310 JOHN EBERHART – Ultimate Guide to DIY Bucks: Hunting Pressured Whitetails

John Eberhart returns to the Big Buck Registry Deer Hunt Podcast for the BBR three-peat.

John first joined us on Episode 209 in 2017 to discuss hunting heavily pressured bucks and his pioneering use of the tree saddle. He returned on Episode 287 in 2019, when we took a much deeper look at saddle hunting, postseason preparation, bedding areas, entry routes and hunting mature bucks on public land.

Now, at 75 years old, John is back to discuss the most comprehensive work of his career: the three-volume "Ultimate Guide to DIY Bucks," coauthored with Tethrd cofounder Greg Godfrey.

John began writing the day after retiring in January 2023. Eighteen months later, the manuscript had become so large that it needed to be divided into three books. John then spent another three months narrating and editing the audiobook editions himself.

This series brings together more than 60 seasons of John's experience pursuing mature whitetails exclusively on public and free-permission properties. The lessons are supported by dozens of condensed kill stories showing how the strategies worked in actual hunting situations.

This conversation goes well beyond the books.

John explains why hunting pressure should determine nearly every decision a hunter makes, why he has conducted his serious scouting after the season since 1976 and why repeatedly hunting a productive early-season location can destroy its value during the rut.

We discuss security cover, seasonal timing, standing corn, sparring sequences, cellular cameras, saddle hunting, scent control, overlooked river crossings—and why John believes a minivan may be the ultimate DIY hunting vehicle.

John also shares some unfiltered opinions about hunting television, modern crossbows, the commercial hunting industry and whether hunting success can truly be measured without competition.

Whether you agree with every part of John's system or not, this episode will challenge you to examine how you scout, how you hunt and how much unnecessary pressure you may be placing on your best locations.

HERE'S WHAT WE DISCUSS:

• Completing the John Eberhart BBR three-peat