10. John's Hunting Pack! What he keep in there? And why. Also John's newest tool in his tool box.

In this video John goes through his hunting pack and shows what he typically take with him into the tree. He also talks about one of his newest tools the LEUPOLD thermal imager.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Homie just SLAYED Vortex 😱😱🤣🤣🤣

[@dustylewis8692]

Yeah he did but sure as hell promoted Ziplock

[@lorenzotate5578]

Lol I love this guy . I like how honest and straight to the point he is . No holding back , if it’s junk it’s junk .

[@daynesanmigul3933]

Your attention to detail is unbelievable. This is really a common theme you see in successful deer hunters. I’d really like to see how you scout a property from start to finish. Start from Onx, to boots on the ground, and then the stand location. I’ve listened to nearly all your podcasts and these videos have really helped me understand your process. Really appreciate all the time and effort you’ve done within the industry.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks Dayne and all of them will come in time.

[@muscle42]

@john I have a condition that runs in my family called essential tremor. Not sure if thats what you have going on but I find comfort in seeing you still dominating at your age. I have listened to almost all of your pods, watched most vids and read the books. Killed my first 3 wall hangers of my life in Michigan the last 3 years. I just wanted to say thanks for all the knowledge and inspiration. Stay legendary sir!

[@ClemsonFAN251]

Quickly becoming my new favorite series. The detail is second the none. Wanting to get into saddle hunting/freelance stuff so this is golden. Keep em coming good stuff 👍🏻

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks Jordan

[@stevegermain1222]

John you got me I'm watching you for the third time on this one I can't get enough of this stuff thanks much

[@Njjb122]

I appreciate your opinion its refreshing to here something different then what everyone else preaches especially regarding wind when some say you can not fool a mature whitetails nose

[@bmk506]

Your an absolute badass....its nice to have a few real guys in the "industry" to look up to you sir are at the top of that list

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks BMK and just trying to help hunters.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks again and it's really nice to have a real job and not be a slave and potential hypocrit to the companies that sponsor you. It's also nice to be successful on regular properties that replicate what most blue collar hunters have access to instead of the ultra managed properties most personalities hunt where anything works and there are lots of seasonal opportunities at mature bucks because there are so many in the area. As I've mentioned, I haven't seen a shooter buck in Michigan in 2 seasons and I'm OK with that because it goes with the territory.

[@CrinkleRoot]

Very practical explanation of your gear, thank you. If you want to silence your reflective tacks, I always keep a wine cork or two with all my tacks stuck in it. Keeps them organized and quick to deploy, also silent. Thank you for sharing your whitetail wisdom, been following your content for years, and have been more successful harvesting mature whitetail applying your techniques.

[@CrinkleRoot]

Also, please make room for hemorrhage control first aid. Always be prepared

[@Im.hurtnLinda]

This is a really cool tip. Always bothers me when my tacks rattle in their container.

[@ashleysmith4191]

Been hunting since I was 8...somehow I went all this time never knowing about a saddle...then here I am thanksgiving 2020 with the new ESS...best choice I ever made,

[@steelhorsecowboy08]

Another great video John you have been a big inspiration to me this year, I have made some major changes to my hunting strategy for this year, I've swapped over to saddle hunting this year and have gotten rid of all of my hunting clothes, Scentlok should cut you a check for all the money I have spent with them but I now have a complete Scentlok hunting clothing line from warm to cold and very excited to use it and the reason for the changes is because I have set a goal for myself this year to kill a buck that is at least 5 years old or older rack size does not matter I'm looking for age and mature bucks this year on public so with your track record I take your advice very seriously and I want to thank you for taking the time to make these video's they really have been an inspiration.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

That's awesome Russell

[@natehagen610]

Always appreciate the attention to detail!! Excellent videos!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks Nate

[@underdogoutdoors]

Over 20 years following you & I'm still learning. I never thought about a backpack that keeps it's form when empty, for a lower profile. Companies should hire you to design them! I'm also going to check out the Meopta brand. I carry leopold binoc right now.- Andy

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Leopold is a good brand and definitely in the top 10.

[@MexicanMovie]

watching this again and making a list of what is going in my pack this year.

[@aaronfox915]

Good info about binoculars and the companies. Did not know that. Very helpful. Thanks

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks Aaron

[@tedwawrzyniak9409]

I appreciate the improvements to the sound from the earlier videos. Great video!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks and there's no promise that we won't screw up another one. Hopefully we will watch them before posting from now on. John

[@taylorreedhead7063]

ESB? Eberhart Signature Backpack from ScentLok??? I'd buy one! Definitely! Loving the videos John. Good luck to you and your boys this season!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks Taylor and right back with the good luck.

[@journeyman7189]

Great breakdown John. Thanks Nate

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bwillis3264]

Great video, always interesting to see what folks have in their bag. I appreciate the info on Meopta binoculars, I've looked at several models. I'm sold on the magnesium chassis, everything else seems to be polymer based. Thanks.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Keep in mind that the Meopta Optika models (8X42 and 10X42) are a little over $300 and they have the Magnesium metal frames and aluminum eyecups and are the ONLY bino's at that price point from Europe with metal, all others are plastic. Hard to find in the states, but they are huge outside the US and employ over 2,500 people. John

[@nathanbriner32]

Love the videos John! Just got into saddle hunting after years of wanting to it finally happened.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks Nathan

[@JasonGrizzleOwlteacher]

Got some spandoflage on the way. I'd never heard of that, but that will be nice to have under the Scentlok face mask. Thank you for all this great content.

[@detinate13]

The call is called the Voice Boxx deer call “as seen on TV”. Just bought one off eBay!!!

[@Ryan-od9sd]

How am I just finding this channel now?!?!? 😆👍🦌🦌

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Don't know but glad you did. John

[@jorwilso]

I want that bag!! Please get me one!!! Lol Great video. Thank you!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

its a Kathy Kelly you can find them on ebay - Joe

[@anthonylawlor9130]

Nice breakdown.

[@hol6460]

Another Great video! Great detail too. I notice on your water bottle looks like an Aquafina. Thats what I bring also (or similar) because its a heavier more dense plastic. I brought a meijer one out one time and it sounded like someone twisting or popping bubble paper. Never again!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Amen to that and that's exactly why the Aquafina bottle.

[@jakemitchell1671]

John would be successful at anything he set his mind to. His attention to detail and intelligence are the things of winners. I LOVE his Vortex comments, because I've wondered for years how Vortex came to represent "quality," when they contributed absolutely NOTHING to the optics industry other than demonstrating how effective brilliant marketing can be. They offer nothing that wasn't offered for decades by the leading pioneering optics companies. They are a "me too" company that positioned their products better than pretty much everyone else. More power to 'em, but John is absolutely right about where their quality ranks among the others.

[@OzarkMidwest]

Your wisdom is much appreciated John!! I need one of those packs, always looking to improve. I'd send cash to have one built,just saying but dead serious!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I plan on having a signature pack made that is similar to the KK. Would love to have it in both SL and standard fleece for those that don't believe in SL.

[@OzarkMidwest]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Sounds good, activated carbon is the way. It would look good next to my ess saddle too!

[@braddavis6831]

Interested in standard fleece pack. Let us know how to get one when they are available. Thanks!

[@davetoms63]

nice video. You got me started on Kathy Kelly packs which are my favorite. Shes shutting down so I hope someone picks up that market (all fleece custom packs). I do disagree with you Vortex assessment. I've used the best, to include military glass, and there is only a minuscule difference between the Razor line and the very best. The Vortex Razor and even the Vipers will meet hunting needs easily and well past legal shooting times.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I'm just saying they are not even close to the quality of glass, frame and internal make-up that Meopta, Swarovski, Zeiss and Leica use. Meopta is the only European company that offers a $300 bino with magnesium frames and aluminum eyecups, every other company at that price point uses some form of poly or plastic. The little 8X25's are $200 and I've never seen a pair of 8x25's from any other company that I would actually use. For general hunting your correct that Vortex, Bushnell, Barska and other companies make adequate bino's and you can get better models models for more $$$ from each. But they don't sell the premium stuff like the European companies do that actually make binos and spotting scopes and that is also why you rarely ever see a professional bird watcher use Vortex.

[@davetoms63]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 actually there are a lot of birders using them. All the glass you mentioned are good no doubt. But to say vortex isnt in top 10 I dont feel is 100% accurate or a fair assessment of Vortex Razors. And noone has a better warranty.

