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  • Was the buck Greg shot a 3 1/2 year old or a 4 1/2 year old buck?
    kevin from MN asks:
    I KNOW YOU'VE KILLED SOME GREAT BUCKS THIS YEAR ON THE FARM AND WERE CONCERNED ABOUT HAVING ANY UP AND COMING SHOOTERS. BUT TO ME IT LOOKS LIKE GREG JUST TOOK OUT ONE WITH GREAT POTENTIAL. OR WAS THAT BUCK OLDER THAN 3.5 ?
    Winke Responds:
    Kevin, I wasn't paying any real attention to that part of the farm. Aaron and Greg were sure he was 4 1/2. Aaron filmed him in the summer when the buck ran right under his stand. So I will defer to their judgment on this one. I didn't have a good feel for that buck. Have a Happy New Year. (12-31-11)
  • Who won the Sportsman Channel Best Hunting Show?
    Ron from IL asks:
    Who won the Sportsman Channel Best Video show? I wrote in "Midwest Whitetail" a number of times but never heard who won.
    Winke Responds:
    Ron, Thanks for the support. They don't reveal the winner's until the Shot Show party January 18. I will let everyone know after that event. Again, I appreciate all you do for us. Happy New Year. (12-31-11)
  • Aren't you afraid the G4 buck might move to a different bedding area?
    bill from PA asks:
    Hey Bill, this sure is getting tense with G4...I also applaud you for sticking with the bow...you seem to be pretty confident in which end of the field he will enter and where he is bedded...what if he worked around to the other end of the field over night?....wouldn't that blow it? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, It sure might blow it yes. All the trail cam photos we have gotten of him suggest he is coming from one of two places. I make sure that the wind is not blowing in those directions when I enter and I make sure to study anything I can in those directions very carefully to make sure he isn't bedding there watching the field. They sometimes do that. Best regards. Happy New Year. (12-31-11)
  • I think the G4 buck is finally going to meet his match - can't wait to see it.
    Robert from AL asks:
    keep those up dates coming. Can't wait, I can feel it, G 4 has finally met his match..can't wait to get on each time I get in ..Just to C.
    Winke Responds:
    Robert, I hope you are right. A person doesn't get many encounters like I had Thursday night in his lifetime. I hope he shows up again. Thanks for the support. Good luck. Happy New Year (12-31-11)
  • Is 50 yards the longest shot you would take on a deer? Do you think the buck would have heard your bow inside that monster blind?
    tyler from OK asks:
    well by the way your last video blog went it looks like you learned the same thing i have.......... which is to take the first shot u get, wether its 10yards or 50 yards, if your sure u can make the shot take it!!!! and is 50 yards the longest shot you'll take at a deer with a bow and why??? with as quit as your bow is and a deer feeding at 50 yeards (or further) there should be almost no chance of them hearing your bow from in that monster blind....
    Winke Responds:
    Tyler, I agree. I just hate forcing a shot too when a better one looks to right around the corner. I set my personal goal for a 40 yard shot last night. I can make that shot under most conditions and would feel comfortable staking my season on 40 yard shots. However, the deer can move and I am not sure what that buck would have done when feeding naturally if I had taken a 40 yard shot (he never gave me one so it doesn't matter). I fear he still might have dropped a bit. I likely would have aimed a bit low but not off the body of the deer. Good luck. Happy New Year. (12-30-11)
  • Thanks for the video blogs and the hunt for the G4 Buck.
    Randy from ME asks:
    Just a few comments - Thanks for the video blog updates. Congrats to Greg on the nice deer, can't wait to see more Monday. Very cool to see your attempts to shoot G4, I can't believe he closed so quickly right then. Isn't that one of the cool things about bowhunting? You wait and wait, and then it all happens so fast, sometimes it comes together, sometimes you are left scratching your head wondering what happened. Thanks for sticking with the bow and reminding us of why bowhunting is the way to go. Finally, I have to say that I love the paper clip on your vest. Glad to know that there are other "frugal" and practical hunters out there besides me. I have used that method many times on old zippers.
    Winke Responds:
    Randy, Thanks for the comments. It was heart-breaking when he got away, but fortunately I didn't do anything too dumb and shoot at him as he trotted off. I was tempted. Have a Great New Year. (12-30-11)
  • I am not able to view the videos anymore. Any suggestions?
    Joe from WI asks:
    Bill, very informative website. Just recently when trying to view the videos I get the loading for several minutes. I'm sure the issue is on my end but do you have any suggestions so I can continue to view the videos.
    Winke Responds:
    Joe, Try updating your Flash Player to see if that helps. Go to Adobe.com and look for the the place to download the most recent version of Adobe Flash Player. That should do it. Good luck. Happy New Year. (12-30-11)
  • How can I watch your videos on my iPad?
    Chris from ME asks:
    Hey bill, Love the show! Just got an iPad and can't seem to watch the video. Any ideas? Good luck with g4! Chris
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, The best app I have found is the skyfire app. Our son has an iPad and it works well on there. Thanks for the support. Good luck. Happy New Year. (12-30-11)
  • You have great footage on your farm this year; bet you won't be burning that blind after the season will you?
    rob from IA asks:
    Bill HOLY COW what footage you have there and what a property! really that is some great footage i`d say some of the best i have ever seen and i watch A LOT of shows. So i`m guessing that the blind wo`nt get a match thrown on it after the season is over?
    Winke Responds:
    Rob, No doubt the farm is producing a few big deer this year. It will be interesting to see what pops up next year because we have not seen an abundance of great up and coming bucks. We may hit a few years of tough sledding. We always enjoy hunting mature bucks. They don't all have to have big antlers. Yes, it is fun when they do, but such years are rare and wonderful, not the norm. I have learned not to expect such years but to savor them when they fall into my lap. I have definitely been savoring this year. Thanks for the support and the kind words. I still don't like blind hunting, but we have gotten killer footage from it so far. Good luck. Happy New Year (12-31-11)
  • What are your plans for the Double G4 buck if you shoot him? Will you have the deer tested to determine the skin condition?
    Anthony from AZ asks:
    I'm curious about your current quest with the Double G4 buck. If you harvest him, what are your plans for the buck? I obviously know that he'll be hanging on your wall. By plans I mean, will you process the meat for consumption, or forgo that? And, Will you have him submitted for testing to find out what the skin condition that he has?
    Winke Responds:
    Anthony, I suspect the meat will be fine. I would not hesitate to eat it. My guess is that he has some kind of skin condition. I will likely take a bunch of photos and send them to anyone who might know what it is. I just hope I have the opportunity to find out! Happy New Year. (12-28-11)
  • Appreciates Jake Grevenstuk's (MI Show) take on the tough season.
    Justin from MT asks:
    Bill, More of a statement than a question, but I really liked what Jake Grevenstuk from the MI show had to say this past week. I had a very difficult season myself, and what Jake said really struck home. Knowing Who we belong to and Who is control is definitely what it is all about. I know at least for myself, and hopefully others as well Jake's comments took some of the salt out of the wound regarding a bad season and put things into perspective. I appreciate the show including his comments! Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Justin, Thanks. I appreciate the good word. I will let Jake know about your comments. Have a Happy New Year. (12-28-11)
  • Merry Christmas to everyone.
    Mark Great White Hunter Hall from IN asks:
    Merry Christmas To Everybody Hope Everyone Is Havin A Wonderful Holiday.......
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, Thanks and same to you and your family! Happy New Year too. (12-31-11)
  • I hope you hunt the G4 buck with a bow.
    Joel from AR asks:
    Hey bill i hope you do not put the bow down for a gun. I love your show and the way you support bowhunting. Hope you and your family have a merry christmas and happy new year. P.S. cant wait to see you and the double G4 bucks after kill photo!!
    Winke Responds:
    Joel, Thanks for the support. I started hunting that buck with a bow three years ago and I want to finish the quest with a bow if I can. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too. (12-31-11)
  • Take the bow; there are hundreds of shows shooting deer with guns. I like MW because it is mostly bowhunting.
    Sean from AL asks:
    I read the blog on the DG4 buck and your delema. I say take the bow!!! It is so much more exciting and intimate when such an awseome animal that you have so much history with is taken with a bow. There are 1000's of videos out there of people shooting awsome bucks with rifles. MW consistantly shoot the best bow hunting footage. Thats why I love this site so much. If you dont get him with the bow think about how much you will get to learn about him by next year. Good or Bad you can share his story with us. No matter what the decision ends up being I am looking forward to the upcoming shows/blogs and will be excited to find out how G4's health and late season goes. This hunt video cant top the G5 & DG4 BUCK!!!! I think!!! Good Luck!!
    Winke Responds:
    Sean, That is what I decided to do. I figured that I started the quest for this buck three years ago with a bow and I'll do everything I can to finish it with a bow, for better or worse. Thanks for the feedback and support. I appreciate it. Happy New Year. (1-1-12)
  • What will disappoint you more with the Double G4 buck: not killing him with a bow or not killing him at all?
    Greg from MN asks:
    What will disappoint you more? Not killing him with the bow, or not killing him at all. You have put a tremendous amount of effort into getting him with a bow. This buck deserves to be hanging on the wall and relished, not thrown into a pile of other gun killed racks that disappoint you. Personally, I would be ecstatic to SEE a deer of his magnitude, and shooting him with a gun would not be a let down for me. You are at a different level than most others! Be grateful for that, and follow your heart. You've already succeeded by putting yourself in the position to have to make a choice most of us would not have the chance at! Btw, AWESOME show! Merry Christmas!
    Winke Responds:
    Greg, Thanks for the feedback. I have decided to hunt him with the bow. I started hunting him with a bow three years and I want to finish the quest with a bow in my hand, for better or for worse. I guess if I wanted him bad enough I could have killed him with a gun Thursday evening about 400 times. He spent an hour between 85 and 48 yards! I'll keep after him. Something good may still happen. I appreciate the support. Happy New Year. (1-1-12)
  • How did Jason Vickerman's sugar beats turn out? I never saw him hunt over them.
    Dustin from IL asks:
    bill, I know jason vickerman from the iowa show planted some sugar beets this summer and i havn't heard him talk about them lately or seen him hunt over them yet. So was just curious if you heard how they worked out for him or if he is seeing deer hit them yet or not. thinking about maybe trying some next year. thanks. merry christmas!
    Winke Responds:
    Dustin, I don't think the sugar beat planting worked out for him. We had some rough weather conditions here and I think the weeds may have gotten him too - I just don't believe they worked out. However, I do know that he had very good success with his Big N Beasty mix again this year. Despite the conditions, it did very well. I would likely not go with a straight planting of sugar beats; they seem tempermental from everything I have seen and heard. I would likely plant the Big N Beasty instead. Good luck.
  • Suggest that you take the gun when hunting that buck.
    Jeff from MO asks:
    Hello Bill, my name is Jeff Sparks and I have been following midwest whitetails from its beginning and I love the site. I am an avid bowhunter in Missouri. I don't have a question today but I would like to offer my opinion. TAKE YOUR GUN!!! I know your feelings as an avid bowhunter, BUT that deer is a once in a lifetime deer (with a bow or gun) and there is certainly a good chance he will not make it through the winter. Another way to look at it, if you can get him on video with a gun and then have him on your wall forever versus find him dead and hang his skull up as what you almost had (if you find it before the squirrels and mice). I know this probably doesn't help, but I wish you the best of luck and merry Christmas. Jeff
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, I have already decided to take the bow and hope for the best. I want to finish the quest with a bow in my hand for better or for worse. Thanks for the input and the support. Have a Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • I would take the gun after that buck.
    Dan from MO asks:
    Just read your blog about your late season plans. I would opt for the muzzleloader. If you can, take both bow and smokepole. It he's to far out of range bring out the gun. He is looking pretty bad. My guess is if you don't get him soon you will find him dead this spring. He doesn't look healthy enough to last a hard winter. Good luck on whatever you do and God Bless
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, Thanks for the input. As you have probably noticed from the show and from other posts, I have decided to stick with the bow. I just want to shoot him with a bow if I can, or be satisfied to let him get away. Have a Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • Take the gun!
    Joe from MD asks:
    Hi Bill, I enjoy the show and am also a bowhunter at heart, though I do hunt with a gun as well, but I am still debating whether I will give it up and stick strictly to archery. I agree it would probably mean much more to take the double g4 buck with a bow, but in this particular situation I would definitely take the gun as well, for the deers sake if for no other reason. Thats just my thought, the choice is yours! :) good luck, and I look forward to watching the outcome! Joe
    Winke Responds:
    Joe, See the other posts. Thanks for the input and for supporting the shows. Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • Another vote for taking the gun.
    Chris from LA asks:
    Bill, take the gun. I feel your pain. Gun hunting just doesn't do it for me anymore either but that deer doesn't look healthy. Not many hunters can say they've gotten nearly 600 inches of antler in one seaon on their own farm. Good luck.
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Thanks for the input. I decided to stick with the bow. Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • Take both the gun and the bow.
    dave from MO asks:
    Just my opinion. If you think, as I do, he will show one time...maybe....the gun would be with me. The bow would be in my hand but as I KNEW the chance with a bow was over, I'd burn a little powder. Maybe not the same feeling as getting him with a bow, but it would feel a whole lot better than finding him during shed season. If you feel like he will winter, maybe its different. Bottom line though when you decide to go out, you will know what to do, its your hunt! Good luck , happy holidays.
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, Good game plan. Even if I had carried both to the blind, I would have held out for the bow and when the situation fell apart, he still would have gotten away regardless so I guess it was just as well the gun wasn't there. Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • Stick with the bow on that buck.
    Lance from IA asks:
    Just leave the gun at home! As hunters we sometimes find ourselves rooting for the deer. If you can't shoot the Double G4 buck with a bow then he wins! If he dies of of old age, then so be it. I would almost feel like I cheated if I had to use a gun, but that's just me.
    Winke Responds:
    Lance, I have decided to stick with the bow. Thanks for the input. Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • Any more sightings of Bubba?
    Jesse from IN asks:
    Congrats on an awesome season Bill! Looking forward to seeing what claims your last tag. mainly just wanted to know if you've had any more sightings of bubba?
    Winke Responds:
    Jesse, We have not seen that buck since the trail cam photos in mid to late October. I have not been running the cameras over there though so he may be swinging through during the night or when we aren't there. He is an awesome buck. Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • Just take the gun with you to the blind and decide once you get there.
    Brian from OH asks:
    Take the muzzleloader to the blind man. You can always decide not to shoot him with it if he stays out of bow range, but give yourself the option!!!! He lookes like he has lost quite a bit of body weight in my opinion. It sure would be a shame to find him laying in a ditch in March! He has bred several does by now. Take him and cap off the best season you will ever have. Merry christmas!
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, If I take it I will use it. There won't be any deciding once he is out there. I need to decide that ahead of time. It is just that the bucks I have killed with a gun in the past have never meant as much to me as the ones I have killed with a bow. I don't even have a single gun killed buck mounted. I am a bowhunter at heart. I am still pondering. Merry Christmas. (12-23-11)
  • Can you show us a photo of your European mounts from this past season side by side?
    Mark from NJ asks:
    Can we see a photo of the finished skulls from your two bucks side by side?
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, I will post a blog about it once the season winds down here. I got some very cool display boards from a viewer that I will also feature. Thanks for the support. (1-2-12)
  • Loves the shows and Biblical stand.
    Brian from PA asks:
    Merry Christmas! Love your shows and your biblical stand!
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, Thanks for the support and Merry Christmas. (12-23-11)
  • Where can I download one of the TV episodes I want to show my friends?
    Mark from AL asks:
    I saw part of your tvepisode on the sportsman channel this past Tueday 12/20/11 in whick you were talking about the Deer "BIG" I believe and your concept of using an ariel map & trail cameras to document the travel of this buck and how you determined which area this deer may be the most vulnerable when the time was right. I have to say this was the most educational show I've seen in years, and I wanted to know what the title of this episode was so I can download and share with my hunting club members here in Virginia. We have been practicing QDM for the past 6 years on a 4000 acre tract of land with approx. 525 acres of combined corn & soybean, and it's paying off in the number of quality bucks we're growing & getting on trail cameras. I believe once I share this segment with my guys it will increase our odds of harvesting a few more of these mature bucks.
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, Thanks. I believe that was Episode 12 or 11 and you can find that on Muddy's video website: www.muddy.tv. They have all the TV episodes posted there. Merry Christmas. (12-22-11)
  • Why do you play music on the shows when people are talking?
    Ed from IL asks:
    Why during the shows does the music not stop when you, your son or others are talking? We want to hear what is being said without it being drowned out! I know most shows do the same thing except for Primos which I have thanked Will Primos personally for not playing music even during thier hunting scenes. I voted for you and Midwest Whitetail several times and enjoy your shows very much. Several of my friends and fellow sportsmen have the same openion and have asked that I urge the deleition of music at certain times especially when your son, women and others are talking. Thanks for considering the above I belive if the question was presented to the viewers you would have a great deal of comment in favor of your voices and the natural sounds of the hunt over music. Thanks Ed
    Winke Responds:
    Ed, We have gotten this same comment from other viewers and I will pass it along to the producers so that we can make this happen. Thanks for the feedback and support. I appreciate it a lot and appreciate the votes. Have a Merry Christmas! (12-21-11)
  • Why did your son hang the vest on the side the ground blind when he went in to hunt it?
    Greg Rickels from TN asks:
    I was watching one of the shows with your son in a ground blind today. When he went in he put a hunter orange vest on the outside of the blind. Do you always do this? And just a note, thanks for speaking about your faith! We need more of that in our world today!
    Winke Responds:
    Greg, Thanks for the support. It is the law in Iowa that you have to display blaze orange on the outside of a ground blind when you are in there hunting. Merry Christmas. (12-21-11)
  • Can you do an off-season episode about coyote trapping?
    Will from IL asks:
    Hey Bill, Congratulations on a great season! I was wondering if you could do an off season show on trapping coyotes? I have seen a huge increase in the population on our farm in central illinois over the past couple years and its not uncommon for me to see 4 or 5 in one sit. We kill a few every year with our bows every year but its just not going to cut it anymore. I know all of the land managers watching would really appreciate it. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Will, We will need to find an expert. I don't know much about it. I talked to a guy recently (I think it was the local retired game warden) who says that snaring is very effective and that he knows a guy that can get several dozen in just a few days in a good area with snares. Maybe he is the guy to interview. We need to do something about them though. Merry Christmas. (12-20-11)
  • When will you know the results of the Sportsman Channel vote?
    Kevin from TN asks:
    Hi Bill. When will we know the results of the Sportsman Channel voting? I voted as often as I could. Good luck!
    Winke Responds:
    Kevin, Thanks for the votes. We won't know until the SHOT Show in mid-January. I will let everyone know as soon as I know. I really do appreciate the support. Merry Christmas. (12-20-11)
  • Why not just buy a pre-fab blind rather than make the big skyscraper blind you are making?
    BILL from AL asks:
    Bill,I know you are not a big fan of blinds but why don't you just get one of the pre-fab ones that are available instead of that "skyscraper you are building?
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, I need the extra room for filming. We have tried to film bowhunts out of blinds before and the footage is always bad. We have to move around so much that we are always in each other's way and that is not good when a big deer is nearby. So I just decided to bite the bullet and make a big, two story blind that we can film out of. If I shoot something from it, the footage will be awesome. That is the business we are in now. Thanks for the support. Best regards and Merry Christmas. (12-19-11)
  • I am not a hunter but I do enjoy watching the shows. Good luck.
    Paul from MO asks:
    Bill, First off, I love the show. I am from Missouri and have never hunted but love watching the Monday morning highlights. Noticed today at the end you don't like hunting from blinds and noticed you misspelled the word hunting. Not a major mistake but always need a little education along with outdoor hunting. Good luck with G4. Hope your daughter gets the buck she's after. Paul
    Winke Responds:
    Paul, I appreciate the support and it is interesting that you watching even though you aren't a hunter. That is pretty cool. I like seeing things and being able to shoot in any direction. Blinds are too restrictive for me. I like the wind blowing in my face, the full experience, etc. Happy New Year. (1-2-12)
  • What's up with you being on the promos for the 2012 Realtree Hunting Camp on the Sportsman's Channel?
    rob from IA asks:
    Hi Bill. i have seen your face in a new promo for a show called realtree hunting camp on sportsman channel. what`s up with that? BTW you recommended the s4 gear bino harness to me. it`s everything i wanted it to be, i never have to worry about my nikons thanks for the advice.
    Winke Responds:
    Rob, Glad the harness worked out. I believe they are rerunning our 2011 Midwest Whitetail episodes in Q1 and Q2 of 2012 in the block that Realtree is now sponsoring called Realtree's Hunting Camp. We are talking with sponsors about maybe coming out with an original series for Q1 and Q2 of 2013. It all takes time and money to do and the sponsors are getting fatigued by the process. However, we are comitted to doing this well, so I am sure long-term we will have something cool there giving us year around on TV too (as well as on the web). Merry Christmas. (12-21-11)
  • Have you seen the G4 Buck again?
    Jason from NC asks:
    Was curious as to whether or not anyone has seen G4 lately. Looking forward to seeing you hunt him!
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, Yes, I have pictures of him. Still in the same area. Merry Christmas. (12-16-11)
  • How did things go with your daughter's hunting this past weekend?
    Bill from PA asks:
    Hi Bill. Didn't you take your daughter out hunting last weekend? What happened? Thought we would see another brute on the ground!
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, Jordan isn't a real hard hunter. We hunted Saturday and she shot at a doe and then she didn't feel like going Sunday evening - she wanted to do some things around the house. We can still get out a few more times, but she is busy with sports and other activities and hunting isn't a big priority for her. She still likes to go occassionally, but she doesn't press me to go like Andrew does. Have a great Christmas. (12-16-11)
  • Why don't you let your kids kill those big bucks on your farm?
    Trevor from MI asks:
    Bill, You produce a great show and have been following you from day one, great to see that you have your kids into the outdoors. My question is this why don't you let your kids hunt some of the big buck that you are going after? I just read that you are not hunting BIG because you are " Tagged Out" why not put your daughter on him, or the G 4 buck? I have kids of my own and I would take more pleasure in having one of them take a deer like that over myself. Just a question thanks for the great show.
    Winke Responds:
    Trevor, I am not actually tagged out. I have another tag for the late season that starts on Monday. Our son killed a doe and a great buck so he is good for the year. Our daughter is struggling with just hitting deer solidly so the last thing I want to do is put a giant in front of her. She needs to get some confidence back with a few doe kills. We tried last Saturday but she didn't make the shot on a nice doe. These big old bucks have been here for a long time. I just need to make sure that when we go after them that we aren't setting ourselves up for a wounded deer. Keeping things in perspective, kids don't need to shoot giant deer. They just need action. It doesn't mean that much to them. Those deer are a big deal to an adult. To a youth hunter (at least to our two kids) they are just novelties. When they are serious and experienced enough to appreciate those deer for what they are, that is when I cut them loose on the biggest bucks on the farm. Until then they are happy just to kill deer. They need to pay their dues. It isn't healthy for a kid to enjoy success without earning it. At least that is my thought. It is not as if they aren't hunting big deer - heck, Drew killed a 170+ this year. How old was I when I killed my first over 170? I was 32 years old! I hope you and your family have a Great Christmas! (12-15-11)
  • You haven't talked about the buck you named "Big" on the show recently. Is he still around?
    Danny from IN asks:
    Hey Bill! Love the show. I was just wondering if you had any sightings of "Big" this hunting season. I remember you talking about him before the season started, but not much after that. Oh, and congrats on the season so far!
    Winke Responds:
    Danny, I decided not to hunt him after I killed that nice buck in late October. He has been such a homebody, I am interested in seeing if he is still here next year as a 7 1/2 year old and what he looks like and how he behaves. I want to learn more about mature bucks and he is the perfect candidate to teach me. I hope he is still here and still alive. I didn't hunt his area more than twice and have not run a camera there since about October 20. I will fire up a camer there again soon, just to find out if he is there and keeping learning from him if he is. He is a cool old buck and I really would love to see him again next year. Best regards. Merry Christmas. (12-15-11)
  • Did you fix the windshield on your truck?
    Jack from ME asks:
    You fixed your windshield. Now your luck will run out and you won't kill anything next year! Just kidding with you Bill! You have a great show that I can't wait to watch every week. Keep up the good work! (And the upkeep on your truck!)
    Winke Responds:
    Jack, No I didn't. It is still cracked! It may stay that way until I get a new truck! Can't take any chances with the luck. Thanks for the support. Have a great Christmas. (12-14-11)
  • Not able to watch the latest videos - any help?
    Wade from MS asks:
    Bill, For some unknown reason I can no longer download Midwest Whitetail videos to my computer. I've been watching your show for two years and its killing me that I haven't been able to keep up with the shows. I am able to watch the videos that I have previously viewed but not the newest ones. Do you have any suggestions of what I might do to correct this problem?
    Winke Responds:
    Wade, Sorry about that. We run on a flash platform but will be changing soon. But for now, this is a bug in a recent versioni of Flash Player that your browser uses to view videos. This is what I got from our host: Hey everybody! We've determined that this is due to a bug in Flash 11.0.1. We suggest you do one of the following. 1) Switch to Chrome or Safari browser and use the HTML5 player vimeo.com/help/faq#switch_player 2) Downgrade to version 10.3 of Flash adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html 3) Try making sure the date and time on your computer is set correctly. Adobe is working on these issues and hopefully this will be resolved shortly.
  • Can't get the latest video to play - has anyone else had this problem?
    Nick from WI asks:
    Mr. Winke, I'm having trouble getting the latest show, Gun season success, to play. Has anyone else had problems with this? thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Nick, Sorry about that. We run on a flash platform but will be changing soon. But for now, this is a bug in a recent versioni of Flash Player that your browser uses to view videos. This is what I got from our host: Hey everybody! We've determined that this is due to a bug in Flash 11.0.1. We suggest you do one of the following. 1) Switch to Chrome or Safari browser and use the HTML5 player vimeo.com/help/faq#switch_player 2) Downgrade to version 10.3 of Flash adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html 3) Try making sure the date and time on your computer is set correctly. Adobe is working on these issues and hopefully this will be resolved shortly.
  • Did Scott Prucha see the other big buck in the background on his trail cam photos?
    Spiro Stergiotis from QC asks:
    Hi Bill, Great shows...Just another small FYI DID U Notice the HUGE BUCK in the backgroud?? During the Dec 12th Gun Season Success video with Scott Prucha, at about 10mins and 40seconds he is mentioning that no other big deer have been seen on his farm, at exactly 10:48 to 10:52 into the video during the video of the buck rising and lowering his neck licking.. look directly at the level of his chest and the horizon of the wheat field and the forest line, 1 inch from the chest and 1 inch from the tree in the far right corner, look for the wide rack that goes up and down at the same time as the deer in front goes up and down...I hope that Scott gets out there and does a courtesy Call OUT to Spiro from Quebec when he wacks him..LOL...I just love your shows and cannot tell you enough how enjoyable it is to heve my quiet evenings with your shows....thank you so much and God bless you all!!!!!!..Let me know what Scott says about this...
    Winke Responds:
    Spiro, Prucha says he saw it. I think he just doesn't want a bunch of viewers to point out deer on his own trail cam photos that he missed. As untrustworthy as he may be, we must take him at his word, that he actually did see it. He says it is a buck that he saw in late summer, but not much since. He even had a name for it - Bob or Frank, some such. I think he was just thinking on his feet when he made that up. I guess it never came to the camera for a closer look. Thanks for all your support buddy. Good bless you too at this great Christmas time. (12-15-11)
  • Why is that I am not seeing as many arrows passing through the deer now when I watch TV and your shows as I used to?
    art from MN asks:
    Hi Bill ,really like the show .You guys do a great job with all parts of the website.Can you tell me why there seems to be an increase in arrows not passing through the deer.I see it on more and more tv shows and had it happen to me this year .I know my old bow would have passed through but my new one did not.My old bow is 70# draw and about 20fps slower then my new 60# draw.Both bows arrows are set up with about 5 grains of weight per lb of draw.Thanks and have a great holiday season.(congrats on a great year hunting)
    Winke Responds:
    Art, Thanks for your support. Two things: bigger broadheads don't penetrate as well and the arrows are just hitting bone somewhere (opposite shoulder, opposite leg for example). That is my take on it. Exact shot placement is a big deal. Sometimes you hit a rib going in and one going out and it seems that the arrow is not as powerful as it should have been, but those ribs really slow the arrow down. Good luck. Merry Christmas. (12-15-11)
  • Did you ever get more footage of that giant buck that slipped away from you in 2008?
    barry from GA asks:
    Do you have any footage of that gigantic buck that sliiped away from you in 08
    Winke Responds:
    Barry, I actually hit that deer, unfortunately, and he died that winter. My friends found him dead that next spring. There is a photo blog about him in the winter/spring of 2009 showing the buck and another one we found dead while shed hunting. It is a very bad thing to happen. I had that deer dead to rights too, broadside at 17 yards with my squeezing the trigger when the cameraman moved the stand slightly just as the trigger broke over causing me to hit him low. They found him dead nearly 3/4 mile away (possibly farther). There was no blood trail. The buck wasn't as big as I thought he was (about 180 instead of 190), but he was still a big, beautful buck. That bad luck in 2008 is matched only by the good luck I have had this year. Really, I believe that. Luck evens out if you hunt long enough. Best regards and Merry Christmas. (12-13-11)
  • More muzzleloader bullet insight.
    Tracy from IA asks:
    Hi Bill, not really a question, just another muzzleloader bullet suggestion for Jason. I use Lightfield 300 grain all-lead boat tail hollow points, and they are LETHAL! I have shot about 10 deer with them, and while I haven't had to track many, the ones I have trailed have left massive amounts of blood. BTW, love the show! Have a great day, Tracy
    Winke Responds:
    Tracy, Thanks for the input. Good stuff. Have a great Christmas. (12-16-11)
  • Suggestion on different muzzleloader bullet for better blood trails.
    Ken from IN asks:
    Most recent show Jason mentioned he has a history of little to no blood trail with muzzelloader hits, I use a 240 grain jacketed hollow point by Nosler, I been using these bullets for over 20 years and have excellent blood trails' sometimes massive blood trails, Jason may want to try another bullet type like the Nosler hollow point, My load is 100gr of triple 7 with T/C mag sabot 50 cal for whitetails.
    Winke Responds:
    Ken, I will pass that information along. Our son's buck didn't bleed externally either. That buck was hit perfectly through both lungs. We were using a Barnes Expander bullet on that one. I have some TC Shockwaves here. I might give them a try too. Thanks. Merry Christmas (12-13-11)
  • What blind was Scott Prucha hunting out of when he shot Waldo?
    John from IA asks:
    Bill, My 12 year old and I love your show. I couldn't ask for a better hunting role model for him . I enjoy how you do and say everything with honor and integrity. Could you recommend any quality elevated blinds that I could purchase ? I would be glad to assemble them. I just watched Scott Prucha shoot Waldo , and I noticed the black blind that he was hunting out of. Keep up the good work !
    Winke Responds:
    John, Thanks for the kind words and for the support. That means a lot to me. The blind that Scott was hunting from is made by Southern Outdoor Technologies out of Mississippi and ships pre-assembled. I have one on our farm too. You can find them at www.sportsmanscondo.com. Good luck and Merry Christmas. (12-13-11)
  • What kind of shotgun was Scott Prucha using in the video where he shot Waldo?
    Roger from NC asks:
    Just curious. What kind of shotgun did Scott Prucha use in taking "Waldo?"
    Winke Responds:
    Roger, It looks to me like a Remington Model 1100. It has a slug barrel on it that has a scope mount. Merry Christmas. (12-13-11) Apparently I am not as smart as I thought. Scott corrected me: "The shotgun is an 1187, you were correct about the rifled barrel and scope(Nikon 2.5x7)"
  • Did the buck in the background when Scott Prucha showed trail cam photos of Waldo ever come into the camera? He looks big.
