Red Letters & Whitetails Podcast

Good Friday Episode & Don't tie your identity and value to Deer Hunting with Matt Lehr

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails Podcast! One episode 12, host Steven Crawford jumps into 1 Peter 2:23-25. These verses tie together great with "Good Friday"; the day that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. Christians love to talk about the resurrection, and rightly so, as it is the greatest ending of the greatest true story every told. However, we don't talk enough about Good Friday and everything Jesus endured for us that day as he was mocked, betrayed, beaten, and ul...

Mark 8:34-38 & The Michigan Doe Problem with Matt Campbell

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails Podcast! On episode 11, host Steven Crawford jumps into the Gospel of Mark, where he does a deep dive into Mark 8:34-38. This is a well known verse where Jesus declares, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever wants loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." As true, bold Christians we must deny ourselves and our own selfish desires each day, and take up our cross and follow Jesus. It's easy to get caught up spend...

John 14:15-17 & My 2023 Whitetail Season Recap!

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 10, host Steven Crawford does a deep dive on John 14:15-17, and what it means to "practice the presence of the lord." Sometimes when we are going through difficult times in life, we feel far away and disconnected from God, but he is ALWAYS with us. Practicing being in his presence (because we always are), can help us get through difficult times and situations. After the Red Letters portion of the podcast, Steven talks about his 202...

Matthew 18:21-35 & Pre-Rut Michigan Round Table with Sam Hogan, Calvin Beeke, Blake Ledger, and Jack Shull

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 9, host Steven Crawford jumps into the Gospel according to Matthew, where he does a deep dive into Matthew 18:21-35 "Jesus tells the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor." In these verses, Jesus tells the story of the Master who forgave his servant his debt, but afterward the servant didn't forgive another servant the debt owed to him. What Jesus is trying to teach is the power of forgiveness and the consequences of living in unforgive...

My wife and I were baptized!! 2 Corinthians 5:17 & Early October Forecast and Tactics!

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 8, host Steven Crawford shares the big news and his life!! Kaely and Steven were baptized on October 1st, and after Steven shares his experience he dives in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." When Kaely and Steven were baptized, they became new creations in Christ; their old selves have passed away, and they are now reborn in t...

Mathew 18:15 & Balancing Family, Work, & the Outdoors (Part 2) w/ Nate Griswold

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 7, host Steven Crawford is back for part 2 of a 3-part series talking about how to balance family, work and the outdoors with Nate Griswold- a friend an avid Michigan public land hunter. Before the discussion with Nate, Steven shares some big personal news, then jumps into the gospel of Matthew, where he does a deep dive into Matthew 18:15. This verse goes like this, "If your brother or sister in God's family does something wrong, ...

Matthew 6:14-15 & Balancing Family, Work, & the Outdoors w/ Kevin Leach of Latitude Outdoors

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 6,  host Steven Crawford kicks off part 1 of a 3-part series talking about how to balance family, work, and the outdoors with co-owner of Latitude Outdoors Kevin Leach.  Before the discussion with Kevin, Steven jumps into the gospel of Matthew, where he does a deep dive into Matthew 6:14-15. These verses talk about being forgiving to others who have wronged you, in order to be right with God.  In these verses, Jesus declares "For i...

John 8:7 & Selfing Filming Pros/Cons and Nonresident Hunt Planning w/ Carl Ream

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetail podcast! On episode 5, host Steven Crawford jumps into the Gospel according to John, where he does a deep dive into John 8:7. This is well known verse where Jesus declares "He who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." We are all guilty of judging others in one way or another, and Jesus declares multiple times in the gospel that we must refrain from doing this. We are eager to call out other peoples sin, but we usually do it before we loo...

Matthew 10:34-39 & The Importance of Summer Glassing

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 4, host Steven Crawford jumps into the Gospel according to Matthew, where does a deep dive into Matthew 10:34-39. It is in these verses where Jesus declares that he did not come to bring peace, but rather division. Jesus was so bold in his faith that he knew that his teachings and sermons would bring division and cause an uproar during his time. As Gods children, our faith is constantly being tested, and we can either turn away from...

Proverbs 13:20 & Summer Whitetail Prep with David Droge

On episode 3, host Steven Crawford is joined by good friend and fellow Christian David Droge. We jump to the Old Testament in this episode- The first half of the podcast they go into a deep discussion that revolves around Proverbs 13:20, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." We can probably all look back at our lives at some point and remember a time when we were hanging around the wrong group of people that eventually affected our lives in a negative w...