[@AaronTurnwald]

I also use my pulsar xm30 thermal monocular. Been really cool using it for entry and on stand. Also finding dead deer is very easy now.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I bought a couple of headcovers from scent lock and they were HUGE! I sent them back. I really wish they would make some alot smaller!!!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

All ScentLok headcovers have adjustments to tighten them? John

[@robertgould1477]

I also thought this about the new BE:1 series head covers, but what I figured out was that they are actually pretty sweet for cold weather because you can put on a Scentlok beanie and then put the head cover over it. This makes it really warm and the head cover a perfect fit. I’m thinking they were designed so you could wear a ball cap under them with the bill sticking out.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 I didn't see no adjustment. There huge! Even the guy from Tetherd Said the same thing

[@mr.skeptical3071]

@@robertgould1477 the be1 already has a built in beanie from what I understand

[@The_Rut_Funnel]

I understand with your phone but man I DONT go in the woods without mine. I’d hate to be laying bleeding out for some reason and wish I had my phone with me.

[@christopherd7922]

There is no debating that John is an incredible hunter. People watch his videos to try and learn from him. To not carry a cell phone in the woods is a terrible idea to put it nicely. You do not even have to turn it on. If you ever had an emergency and needed help you’d be wishing that you had your phone.

[@slayer324]

True but most places I hunt there is no service anyway

[@jhoffman81]

Ive taken it even a step further and carry a garmin inreach

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Hell Yeah - As I mentioned in a reply someplace else, I hunted before cell phones for 30+ years so I'm not tied to them like most younger hunters are. Are they good from a safety standpoint, of course they are. However the way young people are so tied and addicted to there cell phones, I can't imagine that if they were with them that they wouldn't use them and that can be detrimental to receiving potential opportunities. Whether a deer is close or at a distance that could potentially be enticed in with a call, not seeing it because of texting or whatever a person does on a cell phone just isn't in my playbook.

[@danielnixon9378]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 I really would like to meet up at some point and get some personal opinions about ways to hunt certain public land! I live here in Michigan by Lansing. I'm very curious and want to become the best that I can be!!

[@AaronTurnwald]

John will you be doing any videos elaborating on your scent control routine? I would like to see any simularities/differences compared to my own. Maybe i could improve.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Yes, but not until next spring as that will take several shows and a good amount of time to do as I plan on having some educational info on activated carbon to back it up as opposed to saying, just do this or that. It will be very controversial as you can imagine and I don't want a lot of ridiculous replies so I want it to be very detailed.

[@AaronTurnwald]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 thanks

[@briargoatkilla]

I got scopes by Meopta and Vortex. Both are damn solid. Never tried their binocs. Thanks for the videos! I watch them all.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Low light is the only way of telling the difference and also how well you can see out to the edges. I've represented several lines of optics over the years and sat in many sales national meetings on optics and know how the system of sourcing works. For hunting Vortex is OK.

[@flee4170]

Pro tip with zip lock bags. Check out the silicone bags on amazon. They don’t crinkle at all. And they’re many many times more useable.

[@robertgould1477]

I’ve been trying these for the first time this year and so far, I love them. Much quieter.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

How are they for toughness because I use the ZL freezer bags because they are heavier plastic than the sandwich bags. Are the silicone bags more puncture resistant and if so I will get some.

[@robertgould1477]

They seem durable and are designed to be washed and re-used. Thick than the ZL feeezer bags, but they don’t fold as nicely as the Ziplock. Very quiet though. A 10 fluid oz bag is perfect fit for a single mega hand warmer. I’m going to try a 30 fluid oz bag for my Grabber Adhesive warmer (maybe the silicone will even let me save the adhesive side). I’m still using a ziplock gallon bag for my damp base layer t-shirt though.

[@wurdwalkupridedown7829]

You had said not to wear a headlamp. What are your thoughts with a red light on a headlamp?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

As long as it's not too bright. Just enough to see the ground and next marker.

[@wurdwalkupridedown7829]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 thanks. I just heard about the saddle hunting last year and am really thinking about getting into it for next year. Your channel has been one of my favorite and most informative ones!

[@tylershuff3283]

Thanks for this video john

[@antonlueker9648]

Pink survey tape works great for marking blood 🩸 trails, easy to find when you gotta come back to it

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Yes it does and hopefully we can get a blood trailing video done this fall.

