With the early start to the deer season and prime hunting land in Kentucky, Ryan, Kathy & Brady Whitaker are geared up for a great hunt. They got a 9-pointer that’s been coming into the food plot every night and they’re keeping their fingers crossed he’ll return while they’re up in the blind. The bucks are on the move and they’re waiting patiently. See what happens when Brady finally gets a shot with his crossbow!
We’re in South Georgia facing hot days and dry conditions. It’s not our first rodeo as we’ve been here before hunting in the South. We’ve got our food plots done and our feeders are ready and we’re able to have some prime bucks coming in. Michael and Kevin are having a rough start and bad luck seems to be the theme. Fred Branch is kicking off the season and has a stud buck come in.
We’re in South Georgia facing hot days and dry conditions. It’s not our first rodeo as we’ve been here before hunting in the South. We’ve got our food plots done and our feeders are ready and we’re able to have some prime bucks coming in. Michael and Kevin are having a rough start and bad luck seems to be the theme. Fred Branch is kicking off the season and has a stud buck come in.
We’re in Georgia at the start of the archery season. Fred Branch has a nice buck still in velvet come in for a shot but isn’t 100% sure on the shot angle. Calling in a tracking dog is one of the best ideas for the thick swamps of Georgia. Beth Lee is hunting on the Lee farm for a big mature buck she’s been after all season. And Mike Lee Sr. has a stud buck come in just before daylight runs out.
Backwoods Beards 23.2 – WET Florida Opening Day: Michael Lee, Mike Lee Sr, and Chris Cooper head to Florida to kick off turkey season with Extreme Osceolas.
The anticipation hung thick in the air as Michael Lee prepared for another day in the field, a day that promised to be unforgettable. This was his second encounter with a magnificent buck, and he was determined to make it count. “Apparently, I’m at the age where I can sleep wrong,” Michael joked, rubbing his neck as he climbed into the blind. “But it’s time to get serious about this hunt.”
The early morning chill was quickly forgotten as Michael Lee, a seasoned hunter, focused on the task at hand. His dedication to ethical hunting practices and deep understanding of the wild made every outing an experience in itself. This particular day held a special significance, marking his second encounter with a truly magnificent buck, a trophy that had eluded him before.
With the sun casting long shadows across the landscape, Michael was joined by his friends Rick, Kevin, and Jarrod. They had all gathered at Jared’s property, a place that had become a second home for their hunting adventures. “We’ve got about four hours left until dark,” Michael said, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. “Let’s see if we can spot that buck!”
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As they settled into their positions, Michael couldn’t shake the feeling that today might be the day. “I’ve been changing hats every time I go hunting, trying to find my lucky one,” he said with a chuckle. “Maybe today is the day we finally get a shot at that shooter buck.” The camaraderie among the group was infectious, filled with laughter and shared stories of past hunts. After hours in the “bow hunting tree stands”, patience was key, a lesson learned from years of hunting. The group often shared valuable “deer hunting tips” around the campfire, honing their skills for moments just like these.
“We’ve seen plenty of deer, just not the right ones yet,” Rick added, scanning the area for movement. The tension in the blind was palpable as they whispered about their strategies and hopes for the evening. “Remember, we need to be quiet after the shot,” Michael reminded them. “We don’t want to spook any other deer that might come through.”
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Suddenly, a movement caught Michael’s eye. “There’s a buck!” he whispered urgently, adrenaline surging through him as he grabbed his bow. The moment felt electric as he prepared for the shot. “This is it!” he thought, heart racing as he drew back his bowstring.
With a steady hand and focused mind, Michael released the arrow. Time seemed to slow as he watched it fly toward the target. “Perfect shot!” he exclaimed as he saw the buck react. “He couldn’t have gone far after that one!” The thrill of the moment was overwhelming as they all celebrated the successful hit.
Similar hunting experience: Massive Kansas Buck!.
“Let’s track him down,” Kevin said, ready to spring into action. They quickly gathered their gear and began searching for signs of the deer. “I saw him running up through that area over there,” Michael pointed, excitement mixed with determination. “He should be close.” Following the trail required keen observation and knowledge of “best tracking methods”. Every broken twig and disturbed leaf told a story, guiding them closer to their prize. The adrenaline of the chase was a powerful motivator, pushing them forward through the dense undergrowth.
As they followed the blood trail, Michael’s confidence grew. “This is what it’s all about,” he said, feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through him. “The thrill of the hunt and the camaraderie with friends.” They moved cautiously through the brush, eyes peeled for any sign of their prize.
Related story: Kansas Decoy Buck.