James 1:2-3 & What I Learned From my Dreadful 2022 Whitetail Season

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 2, host Steven Crawford jumps into the New Testament and the Epistle of James to go over two of his favorite verses of the Bible- James 1: 2-3, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." We all go through trials every single day, and we can face them head on by leaning into God, or we can try to solve them ourselves a...

Matthew 6:27 & Michigan Gobbler Success Stories!

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails podcast! On episode 1, host Steven Crawford is joined by good friend and fellow Christian Tommy Enslen. The first half of the podcast they go into a deep discussion that revolves around Matthew 6:27, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"  We are all guilty of worrying too much on a daily basis, and verses like these help you take a step back and appreciate what is truly important in life. The second half of the podcast Tommy ...

NEW NAME, NEW DIRECTION. HUGE PODCAST ANNOUNCEMENT!

On episode 73, host Steven Crawford announces the new name and new direction of the podcast. I don't want to give away the announcement in the show notes, so hit that play button! I will say this....I'M EXTREMELY EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE OF THE PODCAST! GOD IS SO GOOD! 

Adjusting to the Challenges Of Michigan Public Land w/ Vince Battiata

On episode 72, host Steven Crawford is joined by Vince Battiata of Chasing Public to discuss the challenges and successes of his first season back in Michigan after living and hunting in Tennessee for over a decade.  Vince and his fiancé Audrey are hardcore public land hunters that get after it year around, and it was very interesting to hear his take on Michigan public land hunting and how it differs from what he was used to in Tennessee. Topics also discuss were regulation changes we'd l...

Late Season Michigan Success with Mitchel Patterson

On episode 71, host Steven Crawford is once again joined by fellow Michigan hunter Mitchel Patterson as Mitchel shares his story of connecting with a stud Michigan buck during the late season in Mid-December.  Mitchel and his brother Duncan put in a lot of hours last year knocking on doors for permission, and were finally able to secure permission on a small piece in southwest Michigan that ended up being a gold mine.  After Mitchel's story, Steven finishes with a bible verse from Revelati...

Montana Elk Hunt Recap with Dad!

On episode 70, host Steven Crawford is once again joined by his dad as they recap their epic elk hunt adventure in Montana last month.  We recap the hunt by breaking it down day by day starting with day 1 that had 50 mph wind gusts and 12-14 inches of snow dumped, and finishing with the best hunt of my dads life on day 6 of the hunt! I won't spoil the story, you'll have to listen for yourself!  SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY!!

We have arrived in Big Sky Country!! Pre Hunt pep talk with my Dad!

On episode 69, host Steven Crawford is joined by his dad from their motel in MONTANA the day before their big elk hunt. We briefly discuss how deer season back in Michigan is going, but then we transition to talking about the elk hunt we are about to embark upon. This is a hunt of a lifetime for both of us and something we've dreamed about doing together for years. We discuss goals, what we are looking forward to most, and the challenges that await us!!  I wrap up with a Bible verse from Ro...

We have arrived in Big Sky Country!! Pre Hunt pep talk with my Dad!

On episode 69, host Steven Crawford is joined by his dad from their motel in MONTANA the day before their big elk hunt. We briefly discuss how deer season back in Michigan is going, but then we transition to talking about the elk hunt we are about to embark upon. This is a hunt of a lifetime for both of us and something we've dreamed about doing together for years. We discuss goals, what we are looking forward to most, and the challenges that await us!!  I wrap up with a Bible verse from Ro...

A Giant has fallen! The story behind Sam Hogan's Michigan Monarch

On episode 68, host Steven Crawford is joined by friend and fellow Michigan hunter Sam Hogan as Sam shares his story of connecting with an absolute giant 150 inch Michigan Buck he killed just a few short days ago!  No, this buck wasn't killed on a well managed farm. Small permission piece with high pressure around it, or what I like to call "The Michigan Way!" This is a story that you don't want to miss!  After Sam's story, Steven finishes with a bible verse from John 5:24 "Very truly I te...

Michigan Hunters Round Table is back!! Deer season is here!!

On episode 67, host Steven Crawford has multiple guests on for a round table of sorts with a few Michigan whitetail hunters to get the blood boiling as October 1st is THIS WEEKEND!! The guests include former podcast guests such as Jack Shull, Trevor TenHarmsel, Blake Ledger, and Vince Battiata. All the names mentioned above I'd put in the "stone cold whitetail killer" category.  Each guest talks about their plans, hopes, and goals for the 2022 season, how they are approaching opening weeken...

Michigan Hunters Round Table is back!! Deer season is here!!

