Unlucky Hunters Matter cover art

Unlucky Hunters Matter

Unlucky Hunters Matter

Written by: Unlucky Hunters Matter
Listen for free

About this listen

On Unlucky Hunters Matter I will be talking weekly about my past experiences, my goals for the up coming hunting seasons, lessons that I have learned and how I can be a better hunter from those lessons. I will also include my friends and family and get their stories and goals and experiences on the show as well.

Jake Hougardy 2023
Episodes
  • Why Not All Hunts Go As Planned
    Feb 14 2026

    Most hunts don’t go the way we plan them.

    The wind shifts. Other hunters show up. Deer move differently than expected. A setup that felt perfect an hour ago suddenly falls apart. And just like that, the hunt you imagined never actually happens.

    In this episode of Unlucky Hunters Matter, I break down the reality of public‑land hunting — from blown opportunities and shifting winds to pressure from other hunters and smart deer that refuse to follow the script. This isn’t about excuses. It’s about adaptability. It’s about humility. And it’s about understanding that the gap between expectation and reality is where the real lessons live.

    Because the hunts that go perfectly according to plan rarely teach us much.

    But the ones that fall apart? Those are the ones that make us better.

    If you’ve ever walked back to the truck replaying a hunt in your head, this one’s for you.

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • The Woods Don't Owe You Another Chance
    Feb 8 2026

    In this episode of Unlucky Hunters Matter, I break down a season defined by missed chances, small decisions, and lessons learned the hard way. From passing shots that never came back, to pressure, timing mistakes, and the quiet choices that slowly end seasons, this episode is about the realities most hunters don’t talk about.

    We dive into how pressure changes deer movement, how deer pattern us just as much as we pattern them, and why an entitlement mindset can quietly ruin hunts before we even realize it. This isn’t about trophies or highlight reels — it’s about honest reflection, accountability, and respecting every opportunity the woods give you.

    Because seasons don’t usually end with one big mistake — they end with small decisions we didn’t think would matter.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • The Woods Don’t Owe You Another Chance | Lessons From My Best Season Yet
    Jan 28 2026

    This episode is a season‑wrap reflection on what ended up being my most successful hunting year to date—and the hard lessons that came with it.

    We break down spring turkey and deer season on public land, talking honestly about what worked, what didn’t, and why preparation, patience, and understanding pressure mattered more than luck or trophies.

    From preseason scouting and calling strategy to missed opportunities and decisions I wish I could take back, this episode is about learning the hard way and carrying those lessons forward.

    Because success in hunting isn’t just measured by punched tags—it’s earned through mistakes, reflection, and showing up when things don’t go as planned.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
No reviews yet