    Sam from MO asks:
    Bill, in the most recent episode when Scott is reviewing his cam and Waldo shows up after Cheech is shot, there is another buck in the back ground that appears to be bigger. Did that deer come into the camera?
    Winke Responds:
    Sam, I had to go back and watch it. You are right. You have good eyes. That definitely looks like a bigger buck. I am certain that he never came to the camera because Scott never said anything about it and I am guessing he never even noticed it back there. I will have to tell him. That is pretty cool. It is at about the 10:45 mark on the video. Just adds a bit more to the story. Good job. Merry Christmas. (12-13-11) Once again, I messed up. This is Scott's answer: "I did see the deer in the background on the trailcam (thanks for the confidence in my visual abilities). He did not make it to the camera that day in the daylight but Drew and I examined it and I think it is the 10 pt I was calling Bob from my hitlist. He showed up a couple times at the scrape after dark. Another deer that showed back up for the first time since late summer. I clearly should have shot Cheech when I had the chance in late October."
  • Would you consider the buck "Cheech" that Scott Prucha shot to be a cull buck?
    robert from CA asks:
    Just a comment about the cheech buck. Should not that have been a cull buck? I could see that his rack had that Killer dagger point. Other deer knew they couldn't defend against it. Thats why he could dictate, and push any other deer away..
    Winke Responds:
    Robert, You are right. That buck definitely turned out to be bully that ran other bucks off the farm. That old deer rarely left Scott's 52 acre property. It is amazing a buck could live in such a small area, but I really believe that is what was happening. We don't really think in terms of cull bucks because we have so much fun hunting these mature deer even if they have small antlers. I think Scott was pretty well pumped when he finally killed Cheech. Good luck. (12-12-11)
  • How old do you think Andy Melton's big eight-pointer was?
    John from WI asks:
    How old was the huge typical 8 pt. Andy Melton just shot?I would guess at least 3.5-4.5 but the antlers didnt have very much mass. The rack just seemed a little spindly to me, but its still a huge deer!
    Winke Responds:
    John, Antler mass is sort of an indicator or age, but not a perfect one. Mass is genetic and some bucks never grow massive antlers no matter how old they get. I would guess the buck was at least 4 1/2 from watching him on video. I don't know that Andy had prior experience with that buck. I kind of got the idea it was the buck called Ocho, but it didn't have the same antler features as that buck. If it was him - he really grew from last year to this year. Good luck. (12-12-11)
  • Can you give me some information on the best way to take photos bucks I have shot?
    Dan from MO asks:
    Could you do a segment on the best ways to photograph your animal taken? The angles, lighting and what not.
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, I did that during one very early October episode last year (2010). Here is a link to that episode. http://www.midwestwhitetail.com/gallery/66/media/2333/mw107-early-season-success.html Merry Christmas. (12-16-11)
  • Liked the Great Plains show this week.
    Richard from KS asks:
    Hey Bill just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed watching the last greatplains show.
    Winke Responds:
    Richard, I agree, I thought that was a great episode. I thought the Indiana show was really good this week too. Thanks for the support. (12-8-11)
  • What happened to the daily blogs?
    Dan from MO asks:
    Whats up with the daily blog? Has none of the crew been hunting? Are you going to do a give away like you did with the Nikon binos?
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, No one is hunting this week. Many or our guys are bowhunters and aren't gun hunting. I will be taking our daughter out again this coming weekend and then we will not have the daily blogs again until late season. I will see if Nikon wants to give a way a set of binos. Thanks for the support. (12-8-11)
  • How were you able to take two bucks with your bow during the rut? I have a friend in Iowa and he said he can only shoot one.
    Adam from IL asks:
    Hey Bill- Just found your website and show in the past year and I think it is great. I noticed this year you harvested the G5 and Daggers with a bow. I'm from Illinois where we can harvest two bucks with a dow, but my buddy in S.E. Iowa said he can only take one buck with a bow. Does Iowa have different regulations for diffeent counties or did you harvest those deer in Illinois and not Iowa? Either way they show the potential for mature deer in the midwest and I love the show.
    Winke Responds:
    Adam, Thanks. Landowner tag. If your buddy buys some land he can take another buck during the rut if he so chooses, but only on his land. Thanks for the support. Good luck. (12-8-11)
  • Will you send me pictures of Scott Prucha with the Waldo buck?
    Scott from IA asks:
    Bill- First of let me say I love the show! I was wondering if you could send me a couple photos of Scott and that awesome buck Waldo. I understand you took some great pics. Thanks, Scott (waldo-killer) Prucha
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, OK, you dork. I do have an e-mail address you know! I will send them. (12-8-11)
  • Congrats to Drew. I am voting every day for you to win the Sportsman Channel contest.
    Rob Hurd from MD asks:
    Congrats to Andrew on an Awesome Buck! Been voting everyday on sportsman channel Hope ya guys win!
    Winke Responds:
    Rob, Thanks very much. Drew and I had a bunch of fun on that hunt. I appreciate your support. Good luck. (12-6-11)
  • Can you tell more about how Scott Prucha sets up his 50 acre farm for hunting?
    Charlie Scaparo from NY asks:
    Mr. Winke In a resent show Mr. Prucha mentioned he has 50 acres that he owns. I would love to see how he sets his property up for hunting. I would also like to know if he does any native habitat improvements along with foodplots? Thanks and Happy Holidays! Charlie
    Winke Responds:
    Charlie, Scott has some switchgrass that he planted and has done some TSI to improve timbered habitat. He has roughly three acres of food plots and about six acres of commercial ag on the place. The biggest challenge he faces is access. He can only come in from one direction, making it tough to sneak in undetected. With any small property, undetected access is always a big challenge. You need to focus on things like Frigid Forage's Plot Screen or other screening methods to keep the deer from knowing you are coming in to hunt them. Good luck and I hope you have a great Christmas as well. (12-5-11)
  • Congrats to Drew on a great hunt.
    JIM from IL asks:
    Hey Drew, Congrats on your buck. You did a great job... Jim
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, Thanks. I will pass the word along to Drew. I thought he did good too. I wish I had known at 11 what he knows. I might have turned into a good hunter. Good luck. (12-5-11)
  • What ever happened to the buck you called "Big"? Have you seen him this year?
    Nate from NY asks:
    Absolutely love the show! You guys do a great job! Just wondering where Big has been this year? Have you seen him at all this year?
    Winke Responds:
    Nate, I am not hunting him this year. After killing Daggers in October I decided to just leave him alone -stay out of his area - I want to see what he turns into next year and hopefully he will still be here to learn from. He is a very local deer (homebody) so I dont't think he will get killed elsewhere. Will be interesting if he makes it to see what he looks like and how he acts next year. Good luck. (12-5-11)
  • When watching Andrew's hunt I see you had a fire. Do you worry about wind direction with smoke or just build a fire whenever?
    Chris from LA asks:
    First of all congratulations to Andrew on his awesome buck. The Winke's have put some serious bone on the ground this year. Just curious, when Andrew hunts the cabin I see he likes to build a fire. I'm wondering about the smoke. Is it okay to build the fire anytime or does he have to have the right wind direction to do it? Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Thanks. We don't worry about wind direction with the fire. I think it is a natural, non-offensive odor. Deer never seem too worried about it. Good luck. (12-5-11)
  • Once I get to the Sportsman Channel page to vote, what do I do next?
    Lazar from IL asks:
    Dear Bill, I followed the steps that you showed and tried to vote for you on The Sportsman Channel site but could not find exactly how to do it . From your link it goes to the Facebook page of The sportsman Channel, what next? Please advice. Regards, Lazar
    Winke Responds:
    Lazar, You have to be a facebook member. If you aren't you are forced to join. If you are, the next step is to "like" Sportsman Channel's page. There is a Like button at the top. From there you have one of two routes. If you are on their voting page, you can simply hit Vote Now and the ballot will open up. If you are on their main page you need to click "Vote Now" under their bio photo. Then you get to the voting page and can follow the steps above. It is a total pain. I am sick of Facebook to begin with and then to have to go through all this just to vote is a total pain. Anyway, unfortunately, that is the process. Then don't forget to write in "Midwest Whitetail" for Best Hunt Show. Thanks and I appreciate your perserverance. Best regards. (12-1-11)
  • Voted and had five friends vote too!
    Todd from MA asks:
    Without a doubt i voted and had 5 friends who hunt and enjoy your show vote for your show. Your knowledge has helped me become a better hunter. The video you shoot and the content you discuss, far exceeds the other competition. Win or loose, in my book you are the top dog! Many thanks Todd from Mass!!
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, Thanks. Everyone here at Midwest Whitetail appreciates your support. Have a great day. (11-30-11)
  • Show your appreciation for Ask Winke by voting daily for Midwest Whitetail at the Sportsman Channel page.
    Tater from AL asks:
    First off I love the show. I have a challenge to everyone who has every submitted an ask Winke question. If you have ever tapped into Bill’s knowledge with a question, show your support of the site and show by helping the MW crew have a great showing in the Best Hunt Show category on the Sportsman’s Channel. That’s the least we can all do for all the free education you provide. I am voting once a day as they allow! Thanks for the great site and show.
    Winke Responds:
    Tater, I appreciate the "vote" of confidence and the good word. We have had a tremendous amount of support over the past four years and I hope that we can repay all that by continuing to improve what we do here. If you want to follow Tater's direction, here is the link to the voting page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/sportsmanchannel?sk=app_247360635319652 Thanks. (11-29-11)
  • The Michigan Show has really gotten weak.
    DENNIS from MI asks:
    Wow. team michigan has gotten WEAK!!! Last several shows about other states, during OUR prime rut. Kind of moving away from what your show was all about Local SEMI-Live Info. Be honest with you.. not worth watching as far as that goes. Very disapointed, I hope it gets better, best part of this year is gone.
    Winke Responds:
    Dennis, The guys are struggling to be sure. They just aren't getting into deer, a couple of groups had camera problems, just one of those years I guess. We are trying to get more material from them and will fix things for sure. I agree, we haven't gotten what we need from Michigan, a state so rich in hunting tradition. Good luck (11-30-11)
  • How do I vote for Midwest Whitetail on the Sportsman Channel voting?
    Gabe from MN asks:
    Bill- Love the show, how can we vote for MW for the sportsman choice awards on the sportsman channel. Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Gabe, Thanks. If you want to vote for Midwest Whitetail, you will need to write it in. I am asking people to focus on "Best Hunt Show" for their votes to keep from having the votes scattered all over the place. I understand you can vote every day, starting today, for the next two weeks. Here is the link: you will need to copy and paste into your browser. http://www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel?sk=app_247360635319652 Best regards. (11-28-11)
  • Likes the TV show and thinks it should be moved up to primetime in 2012.
    Steve from MS asks:
    hi I love your show and the website, at home I get to watch your show on the Sportsman Channel and thankfully I have a DVR to record it cause it never seems to be on at the same times every week... I think your show should be on Primetime, Instead of watching your show on Wednesday night at 7pm I have to watch a bunch of dudes trying to sell me some properties ill never be able to afford or tell me for the 200th time about BB squared... Its time for your show to move up, its the most educational hunting show on air in my opinion... Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, Thanks. Actually, we did contract for a primetime slot for 2012, so it will be featured Tuesday evenings next fall (I think the reruns from this year will be primetime the first part of 2012) and a couple of other times throughout the week. We are looking forward to putting together some nice shows for next year. We have been getting in a lot of good kills from the pro staff over the past few weeks so I think we have the start on what should be some very action-packed episodes for next year. I appreciate the support. All the best. (11-21-11)
  • An idea for a Larry Zach painting.
    Cody from IA asks:
    First off congratulations on the g5 buck, that was an incredible hunt! When watching that hunt and the fight that took place between the G5 buck and the G4 buck an idea hit me. It would be really cool if Larry Zach did a continuation in his old rival series and featured the two bucks in your hunt. They were both truly the king of the woods.
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, You are right. I will have to throw that one at Larry. I am not sure what Larry is up to. He hasn't been around much and I haven't heard much from him. I am not sure how much he even hunted this season. I always enjoy having him on the show, I missed that input this year. Good luck. (12-10-11)
  • No need to explain the shot you took at the G5 buck.
    Tom from PA asks:
    not really a question but a comment, congrats on knockin down two great bucks you earned them. Just a word on the shot you took at the g5 buck, under the circumstances it was what 99.9% of us would have done. No need to for explanations, great show keep up the good work. P.S. wouldn't it be great to have one your kids take that 200 class buck!!! good luck
    Winke Responds:
    Tom, Thanks for the support. I hope you are having a great season. Good luck (12-8-11)
  • Have you considered starting some kind of forum on the site?
    Sean from ME asks:
    Just want to say thanks to MW for putting on such a great semi live webshows. I am a religious follower of the show. I cant believe how much I have enjoyed getting to know the same bucks that Bill Winke and the MW Prostaff are hunting. I have been following the show for 3 years now and find that the better I know these bucks the more excitement it brings when it goes town on film!!! THE G5 and DOUBBLE G4 BUCK EPISODE WAS AWESOME!!!! and only one of many great episodes!!! What I would like to "ask Winke" is! Have you ever thought about opeining some type of comment or chat forums so that veiwers from all over can talk about the victories as well as heartbreak that the Prostaff go through all season long for the quest of Hit List Bucks!! I would enjoy it I am sure others would also. it may drive your website hits per day through the roof!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Sean, Thanks for your long-term support. We really enjoy following the deer too. It is a great way to feel more connected to the hunt than simply going out there and hoping to see something big. I think we will have a forum. We are testing one right now with the pro staff, but I doubt it will be a wide open access forum. A bit more exclusive. It is something I think we will offer soon. Thanks again for the support. (12-6-11)
  • Thanks for a great show and for all the work you put into it.
    Crhis from NC asks:
    Bill, I just would like to thank you for your wonderful show and work you put into it.. Also what a great season!! Thanks again..
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Thanks and I appreciate your support. The guys in the office do most of the work and they are definintely hard workers. Have a great day. (12-5-11)
  • Can you do an episode about stand placement, how high, how you select the location in the tree, cover?
    Jeremy from ID asks:
    Bill- Thanks for your show. I look forward to watching episodes every week. I needed a new grunt call and bought the Knight and Hale version this time around because I see you using it. You can pass that on to your sponsor. I especially appreciate the all around information and the family focus you put into your episodes. Now to my question. In a future episode could you address tree stand placement. How high up in the tree, what kind of background cover, etc. We see you video footage but it is hard to get a prospective of your stand placement looking at video from the stand. Thanks. Jeremy
    Winke Responds:
    Jeremy, I appreciate you supporting both the show and the sponsors. The only way we can do this is with the sponsors backing us so that is a big deal. Also, I feel good that they all make great products. I will add a stand placement episode to the list. Most likely we will tackle those kinds of subjects in the off-season episodes that will start about the end of February. Thanks for the feedback. Good luck. (12-2-11)
  • You need a search function on your site. Do you remember when a certain buck aired on an IN show?
    Keith from MN asks:
    Hey Bill, I notice you don't have a search function on your site. I am looking for footage or a segment one of your prostaffers (don't know the name) had on a buck they named Woody in north central Indiana. I have some familiarity with this buck, and wanted to check it out. I had heard it was on your show. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Keith, We do need to add that search function, especially for the Ask Winke. I think that would reduce some questions. I remember the name of that buck, but I don't remember much else about him or when that aired. I am thinking it may have been during the 2010 season. You will have to take a look, but that does ring a bell. Good luck. (12-2-11)
  • Don't worry about the guys criticizing your shot at G5 Buck.
    josh from OK asks:
    Bill, it is my belief that anybody can and will make a bad hit on any animal unless they never shoot. i know it was not a great shot and you explained why but really i did not need an explanation, you are the 1 on T.V. shooting at a buck larger than most could even dream to see and you manage to stay calm and hit the deer so what if it took 2 shots. you keep doin what your doin and don't worry about the folks who want to complain. i am not trying to start any conflict it just bothers me that you are the professional and some folks think they can tell you the importance of a good hit, like you don't know. By the way good job on getting the deer i enjoyed watching the show. josh
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, I appreciate it. I hope your season has been going well. Best regards, buddy. (12-2-11)
  • Would you consider having a show from Idaho on the site?
    Tyrell from ID asks:
    Love the show, I check all the States for new shows daily, cant get enough. I was wondering if there would ever be room for a show from Idaho on the website. I understand its Midwest Whitetail, just thought I would ask. Congrats on tagging out on those 2 monarchs.
    Winke Responds:
    Tyrell, I doubt we would have a complete show from there, but I would certainly entertain adding a group to the Great Plains show from that area. I would love to have a good group from OK, TX, Wyoming, etc. We have a good group from MT there now. Thanks for the support. Good luck. (11-30-11)
  • Screw those guys giving you crap about your shot.
    Dave from MI asks:
    Bill, This is more of a comment then a question: Screw those guys who are giving you crap about your shot on the G5 buck. It's real easy to say sitting in your living room watching the show. But the fact they don't want to admit is under the circumstances when things are happening so fast 90% of them would have done the exact same thing. Keep up the great work, your show is "must see TV" at my house. Your a great representation of the sport, I love your demeanor and overall humbleness on how you approach it as well.
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. Also thanks for turning our show into "Must See TV". I like that. All the best. (11-30-11)
  • Likes shots where the deer drops in his tracks.
    Jacob from AR asks:
    Mr. Bill, I saw that some of the veiwers didn't really like the shot you made on G5. I like those shots, and don't like them. I like them because no trailing, I don't like them because it could hurt the backstrap! :) Me and dad have both shot good bucks this year and they both droped. I think you did good! Congrats!
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, Thanks for the vote of confidence buddy. Aiming for the spine (I actually hit the pelvis in this case) is a bit ticklish and I don't do that on purpose, but when they drop in their tracks it sured doess simplify things. We just need to be sure to follow up very fast with another arrow. Good luck to you and your dad both through the rest of the season. (11-30-11)
  • I bet you get more criticism from nay-sayers than we viewers realize. Thanks.
    Caleb from IA asks:
    Bill, Not really sure if this is the right place for this, but just wanted to say a BIG thanks for what you do and more importantly, how you do it. You show a great amount of respect for the sport and the animals involved, you have great patience and the educational benefits from watching your videos is A+. My main thought for this is Kudos to you for how you have handled some of the not so approving comments about your shot selection on the G5 buck. Taking time to explain it and not just give a shoulder shrug and say "it worked" shows your patience and professionalism is for real! As I've been thinking about the hard time some have given you on this one subject, I have been thinking that it probably happens quite often that you get some naysayers stomping on your means and methods (probably more than any of us viewers realize). Again, kudos to you for taking it in stride and continuing on with your show. There are far more people who watch and learn from it than those
    Winke Responds:
    Caleb, Thanks. For sure the vast, vast majority of viewers are supportive of what we are trying to do, but we get a few that point out where we come up short. I guess that is healthy. I don't take it personally. As long as you aren't crtiicizing my family, then I am pretty thick skinned. I have been in this business for a long time and been fried on more than one internet forum, so I guess it just comes with the territory. Most people appreciate what we do so I focus on serving them the best I can. Good luck. (11-17-11)
  • Thanks for showing your mistakes and your humility on the shows and for honoring your Christian beliefs.
    Mark from VA asks:
    Bill this not so much a question as a thank you for your program. I love the tone you set for the show it has a laid back relaxed tone which suits my interest perfectlly. I also want to thank you for your humility, I like the fact that you include all your mistakes and don't edit them out. I only just started hunting myself in December of 2007 so I didn't grow up with the privilege of hunting. I'm a 40 year old hunting student so all you guys advice I take to heart. I just recently shot at two does with my bow and made contact but couldn't find the animals this bothered me greatly so seeing more experienced hunters make mistakes helps me cope a lot better. I also want to thank you for honoring Jesus Christ on your website he will honor and bless you for that. Anyways, don't change a thing and I will continue to try and support the show as best I can, it's my favorite program on tv thanks. Mark
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, Thanks. We are pretty well committed to this path so I wouldn't expect to see changes. I appreciate the vote of confidence. Humility is interesting. I studied it once and decided it was a great virtue. Just be careful what you wish and pray for - learning humility often takes some "humbling moments". In the end it is all good. When you realize it is all a gift, it is pretty hard to take credit for creating it. It is all a gift. If we are honest, we can all say that. I believe I have already been honored and blessed. I try not to blindside people with my beliefs here, but you started it. Only one force I have ever encountered has the power to actually change lives from the inside out. People need that and that is why people need to know why Christ came to earth. If anyone wonders if the Bible and God's story are actually true, just ask God to reveal it and you will soon know. It is that simple - no mysteries. Something to ponder during those long hours on stand! Good luck. (11-29-11)
  • I really enjoyed the commentary between you and Greg in the tree during the G5 Buck hunt.
    John from NJ asks:
    I don't have a question just a comment. I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your show and that the G4/G5 vid was the most intense video ever. I loved the commentary between you and Greg. I felt like I was part of your hunt. Thanks Guys!
    Winke Responds:
    John, That commentary really was cool. The buck was there for so long that Greg just left the camera running the whole time so it captured everything. I thought he did an awesome job on the camera. That was a tough hunt to film. Thanks for the support. (11-29-11)
  • You didn't need to defend the shot you took at the G5 Buck - it was ethical.
    pastor paul from TN asks:
    Bill I am suprised to read that some think your shot on the g5 buck was unethical. In my opinion an ethical shoot is based on the skill level of the hunter and the ability of the equipment. I hope you dont feel as if you need to justify your shoot on the g5 buck . I have taken quite the same shot and it was VERY lethal . An arrow heading for the lungs from the top will kill cleanly if you have the right set up . I question the motive of anyone who calls your shot unethical. most of us will never have to make a judgement call on shooting a 190 inch buck an for sure not on camera for folks to pick apart. I am sure you felt you could make the shoot and I congradulate you on a job well done. As you know you will never satisify all the personalities who follow your hunts. For what it is worth you have my vote of confidence Thanks for all you do...and thanks for your time....
    Winke Responds:
    Pastor Paul, Thanks for the support. I really appreciate it. Overall the criticism wasn't too bad, but I do thank you for coming to my defense. Al the best to you. (11-29-11)
  • How did you hold it together when the G5 Buck was coming your way?
    Nathan from PA asks:
    I don't have a question I just wanted to comment on the G5 buck video! I have no idea how you can keep your composure during a situation like that! I watch every hunting show and watch hunting videos all day on the web, but this was a great episode. It showed a little bit of everything..chasing, fighting, grunting!
    Winke Responds:
    Nathan, I had about ten seconds in there where I was struggling to keep composed. It was right when I realized the the doe and the bigger buck were close and the doe was coming my way. I remember telling Greg, "We're gonna kill this thing." That is when it really hit me. I was able to get back under control. I think I could have pulled it off had the bigger one come in all slow and dramatic, but you never know that for sure. Thanks for the support. (11-29-11)
  • How in the heck are you going to top this year?
    Zach from IL asks:
    Bravo Mr. Winke! The G5 buck was the absolutely most entertaining video I have seen. Very cool! I wasn't so much applauding the shot as you mentioned you wern't proud of as I was the whole story line. The history of the G4 and G5 bucks, the clash of the titans and the opportunity that you capitalized on. Truly entertaining! My question is, how in the heck are you going to top this? I anticipate your response!
    Winke Responds:
    Zach, I can't imagine topping it, so that actually makes this all the sweeter. I don't have to top it. I just love hunting mature bucks and I will keep doing it as long as I can whether they have big racks or not. I love bowhunting whitetails and will just take what the year gives me. Some years there will be big ones, some years there won't. Some years will bring good luck, like this year, and some years it will seem I can't do anything right. It is all part of the journey and I will enjoy every minute of it. Yes, it is fun when everything comes together, but I also enjoy the cold wind in my face, the sight of a big fresh rub, the smell of wet leaves, walking through a blizzard - all the stuff we do as part of the journey. I just love hunting them - being out there hunting. Killing them occassionally is just a nice bonus - a very nice bonus this year! Never forget, the journey is its own reward. Good luck. (11-17-11)
  • Thanks for answering the questions and for taking the criticism on your shot at the G5 Buck.
    Travis from IA asks:
    I knew as soon as I saw the video that people were going to be judging your shot. Its a shame that after you allow us to see so much of what you do in almost real time that it allows you to be so closely judged and scrutinized for everything. The fact of the matter is you have been doing this longer than most and if you felt it was the right shot then it probably was. I commend you for the patience and gracefulness you show for some of the unfair/repetitive/eye rolling questions and statements you receive. Thanks for all you do.
    Winke Responds:
    Travis, I appreciate it. In some ways it comes with the territory. I have been pretty well defended by many bowhunter so it didn't feel like I was hung out to dry. Not a big deal. Thanks for the thoughts and kind words.
  • Just found the site yesterday. Good job on the G5 Buck.
    Allen from MS asks:
    No question just wanted to say this site is really nice i'd never heard of it until yesterday. Awesome hunt on the G-5 keep up the good work!
    Winke Responds:
    Allen, Thanks for joining us here. I hope you enjoy the site. Thanks for the kind words. Good luck. (11-27-11)
  • Why aren't you offering the shows in HD?
    Mike from ME asks:
    Mr. Winke, I love watching your hunting videos and wait for Monday's show like a child waiting for Christmas. I am also involved in video production and must say, however, that I wish that you would post your videos in HD. I also see that you have posted a video on Vimeo 7 months ago and haven't since. Have you explored Vimeo's professional services for HD video which are relatively inexpensive and would let your viewers enjoy your work in high def?
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Thanks for the support. We shoot most of it in HD and edit in HD but the bandwidth required to deliver in HD is very expensive. Most people wouldn't know it, but I pay a ton of money every year to service the bandwidth. We serve up something like 50 TB of data each fall. I need to look into other options so we can migrate to HD. The shows look so good in native HD it is amazing. I hate that we have to compress them, but right now, I just can't afford to serve up HD video on my site. I will call Vimeo soon. We have hesitated to do that because we wanted to be able to keep the interactive links that we use on the player to move people to sponsor videos and websites, etc. But I think I know of a way we can do that using Vimeo. If that pans out, we will make the shift next year, for sure. I think it would blow you away how good these shows look in full HD. Thanks for the support and advice. It is well taken and appreciated. (11-27-11)
  • G5 hunt the best hunting video ever. I would have taken the shot too.
    Josh from OK asks:
    Bill, The G5 was probably the best hunting video I have ever watched. I love your show and all the hard work all of you put into it for the viewers. I feel if I would have been in your shoes that day you shot the G5 buck I would have done the same thing. I have no question about your shot because I feel I would have done the same thing. Congratulations on an awesome season and keep up the good work.
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, Thanks. It was undoubtedly the most exciting evening I have ever spent in a treestand. I am really happy that Greg was able to capture the hunt the way he did. Best regards and thanks for the support. (11-27-11)
  • I'm hunting IL without access to your site except through the phone. What are the deer doing in your area?
    Chris from LA asks:
    Hi Bill, congrats on your two monsters! What a dream season! Just want to tell you it is killing me to not be able to see the shows while I'm here in Illinois. We don't have Internet at the house we rent so I'm limited to using the old iPhone. The shows and the blog are a very useful tool for keeping up with what's going on and right now I'm lost without it. Especially after the last few warm windy days we had. What are the deer doing in your area?
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, I am sure by now I have missed the chance to help you out, but I do appreciate the support. I get so many questions during the rut (when I am hunting too) that I can't keep up. Some I do catch right away, but most - well I get to them as quickly as I can. I hope the hunt went well. Best regards. (11-27-11)
  • Do you think the native Americans worried about whether or not a shot was ethical? They were concerned only with whether or not it would kill the animal.
    Dave from ME asks:
    Hey Bill, congrats on a successful season so far! I wanted to say thanks for all the help on this forum and on your show. I hope you "don't fix what ain't broke" b/c the show is so good as it is. Sometimes a read questions about ethical shots on the hunts. I just wanted to write in support of your efforts and all the pro hunters. I think all of us our human and I don't think any mistakes were made in any of the shows I have seen as far as ethical shots. It's so easy for people to criticize but when your in the heat of battle it's a whole different ball game. I wonder if Native Americans ever debated whether a shot was ethical when hunting for meat or if they were just concerned with killing the animal? I know they upheld animals very highly and respected them, as we do as hunters. I just get frustrated seeing people judge. What's the saying, "never judge a man until you walk 10 moons in his moccasins?" I think that rings true.
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, Good point. Also, few know this because it was never promoted, but the forefathers of bowhunting regularly took shots that would be considered unethical today. They were always flinging arrows at long ranges. I think we need to be sure that we are taking good, humane killing shots, because there are just so many of us now and we are always under the microscope. But if you know the shot is a good, humane, killing shot, don't rethink it unless the situation changes. I think indecision will produce more bad shots than simple poor execution. Know in advance what is humane, think through all the possible shots, have a plan and then stick to your decisions and execute as best you can. When the buck is there, it is too late to decide ethics. That has to be done well before that moment. When he is there it is either shoot or don't shoot based on the standards you have already determined and then it is all about execution after that. Good discussion. (11-27-11)
  • Thanks for the best hunting videos for all of us to enjoy.
    pastor paul from TN asks:
    Bill,once again we congradulate you on your hunt of a lifetime ! WHAT A BUCK!!! And to have a 200 inch buck ran off on the same hunt is unthinkable . Great job and thank you for producing the BEST hunting videos for all of us to enjoy GOD BLESS your friend ...pastor paul
    Winke Responds:
    Paul, Thanks man. I appreciate it and thanks to you also for all that you do to support Midwest Whitetail and the spiritual health of its viewers. Best to you. (11-27-11)
  • What happens to the bucks on your hit list that you don't kill? Do they stay on the farm? Do they keep getting bigger?
    Cody from NC asks:
    I am a huge fan of the show. you do a great job, keep up the good work. I was wondering what happens to the deer you don't kill off the hit list from year to year. Obviously, you only have a certain number of tags and you can't kill all of the bucks that reach maturity. Do they stay on your farm? Do you keep them on the hit list? Do they keep getting bigger and bigger? By the way that hunt when you killed the G5 buck was amazing.
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, Thanks for the support. I think the show producers are doing awesome work this year. Most of the ones we don't kill are still here the next year. Some are killed by neighbors and some die of old age (natural causes) every year, but most of them just keep getting older and keep laughing at me. In general the bucks that get away stay here and also in general they do keep getting bigger each year. It will be interesting to see what 2012 brings because some of these bucks are getting very old and may start to show signs of going downhill. Good luck. (11-27-11)
  • Are you letting anyone else hunt the Double G4 buck now? Is anyone else hunting in his core area?
    AJ from NY asks:
    First I think the shot the G5 buck for a proficient shooter like yourself or anyone who has taken hundreds of deer is perfectly fine. You know the risk, more importantly know exactly where to place a shot like that but like you said in previous answers other things come into play. Here are my questions. Is the DG4 buck off the table for the guys currently hunting your farm? Are they hunting in your stands? Are they in his core area? Just curious because I have buddies that hunt my land and stands when things pan out and in the back of my mind I'm hoping I get the "big ones" but at the same time I would be truly happy for them.
    Winke Responds:
    AJ, Thanks for the support. Shot selection does have a lot to do with equipment and experience. A shot that will work for one guy won't work for another. I remember talking to a guy that shot 125 pounds. Honest. He literally aimed at the shoulder on all the deer he killed. He said he dropped almost all of them in their tracks just like a rifle shot. Obviously, that wouldn't be a good shot for almost anyone else. We completely stopped hunting the area where we think that buck is living. He has been a hard one to pin down. When I saw him on November 9 last year, that was the first time since the 2009 season that I had seen him during the season! So we don't really know as much about him as I would like, but we left that area where we think he is living alone. I'll put cameras out there soon to see if he is still there. You are a generous person. I am sure your friends appreciate it. Good luck. (11-27-11)
  • What ever happened to that buck you called Bubba? He is an awesome buck?
    Kevin from WI asks:
    You said there were only two bucks left that you wanted to shoot the g5 buck and double g4 buck. What happened to the buck you called bubba otherwise known as the former great 8. Did he dissapear again or was he killed? That is a awesome buck also.