[@hol6460]

Yup! That’s what I use too.

[@WilbertRamos777]

thank you 👍🏽

[@frez777]

the most organized guy in the book!!

[@JimBowSlice]

I found the old ameristep tree step assist at a flea market can screw a screw in in 10 seconds start to finish.

[@MR33MARKELL]

Dude in Oakley, mi designed that doe bleet can. Still make them and see them in local bow shops.

[@1rolmos]

What's it called?

[@christopherd7922]

Do you have a link or a name or number for the call?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Zach, can you reply with the name of it. John

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I don't know the name of it.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

the Deceiver. John

[@stevegermain1222]

Keep reading all the negatives the people not believing in scentlok I just purchased a whole outfit and I hope you're right wasn't cheap not real happy to find out now it don't think so much about the gloves he'll there 43 bucks I love all the information you share

[@philipbyersoutdoors3295]

Very Informative! I do have a couple questions for those who hunt mainly public. 1st is what is your climbing method? 2nd when you use that light do you climb your tree in the dark with no light so your hands are free. I do hang and hunt so I am hanging my sticks at each spot. It would be very difficult to do that while holding a small light even though I like the idea of a dimmer light. What do you think of red light? Last what do you use to hang your stuff on the tree when you hunt public? Thank you ahead of time!

[@rigginuts]

I'd like to know your climbing method also John

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

1. Climbing method for this year will be either Shakir sticks or if I can get my hands on a set of Tethrds new sticks, I'll try them as well. Have been using Cranford strap-ons and may go back to them. 2. I climb trees in the morning in the dark without the flashlight as my eyes have adjusted to the low light by the time I get to my tree. I sometimes use my light to go down the tree in the dark as sometimes the steps are in weird places due to the shape and twist of the tree. Never had a reason to use a red light so can't intelligently offer an answer. 3. You can use a Tethrd HYS strap and HYS pro pack and with that you can place the holders wherever you want them. I will also use a Cranford strap-on step as a bow holder. John

[@rigginuts]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Thank You

[@philipbyersoutdoors3295]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 thank you taking the time to answer so thoroughly!! Very helpful information!

[@chadbinette3201]

Pee bottle has a bigger throat, Mr Eberhart with the suttle brag haha. In a serious note always thought the rattle bag wasn't as good as antlers cause it really only makes the same sound, but alot easier to carry then antlers, but if a rattle bag is good enough for John Eberhart, it's definitely good enough for me. I live/hunt in Maine, southern Maine so very comparable to Michigan in hunting pressure, esp southern Maine, alot more hunters and alot less land access. Unless someone has been to Maine, it's hard to explain, but southern Maine and Northern Maine are like two different worlds, southern Maine closer to Massachusetts and northern Maine closer to Canada in comparison, population, land, woods size everything.

[@leelawrence4038]

When did you decide to start using a release? Love the videos and would love to see you do a video explaining your bow setup. Why the target bow for hunting and just what your experience has been like trying other bows throughout the years. Good luck!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I'm on Mathews hunting staff and for years they were about the only company that offered a fingers bow (long axle to axle and low let-off) for hunting in the Conquest. Now I'm shooting their new VXR and yesterday when practicing I opened my fingers (old habits are hard to break) and let my Carter release go. It smacked and cut my wrist and derailed the bow. How humiliating that was to take it and get it fixed. Prior to Mathew's I shot a Golden Eagle Evolution, before that several PSE bows and before that a Bear Polar II and before that several Bear recurves and my first was a Ben Pearson recurve. Tons of great bows out there and it boils down to what fits you best and how it shoots. John

[@MrTrapper1111]

Just curious what’s your opinion on thermacel? Mosquitos are terrible early season in NY. Would you use one

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I always use a headlamp with a real dim red light for tacks.

[@chriskladky5698]

Well you sir would be considered a moron by this guy. 🤦

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

That may be OK if the beam is dim. Valid point.

[@curtlehenbauer661]

I guess I don’t understand how a small headlamp with red/green/white dimmable light that leaves your hands free (FOR TRACKING) is inferior to a handheld flashlight. Not even bringing a phone????? Come on....for emergency help with you or another hunter. For long tracking late nights to ease love ones minds that you’re ok. Onox or HuntStand to navigate in dark/ rainy / foggy conditions. Recording or alerting authorities on illegal activities...TAKE YOUR PHONE, keep it locked up in your backpack if you must. You do a thousand smart things. Being stubborn on this one makes no sense.

