My 2021 Buck - Sleeping in the Woods | Bowhunting Whitetails w/ Bill Winke

[@christopherfranklin1842]

So glad to start seeing some regular videos again. Midwest Whitetail just isn’t the same without you Bill. I learned so much over the last 4/5 years from your videos and last season it finally paid off with my first bow buck, my biggest bow buck 3 days later and then my biggest buck to date 3 weeks after that. All accomplished with the information from your videos.

[@kevinchapman530]

Yeah its awful. I quit watching it

[@camerongrant9356]

I totally agree, Bill is Midwest whitetail

[@jbilly24]

A great story and all the more amazing that a guy who has several walls of giant whitetails under his belt still has the passion to lay in a sleeping bag in the middle of the woods for hours on end. Most veteran “celebrity” hunters are looking for the easiest way and you’re doing the opposite. Much respect Bill!

[@nextgen_performance]

When I was 9 years old I found Midwest whitetail. Only the second year you were producing videos. I can credit 98% of what I know about hunting whitetails to you Bill. So glad to see you getting back into creating content! The phrase “and remember to always dream big” has been stamped into my memory for 13 years now

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Eli. I appreciate the many years of support. It is humbling. I hope you have a great season and keep dreaming big.

[@robertfrantzll8083]

I love watching your videos. You are so real and down to earth with all you do. I learn something everytime I watch you.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Robert. I appreciate the support and the comment. Have a great day and a great New Year.

[@brandoncoppage7878]

You are waaaaaay more dedicated to hunting a deer than I am!

[@alvinbarrett741]

Great video Bill , I m a big fan of yours . I remember reading your articles when I was a teenager in the late 90 s . I consider you a hunting hall of famer . Thanks

[@davidvvv501]

The quote "you get out of something what you put into it" really applies here. Sounds like an effective, extreme, and fun experience. Congrats on the great buck.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks David. I appreciate the note and the support. Have a great day.

[@nickricholetti754]

It’s all worth it in the end …… and the way you took him is legendary . Great stories for years to come

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Nick. Yes, you forget the parts that suck and only remember the good stuff. Also, by the time I am telling my grandkids about it, there will be a foot of snow on the ground and bluffs will be 500 feet taller!

[@allieandbo]

That's what you call dedication...lol. Ain't gotta worry about me ever trying that technique Bill. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@hoytarcheryofficial]

The master!! Great story with amazing nuggets of insight throughout. Well done, Bill!

[@harveyroad6]

This is a great video Bill. Hunting my buddies farm I found the less time we spent on the land the more big bucks we saw. So I been thinking about sleeping out for the past 3-4 years. You got my wheels turning now. Thanks for that.

[@Grant6686]

Glad to see you back Bill. Love the info and content you produce. Especially when you share your faith. God is good! Keep up the good work and hope to see you again at ATA 2023!

[@whitedeermr]

Awesome to see Bill back!!!! Chasing November is still my favorite….gets me psyched for the 2022 season!!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Matthew. For what it is worth, I will be narrating Chasing November again this year.

[@mikenimmo119]

Good seeing you out here again Bill. I've been reading or watching your content for years, which far supersedes the majority of "outdoor channels" available now. Mike

[@ReubenZeigler]

Glad you’re back Bill

[@PastorPaul33]

I am so thankful you are back on… tons of respect for you through the years… thanks for being real and teaching as you learn

[@paradisevalleyoutdoors7328]

BILL.....you made my summer, glad to see you back at it again! Drew an Iowa Late muzzy tag and will be in your area late December! Good luck with the new farm!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks and good luck to you this fall.

[@PBAdventures146]

That's thinking outside the box for sure!! I'm impressed... I don't think very many would think of doing that on private land.. public maybe but that was ingenious! And what a buck at the end of the road!! Looking forward to next week.

[@timjohn2810]

So looking forward to this adventure, thank you very much for sharing it with us. The Midwest Whitetail series you hosted never disappointed.

[@carlwilbanks1367]

Insane dedication and loving it! This is sure to be very interesting and informative. I have been a huge fan of your show for many years now and I'm very thankful for the information that you have shared with us all. Very glad to see you on here! Be safe and God bless you and your family and friends.

[@jeffgeagley5935]

Bill your name should be bull winkie. U are the man u do whatever it takes to kill a monster. Don’t let anything or anywhere stand in your way. Congrats Bull. Lol

[@markabney]

Love the story telling and the knowledge!! Keep it coming!! Can’t wait to hear more

[@stevedenoyer5956]

Excited for your new adventures and teachings to come. I can never learn enough about strategies and whitetails. Just love this stuff and appreciate all that you share!

