Northwoods Whitetails Podcast

Are Vermont Bears Becoming a Problem? | Fish & Wildlife Commissioner - Jason Batchelder - Weighs In

Why are so many communities seeing an increase in bear conflicts? How does Vermont manage its wildlife populations? In this episode of the Northwoods Whitetails Podcast, Dustin Martin and Joey Davis sit down with Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder for an in-depth conversation about conservation, wildlife management, and the future of hunting in Vermont.Jason shares his journey to becoming Commissioner, explains the responsibilities of Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and discusses why regulated hunting remains a critical tool for maintaining healthy wildlife populations. The conversation then turns to one of Vermont's hottest topics—human-bear conflicts. From bears getting into dumpsters, vehicles and even houses to increasing encounters in towns like Stowe, we explore what's driving these interactions, the challenges facing wildlife managers, and how hunters, homeowners, and non-hunters all play a role in the solution.The episode wraps up with some memorable stories from Jason's career and a classic buck story that every deer hunter will appreciate.Whether you're a lifelong hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply interested in how wildlife is managed in Vermont, this conversation offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing conservation today.Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Northwoods Whitetails for more conversations with hunters, biologists, conservation professionals, and outdoorsmen from across the Northeast.Support the showPartners :You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.comA day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made.  https://darntough.comOnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.comWoodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.comFollow us @Website: info@nwwhitetails.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/

Are Trails Changing Deer Habits? - Wildlife Pressure w/ BHA Ethan Dreissigacker

Dustin Martin and Connor Schellong sat down with Ethan Dreissigacker to talk about something we’ve been seeing more and more here in Vermont — the rapid growth of mountain biking and hiking trails, and what that might be doing to wildlife.Ethan brings a unique perspective with his background in competitive skiing and time with the United States Biathlon Team, along with his work in conservation through Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA).From our side, we share real, boots-on-the-ground observations from tracking and hunting whitetails — changes in deer movement, pressure in areas that used to feel remote, and what we’re seeing during critical times like winter.This episode isn’t about pointing fingers — it’s about having an honest conversation around access, recreation, and how we balance that with the long-term health of wildlife and the land.We also dive into:The impact of year-round recreation on deer behaviorWinter pressure and survival for whitetailsWhere BHA stands on trail expansion, land access, and conservationWhat’s happening specifically here in VermontHow we can do a better job managing land moving forwardWe wrap it up the best way we know how — with a story from the woods.If you care about hunting, public land, and the future of wildlife, this is a conversation worth listening to.Support the showPartners :You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.comA day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made.  https://darntough.comOnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.comWoodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.comFollow us @Website: info@nwwhitetails.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/

Fall kick off at JWM

Support the showPartners :You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.comA day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made.  https://darntough.comOnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.comWoodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.comFollow us @Website: info@nwwhitetails.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/

A Family Tradition: Hunting Big Bucks with Jordan Clark and Matt Clark

Partners:Woodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest.https://www.woodmanarms.com/Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.comA day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made.  https://darntough.comYou're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.comOnX hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps.https://www.onxmaps.comFollow us @Website : info@nwwhitetails.comFacebook : https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetailsInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/Support the showPartners :You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.comA day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made.  https://darntough.comOnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.comWoodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.comFollow us @Website: info@nwwhitetails.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/

Vermont's Fish and Wildlife Biologist Nick Fortin

Joey Davis and Brent Dragon sit down with Vermont Fish and Wildlife's deer and moose biologist Nick Fortin. They discuss the Future of Vermont's deer and moose herd and the proposed regulations. Support the showPartners :You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.comA day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made.  https://darntough.comOnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.comWoodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.comFollow us @Website: info@nwwhitetails.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/