    Winke Responds:
    Kevin, He was only here for about two or three days and then dispappeared. No more photos after that. My neighbor a mile away started getting photos of him there shortly after. The buck covers a very wide area (looks like at least two square miles) and seems to only visit my farm as part of his rounds. Yes, he would be a great buck to shoot and maybe I can luck into him during the late season. I would put him very high on any hit list, that is for sure. Once we get the cameras back out for the late season hunting we'll see if he is back around. The kids will be hunting in that area this coming weekend with the guns so maybe we can get him then. Good luck. (11-27-11)
  • Congrats on G5 Buck - best hunting video I have ever seen.
    Chris from ON asks:
    Hi Bill No silly questions for you. Just wanted to say Congratulations on taking the G-5 buck. I have watched a great number of videos and hunting shows in my years as a hunter but that may have been the best one I have ever watched. I actually cheered for you when you got him. What an awesome animal and to have the G-5 and double G-4 actually battle it out for that doe.. well that about takes the cake, Congrats to you sir! Tell Greg Fantastic job filming, that was awesome!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Thanks buddy. I doubt we will ever produce a better episode than that one. It was an incredible hunt and Greg did a great job of capturing it on video. Good luck (11-25-11)
  • Opening up better shooting lanes near your stand would have permitted you to shoot the bigger buck.
    John from MN asks:
    Hey Bill, awesome job on the G5 and Daggers. Not much of a question, but a suggestion. Please trim your stand where your double G4 was...if you clipped a couple of those tiny limbs you could have gotten him. It turned out unbelievable but if you are after him again and he happens to end up over there, just make sure you can get him. I also liked the way you showed the follow up shot on the G5. It happens and that is the way you handle it. Good job and good luck. John Folland...you don't have to reply
    Winke Responds:
    John, That spot got some heavy TSI a few years ago and it just grew up really fast. It kind of got away from me this year. I agree, that would have opened things up considerably. I still might not have gotten him as I likely wouldn't have forced a longer shot with the doe heading straight for the stand a shorter, easier shot at the big guy coming very soon. Good luck. (11-25-11)
  • Doesn't see a problem with the shot at the G5 Buck.
    Adam from NC asks:
    I don't see anything wrong with the shot you took at the G5 buck.I know you did not hit where you wanted to but that happens.I have killed a few deer shooting that same angle.Congradulations on a great deer,I enjoy the show. Keep up the good work.
    Winke Responds:
    Adam, Thanks. I appreciate the support. Good luck this season. (11-25-11)
  • When are you going to start charging us for the Ask Winke section.
    Stephen from NC asks:
    I guess the old saying, "there are no stupid questions" doesn't apply to the Ask Winke section. Some folks are very courageous when they are hiding behind their keyboard! You need to be compensated more for this portion of your site...especially if you are taking time away from your family to respond to these folks. I am ready for you to start charging us!
    Winke Responds:
    Stephen, Thanks. At some point maybe. I am still deciding. I get a lot of questions from kids too. I need to be able to help them without any concern about whether they are members of some kind of insiders club. If I do charge from some premium features on the site it won't be until next year. I think a well-done premimum section with some good content and features would be fun. I just don't want to make the site too exclusive. Right now we have massive traffic, comparable to almost any site in the hunting industry. I don't want to turn people away by putting creative new content behind a pay wall. We'll figure it out. Best of luck. (11-15-11)
  • Congrat on G5 Buck; discussing frequency of textbook shots.
    Josh from PA asks:
    Hey Bill, Congrats on getting one of your top hit list bucks. I have watched all your hunts from 2008 on and this one was head and shoulders my favorite. I thought it was awesome to see someone as accomplished as you in the sport still get excited about a buck, and actually have the humility/honesty to show this kill in its entirety. That is why your shows are the best...it is realistic and you dont sweep stuff under the rug, or cut it out because it makes you look human. People can say what they want about the ethics of the shot, but bottom line is you got the buck, and killed it quickly. It may not have been textbook, but it rarely is (at least for me). Congrats on an absolute monster. And keep giving us the same unedited, honest hunts. Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, Thanks for the support. I occassionally have textbook shots too, but not too often. I think a lot of guys wait for textbook shots and they never come. I certainly don't advocate bad shots, but textbook shots are the exception not the rule. You take what they give you and when the opening is there, you need to be ready to shoot. Good luck. (11-25-11)
  • I think your shot at G5 buck was unethical.
    donald from IL asks:
    I THINK YOUR SHOT SELECTION COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ON THE G5.SETTING AN EXAMPLE OF A ETHICAL SHOT IS EVERYTHING.
    Winke Responds:
    Donald, I answered this in more detail earlier - see a post a couple down. I do think this is a healthy discussion though. I don't want to hurt bowhunting because I love it too much, but not every situation is textbook either. It never once occured to me to let him go. When G5 showed back up I decided not to wait to see if the other buck would come back. At that point, I had only one thing on my mind: kill this deer. So the real question is, should I have let him go? I am not sure I even had time to think about it, let alone weigh the affects of my actions on the greater good of bowhunting. Would you have let him go? He died faster than most with the follow-up shot. I was not planning to hit him in the spot I hit, I did have a plan and the equipment to pull it off, but as sometimes happens, the plan unraveled as the buck closed in and I ran out of room and options. You don't always think in situations like that. You just react to what is happening fast in front of you or the action just blows right on by. I think it would be good for me to address this shot in more detail on the show so I will do that with the Thursday show. Two things happened in the encounter that I didn't discuss in the show. If you watch it again you will see these things. 1. I had to crouch on the platform so Greg could film over me. I'm 6'5" so that brought my legs into play on close shots. 2. The string hit my leg (I think it was my leg) just before I shot causing the bow to stop following the buck. You can see that too if you watch it again. I will come back and address this better. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • Can you do a segment on field dressing deer?
    Joshua from IN asks:
    Will you ever do a segment on field dressing a buck / doe? I have seen so many different ways to do it and would like to see somone who does it fairly often. I am having trouble with the bladder, however I have yet to rupture one thankfully.
    Winke Responds:
    Joshua, I will film the next one we do and put that up somewhere on the site. Bucks and does dress differently, so I will try to do one for each. Good luck. Happy Thanksgiving. (11-23-11)
  • I saw you in a new set of coveralls. Does that mean you will have a new Winke suit for sale?
    Jamie from MO asks:
    Bill I love the shows the best that I have seen. Thanks to you and you crew for making them. I saw you were wearing a new set of coveralls does that mean you will have a new Winke suit for sale? Thanks Jamie
    Winke Responds:
    Jamie, We are testing it right now. It will be in the Cabela's catalog and available next fall. Thanks for your support. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • What were you planning to shoot at with the G5 buck? I realize the arrow didn't go where you planned, but what was the intended target?
    Aaron from IA asks:
    Bill, Wow, your last hunt for the Double G4 buck was amazing! That's one of the things I love about hunting the rut: It can be so quiet and peaceful, then suddenly, mayhem when the bucks start rampaging. Thanks for bringing it to us with a great show. I was startled to see the first shot you took at the G5 buck. I understand the arrow didn't go where you intended, but my question is what were you aiming at and through what did you expect the arrow to penetrate? From the footage, it looked like your angle was almost head-on to the deer, which I thought was not an angle for a clean harvest. I'm sure that's what you were expecting, though, so maybe I can add that angle to my "shootable" scenarios if I know what the point of aim should be. I guess I should also ask, how much KE is necessary for that shot? Thanks for your help, Aaron
    Winke Responds:
    Aaron, Thanks. I shoot a lot of draw weight (80+ pounds) with a 32 inch draw and small diameter arrows with Rocket Steelheads. The kinetic energy is way over 100 ft-lb. The whole rig is set up for maximum penetration so I have a few more options available to me than maybe some other bowhunters. My goal was a single lung/liver shot as the buck was angling toward me. Shooting just to the side of the spine while the deer was still about ten yards away would yield that angle. Again, it takes a setup designed for penetration because if you miss that opening you get into the heavy tissue along the spine and that can really slow an arrow fast. I was actually crouched on the platform otherwise Greg never would have been able to film on that side of the tree. That is something we didn't point out on the videos so I started to run out of room to move my bow as he got closer. The string got into my leg. It all happened really fast and was a tough situation to pull together mentally. If he had stopped right then (no way to stop a rampaging buck like that) it would have been much easier. The arrow actually missed his spine and broke his pelvis. That is what dropped him. If you look at it close, you can see he can still move his legs, but they are ineffective. I feel bad for the trauma, but really, that was a very quick kill with the fast follow-up. That buck was not alive much longer than if I had hit him squarely through both lungs. Just a few seconds longer. Hope that answers the question. I should probably do a blog about this shot at some point so people understand what I was thinking and that I don't advocate it for everyone. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • Enjoyed your reaction to the successful hunts for Daggers and G5. If ever in IN please look me up.
    Bryan from IN asks:
    Really not a question, but just a quick statement to let you know that there is immeasurable value in the obvious satisfaction and joy you expressed with the successful harvesting of the "G-5" buck and the previous buck "Daggers". I have harvested 2 deer, a buck and a doe and it's exciting to see a similiar reaction to what I felt during those hunts. I know your job is much more involved than it appears, due to the demands of producing a quality video experience for the viewer...but my gosh, how I would love to suffer through that with you. Thank you so much for allowing me to re-experience these hunts. If you are ever in Indiana, please contact me and I will help in any way I can. I wish you continued success, although it may be a little selfish as I fully intend to participate through this site.
    Winke Responds:
    Bryan, Thanks so much for the kind words and your support. I will definitely take you up on the offer if I make it out to IN any time soon. I don't travel much anymore with the kids at the age they are, but I will likely start a bit more once they are on their own. It is definitely work, but I have some very good people working for me on the video production staff so it is not as stressful for me as it would be otherwise. They pretty much handle things. All the best to you and continued good luck hunting. (11-23-11)
  • How much did the G5 buck weigh? Is Cabela's going to come out with productoin of another version of that sweet hat you wear?
    Dan from AL asks:
    How much do you think the G5 buck weighed? He sure looked like a horse of a deer! Are you going to have Cabelas bring back production of that sweet hat that you always wear? I found one that looked very similar at a rummage sale this summer and had to pick it up!
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, I will guess he was under 250 dressed, probably 230 to 240+. I know it was all Greg and I wanted to load him in the truck. That hat sure gets abused. OK, it makes me look like a dork, but it is lucky so I can't ditch it. I remember I had a hat in the early 90s that I wore on several hunts for giant deer and then lost it. I went through three tough years after that. So when you get a lucky hat you have to keep wearing it. Good luck. (11-23-11)
  • Congrats on the buck, your tips helped me to call in my girlfriend's first buck with a bow.
    Alex from OH asks:
    Hey Mr. Winke I just want to say congrats on an amazing deer you harvested. I was actually excited for a Monday to come. Also I want to thank you for all the questions you answer and the great advice you give that has helped me out tremendously. I took your advice about monitering the cameras and holding out to hunt my 30 acres until the conditions were right and I called in my girlfriends first buck, which was a 10 pt. that scored at 135 and she got it with the compound. I'm only 18 and I know I can speak on behalf of a lot my friends and I that we really look up to you and appretiate what you bring to bow hunting. Thanks for everything you do and congrats again on a wonderful deer. No need to reply back, Alex
    Winke Responds:
    Alex, Thanks for the kind words. Congratulations to you and your girlfriend. That is a very exciting event! Have a great season. (11-23-11)
  • Are you going to get the G5 Buck mounted? Does this website make you money?
    jason from KS asks:
    Congrats on the g5 buck, are you going to do an actual shoulder mount considering its 190 inch buck? Also, does this website make you money, if so how does that work when its a free website (other than apparell)?
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, Thanks. I did send the cape to the taxidermist, but in the meantime I have boiled the skull. If I get sick of the boiled skull hangind around and want to upgrade I will then get him mounted. Rick has the cape so I should have my place in the work order. If I decide not to mount him, Rick can just keep the cape (a very good one) to sell to a customer who needs one. The website is free, but producing the videos and serving all this video bandwidth costs me a ton of money. Really, it is very expensive. I think you would shocked if you knew. The sponsors pay for that. They are the reason it is free, so you have them to thank. Please support their products. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • The G5 hunt was the best. Jealous of the opportunity you had to see what you saw that day and experience a hunt like that.
    Cody from MN asks:
    Amazing buck! Just wanted to say I've watched this show from before you even had the website and until now and your videos make me more inspired everyday. I have a pile of hunting videos here at home and nothing beats the G5 buck video, on my computer, for free! I know for a fact i've learned a ton from your main show. I now take more time off during rut and during weekdays and have seen more bucks than ever before! Even though 99.9% of us will never see what you do it still is amazing. I'm happy for you success but definitely jealous not of the deer you've killed (ok, that too) but for the days you have like November 9th! Thank you!
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, Thanks for all your support over the years. I don't have many days like that. I have had some awesome days on stand, but I also have many, many dead days on stand too. That is part of the hunt. The dead days make the great days more precious. If every day was good, we would quickly lose perspective and the simple joy of hunting would be gone. Though they are not fun, the dead days are just as valuable as the great ones. Here is hoping you have many more great ones. All the best. (11-23-11)
  • Were you aiming at the buck's spine when you got the G5 buck?
    Thundoer from MI asks:
    Were you aiming at the G4 bucks spine on your first shot? because that was a crazy shot to take on a big ol buck. Congrats on 2 big bucks with 2 spine shots! Gitrdone!
    Winke Responds:
    Thundoer, I answered this one in another post. I think it will be up the list higher. Thanks for the note. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • Congrats and I shot a giant bodied old buck here in KS.
    Dalton from KS asks:
    Hey Mr.Winke, I just wanted to congratulate you on an AMAZING season!! Now just to wrap it up by shooting the "double g4 buck" :). Thank you for putting so much time and effort on this website and for answering my many questions. I held off these past 3 years to shoot a buck that would score over 140 for my first buck and on November 6th I shot a mainframe 10 with 4 stickers that scored mid 150s to 160s. An old deer(my neighbor aged at 7.5) and a body like a tank!! Weighed 235 field dressed. Congraulations again.
    Winke Responds:
    Dalton, I should be congratulating you instead! Great job on a great buck. All the best this coming year. (11-22-11)
  • Special thanks to your crew for all the hard work in the shows. - list of producers for the shows-
    Travis from IL asks:
    Bill, Just wanted to take this opportunity to write anf thank you for all the hard work you and your staff put in to making an excellent show. I have been huntning whitetails for only three years and would be considered by most to be a newbie. Midwestwhitetail.com was one of the first information websites I found and is far and away the best. The endless amount of insight and information on the videos and blogs make this website priceless. Thanks to the information on the website I was able to harvest a 138 3/8" MN buck this year. Thanks again and congratulatons on all your personal success with hunting and professionally with this website, your show on the sportsman's channel and your partnership with Cabela's
    Winke Responds:
    Travis, I am very happy and proud that we were able to help you take a great buck. Congrats. I have a great staff of eight guys in the office here in Albia (Jared Mills, Drew Yarkosky, Greg Clements, Hunter Kailos, Sam Soholt, Aaron Warbritton, Josh Neville, Ben Koopman) and Jason Huntsman in Ohio. They work very hard to bring you all this content. I appreciate all the work they do. Good luck. (11-22-11)
  • Did you find a scar on the side of the G5 Buck when you caped him? What did you learn about high hits from the G5 Buck?
    Martin from MT asks:
    Bill, A BIG CONGRATS on your recent harvests! I have never looked more forward to a Monday than this Monday when the G5 show finally aired. My question: when you skinned the G5 buck, could you see where your arrow passed through him from the 2010 season? If so, what did you learn and where did you hit him on that non-lethal shot? Thanks for all your great info. I am trying to put it to good use! Martin
    Winke Responds:
    Martin, Thanks for the support. No, I looked very close at the cape and couldn't find a single mark. That deer was a very good healer! I hit him just under the spine but above the lungs. It was a high hit that I don't think made it into the chest cavity. I think some of the bigger bodied bucks have an area there that is a few inches (maybe three) high that is is non-fatal. If they die it will be from infection. I talked to a friend who showed me trail cam photos of a buck that had what looked like a very good hit (a touch high) and it was fine. Someone shot the buck a month later and he was perfectly healthy. I think that one actually hit the top of one lung and the buck pulled through just fine. I don't think I know all there is to know about what will and won't kill a whitetail, but I do know that the high hit (just under the spine) is not goign to get it done. Good luck. (11-14-11)
  • Now that G5 is dead, do you think that you will see the other buck more often? It is pretty obvious that G5 was the dominant buck in that area.
    Avrien from TX asks:
    Bill, congrats on the G5 buck, what a week and half for you. My question is this; watching your website now for 3-4 yrs and getting to know the deer on your farm as you do. What is the likelyhood that the G5 buck (a cruiser buck) being a real bully on your farm. Having been his tendacies to roam during the day as much as he does for a big mature deer. After watching the latest video as he chased off what was the Dbl G4 buck as easily as hid did. Now I know its rut and love is in the air, whats the possibiltiy you may get to see the G4 buck more. Could your G5 buck kept G4 out of your farm more often. This kill could essentially put the G4 buck at the top of the pecking order. Great job with every thing you do. Thanks Avrien Veneralla
    Winke Responds:
    Avrien, You have hit on something I have been thinking about too. If G5 was dominant in that area, maybe DG4 will now take a more aggressive behavior there. We have stayed out of the buck's area since that hunt so it will be intersting to see if he is still active there (or more active there) with the coming of late season and if he survive - what he is like next year. Thanks for the support. (11-22-11)
  • I felt like I was in the tree with you on that hunt.
    Andy from WI asks:
    Congrats on the G5 Buck! WOW what a hunt, I felt like I was actually in the tree with you. The follow up shot was pretty intense as well. Just seeing how you reacted through out the whole hunt I can definatly see that hunting whitetails is your passion! As it is mine as well. Again, Well done!
    Winke Responds:
    Andy, That buck was there for at least 20 minutes (the one that got away) so Greg just kept the camera rolling - catching everything that happened. It did turn out really well. Thanks for the support. Good luck. (11-22-11)
  • I wouldn't have shot G5, I would have been hanging from my Muddy harness under the stand after passing out!
    Mark from NJ asks:
    I would have never taken that shot. I would have crapped my pants, passed out and been hanging from my Muddy Harness. Then G5 would have Called G4 over to look up and wonder why there were no buzzards circling over me. As for taking the shot I know that is why I shoot a heavier bow and arrow with stronger broad head than is required. If you hit 1.5" over you would have gone through the vitals and had a hole out the bottom. Same result either way. It was nice to see the quick follow-up shot as well. Great job!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, Funny. I had about ten seconds when I first realized that Double G4 was on my side of fence and the doe was coming straight at me that I really hyper-ventilated, but I had it pretty much back under control by the time G5 ran him off. Thanks for the encouragement. Have a great day.
  • Congrats on G5 - shot was fine.
    Jason from GA asks:
    Congrats on the G5 Buck. What a deer. No worries on the shot. We all make shots we are not proud of at times. If youve never made a bad shot then you havent been deer hunting enough. You did what you had to do to get the job done. Congrats.
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, Thanks for the vote of confidence. If he would have stopped at some point it would have been a lot easier, but I knew if I tried to stop him he wouldn't stop anyway and I would be even farther behind trying to catch up. Good luck. (11-22-11)
  • How much do you think that Daggers and G5 scored?
    Stephen from NC asks:
    Congrats for putting together the best 25 minutes of hunting footage I have ever seen! How much did Daggers and G5 weigh? I am from the South so a 200# deer is huge. G5 looked like a pig coming through the timber. I am guessing you have to field dress something that big.
    Winke Responds:
    Stephen, Thanks. I appreciate it. Quite a hunt. I never weighed them, but I would say that Daggers was probably 200 or dressed while G5 was at least 230 to 240. He was a pig. He may have been a lot bigger than that. I never weighed him. I generally field dress everything. They are all heavier than I want to drag and load with the guts in them. Good luck. (11-21-11)
  • Do you have enough people hunting to keep the daily video blogs going?
    Fred Hamman from NY asks:
    Not a question but a comment. Do you have enough people that hunt your farm to keep your video blog going? I just watched this morning and Mike Sawyer and Sam Soholt are both tagged out. You guys are making this hunting thing look way too easy! Congrats to you and to them!
    Winke Responds:
    Fred, It is never easy. We have just been on a lucky streak. Greg Clements is hunting that "Crusty" buck so he is out there quite a bit, but he isn't seeing much big. We'll keep them coming as long as we can. Good luck. (11-21-11)
  • Did you know there was a buck in the brush passing behind the hunter as he did an interview during a recent WI show?
    SPIRO from QC asks:
    Hi Bill, still watching more than ever all the shows. This is just a quick comment, on the Nov 13th wisconsin HOT Does show, you will notice that while the camera is rolling and he is doing the recap at 5:25, at the top of his bow sights 1 inch higher and 1 inch left, between the hole of the trees, you can see the big buck waltz through, he 1st stares, then meandres right bye....let me know what u see on the zoom, i only have a small computer that i use to watch all ur shows..i get true knowledge of hindsight and really enjoy learning...keep up all the great work!! let me know what the boiz say when u point it out...thx God Bless!! spiro stergiotis from Montreal Quebec.
    Winke Responds:
    Spiro, Very good eyes. That one got away from us. Everyone was surprised. Good job buddy. I appreciate the support. Good luck. (11-21-11)
  • How can I watch your videos on my Apple device?
    Justin from FL asks:
    Love your show watch the TV and the daily updates on the website. I have an iphone and was wondering if there is a way to view the daily videos from your website on it. I have not been able to but my friend with and android phone is able to. hank You !!!
    Winke Responds:
    Justin, You can't watch flash videos natively on apple devices, but there is a browser app called Skyfire that allows you to watch Flash Videos on an Apple device (iPad, iPhone, iPod). You can do a google search and find ways to get it. I think you have to buy it though, not sure. Good luck. (11-20-11)
  • I agree with you in not scoring your deer.
    joel from AR asks:
    Bill i dont have a question, i just want to let you know how i think you not scoring deer is such a good idea! I killed my biggest 2 deer ever this year. You enjoy so much more not thinkn about score. I know some may disagree but i think you're spot on. I love the show and the daily blog. Good luck in the late season and please keep up the good work, i know it takes a lot of time.
    Winke Responds:
    Joel, I appreciate the support. I try to come up with a rough estimate of the score (without using a tape) so that I have something to tell people when they ask. No one likes it when I say, "I don't know." It sounds too arrogant. But not worrying over the 1/8s of an inch is a good thing at least at first. You can always score them later. Congrats on your two big ones. (11-20-11)
  • Can you show us a picture of the finished skull mount of Daggers?
    Jacob Stuttgen from WI asks:
    Hey Bill, I was just wondering if you finished Daggers skull mount yet? If you did, could you please show us.Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, I can go one better. I have both Daggers and the G5 buck boiled out and on the wall. I will put them in a blog at some point in the next few days. Good luck. (11-20-11)
  • Can I send you a photo of a buck so you can tell me how old you think he is? What did G5 and Daggers score?
    Chris Viereck from NJ asks:
    Did you guys score Daggers and the G5 buck yet?? What did they score if you did and Congrats on your 2 kills they are outstanding deer! I was also wondering if i could send you a picture of a nice buck i have on my farm and you could tell me his age??
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, I try to discourage people from sending in their photos for me to age. I would get covered up in them. Maybe in the future we will offer some kind of forum for that purpose but for now, I had better ask you to hold it back. We never officially scored the deer, but Daggers came in around the lower 180s and G5 came in around 190, thereabouts. Gross scores. Good luck. (11-19-11)
  • What did Daggers and G5 score?
    charlie from GA asks:
    Bill, I love the show and love the daily blog. I noticed you did not give a score on Daggers or the G5 buck. You stated that Daggers had 14 inches around the base, Well I know score is not inportant but what did they score. 2 boomers I am guessing. Thanks Bill.
    Winke Responds:
    Charlie, We never put a tape on them, but trying to get in the general neighborhood, estimating really, we are at a bit over 180 gross for Daggers and a bit under 190 gross for G5. That is about where we had them field judged from the trail cam photos too. I try not to get too worried about numbers right after killing a deer. I like to enjoy the experience before pulling out a tape and reducing it to a number, but people like to know scores so I estimate them based the guesses of several people and call it close enough. I once had a guy in a hunting camp in Colorado actually get mad at me because I wouldn't let him score a mule deer I had shot as soon as I brought it into camp. Numbers are cool, but at least savor all the memories for a while first. Good luck. (11-12-11)
  • Do you hunt around the pond shown in the November 9 video blog?
    Kaden from IA asks:
    Hey, Bill, I was watching your blog from November the 9th. As you were walking to your stand at 2:24 in your blog video you walked up a lane with a big pond in the background, Very cool looking scene! That looks like a killer spot at the mouth of that lane even if you planted the lane in clover or something that would attract the deer to use it to get to the pond. My question is do you have a stand around that pond? Your show is great I've learned a lot from watching. My season hasn't went to swell so far its nice to see someone else have success. Congratulations on the great season.!
    Winke Responds:
    Kaden, I have not hunted around that pond. It gets a lot of human activity with fishermen and neighbors cutting firewood, etc. I have plenty of other great spots to hunt! But you are right, that is a beautiful spot. Good luck and thanks. (11-19-11)
  • How can I watch previous entries in your daily blog?
    Zach Allen from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, I love the daily blog. If possible it would be nice if you could provide a way to review previous days entries. I enjoy the sessions and don't want to miss the opportunity to learn from your experience and knowledge when my schedule does not provide time to sign on. Thanks, Zach
    Winke Responds:
    Zach, You can see the previous days' entries by going to the "Blogs" command along the navigation bar and then clicking on "Winke's". Thanks for the support. (11-19-11)
  • What did the two bucks you shot this year score?
    Jeremy from IN asks:
    Bill, What did the two bucks that you shot this year score? Just curious; both awesome deer.
    Winke Responds:
    Jeremy, Daggers was low 180s, G5 was high 180s to around 190 (more or less). Both are giants for sure. Thanks. Good luck to you. (11-19-11)
  • So glad you shot the G5 buck. I couldn't believe it when I read the blog. Are you going to get him mounted?
    Luke from WI asks:
    Hey Bill! I just had to write and congratulate you on the successful hunt of the G5 buck! My wife and I sat down to watch your video blog and I saw the title and was like, "NO WAY! HE DID IT!" I was so excited for you. I think my wife got tired of me randomly saying, "Good for him, good for him!" I have been following your show since 2008 so I feel like I know you and your deer your after! I was just so excited to see you get him! I don't know if I'll be able to wait until Monday to see the video! Congrats again! Now my question... will you get a full shoulder mount? Have a good one!
    Winke Responds:
    Luke, Thanks. I really enjoy the fact that others are enjoying the adventures I have hunting these deer. I hope you are having a good season too. I have boiled him down and the skull is on the wall. I may still get him mounted as I sent the cape to the taxidermist to have it tanned. Good luck. (11-19-11)
  • Congrats and don't stop bringing us the education on your hunts - even if you are just doe hunting.
    Tim from VA asks:
    Bill, Congrats on the G5 buck! I have been reading your articles since I started bowhunting as a kid in the early 90s, and my development as a bowhunter has been greatly helped by your input. Your web show has taken that to a whole new level. Please don't forget that we learn from all that you show us, and we'd love to see your doe hunts as you continue to get out too. Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, Thanks for all the years of support. I am very happy that I have been able to help you over the years. It is a great sport. We will do our best to keep the action and education coming your way. Good luck to you. (11-18-11)
  • Which bucks will you be hunting during the late season? Are you letting others hunt the farm?
    Allan from ON asks:
    Hey Bill Congrats on the G5buck, wow! With two monsters on the ground and one tag available to you for the late season, what will be your plan for your remaining hit list bucks on your farm? Will you allow your friends to pursue some of them? Will you now give a couple another year to see how they mature for next year? Are you already thinking of what buck to go after with your last tag in the late season? Congrats again, can't wait to see the show on Monday.
    Winke Responds:
    Allan, I will get the cameras back out in early December to see if the bigger one is still around. I don't think I have to let too many of the mature bucks go - they have a way of taking care of that on their own! I appreciate the support. Good luck. (11-189-11)
  • Hunting a giant for three years in ND - site picks me up when I am down.
    Alex from ND asks:
    No question here, just wanted to congratulate you on 2 awesome bucks and THANK YOU for producing such and enjoyable show for us all! I love checking in on the site and applying your info provided to my hunts. I have been on a 3 year quest for two ND giants and when I get frustrated, Midwest Whitetail picks me back up! Thanks again and take care! Alex Starcevic
    Winke Responds:
    Alex, I appreciate the support and thanks for watching the shows. I am glad you have found the site to be a resource. Good luck in the hunt for your giant. I have been there and it can be frustrating at times. Yet, you have to focus on the journey. The quest is the real reward. If you kill him, you will realize that. There is no such thing as a trophy without the journey. Good luck (11-18-11)
  • Do you think that the grunt you made to stop the Daggers buck is what caused him to drop and jump the string?
    zack from SD asks:
    Just a thought. why would you holler or grunt or whatever you do to stop a buck I noticed in your latest video of "Daggers" that when you did that he became alert. Maybe this is why he jumped the string I have shot a few deer and If you let them stop naturally they don't even flinch before the arrow is there. and yes i know you have to get a kill shot on film but maybe they won't jump the string if you do that. I guess somebody one day said that was the way to do it but maybe somebody needs to say thats not the way to do it and just let them stop naturally or don't take the shot.
    Winke Responds:
    Zack, I am sure you are right. Stopping a walking buck generally puts him alert and makes him a potential string jumper. He was right at the end of my shooting lane so I had to stop him. He wasn't going to stop on his own in that lane. I think you just have to condition yourself to aim low on any shot you take at an alert deer past 20 yards. That seems to be the best way to handle the shots when you have to stop them. You are right that you are better off if they stop naturally, but sometimes they don't and then you need a plan. Good luck. (11-17-11)
  • Congrats; it really came together for you this year.
    scott from CT asks:
    Bill, Congrats on the two monster Bucks. You sure put it together this season. I can't wait to see mondays show. Awesome!
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, Thanks. Some years things really work out and some years they don't. Luck plays a big role in any success whitetail hunting. I have had some tough luck in past years, but it really came together this year. It seems to even out if you hunt long enough. Good luck to you. (11-17-11)
  • Congrats on the buck.
    Jacob Stuttgen from AL asks:
    Bill, I just wanted to congradulate you on you buck. He is an absolute monster. I would of been shacking bad! Well, congrats.
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, Thanks. I appreciate the support. I hope you have a great season. (11-17-11)
  • How much does the buck "Daggers" score?
    Al from WI asks:
    Hey Bill, Great show. It is the only one I watch. None of the other ones compare. How much did Daggers score? He looks big but without seeing him in person it is always tough to get a real perspective how big he really is. Al
    Winke Responds:
    Al, I think he is roughly low 180s. He has approximately a high 160s frame with 14 to 15 inches of stickers. The stickers add up fast on that one. Good luck to you. (11-17-11)
  • How old is Double G4 Buck? I am hoping to get into college in Iowa so I can hunt those big deer too.
    Joey from FL asks:
    Congratulations on another super nice buck! Well now that your tagged out for the year that double G4 is gonna be a true MONSTER next year. Hopefully he doesn't regress from this year, how old did you say the double G4 was? Also I am applying to grad schools in Physical Therapy, but I applied to Clarke University, Iowa. I'm crossing my fingers I get in there so I can hunt some giants too! Being from Florida, we don't have anywhere near the caliber of dear you have... Congrats again on another fine season sir! And THANK YOU for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read these..
    Winke Responds:
    Joey, He is 6 1/2 this fall. Actually, I do get another tag for the late season, but that can be some very tough hunting. Good luck with the PT school and thanks for supporting the site and shows. All the best. (11-17-11)
  • Congrats on G5 Buck.
