Massaro Outdoors Podcast — Episode 2: Dad's First Deer

Host: Micah Massaro Guest: Micah's Dad

Episode Summary: In this episode, Micah flips the mic and interviews his dad about harvesting his very first deer during the 2018 season in Delaware. They walk through the entire experience — from the stand setup and the shot, to a long overnight recovery, an unexpected helping hand from a stranger, and the valuable hunting lessons learned along the way. The conversation also ties those lessons to the Christian walk, with a reflection on Philippians 3.

Topics & Timestamps:

• The Hunt Setup — 80-acre Delaware property, hardwoods and ag fields, hunting the edge of a wood line from a ladder stand with a Wicked Ridge crossbow.
• The Shot — Mid-October, about 20 minutes before last light. Three does come in; the deer moves as the trigger is pulled, resulting in a liver shot rather than the intended shoulder shot.
• The Recovery — Dark blood on the bolt, limited blood trail, and the tough decision to back out overnight. Grid searching the next morning leads to finding the deer bedded just 150–200 yards from the shot site.
• The Drag Out — A long manual drag to the truck, interrupted by a stranger who pulls over to help — a blessing in disguise.
• Lessons Learned:
• Patience is key — don't move too quickly when deer are coming in.
• Never take a shot on a moving deer; make sure the deer is stopped and at the right angle.
• Don't push a deer after a questionable shot — give it time and back out if unsure.
• Faith Connection — A reflection on Philippians 3:12–14, drawing the parallel between always learning as a hunter and always growing as a Christian.
• What's Next — Upcoming episodes on fishing trips, YouTube shorts (deer scouting video now live), future content on food plots, waterfowl hunting, small game, and potential guest interviews.

Call to Action:

• Check out the Massaro Outdoors YouTube channel for deer scouting shorts and more.
• Like, subscribe, and leave a review.
• Stay tuned for Episode 3, covering summer fishing trips in Delaware and Florida.