[@jacobwelsh1892]

Appreciate you sharing your hunts and knowledge with us! I have always enjoyed the way you tell a story while educating the viewer.

[@kurtpearson2793]

Access is the linchpin to low pressure deer hunting. Bill demonstrates the extreme dedication to not letting the deer know they were being hunted- so much so that the kill seemed easy! Great lesson 👍Thanks!!

[@m.osburn13]

Miss ya bill. Midwest whitetail ain't it without ya. I love Jared and Mike they r killers for sure but u r a leader and great teacher. People like u r not replaceable. But I'm glad u r doing u and I know u was ready for a break but u left us withdrawing lol. U cut me off my needs and want to learn from ya. I watch reruns constantly. Over the years u really tough all u can in videos and covered it well. We miss ya Bill!!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the kind words and support. Well, I hope I can fill that role here. My goal is to help people become better deer hunters and enjoy it more.

[@tjsands9398]

Long time follower here Bill!

[@davebrzezowski1159]

We all are lol

[@russelllangworthy8855]

@@davebrzezowski1159 Did you read his articles back in the early '90s?

[@alexpinnow6509]

Great summary of your season for this buck Bill. Has to be refreshing to learn something new after all these years and enjoy a new challenge!

[@brucewohlers317]

I always learn something when I listen to Bill Winke and I really can't say that about any of the other "Pro's" out there. Thanks Bill, looking forward to next week.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Bruce. I appreciate the note and the support. Very nice of you.

[@garystutz1438]

Hi Bill, I have an idea for hunting that hillside where you shot that buck: About 1/3 or less from the top of the hill clear an acre of land about 40 to 50 yards wide. Push all of the stumps and brush to the lower side of the cleared area. (your stand will be on the lower side of the clearing) After the land is clear, create 6 to 8 foot wide terraces, depending on the width of your equipment. The terraces will hold the soil and can still be on slight downhill angle. Plant Alfalfa (my choice) or Clover in order to minimize need to plant every year. On the low side of this food plot, cut down as many trees as needed to prevent most of the deer from walking in this area. Cut yourself a trail through the downed trees to your stand. Also cut just enough trees above the new food plot to create a bedding area/cover. You now have a quite way of walking most of the way to the stand (using the dozer trail made to get to your new food plot) and food that the deer will visit anytime of day, on their way to or from primary food source. (Best part, you don't have to sleep in the woods anymore, to kill the Giants using that area).

[@bill-winke]

Gary, unfortunately, I don't own that farm. You are right though, it would be possible if you went to enough work to make that more huntable. I often thought what I would do if I owned that farm, but the owner was not interested in selling. I decided to give up that lease when I bought some land about five miles away. Thanks for the input and the time spent considering the challenges of that place. Have a great day.

[@garystutz1438]

@@bill-winke Mr. Winke, Thank you for your reply.

[@davidmosesso2573]

Bill, You emphasized 'not much fun' enough to where I believe it! That's a great story and an even greater deer. 👍

[@bill-winke]

Thanks David. It was tough doing that day after day. Lots of work and tons of "alone" time. I suppose for some that sounds good, but I sure got bored at times.

[@buckandahalfoutdoors]

I might have to give this a try. so simple but never crossed my mind. even if you don't come away with a deer your bound come out with experience and a good laugh or two to share with buddies around the campfire

[@bill-winke]

It does work pretty well, and I do think it will be a great adventure. I will keep doing it because it sure makes more sense than bumping a bunch of deer going to and from the stand. Good luck.

[@miller2478]

So happy to see you online again Bill! Learned a ton from you back in your Midwest whitetail days.! Congrats and cool story

[@joshmiller6498]

Great seeing you back, Bill. Pretty cool how that all worked out, congrats on a great deer.

[@joshwhitfordfishing2304]

Man I'm glad you're back doing hunting videos! Congratulations on the buck! Looking forward to more videos to come!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Josh. Much appreciated. Have a great day.

[@roymcdavid1015]

Damn glad to see to Bill! Subbed and notifications clicked for hopefully a lot more of your deer knowledge.

[@chrisjohnson3887]

THATS dedication. Pretty cool. Congratulations on a well deserved and most certainly earned buck! Can’t wait for next week.

[@pgfisher8652]

Even covering sent at night I just don’t get how spending 13 hours a night in a buck’s bedroom is less obtrusive than sneaking an hour or two after dark. 13 hours of scent in a bedding area is a lot regardless of scent precautions. If you can have someone drive a vehicle and hour after dark to pick you up, in my experience this doesn’t scare deer much as they are so used to cars noise and car headlights at night. But Bill is very knowledgeable and his success is proof his method worked!

[@PassionfortheWildandWonderful]

Great story and appreciate the details to help others learn. Like to have you elaborate on what made you choose the two stand locations on the ridge. More than that’s where he seemed to reside, but why the specific tree/locations.

[@woodsdog7849]

This is great Bill, keep up the great work. Glad to see you're back and really look forward to your hunting strategy videos. I read about this in your column with Peterson's Bowhunting and it really piqued my interest. I appreciate you taking the time with both this video and your bedding area video about how your set up on the ridge using the wind and thermals. Here are some future video ideas for you to consider: Bowhunting Strategy: 1. Where to locate trail cameras for determining a hunting strategy for a target buck, 2. Cell cams or regular check cams? Which ones where and when and why? 3. How do you know if you are hunting or pressuring an area too much? (You mentioned the number of times you saw your 21 buck and then a several day gap of not seeing him at all, how did you know you didn't spook him out? What are your thoughts on pressure and buck movement? Land & Habitat Topics: I liked how you're trying to determine natural forage or plains grasses for your new property, extrapolating that to other areas or regions, I think an excellent topic would be how to encourage natural forage and browse on your properties. I think we get so caught up in commercial seed mixes, etc. If you don' have deep pockets for equipment and all of that but still want to enhance your property, what strategies to incorporate to encourage, or grow natural forage and weeds that deer like and rely on. Also, go into a deep dive on how to finance land purchases if you're not a rich dude!!!

[@bill-winke]

Woodsdog, that is a lot of good ideas. I have added them to the list I started when I decided to go back into this video production work. I will hit a few of them over the coming weeks. Thanks for your support and feedback.

[@petertosh4748]

Your the real deal and that's what I like.. I have learned much from you..

[@tysonames5016]

Great to have you back Bill… you are a living legend!

[@wesfox1712]

Great story! I remember reading your blog on this hunt and was blown away on what you went through to get him

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Wes. We need to enjoy the chess match more than the actual kill. The journey is the destination (as the old saying goes).

[@connerlamphier8550]

So glad to see you back uploading, and this was a awesome video with some outside the box thinking in your tactics I think. Super cool story and congrats on the buck Bill! Season is closing in and I couldn't be more pumped!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Conner. I appreciate the comment and the support. Good luck to you this year.

[@luket2169]

The Godfather of whitetail hunting

[@jasonlarsen5739]

Super great to hear that! That's not crazy. I've wanted to spend the night the last 2 years. The main reason is the terrible access to my stand. I hunt a 111 acre parcel that is all basically a ridge. As I walk in they just go over the hump and dissolve..I'm doing it! Great buck!

[@steveplantz7199]

I was just reading this story on your blog when I got the notification for this video. Already looking forward to next weeks video!

[@DamonWeber10]

Pretty sweet opening up KZbin to see your buck on my home page. Then remembering I actually was able to get pictures with it at work the night you shot it. Pretty cool experience, thanks Bill😂

[@bill-winke]

It was cool. Thanks for sharing it.

[@ktmhiflyer]

Glad to see you back making content Bill! Enjoyed as always, excited for whats to come!

[@rogercaruthers2584]

Love seeing how your break things down. I’ve been a fan for awhile, thank you for all the information! I have yet to harvest a buck for the books, largest has been barely 130”. I get 150s-160s every year on camera but just don’t have the time to spend out there to really hunt them. 1-3 days a year is all I get, and those deer go dark before I even get into the woods. One of these days though, their schedules and mine will collide!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Roger for the support. Yes, one of these days. Focus on a couple days when a cold front is passing in late October and you might get lucky. Those are great times to hunt bucks when you have a decent idea where they are living at that time. Good luck.

[@shanemacfarlane4767]

Really enjoyed this bill and appreciate your dedication and insight, I went searching for sleeping in a tree stand and came across your video. Got a buck of a lifetime that eluded me last year and no way to access the property without bumping deer and ima try this route I think it’s the ticket to getting him in 2022.

[@bill-winke]

It does work but be prepared for two things: super boring and it is really hard to get out of a warm sleeping bag into a cold tree stand in the dark of morning. But, if you don't about it too much (and talk yourself out of it) and just do it, the method does work.

[@mikemellon80]

Yeah I would have passed him too. Not! Glad you are back making videos. Enjoying the new content

[@ericbowhunter]

Great video Bill. Very good information. Awesome bucks from the past two seasons!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Wow now that's dedication Bill!!! Congrats!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Kapper. Was an interesting season from that standpoint.

[@andrewh3244]

Look forward to following along this upcoming season! Keep the videos coming!

[@devinsmith38]

Grew up watching you with my ol man, also met you at a track meet I was running at Iowa state. Awesome to see you making videos again!

[@bmalone0688]

For sure going to need to hear a recap of that trip to sheep camp Bill. That sounds like a dream vacation

[@bill-winke]

I wrote about it here: billwinke.com/three-weeks-in-british-columbia-part-one/ I drove to Smithers, BC and took a bush plane charter to the camp - 120 ground miles without a person or road or building below. I spent the first 10 days working as "packer" for the guide who had the goat/moose/caribou hunter from San Francisco. It was very hard work and I definitely have a lot of appreciation for mountain guides in the far backcountry. The outfitter (Ron Nemetchek) has to fly everyone out in his float plane from the main lodge to their assigned areas and then if the hunting is poor he moves them. He does a massive amount of flying. I spent the next 11 days at the lodge helping out where possible and fishing. Was gorgeous and a very rugged life for those who do that for a living.

[@danmartin9850]

Love the regular content again Bill! Looking forward to some more habitat and food plot videos!

[@RyanL88827]

Extremely excited about you being back Bill!! Pretty sure I’ve seen every episode of MW main show all the way back to when Greg was hunting and filming. Huge fan of Jared, but unfortunately MW lost me as a fan towards the end last season. Just thrilled to be learning from you again!

[@mb748]

Cuz of Marino? 🤣

[@RyanL88827]

@@mb748 Yes sir. No issues, Just not the typical story ending I was a accustomed to with MW.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Ryan. I appreciate it. Have a great day.

[@jimcoffman4738]

@@RyanL88827 That’s the same thing that I thought also. Not the way that I thought it would of/ should of ended.

[@Jason-eo2vv]

Smart move dude,I've thought about doing this so many times to kill a monster buck but never had, maybe it was boring for you but come on man get fired up, you came with a plan and you executed it and got that monster buck!!! So don't worry about the boring parts,if it works,it works! Definitely inspired me to think about trying it again!

[@austinbuchholz9151]

I like how you think, kinda like a true American pioneer. You do what ever it takes. Not the same extreme but by doing whatever it takes to get the job done! Plus u tell a good story. 👍

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Bucky. I appreciate it. If I never do it again, at least I did it once!

[@ryanzygmunt8550]

Happy to see you back doing videos, Bill! Missed your content!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Ryan. I appreciate it.

[@h-minus2212]

Congratulations on a fine buck and thank you for sharing the unique way you hunted for him. Best of luck this fall

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the comment and the support. Have a great day.

[@johnguth4534]

Really starting to amaze me I never thought that you would do that

[@shawneberly9635]

Happy to see you back Bill.

[@stevepalmateer]

Can't wait for next week's story! Bill's droppin' dimes boys!

[@anthonyfelich6894]

Good stuff! Glad you're back regular, Bill.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Anthony. I appreciate the support.

[@CentralMississippiWhitetail]

Glad to see you're doing this Channel!!! I've got a new farm and looking for ideas..may God bless your business.

[@scottb6098]

Cool story. ...glad you are back -

[@mikealberda4449]

Glad to see you back. You look refreshed. 👍

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Mike. I appreciate the comment. I am going to keep things much lower key this time around. Midwest Whitetail machine got too big with too many moving parts. It ground me down.

[@themedhunter]

Awesome video! I started sleeping in my 8x8 hunting blind and it has made all the difference for the morning hunt!

[@bill-winke]

If you can make yourself do it, this approach definitely opens up a few areas that would otherwise be very hard to hunt.

[@bowhunter182]

Just found you on KZbin Bill...I'm so happy to see you back on...I've love watching your videos and look forward to the 22 season...any plans to be on TV ?

[@stevegermain1222]

Always a pleasure watching your videos thanks

[@bryanroberts]

Boring but had to be mentally refreshing! I would have enjoyed it.(for a little while!) So glad to have your insight and experience back on video Bill! Good luck and I will be eagerly waiting on the next one!

[@bill-winke]

It was exciting for a few days (nights) but eventually got to be a drain on energy probably due to lack of decent food and water as much as anything. It is not like camping where you can roust around, have a fire, make some noise, etc. You have to sneak to the bag, strip down and slide in as soon as legal shooting time ends to keep from having deer see or hear you there.

[@robertforss8881]

I'm pumped that there will be regular Bill Winke videos again.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Robert. I appreciate it.

[@HuntsT]

Awesome story. Looking forward to next week

[@outdoorswithsamuel1865]

Thank you for coming back...👊🏾

[@brianschrift4860]

Great to have you back Bill!

[@Wabblewater22]

Have slept in tree w/sleepin bag. Not very comfortable but it paid off. Intrusion into a deers area will ruin it quickly when huntin high end bks. Congrats on your harvest.

[@Gutshot186]

So glad you're back! Ain't been the same with you being gone.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Skylar. I appreciate it. Hope you are doing well.

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

Wow bill great info. I have same issue with valley and ridges and the deer are wise. My new farm I have a good entry and a redneck I could sleep in if need be. I hope to not have to go that extreme but if I have to I can.

[@paulbiscaro578]

That's hardcore hunting. Great seeing this content. Shows me I need to step up my game.

[@bill-winke]

Paul, it definitely works when nothing else will. It was OK, once you got past the initial shock of actually deciding to do it. Sleeping was very comfortable in that warm bag nestled down in the leaves, but the early mornings were a bit rough having to crawl out and get into those cold clothes in the cold air. A bit of a shock to the system. Good luck.

[@paulbiscaro578]

Hey thanks for your reply. What is your opinion on brushing in ground blinds? I see that you arnt concerned about spooking deer with your blind. A lot of hunters say it's crucial that you brush them in but I would really appreciate your input on that. Thanks again

[@dylanball5647]

I've been waiting for this one!! Haven't even started it yet and already know it's a good one!!

[@jeremiahwilson7640]

Great video and super inspirational on killing big bucks. Extreme tactics to get the job done. Thanks for an excellent breakdown and story telling also. Looking forward to the next one!

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@bill-winke]

Will do. Thanks for commenting Charley. Have a great day.

[@blakevenableoutdoors9474]

Wondered where you’ve been can’t wait for more videos!

[@davemurphy4056]

Great to have you back!!!

[@CRY552]

Hey Bill is back!!! Awesome!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the support Chris. I really appreciate it.

[@stevebostic9812]

I’ve been a ground blind guy for some time. I could see that working for me here in Northern Missouri as I don’t have any East access and that is problematic. Spend the night! 👍

[@bill-winke]

Works awesome. Sleeping in a blind is kind of like camping. I enjoyed that. You can watch a movie on your phone, etc. More to do than when you are laying out on the ground with deer passing nearby and you not wanting to move for fear of alerting them.

[@michaelbatzler3287]

Your still the man Bill! Congrats

[@lonniechartrand]

Man, that "camp site" at the 7:10 mark looked "iffy" to me! I can only imagine the water coming down that ravine during a rain, but I am sure you took that into consideration.

[@bill-winke]

Lonnie, yes for sure. I had looked at the forecast pretty well in advance. The only thing iffy about that spot ended up being the pack rats that lived in the rock ledge and came down to check me out during the night!

[@Cooper0307]

Love to hear your stories. Amazing

[@TurnRocks]

Ben following you since Damon detling and my cousins the Nippert brothers hunted for your show. Always a lesson to learn from you. Thank you

[@bdubsfishing6941]

Leased a farm with this exact same problem very difficult to hunt and deer were really educated after a couple days of hunting

[@brianmiller1580]

I can barely even do all day sits!! Gorgeous property 👌

[@TheSnook27]

i enjoy your hunt stories i learn and take it all in thanks

[@bill-winke]

I appreciate the support Geoffey. I am happy to help in some small way. Have a great day.

[@scottmccall3890]

Taking it to the next level...great story as always

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Scott. I appreciate it. Have a great day.

[@stevefisher1402]

I'm curious to know if deer were catching your wind and spooking while you were in your sleeping bag?

[@bradcrouse9100]

Love this idea! Glad it payed off for you! I’ve thought about doing this so many times in two areas on our property that are hard to access or leave without spooking deer. Definitely gonna try it now.

[@bloodlines9610]

Keep posting ill keep watching! Always enjoyed the content!

[@sengx]

This is awesome, I watched the podcast with Huntr where yall talked about sleeping in the woods. Glad to know it worked for you. I'm pretty hardcore but I don't think I'll be solo sleeping out in the open woods like that 😂 but I will be solo camping in my war eagle and duck blind for rut in 10,000 acres of public land for the first time this year. Definitely excited for that. Anyways, glad to see the legend is back!