[@killacrawdaddy4]

John is one is the most successful whitetail hunters alive. Somebody get him a rechargeable and dimmable flashlight!! 🤣🤣. Great video as usual, John. Thank you for all the great info.

[@mikeneuburger3989]

@@curtlehenbauer661 I take my phone. But I don’t play with it. It’s just there in case I need it.

[@emmanuelschwartz8955]

Hey John, curious what your favorite step system is for public land.

[@brandonyoung7760]

All the videos I've watched of yours I agree 99% with. The 1% is the scent control stuff. I don't believe in scent control personally. Btw you should carry a phone with you. You never know what could happen and may need it in a emergency.

[@mrmalstryfe8818]

I hunt public land only. Do you recommend the strap steps then? since I can't use screw-ins? I really don't like the strap-kind, and the straps may not be long enough to make it all the way around larger diameter trees. Also, i''m concerned that other hunters may see all those straps on a tree

[@billhann3018]

Thank you John, fantastic video. Have you found the Leopold thermal sensor a useful tool for entry? I have considered one to help me avoid bumping deer on pre-dawn entry.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

It could be but typically on entries your tied into that specific entry route, at least I am. John

[@samuelhaldeman3556]

Do you carry your tree steps in the pack? Also if you had to buy the hydrotherm or fortress which would you buy? Thank you!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I've always carried my steps in another fanny pack that's wore beneath my backpack.

[@anonymous_friend]

Great channel. Question for you. New hunter here. I found a nice buck on public land that comes out at dark when its not legal to shoot. I’ assuming we are late season past the rut. What can I do to lure this buck out of the bedding area during hunting legal hours or should I try to go into the bedding area? Thanks

[@feyrband]

A bit late for last season, but you could try calling and if that doesn't work just go in there and get him. I wouldn't try them on the same evening though because the calls if they don't work may have him on higher alert.

[@carypeaden4147]

When you said the pee bottle is obviously glass, why would you use glass? Is there any problem with using plastic for a pee bottle, for example the Gatorade bottles? I think a plus of plastic, is it is less likely to break and get pee inside your pack (if for example you dropped your pack by accident).

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I use a large plastic water bottle - Joe

[@PizzaSteveNY]

Hey John what do you think of green or red flashlights walking in so deer don't see it?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I can't make an honest judgement on that because I've never used a green or red light.

[@PizzaSteveNY]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Thanks for the reply John, I heard deer couldn't see red or green so I tried it and it seems to work, primos made that blood tracker but find it better for a flashlight lol

[@v.n.6886]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Mr. Eberhart you should give them a try and test it. You can see the reflecting eye of a deer (they are bright red) quite a distance (more than 100 yards even when the light is not that bright = less than 50 lumen) and deer seems not to see the red light or be overly disturbed by that (at least here in Germany, where hunting is often at night especially at wild boar).

[@wrightswhitetail4977]

I have a thermal too, combine that w a red light it’s a deadly combo

[@anonymous_friend]

Whats red light help with?

[@AC-kk3vo]

Love some ytube- I mean I get to see in in John Everharts bag - Wheezer !!! Best story ever !!!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

That buck was and still is the hardest buck I ever pursued and got. I do at some point plan on putting my kill stories (old and new) up on the Eberhart Saddle Hunting Facebook page and will space them out every 2 weeks so I will have several years worth of articles and pics to go with them, to post. John

[@AC-kk3vo]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 me and I'm sure many others look forward to that ! And don't leave out any fish stories either!! Of course I read bowhunting pressured whitails, my favorite and best hunting book, thank you for sharing your knowledge, many of us truly appreciate that !!!!!

[@tykeni6521]

What are your top ten optics? Would love to know your opinin

[@cweinzatl]

Hi John, when and why did you switch from finger release to the mechanical release?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

He has developed a slight tremor and that is why he switched from fingers to a mechanical release - Joe

[@WindyCityWarden]

John, which late season scent lock suit do you recommend i get for bow hunting? Thanks John.

[@WindyCityWarden]

John, which flashlight is that you use for your entries? thanks John.

