Not every hunt ends with a grip-and-grin photo — some end with tough lessons that stick with you forever. In this episode of Backwoods Life, we share a few hunts where things went sideways and the mistakes that taught me the most. From busted winds to gear slip-ups, these stories will help you avoid the same pitfalls and remind you that every mistake in the woods is just another step toward becoming a better hunter.

Deer season is right around the corner, and success starts long before opening day. In this episode with hosts Michael and Beth Lee, we dive into the essentials of preseason preparation — from scouting smarter with trail cameras and glassing fields to setting up food plots, stands, and access routes. You’ll also hear my go-to gear checklist, from boots and optics to safety harnesses and weapon tune-ups, so you’re ready when the moment comes.

Don’t miss the Pro Tip of the Week to refine your scouting strategy and the Backwoods Challenge designed to get you in the woods this week. Remember, preparation builds confidence — so let’s get a head start on deer season together.

We’re fired up (and highly caffeinated) in this episode of Backwoods Life as we sit down with Chad May from Bob White Coffee Company—South Georgia’s finest supplier of fuel for early mornings, long hunts, and porch-sittin wisdom. Chad spills the beans on how a hunting buddy turned into a barista (kinda), the wild ride of running a coffee company in the middle of nowhere, and why backwoods folks like their coffee the same way they like their deer: strong, bold, and preferably before sunrise. If you want laughs, stories, and the smell of fresh grounds in the morning, this one’s for you.

Backwoods Life Podcast Episode 98

New to hunting and not sure where to start? In this episode of Backwoods Life, host Michael Lee sits down with Trey Wetherington to break down the basics for beginners. They cover everything from finding hunting land, choosing the right gear, and simple scouting tips to help you get your first shot at success in the woods. Whether you're chasing deer or the dream, this episode gives you the tools—and confidence—to start your hunting journey the right way.

Backwoods Life Podcast Episode 97 - How To Start Hunting

In this episode of Backwoods Life, co-host Michael Lee is joined by Trey Wetherington to dive deep into the ethical side of hunting. From fair chase principles and respect for wildlife to dealing with controversial practices and the responsibilities hunters carry, Michael and Trey share personal stories and honest insights about what it means to hunt with integrity. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or new to the woods, this conversation sheds light on the code that keeps hunting honorable—and sustainable—for generations to come.

Backwoods Life Podcast Episode 96 - Hunting Ethics

In this special episode of Backwoods Life, host Michael Lee sits down with his long-time friend, Todd Clements, to share stories from their youth, growing up hunting, fishing, and living the outdoor lifestyle deep in the South. From early mornings in the deer stand to casting lines in muddy creeks, they talk about how those experiences shaped their love for the outdoors and laid the foundation for their version of the Backwoods Life. It’s a heartfelt, humorous look back at where it all began, and a reminder of why the backwoods way of life runs deep in their veins.

Backwoods Life Podcast Episode 95 - Growing Up In The South

Pull up a chair and pour some sweet tea — this week on the Backwoods Life Podcast, we're talkin' turkey. Baby turkeys, to be exact — or as we call 'em, poults. We’ll cover how they’re faring this season, and what kind of habitat they need.

Then we shift gears to our favorite big woods ghosts: deer. From velvet bucks startin' to show to summer feeding patterns, we're diving deep into what’s goin' on in the whitetail woods right now.

But it ain't all sunshine and game trails. Fire ants are outta control this year, and we’re breaking down just how bad they are for wildlife, land, and even your backyard.

And in the worst kind of wildlife news — Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been confirmed again in Georgia. We’ll talk about what this means for hunters, what the state’s doing about it, and how you can help slow the spread.

It’s wild, it’s real, and it’s life in the backwoods. Let’s get to it.

Want to film your hunts? Michael Lee, Trey Wetherington, and Beth Lee discuss what NOT to do if you want to get "out there" and show your stuff! Give this one a listen to learn how the guys got started and rolled "film" back in the day, so you can learn from their mistakes while getting better at filming your hunts and more!