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Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting

Pennsylvania Woodsman - Why Rifle Season Hits Different

Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting

Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network

Leisure, Hobbies, Wilderness, Sports, Technology

4.8615 Ratings

🗓️ 31 December 2025

⏱️ 77 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this end-of-year episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined once again by Grant Forney from the Everyday Outdoorsman to reflect on the 2025 hunting season and how their perspectives have evolved. Together, they dig into the shifting balance between archery and rifle hunting, why rifle season has become increasingly meaningful, and how predictability, shared camp time, and cold-weather patterns have reshaped the way they enjoy deer season. The discussion moves beyond antlers and success, touching on pressure, expectations, public land realities, and how chasing “bigger” goals can sometimes cloud the deeper reasons we hunt in the first place.The episode takes a powerful turn as Grant shares the story of introducing his girlfriend to hunting for the first time—watching curiosity grow into confidence, responsibility, and ultimately a successful rifle harvest. From mentoring without pressure to respecting the weight of taking an animal’s life, the conversation highlights what it truly means to pass on hunting traditions thoughtfully. As the year closes, Mitchell and Grant reflect on priorities, family, mentorship, and the importance of adapting seasons and expectations to the stage of life you’re in. It’s an honest, relatable discussion about growth, balance, and why hunting is about far more than tags filled or trophies earned. 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.

0:07.2

For all of your battery needs, visit your local Interstate Batteries retail store.

0:12.6

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0:16.4

This episode of the Sportsman's Empire is brought to you by Interstate Batteries.

0:21.3

Since 1952, Interstate Batteries has been evoking compassion and a trustworthy spirit into the surrounding communities.

0:29.1

Interstate Batteries is a mission-driven company fueled by purpose and guided by their values.

0:34.6

If you need help locating a specific battery, stop into your local Interstate Batteries

0:38.6

retail store and speak with a battery specialist.

0:42.2

They even offer cell phone repairs.

0:45.0

Interstate batteries outrageously dependable.

0:49.8

You're listening to the Pennsylvania Woodsman, powered by Sportsman's Empire Podcast Network.

0:55.6

This show is driven to provide relatable hunting and outdoor content in the Keystone State and surrounding Northeast.

1:01.4

On this show, you'll hear an array of perspectives from biologists and industry professionals to average Joe's with a lifetime of knowledge.

1:08.8

All centered around values aiming to be better outdoorsmen and women.

1:12.6

Both in the field as well as home and daily life.

1:16.0

No clicks, no self-interest, just delight in the pursuit of creation.

1:20.8

And now, your host, the man who's too good to stop for a roadkill deer to check it out.

1:26.8

Mitchell Shirk.

1:32.6

Welcome back, everybody, to the final episode of 2025.

1:37.5

It's hard to believe we've been 52 episodes since 2024.

1:42.4

And, you know, I thought 2024 was a good year and it was, and 2025 didn't

1:47.9

disappoint either. And, you know, I think over time, it's amazing how, I don't know, it's just

...

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