[@fattroutlounge]

Scentlok Hydrothermic

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

As San mentioned, the Hydrotherm with Primaloft insulation is bad ass concerning keeping you warm. The other is the SL Fortress but it's way too heavy (weight) for me.

[@daveyboy8907]

Whats your thought on the red or green flashlights for entry..

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Never used a red or green light so can't comment. I would imagine that since they are colors that it would be a bit harder for deer to see.

[@daveyboy8907]

Eberhart Outdoors yeah I bought a small handheld one to try

[@antonlueker9648]

Leica binos are gold 👍

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Excellent bino's and optics in general. John

[@dionysis84]

I get it about the cell 📵 📱. I just had a doe sneak into 5 yards under me on the opener here in NY because I was checking a hunting app for the wind direction. Noticed the deer to late and couldn't get a shot. I have killed my most wall hangers when it is freezing (and to cold to be on my phone, lol). New personal rule is no phone last and first hour of sun light this year

[@SClowcountryhunter]

So, dumb question...if using the low handheld lights to entry/exit, what, if anything, are you using to climb the tree and get set up? Serious question, as I use a red headlamp to climb and switch it over to green on entry/exit, typically. Second guessing myself and always felt I was using too much light but it kept me from making too much noise by making a mistake.

[@markbalanowski6762]

Headlamp. I had about 4 situations last year when I got to my stand and a deer was already there. Using a white headlamp they just looked at me, like a deer in headlights. Spooking, or Eventually walking away before first light. Sometimes blowing, sometimes not. I would not say that I always spooked them, but they know something is there. I doubt the situation would have been much different if I came in with less light to be honest. Color doesn’t seem to matter.. go in quiet, chance of kicking one up is always there regardless of light amount or light color

[@justinliedtke5570]

What brand of binoculars did you say those were ? Not Swarovski , but Neoptix ? I found them. Meoptic brand. My other question is how in the world do you keep your glasses from fogging wearing those face covers ? I got away from those and started painting my face to match my camo , because of the terrible fogging issue.

[@stephendowning6234]

Great videos. I just bought your first book. Can't wait to read it. What kind of bow do you use, John?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Currently a Mathews VXR and I love it.

[@stephendowning6234]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Thanks for the reply. So I looked that up and it's a little out of my price range. I'm a crossbow hunter in Ohio and I usually hunt out of ladder stands or blinds. You're videos are making me want to try the saddle thing. Can you give me a general idea of what to look for in a compound bow for saddle hunting. I'd be looking for something in the sub $1000 price range. Can you give me general advice on what to look for, or maybe what to avoid, so that I could apply general specs to bows in a slightly cheaper price range. Thanks.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

The beauty of a saddle is that pretty much any bow will work. Between John, Jon, and myself ( Joe ) we all use different bows. - Joe

[@charlesdecker6342]

How did you get the fabric I can't find any anywhere to get it made

[@slayer324]

So what’s your beliefs on ozonics? Sorry if you have touched on it before. Enjoyed watching thanks

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I use ozonics in my van to get rid of odors prior to season. I will not use ozonics on any clothing worn as an exterior hunting garment because there is an ozone odor. Nor would I ever consider using an ozone machine overhead when hunting as it gives off a foreign odor as well. TV guys can do it because of where they hunt and they get paid to endorse it. Just as I question anything written on any manufacturers (including ScentLok) website because most of it is not true, I question any verbiage coming from someone that is paid by the company to endorse it.

[@charlessanders7876]

The reason everyone talks about Vortex is because they are amazing. That's coming from someone who doesn't own a pair but know several people who do and have used theirs many times. This guy is the first I've ever heard of having something bad to say about them. I personally have Leica and will have Vortex as my next pair.

[@PureMapleGoodness]

Should make a fine tune, detailed saddle setup and tip video

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Thanks Hughes and we will have that eventually.

[@J36-f6y]

Hey John, obviously you’ve talked about whitetail hunting in Michigan and comparing the deer pressure of Michigan vs Iowa/Kansas. I also know you’ve hunted Ohio as well so where does Ohio land in that topic versus Michigan?

