The Watering Hole

Episode 81: The Ultimate Bowhunting Rant!

Welcome to The Watering Hole, the ultimate podcast destination for hunting enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and anyone who appreciates raw, unscripted camaraderie! Hosted by seasoned hunters and outdoor industry fixtures Justin Zarr and Todd Graf, this show pulls up a stool at nature’s favorite gathering spot to serve up genuine conversations. From swapping legendary tracking stories to dissecting the intricacies of whitetail deer migration patterns, trail camera strategies, and optimal gear setups, Justin and Todd provide an authentic look into the modern hunter’s lifestyle. Whether they are laughing over a classic hunting camp disaccord or calling on viewers to help pull a rock legend onto the air, the dynamic duo keeps it loose, lively, and incredibly relatable.   In each episode, the hosts bridge the gap between hard-won woodsman wisdom and the latest hunting technology. Dive deep into deep-dive discussions about maximizing the battery life of your setups, evaluating modern AI trail cam tools, and predicting the growth of summer bucks. More than just a collection of tactical hunting tips, The Watering Hole thrives on the natural, unfiltered banter of two lifelong partners-in-crime who aren’t afraid to give each other a hard time. Subscribe today, grab a cold drink, and join Justin and Todd as they break down the obsession, the lifestyle, and the unforgettable moments that make us proud to love the great outdoors! www.bowhunting.com

Episode 80: Have We CHANGED?

Welcome back to The Watering Hole with your hosts, Justin Zarr and Todd Graf! In this episode, the guys take a hilarious trip down memory lane as they look back at highlights and outtakes from their early hunting days. From analyzing how young and awkward they were 16 years ago to laughing at their old studio camera work, Justin and Todd reflect on how much has changed since season one. They also dive into a funny debate about some of the most bizarre hunting gimmicks from back in the day, including activated carbon Covid-style masks, alfalfa honey gum, and a highly questionable tree stand dummy designed to condition the local deer herd.   Beyond the nostalgia, the conversation turns to some essential gear talk and real-world outdoor frustrations. The hosts give a massive shoutout to Stealth Strips, explaining why this quiet, felt-like material is a permanent fixture in their hunting arsenal for silencing gear and handling quick field repairs. Justin also shares his recent headaches over a broken Ford truck turbo that turned out to be a simple sensor issue, contrasting it with the unmatched reliability of their decade-old Prius go-karts. To wrap things up, the guys discuss a serious modern concern: the recent rise of screw worm cases in livestock, before launching into a passionate rant against the epidemic of AI slop and ChatGPT posts currently infecting outdoor Facebook groups. www.bowhunting.com

Episode 79: Fathers Day Gift Ideas!

Welcome back to another episode of The Watering Hole! In Episode 79, hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf kick things off with some major breaking news: Todd officially lost the fishing bet. The guys dive deep into how a recent cold front and changing water temperatures flipped their fishing strategies upside down, discussing everything from sonar finders and weed problems to the specific triggers needed to get largemouth bass to bite. Because a deal is a deal, a celebratory trip to Chipotle is on the horizon.  The conversation then transitions from the water to the woods as the guys realize there are only four months left until opening day. They explore the subtle tactics of outdoor scouting, drawing a fascinating parallel between successful fishing techniques and the art of shed hunting and deer hunting. Todd and Justin debate the heavy reliance on hyper-specific gear, swapping stories about group chat arguments over infinite arrow setups, 5.0 vs. Axis 5mm pure carbon shafts, and weight distribution. In the end, they remind listeners of a simple truth: if you shoot a deer in the right spot, the fancy gear variables fade away. Tune in for a jam-packed episode highlighting upcoming summer fishing plans, food plot updates, and essential visual scanning skills! www.bowhunting.com

Episode 78: Reliving Our Worst Hunts

Welcome to The Watering Hole, the ultimate campsite hangout where we dive deep into the absolute best—and worst—of the hunting lifestyle. In this episode, hosts Todd Graf and Justin Zarr are holding nothing back as they relive some of their most agonizing, disastrous, and downright worst hunts in recent memory. If you’ve ever had a trip go completely off the rails, this one is for you. Plus, the guys talk strategy on a major milestone years in the making: finally cashing in those hard-earned Iowa points for an unforgettable tag. Whether you're a seasoned whitetail fanatic or just love a good camp story, grab a drink and join the conversation. www.bowhunting.com

Episode 77: No One Wants Your Mounts!

Welcome back to another round at The Watering Hole, where hosts Justin Zarr and Todd Graf keep it completely real about the outdoor lifestyle. If you’re looking for a highly polished, scripted lecture on wildlife management, you’ve come to the wrong place. This podcast is all about the raw, unfiltered camp-side banter you'd hear from a couple of seasoned hunters over a small cup of Duncan Donuts coffee. From breaking down tricky buck-to-doe ratios and navigating shifting state hunting regulations, to diving into the nostalgia (and clutter) of personal trophy rooms, Justin and Todd trade stories with the kind of casual camaraderie that only comes from years of sharing the woods together. www.bowhunting.com