    Joseph from GA asks:
    Hey Bill, Congratulations on getting G5! What a fantastic deer; the hunt looks to be unforgettable indeed. I was fortunate enough to take a deer of a lifetime, myself, last year so I know exactly how you feel. You've had quite the season this year! Thanks for working so hard putting your show together--I go to the website all the time and enjoy the shows and information you post. Can't wait 'till Monday's show!
    Winke Responds:
    Joseph, Thanks for the support. It has been the season of a lifetime. All the best to you and good luck this season. (11-17-11)
  • Why can't the Michigan show be just about Michigan?
    Richard from AL asks:
    Why can't the Michigan show just be about Michigan ? I'm not interested in Ohio or Kansas. I hunt the SLP, but would be interested in seeing hunts in the NLP or UP. Richard Wilson
    Winke Responds:
    Richard, Good question. You are not the first one to complain. Our format is that we follow the hunters throughout their seasons. Sometimes they hunt other states and we decided to follow them on those hunts too. We could easily switch that so the hunts in other states show up in that state show on Midwest Whitetail. We elected instead to keep the hunter as a constant rather than the state. That is something we need to rethink. Thanks for the support. I'll get it straightened out. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • Did you green score Daggers?
    Cody from IN asks:
    Bill, congrats on Daggers..... have you green scored him yet? Also where did the Indiana show go, I didn't see it this past week? Thanks for your time and Good Luck the rest of the year!
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, Thanks. We roughed him in the low 180s. I am sure that is all the scoring we will do on that deer. He has about 14 to 15 inches of stickers so that adds up fast - on what appears to be a high 160s frame. Good luck to you too. (11-15-11)
  • Vote of confidence on the Daily Video Blog.
    Bill from IA asks:
    I own a couple of hunting farms and have bow hunted over the past 25 years. The purpose of this email is to give you a vote of confidence for MW and especially the daily video blog. As I get older, your daily video blog fits into my lifestyle very well. It allows me to stay connected to the sport on days when I don't feel like hunting. I really enjoy your in-depth analysis of all things related to the hunt. On a final note, I hope you can maintain your "down to earth" style and stay away from the "hyped up" "cookie cutter" themes that are becoming so prevalent in your industry.
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, Thanks for the vote of confidence. I don't think there is much to worry about me changing. I have been in this business for a long time. The hype is all washed away by now. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • Why didn't you show the follow-up shot when you hit Daggers in the spine?
    Mark from NJ asks:
    Why didn't you show the follow up shot to Daggers? I have been surprised how many spine shots I have seen over the last two years on Midwest Whitetail and I don't recall seeing a followup shot on any of them. I think it prudent to take a followup shot whenever a deer drops in its tracks from a bow shot. A few years ago my father had a deer react to the shot like that only to get up 30 seconds later and run away.
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, I agree on the follow up shots - they are a big deal. I don't know why the producer didn't show it. He had good reasons I am sure. You definitely need to keep shooting until you make a quick killing shot. Thanks for the support. Good luck. (11-8-11)
  • When will you be going to two shows per week?
    Tye from GA asks:
    Hey Bill, Love the show...Was wondering when are you going to produce 2 shows a week..and what buck are you Mainly After right now?
    Winke Responds:
    Tye, It happens this week. We don't produce two per week until the content starts to stack up and we run the risk of getting too far behind. We have four kills right now that we need to bring so there is plenty of content for a Thursday show and another one on Monday. Good luck. (11-15-11)
  • Was the buck you shot on Halloween morning on your hit list?
    Ryan from NY asks:
    Was the buck you shot halloween morning on your hit list, or ever seen before? Curious. Ryan
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, Back in 2009? Yes, that was a deer we called the Great 8, I had been trying to kill him for several years. He was right at the top of the list. We were specifically hunting him, making it all the more painful when he got away. Good luck. (11-12-11)
  • Have you thought about adding a forum to your site?
    Brandon from WI asks:
    Bill, Congratulations on your buck. Have you ever thought about adding a forum section to the website for hunters to share ideas with other hunters? Might reduce the number of questions you recieve also. Love the show. Thanks for your time, Brandon
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, We are looking at it. I don't want to do a forum unless we can do a good one, so I am looking into ways to make sure it is used as a resource and not just a place to talk about the weekend football games, etc. Thanks for your support. Good luck. (11-6-11)
  • Now that you have one tag left, are you going to pass up the G5 buck in favor of hunting the Double G4 buck?
    Stephen from NC asks:
    I have been watching MW for years and it is the only show that adds an element of drama for the viewer. I was practically giddy when I saw Daggers in the back of the truck! Question is...with one tag left are you holding out for the Double G4 buck? Would you pass a shot on the G5 buck or Big if one was presented?
    Winke Responds:
    Stephen, You have struck on the very heart of my dilemma. The G5 is a very big deer, how do you pass him up? I think I can let Big go another year to see if he returns to his former antler size, but I am struggling with what to do if G5 walks past. I need to hunt the G4 buck as hard as possible because I have so much history with him and he has such a cool giant frame. Tough decision now. Not 100% sure what I will do when/if the time comes to draw or not draw on G5. (11-1-11)
  • Congrats on the big deer.
    paul from TN asks:
    Bill,just wanted to congratulate you on a great buck. I want to thank you for doing such a great job with the program. And what a pleasure to share in your success. Thank you for your time...Pastor Paul.
    Winke Responds:
    Paul, Thanks Paul. I appreciate the good word. Good luck to you this season. (11-1-11)
  • Can't wait to see the next episode.
    Fred from NY asks:
    So I was sitting at my desk this morning havin a cup of coffee and I decided to go to midwestwhitetail.com to see if you had a new video blog up. I've been watching every day and was eager to watch the newest one from the 30th. Well, after watching it I only have one thing to ask... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Wait until next Monday to watch the full hunt? Geez, Bill. Seriously though, what a great looking buck. Can't wait to see how everything worked out. Congrats! Fred from Canandaigua
    Winke Responds:
    Fred, I hope you find that the show will be worth the wait. The buck is sure a dandy. Thanks for your support. Have a great day. (11-5-11)
  • Why did you do away with the girl's voice saying "It's time to watch Midwest Whitetail" at the beginning of the show?
    Luke from WI asks:
    Hey Bill, quick question for you. My wife and I enjoy watching your shows! We were wondering what happened to the kids voice, "It's time to watch Midwest Whitetail" at the beginning of all your shows? Why did you do away with that this year? We thought it was cute and kind of made everyone seem involved. Thanks and good luck on your quest for the big ones! Luke
    Winke Responds:
    Luke, Not sure where that went. It just kind of got dropped I guess. I wil talk to our editor on that show and get that back in there. That is our daughter. I may have her record a new one now that she is older. Thanks for the support. Have a great day. (11-6-11)
  • Thanks for the help.
    Pete Hagstrom from IA asks:
    Bill and Prostaff, I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I appreciate your show. I started bowhinting two years ago and am addicted. Since I have started watching your shows, I have shot two PY bucks and looking to seal the deal again this year. Your show has lead me to my success and I figured this would be an easy way to say, "Thank You". I am also enjoying your day to day video hunts. I leave for my big hunt in Southern IA and NW MO this week. I will be in stand from the 3rd (which I think you will shoot one of your hit list bucks on) through the 20th of November. From one hunter to the next, "Good Luck". Can't wait to see you cruch your hitlist buck! ~Pete
    Winke Responds:
    Pete, Thanks for the support. I am glad that I have been able to help you progress as a bowhunter. That is a very rewarding part of my work. Good luck on your hunt. (11-5-11)
  • Likes the daily blogs.
    Skyler from IA asks:
    Bill, Hey, I think the video blog is really awesome! It is a great way to compare what I am seeing with other hunters (thanks Greg). For instance, the 27th(your first day) I saw my first buck chasing a doe. He was a 130-135 inch 8pt. He could have cared less about my calling. My calling did get a 125 inch 10 pt. to step out to 50 yards and proceed to tear up every tree under my stand. Also, unlike you, the activity seemed to pick up when the wind died here. I was hunting a timbered finger that extended from one of my sanctuaries to a freshly cut bean field.
    Winke Responds:
    Skyler, It is cool to be able to compare notes. Thanks for the kind words and for supporting the site. Good luck. (11-5-11)
  • Would like to meet you.
    Ryan from IL asks:
    Bill, Long time follower on MWW and your writing. Excellent idea on the daily video blog. Won't be long b4 you slam Big. Thanks for the great site. Keep up the good work! You are the man. I'd love to meet you and Will Primos some day. Take it easy.
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, Thanks for supporting me all these years. I will post a schedule if I plan to be at any events this coming year. I am guessing I will be doing the IA Deer Classic at least this coming year. It is would not be a pleasure to meet you too. Good luck this season. (11-5-11)
  • Thanks for the daily video blog.
    Sean from AL asks:
    Hey Bill! First of all crazy is good! That being said, You and Greg are crazy for doing a daily video blog. But I love it! I am so excited to see what you see on a daily basis...in the hunting video world is does not get anymore live than what you are doing. Thank you so much for attacking this undertaking! I mean every bit of that. I am sure i speak for many of your visitors when i tell you that i really appreciate all you do to educate us. Have a great season! Sean
    Winke Responds:
    Sean, I appreciate it. Several of the guys are helping on these so it doesn't fall too much on just Greg. It is still a bigbuck undertaking though and Itell appreciate all their efforts. Good luck. (11-5-11)
  • Likes the daily blog.
    david from IN asks:
    no ? just wanted to comment on the daily vid blog.....yes sir please continue with this awsome idea im sure you realize thathuge amounts of people use your sight to learn management techniques.... learn the latest in gear...and listen to the pro staff from their area to find out whats happening in the field...i dont have a hunting buddy or any one to learn off of.....so....i soak up all the information your sight has to offer....and im real confident that i can use what i have learned to make this the year that it all comes together....thanks again and keep up the good work im counting on ya!!!!!
    Winke Responds:
    David I appreciate the support. We plan to keep the blog going. It seems that alot of people like that. I am we are able to help y)ou out with the information on the site. We will keep it coming - and hopefully keep getting better at what this. Please keeep spreading the word. Good luck. (11-4-11)
  • Likes the daily blog.
    Chris from AL asks:
    Bill just want to say that the daily video blog is awesome! I finally have a way to keep up with what the deer are doing on our places in KS and ILL. The places I hunt aren't very far from you guys. It's going to be a big help. Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Al, Thanks fof the kind words. Our producers are doing all tbe work. Please help us spread the word. Good luck. (11-3-11)
  • Likes the daily video blog.
    Mike from IL asks:
    Bill, no question today just wanted to let you know the new daily video blog is a great idea!!! This web site-show just keeps getting better and better!!
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Thanks for the support. I appreciate it. Good luck this year. (11-3-11)
  • How do the pro staff get away without wearing facemasks on some hunts? Is it acceptable to shoot fawns?
    Dave from MI asks:
    How do some of your pro staff get away without any mask or paint covering their face? For example, I watched the Ohio semi-live just today and the first hunter who missed the buck didn't have face cover or gloves. Just from experience in trying it, anytime I haven't covered my face or hands I get picked off EVERY time, and I hang high stands. Also, in that same episode is fawn managment part of your overall philosphy with doe management? The second hunt of that episode shows the hunter, thankfully, missing about 70 pound fawn, only 10 minutes later to shoot its mom. Did he not know the fawn was a yearling or is this an acceptable practice? Thanks as always, great show
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, Not sure in the case you mention, but I have personally shot many deer when not wearing a facemask. Key is to make sure you aren't moving and then have plenty of cover in the tree (branches and leaves). Finally, I hide my face behind my top bow limb until it is time to draw. However, to be safe, it is always better to wear the mask. 90% of the time I have the mask on, if for no other reason than to hide the flash of my face from distant deer. I learned this duck hunting. Your face definitely is a bright spot when you turn it often. I don't remember seeing that. Shooting fawns is legal. Sure it seems less tasteful, but it is legal. Like shooting a doe it is still taking a life, so it needs to be done with thought. Most guys generally target does though. I don't know what his reasoning was in that case. Good luck. (11-3-11)
  • Do you have any tips for watching the Midwest Whitetail shows on my Apple device (Ipad, Ipod, Iphone)?
    Jimmy from MO asks:
    Hey Bill, Love the web site and shows. I find myself watching everyday. As a weekend only hunter (due to my crazy schedule)it is a great help to see and learn what the deer are doing daily. Thank you. My question is I watch the videos on my lap top, but when I try to view them from my IPad they never load. Do you know if there is anything extra I need to watch videos on my IPad. I can access the web page and I can watch any of the videos you have posted on U-tube, but not any of the videos on the web site. Thank you and good hunting...Blessings Jim
    Winke Responds:
    Jimmy, Apple devices won't natively work with the Adobe Flash Video player. I think you can find an app that is a flash-based browser for the Apple devices (or a plug-in to your current browser). Please do a search to see if you can find such an app out there. I know some people are using them to watch Flash based video on Apple devices. Good luck. (11-3-11)
  • Have you considered a Midwest Whitetail All Stars series?
    Josh Millet from IL asks:
    Hi Bill, First off, Love the shows and have been following from the start! Here is my question. Have you given any thought to having "Midwest Whitetail All Stars?" For the most part all the guys do a good job, but there are a couple teams from each state that stand out. (on camera presence, deer etc..)Just a thought. Josh.
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, Not at this time. We need to keep the talent spread out so the state shows are all strong and produce good information for people from that state and entertainment for the viewers. Thanks for the suggestion though. Good luck. (11-3-11)
  • Good job on the shows; been watching since 2008.
    Scott from NC asks:
    Bill, Just wanted to say job well done on a great show! I've been watching since 08' and am hooked. Best hunting show around. Love watching every week. Keep up the awesome work! Good Hunting, Scott Talbert (MW Fan)
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, Thanks. I really appreciate all the support over the years. I never take that for granted. Good luck. (11-1-11)
  • I am having problems with the shows loading slowly; is this just a problem on my end?
    Tom from IA asks:
    Is it just my smartphone service, My Location or something else. I love your semi live segments. Problem I have is they start and stop and take for ever to load. Is there another option for viewing them. Guess that where it would be sweet if you sold a DVD on a yearly basis so people that have problems viewing can watch... You're the best show out there...
    Winke Responds:
    Tom, We get a few people mention problems, but not many. I think it is a local issue with your connection. Not sure what else it might be. I appreciate your support and I hope the problem straightens out because we want you to keep watching. Good luck. (11-1-11)
  • Why are you answering questions and not out hunting?
    josh from OR asks:
    hey Bill, i think you should really take a break from the Q's and do some hunting. i am ready to see some big bucks go down. not to take away from all the folks on each show but in my oppinion you have the biggest deer, don't get me wrong i have not seen a deer on your show that i would not shoot or at least shoot at. i have always found it enteresting at how big those deer up in the northern part of the U.S. are. here in oklahoma we occasionally will hear of some person killing a huge deer in both body and rack but really our big deer will only weigh 150-175 i would say field dressed. so enough about that. good luck hope to see some footage soon.
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, I am getting ready to take your advice. I hate not answering questions when they come in, but they have been coming faster than I can answer them now. I will get serious now. I got lucky and killed one a couple of days ago, permitting me some time to lay low and get work done, but I will be back to hunting as soon as this next front gets here. Good luck. (11-1-11)
  • Why don't you do more in Nebraska? Great state with big deer.
    Growling Bear from ME asks:
    Hey Bill, I would like to know why you don't do stuff in Nebraska? It is such an awesome state for big, mature whitetails and the license is as simple as it gets! Plus you can take two bucks! You have always been my favorite writer for many years and I would like to thank you for a river of knowledge in a real, no nonsense way that makes you special. I have lots of ground in south central NE along the Republican River and we have some awesome whitetail!! Let me know when your coming for a visit so we can get you some footage of the " Corn Husker" state! Thanks for being you and keep up the excellent work! Your a true "CHAMPION"
    Winke Responds:
    Growling Bear, I agree. We do have one good pro staffer there (I think he is the only one) named Mike Lutt. He shoots nice bucks nearly every year (sometimes multiple bucks). He is over east, toward the Missouri River. I appreciate all your support. I may well take you up on the invite sometime. I have hunted the Platte some but never the Republican. Would be cool to hunt that country. I have heard many good things about it. Best of luck this season. (11-1-11)
  • What ever happened to the Great 8 you were always hunting?
    Doug from MN asks:
    Hey Bill, I love your show, and try to watch every week; but I was just wondering what ever happened to the Great Eight you were always after? I don't really remember hearing much about him after you he jumped the string.
    Winke Responds:
    Doug, The neighbor found him dead the following spring. He had died only recently so the winter likely claimed him. Not sure if my high hit accelerated his death (neighbort didn't think so) or if it was just the hard winter that year. They don't live forever. Very disappointing end to the story. Good luck. (11-1-11)
  • What do you think your top hit list bucks score?
    Cody from IA asks:
    I know the score probably doesn't matter too much to you on your top hit list bucks, but I was wondering what your estimates for score was on each of them. I always like to see how others judge score from trail cam pics.
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, I don't like to score them on the hoof. I just know when they are big enough! I don't know for sure. I am guessing over 170. Maybe the one I call Big is smaller than that. Sorry I can't be more specifice. I just don't like the numbers entering into the hunt until well after the deer is dead - then maybe. Good luck. (10-30-11)
  • Why do you feel you need to have music on your videos? It detracts from the natural sounds and makes it hard to hear the voices.
    pat from KY asks:
    Why do you feel that there has to be music on your videos? We enjoy watching wild life videos but the music is constantly drowning out the voices. I'm sure that you don't have loud music in the field when hunting. My husband has a hearing problem and when the music begins, he turns to another station. Thank you.
    Winke Responds:
    Pat, Good question. I will pass the thoughts along to the producers. Thanks for the support. Good luck (10-26-11)
  • Ever consider showing your trophy room on one of the episodes?
    Darrell Raser from PA asks:
    Hello Bill I have been a devoted Midwest Whitetail fan since the beginning. I have always wanted to see what your trophy room looks like. I think it would be really neat to get a tour of your trophy room and to hear a little bit about your biggest bucks, and the bucks that meant the most to you. Hope you consider my idea thanks for your time. Fellow archer, Darrell Raser
    Winke Responds:
    Darrell, Thanks for the years of support. I really appreciate it. I don't have all the bucks in one area. In fact, I don't even have them all. Mom and Dad, sister, office in town, house, home office, friends, all have mounts. I will try to film a few of these locations at some point, just for fun. Good luck this season. (10-26-11)
  • A better name for your buck might be Scar!
    Eric from IL asks:
    A better name for that buck from '09 would be "Scar" what a brusier he is..... Hope you have another chance at him. Can't wait to see the film.
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, Good name. I was going to call him "The Hole in the Neck Buck" but thought it a bit too blunt. I am hoping to see him again too! Good luck (10-26-11)
  • Are you ever going to do an episode talking about what native forbs and plants the deer will eat - such as ragweed, etc.?
    Philip Stark from MO asks:
    Hello Bill, Are you all going to highlight some of the native forbes that deer readily browse? For instance, I find that deer browse giant ragweed, pigweed, purslane, beggars lice and bidens in my food plots as heavily as the beans themselves. Those can go a long ways since they are "free" food so to speak and no much work is needed to get them.
    Winke Responds:
    Philip, I have seen how they really hit the ragweed at the right time, same for queen ann's lace. Browse patterns are hard to hunt because they are not very concentrated and the deer don't hit them quite as hard as they hit ag crops. In areas without ag, the browse is a big factor, but in many parts of the Midwest, we do have fields that concentrate the deer more, especially during the fall. However, I do agree, it is very interesting when I see a deer in the summer walk through a bean field eating the ragweed, or walk through clover field eating just the leaves that have fallen from hedge (osage orange) trees. We will need to cover that better in the future. Like I said, my only problem with browse patterns is that they aren't concentrated enough for efficient hunting in most areas. Good luck. (10-24-11)
  • I also hit a buck high and lost him, but it is good to know he is still alive. Loves the questions that Andrew asked in 09 episode.
    steve from WI asks:
    Bill,e-mailed you about a buck i hit a few weeks ago you told me you had a similar situation. I hit my deer high and foward, just got done watching 2009 EP. 18 hard lessons. Same spot i hit my deer i was just a little futher back. My deer also lived horrible feeling but at least we might get a second chance!Turns out what i liked about ep. was andrews question and the way you answered them. I have a 5 year old son and cant wait to share those types moments with him. The show is awesome great work! Thanks for your time and great info. Steve
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, Kids are awesome. I love spending time with both of ours. They understand things differently than we do and I often learn a lot from our kids because they have a fresh un-biased look at the problems we face when deer hunting. Sometimes it is the simple answers that are the best and they can sure come up with them. Good luck this year and hopefully you will get another crack at that buck. (10-24-11)
  • Terrible decision to shoot a quartering deer on the Northeast show recently.
    Tyler from MN asks:
    Terrible decision to take the shot on quartering buck from team NE. Your teams need some practice.
    Winke Responds:
    Tyler, We always fight that every year. I think people believe deer are more broadside than they appear. I will spread the word to be more careful on the shots. Good luck (10-24-11)
  • How about some information and episodes about hunting the big woods?
    Jim from WI asks:
    Hey Winke - Great show, great web site. I've been bow hunting in Wisconsin for about 30 years. I live in the rural areas of south central Wisconsin but I've fallen in love with hunting the big timber areas of northern Wisconsin. The large tracts of forest and the isolation as well as the fact that there are places where big bucks still die of old age all add to an over all quality experience. I'd like to see you provide some insights and lessons on hunting big timber. Many hunters don't have food plots or agriculture available to draw or pattern deer. How about a show on using food sources, scrapes, rubs and topography of big forests of the northern midwest?? Catch you later...I'll be in the tree for the next 3 or 4 weeks. Jim K Whitewater WI
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, I agree. That is a special kind of hunting. We have a few guys that hunt big woods in MI but none in WI. We need to add a couple of pro staff from the big woods. Good luck. (10-24-11)
  • Which bucks are you going to hold out for this year?
    Brian from OH asks:
    Bill one of my favorite things about your show is because you are hunting your farm, you're hunting deer that you develop history with over several seasons. The strategizing, stories and history with an old buck I feel are what make hunting and you really capture it in your show. When I watch I experience hunting, not just killing. You do a terrific job! Very exciting to see those two bucks show back up on the trail cameras. That brings up my question: With so many hit list bucks on cameras, are you holding out for any one in particular or will you shoot the first hit list buck in bow range? Please dont waste any time writing back until after the season! Good luck and thanks for a great show.
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, I appreciate the support. I am definitely going to hold out for the Double G4 Buck. He is a once or twice in a lifetime buck. He is a true monster. Got daylight photos of him recently so he is the one I will be key on when the season opens. If I don't shoot him, I will likely take any other of the bigger bucks on the farm without too much deliberation - however, the buck called Big is actually showing during the day now too (on camera). Those are the two I am going to key on. Ironically, they were the most nocturnal of all the bucks on the farm last year. Good luck (10-24-11)
  • Have you ever considered including the date on your answers so we have a time frame for referenece?
    Matt from MO asks:
    Have you ever thought about writing in the dates on your question responses? It would really be helpful to know when you are giving your expert opinion. Especially when you answer questions about the rut. Thanks and I love the website!
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, I think that is a great idea. I will start doing that right now. Good luck. 10-24-11
  • What kind of apple trees were Scott and Kurt hunting over in the recent episode?
    Lazar from IL asks:
    Great show. I just watched the last video and saw the apple tree that the person is Wisconsin had on his plot. Do you know what kind of apples are they? I would like to plant couple in my place next year. Thank you for your help Regards Lazar
    Winke Responds:
    Lazar, I asked Scott and Kurt and this is the reply: Courtland, Honeycrisp and Macintosh. Sounds like that food plot would be the source for a few pies too if it were on my farm! Good luck.
  • When are you going to have a mobile site so we can watch the shows on our cell phones?
    todd from MI asks:
    Hey Bill, when are you going to have a mobile site for our cell phones? thanks Todd
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, We are still working on it. We have all the technical stuff worked out. I just need to make the time to actually design the way it is going to look and get someone to lay that out for me. That can take some time, unfortunately. I am hoping that we have it within a couple of weeks. Thanks for your patience and your support. Good luck.
  • The shows are stopping halfway through. Any ideas on what I can try to fix that?
    Rob Hurd from MD asks:
    Love the shows and website!! I am having trouble downloading the shows lately,I pause it so it will download as suggested but it only loads up about half of the show.Do you have any more tips or advice to help me.Only watching half of the shows is killing me LOL ! This same thing happens on my computer at work so I dont think its my computer,I am on a broad band cable internet service if that helps any. Thanks ,Rob
    Winke Responds:
    Rob, Thanks for the support. We need to keep feeding your addiction. Withdrawals can be nasty. Not sure what is happening to you there. We have not heard this from anyone else. I would try deleting your temporary internet files (go to the Tools menu of your browser or Internet Options). Then try downloading the videos again. That might help by clearing the cache of any half-way downloaded videos that the computer thinks are fully downloaded. When the web page loads, it looks for the video in the cache on your computer before it loads a fresh version. I hope that helps. Good luck.
  • Is Larry Zach still part of your pro staff? I enjoy his hunts but he hasn't been featured yet.
    Cody from IA asks:
    Is Larry Zach still with Midwest Whitetail? I have always enjoyed his hunts, but I haven't seen him yet on the Iowa show this year. Is he still filming with you guys?
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, He is still a part of the crew. He has been out of town. I think he is due back soon and we should be able to get some hunts from him again. Thanks for your support.
  • Thanks for the information.
    JODY MARTIN from MO asks:
    No question....thanks for the quality information. Hunting big midwest bucks is different and difficult, but worth it....
    Winke Responds:
    Jody, I definitely agree. Thanks for the support. I hope you have a great season.
  • Did you ever send in the jaw from the buck you shot last season to see how old he was?
    Jordan from IA asks:
    Bill, I re-watched the episode in which you killed Jamie last year. I love that episode. You said that you were going to send the jaw in to see exactly how old he was. Did you ever do that?
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, I love that one too. He was a cool old deer. I never sent it in. It is still sitting right here on my desk. I still intend to send it, but it is safe to say he was at least 7 1/2 years old when I shot him. I have a couple of others on the farm right now that are that old too. Not many, but a couple of them. Pretty cool even if they don't have big racks. Good luck.
  • You should tell your pro staff not to shoot button bucks during the youth season.
    Jim from MI asks:
    ?You should work with your guys some more on how they present and conduct their hunts. The Illinois October 16 is pretty bad with the two youth hunts. Bloody tongue hanging out of the first kids deer was bad enough but the button buck killing iced the cake. Shooting buttons does nothing to enhance the herd and Dad telling daughter to pass would have been more appropriate. Kinda sad for such a great website which I generally enjoy very much.
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, I will pass along the word on the bloody tongue, but I will not suggest that they never shoot button bucks during the youth season. I have a soft spot for young hunters. I would rather see another young person hunting than see another young buck in the field. The bucks are renewable, youth hunters aren't. I do appreciate your support though. Good luck.
  • Having trouble viewing your site with my new high speed service. Any ideas or settings I should check out?
    Terry from MN asks:
    I just upgraded my internet speed to 12 meg and now I am experiencing problems with your site. It is flashing and the screen doesn't stay still. It appears that I am not experience problems with any other site. Is there a setting that I should set my computer on? I want to continue watching your episodes on line. Please advise. Thanks. Terry
    Winke Responds:
    Terry, Not sure on that one. We have a very fast connection at our office in town and experience no problems. My guess is that it has something to do with your new service provider. Unfortunatly, you may need to call their customer service to see if they can help you. Good luck.
  • What did you do with the roadkilled buck you found?
    Gary from OH asks:
    Bill, on this weeks episode you find a nice buck that was hit by a car. I was wondering, what did you do with it? Gary
    Winke Responds:
    Gary, I left it. You need a salvage tag to possess road kills here in Iowa and I din't have time to get one or mess with the deer (boil skull, etc.). I think it was a buck that Scott Prucha has some history with so he will probably go through the process. Good luck.
  • Thanks for posting the Without Excuse devotionals.
    Clint from AL asks:
    Good morning! Hey Bill, Just wanted to say how much I enjoy Midwest Whitetails. I also just wanted to say I'm so glad that you all post the "Without Excuse" ministry videos! I love that your not afraid to be Christians or rabid bowhunters! Blessings to you all-Clint
    Winke Responds:
    Clint, Those devotionals from Pastor Paul have become quite popular. I love them and think he does a great job. Thanks for your support. Good luck this season.
  • How many stands are you going to be hunting when you start to hunt for the buck you call "Big"? Which stands do you expect to see him from?
    cody from MN asks:
    After watching your video on how you are going to hunt BIG I thought of a question. When you start hunting him and feel he is huntable how many different treestands do you expect to utilize and how often will you sit them? I know burning a stand isn't good but my best stands see me a lot and was wondering which stand you expect to use the most and how much. Great videos and good luck.
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, He might be huntable now. Unfortunately, I have been so busy that I haven't had time to get the cameras back out. I have roughly four stands (two are better than the others) where I expect to see him. All are on the fringes of his known range. I will sit them a lot because these stands set up well for entry and exit and for being undetected on stand. I can hunt him nearly every day. I lack a good stand for a south wind, otherwise I will be sitting around the fringes of his core nearly every day starting in late October. I put up a stand a few weeks back on an oak sidehill that I think will be good. It is very close to the center of his core, but in a spot I can get away with hunting. Not sure why, but my instinct tells me that is where I will get him if I do. Good luck.
  • What did you do with that buck that was hit by the car?
    Jay Pate from AL asks:
    Bill I would like to know what happened with the buck that was hit by a car. Did you leave it there or is there a legal way for you to take the antlers? I build antler lamps and would not want to pass up a set like thus.
    Winke Responds:
    Jay, I left it. It was actually a buck that Scott Prucha had on his hit list. He commented later that he knew it was young. The buck would have gotten a pass this year, but he was dumb enough to get himself run over. If Scott wants it, I have told him where to find it. He'll have to get a salvage tag for it from the DNR to possess it. I am sure Scott will get it. Good luck this year.
  • What happend to the little kid's voice at the beginning of each episode of Midwest Whitetail?
    Billy from ME asks:
    What happened to the voice of the little kid you guys had on the beginning of all the shows last year? It was something like, "and now welcome to midwest whitetails"...I liked it!
    Winke Responds:
    Billy, I liked it too. It is our daughter. I may have her produce another one using her current voice and then keep updating it each year as she grows up. We just stopped using it for some reason. We'll get it in there again.
  • Likes the show. Checks in every day.
    Kris from MN asks:
    Just want to say great show.I have been hooked.Icheck in every day.THANKS
    Winke Responds:
    Kris, Thanks for your support. Please help us spread the word. Have a great day and good luck this season.
  • What ever happened to the buck you were hunting in 2009 called the Great 8?
    John from WI asks:
    Bill, I know you nicked the Great 8 I think 2 years ago, did you ever figure out what happened to him? Have you seen him, found sheds, or heard anything form your neighbors on that deer?
    Winke Responds:
    John, The neighbor found him dead the following spring. He hadn't been dead for too long so he didn't think my shot had caused it. That was a very hard winter here and he likely just died of old age that winter brought on the stresses of being very old. It is a bummer really. They don't live forever. I had my chance, but he got away. That one still hurts. Good luck this season.
  • Have some ideas for a forum.
    Jeff Nelson from WI asks:
    Hey Bill, They way you have your site set up is great. I'm a member of a Wisconsin site called Battle of the bow. It s show where a guy like me can apply and if choosen, could make it on TV. Long story short they have a forum that works very well! I think you should check that out and add something similar the MW, where there is a little more hardcore guys. No need for a response if you don't want. We will be working on our application video this season to send in to you. Thanks again. Jeff Nelson whitetail1981@ gmail.com
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, We are looking at ways to do a forum. I have a few ideas on that too. Thanks for your suppot. Have a great day.
  • From someone fighting cancer - please pass this message along to Kurt.
