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Podcast Episode

How To Hunt Deer - How To Hunt The Second Half Of September

Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting·Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network·15 September 2026·47 min

About this episode

September deer hunting is changing fast, and the hunters who keep using August tactics are about to get left behind. Dan Johnson and Jason Thibodeau break down the second half of September, when drying beans, dropping acorns, shifting deer movement, and early crop harvests start rewriting the map right under your feet.If you need to figure out where deer are moving now - and how to stay ahead of them before the October opener - this conversation gives you the playbook. Dan and Jason get into what the landscape is telling you, why trail cameras are already revealing key clues, and how to adjust when bucks go from patternable to unpredictable.You’ll discover:Why green food sources, water edges, and fresh acorns matter more as crops dry downHow to read trail camera photos differently when a buck only shows up at nightWhen an observation sit is more valuable than a “normal” huntHow harvested fields can suddenly make deer feel exposedWhat small-property hunters should do with the early season vs. the rutWhy access, wind, and scent control matter even more as cover thins out Dan also shares a real-world strategy for hunting his best spots earlier than usual this year, while Jason pushes the conversation toward practical judgment - when to pressure a property, when to let it cool off, and how to keep from burning out your best ground. They also touch on a critical mistake many hunters make: obsessing over strategy while neglecting shooting practice, effective range, and gear prep before season hits.This is essential listening if you hunt whitetails in the Midwest, manage small parcels, or want to tighten up your September-to-October strategy before the woods change again. If you want to be ready when the deer shift, this episode will help you make smarter decisions the next time you step into the timber. Our Sponsors: * Check out MyBookie and use my code SE for a great deal: https://www.mybookie.ag * Check out Nathan and Sons at https://nathanandsons.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy