EP. 436: Crack the Code on Mature Bucks with the 70 Rule

In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with my buddy Brandon Barlow to talk through some of the more nuanced aspects of deer hunting that go way beyond just putting a stand in a good spot and hoping for the best. Brandon’s the kind of guy who’s not just chasing deer—he’s breaking down their behavior, layering in camera data, and making sense of the landscape they live in. We take a deep dive into the Magnolia Buck—one of those hunts where patience, timing, and knowing the local deer intimately made all the difference. We also cover Brandon’s “70 Rule” for aging fawns based on track size, why understanding bedding and social structure matters, and how using historical camera data can help build better strategies season after season. Whether it’s trail cam placement, identifying browse damage, or reading subtle travel corridors during the rut, this conversation is packed with real-world insight you can use. If you’re serious about understanding why bucks do what they do—and how to build a plan that works around them instead of forcing one on them—this one’s for you. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 436 It can take 2–3 years to truly understand a new hunting area and develop a strategy The “70 Rule” helps age fawns by track size and better predict estrus timing within doe groups Bedding shifts with weather and pressure The Magnolia Buck story shows how patience and historical intel lead to payoff Focus on primary bedding and “spot within a spot” setups to find mature bucks Use trail cams to inform woodsman-ship—not replace it 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 —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