    Jerry from WI asks:
    Dear Mr Winke you have a great show I enjoy watching all the exciting action it really gets the blood pumping. I dont have a question for you but if you could pass on a message to Kurt Schroeder for me please. Like Kurt I too was diagnosed with cancer now for me it is the second time and it is devastating not only for me but my five children and my wife. I am only thirty six years old and not ready to leave this beautiful world yet.It is great to see Kurt out doing what he loves to do and that is what you have to do. Do not let it get you down keep your chin up and fight this dirty battle and win.So if you (Bill)could please pass this on to Kurt I would greatly appreciate it.I guess it is just nice to know that you have support out there in such a rough time of your life.Thank-you midwest whitetail!!!Keep up the great work I am looking forward to your next show.
    Winke Responds:
    Jerry, I will definitely pass the message along to Kurt. I am sorry to hear you have to fight this fight again. Yes, it would be hard to face this. I feel so fortunate that I have good health. I want to watch my kids grow up. Of course, it can all change in one day - you can't take anything for granted. Live each day with all you have - you never know what tomorrow brings - no regrets. God bless you.
  • Have you considered starting a Canadian Midwest Whitetail series?
    Hoss from ON asks:
    Hey Bill I was just curious if you have ever considered making a canadian midwest team. Canada has some monster deer that would add another angle to hunting for your show. Anyways I have been watchin your show from the first season and love it. Thanks and good hunting
    Winke Responds:
    Hoss, I have thought about it. I had a guy that was going to send me footage this year, but it never materialized. I will keep an open mind for sure. I would enjoy watching it. It is not as easy as it might appear to put a new series on the site, so I try not to get too far ahead of myself. I would like to see a Canadian series though. Thanks for your support. Have a great day.
  • When filming hunts, do you come up with the story line ahead of time or after the hunt?
    Greg from FL asks:
    Bill thanks for producing Midwest Whitetail, I love it. My hunting buddy and I are going to be trying our hand at filming our hunts this November when we head to Upstate NY. As far as story lines for your filming, do you come up with some of them prior to the hunt or mainly look at the footage and come up with a story line,Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Greg, We typically come up with the story line after the hunt. Just film everything and you will have plenty to work with. Good luck.
  • Don't get rid of Pastor Paul.
    Ron from IL asks:
    Just a comment......... I really appreciate your Pastor Paul feature. Please don't ever get rid of him!! For me, the time afield is very special and very spritual as well. I brings me closer to the Creator. Ron
    Winke Responds:
    Ron, We don't have any intention of getting rid of Pastor Paul. I really like his devotionals too. Hunting is a spiritual time. I love immersing myself in God's creation. Good luck.
  • Videos are loading slow; why?
    Mike from AL asks:
    Bill, Love this site and watch the new videos as soon as they come out.I have noticed lately that it takes FOREVER to download these videos.Pretty sure the problem is not on my end,I dont have problems on any other sites.I just thought I would let you know.Good luck this season and be safe. Mike
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Not sure why that is. We haven't done anything differently and the videos still load fast here. I get them off the same server you do and I don't have a fast connection here at my home office. I hope it is better for you by now as I have no explanation. Thanks for the support.
  • What made you decide to produce the TV show in the style you are using?
    James from NJ asks:
    Bill, great shows this year man! Last year your shows were informative but nothing like this year's shows in my opinion. I'm curious why the shows I'm seeing on the Sportsman's Channel are geared this way/why you took that spin on things. Again, I think your webshows were all informative last year but the ones I'm seeing this year on TV are blowing me away. It's nothing anyone else is doing and what really hunting is all about. Every other show I watch is about someone going to some farm and shooting a big buck which it isn't all about. So my question is what made you take this unorthodox spin on your show and how's the response been so far? For me I love it. I'll never be a better hunter just watching a guy climb a stand and shooting a big buck. I want to know why the picked the tree, and how they patterned or tried to pattern the deer. Great show man!!!!!!!! I hope it doesn't change. If it ain't broke don't fix it. James
    Winke Responds:
    James, Thanks. I appreciate the support. I have spent many years coming up with themes and teaching since that is what I do with my articles in the magazines I write for. So we just took that same approach to the TV show. We also have tons of kills each year with the big pro staff. So we just combined those two strengths and put together the show concept - try to keep the pace fast and teach. It was that simple. You always have to assess your strengths and weaknesses in everything you do and play to your strengths and away from your weaknesses. We won't change the style. It fits us well and is our niche on TV. Again, I appreciate all your support. Have a great day.
  • Can you tell me which episode you discussed knocking corn down in your food plots?
    Wade from IA asks:
    Bill- I was wondering if you have a link or could tell me the title of the show you did last season that you went in and knocked down corn stalks before the hunt? Thanks in advance Wade
    Winke Responds:
    Wade, That was a late season hunt. I talked about it a bit in the December 27 episode when I knocked down the entire food plot. This practice if knocking down corn is one that you need to discuss with your game warden. I have talked to the game warden every year that I have grown corn on the farm just to make sure nothing has changed. Not only does knocking it down make it easier to shoot into the plot, but it also makes the corn more accessible to the deer because they prefer to eat it off the ground than turn their heads and try to get it out of the husk when the plant is standing. Again, be sure to check with your local game warden on this before you do it. Good luck.
  • Thought it was funny when you announced letting your daughter hunt these big deer.
    Chris from LA asks:
    Just watched the latest MW show and when I saw the previews I was immediately wondering if you were going to let your daughter hunt the area where you've been seeing your boss bucks. I thought it was funny that you actually admitted you had reservations about putting her there! That's a true trophy hunter! LOL! Good luck to her.
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, That was kind of funny. I had to think about it a bit! If the wind is right and I think we can get away with it, I will let the kids have a crack at these bucks. They have been very ellusive for me to kill during the bow season, so might as well let them have a crack. Good luck.
  • Are you looking into a different player that permits Apple users to view your shows?
    Titus from MI asks:
    Bill have you considered moving the show away from a flash based system? It would be very nice to be able to watch your show on my iPad. I also learned today that the new windows 8 software for mobile devices will not be carrying flash as well. With all the people moving away from desktop computers and using phones and tablets, it may be wise to consider switching to a different format for each show. I have heard the HTML 5 would be supported on most all mobile devices. Thanks for considering! I wish I could watch it on my iPhone or iPad, but apple users can't view your program.
    Winke Responds:
    Titus, Can't you get an app that allows flash-based video for the ipad? I think that exists. Also, we are looking at HTML5 as we make changes to the site. It is in the process, but stuff like that takes time. Keep watching for those upgrades. Thanks for your support.
  • Can you make a "Like" button for your videos?
    lori from IN asks:
    can you make a like button for all videos ??? because this sho is fantastic :) is nice to know someone hunts in our area :)
    Winke Responds:
    Lori, That is a good one. Thanks for the support. Have a great day.
  • What ever happened to the buck with the splits from your 2010 hit list?
    Garret from SD asks:
    Hey Bill. Love the show. I was just wondering what ever happened to the buck with all the splits off your 2010 hit list. Keep up the good work and good luck this season.
    Winke Responds:
    Garret, Thanks. Don't know. We ran a camera there for a week (pulled the card two days ago) but he hasn't turned up yet. I hope he comes around because he could be a giant. My neighbor talked me into not hunting him last year after we found him because he thought the buck was young. I didn't think he was young, but went along with the neighbor anyway. Would be nice to see him back again this year. I will be sure to put it on the show if he turns up. Good luck.
  • Where is the MN series?
    Pat from MN asks:
    Where is the MN boys thread? They are showing MN a bad name. Like to see some local support on here too. Good luck this season to everyone.
    Winke Responds:
    Pat, The producer of that series quit for time conflict reasons right after the first show. That left us really scrambling. We are pulled it back together though and the MN Shows will come out on Sundays starting this coming Sunday. Thanks for your support. Good luck this season.
  • Will Larry Zach be back for another season?
    Bill from AL asks:
    Hey Bill, I hope we get some more footage from Larry Zach (spelling?) this year. My son and I like his footage the best along with yours compared to the other states. He has a really cool setup and we really like it when he explains how he killed a particular buck with regards to setting up his property with food plots, trails and scrapes. Hope he's back! Bill
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, Larry will be back. We are trying to figure out how to get a camera on him every time he hunts. Larry passes up more big deer than most people have ever shot (or even seen). He loves the land improvement part of the game and is a master at setting up his farm for deer hunting. I am sure we will have plenty more tips from Larry. Thanks for your support. Have a great season.
  • When are we gonna see an updated hit list from the Fishers?
    Ralph from WI asks:
    When are we gonna see an updated hit list from the Fischers? WI opener is right around the corner!
    Winke Responds:
    Ralph, Ame had a beautiful baby girl in August so they have been busy around the home, but I believe we have an update from them in the next show (Monday). The season is right around the corner for you. Good luck.
  • Thanks for all the work you put into producing these shows for us!
    Ron H Jr. from WI asks:
    Bill, Hope your as fired up for this fall as i am! The cooler weather here in WI is really starting to set the mood. Anyways, I just want to thank you and staff again for this awesome internet show! You guys put a lot of hard work and energy into it year round, and keep putting out these great shows for people like us to enjoy. I just want to show my appreciation and thank you all again. Keep up the great work guys! -- Ron H Jr.
    Winke Responds:
    Ron, I appreciate your support and hope you have a great season. The staff has been working hard and getting good at this stuff. We are starting to get fired up with the cool weather too. Have a great day.
  • Is Tony Hansen no longer on the Pro Staff?
    Russ from WI asks:
    Hi, Bill Is Tony from Michigan no longer on the prostaff?
    Winke Responds:
    Russ, We changed the way we were producing the shows and in the process of the switch-over, Tony started his own show. It is called Antler Geeks. So he is no longer associated with Midwest Whitetail. Have a great weekend.
  • How come there are no women pro staffers in Iowa?
    Nicole from IA asks:
    How come there are no women pro staffers in Iowa?
    Winke Responds:
    Nicole, I don't know. That is a very good question. We certainly don't discourage it. Some of the wives of our regulars hunt, but that is not the same. I am not sure, none have applied either.
  • Likes the video we produce.
    fong from WI asks:
    This is no a question, but a compliment. Bill I have watched lots of hunting video and I think you by far the best in the industry. And you staffs, best in what they do too. Keep it up, I will be watching for me in the future. Love it. Good hunting. Fong
    Winke Responds:
    Fong, I appreciate the support. Thanks so much for watching and for sending the nice comment. Have a great day.
  • What time and network is your TV show on?
    Vidal Villarreal from TX asks:
    What day and time are the shows and what channel?Sportsman channel., outdoor channel?
    Winke Responds:
    Vidal, We are on the Sportsman Channel. Times are 9:30 AM Sunday (central), 12:30 PM Wed (central) and something like 2:30 AM Saturdays. Hope you get a chance to watch it. Have a great day.
  • Likes the TV show.
    timothy from OH asks:
    dear bill, i don't really have a question.i just wanted to let u know that i think your show is one of the best shows on tv.u share some great imformation on persuing white tails. i live in ohio and have some great trail cam pics of some really good bucks this year,looking forward to the season to start.keep up the good work.one never stops learning about whitetails. tim
    Winke Responds:
    Timothy, Thanks for the support. Have a great season.
  • Are you going to stop the web shows now that you have a TV show?
    AJ from FL asks:
    I love the show watch it on my phone all the time but now there is a tv will you not be showing hunts online. I travel with my work and don't always have the good channels so I'm hoping you will. Let me know and thank you for all the tips.
    Winke Responds:
    AJ, What we do on the web won't change one bit with the addition of TV. Hopefully we will only get better. We love the web shows and will never stop doing them. Thanks for your support.
  • Where other than on TV can I watch your TV episodes?
    cody from MN asks:
    Where are the new shows besides on TV? I never seem to get the right time to see on tv and had been watching on Muddy, but can't find the new ones. The new videos are amazing...this is the start of the new best whitetail shows!
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, Thanks. I appreciate it. You can see them at www.muddy.tv. Have a great day.
  • Congrats on the growth of Midwest Whitetail.
    Dan from MN asks:
    I don't have a question but I just wanted to say congrats. I've been watching midwestwhitetail for 3 years now and wow has it really taken off! I remember when I first found it, he this site was relatively small and now I'm starting to see you all over the place. Thanks for keeping so down to earth. It's cool to see that you haven't changed since “hitting it big.” I respect that/you a lot. Keep up the good work and stay strong it the Lord!
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, Thanks for your support all these years. It has taken off. 2009 was the big growth year, but sinc then it continues to gain new viewers. I appreciate the help I have gotten from many viewers who have suggested our site to their buddies. That is the best way to grow. Have a great day.
  • Are you going to stop producing your web shows?
    Mervin from OH asks:
    Bill I love your show. I watched every episode last season. I hope you are having them on your website again. Or is it going to be on the tv show only? I HOPE NOT!!!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Mervin, We will always produce the web shows. That is our core product. We love producing them. They are fun and action-packed (usually) and much easier to produce, so no worries - the web shows aren't going away. Thanks for your support.
  • Likes the TV show.
    Pat from TX asks:
    Hey Bill. No question this time around. I just got done watching the "Legendary Bucks" episode of Midwest Whitetail. That was a really neat way to present a show in a journal format. I also like your tradition of naming bucks after hunters who've missed shots at them (i.e. Lathrop and Jamie). I think I might have to start a tradition like that around here. I can identify with how neat it is to be able to recognize and name deer that you have a history with. Before I go I just wanted to say that we really enjoy your show (my wife watches too) and it is one of the only ones we watch these days. Too many of the hunting shows on TV have become too "Hollywood" if you know what I mean. It seems that they are more concerned with how many inches you can put on the ground and have lost touch with what our sport is really about - respect and appreciation for the outdoors and also the animals we hunt. Your show is informative and down to earth. Keep up the great work!
    Winke Responds:
    Pat, Thanks for the nice words and for your support. I think all the production guys involved in the TV show have done a great job. It is the same guys who are producing the web shows we will start bringing out soon. They learned alot and really rose to the occassion. Have a great day.
  • What happened to the TV show episodes that were showing up on the Muddy site?
    Bill from NH asks:
    What happened to the TV shows being updated on the Muddy site? It seems that they have stopped at episode 5. Are the new episodes going to be posted?
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, The episodes are still up there. Go to Muddy.tv WE don't put them up until after they have run on the Sportsman Channel. That might be what you are seeing. I think we up to Episode 8 on TV and E7 on the Muddy.tv site.
  • Not happy with the slightly quartering toward shot on the TV episode.
    Ben from AL asks:
    Not a question, but a concern. Watching episode w/ "Mike Sullivan" (not sure that I have that name correct) taking good split G3 buck from observation stand you set up in 2008. November 7, 2010 kill. Gotta tell you, Bill, I was a bit disappointed to see the hunter unapologetically take a quartering on shot. Concern was that the shot was low. Not that the hunter took a very low % shot. This ingrains in hunters that this is an OK shot angle. Some will kill their deer as your hunter did...but most will not. Frankly, I expect better of you. Those that commercialize the hunting sport on TV must hold their production to a high degree of ethical behavior.
    Winke Responds:
    Ben, I appreciate the feedback. It never struck me as much of a quartering shot when we reviewed it and I know that Mike is an ultra-careful hunter. He must have thought it was broadside. I will go back and look at it again. I agree, we have to show the correct way to do things. Sometimes in the excitement we think a deer is broadside when he is slightly quartering. As I said, I'll take a closer look.
  • Thanks for the information you provide.
    Brian from IA asks:
    Bill, no question today but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all of your work that you do on Midwest Whitetail. I have now found a way to keep the passion going during the "off season". Reading your blog, watching previous shows, reading the Q/A section, etc, are things that keep my excitement up year round. I have been hunting deer for over 20 years now and have yet to harvest a nice buck. Hopefully all of your advice and suggestions will pay off for me this year!! Thanks again!
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, Stick with it, but enjoy the journey. It is just a matter of time. Thanks for your support. Have a great day and good luck this fall.
  • Will you put together a list of the bucks you are going to hunt this fall?
    andrew from MI asks:
    hey bill, that buck old buck you guys found is huge. I remeber watching him on tht show when you shot survivor. oh man, I am excited for you! Awesome. Just wondering if you guys could put together a list of your main hit list buck profiles, eith the history you have with them. and profile them. Mainly so I can burn my afternoons drooling! lol Love the show, have been watching weekly since 09!
    Winke Responds:
    Andrew, Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it. We will do just that - starting about the last week of August we will start to show the bucks we will be hunting and hopefully offer a few good ideas and plans on how we will pattern them and maybe even kill one this fall. Have a great day.
  • Likes the TV show on Sportsman Channel.
    Garry from AL asks:
    Saw your MidWest Whitetail show on Sportsman's channel...by far best show out there. Happy to see a show that's informative rather than just the "success" of harvesting a deer. Keep up the good work.
    Winke Responds:
    Garry, Thanks for your support. Have a great day.
  • When did you start? Where can I see some of the older episodes?
    Chris from LA asks:
    Just out of curiosity, how long has Midwest Whitetail been around? I think I started watching 2 years ago. I see there are some older shows on Youtube. Just curious as to how much I've missed. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, We started in 2008. You can find all the shows we ever produced right here on the site. Go to Videos in the navigation bar and when the player pops up, go to the "Midwest Whitetail Shows" on the top of the player and you will see the drop down with all four year's worth. Happy viewing!
  • How did you get the shot of the buck licking the camera?
    Blake from SD asks:
    Bill, I just watched the latest off-season show about summer scouting. How did you get the camera shot of the buck licking the camera? That was a really awesome shot! Did you just leave the camera on the ground and let his curiosity lead him to it?
    Winke Responds:
    Blake, That is exactly how it was done. Take care.
  • When will you start airing the 2011 shows?
    Lance from IA asks:
    When will you start airing the 2011 shows?
    Winke Responds:
    Lance, We are looking at sometime in mid-August. I will post a blog to give everyone a head's up. Thanks for asking.
  • Glad to watch the shows on Muddy's site.
    Chris from LA asks:
    I'm very glad Muddy is posting the TV shows. I currently don't have the Sportsman Channel and I'm going through withdrawals the last couple of weeks. I've been going back and watching last year's episodes. I just put one camera out this weekend so I'm hoping the buck I'm after shows up soon. My vetch isn't doing well due to the lack of rain so the cameras at a corn feeder. Hopefully pigs haven't taken that spot over yet!
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Thanks for your support and for watching the shows. I hunted Texas a few times and the ranchers put low fences around their corn feeders to keep the hogs out. The deer jumped in easily. If you do that, make sure to keep the fenced area at least about 20 feet across so the deer are comfortable jumping in. Good luck.
  • When will the TV show premiere?
    Evan from IL asks:
    Hi, i was just wondering when your t.v. show is going to premiere?
    Winke Responds:
    Evan, It starts next week. Wed at 1:30 PM (eastern) and then Sat at 3AM and Sunday at 10:30 AM. Again, all eastern. Thanks for asking. I hope you enjoy it.
  • Appreciates the webshows while stuck in med school each fall.
    Mark from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, Just wanted to let you know I truly enjoy your show, and look forward to a new episode each Monday. Midwest Whitetail is unique and has become the only hunting show I watch. I appreiciate your thoughtfulness and insight, and I'm also a big fan of all the guys you have on your pro staff. It's refreshing to watch people who have so much respect for hunting and the wild game we all love to persue. I am currently a 3rd-year medical student at the University of Iowa, and as you can imagine, haven't gotten to spend much time in the woods in the past several years. On the bad days at school, when I long most to sit in a tree stand during the rut or listen to a turkey gobble on a distant ridge in Southern Iowa, I can tune in to Midwest Whitetail and be taken back home. Thanks for all you do, and keep up the good work. Mark
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, My sister Beth went to med school at Iowa, as well. I believe she would have graduated in the late 80s. I appreciate your kind words and support. We hope to be able to take you back to the woods again soon as we are gearing up for the TV show (that airs at the end of June on Sportsman Channel) and for the web shows that start airing in late August. Have a great day and good luck at school.
  • Will miss the weekly shows.
    john from OH asks:
    Bill You are killing me, no new shows until August! Enjoy your summer. JM
    Winke Responds:
    John, Thanks for your support. We'll throw some fresh stuff up on the site regularly, just not a regularly scheduled show. We have to produce the TV show and some commercials that start to air at the end of June and that is a big job requiring all our manpower right now. We had good viewership on the Off-Season shows and I appreciate everyone who stuck with us, including yourself. Have a great summer too.
  • Have you ever seen a piebald deer? Do you plan to make a DVD?
    Cody from MN asks:
    Bill- I'm getting the itch for deer season. While watching a Drury video Fatal attraction I saw something that I have only seen in one place. While hunting in N. Missouri in 09 & 10 I saw several deer with piebald like colors just above their hooves. It's small but i've seen it on all 4 just above the hooves before. I've never seen that here in MN or anywhere else for that matter. What is your feeling on this and have you seen it in S. Iowa before? Also, I know you have a TV show now (congrats) but will you create a DVD over time?
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, I have never seen any kind of piebald coloration and I have looked at literally thousands of deer in southern Iowa. I think it is a very rare genetic variation that may occur more often in some areas than in others. But even in those areas where it shows up, I am guessing it is still very rare. I know there are pockets of WI where albinos are more common than most other places. I have never seen an albino in the wild either. So don't be surprised if you never see the piebald in your area. We have no plans to produce a DVD at this time. That may change, but there are plenty of people making them and you can watch everything we have for free on the website. Granted the computer is not as portable as a DVD that you can carry to deer camp, but it is getting more so every day. Have a great day.
  • Was 2008 your best year for mature bucks? If so, why?
    Dalton from KY asks:
    Hey Mr.Winke, After re-watching the shows from 08, 09, and 2010, it looks like you experienced the most mature bucks in 08. Is this true and if it is way was it. Did u have a better rut that year? And how many acres do u own? Thank you and i love the show.
    Winke Responds:
    Dalton, 2008 was impressive. 2009 was good too, but not quite as good. 2010 was definitely worse. I think the deer numbers are dropping in this area and with them we are seeing less bucks so there are less that grow to maturity. I think that is the main difference. We own 1,000 acres. I started buying land back in 1995 when it was a lot cheaper. Good luck. I appreciate your support.
  • What music did you use when opening the November 1st 2010 show?
    Brandon from PA asks:
    What music did you use when opening the November 1st 2010 show with CHad Lathrop??
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, That is a piece of music that musician Jim Ryser wrote for us. He is a great resource for us and a great friend and writes music just for us to use.
  • Are you still planning to do a tour of Muddy's plant for the Off-Season shows?
    Austin from AL asks:
    Hey Bill, I am just wondering when you are planning on having the tour of Muddy Outdoors? I remember seeing you mention that at the beginning of the off season. Thanks, Austin Bergan
    Winke Responds:
    Austin, They are in the process of adding on to the building. When they get that finished, we will bring you a tour. Have a great day.
  • Which blind and camo pattern were Drew and Greg using in the recent episode?
    Brad from MI asks:
    Bill, have been watching your show all last fall and throughout the winter. Up here in Michigan I don't think spring has kicked winter out yet...but it's time to turkey hunt. Could you please tell me what (brand) of blind Greg and Drew were using in the first part of this week's episode and what the camo pattern is...thanks! Can't seem to find it on line.
    Winke Responds:
    Brad, I am sure it was a Double Bull and the camo is Predator. I hope that helps.
  • I can't watch your shows on my iPod. Why is that?
    Mohammad ali from MI asks:
    Hey bill I'm sure you remember me,I gotta ask you about portable devices watching videos on your website? I have a 4G iPod touch that has WiFi but how come I can't watch your videos?
    Winke Responds:
    Mohammad, Apple devices don't support Adobe Flash players (what is on most websites). I think Adobe is working to fix that, but for now we just have to wait. I am also taking some steps to make a downloadable version of the shows available on the site that will play on any device (just like downloading a song, for example). Have a great Easter.
  • What happened to that buck you shot in the neck during the 2009 season?
    jordan from MO asks:
    I was wonder what happened to the buck you neck shot in the 2009 season with the two flyers on his g2's. I noticed you said nothing about him this past season.
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, A guy found his sheds to the south about 1/2 mile away in early 2010 (not last shed season) and then his brother got photos of him in early October 2010 down that way too (the buck hadn't grown very much - still 170 to low 170s gross). But the buck never came back up my way. I thought he would by late season because I had food, but he never showed. I don't think he got shot last season somewhere else, but it is possible. Have a great Easter.
  • Ordered a Scott back tension release and will be shooting it all summer.
    Terry from NC asks:
    Not really a question but a compliment on the last show! Like you, i have been shooting scott releases as long as i can remember. I even modified my old little goose for my 9 yr old daughter who is shooting great! I always wanted to try a back tension release and after watching the last show i called scott and ordered one. Looking forward to trying it all summer. Keep up the good work and thanks for a very educational piece on shooting!
    Winke Responds:
    Terry, It will change the way you shoot a bow for the better. Good luck and thanks for supporting the show. Have a great day.
  • Has watched every single show.
    Billy from AB asks:
    Hey Bill! I havent missed a show since you guys first started broadcasting. I was wondering once I finish school up here in Canada, If I could come down to your farm and go for a nice Whitetail buck. But I'll let you go now :) Happy Easter and best Of luck in the turkey season! Gobble Gobble
    Winke Responds:
    Billy, Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it. Good luck finishing up school and with your turkey hunting.
  • Thanks for tips on planting and shot placement.
    Dirk from MO asks:
    Hey Bill, I commented last week too but thanks for the great advice and tips on planting and shot placement. Good luck
    Winke Responds:
    Dirk, Thanks for your support of the show. Have a great day.
  • How about an off-season show about aging deer on the hoof?
    Curtis from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, long time follower and absolutely love your website. I have watched every episode and read every Q&A. Anyway, you seem a little nervous about ideas for the off season so I'm going to give you my idea. I think aging on the hoof is one of the most important aspects in management and being a true sportsman. Although I know it's not a scientific measurement,it a valuable tool. I have a nice sized 8pt on my farm and my gut says hes an old bully. He has a huge neck but skinny body with not much sag so I didn't shoot him. My guess he is 3 1/2 or 7 1/2. I've been hunting for 20 years and around 8 years with trail cameras and haven't seen a buck with this big of a neck and scruffy with that skinny of a body. Not sure if you could add a picture/video quiz on here or maybe just an episode. Keep up the good work. The preparation is almost as fun as the hunt!
    Winke Responds:
    Curtis, It is a good idea. I appreciate the suggestion. For sure, aging takes into account several things that you must look at, and it is as much art as science, but I do think that would be a very worthwhile subject to explore. Have a great day.
  • What did Larry Zach's buck end up scoring?
    Aric Reicks from IA asks:
    What did Larry Zach's 6x7 typical end up scoring? Have you thought about doing a follow up show on that buck, and his plans for it? I know alot of people who were wondering more about that awesome deer. Thanks for your time. Aric Reicks
    Winke Responds:
    Aric, Larry has not scored it and has no interest in doing so. He is happy with the hunt and the deer and that is good enough for him. I have handled it but I never attempted to put a rough score on it. I could guess but I might be off a bit. If Larry wanted me posting scores for his deer he would just have it scored so I am not going to guess. It is an awesome buck.
  • When will you start back in on the hunting shows?
    Brandon from PA asks:
    What date will Midwest Whitetail come back with hunting shows? I really enjoy the hunting aspect of the show just as much as the imformational offseason show. great job with the production Bill.
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, We typically start in on the new season strategies in late August. By then we have some good summer footage and we start to lay out our hit lists and how we hope to hunt these deer. We will likely take a few weeks off in June, but otherwise we will produce the off-season show right up until that time. I hope we don't run out of interesting things to show and talk about. Thanks for supporting the show.
  • Likes the off-season content of the show - doesn't like shows that are too commercialized.
    Brent from IA asks:
    No question just a comment. I just watched this week's off-season video including the segment on analyzing the ditch options. I truely believe this type of show is what is and will continue to draw people to your content. LOTS of people are killing big bucks. Few are working at sharing their knowledge with hunters. What attracted me to the Drury's early on was what I learned from them. What has pushed me away from their recent material is the product endorsement overkill in their recent content. I really enjoy your style, low-key and informative. I almost am enjoying the off-season content more than the in-season (almost). Keep it coming.
    Winke Responds:
    Brent, Thanks for the comments. I do like teaching people. Maybe I should have been a teacher. Maybe, after all, I am a teacher. It is hard not to get drawn into the machine though. It cost money to do all the stuff we do here - all these shows. I need sponsors to pull it off. The companies that sponsor the popular shows on TV today pay a lot of money and they want a lot in return. To cut back on that part of the programming (the commercialism) would require some of the popular shows to give up income. This is a pretty popular website overall and the TV show will eventually be very popular too, so that is our challenge at Midwest Whitetail: to keep the viewer first. I hope we can pull it off.
  • Thanks for producing the show - from a 14 year old.
    Dirk from MO asks:
    Hey Bill, I am a 14 year old boy who loves to hunt and really enjoys the outdoors. I do a lot of hunting in northern Missouri and I just wanted to say thanks for putting in all of the time and effort for Midwest Whitetail. I get online every Monday to watch the new show. Good Luck!
    Winke Responds:
    Dirk, Thanks for your support. I was crazy about hunting when I was your age too. I hunted everything that moved. My favorites at that time were ducks and pheasants. That was before deer numbers were high enough to really attract many hunters. When I was your age, I literally knew only one person who had ever shot a deer with a bow. I tried every year, but always failed. There was no information out there on how to do it. I used to get the shakes just from seeing a deer in the distance. Boy, how things have changed. I am happy that the show helps you and that you can learn from it. Have a great day and good luck this fall.
  • How about the next episode about wild mushrooms and wild fish?
    josh from KY asks:
    how about next weeek's show is about finding wild mushrooms or catching fish?
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, It is too early for mushrooms and fish here, but that will make a good addition to an episode in a few weeks. Good idea. Have a great day.
  • Will you be showing shed hunts from other states?
    Keith from IL asks:
    Are you going to be showing any shows of the shed hunts from the various state shows? I love the shed hunting shows, and am anxious to see any shed hunting footage available! Keep up the good work!
    Winke Responds:
    Keith, Thans for your support. Yes, we have a few of them coming in from the other states too. Have a great day.
  • Why Brent loves Mondays.
    Brent from MI asks:
    just wanted to say, Mondays are my most favorite day because i can count on a new MW show to watch...usually watch them 5-6 times per show! just cant get enough...thanks for all your hard work in bringing such an awsome show!
    Winke Responds:
    Brent, I appreciate the support. Help us spread the word. We are still pretty new and it really helps to have word of mouth to get the message out. Have a great day, until Next Monday - all the best.
  • Are you interested in more footage from central, south/central Kansas?
    Blake from KS asks:
    I was just curious if you have any need for some footage from the central/south central part of Kansas. We manage and take some pretty amazing deer using your techniques and strategies. Thanks for the awesome job you do. You're an inspiration to many!
    Winke Responds:
    Blake, Thanks for your kind words. Yes, we are always looking for good teams. I am very proud of the guys we have, but it is always good to have some fresh teams in the training phase. This is harder to do than people think. So it takes a while to get really good at it. Our guys have been doing this for three years and we are just now starting to get where we need to be, so it is a learning process, but the sooner you start, the sooner you are good at it. If you are interested, please send us a note at info@midwestwhitetail.com and we'll get you out the application information. Have a great day.
  • How about producing a show about filming hunts?
    Jeff from GA asks:
    Hello Bill, I visit this site every once in awhile and really do enjoy the videos. Would you consider a video download link for viewing the videos? Sometimes the videos stutter and it would be nice to download them and watch. Also, how about a show dedicated to filming hunts and offer us some tips. Sort of a how-to video or series of videos on the art of filming hunts for the average hunter. A lot of guys are interested in filming their hunts, and this would be very informative to them. Thanks for your time and effort that goes into this site. Great site! Take care and be safe! Jeff
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, The videos are set up for progressive download. If you hit the pause button and wait a little while the video will keep downloading and when you click play again, it will be much smoother. I think a show about filming hunts would be a great idea. As you say, many people are into it now. It is a great way to preserve memories. Thanks for the suggestion.