“Looks like he didn’t go too far,” Jarrod said, spotting more blood on the ground. “Let’s keep going.” The group pressed on, fueled by anticipation and excitement. Finally, they spotted the buck lying just ahead. Cheers erupted as they celebrated their success together.
“Look at those antlers!” Michael exclaimed, admiring the character of the deer. “This is an incredible buck!” The joy of the moment was palpable as they took in their hard-earned reward. “I’ve got to say, this is one of my favorite hunts of all time,” Michael reflected, grateful for the experience and the friendships forged in the field.
For more hunting insights, check out BACKWOODS BUCKS 2019 EP 2.
As they gathered around their prize, Michael couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. “Every time we come up here, it’s an adventure,” he said with a smile. “And today was no exception.” With laughter and camaraderie filling the air, they knew this hunt would be one for the books:
“What’s up, y’all! Welcome to the Backwoods Life podcast!” Michael Lee greeted listeners with his signature enthusiasm, kicking off an episode brimming with the spirit of the outdoors. This particular adventure promised not only laughter and camaraderie but also a whole lot of fishing action. With the sun shining brightly and the water glistening invitingly, Michael was more than ready to embark on a memorable day with his good friend, Philip. “We’re out here deep in the **backwoods**, and I’ve got a feeling tonight’s gonna be hit or miss,” he remarked, his voice setting the perfect tone for a thrilling fishing expedition that truly captured the essence of **outdoor adventures**.
As they meticulously prepared their gear for the day’s fishing adventure, Michael found himself reminiscing about his formative years. “If I wasn’t playing sports, I was always fishing,” he fondly recalled, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face as he thought of simpler times. “Somehow, I got into this hunting thing, and here we are, enjoying a fantastic day of fishing right in the middle of deer season!” The natural camaraderie and easy banter between Michael and Philip were unmistakably evident, each man eager to outdo the other in catching the biggest fish, embodying the competitive yet friendly spirit of **backwoods life**.
For more hunting insights, check out Would YOU Take This 50-Yard.
“I learned how to cook like this back in ’83 on a tuna boat,” Michael shared, giving a nod to his friend Chris Copper’s impressive cooking skills. They efficiently set up their portable grill, eagerly anticipating the delicious steaks they would prepare, ready to savor the fruits of their labor and the tranquility of their surroundings. The palpable excitement of the day grew with every cast as they sent their lines into the shimmering water, harboring hopes for a truly significant catch. “Let’s see what kind of trophies we can reel in today!” Michael exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.
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As their fishing efforts continued, the friendly competition between them intensified. “I’m pretty much the Backwoods Alamo Bassmaster champion here today,” Michael playfully boasted, his confidence shining through with a good-natured grin. “My lead is so big, I seriously don’t think anyone’s gonna catch me!” This lighthearted rivalry kept their spirits soaring, punctuated by shared laughs and engaging stories from countless past fishing trips, each tale adding another layer to their rich history of **outdoor adventures**.
Similar hunting experience: BAD LUCK GEORGIA BUCKS.
“I’ve got a fish on over here!” Philip suddenly shouted, his voice cutting through the peaceful quiet as he expertly reeled in his latest catch. “It’s a start, a great start!” Michael cheered, genuinely eager to see what impressive specimen Philip had managed to hook. The sheer excitement of catching fish was undeniably infectious, and they celebrated every small victory on the water with genuine joy. “This is literally all I used to do growing up,” Michael reflected, pondering how deeply fishing had shaped his profound love and appreciation for the great outdoors and the simple pleasures of **backwoods life**.
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As the sun began its slow descent, casting a magnificent golden hue across the tranquil water, the duo remained engrossed in their fishing. “I ain’t got him in the boat yet,” Philip admitted, trying his best to maintain his composure as he valiantly fought to reel in a particularly feisty catch. “Look, Mom! I can catch one!” he playfully joked, showcasing the vibrant, playful spirit that was a hallmark of their enduring friendship and shared **outdoor adventures**.
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With each deliberate cast, they freely exchanged valuable tips and clever tricks, engaging in lively discussions about which lures proved most effective and the subtle art of reading the water’s ever-changing conditions. “You gotta keep them guessing, always,” Michael sagely advised. “If you’re not catching anything after 17 casts, it’s definitely time to switch up your strategy.” The good-natured banter flowed effortlessly, as they playfully teased each other about their fishing prowess and strategic approaches, truly embodying the spirit of **backwoods life**.
