# EP. 481: Trust Your Gut or Trust Your Gear? | Nathan Killen

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/truth-from-the-stand-deer-hunting-podcast-175247/ep-481-trust-your-gut-or-trust-your-gear-nathan-killen
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/truth-from-the-stand-deer-hunting-podcast-175247/ep-481-trust-your-gut-or-trust-your-gear-nathan-killen.md
Podcast: [Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/truth-from-the-stand-deer-hunting-podcast-175247)
Published: 2026-02-25T05:05:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/WPCM4058924395.mp3?updated=1771772187
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/WPCM4058924395.mp3?updated=1771772187
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/truth-from-the-stand-deer-hunting-podcast-175247/episodes/ep-481-trust-your-gut-or-trust-your-gear-nathan-killen
Duration seconds: 5840

## Resource

This week I’m joined by Nathan Killen, and we get into the stuff that doesn’t show up in highlight reels — weather that doesn’t cooperate, thermals that don’t do what you expect, and seasons that force you to adjust whether you want to or not. We talk traditional archery, food sources, scrapes, rattling, and the little woodsmanship details that still matter no matter how much technology creeps into the picture. Nathan and I both share seasons where patience mattered more than aggression, and where trusting your gut made more difference than any piece of gear ever could. There’s a thread running through this one about balance — using tools without losing the mystery, learning without overcomplicating it, and remembering that comparison will rob the joy out of this faster than a blown wind ever will. This episode is about instinct, adaptability, and keeping the hunt honest. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 481 Weather, thermals, and food sources dictate deer movement more than anything else. Traditional archery sharpens awareness and forces you to earn every opportunity. Older bucks live by patterns — your strategy has to adjust to theirs. Hunt the edges of sign, not just the sign itself. Woodsmanship is built through reps, not talent. Trusting your gut often beats overthinking the setup. Technology can help — but the mystery is what keeps hunting meaningful. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: —Truth From The Stand Merch —Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras — Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15 —Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20 —Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt —Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10 —Check out Faceoff E-Bikes —Waypoint TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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