instagram.com/_nature_of_the_beast/