“I caught a little snake bass,” Michael announced with a hearty laugh, proudly holding up a surprisingly small fish for the camera to capture. “He’s probably a four-pounder, at least!” The sound of their laughter echoed joyfully across the water, a testament to the sheer enjoyment they found in each other’s company and the exhilarating thrill of fishing together. “This is just what we do, it’s our way of life,” Michael stated, fully soaking in every precious moment of their shared experience.
As the day gracefully drew to a close, Michael couldn’t help but reflect on the extraordinary specialness of these moments spent in nature. “With that, boys and girls, we’ll stop for the day,” he announced with a satisfied grin. “I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings with my impressive lead!” The profound camaraderie and unadulterated joy of being immersed in the outdoors were unmistakably evident as they wrapped up their memorable fishing adventure, a quintessential part of **outdoor adventures**.
“We just need to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jordan for all the incredible fun we had today,” Michael expressed as they began to prepare for their journey home. The sun finally dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with an explosion of vibrant, breathtaking colors as they carefully packed up their fishing gear. With a treasure trove of new memories made and countless stories to eagerly tell, it was abundantly clear that this remarkable day on the water was destined to be one for the books, a true highlight of **backwoods life**:
There’s something truly magical about introducing the next generation to the great outdoors, and in this heartwarming episode of Backwoods Life, it’s all about the kids hunting. The tradition of hunting runs deep in our veins, a cherished legacy passed down from fathers to sons, and mothers to daughters. As the Backwoods Life family gears up for another exciting season, they are deeply dedicated to teaching young hunters the essential skills and fostering a profound love for nature that have shaped their own lives.
“Welcome to the backwoods!” the enthusiastic crew cheered as they meticulously set up for a day filled with unforgettable adventure. Michael Lee fondly shared how he became a passionate hunter thanks to the guidance of his father, grandfathers, and uncles. “I can’t even imagine my life without that being in it,” he reflected with genuine emotion. This year, his son Kyler was finally old enough to join him in the stand, no longer just a curious spectator but a full-fledged, eager young hunter. “Just wait until you see what he can do!” Michael said with immense pride, his eyes sparkling.
For more hunting insights, check out BACKWOODS YOUTH.
As they quietly settled into their makeshift ground blind, Kyler was all smiles, barely containing his excitement. “I’m ready!” he exclaimed, his voice a hushed whisper, as they prepared for their first turkey hunt together. The anticipation was thick in the crisp morning air as they patiently waited for their chance. Suddenly, a majestic gobbler appeared on the horizon, its iridescent feathers shimmering. “There he is!” Michael whispered, adrenaline surging through him as Kyler took careful aim, remembering all the turkey hunting strategies they had discussed. “Good shot, buddy!” Michael cheered as Kyler skillfully dropped his first turkey. “Look at that beard!”
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Kyler beamed with pride as they carefully examined the magnificent bird. “He’s got some good spurs too!” Michael noted, pointing out the impressive features of Kyler’s catch. “You made a headshot, didn’t you?” he asked, and Kyler nodded enthusiastically, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. “I held that red dot right on his brain!”
Similar hunting experience: GEORGIA DEER HUNTING | BWB.
With two turkeys down in just two exhilarating days, Kyler was already feeling like a seasoned pro. But there was still more hunting to be done, more lessons to learn, and more memories to create. “Now it’s off to Georgia for deer season,” Michael said, eager to continue their thrilling adventures. They practiced diligently at home, ensuring Kyler was ready for whatever came next, honing his deer hunting tips.
Related story: GOBBLER MOUNTS DECOY | BWB.
As they transitioned to deer hunting, the excitement remained palpable. “Do you want to shoot a doe or wait for a buck?” Michael asked Kyler as they spotted some does gracefully moving in the distance. “I’m fine shooting a doe,” Kyler replied confidently, demonstrating his understanding of hunting ethics and conservation. The stand began to shake with anticipation as they prepared for the shot. “Take a deep breath,” Michael advised calmly. “Whenever you’re ready.”
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With steady hands and a focused mind, Kyler took his shot and dropped his first deer. “You just shot your first deer!” Michael exclaimed, pride swelling in his chest, a moment he would cherish forever. “Now we have to walk through the woods and find it.” The thrill of the hunt was alive as they ventured out to retrieve Kyler’s prize, a testament to his growing skills.
“A lot of people have to go to the grocery store for their meat,” Michael said, beaming at his son, emphasizing the connection to nature. “But not you! You brought home the meat!” They celebrated together, discussing what they could do with the deer hide and how they might preserve it as a cherished keepsake, a tangible reminder of this incredible experience.