On episode 67, host Steven Crawford has multiple guests on for a round table of sorts with a few Michigan whitetail hunters to get the blood boiling as October 1st is THIS WEEKEND!! The guests include former podcast guests such as Jack Shull, Trevor TenHarmsel, Blake Ledger, and Vince Battiata. All the names mentioned above I'd put in the "stone cold whitetail killer" category.  Each guest talks about their plans, hopes, and goals for the 2022 season, how they are approaching opening weeken...

2022 Brings a Different Outlook and Different Goals

On episode 66, host Steven Crawford discusses his hunting season schedule, his new outlook on the upcoming season, and his 2022 goals.   Topics discussed include:  -Schedule including Wisconsin in September, Michigan, Michigan Deer Camp, a NOVEMBER MONTANA ELK HUNT, and late season Ohio -Goals for the year; public land, private land, out of state hunt goals, and mindset goals -Having a more simplistic approach; hunt for yourself and nobody else -Finishing with a bible verse from Joshua 1:9 ...

QDMA before it was cool & Touring an immaculate Trophy Room with Steve Pitsch

On episode 66, host Steven Crawford is joined by special guest Steve Pitsch. Steve and his family bought a large piece of property over 30 years ago in Northern Michigan, and immediately started placing deer management rules to improve the quality of whitetails they were hunting. Steve also has an unbelievable trophy room that we toured during the podcast, and shared some really cool stories of a few of the Michigan bucks on his wall.  I finish the podcast with a bible verse. This episode, ...

QDMA before it was cool & Touring an immaculate Trophy Room with Steve Pitsch

On episode 66, host Steven Crawford is joined by special guest Steve Pitsch. Steve and his family bought a large piece of property over 30 years ago in Northern Michigan, and immediately started placing deer management rules to improve the quality of whitetails they were hunting. Steve also has an unbelievable trophy room that we toured during the podcast, and shared some really cool stories of a few of the Michigan bucks on his wall.  I finish the podcast with a bible verse. This episode, ...

A Little Bit of Everything, from Summer Scouting your Home State to DIY Solo Trips in the High Country with Ethan Escue

On episode 65, host Steven Crawford is joined by big buck killing machine Ethan Escue of West Virginia to discuss a variety of topics that'll get your blood boiling for this upcoming summer and fall! Topics discussed include: -Ethan's solo trip to Idaho last year -Getting caught in a dust storm -Ethan's DIY Spot and Stalk Arizona Mule Deer Story -How to go about choosing which DIY adventure is next -Summer Scouting Home state bucks -The stories behind his TWO West Virginia Monarchs last fall...

Back and ready to rock after a 3 month hiatus!

On episode 63, host Steven Crawford is back after a 3 month hiatus from the podcast. The point of this short episode, was to give an explanation to the listeners as to why I had 3 month break, and also explain the new direction of the podcast moving forward!  Looking forward to hitting the ground running with a some great episodes coming your way this summer! SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY!!

Back and ready to rock after a 3 month hiatus!

On episode 63, host Steven Crawford is back after a 3 month hiatus from the podcast. The point of this short episode, was to give an explanation to the listeners as to why I had 3 month break, and also explain the new direction of the podcast moving forward!  Looking forward to hitting the ground running with a some great episodes coming your way this summer! SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY!!

Why March and April are so crucial to your whitetail success

On episode 62, host Steven Crawford talks about the importance of scouting in these next 6 weeks as the snow melts throughout the midwest and the deer sign from this past fall and winter are very visible.  Topics discussed are: -Finding community scrapes -finding bedding areas (does and bucks) -following buck tracks -finding secondary trails AND MUCH MORE!! ENJOY AND SUBSCRIBE!!

Comparison is the thief of Joy; In hunting and IN LIFE! with/ Tommy Enslen

On episode 61, host Steven Crawford is joined by his great friend Tommy Enslen to tackle the tough subject/conflict of comparing yourself to others when it comes to the outdoors and when it comes to life. If comparisons are taking the fun out of it, it's time to look in the mirror and ask yourself why do you do it? We also talk about the pros and cons of social media in the outdoors and if there's a place for it. Another subject we chat about is challenging yourself to become a more well-rou...

"Let's just grab a few beers and talk hunting'" with Chasing Public

On episode 60, host Steven Crawford is joined by Vince Battiata and Audrey Hoag of "Chasing Public" as they cover a variety of topics during the two hour bullshit session.  Topics discussed include:  -Vince and Audrey's background -Their big move from Tennessee to Michigan -2021 season wrap up -Audrey's first buck story -2022 expectations -What are they looking forward to most in Michigan this year? -discussing the "is social media bad for the future of hunting" question  -AND MUCH MORE SU...