[@redwolfmedia1276]

I'm not John but I'd say nowadays probably pretty similar. Just like all States though ya have some areas that are less pressured then others but now we get alot of O.o.S.H's it's become pretty packed especially down Southern Ohio Public. The T.H.P guy's hunt the recent Clear cuts and find success and less pressure. Most guy's want the traditional tree and there are very few in those areas but your ground attack has to be good to get her done. Good luck!

[@J36-f6y]

@@redwolfmedia1276 yep I’m in Southern Ohio and its decently pressured in public land. Like you said, depends on where you’re at. I could be wrong but I believe THP hunt around Wayne National sometimes and then around Shawnee State Forest as well which are both huge forests and I do know for fact the Wayne is very pressured but still none of them seem to be as bad as what John puts off Michigan public land to be.

[@soundbarrier1809]

A Red headlamp is great John. Entry/exit and in stand if needed. Deer cannot are red light whatsoever

[@brianpolocoser1937]

Deer can’t see red light?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Deer are red/green color blind

[@mobcitykid]

Hey John. I've learned a great deal from you through your books and recent podcasts. Killing big bucks here in PA is just about as tough, I'd imagine, as killing 'em in MI. I was surprised to see you pull that clear plastic water bottle out of your pack. I got "picked" enough times in the past due to that shiny plastic glistening in the sun that I ALWAYS camo tape my water bottles. As for the flashlights...holy smokes. I use one Black Diamond headlamp with a red light and two white modes with dimmers. It works great for walking in and blood trailing.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

That is actually a very excellent point and I think I will do the same but for a different reason. I look around before I take the bottle out to drink and on regular morning or evening hunts I never take a drink. The times I have, I've never had an issue because I search the area first. However, the plastic bottles are flimsy and having a dull duct type tape on it will give it more more strength. Good idea Tony

[@mobcitykid]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Large Aquafina bottles are heavier plastic and don't crackle the way the smaller water bottles do.

[@daveyboy8907]

Tony Bianco just dump that flouride water out and add your own reverse osmosis water into that bottle.. Bottled water has added things in it..

[@BrettDeemer]

Do you wash your saddle in nonscented detergent also?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Yes, I wash my saddle, tether, lineman rope and strap-on steps in Arm & Hammer hypoalergenic detergent (no perfumes).

[@terrycalvert7812]

Holy shit this old man takes a shit load of stuff hunting!!

[@stanp6383]

Dragging a deer by yourself is mind blowing I Would like to see how you do it or any tips you could share

[@kendog1973]

I've done it for 30 years. It's not easy but also not impossible.

[@stanp6383]

Ken Reed if they could only invent back to the future hover boards Lol

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

As Ken said, it's not easy but it has to be done if you hunt alone. I carry a Versa Cart and Otter sled in my van and I get the deer out on the cart and roll the deer into the sled and slide into the van. e will have a video on that for next year. If I kill a deer anyway. I must add that as I age it gets tougher.

[@kendog1973]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 I remember my 1st long drag with only a rope. I was 4 miles in, as the crow flies. Even though he was dead, he still fought me the entire way. That's when I started looking into easier ways to get my bucks out. Now I have a Jet sled and I have stickers on it that say "Grocery getter" hahaha

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

@@kendog1973 That's cool but even jet sleds are tough through deadfalls. ON several occasions I've hung the deer up and quartered them and carried out the quarters.

[@Zechariah-14-1]

How much would Kathy Kelly charge to make your same pack if I also send her the material? I totally agree and I’m tired of these firm framed backpacks.

[@bigal25938]

Always have a cell phone. Might be a life saver for you or someone else.Have a headlamp or clip on light for gutting in the dark.

[@sethjohnson3687]

Hello John. Do you wear glasses while hunting? Just wonder how those binoculars work with glasses.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

They work great with glasses as long as you leave the eyecups in. Without glasses you need to pull the eyecups out. That's the same with all binoculars.

[@tylerraglin5722]

The boys at THP would disagree with the headlamp statement! Lol

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I love those guys but they hunt public lands primarily west of the Mississippi River and I will leave it at that.

[@wingsman13]

John, hows the hunting going so far this year?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Slow so far -Joe

[@SwampDonkey07]

Take a shot everytime John says “limp”!

[@racker7855]

I’ve seen mixed ideas on deer being able to tell the diff in human pee and animal pee. I’ve seen various videos of people pissing in a scrape and videos of bucks tending them scrapes.

