Pennsylvania Woodsman - Reflections from the Bottom of the 9th: The Last Day of Rifle Season

Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting

Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network

Sports, Technology, Wilderness, Leisure, Hobbies

4.8 • 615 Ratings

🗓️ 17 December 2025

⏱️ 49 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this solo episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast, Mitchell shares the story of a late-season rifle hunt that tested his patience, priorities, and perspective. After a season filled with high expectations, mounting pressure, family responsibilities, mechanical mishaps, and self-inflicted stress, Mitchell heads into the final weekend determined to fill his buck tag. What unfolds is a hard-earned big woods hunt alongside close friends and family—marked by bitter cold, long walks, doubt, and ultimately a brief, narrow shooting window that ends with a buck on the ground. It’s a moment of relief, gratitude, and disbelief that reminds him why he hunts and why the process matters as much as the outcome.Beyond the harvest, this episode dives deeper into what it truly means to seek—both in the woods and in life. Mitchell reflects on the tension between being driven and being present, between pursuing goals with intention versus drifting through them nonchalantly. He opens up about faith, stewardship, family, and the importance of slowing down to realign priorities, recognizing that many of life’s blessings are not earned, but given. This is a raw, honest conversation about growth, gratitude, and learning to pursue what matters most with purpose—long after the tag is filled and the season winds down. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code SE for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com * Check out Troll Co Clothing and use my code EMPIRE25 for a great deal: https://www.trollco.com/hunting Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to the Sportsman's Empire Podcast Network, and this episode is brought to you by Interstate Batteries.
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1:51.3	You're listening to the Pennsylvania Woodsman, powered by Sportsman's Empire Podcast Network.
1:56.9	This show is driven to provide relatable hunting and outdoor content in the Keystone State and surrounding Northeast.
2:02.6	On this show, you'll hear an array of perspectives from biologists and industry professionals
2:06.6	to average Joe's with a lifetime of knowledge.
2:09.6	All centered around values aiming to be better outdoorsmen and women.
2:13.6	Both in the field, as well as home and daily life.
2:16.6	No clicks, no self-interest, just delight
2:20.1	in the pursuit of creation. And now, your host, the man who's too good to stop for a roadkill
2:26.1	deer to check it out. Mitchell Shirk.
2:39.8	Hey, everybody, welcome back to another episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast.
	...

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