  • Now that you have your hands on "Big" how big is he? How much did he grow from last year?
    Jake from WI asks:
    Now that you've got to put your hands on 'big', exactly how big is he? Can you tell how much he put on between 2009 and 2010?
    Winke Responds:
    Jake, I think they scored that side at about 86 inches. The other side is a just a touch bigger. That would put him at around 190 or low 190s gross. He probably only grew less than ten inches from 2009. I expected him to really explode with those long tines, but he has been slow to add much. I would guess he won't be much bigger this year, but I can't wait to find out. I have literally hundreds of trail cam photos of him and only one is right at the break of day - all the others are in the middle of the night. Even when he was 3 1/2 he was nocturnal. I hunt all around this buck yet we have filmed him three times in three seasons - not at all in 2010. He is the local ghost buck. Since he was nocturnal from such a young age, I believe that is just his personality. G5 Buck on the other hand was very visible and probably equally mature. His personality is to move during the day. I predict we shoot the G5 buck this year - I came very close to getting him four times this past season. Big is another story. He will be 6 1/2 and in his prime. I suspect the only way we shoot him is if he pops out the brush to run another buck off a doe. I don't think we'll see him cruising in daylight by himself. It will take a lot of luck to shoot that buck. Best regards.
  • Can you do something on the show about stand placement?
    Rob from IA asks:
    Bill, I like the video on-line segments. Do you have or have plans on doing segments on tree stand placement, how high, what side of the tree pending trails, sun, ect.. How far off the trails, how much trimming, when you place sets. Why you picked a certain spot for a set. Thanks, Rob
    Winke Responds:
    Rob, I will work that into the next couple of weeks. I wanted to do it for the next episode but I got rained out on my scouting walk before I could get to that information. Thanks for your support.
  • Appreciates that I don't jump up and down when I shoot a buck.
    Jim from WA asks:
    no question at this time , but just would like to comment on your mild mannerism while hunting and after the kill - how refreshing it is to not see someone jumping up and down acting crazy after the kill - don't take this wrong no disrespect towards the others I know we are all different but yours is much more atuned to my own and I like that - so thanks and keep up the great work.
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, Thanks. I appreciate the kind words and support. I understand what you are saying. Sometimes I think a few of those guys are acting. I love shooting them and savor it as much as the next guy, maybe I am just not quite as outward in my reactions.
  • Congrats on the Sportsman Channel award.
    mike from LA asks:
    hello bill, i really dont have a question at this time, but i hope you dont mind, i just wanted to send u and the gang a big CONGRATS for the award from the sportsman channel!!! i missed most of the season because i guide in illinois, but am catching up now that im home. thanks again for an incredible and informative year. wish u and the family a happy 2011...keep up the good work!!
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Thanks so much for the kind words and for supporting the show. I hope you have a great 2011, as well. All the best.
  • Why don't you have a general discussion forum on your site?
    Jordan from WI asks:
    Mr. Winke, I love the website and TV show. Just wondering why you don't host a general discussion forum on the site so we can share stories, ideas, what works and what doesn't. Thanks for taking time to respond. Regards, Jordan Weeks, La Crosse, Wisconsin
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, Thanks for your support. It is a good question. It is easy for people on forums to become rude because of the anonymity so they require a lot of babysitting. I have been thinking about ways to do it so the subject sticks to deer and remains civil. We will likely have something like that by next season. Have a great day.
  • Do you sell DVDs of your hunts? Will you be at the Harrisburg show in PA? Does anyone in Iowa sell Frigid Forage products?
    Mark from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, A few questions.....Do you sell copies of the show on DVD? Does Midwest Whitetail have a booth at the hunting show in Harrisburg PA? Does anyone in Iowa sell the Frigid Forage products? Thanks for your time.
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, We don't sell DVDs. You can just watch the shows on the site for free. I am not sure DVDs are still a good business. Seems to be a tough market from what everyone says. We are not at the Harrisburg show this year. Looking on the Frigid Forage website, I don't see any dealers in Iowa. That is definitely something that needs fixing. It is a great product. I am sure you can buy it direct, but then you will have to pay some shipping. Try: www.frigidforage.com.
  • Congrats on the Sportsman Channel award, thanks for the shows.
    Bobby from IL asks:
    Hey Bill, Just wanted to say congrats on winning best new series, you guys deserved it. Tuning in everyday is a necessity, I feel empty without making sure I've seen every newly updated video or reading every recent question. Congrats again for a well-deserved win! Bobby
    Winke Responds:
    Bobby, Thanks. I appreciate the fact that you are watching the shows. Have a great day.
  • Congrats on the best new show.
    brian from MO asks:
    Bill, Congrats on your best new show award on the Sportsman Channel!!! Continued success, I love the site and the show!!
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, Thanks. I appreciate the support. Good luck shed hunting.
  • Congrats and likes the grassroots of the Internet shows.
    Mike from IN asks:
    How does it feel to win the Best new series on the Sportsman's Channel? You guys are great. Keep it real. Love the grassroots aspect of the internet shows. Can't beat it. Congratulations!!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Thanks for your support. It was a great honor. We will have to compete with all the existing shows this year so we have to take things up a few levels and produce some really good stuff.
  • Do you have any window stickers you can send out?
    joe from MN asks:
    hey man huge fan of the show, been good to me over last couple weeks after knee surgery! my wife and i got a couple stickers from you guys 2 years ago at mn whitetail classic, last year y'all wernt handing them out. id love to do a little advertising, or just show my midwest whitetail pride, what are the chances of getting a couple more. joe carazola
    Winke Responds:
    Joe, That is a popular request. I need to order some more of them. I don't have any left. When I get some, I'll make them available on the site. Have a great day and hope the knee is feeling better.
  • Likes the educational part of the show.
    Aaron from NJ asks:
    Hey Bill, I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that your show is, simply put, the best hunting show out there. A lot of shows are entertaining but not informative. Your show is the perfect mix that enables the viewer to learn and be entertained at the same time. I also like that you involve your whole family. Keep up the great work!!
    Winke Responds:
    Aaron, Thanks for the support and kind words. I like to help people learn. I guess it goes back to my writing background where that was the goal for many years. It is a natural style for the show. We will keep working to make the education as engaging, creative and intersting as possible. Have a great day.
  • Which network will your TV show be on this coming year? When do you start serious shed hunting?
    Drew from MO asks:
    in you last segment you talked about becoming a tv show as well as the web show. i also know you have been on the sportsman channel and i was wondering if you will also be on the outdoor channel because i don't get the sportsman channel haha and i would love to see your show on tv. p.s when do you get hard core about hunting sheds?
    Winke Responds:
    Drew, The Webshow is where we will always have our primary focus but it just makes sense to do a TV show too, we have all this footage. For 2011, the show will again be on the Sportsman Channel. Last year's reruns are airing right now, but the new episodes will air from July through December. We will start to get serious about shed hunting in early February or as soon as the snow is gone, whichever comes first. Good luck.
  • Are you intersted in footage from Nebraska?
    jeremie from ME asks:
    Hey Bill! just one question for you.. would you be interested in having any footage to put on the show form Nebraska?? i know Nebraska is not one the leading big buck states but i think it would be cool to put some footage on the show..
    Winke Responds:
    Jermeie, We do get some footage in from NE from Mike Lutt for the Great Plains show. We can definitely use more pro staff teams in Nebraska. To set the record straight, Nebraska does produce some very good bucks each year. Thanks for your support.
  • Had a tough season but came to appreciate the enjoyment of just hunting.
    TIM from IL asks:
    I really dont have a question what I really wanted to say was this year rough I hunted hard all year and had luck getting abuck or a doe and was really getting down and then began thinking its not about killing a deer its about the hunt and started thinking back about how much fun I had hunting and thats what its all about thanks to all of the midwest shows I watch from illinois to the great plains thanks for all u do to keep our hunting rights alive and well keep up the good and remember to dream big
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, You are so right. I started out success-crazed and as the years have gone by, I have shifted more to an appreciation of the process. I just love to hunt. I love to shoot stuff too, and big stuff if possible. But, I have a love affair with each day of hunting. Each day is a mini-adventure. We try to never lose sight of that. Thanks for your support. Have a great day.
  • Got back into bowhunting and shot a 4 pointer. I'm hooked now!
    Aaron from MO asks:
    Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this site.My season coming to a close Iam off to hog hunt with my bow in OK.You guys have kept me pumped up all season.Havent picked up a bow in 34yrs and shot a 4pointer this year and Iam hooked again!Thanks an cant wait for more next year.
    Winke Responds:
    Aaron, Congrats on your success! Good luck in OK. I am glad we could play some role in your return to bowhunting. It is the best pastime known to man! Have a great year and thanks for your support.
  • A bit discouraged by the shot selection seen on the shows.
    Scott from AL asks:
    I’m a little bit discouraged by the amount of what seems to be the promotion of low percentage shots, whether it’s a poor angle, long range shot or too many more poor set ups to mention. I understand an inexperienced bowhunter making some of these mistakes but it bothers me that anymore it seems the pressure to produce a hunting video substitutes ethical hunting shots and these are showing up with some regularity on many media fronts not just Midwest Whitetail . Maybe my definition of marginal shot is different, maybe it’s hard to tell from the video but with the slow-mo replay it seems to validate a poor shot. I know the equipment is better than when I started bowhunting in 1980 but it still concerns me as an industry are we selling the wrong message to the up and coming bowhunter. I talk to more and more bowhunters who think a 55 yard shot in poor conditions is okay. I’d just like to see someone stand up and address it when a bad shot happens. I saw your episode last year when you d
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, Your message got cut off (there is a word limit), but I think we got the gist of it. I agree there are a few shots that crop up each year that cause me to furrow my brow. Some of them are just poor judgment, excitement or whatever. If it is me, I take the criticism to heart, if not me, I usually pass the word along to make sure the guys and gals are taking only good shots. I think it does a lot to do with the equipment. In some casese better equipment gives a false sense of potential ability - especially related to shooting range. It is still a short-range sport. But it is also one where perfection is very hard to achieve. Sometimes things go wrong even on the most ethical shots. I appreciate the feedback. We all love bowhunting and are trying to represent it well. We will continue to improve in that regard.
  • What happened to the Great Plains show?
    Sam from AZ asks:
    What happened to the Great Plains show
    Winke Responds:
    Sam, We had to take a week off because we didn't get any fresh updates in from the field. Most of the guys were tagged out. Greg produced a good wrap up show that is on the player right now.
  • Shot his biggest buck to date over food plot.
    Jordan from IN asks:
    No question. I just wanted to thank you for a great show and all the good advice. I listened to the late food strategies and shot the biggest buck of my life. It grossed at 164. My biggest buck ever.... by far. jc
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, Congrats on the great deer and thanks for supporting Midwest Whitetail. Have a great day.
  • Fan from UK asks why we haven't produced any shot placement segments?
    Simon from OT asks:
    Dear Bill, I have been watching your series (from the UK) for about 12 months now and enjoying every minute. I manage a population of Fallow Deer in England. One thing, I'm surprised you have not made a programme about is Shot Placement and the Deers' Reactions to the Shot. As you have both film footage and the animal after the shot, it would be simple to use archive footage to show different points of arrow/bullet impact and the reaction to those shots. This would help fellow hunters to assess what to do after shooting a deer. Just knowing to either follow it up immediately or leave it to bedded down and recover it later can make the difference between getting the deer or not. Also I use a dog on a line to track down a lost deer as a dog's sense of smell can make finding shot deer much easier than looking for it on your own. Regards, Simon
    Winke Responds:
    Simon, I appreciate your comment and suggestion. I also appreciate your support of the show. I have added your idea to the off-season list. "MW Off-Season" will start airing soon (we have another week or two of regular episodes and then we switch it over to the off-season topics for the rest of the winter, spring and early summer). Dogs are legal here and I understand that a few people use them and there are a few really good dogs in the Midwest. If we have cause to call one in next season, we will definitely film it for the show. Have a great.
  • Will you be exhibiting at any deer shows in Minnesota this year?
    Terry from MN asks:
    Really enjoyed watching MWT this year. Didn't miss an episodes Will you be exhibiting at any whitetail shows in Minnesota anytime soon?
    Winke Responds:
    Terry, I won't be at the Minnesota Deer Classic but the MN pro staff for Midwest Whitetail will be there. Thanks for your support.
  • Likes the show; hopes it doesn't go away.
    Gun from AB asks:
    No question, just a comment. I just found this site a few days ago. I really like it. I'm a pretty hardcore WT bowhunter. Been doing it for over 40 yrs. I moved here from Wisc. 22 yrs. ago just because of the big bucks. (I was single then)(Also I should have moved to Iowa!!!) Anyway I like your format and your wiilingness to explain your hunts and set-ups. I don't profess to know much about hunting big deer but usually get a chance or two every year to put one up. I hunt strictly with Trad gear (just my preference). I have had 5 Booners in range since moving up here but for various reasons failed to capitilize. Makes it fun though just knowing that at any time "it" could happen. My best so far is a 166 6/8 NT. Thanks for the site. I hope it continues. There is a lot to look at and read. Gun
    Winke Responds:
    Gun, Thanks for the support. We have no intention of going away. In fact, we hope to keep improving as best we can over the coming years. Thanks for the feedback and good luck shooting those big ones with the traditional gear.
  • How about a place on the site where we can brag on the Midwest Whitetail teams?
    Clint from AR asks:
    Mr Winke, the latest episode where you took us step by step was great. I have learned more about how to hunt the midwest from your shows than I have from any other sources. Thank you for such a great resource. Also, what about a link on the website for viewers to share how much we love the show and provide us a place to brag on the Midwest Whitetail team. Instead of "Ask Winke", it could say "Brag on Winke." Once again, great show and look forward to the next one. Happy New Year.
    Winke Responds:
    Clint, Thanks very much for all the nice compliments. I really appreciate your support. I think we may eventually start a forum here, but I want to do it right. I am not a huge fan of the current system where the forums usually degrade into name calling, etc. Once I figure that out, it will give the viewers a chance to better communicate directly with the pro staff. Thanks again for your support. Good luck.
  • Merry Christmas from Quebec.
    spiro stergiotis from QC asks:
    Hi Bill, Just a small sentence with very big wishes from our family to yours...Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year....All of Your shows are so much appreciated by all of us here...God Bless...spiro stergiotis and family Quebec, Canada
    Winke Responds:
    Spiro, Thanks so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too. I appreciate all your support.
  • How old was the buck you shot named "Jamie"?
    Dan from MO asks:
    Just curious how old was Jamie?
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, I admit to being remiss in this department. I have not sent the teeth in yet. I have that on my list right below buy Christmas present for wife. Oops, is it past Christmas? Dang, missed another deadline! I will post that information (age) on my blog when I get the information back and will include a short segment on the aging process in an upcoming video (maybe part of the new off-season agenda). Have a great day.
  • What is in the buckets that your kids carry to the blinds?
    Stephen from NC asks:
    What is in the bucket that your kids keep carrying to the stand?
    Winke Responds:
    Stephen, We each carry a bucket. Theirs is filled with hot chocolate, snacks, sometimes a book to read, flashlight, warm gloves - all the stuff that kids like to have around in a cold, dark ground blind. Mine has a small LP heater, my fanny pack with tags, knives, flashlights, extra video gear etc. The buckets are nice because we can sit on them if we need to get off the ground to stretch our backs a bit or just to get off the cold ground. Good luck.
  • Is Midwest Whitetail re-airing on SportsmanChannel for 2011?
    TIM from MI asks:
    Will the Midwest Whitetail TV Show be re-airing? I was able to find your show but unfortunately I found it half way into the season. Please let me know because it's one of the best new shows on TV...by the way you got my vote.
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, Yes it is re-airing at 9:30 eastern Wednesday evenings in first quarter of 2011. I appreciate your support and your vote. Have a great day.
  • If you do TV, will you stop doing the web shows?
    justin from IA asks:
    I sure hope that if you get this air time you wont forget about the internet show. I voted for you because this is the best put together show out there. Great job and I hope my vote helps.
    Winke Responds:
    Justin, Thanks for your vote. There is no worry that we will give up on the web. I actually have a few plans to make the site more useful to everyone. This is where the real action is at - and where it will always be. The shows we produce for TV will just be an extension of this web business. We will never stop doing the webshows. Thanks again for your support. Have a great Christmas.
  • I would like to start muzzleloading but don't know anything about it; have you considered doing an episode on loading, unloading and cleaning a muzzleloader?
    Russ from WI asks:
    Bill, I've always considered going hunting during muzzleloader season but I don't know that much about using muzzleloaders. Have you ever considered doing an episode on proper loading, unloading, and cleaning? Best of luck with the rest of your season. Thanks, Russ
    Winke Responds:
    Russ, That is a good idea. They are not as tough to figure out as you may think. That is defintely a good subject for an off-season segment. Thanks for the support and have a Merry Christmas.
  • Keep the youth hunts coming!
    Shane from KY asks:
    Not a question, but just wanted to let you know what a great job youall are doing with this whole program. I watch religiously on line ( I don't have cable) and can't wait every day to sign on and see what's up. I also wanted to let you know how much I enjoy watching the young ones hunt. I have an opertunity to hunt a special piece of property that has put a ton of big deer in fron tof me in he past few years. I've been blessed enough to harvest quite a few big deer, but I would trade any of those hunts for the times I get to take my son ewho is 5 out with me and jsut see some doe. If you can make sure you put on as many youth hunts as possible. I went this year with my nephew for the first time durring Kentucky youth season, and although we had a great hunt for his first time out, I was sad to hear only one other shot. Kids are the future, and they jsut don't raise them like they used to! Thanks again
    Winke Responds:
    Shane, Thanks for the support. I am with you 100%. I love hunting with our kids and enjoy any youth hunts I am a part of. The joy they experience from every aspect of the adventure refreshes me and brings me back to why I love deer hunting in the first place - it is an awesome adventure every single time out. I am selfish. I don't only do the youth hunts because I want to give back. I do it because I love it! Have a great day - Merry Christmas.
  • Any thoughts about adding a western show to the website?
    Kevin from MT asks:
    Any thoughts about Western Whitetail teams??? I'm sure I can provide you w/ plenty of misses, screw-ups and bad luck! I'm having a great season and still hunting harder than ever. Thanks for the great information and inspiration from all the teams on MidwestWhitetail.com
    Winke Responds:
    Kevin, We do a good enough job of screwing up without any outside help! I think that is a good idea. Maybe we add that in 2012. I am thinking of adding KY and possibly a Virginias series this coming year. Adding new shows is a painstaking task, but it is really cool once they are in place. Thanks for the offer. Keeping checking back. When the time comes to add pro staff for a western show I'll post it on the blog. Good luck and Merry Christmas.
  • Sgt. from Afganistan likes the shows, shot a big deer last year but had to miss this season.
    james from IL asks:
    Mr.Winke, Hello my name is Sgt.James Hopper. I'm from oakland, IL and i love your show. I was turned on to the show by the father of one of the kids that helped with the illinois shows last year. I'm currently deployed to Kandhar Afghanistan and will be missing this years whole deer season. I'm running gun trucks providing cover for our trucks carrying supplies, so when we get some time off, which isn't very often i watch your show and for a while i feel like i'm back in the woods. last year i ended a three quest to put down the biggest buck of my life. he didnt score that high but he is a muture gaint. anyway just wanted to say THANK YOU for your show and keep up the good work. Sgt. James Hopper
    Winke Responds:
    Sgt. Hopper, First off, thank you very much for what you are doing for all of us. I am sure I am speaking for all the viewers and pro staff at Midwest Whitetail when I say, "God Bless You!" We really appreciate your efforts to make the world a safer place. You are true heros. I appreciate your support and congrats on the buck you shot last year and hope you can duplicate that success when you can finally get back in the woods. Merry Christmas.
  • Will you please produce some off-season episodes about habitat development and deer management?
    garry from AL asks:
    I know you're probably really busy in the "off-season" enjoying not working perhaps, but I'd love as I'm sure a lot of other viewers would too, to see some videos in the off season more about habitat development and quality deer management. Maybe hinge cutting and funneling techniques, how your direct seeding oaks have taken off and faired, food plot placement and design, the when and why and how of stand placement, etc. I enjoy reading your articles in the QDM magazine! Thanks, Garry
    Winke Responds:
    Garry, Those are all good ideas. I am starting to get excited about the off-season episodes because they will be much easier to produce (we don't need the deer to cooperate to make those informative and hopefully useful). I appreciate your support and I will definitely produce episodes such as those you mention. Have a great Christmas.
  • Can you please so an off-season segment on doing European mounts?
    jesse from VA asks:
    Just wanted to say thanks for staring this show. I have been watching for 3 seasons now. Glad to hear you are going year round and adding extra info. Just wondering if you could do a show on doing european mounts. I believe you were talking about doing one last year if time allowed. Thanks again for a great show!
    Winke Responds:
    Jesse, That is a great idea. I love European mounts. I think they look great and they are very affordable (almost free if you do your own). Have a great day.
  • Appreciates Thad DeMoss's hunt and offers some thoughts on shot selection.
    Cody from MN asks:
    Bill, not so much a question but a comment. I just wanted to extend my congratulations to Thad, though not knowing him personally. I've followed MW since the beginning and have always enjoyed his calm nature. Seeing his video and kill was great. But what was better was him acknowledging(on camera) the deers condition and paying close attention to details while many may be celebrating and doing an interview. Reasons like these are why I continuously watch MW and appreciate work from yourself and others. Thank you & Jason for not completely cutting this part of the interview. Many people complain about shot selectin, etc. However, I think we can all say we have got caught up and have made a poor decision a time or two(although I am not saying his shot/decision was poor, merely an end-example). Learning from these and being as ethical as possible are the keys though. So thanks again and I hope to shake your hand personally at the MN or IA classic for you show. PS: Congrats on
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, Thanks for the comments. Thad has been trying really hard for three seasons to get a nice buck on film and finally was able to do it and he made a great shot in the process. I appreciate your support. Have a great day!
  • Can you include more details in your shows about arrow penetration, shot selection, organ damage, blood trailing, etc.? Many bowhunters love the details so we can learn more.
    Paul from MN asks:
    Bill, Love your show. In the harvest videos, could you and your staff consider adding more discussion on shot selection, how long the wait before trailing, arrow penetration, how the arrow looked, how the blood trail was, how far it went before recovery and discussion of anatomy damage (double lung, liver, etc)? This is a huge part of hunting, recovery strategies, staying motivated while trailing and all the weird things that can happen with bowhunting. I know you do some of this, but many of us bowhunters love these kind of details as we all continue to learn. Thanks for considering.
    Winke Responds:
    Paul, I will make a greater effort to include details. We are subject to forgetting how important the educational aspects of these shows are as we jump from action to action. I agree, I like a certain balance of education with the hunts. Thanks for the feedback.
  • Likes the Main Show and OH Show.
    jon from AL asks:
    Just wanted to give a little feedback, I think the main show and the ohio shows are the two best, not that the others arent good,when i tune in each week those are the two i always make a point to watch. keep up the good work.
    Winke Responds:
    Jon, Thanks for the support. I appreciate the feedback. Have a great day.
  • When I see flashes on your show, is that you taking photos from the tree stand using a camera flash?
    Cody from TN asks:
    Hi i watch the semi live show on you website alot and i notice in alot of your basic pan shots of young deer or even mature deer a flash, and in some of the shots their in the middle of a field or something and i know there can't be a trail camera any where around that spot. Is that you taking a picture, i know you an outdoor photographer? Also i am an avid photgrapher and wonder how much that flash from a tree or where ever affects the deer? Thanks for your time and congrats and this years kill, Cody Freeman
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, That may just be an effect that we add to the shows when editing them. We can add a flash between scenes, for example, or whenever we want to add it. The purpose is to kind of set that scene apart or give it more energy with the flash. I don't think a flash would help much from a tree stand. It is too far from the animal to add much light to the scene. Good luck with your photography and thanks for your support.
  • Really enjoyed the two Ohio shows with Damon and Part 1 of the Youth Hunt. Good job!
    Jason from OH asks:
    Hi bill, congrats on everything you and your whole staff has been doing with the site, hunts and showing us all about ethical hunting. Mine is more a statement than a question. The ohio pro-staff has brought two hunts that shows what hunting is all about ( Damons and part 1 of the youth hunt) it was great seeing how happy his grandfather was about his buck! keep up the great work! you have a loyal fan of the show thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, I thought those were both great shows too. Very fun to watch and touching. It does reflect the true spirit of hunting. Thanks for your support and if you get the chance, please help us spread the word. We still need as much help as we can get. Have a great day.
  • Can you do a future episode where you help me to better estimate what a deer scores?
    matt from PA asks:
    love your show on the outdoor channel! I am from Pa and just hunted Illinois this year. The place I hunted had to be a minumun of 130 inch buck. Not seeing many buck in Pa with this size could you tell us on your future shows when a buck is shot what class it would be in ex. 120, 130, 140 and so forth. I will try not to miss a show. I love midwest whitetails. Thank you
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, I have shied away from score because I feel it places the emphasis in the wrong place, but I had not thought of it from your standpoint before. Maybe we can do one on field scoring deer some time and use some of the bucks we have shot over the years as subjects of that lesson. Sounds like a good off-season piece. Thanks for your input. Have a great day.
  • Thinks Greg should have waited for a better shot.
    Jerry from AL asks:
    Hey Bill Great footage of some nice bucks eating dirt the last couple weeks. Just wondering why Greg Clements was surprised when he didn't hear the lathrop buck go down. He was severely quartering to him and it looked like the arrow exited through the stomach. He could have waited 10 more seconds and watched him fall. It's amazing how many guys take shots like that and then wonder what happened.......... J Meyer
    Winke Responds:
    Jerry, The buck wasn't severely quartering toward him. I was in the tree filming it. Greg made a great shot, tucking the arrow right behind the front leg and exiting through the opposite lung. The deer ran a total of maybe 70 yards. We just didn't see him go down because he ran into the brush. I appreciate your support, but that was as good shot as you are ever likely to get in this game. We wondered what happened because the buck was coughing when he ran off, something I had not seen before after killing literally hundreds of deer. However, it was a perfect double lung hit and that buck just happened to be a cougher, for some reason. Best of luck.
  • Do your teams practice quality deer management or is it only about getting a buck down?
    chris from KS asks:
    How do you feel about hunters using big outfitters to get bucks? These hunters/lease holders are not managing the property at all in regard to does. I know one of the GP teams is hunting the land neighoring mine that was leased this year by IMB Monster Buck. Do "Midwest Whitetail" teams have QDM standards they must follow or is it all about getting a buck on the ground? sincerely yet greatly irritated by large lease companies that are ruining good hunting chris corbin of Garnett, KS
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Not sure about the specific group, but I don't have any policy that requires the guys to use certain management practice. I do require that they hunt their own deer (not hunting with outfitters when hunting in-state). My guess is that most of them do have a management plan, but I can't vouch for all of them. I understand your irritation. It affects us all and is a tough part of today's hunting. I will encourage the teams to be good stewards, as that is what we stand for here anyway. Thanks for the feedback, it is good to know what is affecting people in all areas of the Midwest.
  • You should consider asking Mr. Versland to do a segment with one of his students.
    Mitchell from MN asks:
    You should get Mr. Versland to do a hunt with one of his favorite students seeing he is a teacher. Maybe something with a lesson and a hunt, call it tutoring a boy into a man. Just a suggestion, hah.
    Winke Responds:
    Mitchell, I think that is a great idea. Teaching is the heart of any activity and passing that knowledge along to the next generation is a very worthwhile activity. I will pass along the idea. Thanks for the feedback. Have a great day.
  • Sorry to hear about the Great 8.
    chris from SC asks:
    Bill, Sorry to hear that on the great 8. I hope you get a hit list this year.. The rut is heating up in the south.. happy hunting..
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, Thanks for the well-wishes. Good luck to you too this year.
  • Would like to have less music in the show - more sounds of bucks walking and chasing.
    Bryan from MN asks:
    I love the show and check the website daily for updates and new episodes. I have learned a great deal from you and the prostaff and truly appreciate the work you all put into it. If I could make a suggestion it would be to leave out the music in the back ground. It is very aggravating having the volume turned up to hear the wispers of the hunter and camera man at 40 decibels, then boom 140 decibels music. There is no better sound in the world than deer chasing in the woods or walking right up to the camera, but most of it is drowned out by the background music. It seems you do not do it, but most others do, todays show is one example, it was difficult to understand Tyson withe the background music, and you can barely hear the deer walking in the leaves with the annoying music again playing. I love the show and will always keep watching, but sure would rather the music be used in only very limited segments and at a much lower decibel. Keep up the good work and good luck hunting.
    Winke Responds:
    Bryan, Thanks for the suggestion. I agree, it is awesome hearing the leaves crunch as a buck approaches. Thanks for your support.
  • Some of the shots on your shows are not ethical.
    Tom from IA asks:
    I have seen what seems to be a lot of unethical shots from your prostaff members. What bothers me even more is the fact that you yourself, on one of the first episodes of the television show took a head on shot. Also on the tv show, your 9 year old son took a severe angling toward shot with a very light poundage bow. I feel these are not the sportsmanlike shots anybody should be taking, let alone mentoring a new hunter.
    Winke Responds:
    Tom, I have shot tons of deer with head-on shots. I have a high poundage bow and enough experience to know where to aim but it may have been poor judgment to show it on TV, but in truth that is just as ehtical for me a broadside shot. However, the shot Andrew took, kind of snuck up on me. The buck turned slightly right at the end and since I was pre-occupied running the camera as well as coaching him, it all kind of happened too fast. That one worked out despite the situation not being ideal but it is certainly not something we will try to do again. I will also apologize for some of the shots the pro staff has taken. I have talked with them about it. I think in general, bowhunters are too aggressive with quartering-toward shots. A head-on shot is way better than a quartering-toward shot. If there is one thing that we need to educate the viewer on, it is the problems that come with quartering-toward shots. I don't get to see all the episodes before they are posted (in fact, I see very few of them - too many for me to police) so sometimes stuff slips through that I don't condone. I am working with the teams to clean this stuff up. Not all the teams are highly experienced bowhunters so it is a learning process for everyone. I agree, we have taken some bad shots.
  • Any chance you can offer rut updates every day?
    Todd from IL asks:
    Bill, I really appreciate and enjoy your website and television show. With that being said, I am going to be greedy ask for a favor. Is it possible for you too coment a word or two everyday about rut activity? I understand you have a busy schedule, but I feel this would help out your supporters who have limited time to hunt and vacation to take. Keep up the Great Work and Good Hunting! Thanks, Todd
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, I tried to do that but man it is hard to do all this stuff each day. I suppose I will break down before next year and provide updates from my phone in the field. I have resisted being that connected to the outside world when in a stand. That would go against my lifelong strategy of leaving work behind when I climb into a tree. But life is moving faster now. I don't get to operate by the same set of rules I used a few years ago. I appreciate the support.
  • Can you add a segment sometime about what you do after the deer is dead, gutting and processing the meat?
    Bill from NH asks:
    Bill, I love the show and never miss an episode. I especially love how clear it is that Christ is at the center of the lives of so many of your pro staff. Now to my question, would you ever consider a "after the shot" segment to include processing and packaging a deer for the freezer and table?
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, I think it is a good idea. I will ask my cameraman to film me dressing the next deer I shoot. I have had this request a few times. People are always curious about how different people do things. I have my own way of gutting deer that is different from most. I will show that in an upcoming segment. I don't do my own processing anymore as I have gotten too busy, but I may start again. I definitely like taking control of that process. Good luck.
  • Any chance you can get us an update on deer movement activity from the Northern MO teams?
    Matt from MO asks:
    Any chance of the North Central Missiouri guy giving an updated blog sometime soon? I know this is the busiest hunting time of the year...and what we look forward to. But as a hunter that checks this site regularly to get a feel for what the deer are doing at our farm, this is the crucial time to get updates. Any additional information would be great. You guys are great. Like I said, I check this site almost everyday. I also have searched for other sites and came across one called midwest bowhunter. It has your logo all over it...is this website a branch of yours or one that is in the process of being built? Out of all the sites...this one definitely is the most useful! Thanks again.
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, I appreciate your support and am sorry I have fallen behind on the Ask Winke questions. I got swamped with them this year. I will ask the guys to stay on top of the blog entry updates. Thanks again and good luck.
  • Does it make sense to stop shooting does if the deer numbers are so low we rarely see deer?
    Steve from KY asks:
    OH MY GOSH I just got finished watching the OHIO Show with Damon shooting that awesome buck and just wanted to say congratulations and how happy i am for him. I share the same passion for bowhunting that Damon has and i am so thankful that we have people like him in our sport. My question for ya bill is here in SE KY we have really low numbers of deer and i talk to alot of my patients about hunting and they look amazed when i tell them not to shoot any does. I will sit on food plot stands for two weeks and not see a deer and then one afternoon i will see five to ten deer. I tell everyone don't shoot does until you start seeing deer almost every time you go hunting. Do you think that is a good idea or not?
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, I agree with you, but you have to be a little bit careful on this because the deer may be there but they may simply be nocturnal. I would do a trail cam survey to get a feel for numbers and study the sign to also get an idea how many deer are in the area. I would not start hunting them aggressively until they are common. If they are rare, you need to let them rebuild. Of course, keep everything in balance with the food sources. If the area has plenty of food, it can support decent deer numbers. If it is primarily deep woods with limited ag or browse it will not support as many deer. I would consult with a regional biologist to get the best idea of the realistic numbers that your area can support. Good luck.
  • Expressing congrats for Damon Detling's success.
    Rich Brumbaugh from OH asks:
    Not a question...please extend my congratulations to Damon Detling on his incredible buck! Talk about a bowhunter who deserves that buck...the best thing about the video, in my opinion, was how completely sincere Damon is about his passion for the sport and the love of the whitetail deer. Coming from UCLA (upper Canton, Lower Akron), I can COMPLETELY understand his love for the land in his county. Please forward my congrats to Damon. I am a new fan of Midwest Whitetail. The videos are so real. I wish you guys the best of luck--thank you. Time to get in a tree!
    Winke Responds:
    Rich, I agree totally. It was a great hunt. Thanks for your support.
  • What about adding a forum under each state?
    Bobby from OH asks:
    Just something to think about, but what about adding a forum under each state, that way other hunters in the area can post what they are seeing.
    Winke Responds:
    Bobby, It is a great idea. I am planning something along this line that I hope to get implemented once we get into the off-season and have some time to spare. Have a great day.
  • I am going to have to re-visit my hatred of windy days after reading your blog.
    George from NY asks:
    Hi Bill- More of a comment. I just read your 'hunting in the wind'. I have always hated it. I will shy away from high wind days- 25+ here in NY, more early season. But for the rut, maybe I will have to change my thinking and look at it in a different way. thanks for sharing.
    Winke Responds:
    George, I like windy days because I almost never get busted going to and from the stands. I hate those super still days as every deer within a couple hundred yards of my path hears me coming and going. The perfect wind is 15 mph (as far as I am concerned). It will cover all your noise and movement, but not impede deer movement in any way. Good luck.
  • Thought the shot selection was not very good on some encounters.
    Curt from OH asks:
    Not so much a question but rather a comment. I'm sure the hunters from Ohio are great guys but it would seem they should reconsider the meaning of an ethical hunter. Shooting when you don't have a clear shot and taking shots when deer are at the wrong angle??? Just doesn't seem to match the quality of the rest of your site. I enjoy this site very much but hate to see this.
    Winke Responds:
    Curt, I will take it up with the group. Shot selection is so important and yet when things are happening fast, it can be tough sometimes to judge exactly what angle the deer is at - or it takes another step, for example. I have had this happen myself a few times. In watching the footage later I am scratching my head thinking, "I don't remember him (or her) being that position". I will pass the word to be more disciplined. Thanks for your support.
  • Saw the show on Sportsman Channel.
    Matt from OH asks:
    Not a question but comment. Caught your show on Sportsman TV. Sweet! Keep up the great work. You have the best shows, period.
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, Thanks. I appreciate the support. Have a great season.
  • Quick testimony about ruptured aorta.
    Joey from MS asks:
    Still love the show and always will! I wrote about a year ago to you and you replied, though busy as heck you replied. Thank you! Whether you like it or not, agree or not (Charles Barkley) you are a role model and a good one! God is smiling down on you for your work! Keep Pastor Paul on the screen! Quick testimony if you have time, April 21 of this year I was Turkey hunting and my Aorta Ruptured. I laid there 50 minutes and 4 hours later I had open heart surgery. I am 34 years old. It wasn't my time! I have a wife, 2 yr. old girl and a boy due any day now, and God is good and you keep shouting it from the roof tops my friend!
    Winke Responds:
    Joey, I am very excited to hear your story and I appreciate your support. God bless you this season. Good luck.
  • What do you think about shooting doe fawns?
    Todd from MI asks:
    Bill, First off, I find myself getting online looking for new shows everyday. I love the format. It really helps as far as seeing how things are progressing in the woods. Unfortunately, I saw something today on the North East show that made me want to not watch. I am a firm believer in management and a quality herd. However, watching a someone shoot a doe fawn so he could earn his buck tag was ridiculous. I hope that you don't condone this behavior. I look forward to your response. Keep up the good work on the show, and good luck the next couple of weeks.
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, I know you are not going to like this, but I have shot doe fawns myself over the years - especially when trying to bring down herd numbers quickly. The life of a fawn is no more valuable than the life of a doe. They are all deer and all have a life that we are taking. I know many hunters who only shoot doe fawns for their freezer because they are the best to eat. I would rather shoot a doe than a doe fawn, but it is legal and I try not to be the judge and jury when it comes to ethics. That is a personal thing. I try to keep an open mind and not condemn anything that is legal. Again, I am sorry if I step on any toes. I hope you can keep an open mind about this. I am just being honest.
  • Disappointed on the outcome of one of the hunts; are tracking dogs legal in Iowa?
    Bob from PA asks:
    I was disappointed that Brandon abandoned trying to find his wounded buck. Are tracking dogs legal in IA? Its really ashame to lose animals like this, especially if the hit is lethal. I have not personally used tracking dogs but I know people that have, and the good ones do an amazing job.
    Winke Responds:
    Bob, Tracking dogs are legal here. I have not talked with Brandon about it, but I believe he looked for quite some time before giving it up. I am going to try to turn one of our labs into a trailing dog this summer. I have seen tracking dogs at work in a few camps I have been in over the years. So far, I have not been very impressed, but those may just have been poorly-trained dogs. Thanks for your support.
  • I was flabergasted to see Pastor Paul's open prayer in your recent Indiana Show.
    Alan from IN asks:
    Hi Bill, I have not so much a question as more of an observation. First of all I love the show. I especially like that each state has its own spot. it is all very interesting. i have been following the show for two years now. I have a bit of an issue though with one of the Indiana shows though. The show where pastor paul and his son go out and they can't find his deer. I was FLABERGASTED that you showed him praying on camera. Before I explain why let me say that I too am a devout christian and have very strong faith. However, I do not think that the circumstance and way that that segment was portrayed was appropriate. I do think it is cool when a hunter shoots a deer and then when he walks up says thank you lord or something like that, because I too feel that god gave me the opportunity to take that animal, but there is a certain point where it becomes excessive and out of place. Prayer to me is something special, sacred, and private, between me, my family, and the lord. I
    Winke Responds:
    Alan, I am not sure I agree with you. I don't know if an open prayer is for everyone, but it certainly is for Pastor Paul. He does it all the time in his church. However, there is a bigger question here. If you have the cure for cancer you don't hide it. God's grace to us through his Son's death on the cross is so much more important than any cure for cancer could ever be. By hiding this power (the only power that can truly change lives from the inside out) we are actually doing mankind a disservice. If you truly believe it, you have to scream it from the rooftops. It is not my intention to blindside viewers by turning the Indiana show (or any of the shows) into an evangelical program, but it is also not my intent to censor God's truth and power from my shows where it is appropriate. I hope that helps you to understand my position. I do appreciate your support.
  • Have you considered adding a show series for Arkansas?
    Ben from AR asks:
    Being a Mo native I love the addition of states that are shown on MW now, but it is starting to look like I will be stuck in Ar for a couple of years. So I was wondering if you had any plans of expanding the show to include anymore states. I know AR is not in the midwest, but this is a great concept and I think expansion would be benefical.
    Winke Responds:
    Ben, It is something we always look at each year. We added the Great Plains for 2010, and may add more for next year. It is a ton of work getting a new series started, I am getting old and feeble and work sounds less interesting to me each year. But seriously, we will definitely take a look at it. I appreciate the support and thanks for watching the shows.
  • Had a MO show that wouldn't play; What can I do to get that show to play?
    Joe from AL asks:
    Whats with the missouri show I cant get the recent show to play and was wondering if anyone else is having this problem. The other shows are playing fine. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Joe, No one that I have heard from. I am not sure what happened for you there. Sometimes you have to clear your computer's cache because a bad copy of the video got downloaded to your computer. Just go into your browser, go to Internet Options, and then delete temporary internet files. That usually clears up a lot of issues with shows that won't play.
  • Loves to learn about what Larry Zach is doing to improve his hunting land!
    Eric from NC asks:
    Larry Zach--Great shows; I've especially like watching videos on Larry Zach's property. I feel like his videos not only show the hunts but the "how to" of habitat management and setting up your property. He's obviously doing a lot right with regards to habitat and deer management--I was curious about how many acres he hunts and would encourage any more videos like the ones he did this year and last about his property--keep up the good work Larry! I live in NC and although we don't have the same genetics as deer in Iowa, I've seen and killed mature deer, so I know they are here. I am looking to better my property each year (100 acres) and I would love to learn more about Larry's "secrets to success."
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, I couldn't agree more. Larry has more time thinking about ways to improve his farm than anyone I know. As it turns out, Larry didn't actually shoot that buck on his personal farm, but that doesn't change the fact that what he does in his hunting areas is very useful information. I am sure that Jason will bring us plenty more of Larry's World in future episodes of the Iowa show.
  • Shouldn't a buck shot in the evening be taken to the locker plant the next day rather than photographed?
    brad from IA asks:
    ethics?i seen the vids for bucks already harvested for 2010 season and i just wondered why if the bucks were shot in the evening and recovered at night why is there a photo op in daylight hours seem to me the temps this year would not allow for the meat to still be good and also hunting in iowa over food plots is not legal only crop ground i was just wondering if this is about money more than passion we would all like to get paid for hunting what a job right so i think we need to hold such people to a higher standard
    Winke Responds:
    Brad, I think a couple of the bucks were recovered the next day because of marginal hits. If a buck (or doe) is killed in an afternoon hunt and then gutted soon after and the body heat gets out, they will be fine the next day. You are right though, it is far better, if possible, to get a deer on ice shortly after it dies. However, you kill a deer in the evening and the locker plants aren't open until the next morning anyway. It certainly isn't more about money than passion with me and since most of the people involved with our shows (save for the guys that put the episodes together) don't make any money, it can't be about the money for them either. Food plots are perfectly legal in Iowa as long as it is grown and not brought in.
  • Thanks to you and your sponsors for the website.
    Terry from IA asks:
    Hi Bill. I dont have a question. I just wanted to send a great thanks to you and all the sponsors on a great website. I look forward to the upcoming shows and OF COURSE the upcoming season here in Northeast Iowa. Again just wanted to say thanks and keep up the great show!! Good luck this hunting season! Terry
    Winke Responds:
    Terry, Thanks for your support. Both I and our sponsors appreciate it. Have a great season. You hunt in an awesome area.
  • Thanks for producing the shows and the Ask Winke.
    scott from WI asks:
    Dear Bill, I don't have a question just wanted to shout out a big THANK YOU to you! I think it is fantastic that someone with your esteemed status in the hunting world would make themselves available to the public to interact and answer questions. There has always seemed to be a gap between the average every day hunter and the "hunting celebrities." You are bridging that gap. What you are doing with this website is unprecedented and very much appreciated. I have read your articles for many years. To be able to get inside the mind of one of the most accomplished whitetail hunters in the world is an incredible opportunity. Thank you for making yourself available! I wish you and your staff much success in the future. Scott Tenold
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, I really appreciate your kind words and support. It is certainly a lot of work, but it is rewarding to help other people become better deer hunters. Good luck this season.
  • I stopped getting your e-mails; do I need to subscribe every year?
    Jason from WV asks:
    Hey Bill...Glad to see things starting to get back into motion again. It's exciting to already see the preview shows are out again for another year. I was just wondering if I needed to subscribe to MWW each year or just once? I did last year and I have stopped recieving the e-mails. Didn't know if none had went out or if I was off the list. Thanks for what your doing. I usually only get one or maybe two days a week to hunt so it's really nice to be able to watch the semi-live footage you produce. Keeps me excited throughout the week till I can get back in the woods. Thanks...
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, Thanks for your support. I have sent out two e-mails in the past two weeks so if you haven't received them you will need to subscribe again. It is possible that your ISP is blocking them. I use a bulk mail server to handle my mailings and unsubscribes, etc. and they sometimes get blocked at certain providers. I have some that get blocked each month that I have to take off the list. If you have an alternate e-mail address that might be another option.
  • Likes the aerial photo segments.
    Aaron from PA asks:
    Bill I absolutely loved the segments of your most recent show where you showed the satellite photos to reveal your stand strategies. I have always been able to look at topo maps (and now satellite photos) and see where the deer will be. To watch you explian how you do it is a real treat. I'll take all of it you'll show us. I enjoy the shows immensely. Good luck this season! Aaron
    Winke Responds:
    Aaron, We will make it a point to show more aerial photo strategies this year. Most people seem to like those segments. Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it.
  • What about doing some shows from North Carolina?
    Charles from NC asks:
    Why doesn't anyone do any shows about eastern NC hunting. We have Deer,turkey and bear all on the same property. It is tough hunting one of these when the other two are not in season and compete for the same food source on a daily basis. Would love for some of your prostaffers to show us how its done
    Winke Responds:
    Charles, That does sound like an interesting challenge. NC is a little beyond our geographic reach right now, but who knows what the future may hold. We may eventually be able to expand and produce the same kind of programming for your region. Good luck.
  • Is there still a way to watch the state shows from last year?
    Bill from WI asks:
    Hi Bill, can't wait for the shows to start, the promo's have got me pumped, my question is, is there a way to watch the state shows from last year, you can watch the main shows, but not the state, perhaps i missed something, Thanks Bill
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, We are getting fired up ourselves. You should be able to watch them by going to the player and then using the menus at the top of the player to navigate to the 2009 shows from each state. Thanks for your support.
  • Can you go back to the full screen viewing option that you had on the site back in 2008?
    Curtis from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, I was wondering if there is an option I am missing to get a full screen view of the videos. I believe a year or two ago there was an option to watch them in full screen mode. You have me pumped up with the new videos out, can't wait!
    Winke Responds:
    Curtis, When we changed players last year to the one that Jason Vickerman (Iowa host) created, we dropped the full-screen in favor of the interactive aspects of the player (clickable hotspots). Well, Jason just recently figured out how to make the interactive player scale up to full-screen too without losing too much of its functionality. So look for the full screen option again very soon. Thanks for your support.
  • Have you considered making the show available in a format that is compatible with mobile devices?
    Kevin from MI asks:
    Bill, I know so many smartphones are not flash capable yet, what about making a Youtube account for midwest whitetail and posting the weekly episodes there as well so we can watch the episodes from the field!! Youtube is a breeze to operate and it would fast and seamless to load the completed episodes there and also open the door to a lot of people who have access to the internet through their phones but not adobe flash player capable phones. Thanks, and keep up the awesome work on these shows. Good Luck Hunting This Year!
    Winke Responds:
    Kevin, That is a good idea. I posted most of the 2008 season to the BillWinke account, but I didn't post any of the 2009 season. I never liked the quality difference between YouTube and my site or Realtree's so I stopped posting, plus you have a 10 minute limit. I might be able to get that lifted now since we have had a lot of views of those original 2008 shows. It is definitely worth looking into. I have also considered a downloadable version of the show for people carrying the video enabled devices. Man, for an old Redneck like me, this stuff is getting pretty dang technical. I will do everything necessary to at least keep up and hopefully we can do a little leading too, along the way. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into the bet way to supply content to mobile users. Good luck this year.
  • Have you considered downloadable shows for mobile devices?
    Woody from VA asks:
    Bill, I'm getting geared up for new season of MidwestWhitetail.com. I wanted to know if I could watch the shows over a mobile device like a new Blackberry, Droid or iPhone. Look forward seeing the new shows Thanks Woody
    Winke Responds:
    Woody, Good ideas, and I am looking at doing some of this, but probably not this year. I think the adoption rate for those devices is rising fast enough that it is time to start to look at options. Thanks for the suggestions and your support.
  • When will the new shows start coming out?
    Aaron from WI asks:
    Bill, Just wanted to say that I love the show and I was wondering when the new season is scheduled to begin. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Aaron, We should have the new stuff up in about ten days - mid-August. Thanks for your support. I appreciate it. We are scrambling to get everyone organized and on the same page. Good luck this fall.
  • I am happy to hear that you are adding a Great Plains Show this year.
    Garret from SD asks:
    Hey Bill, i love the whole website and can't wait for this years shows to come out. Not a question but i wanted to say that i was very excited to read that you will have a great plains show this year. I am from South Dakota and would love to see some bruisers from around here taken. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Garret, We still need to add a couple of teams from ND and SD, but we are getting there. It is a slow process finding good teams. I think it will be a lot of fun to watch the the Great Plains show this year. Thanks for your support.
  • When does the new show season start? Let the addiction begin
    Greg from MI asks:
    Just curious. When does the new season start? Let the addiction begin! Again! I hope you had a great off season. Thank you, Greg
    Winke Responds:
    Greg, We will kick it off in mid-August with a short preview show from each state and then get into the serious season material the last week of August or first few days of September, depending on the state. I appreciate your support. It should be a fun season. Have a great day.
  • When are the new shows going to start coming out?
    MIKE from KY asks:
    Bill, unless I have misssed it, when should begin seeing new video footage of your up-coming "Hit List Buck". Since the beginning of your show, I have always looked forward to see ing your list come out, it literally means the season is just around the corner. Quick Question? I am 6'8" tall and approx. 290lbs, where do you recommend finding gear that fits me? I do well with what I can find but my options are limited. Maybe I could be the tree in one of your shows! Now that's funny. Thanks! Love the show!
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, We will produce a quick "preview" episode in mid-August and then my hit list will come out in late August. We'll produce the shows weekly again (as last year) until the action ramps up in November and the we'll produce two per week for a while before dropping back to one per week until the end. I am 6'5", not as tall as you but I still struggle to find pants that are long enough. I think Bass Pro, for one, has a few garments in oversized selections. I am not sure on Cabela's. Getting a bow with a long enough draw length might be the trick. I think Hoyt has one 33 inch draw length hunting bow. I am not sure if anyone else does or not. I shoot 32 inches and struggle to find current models that fit me. Fortunately, the AlphaMax, Maxxis and Carbon Matrix are all spec'd to 32 inches. Good luck and thanks for the support.
  • Any new changes for 2010 on the web shows and site?
    evan from IL asks:
    hi, i was wondering if you're making any changes to the site this year. we all know it changed a lot last year! idk right quick any big changes you could really make but is there any small things or something that you or the state shows are going to change?
    Winke Responds:
    Evan, We are adding a Great Plains show for 2010. That will be states KS, NE, SD and ND. Right now we are still building that pro staff - not a lot of guys yet for SD and ND. Other changes include coming out with a land management website that will be the "hunting land" sponsor for Midwest Whiteatail. That will release pretty soon. It will focus on improving land for hunting with some information on buying and selling. I have a decent sized change in mind for 2011, but I don't think I can squeak that one in this year yet.
  • When are you going to start showing your 2010 hit list?
    cameron from AB asks:
    Hi Bill I was wondering if you have seen the great 8 or found him dead? Aswell I was wondering when you are going to show the deer on your 2010 hitlist?
    Winke Responds:
    Cameron, We never found the buck though we looked hard for him. We also never found his sheds, so he pulled out of the area, apparently. The new season hit list will come online in late August. We'll produce a preview episode in mid-August followed by a two week break and then we will get into the new show season. Thanks for your interest and support.
  • Is there a place where we can see the bucks on the pro staff's hit list?
    Ben from VA asks:
    All the shows mention a hit list for the bucks that they plan on hunting. I think that it would be a great idea to add a section on the site where someone can view the bucks and see trail cam pictures. If you already have this on the site I would love to find it. Thank you very much.
    Winke Responds:
    Ben, You can see the stuff from last season by going to the "Pro Staff" section on the main navigation bar. We will be updating with this year's bucks very soon. Thanks for your support.
  • Did you ever find any sign of the "Great 8" the buck you wounded last season?
    Tim from ME asks:
    Bill, work and life haven't allowed me to keep up with the latest happenings on Midwest Whitetail, so forgive me if my question has come up already--Did you ever have anymore pics or encounters with the "Great 8" after wounding him last year? Any sheds? Can't wait for the fall shows to get rolling. Keep up the great work.
    Winke Responds:
    Nope. Never saw him again nor any sign of him. He was a very reclusive buck anyway. Also, he was very old and with the hard winter we had, I fear he may have died. They don't live forever. I don't think my arrow killed him as we scoured all the likely places he would have gone both during the season and then even more thoroughly after the season. Thanks for your support. We'll see if we can find that buck again this year, but I don't hold out much hope.
  • How do I get past the turkey videos to watch the deer videos?
    Patrick from IL asks:
    How do I watch deer hunting video on this sight? I don't care to watch turkey shows, just deer hunting only. I click on any state and no deer huunting. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Do you have all your shows on this sight or do you have deer hunting during deer season and turkey during turkey season?
    Winke Responds:
    Patrick, All the deer stuff is still there from last season. When you pull up the player, you will see a playlist on the side of the player. You move your cursor to the bottom of the playlist to automatically start scrolling down to watch stuff we posted during the deer season. Each state player is set up that way. If you still have problems, please let me know.
  • Is the buck you hit in the neck the same one that Mike missed the day he shot Stickers in 2008?
    Brett from OH asks:
    Bill, I was re-watching the "Stickers" episode from 2008 and was wondering if the buck that was missed the morning "Stickers" was killed is the same buck you hit in the neck this past season. Those kickers off the G2's look to be the same...also, any of your pro-staff who may want to get rid of their old alphamax 32's can give me a call or shoot me an email. Thanks, look forward to this years shows.
    Winke Responds:
    Brett, No, if you watch some of the velvet footage from 2008 you will see that buck though. He was about 150 inches in 2008 and jumped to 170 in 2009. It will be interesting to see what he looks like this year. My guess is that he will be 175+ (a giant gross score for an 8 pointer). The buck Mike missed that morning 2008, is the one Scott Prucha found dead in Feb (roughly) 2010. He grew some and is a buck we called "Sawyer". YOu can see that on one of the two shed hunting episodes from this past winter. I will put the word out to see if anyone is interested. Thanks for your support.
  • Did you get my deer picture and will you put it on the site?
    Jared from IA asks:
    Bill i love the show and am always on the site. Keep up the great work! I'm 14 and i was wondering if you had gotten a picture of me and the deer i killed with my bow. its a 140" deer and it was my first buck with a bow. And if you did get it when are you planning on putting the pic up on the site. once again i would like to say that i love the show and that i have learned a lot from it!
    Winke Responds:
    Jared, I did receive that and I will make sure it gets into the photo gallery. I appreciate your support and we look forward to bringing out new episodes starting very soon. Have a great day.
  • How do I find a new place to hunt fast?
    curtis from OH asks:
    Bill, I live here in southern ohio and I just learned that I'm losing my best farm due to the farmer putting the farm up for sale. What is the best way to find hunting land fast, without being able to buy? And also I was wandering about the very dominate six pointer you had on your hit list last year. Did anyone harvest him? Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Curtis, That is a bummer. Unfortunately, there is no fast way to do that. I would look through all my contacts. Friends, relatives and friends of friends and relatives are your best bet for fast results. However, if that fails, you are going to have to roll up your sleeves literally and figuratively. You may need to exchange work for hunting rights. I used to do that as a young man and that got me on some very good farms. Eventually, I was spending so much time bailing hay and building fence that it started to interfere with my day job and I found it actually made more sense to buy some land! Once the word got out that I would work for hunting land, farmers often called me instead of vice versa. However, that will take much longer to get into place. One of my neighbors shot the big six pointer last season. He was a huge bodied old buck. I was glad to see him go, but I would have enjoyed having him shot on film so everyone watching the show could see it. Good luck finding a new hunting property.
  • How did you decide to do this website?
    Jon from VA asks:
    Bill. Great site. Just curious as to how long did you plan for the website before it got off the ground? Did you plan a year or did you just wake up one day and all of a sudden want to start this website and started on it that day? Also, on a slightly separate note, what advice would you give someone who would love to start a site like this for their own state but are worried about the public perception around them? For instance, everyone around us knows about our big whitetails on our property in our state and local area and I would be kind of worried about increased traffic on national forrest boundaries and possibly poaching. Any advice you could give on that? Thanks again Bill for all you do for the industry and keeping the name of Jesus at the forefront.
    Winke Responds:
    Jon, It kind of sprang up from necessity. I started Midwest Whitetail as a show exclusive to Realtree.com, but I saw early in the process that if I was going to promote it and make it a more popular show, I needed to have more control over where, when and how it played. That required me to start the website. Though the site was a bit expensive, I am glad I went this route. You will always struggle with people watching your hunts to see what bucks you have on the places you hunt. I am not sure there is a way around that short of simply not doing it. It is the nature of the beast. I don't think there is a good way to put up a smooke-screen about where you are hunting, you may be able to come up with one. I just figured that there are many areas in my part of the state that are as good as our farm (some better due to larger management blocks) so I haven't seen too much attention focused on this area. Many people I know are consistently hunting bigger bucks than I am. Good luck with your decision.
  • Will there be an Illinois Turkey Show any time soon?
    Josh from AL asks:
    Is there going to any Illinois Turkey shows? I enjoyed all of the shows thus far.. Just waiting to see what My next door neighbors in Illinois have put down. Thanks, Josh
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, I did receive one last week that I need to get online. I will have that and one from the Main Show this weekend. Thanks for your support.
  • Likes the turkey episode.
    Todd from IN asks:
    Not really a question, but a comment. Really enjoyed the gobblers and guitars show. Loved the music and the light - hearted atmoshpere really made me smile. Great site! Thanks. Todd from Indiana.
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, Thanks for the comments. I appreciate you watching the show.
  • My friends and I would like to start a show. How did you start Midwest Whitetail?
    Travis from MI asks:
    Hey Bill I was wondering how You got started with Midwest Whitetail? because me and a friend are trying to start or join a show.
    Winke Responds:
    Travis, It is very tough to do this exact thing. Anyone can put together a website and use it to display videos that they have hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. You can do it inexpensively and have a lot of fun with family and friends. But, I also have to find a way to make money doing this because it takes a lot of time away from my regular day job of writing and photography. Going from having fun to making money is where it gets tough. That process starts with a lot of traffic (viewers), a brand that people recognize and then you can eventually turn that into sponsorships. It takes a lot of creative energy to find affordable ways to promote and grow. For most people, it truly is not worth the time, effort and money to dive right in the deep end. The best strategy is to keep it small and fun and if what you are doing starts to gain some popularlity locally, you can consider moving on to the next level. There are a lot of details, of course, in getting from where you are to the point of actually having a show, but there is also a lot of information on the web about creating websites, capturing, editing and compressing video, etc. There is much to learn. But, fortunately, the resources are out there if you are willing to do the work. Good luck.
  • Have you ever hunted Ohio?
    Alex from OH asks:
    Hey, Love the new gobbler shows...but I was just curious if you have ever hunted Ohio? Thanks, Alex
    Winke Responds:
    Alex, I have not hunted Ohio personally. It is one of the few Midwestern states I have not hunted. I have gotten some very nice invites over the years, but it just never worked out for one reason or another. Thanks for your support.
  • Is Paul Molitor on the WI pro staff the same one that played baseball for the Brewers?
    Josh from WI asks:
    hey bill this doesnt relate to hunting but I was wondering if Paul Molitor from the Wisconsin show is the same one who played baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers? thanks, Josh Huray
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, He is not the same one. However, our Paul Molitor was a college baseball player, so maybe there is something in the name!
  • Any updates on the Great 8? How about a Midwest Whitetail Forum?
    Bill from WI asks:
    hi bill, i've got two questions for you the first do you have any updates on the "great 8" Also, have you ever considered starting a Midwest whitetail Forum, it would be great if all the fans of midwest whitetail could have a way to communicate and discuss the show and deer hunting in general Bill
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, No updates on the Great 8. We didn't find him dead nor did we find his antlers. I need to check with one of my neighbors to see if he found any sign of him, but so far we can't account for him past Oct. 31, 2009. He was old and shy. It wouldn't surprise me if he moved after that encounter. I am not a huge fan of forums, but I will probably start one that is somewhat restricted to just the serious people on the site. Forums often degrade into off-topic discussions and name calling/bickering. I think I have found a way to avoid that and still provide good information to everyone involved. Look for something in the months ahead. Thanks for your support.
  • Any turkey hunting shows scheduled?
    Ryan from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, I love watching the deer shows however would love to see some of you Iowa guys burn the pin in on some 14 inch long beards. any upcoming shows regarding this? Would love to see video with some of Bill's input on calling, shots locators, tracking and food source hunts.
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, We plan to put out at least one turkey show, possibly more. I will put together more off-season stuff as we go along. Thanks for your support. We'll have another shed show up soon and then a turkey/food plot show or two upcoming.
  • Found some big antlers; will you be at the WI Deer Classic?
    jason wollberg from WI asks:
    hi there just wondering if you were going to attend the deer classic in madison this weekend and when you thought the second vidoe for you shed season would be out i enjoyed watching the first episode i ended up with 54 sheds and the biggest set scored 68 and 66 3/4 with a 18 inch spread rough score is 152 at four yrs old once again great show love watching it thanks jason
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, Congrats on the big antlers. It will be fun to hunt that buck this year. Midwest Whitetail will be at the Wisconsin Deer Classic, but I'm going to be able to make it this year. I appreciate all your support.
  • Questions about how TV shows work.
    Lance from AR asks:
    Do most hunting shows on tv pay for their time slots? Do the sponsers pay the owners of the show? How many episodes does a normal season run? Love your show, just wondering how it all works. For some like your show do you think the internet is better than TV? Are there any resources for someone to learn? Thanks for shedding light on this for me.
    Winke Responds:
    Lance, Most pay for their time slots. I believe the networks own a few of the shows. Sponsors pay the owners of the show. Most shows are one quarter of original content (13 weeks) and then they rerun them the next quarter. The thing I like about the web is that I don't have to fight for a good time slot - it is there all the time. I pay for my "time" in the form of bandwidth from the company that hosts my videos. It is pretty expensive, actually. That is why many go to the free solutions such as vimeo. I don't think there are any true resources to learn this stuff. I pretty much learned it on my own, but any good web developer can probably help you with a lot of it.
  • What's the status on the "NO NAME" buck?
    Tim from IN asks:
    What's the status on the "NO NAME" buck?
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, I wish I knew. I expected to find him dead, to be honest with you. We didn't find his antlers either. Not that that is such a big surprise, there were several other good ones we didn't find either. It will be really interesting to see if he shows up this summer again - and what he looks like!
  • Would like to see more in depth coverage of land improvement practices.