[@RKLIFE17]

Hey, am I missing something in terms of screw in bow/gun holders illegal in Michigan? Do you just use them on the private parcels you gain permission on?

[@tylershuff3283]

They make a strap one for public land I got one

[@RKLIFE17]

@@tylershuff3283 Yea I have several. He only had screw in holders and says he hunts almost exclusively on public lands.

[@tylershuff3283]

Ahh I didnt know he said he only had screw in's

[@JAYBO_30_October]

Pee bottle, interesting. You are the first I've heard mention anything about the pee bottle during a "how too video". A few months ago, I did some research on it and it was more or less split down the middle. Some guys said they have been peeing on scraps for years. I have been using a pee bottle for years, but wasn't sure if it was a waste of time.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Not a waste of time peeing in a bottle and I can verify that fresh human urine does not smell like fresh deer urine and that mature deer can tell the difference. I would like to see what type of bucks the guys that piss in the scrapes have killed or where they hunt. I quit doing many thing that I used to do because hunting for mature bucks in areas with heavy hunting pressure is different and you have to be more aware of everything you do.

[@JAYBO_30_October]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Thanks for the follow-up John. To be honest, I was shocked that it wasn't a cut and dry agreement on it. But still to this day, some of the most highly respected deer hunters still disagree on it. I am like you, I believe deer can smell the difference. They have extra sensory glands and can smell a thousand times better than a human so for me it's pretty obvious. Thanks again

[@ColbyBlack]

What binocular did he say? How do you spell it?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Meopta www.meoptasportsoptics.com/us/

[@jessealvarado4319]

“I’m there to hunt I’m not there to text people.” Pure gold!

[@walter992]

What model of the Meopta's are you using?

[@BoomerSage_]

Do you hunt with your glasses on?

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

No

[@JoshSmith-md8cd]

That’s a fanny pack? I thought it was a full back pack! That’s huge!

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

That is a full backpack and there is a fanny pack inside it as well.

[@kennethrogers1129]

Interesting you don’t pay attention to the wind, I tend to hunt into the wind, and plan hunts accordingly, .... but I have to admit, deer never seem to do what you might anticipate, and often bucks will also travel into the wind, and often will approach from behind me ... I used to use scent lock and all that religiously, but that means washing and drying all that scent lock after any use....much appreciate the run down on your gear....

[@rebel_cash]

Mr Eberhart would that doe bleat by chance be the one now sold by slicealifearchery.com. Thanks and good luck this season. Really enjoy and appreciate you making these videos for us mortals lol.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

I think someone said it was called the Deceiver

[@thebigbuckslayerr579]

I'm not gonna say your wrong but I will say I have s pair of vortex binos cost 250$ and they are awesome. I've drug them through wet cornfields with them on my chest they still work fine . I'll ne er say they are the best bc well I'm not educated enough about it to say that but they do work good

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

For deer hunting Clint, your absolutely correct, they are just fine. I just have a hard time with all the hype because so many hunting personalities endorse them and say they are the best because they get paid to do so when they aren't even close to being the best. I just struggle with hypocritic endorsements because they get paid for it.

[@thebigbuckslayerr579]

I'll have to try buy one of the brands you mentioned next time I buy a pair . Thank you for the info. I know you dont need it but good luck this season lol

[@ryanholzinger9414]

Just because you hunted 30+ years without your phone isn't necessarily a good argument. The safety factor is #1, period. People hunted for years without safety harnesses....does that mean they shouldn't now? The argument just isn't a good one. You are about the age of my father, and if he used that argument with me, I'd choke him. For your families sake, take your phone. Keep it off if you don't want to use it, but you never know when you may just need to make an emergency call. Step in a hole and break your ankle....bam, cell phone. Just sayin. Huge respect John on everything you do, but this one is a biggie.

[@charlesmichael1927]

Dumbest thing I've ever heard.

[@Civilian_Actual]

4 flashlights? Just make it 5!😹

[@doublelunged]

Phones are great to mark sign.

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Yes, cell's with OnX are fine (which I have) and I use them to mark locations when scouting. I assume every hunter does that.

[@ArkansasPublicHunts]

What man needs FOUR flashlights in his hunting pack!? Lol respect it though

[@southboundeightyone4958]

Need to get me some antihistamines, I love those rainy day hunts too!!