Throughout the episode, other young hunters joined in on the action, sharing in the joy of the outdoors. Fred Branch took his son Taylor hunting, and after some patience and applying sound hunting ethics and conservation principles, Taylor successfully tagged his first buck. “High five, buddy!” Fred cheered as they admired Taylor’s impressive catch. The sheer joy of passing on these invaluable traditions was evident in every heartwarming moment.
As the episode unfolded, it became abundantly clear that this journey was about much more than just hunting; it was about building indelible memories that would last a lifetime, fostering a deep respect for wildlife, and understanding beginner hunting safety. Jeremy Johnson took his son Braxton out for a hunt, and with careful guidance and adherence to best practices, Braxton dropped a big seven-point buck on his first try. “That’s your first rack buck!” Jeremy exclaimed proudly, his voice filled with emotion.
The day was filled with laughter, excitement, and the profound fulfillment of dreams coming true for these inspiring young hunters. As they wrapped up their adventures, the message was clear and resounding: it’s absolutely essential to pass on these skills, traditions, and the love for the outdoors to the next generation. Whether it’s a kid or an adult who’s young at heart, getting someone new into the outdoors is an experience everyone should cherish, promoting a lifelong appreciation for nature and responsible hunting practices:
Whew! It was a **record book opening day for turkey hunting** in Georgia, and the Backwoods Life crew was ready to make it unforgettable. With Michael Lee and Kyler Knighton already tagged out, it was now time for Kevin and Mike Lee Sr. to take their shots. The excitement was palpable as they settled into their ground blind, eager to see if they could all tag out on this special day in the Peach State. The anticipation of a successful **wild turkey hunting** expedition filled the crisp morning air.
“We just stopped over here for a minute,” Kevin said, pointing to their big redneck blind. “We like to be down on the ground, eye level where it’s happening.” The crew had meticulously brushed in their blind with natural tree limbs and a bit of electrical tape, creating a cozy and camouflaged spot to wait patiently for the turkeys. “Sitting here on a little Antler King plot, we’re hoping to see some action,” he added, glancing at Kyler, who was busy playing on his phone after already bagging his turkey for the day. This strategic placement is key to successful **turkey hunting season preparation**.
For more hunting insights, check out Georgia Opening Day Double.
“Can’t shoot them sitting in the house!” Kevin joked, chuckling as he prepared for the hunt, his shotgun at the ready. The anticipation built as they waited quietly, listening intently for any signs of movement or the tell-tale gobble. Suddenly, a magnificent gobbler appeared in the distance, strutting confidently toward their decoys, its feathers shimmering in the morning sun. “There he is!” Kevin exclaimed, his heart racing with adrenaline as he picked up his gun. “He’s coming!”
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As the gobbler approached, Kevin’s excitement turned into a flurry of focused action. “My heart’s about to be out of my chest!” he shouted, adrenaline coursing through him. The turkey came running in, a perfect target. With a well-placed shot, Kevin dropped him right in his tracks, a testament to his skill and patience. “Got him, buddy!” he cheered, relief washing over him as he celebrated his success, another fine bird secured for the day.
Similar hunting experience: GEORGIA GOBBLER STRUTS IN.
“I guess our little blind worked out okay!” Kyler chimed in, grinning as they admired the impressive bird. Kevin carefully examined the gobbler’s sharp hooks and thick beard, noting that it was one of the best they had seen that day, a true trophy. “He’s got some good sharp hooks—about an inch or a little better,” Kevin said proudly, measuring the spurs. “And look at that beard! Probably around 11 and a half inches.” This was truly an **impressive bird** by any hunter’s standards.
Related story: BETH TAGS A GEORGIA GOBBLER.
With Kevin’s turkey down, they snapped some memorable pictures, capturing the moment of triumph, before discussing their next moves. “Now we need to get Mike Sr. on one,” Kyler said enthusiastically, already planning the next phase of their hunt. “We’ve got to make sure everyone tags out today!” The camaraderie and excitement were infectious as they shared stories and laughter, recounting the morning’s events while waiting for Mike Sr. to have his turn.
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As they settled back into their blind, anticipation hung thick in the air, a shared understanding of the thrill that comes with the hunt. “I can’t believe we’re all going to tag out on opening day,” Kevin said, still buzzing from the thrill of the hunt, the memory of his gobbler fresh in his mind. They watched as another gobbler appeared in the distance, its calls echoing through the woods, and the tension rose once more. “This is what it’s all about,” Kevin remarked, feeling immensely grateful for the opportunity to share this incredible experience with friends and family.