Michigan Round Table Part 2

On episode 59, host Steven Crawford has multiple guests on for a round table of sorts with a couple Michigan whitetail hunters to hear stories and discuss lessons learned for the 2021 deer season. The guests include former podcast guests such as Trevor TenHarmsel, Jack Shull, and Robby Enslen. Each one of them had unbelievable seasons both in the state of Michigan, and on the road in multiple states covering Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Indiana.  Each guest tells their favorite st...

Last day Magic! My Michigan buck story and Late Season tactics

On episode 58, host Steven Crawford shares his story of his last day Michigan Miracle buck and late season tactics as we flip the calendar to December and muzzleloader season here in Michigan.  December is a month that a lot of hunters either shy away from, or focus on filling their freezer with some doe hunting. There's nothing wrong with that, but I believe given the right conditions you can kill a mature buck on a food source in the late season. Listen to my late season. tactics and one ...

Late November Tactics to decrease your odds of a tag sandwich!

On episode 57, host Steven Crawford talks about some post-rut/late November tactics to increase your odds of running into a mature buck. We all know as November draws closer to December, buck sightings and deer sightings in general usually go down. In this episode, Steven shares some of his favorite late season tactics as the last few does come into heat over the next couple weeks. SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY! Become a member of the vitals live today at https://www.thevitalslive.com/ Checkout all...

Chasing Tail in the Heartland; Missouri Hunt Recap w/ Robby Enslen

On episode 56, host Steven Crawford is joined by his life long friend Robby Enslen to recap their recent trip to Missouri. They discuss the challenges of the hunt, the lowlights, but also the highlights and things they learned from their week long rut trip in the heartland.  Steven also discusses the upcoming week of November and the strategies you should be using to fill a tag before the orange army hits the woods next week! SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY!! Become a member of the vitals live today ...

Two bucks 30 minutes apart! A morning to remember with Duncan Patterson

On episode 55, host Steven Crawford is joined by Duncan Patterson as he shares his story of an incredible morning he had in the woods last week in southwest Michigan. This story truly debunks the "October Lull" myth, as it shows if you put yourself in the right place, you can tag a buck at anytime in October! Steven and Duncan also touch on Mid-October morning and evening hunt strategies, not jumping the gun on the rut, and much more!! SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY! Become a member of The Vitals Li...

Planning for out of state "mini trips" and Mid-October tactics with Jake Vollink

On episode 54, host Steven Crawford is joined by a stone cold whitetail killer from right here in Michigan, Jake Vollink.  Jake and Steven met over a decade ago when they were both part of the Michigan Whitetail Pursuit team, and even though many things have changed over the years, they are still both avid whitetail hunters. Topics Jake and Steven discuss include: -Jakes September Wyoming buck story  -Scouting and planning for out of state hunts -utilizing e-scouting to make sure you have a...

A Michigan Monarch falls on the opener & Warm Weather Tactics!

On episode 53, host Steven Crawford is joined by long time friend and avid hunter Calvin Beeke as Calvin shares his story of connecting with an absolute giant Michigan Buck on opening day of archery season. After Calvins story, Steven talks about tactics on how to survive this warm weather we are fighting with throughout the Midwest. Tactics including: -Hunting over water -Hunting away from field edges -STAGING AREAS! -Knock on that bucks bedroom door AND MUCH MORE!! SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY! ...

September To-Do List: Speed Scouting

This year on the podcast, host Steven Crawford is going to be giving the listens a monthly to-do list to help become a more successful and efficient whitetail hunter this fall. On episode 52,  Steven breaks down what you should be doing in September to increase your odds of notching your tag on a magnum whitetail this fall. Topics discussed include: -The September shift has happened, Continue to glass the last couple weeks of September to educate yourself what deer are still on your property...

Michigan Hunters Round Table

On episode 51, host Steven Crawford has multiple guests on for a round table of sorts with a couple Michigan whitetail hunters to get the blood boiling as October 1 quickly approaches. The guests include former podcast guests such as Jack Shull, Trevor TenHarmsel, Blake Ledger and one new guest Jordan Cooper. All the names mentioned above I'd put in the "stone cold whitetail killer" category. Each guest talks about what they've been up to this summer and their plan over the next 6 weeks as ...

August To-Do List. Glass! Glass! Glass!

This year on the podcast, host Steven Crawford is going to be giving the listeners a monthly to-do list to become a more successful and efficient whitetail hunter this upcoming fall. On episode 50, Steven breaks down what you should be doing in August to increase your odds of notching your tag on a magnum whitetail this fall. Topics discussed include: -Glass as much as you can no matter what the weather conditions; cold fronts and hot days. -Being conscious of the wind direction and your set...

Setting Realistic Hunt Goals & Summer Scouting Tactics with Ethan Escue

Episode 49 is another must-listen! Host Steven Crawford I joined by another mature buck killing machine Ethan Escue of West Virginia to discuss setting hunt goals that tailor to the hunting trip you are going on and summer scouting tactics to get on mature whitetails come early archery season.  Topics Discussed include:  -Ethan's background and how he got into hunting -Home turf whitetail hunts vs nonresident whitetail hunts -Setting realistic goals that tailor to where you're hunting, what ...

"Trapping" Big Whitetails on Mock Scrapes w/ Troy Pottenger

Episode 48 is a doozy. Host Steven Crawford is joined by mature buck killing machine Troy Pottenger of Idaho to discuss "Trapping" bucks on community scrapes. Troy is an whitetail maniac and has been killing mature mountain whitetails consistently for over 30 years. His main tactic: COMMUNITY SCRAPES. Steven and Troy dive deep into mock scrapes; everything from when to put them out, where to put them, and how often to check them and hunt them. They also discuss buck fever synthetics, Troy's ...

Trail Cameras and Glassing new properties: Your July To-Do List

This year on the podcast, host Steven Crawford is going to be giving the listeners a monthly to-do list to become a more successful and efficient whitetail hunter this upcoming fall. On episode 47, Steven breaks down what you should be doing in July to increase your odds of notching your tag on a magnum whitetail this fall. Topics discussed include: -Revisiting June Trail Cam tactics in case your cameras aren't in the woods yet. -Boots on the ground scouting (depending on the situation)  -Gl...

Summer Trail Camera Strategies with Yours Truly

On episode 45, host Steven Crawford discusses Summer Trail Camera Strategies. July is around the corner, which means most trail cameras are either already soaking or about to hit the woods in the coming weeks. In this episode, I break down how you should be utilizing your cameras more efficiently to target those mature whitetails you'll be trying to hunt down come this fall. Topics discussed include don't put all your cards in one basket (basket meaning destination food sources), utilizing ...

Breaking down "The Nonresident Hunter" with author Blake Mallory

Habitat Management, Where do I start? with the Habitat Man himself, Jared Michael

On episode 44, host Steven Crawford is joined by Jared Michael, host of the "Habitat Podcast."  Topics discussed include: -Jared giving us more details on what the Habitat Podcast is all about, the habitat consulting that he does, and where to find the podcast and other habitat management information at https://habitatpodcast.com -The story behind Jared's giant Illinois 8 point from this past fall; overcoming the adversity of missing two different deer in a span of 3 days, but perservering...

Filming your Hunts? Fourth Arrow Camera Arms with David Droge

On episode 43, host Steven Crawford is joined by David Droge  of Fourth Arrow to talk Camera Arms, Final Rest, and Fourth Arrows' Wyndscent technology. One of the goals for the podcast this year is to highlight Michigan based outdoor companies, and Fourth Arrow is a nationally known brand located right under our nose in Rockford, MI. Topics discussed include the multiple different Camera Arms Fourth Arrow provides for all types of hunting, the new talon shoulder for mobile hunters trying to ...

Michigan Turkey Hunt & May To-Do List!!

This year on the podcast, host Steven Crawford is going to be giving you a monthly to-do list to become a more successful and efficient whitetail hunter this upcoming fall. On episode 42, host Steven Crawford breaks down what you should be doing in May to increase your odds of notching your tag on a magnum whitetail this fall. Topics discussed include: Steven's Michigan Turkey Hunt, hunting evening gobblers,  and much more from his successful Michigan Turkey Hunt. Also covered is your May to...

Michigan Turkey Hunt & May To-Do List!!

This year on the podcast, host Steven Crawford is going to be giving you a monthly to-do list to become a more successful and efficient whitetail hunter this upcoming fall. On episode 42, host Steven Crawford breaks down what you should be doing in May to increase your odds of notching your tag on a magnum whitetail this fall. Topics discussed include: Steven's Michigan Turkey Hunt, hunting evening gobblers,  and much more from his successful Michigan Turkey Hunt. Also covered is your May to...

Tennessee Turkey Hunt & April To-Do List

This year on the podcast, host Steven Crawford is going to be giving you a monthly to-do list to become a more successful and efficient whitetail hunter this upcoming fall. On episode 41, host Steven Crawford breaks down what you should be doing in April to increase your odds of notching your tag on a magnum whitetail this fall. Topics discussed include: Steven's Tennessee turkey hunt, reaping turkeys, and much more from the weekend in Tennessee. Also covered is your April to-do list:  1. Th...