305 Dean Vanier - Whitetail Scent Strategy - BBR Evergreen Series

In this Evergreen edition of the Big Buck Registry’s Deer Hunt Podcast, we’re reaching back to one of our most impactful early episodes — a 2013 conversation with Dean Vanier, founder of Northwoods Common Scents.

Dean has spent over 30 years perfecting his approach to whitetail communication using 100% pure scent — and in this masterclass, he shares how hunters can use scent not as a gimmick, but as a tool for understanding and influencing deer behavior.

We cover:

• Mock scrapes, drag rags, and the concept of the "virtual deer"

• Why buck urine is underrated early in the season

• Dean’s scent layering strategy through all phases of the rut

• How scent helps you “talk” to deer using their own instincts

• And how the industry has changed since this episode first aired — including CWD laws, synthetic scents, and ATA/RHA certification

Dean’s methods are still converting skeptical hunters to this day — and his passion for woodsmanship through scent makes this one of the most timeless episodes in our archive.

🎧 Listen now to revisit a true craftsman in the deer woods.

🔗 Learn more about Dean and his products at: https://www.teamnorthwoods.com

✅ Subscribe & Follow for more Evergreen episodes from the BBR vault.

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304 Randy Gagne - Bow Tech - BBR Evergreen Series

Original Air Date: 2013
Re-release Date: 2025
Guest: Randy Gagne, Master Bow Technician – Morse’s Sporting Goods (Hillsborough, NH)

Episode Summary:

In this special re-release of Episode 15, we sit down with master bow technician Randy Gagne of Morse’s Sporting Goods to explore the fundamentals of compound bow setup, arrow tuning, broadhead prep, and ethical archery. Originally recorded in 2013, this episode is part of our Evergreen Series—timeless interviews remastered for today’s listeners, with fresh updates and modern context.

Randy has long been one of New England’s most sought-after bow techs. From draw length and string life to crossbows, rest types, and seasonal prep, this episode delivers a masterclass in bowhunting setup that’s just as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.

Now in 2025, we also revisit Randy’s journey—including his expansion into taxidermy, and how his role has evolved in preserving both the gear and the memories of a successful hunt.

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🧰 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to determine correct draw length and poundage

• The difference between fixed and mechanical broadheads

• Why proper string maintenance is essential (and what can go wrong)

• How to check your arrows for hidden issues

• The evolution of whisker biscuits and drop-away rests

• Why tuning matters more than brand

• How crossbows have transformed the archery world

• Randy’s real-world tips for storing, prepping, and practicing with your bow

• What’s changed in bowhunting technology since 2013

• How Randy's work has expanded into taxidermy and memory preservation

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🏹 Modern Updates & References:

In the intro and commentary, Jay shares how the following have advanced since the original airing:

• Cam tech (Bowtech DeadLock, Mathews SwitchWeight)

• Carbon risers and flagship bows like the Hoyt RX-8, Mathews LIFT

• Strings (pre-stretched, peep-alignment without tubing)

• Arrows (micro-diameter, high FOC, spine consistency)

• Broadheads (SEVR, Iron Will, Magnus, Rage, G5)

• Crossbows (e.g., Ravin R500 @ 505 fps)

• Smart tech (Garmin Xero, digital rangefinding, app-based tuning)

Influencer shoutouts include:
🧠 John Dudley
🏹 Levi Morgan
🎯 Chris Bee
📏 Tim Gillingham
🏔️ Cameron Hanes

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🛠️ Featured Guest: Randy Gagne

• Role: Master Bow Technician & Taxidermist

• Business: Morse’s Sporting Goods – Hillsborough, NH

• Website: https://www.morsessportinggoods.com

• Specialties: Compound bow setup, string/cam tuning, gear fitting, ethical prep, and custom taxidermy

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Deer News - January 2024

Show Notes for Big Buck Registry's Deer News - January Edition

Topics Discussed:

• Nationwide Debate on Drones for Deer Recovery
     - Exploring the ongoing debate across the United States regarding the use of drones in deer hunting and recovery.
• Hawaii's DLNR Axis Deer Culling Program
     - Discussing Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources initiative to control the Axis deer population in Maui Nui.
• Ohio's Record-Breaking Buck Investigation
     - Delving into Ohio's investigation into the potentially illegal harvest of a record-breaking white-tailed deer in Clinton County.
• The James Keel Dwarf Buck Story
     - Unveiling the fascinating story of James Keel's harvest of a unique dwarf buck in Mississippi.
• Deer Culling in Wildwood, Missouri
     - Examining the deer culling efforts and their implications in Wildwood, Missouri.
• Washington DC's Decade-Long Deer Snipe Program
     - Reviewing the long-term deer snipe program in Washington DC and its impact.
• Texas Deer Hunting Economy
     - Analyzing the economic aspects and significance of deer hunting in Texas.
• The Disappearance of Turbo the Deer in South Carolina
     - Investigating the mysterious disappearance of Turbo, a well-known deer on an island in South Carolina.
• NWTF Deer Hunt for Disabled Hunters in Virginia
      - Highlighting the annual National Wild Turkey Federation deer hunt in Virginia, dedicated to disabled hunters.
• New Wisconsin Legislation for Deer Hunting
      - Discussing new legislative measures in Wisconsin aimed at improving deer hunting in the northern region.

**End of Show Notes**

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Deer News - December 2023

 

Topics Discussed 

• Wisconsin Gun Deer Season: The 2023 season saw a decline in harvests, emphasizing safety in hunting practices.
• Massachusetts Sunday Deer Hunting Debate: Legislators are considering lifting a century-old ban on Sunday deer hunting.
• Minnesota's "Hunters For Hunters" Group: A new group is focusing on the impact of wolves on deer populations.
• Unsolved Case of Hunter Terry Brisk: Minnesota still seeks answers seven years after the mysterious death of Terry Brisk.
• Deer Hunting Expansion in Massachusetts: The Quabbin Reservoir sees an expansion of deer hunting to address rising deer populations and protect ecosystems.
• Utah Hunting Regulation Changes for 2024: Significant changes to hunting regulations, focusing on modernization and sustainability.
• Pittsburgh Pilot Deer Control Program: A successful pilot program in city parks has culled 64 deer, aiding urban wildlife management.

 

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Deer News - November 2023

In this November Edition of the BBR Deer News, news you might have missed over the last month, we cover several stories from around the country.  Here are the stories we cover and felt were news worthy:

• Controversial Sharpshooters: Discussion on sharpshooters hired to kill deer from helicopters on Catalina Island, California.
• Kentucky Poaching Cases: Coverage of poaching incidents in Kentucky.
• Urban Deer Hunting in West Virginia: A story about deer hunting in urban areas of West Virginia.
• New Bow and Arrow Hunt in Rhode Island: Introduction of a newly sanctioned bow and arrow hunting method in Rhode Island.
• Tree Stand Safety in Wisconsin: Advice on avoiding ash trees for tree stands in Wisconsin.
• Chronic Wasting Disease in Minnesota: Examination of a CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) story in Minnesota.
• Spear Hunting in Arkansas: Discussion about the practice of spear hunting in Arkansas.
• Potential Record Buck in Texas: Report on a potential new record-setting buck in Texas.
• Major Changes in Utah: Discussion of significant changes in deer hunting regulations in Utah.
• Deer Population Management Debate in New York: Insights into a debate over managing a growing deer population in Jamestown, New York.

 

 

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Deer News September 2023

• Episode Overview: In this episode, we explore the multifaceted challenges and developments in deer populations and wildlife management across various regions.

• Topics Covered:

  1. TWRA Controversy: Unpacking the allegations against the Tennessee Wildlife and Resources Agency (TWRA) related to Chronic Wasting Disease.
  2. Urban Deer Overpopulation: Discussing the deer population challenges in urban areas, spotlighting Washington, DC, and Dartmouth.
  3. Hunting Season Updates: Highlighting the introduction of crossbows in Minnesota's archery deer season and Michigan's DNR's emphasis on antlerless deer hunting.
  4. Digital Transition in Hunting: Exploring the modern shift to digital kill registrations and its impact on the hunting community.
  5. Lake Winnipesaukee's Deer Hunting: A look at the decision to open all islands for deer hunting.
  6. Controversial Proposals: Navigating the deer baiting ban debate in Kansas and the legal challenges faced by Mill Creek MetroParks' deer management strategy.

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302 The Big Boy Buck - An Ohio Poaching Case

We've partnered with Wayne Saunders from the Warden's Watch podcast to delve into a gripping story that serves as a cautionary tale for hunters and conservationists alike. Ohio is a prime destination for white-tailed deer hunters, but unfortunately, it also attracts poachers. We'll explore the story of "Big Boy," a trophy buck that captured the attention of ethical hunters and law enforcement officers, only to fall victim to poaching.

• Ohio as a Hunting Destination: Why Ohio is a hotspot for white-tailed deer hunting and, regrettably, also for poaching.
• The Ethical Hunters: Ian Obenshain and Brad Bailey spot Big Boy in the summer of 2009 and plan to hunt it ethically in the fall.
• Officer Gilkey's Involvement: The hunters specifically wanted Officer Gilkey to be involved in overseeing the hunting area.
• The Disappearance: Big Boy vanishes from trail cameras just before the hunting season begins.
• The Expo Revelation: Months later, Big Boy is displayed at an expo, claimed to be a Kentucky state record by a poacher.
• The Confession: The poacher sticks to his story but eventually confesses, hoping to avoid prison time.
• Legal Consequences: The poacher, with thirteen prior hunting convictions, faces a lifetime hunting ban and a $23,572.05 fine under Ohio's Trophy Restitution Law.
• Recognition for Officer Gilkey: He receives the Ohio Bow Hunter Officer of the Year award for solving this case.
• Role of Ethical Hunters: The hunters who initially spotted and documented Big Boy also deserve recognition for their ethical approach.
• Reporting Wildlife Crime: The importance of reporting wildlife crimes through platforms like wildlifecrimestoppers.org.
• The Emotional Toll: The loss of Big Boy was hard for the ethical hunters, but the case also brought them closer as friends.
• Law Enforcement's Approach: The seriousness with which the case was handled is a testament to the importance of wildlife conservation.

 

The tale of Big Boy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by ethical hunters and the importance of wildlife conservation. While the story had a bittersweet ending, it also showcased the dedication of law enforcement officers like Officer Gilkey and the role of ethical hunters in preserving the integrity of the sport. The case also highlights the importance of reporting wildlife crimes, which can be done across all 50 states and Canada through wildlifecrimestoppers.org. Let's all take a moment to appreciate the efforts of those who strive to keep our forests and wildlife safe.

 

 

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