Mike Sr. finally got his chance when a gobbler came into perfect range, a moment of truth after hours of waiting. “Can you see it?” he asked, excitement evident in his voice, his aim steady. With careful aim and steady hands, he took his shot, and soon enough, another magnificent turkey fell to the ground, adding to their impressive tally. “Yes! We did it!” they all cheered, celebrating yet another successful hunt and the collective achievement of the team.
“That’s **four turkeys on opening day**!” Kyler exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement, the sheer joy of the moment overwhelming. “We may never do this again!” The thrill of the hunt, the joy of camaraderie, and the shared success made this opening day one for the books, a truly unforgettable experience. As they packed up their gear and headed back to camp, tired but exhilarated, they couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible day they had just experienced, a perfect blend of skill, patience, and good fortune:
Turkey season was wide open in Georgia, and the Backwoods Life crew was ready to make some unforgettable memories. “How many gobblers in one day can we put tags on?” they wondered, excitement bubbling as they prepared for the hunt. With gobblers fired up and attacking the decoys, it was shaping up to be an opening day for the record books. These are the moments that define wild turkey hunting strategies, where every decision can lead to a story for the ages.
The morning air was crisp, hovering around 40 degrees as they settled into their blind, a perfect scenario for turkey hunting season preparation. “We’ve got a big old food plot out here,” one of the crew members noted, pointing to the lush green clover stretching out before them. The vibrant field was a promising sign, a natural draw for the birds. “Let’s see what comes our way.” They were eager to see if the turkeys would be as active as they hoped, their anticipation building with every passing moment.
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As the sun began to rise, the unmistakable sounds of gobbling filled the air, echoing through the trees. “There’s one gobbling over there!” someone exclaimed, their voice a hushed whisper of excitement, and the anticipation grew tenfold. “Let’s get ready!” With their guns at the ready, they watched as a group of hens made their way toward them, moving gracefully through the morning mist. Suddenly, a big gobbler appeared, strutting confidently into view with his chest puffed out. “He’s coming in hot!” another member shouted, adrenaline surging through their veins as the majestic bird closed the distance.
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“I think he’s got a broken neck,” one of them joked, a touch of humor to ease the tension as they prepared for the shot. “It took us about 45 minutes to get here, but it’s about to pay off!” As the gobbler approached, its iridescent feathers shimmering in the morning light, they could see him clearly now, and it was time to act. With a quick, well-placed shot, they dropped the bird right at their feet. “Tag field in Georgia, baby!” they cheered, celebrating their first success of the day with triumphant high-fives.
Similar hunting experience: Record Book Opening Day Turkey.
“Look at those hooks!” one of the crew members exclaimed as they examined the impressive spurs on their prize, a true trophy. “That’s like shooting a 150-inch buck right there!” The excitement was palpable as they reveled in their victory, a testament to their skill and patience. “This is the Hoffmann,” he said, referring to the gobbler they had been watching on their trail cameras. “He didn’t stand a chance against our setup.”
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With one bird down and spirits high, they decided to stay put and see what else the morning had in store. This is a key part of effective wild turkey hunting strategies—capitalizing on a hot spot. “We’ve heard three or four different birds gobbling in the distance,” someone noted. “Let’s see if we can call them in.” They settled back into their blind, their senses on high alert, ready for the next round of action.
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Suddenly, another gobbler appeared on the horizon, a dark silhouette against the rising sun. “There he is!” someone shouted, pointing excitedly. The crew quickly adjusted their positions, their movements slow and deliberate to remain unseen as the bird approached. “Be real quiet,” they reminded each other in hushed tones as they watched the gobbler strut closer and closer, its bright red head a beacon of its presence.
As the gobbler got within range, one of the crew members took aim, their focus unwavering, and fired. “Good shot!” everyone cheered as they celebrated yet another successful hunt. “That’s your first Georgia turkey!” someone exclaimed, congratulating him on his incredible achievement and welcoming him to the club.
“I thought I saw him behind that hen,” he admitted, still buzzing from the adrenaline of the moment. “But I managed to get a good shot off.” They gathered around to admire the bird, noting its impressive beard and sharp spurs, the marks of a mature gobbler. “This has been an incredible morning,” he said with a wide grin, the memory already etched in his mind.
With two birds down and plenty of daylight left, they were eager to see how many more they could tag before the day was done. The success was a direct result of their meticulous turkey hunting season preparation. “Let’s go find Michael; rumor has it he shot one too!” someone suggested as they packed up their gear and headed out to find their friend, ready to share in more celebration.
The camaraderie and excitement were infectious as they shared stories of their successful hunts. With each bird they harvested, they felt a deeper connection to the land and each other. This opening day in Georgia was one for the books, filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of turkey action: