On this episode, Dan Johnson sits down with longtime bowhunter, guide and outfitter Fred Eichler for a wide-ranging conversation about a life shaped by archery and adventure. Fred shares how he moved from Florida to Colorado, learned the trade in archery shops, and set his sights on the North American Super Slam. He also recalls a self-guided Alaska caribou hunt with his recurve—and the close calls that come with hunting big game around the world.

Dan and Fred talk about what technology has changed in hunting, why Fred believes hunters should keep practical outdoor skills sharp, and how hard work can still open doors on public land. They discuss the pressure to chase bigger trophies and make the case for centering hunting on the experience, time outdoors, wildlife management and putting healthy meat in the freezer. Plus, Fred tells the unforgettable story of an alligator grabbing his knee—and explains why the challenge and close encounters are what keep him bowhunting.

Dan Johnson and Pierce Nelles talk about the pressure of November hunting, when social media fills with big-buck photos and advice. They share a laugh about scoring deer and remind listeners that getting any whitetail within bow range is an accomplishment, regardless of antler size.

Pierce describes how mobility and reading terrain helped him find success in Iowa. Dan sets up the story of his own buck, including the role of wind, thermals, and hunting strategy.

In this episode of Nine Finger Chronicles, Dan J. sits down with David of Tag and Brag during the Code Blue Scents "scrape week," just as the pre-rut is heating up. Dan opens with his New York City trip, then the two get into the hunting life. They talk about the pressure of turning a passion into a job, the guilt of leaving family behind in November, and staying present instead of wishing the season away. They also cover how age changes what a big buck means to you.

Then the conversation turns to strategy. David explains why scrapes are a top priority right now. He covers how to read fresh sign and licking branches, and why trail cameras tell you when deer are moving but can also leave you with "coulda, shoulda, woulda" regrets. Dan and David compare notes on hunting terrain features like thermal hubs instead of a single scrape, and on how scrapes matter less as the rut gets going. They also cover longer sits, when to move stands, and reading a doe that's about to be pursued. David shares a story of a giant buck trotting right under his stand.

Thanks to this episode's partners: Code Blue Scents (codebluescents.com, code NFC20 for 20% off), Wasp Archery (wasparchery.com, code NFC20 for 20% off), Vortex Optics (vortexoptics.com), Vapor Trail Archery (VaporTrailArchery.com), Reveal Trail Cameras (tacticam.com/cameras) and Ozonics (ozonicshunting.com).