    Jesse from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, love the site. I would really like to see some habitat improvement shows in the future. The short videos you have are nice, but a few in-depth shows would be great. Also, what is your connection with buyhuntingland.com? What this your creation? Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Jesse, Starting with the new season of shows we will start to run episodes year round. I hired a full-time producer so we will focus on all kinds of off season subjects like that. In fact, I think I will call it "MW Off-Season". We can more in depth about stuff like management, land improvement shed hunting, shooting, stand placement, scouting, etc. That website you mention is one of Todd Graf's. I sold him some content and photos for it. I actually own midwestwhitetailproperties.com and have that trademarked so I will probably fire that up in the coming months. I have a love for hunting land and that site would allow me to get more in depth on that subject and make a bit of money helping people sell good properties.
  • Should have a way to watch all the shows back to back.
    Chad from VA asks:
    Show is great, I've been going back and watching them again since season is over. Folks that haven't looked at 2008 shows should check those out. I wish I could hit play on the first one in 2008 and it go to the next, then the next and so on. If I could just hit play once, I could have a Midwest Whitetail Marathon weekend party! :)
    Winke Responds:
    Chad, That would be funny. My brother in law and I used to do that with the Realtree Monster Bucks videos about 20 years ago. we would watch each video over and over until we had memorized every word.
  • What is your off-season schedule?
    bill from TX asks:
    hey, i was just wondering if you have a schedule for the off season shows.
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, Not yet. I would guess we will have some shed hunting stuff within the next couple of weeks. Believe it or not, Scott Prucha is working on a music video. Jim Ryser, who produces some of our music, and Scott got together to produce an original. It may not be top 20 material, but it is pretty catchy. We'll get that up pretty soon. What we will think of next? Funny stuff.
  • Will you be at the Minnesota Deer Classic?
    Sabin from MN asks:
    Hey Bill i was just wondering if you were going to the minnesota deer classic, and if so when will you be there.
    Winke Responds:
    Sabin, Midwest Whitetail will have a booth there, but I don't plan to be there personally. I made all the deer classics last year, possibly next year I will make the tour again. Please stop by and visit the guys at the booth.
  • Are you looking for more Kansas teams? Going to the Ohio Classic?
    Todd from KS asks:
    i was wondering if your looking for anyone in kansas for the show. I My brother and i are avid hunters and have shot nice deer every year. i just recently purchased a canon xha1. Are you going to the ohio Expo? I am looking foward to it.
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, We are definitely looking for some teams from Kansas. If you don't mind, please contact Scott Prucha. He is working with the pro staff this year: scott@midwestwhitetail.com. He can get you the application information. I won't be in OH but Huntsman and the OH guys will be in the MW booth there. It is an awesome show. I went last year and it was a big deal.
  • Will you be producing a video segment from the WI Deer Classic?
    Bill from WI asks:
    hi Bill,just a quick question, will you guys be producing a segment from the WI deer classic, due to some other commitments i was unable to attend, and i would love to see some of the highlights Thanks Bill
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, I am not sure what the WI guys have planned. This is a lot of work so I am reluctant to put any extra pressure on them. I will ask, but it is by no means a requirement.
  • Any thoughts on offering outfitted hunts? How about a hunt giveaway?
    Joe from ME asks:
    Hey Bill, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the shows from the past year. Learned more from you and your staff than I have in 24 years of bow hunting on my own. Seems like you guys see more trophy class bucks in one season than I've seen my whole hunting career. I would like to know if you have any plans for outfitting hunts on your property in the future once the average buck age gets up to where you want it. Or how about offering a drawing for a hunt to one of your web site subscribers each season. I would think that a videographed hunt showing one of your subscribers having a hunt of a lifetime would be a great PR event.
    Winke Responds:
    Joe, Thanks for the support. I appreciate it. I don't have any plans of outfitting hunts. I love hunting too much to get into that business. It is way more work than most people think and would take me away from my own hunting. I think the idea of the hunt giveaway is a good one. I am kicking around the idea of having a members-only section on the site with additional educational resources. That would help to offset the cost of producing the show. It might make a lot of sense to give away a hunt to those who sign up as members. Might start with a turkey hunt at first and then move up to a deer hunt once it gets rolling. Not sure yet, but it is a good idea.
  • Another viewer likes my dopey hat.
    Keith from IL asks:
    Hi Bill! I just want to say that I like the hat... I would definitely buy one if you guys sold them with the MW logo! Maybe you could take a poll on the website to see how many people would be interested in getting one. I'm not saying you have to, I just think it would be sweet! Can't wait for the shed huntin shows... keep up the good work!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Keith, You know, you guys have got my wheels turning. I may have to put one in the line. We are looking at adding a traditional stocking cap, but maybe something a bit more trademark would be good. Thanks for the support. It may be a while before those antlers show up here - still about 10 inches of snow on the ground!
  • When do I need to get my application in for the pro staff?
    austin from MO asks:
    hey bill i was wondering wat that bloomsfield deer and turkey classic was were at and wat time and wat time do i need 2 have that prostaff aplication back 2 u
    Winke Responds:
    Austin, Man, there is no doubt you are from the texting generation. We old timers can barely read the new shorthand. The Bloomington Deer Classic you refer to is the IL Deer Classic this coming weekend - Bloomington IL. We'll have a booth there, but I doubt I will make it over. The weekend following, the MO pro staff will be at the MO Deer Classic in Columbia. You can get the application in whenever you get it done. No real deadline - ideally by early April. Good luck.
  • Met the guys at the IN deer expo.
    Tim from IN asks:
    Bill, Not really a question, but just another complement on your show and your prostaff. I was at the Indiana deer and turkey classic this past weekend and talked to a couple of the guys in the MW booth...first class!! Cant wait till some shed hunting shows and next season to get here!!
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, I appreciate it. They are great guys. Thanks for stopping by the booth. Have a great day.
  • Impressed by the MI pro staff at the Deer Classic.
    Bob from MI asks:
    Hello Bill, I enjoyed Midwest Whitetails this year and look forward to watching the season progess next year. I was lucky enough to have bowhunted in three states in 2009. Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio. (135" eight point) I am a Whitetail Fanatic. Iowa wss absolutely worth the wait. I will keep applying for points there. The Midwest Whitetail guys at the Lansing Deer Classic were gentlemen and I think wonderful representatives for you and your company.
    Winke Responds:
    Bob, Thanks for your support and for stopping by the MW booth at the Lansing show. Yes, they are a great group and I am very lucky to have them involved. Congrats on the buck and good luck in the future.
  • I heard that a fellow named Eric found the sheds off the buck you hit. Did you know that?
    dylan from PA asks:
    Howdy Bill, My nieghbor over here in PA named Jack has a property out in Iowa. He knows a guy out there named eric who has found the match set of the buck you had wounded this year. i wasnt sure if you knew but i thought it was pretty neat.
    Winke Responds:
    Dylan, Yes, Eric called me the day he found them. Believe it or not, he found one side right in the middle of the road and the other nearby in the ditch. He was the first person to drive by after the buck apparently ran across the road. You just never know on this stuff. It was at least 1/2 mile from where I was hunting him (and seeing him). He grossed 170 with a modest inside spread. Maybe next year. I'll get with Eric and have him reenact the find so we can put it in one of our shed hunting shows. Should be pretty cool.
  • Why didn't you go to the Eastern Sportsman's Show?
    Dustin from PA asks:
    I'd like to start by saying I love your shows; they show regular people doing what they love on film. My Outdoor Club students at school loved watching the Northeast show every week. I was wondering why you didn't come to the Eastern Sportsman's Show and have a booth to help promote the show. Also, I saw a booth for Hunt The Cure, which as it sounds, is directed towards cancer and helping some people get to go on the hunt of a lifetime. Being a cancer survivor(leukemia when I was 19), this struck a cord with me and it seems like a good organization to promote. All their proceeds go towards research and sponsoring hunts. It lets people know there is hope when they think all hope is lost. Keep up the good work.
    Winke Responds:
    Dustin, Thanks for supporting the show and for sharing it with others. I didn't go to Harrisburg because I was burned out from the show season and needed to focus on my writing assignments for a few months. I still need to do that (and enjoy that) in order to make a living. I am sure it something we need to do and something we no doubt will plan to do in 2011. Thanks for pointing that out. I will be sure to look for that organization. I participated in a fund-raiser for Hunt for a Cure locally a couple of years back. I will see if that is the same organization.
  • Thanks for producing the show. Keep it going.
    Michael from OH asks:
    How in the world did you come up with such an awesome show. I'm addicted to it. I even think that my brother is just as fanatical about the show as i am. I love the real average joe's that consistantly harvest mature animals. Great job Bill keep the show going.
    Winke Responds:
    Michael, I appreciate your support. Thanks for watching the shows. We plan to bring you more of the same this year.
  • Do you have plans to produce a DVD for sale?
    Matt from MO asks:
    Mr Winke- Just wondering if you had any plans to make the hunts available in DVD format. We would definitely be interested in having it to watch again. Thanks for a great show and lots of great hunts. Matt McCune
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, Thanks for the support. For now, that is something I am leaving up to the individual state producers to do on their own (in support of their own teams). Long-term, as everyone gets this process down, it will be an opportunity to make some extra money for the teams. DVDs don't sell really well (not like they used to) so there is only a limited market to begin with. MW-Ohio and MW-Michigan plan to have DVDs this year. I may add those products to the MW Gear section of the website at some point. Long-term, that is the master plan for DVDs.
  • What about telling us about your hit list? I thought that was going to be in the last episode?
    Alex from MO asks:
    Great show! I was wanting to know more about your hit list bucks and what happened to them (The no name, great 8, sticker 8)? I thought there was going to be a segment on what you learned so that everyone could learn. Knowledge is power! Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Alex, I started with that segment in the timeline along with the musical stuff, but it was just too long. So I cut the hit list part out. I plan to produce it and include it as a video blog in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for keeping me honest. It should be an interesting segment, but it would have bogged that show down too much (too long).
  • Can you get us a full-screen option for the player next year?
    Evan from IL asks:
    hey i don't want to sound too greedy here but i was just wondering if next year, you might put that button for full screen on the episodes again!?
    Winke Responds:
    Evan, I agree. That is something that we definitely need to take a look at. It is on the plan now!
  • Thanks for producing the show.
    Mike from PA asks:
    Bill, This is not really a question. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your veido's this past hunting season. Keep up the good work, and I can't wait till next hunting season. Thank You Mike
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Thanks so much for watching and for supporting the show. I really appreciate it. Have a great day.
  • Will you have a booth at the IL Deer Classic again this year?
    Todd from IL asks:
    Bill Just finished watching your season finale. Congratulations on a great season! Your show is by far the best, Indiana did very well also this year. You set the bar pretty high for your pro staffers. Can't wait till next season. Thank you for doing what you do, it's enjoyable to watch on the days I can't hunt myself. Do you plan on setting up a booth at the Deer and Turkey Classic in Bloomington, IL again this year?
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, Thanks for the support. I will have a booth there but I am not going to be there myself. The IL pro staff (and some of Nic's high school class) are going to man the booth for me. I am sure they would love to meet you, stop by.
  • When is the final show coming out?
    Kris from KY asks:
    Come on Bill enough is enough post it already its killin me!! its kinda like that big buck you dont know when hes gonna show up but its bound to happen sooner or later if you sit long enough. Thanks to all the questions youve answerd for me this year.
    Winke Responds:
    Kris, That is funny. I want to make it good and to do that I have to run through all the footage from the entire year. Ughh. Chad or Drew probably could have pulled out the good stuff in a few hours, they have been working with the footage all fall. The last show I edited was our son Andrew's youth hunt back in mid September. It will be there soon. I hope it is worth the wait.
  • How about a place where viewers can provide input about the conditions they are seeing?
    Tracy from IA asks:
    Hello, Bill. I've asked you questions here before, but this time I have a suggestion. I was thinking that it would be helpful to have a place on the site where other hunters could write in about the conditions they are seeing in they're specific area. I think it would be helpful because we both know that making a broad statement about the phase of the rut, for example, is often not true everywhere. Just a thought. Tracy
    Winke Responds:
    Tracy, I agree totally. It is something worth looking into. I'll give it some thought and then talk with my web developer to see how tough it will be to implement. Thanks for the suggestion.
  • I am trying to get an answer to a couple questions and haven't had much luck through e-mail.
    Bryhn from KS asks:
    What is the best email address for you. I have sent a couple emails to Info@midwestwhitetails asking about advertising and a KS show with no response. Just wondering if you get those. Bryhn
    Winke Responds:
    Bryhn, They probably came through, but I am still working out the answer to the question about Kansas. I am 75% sure we will go with that show. I just need to work out the details with the proposed producer of that series, in order to be sure. By the way, the advertising on the site is reserved for the show sponsors. I don't sell advertising, per se, just sponsorships.
  • How about my friends and I do short segments for your show on how to improve habitat?
    Drew from AL asks:
    Bill, I have recently started watching the show, and I love it. This is truly a great show, with a new twist (being on the internet)!! I am in college at Mississippi State University studying forestry and wildlife management. I wanted to know if a few of my friends and me might be able to do a short 30 second segment on each show that gave tips on how to improve wildlife habitat on hunting grounds. If you would be interested in this please let me know. Thanks for your time, Drew Able
    Winke Responds:
    Drew, I appreciate the offer. I will definitely keep it in mind. Thanks for your support.
  • Are you still going to have a Kansas show?
    Willis from KS asks:
    Is Midwest Whiteail planning on getting a Kansas show?
    Winke Responds:
    Yes, I think so. I am still working on the details. Thanks.
  • When are you going to update the 2009 Harvest Photos?
    Lance from IA asks:
    When are you going to update the 2009 harvest photos?
    Winke Responds:
    Lance, We are working on that right now, starting with the Pro Staff Bucks. It was a very busy fall. I think I have some more help in place to be able to take care of this fastter. Thanks for your support.
  • Serving overseas and looking forward to off-season shows.
    Jon from IL asks:
    Bill, I know you get this all the time but I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your show, both this season and last. I am in the Marine Corps and have been overseas, away from home/hunting for the past 5 years. So it is nice to get that piece of home that I miss so much! So thank you for what you do. I don't know what I will do now that the season is over! The more shows you can put together during the off season the better! God bless and happy hunting! ~Semper Fi~
    Winke Responds:
    Jon, First we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for serving our great country. Without you we would not be able to enjoy all the freedoms we do enjoy. We will put out a few shed antler shows, a few turkey shows and possibly the odd food plot show, but then we will be back bigger and better than ever for 2010. Thanks for your support and for all you do. Semper Fi
  • Who shot the biggest buck from all the hunters on the pro staff this year?
    Evan from IL asks:
    hey Do you have any idea who got the biggest deer from all the shows?
    Winke Responds:
    Evan, I think that big 9 pointer that Brock Halstead shot just a couple of weeks ago on the Iowa show was one of them. Wayne Winchell shot an 8 pointer, also on the Iowa show, earlier in the season that also went right around 180 inches. I would have guessed wtih all the guys (and gals) in the field this year, we would have have shot a few bigger, but maybe next year. Thanks for your support.
  • Are you going to have a Kentucky show?
    Josh from KY asks:
    Bill I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the shows this past year. Are you still considering doing a Ky show? If so I am still interested. Thanks and GOD Bless
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, I am still trying to figure that one out. Yes, we will probably do one, but I need to figure out first who might be the best choice to produce that. As soon as I get it figured out, I'll let everyone know. Thanks for your interest.
  • Would be interested in joining the MI pro staff, will Tony be at the Grand Rapids show?
    Kyle from MI asks:
    My dad, cousin, and I would like the opportunity to become part of the Michigan pro-staff. Is Tony going to be at the Hunting Expo in Grand Rapids? We are doing a lot of plantings this spring and will be working with the DNR this summer. Maybe we can use that in the Michigan show? Thanks as always for doing the show.
    Winke Responds:
    Kyle, Tony will be at the GR show. I am sure he would love to visit with you. Sounds promising. Thanks for the interest.
  • Are you going to have a Great Plains show? How do I apply for the pro staff?
    Kris from KS asks:
    Hi, I had read earlier this season that you had thought about a Plains show including Kansas. If you do I would like to apply to be a prostaff member for Kansas. Please let me know what is needed to apply. I love the shows, you guys are doing a great job bringing "real hunting" to the rest of us. Thank you, Kris
    Winke Responds:
    Kris, Yes, it is likely that we will have a Great Plains show. The best thing to do at this point is to contact Scott Prucha and request information on applying for the positon. His e-mail address is: scott@midwestwhitetail.com. Thanks.
  • Can you recommend a graphic artist to help me design the look of my website?
    Anast from CT asks:
    Hi Mr. Winke, You produce a first class show. Your love for bow hunting is evident on all of your videos. I'm in the process of developing a web site for bow hunting. Can you recommend a graphic artist that I can work with? Or someone who can assist me in designing a site and a logo? Thank you, Anast
    Winke Responds:
    Anast, I worked with Nick Mundt's girlfriend, Arika Sanders. You can reach her at arikasanders11@hotmail.com. She is good. Good luck.
  • Are you going to have a Kentucky show?
    Tim from AL asks:
    Hey Bill how would I be able to become apart of maybe Midwest Whitetail Kentucky I would love to be apart of the family. God Bless you and your family Tim Hammond
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, Thanks for the interest. I will probably start a KY show, but I need to sort out the details first to make sure I know I can get it produced. Once I have all that figured out, I'll let everyone know. Have a great day.
  • Any interest in adding more teams to your Michigan pro staff?
    Brandon from MI asks:
    hi, i was wondering if you were planning on adding a prostaf to the michigan show? if so how do i apply for it, got tons of trail cam pics to prove that you wont be ashamed. keep up the great work! -Brandon
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, We are planning to add a few more teams. Please send an e-mail directly to scott@midwestwhiteail.com and it will go to Scott Prucha who will be handling the pro staff this year. Thanks for the interest.
  • Will be going into depression now that the show season is wrapping up.
    Josh from WI asks:
    hey Bill, man I am going into a severe state of depression now that the shows are just about done!! oh well just wanted to tell all the midwest whitetail team you guys did a great job this!!! cant wait for next year!!!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, I appreciate your support. It will seem strange not producing a show after doing it since mid-August. Man, this has been a lot of late nights. We have two more episodes then some shed antler episodes scattered throughout the spring. I need to hire a couple of guys this off-season so we can come back better than ever next year.
  • How can get a show to play that is sticking at a certain point - Wisconsin show sticks at :38.
    Jim from MI asks:
    MW Whitetail Wisconsin's final show gets stuck @ about 38 seconds. Is there anything that can be done? I tried your advice at the bottom of the page but that didn't help. Thanks for any help you can give.
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, You probably have to delete your temporary internet files using the tools menu on the browser. Then you will get a fresh download when you try it again. That should fix things for you. Sometimes your download can become corrupted for various reasons and the only way to get a fresh file is to delete the existing one from your computer.
  • IL changed the law on carrying both gun and bow to the stand when the seasons overlap.
    Dustin from IL asks:
    On the last Illinois show, Jan 17th, Nic ended the show by saying he might be bringing us a hunt where one of the pro-staff members carried their gun and bow to the stand. I am aware that in Illinois you can bow hunt the late seasons with a bow but only if you wear your blaze orange. But the reason for this e-mail is because I think Nic might be airing something that could be illegal. I called the DNR office at the end of December and ask them if I could carry both weapons to the stand at the same time. They told me YES. I then called on Jan 14th just to make sure it was still legal and they told me that it was NOT. They lady I talked to said they had just decided on Jan 13th that you could only carry one weapon to the stand(nice of them to give us notice). I only send this e-mail to you to make sure the quality and professional work you and your pro-staff do is not in jeopardy. Thank you for all you and your pro-staff do to bring us such a great show!
    Winke Responds:
    Dustin, I don't think that hunt actually happened, but I appreciate the heads up. I will spread the word. Thanks.
  • Will you be at the Grand Rapids, MI deer show? Have you tried any Walkie Talkies?
    Kyle from MI asks:
    Love the show and I'm sad to see it come to an end. Couple questions: Will you be at the Hunting Show in Grand Rapids Michigan this year? If so what day or days? Also, have you ever used walkie talkies at all? If you have what brand would you recommend? Thanks so much for answering all of our questions! We all really appreciate it.
    Winke Responds:
    Kyle, Thanks for your support. Midwest Whitetail will have a booth at that show but I won't be there. The MI pro staff will man the booth. I used Motorola walkie talkies once when hunting turkeys on an invite from Mossy Oak. Motorola provided them to us to use on the hunt hoping we would photograph the product and write about them. As I rememer it, they worked very well. I don't think they played any real role in the hunt, but it broke up the boring times during the day. Try the Motorola units.
  • Weren't you afraid of removing the antlers on Chad's buck when you dragged it?
    Troy from MO asks:
    After Chad shot his buck in episode 28, I saw where he was dragging his buck by the antlers. Weren't you worried that with all the shedding going on and how late in the season it is that he might pull the antlers off?
    Winke Responds:
    Troy, We never really thought about it I guess. You are right though, we should have been much more careful. I know when Brock shot that giant 9 pointer on the Iowa show, they recovered him with a sled so they wouldn't have to drag him by the antlers. Good point.
  • Does the most recent video have a problem at 10:17?
    Raymond from NC asks:
    the new show stops playing at around 10:17 and want load back? wondering if anyone else was having problems viewing it.
    Winke Responds:
    Raymond, Yes, there is a problem there. It must have gotten contaminated when I uploaded it. I am uploading a fresh copy and hopefully that will fix it. Should be done in about 15 minutes. Thanks.
  • Where's the new show?
    eric from AL asks:
    how can i say this without sounding like too much of a fanatic, um,, wheres the new show ?
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, ATA show set us back a day. Sorry. I thought we could get it but it is kind of nice to get more than two hours sleep too. It is done now and will be up very soon. Thanks for keeping us honest.
  • Will you be at the Huntin' Time Expo in Grand Rapids at the end of January?
    Jim from MI asks:
    Hey Bill, Just wondering if you're going to be at Michigan's Huntin' Time Expo the end of January? I met you there last year and have been a devoted fan of yours and the show ever since. That's all. I hope you can make it. Jim Shear
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, Midwest Whitetail will be there, but I won't be there. The Michigan pro staff is going to man the booth. I have to get back my writing and photography work after a long season of hunting and putting out the shows. Thanks for your support. I am sure the guys will enjoy meeting you.
  • Mixing business and pleasure can be challenging. Likes the shows for their reality.
    Bud from MA asks:
    Bill, Thanks for the great site. I understand the the challenging economics of making a business out of pleasure. The need to attract advertisements and revenue can overshadow the the main event or hunt. I seldom watch hunting shows on television anymore as the hunt is secondary and diluted by product pitches and unrealistic hunting venues and scenarios which are tantamount to deer selection and shooting. Your site is refreshing as it keeps the hunt first and foremost as well as true to reality. Your contributors are real hunters through thick and thin. I enjoyed watching the failures every bit as much as the successes. I watched everything you offered last year and was very happy to do the same this year with your expanded format. Have a great 2010 and keep it going! Bud Duckett
    Winke Responds:
    Bud, I appreciate it. I only wish I could have shown you a few more successes and not as many failures! Believe me, we are trying to be "unbelievable" not "believable". It is just that in the real world the deer don't always cooperate. Actually, I don't feel any pressure to shoot a slammer - not any more than I did before doing the MW show, because we are going to produce an episode no matter what. The TV model requires kills to compete with other shows and that brings more pressure and takes some of the fun out of hunting. It is challenging to balance business and pleasure but our sponsors have been very good about supporting our approach. Please support them in return. Thanks for watching the shows.
  • When is Grant Woods' website going to be up?
    Lee from TX asks:
    What is the status of DR. Grant Wood's website that was featured on Episode 21? I have tried to go to the site growingdeer.com with no success. I am getting a username and password default to enter the site. Does the website exist yet and how do i login? Please help.. thanks. Really enjoy your website
    Winke Responds:
    Lee, Thanks for asking. I am actually sitting right here with Grant and he says it will be two weeks. We are hunting a place in IL where he consults. It has been cold enough to freeze every part my body at least once, but no shooter yet. Thanks for asking.
  • Still can't get the videos to work on my computer. Any other ideas?
    Mark from AL asks:
    Hello again. Still unable to access videos. I completely uninstalled Adobe Flash player, rebooted, than re-installed version 10 off the Adobe website. Still no luck. Video works for me on Youtube, Foxsports, WEAU.com, etc... If you've got any other suggestions, let me know. Otherwise, I'll try back in a few months and see if it works. Again, great site, I hope to not lose it!!! Thanks for the rapid response. Mark
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, Strange. It has to be something with your computer or your network because I am not getting that from anyone else right now. We have a lot of viewers so I think if the problem is not isolated to your system, I would definitely be hearing about it. You may have a firewall issue with your network. If you are accessing through the work computer you may not be cleared on that one to access the server where the videos are coming from. I have seen that a few times. Can you get the shows on other computers? Next time you are at a buddies place, try it on his computer and see what happens. I don't have any other ideas at this point. I am sorry it isn't working.
  • Can you post some of your best bucks? Where do you get your music?
    Joey from MS asks:
    2 questions: Can you post pics of some of your best bucks and Where do you get the music when it's about crunch time for the main show?
    Winke Responds:
    Joey, I will make a point of posting some in the Blog after the season wraps up. Thanks for that idea. We buy our music from various "Royalty Free" websites. You pay a one-time use fee and then you can keep reusing it whenever you please. We have about 350 tracks on the computer that we choose from. We sometimes get into a rut where we use the same ones from week to week, but we try to mix it up some. Jim Ryser also writes and produces some original tracks for us and he will be doing more of that this coming year. We certainly appreciate his support.
  • The video player is not coming up. What do I need to fix?
    Mark from WI asks:
    Hi Bill, really enjoy the site. For the past week or two however, I can no longer see the videos on the site. When I try to pull up the videos, the normal screen comes up, but the video area remains brown and never populates with the video. I don't have this problem on Youtube or other video sites. If it's not a site problem, can you suggest anything for me to look at on my PC? Thanks! Mark
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, Please try downloading the latest version of Flash Player. I know that my web developer constantly updates the code to match the latest video player. You can do a search under "Flash Player" and it it point you to the Adobe website. If that doesn't fix it, I am not sure what the issue is, but I will try to solve it. Please let me know. Thanks for your support.
  • Any word on the buck you called "The High Eight"?
    Jacob from MI asks:
    The one deer from your Hit List that really left me speechless was the High 8. Has there been any sightings of him by yourself or any neighbors? Love your show as well as my home states Michigan show, keep up the excellent work.
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, He left me speechless too. Going into the season, he was the number one buck I wanted to shoot. We never saw him after mid-August. None of the neighbors shot him that I am aware of, but I don't know about every deer they shoot, so it is possible they got him. My guess is that he is still around but totally nocturnal or he has a separate fall range and it doesn't overlap with his summer range. Time is running out on seeing him this season. Bummer - he is a true monster.
  • How could Ashley and Chad shoot a buck during the late muzzleloader seasonw when it hasn't opened yet?
    mike from OH asks:
    How did Ashley Armann and Chad Baker harvest her buck during the late muzzleloader season when it doesn't start until January 9?
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, My mistake. They were actually hunting the second shotgun season using the muzzleloader. I fixed it in the show description.
  • Appreciated the fact that Mike Earp didn't take the shot.
    George from MO asks:
    Bill, After some of the heat you took about a few of your Pro Staff's shot selection, I would like to acknowledge the choice Mike Earp made NOT to take a risky shot at "Big George" on the latest Missouri show. His explanation made a lot of good sense, and is something I'll think about the next time I am presented with the same scenario myself. Who cares if the episode didn't end with a kill. I think Mike did it right by not being pressured to take a risky shot just for sake of the camera. That was by far my favorite episode so far. Great job on everything Bill and I look forward to seeing more next season.
    Winke Responds:
    George, Thanks. I thought it was a good episode too with some very good educational opportunities. I too appreciated the way Mike handled it. Have a great new year.
  • Could the buck you filmed that had already shed be the one you are hunting?
    Harold from MO asks:
    Hey Bill, Do you think the buck that dropped both antlers could be the big one you are after? Good Luck!
    Winke Responds:
    Harold, No, he had a much bigger body and he also had a white spot on his neck where I hit him back in November. We looked at it closely, but it is not the same buck. Thanks for the suggestion though.
  • Will you be at the Indiana Deer Classic?
    Tim from IN asks:
    Bill, Another great season of MW!!! I was wondering if the MW booth was going to be at Indy this year, for the deer classic? I hope so, it's been a rough year here in Indiana and I enjoyed watching the MW-Indiana show. Todd was a good host and those boys from Southern Indiana were on good deer all year long. Have a happy new year!
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, MW will be there, but I probably won't be making that one personally. I will get that one booked immediately. I thought Todd did a great job with the show. It was definitely a tough season there. Happy New Year to you and thanks for your support.
  • A buck just showed up; do you think he was here the whole time?
    Bob Martin from WI asks:
    Bill, there is a way to watch the show in a larger aspect by going into "view" on your browser and increasing the ratio. I usually watch in 150%. It is not full screen but a bit larger and more enjoyable. I have some hit list bucks showing back up after being gone 6 WEEKS! Amazing! But it will take some bone cold temps to get them up during daylight. I have a big 8 pointer coming in that wasn't around earlier. He comes in with one of those hit list bucks. Do you think he was already here, not seen or befriended, pulled in and following the other bucks? They are coming into a small food plot in a 30 acre woodlot. Good luck in the 11th hour and Happy New Year. Marty
    Winke Responds:
    Bob, Thanks for the tip. It is really hard to say on that buck. My guess is that he wasn't there. They move around a lot based on food during the late season. We have bucks that shed on our farm that we never see and I am certain they were only here for the food during the winter and then left again. Also, we should never think that we know all the bucks on our hunting areas. There are always going to be some that show back up after being gone awhile or simply show up after avoiding daylight and cameras for most of their annual life. They are mysterious animals and I am glad for that. You never know what will happen next - keeps things exciting. Good luck to you too. Happy New Year.
  • Have you made any changes to your videos to increase quality? They seem to be loading slower.
    Chad from MN asks:
    Bill, I have noticed your videos take longer to download for the past few weeks. Is that because of a technical problem or are the videos larger in size due to quality enhancements? I know be more patient - I have the same problem in the stand. Chad
    Winke Responds:
    Chad, We haven't changed any compression settings, so I would say it is your internet speed. Be patient! Just kidding.
  • Is anyone doing a semi-live turkey hunting show that you know of?
    steve from IN asks:
    I really enjoy the family aspect of your shows. Keep up the great work. I was wondering if you do anything similar or know of any similar shows involving semi-live turkey hunting. It would be great to follow along in the spring with some turkey hunting action. Thanks, Steve
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, We'll probably do a bit of it this spring, but not a lot. Whitetail Properties did a series last spring called "Daybreak" on Realtree's website that was very good and enjoyable to watch, but was largely unrewarded. Very few viewers. I don't think they are doing it again this year - last I heard. I know of no others at this time.
  • How about a poll to see which episode people liked the most?
    mark from IL asks:
    Bill, I have been a fan of the show since its first episode and I want to say that everyone involved is doing a great job. Have you given any thought to the possibility of doing a poll of your viewers at the end of the hunting season where they can vote for what they think is the episode or hunt of the year among all of those that have aired? With so many great ones to choose from, it would be interesting to see the results. The shows this year have been put together and edited very well. Keep up the good work!
    Winke Responds:
    Mark, Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it. I think that is a great idea. I will check with my web developer to see how hard it would be to add a poll module to the website. I think it would be interesting to see the answers to different types of questions. Thanks again.
  • How about adding some taxidermy segments to your show?
    Nathan from KS asks:
    Hey Bill, I hope you and you're family had a good Christmas, I was just curious if you would possibly be interested in starting a Taxidermy segment on you're show. To perhaps show hunters the proper ways to cape out a deer and maybe some do it yourself taxidermy tips.
    Winke Responds:
    Nathan, We had a great Christmas. Thanks. I think a few short segments would be good and very educational. I think if we try to do it more often than that, we would end up trying too hard to produce something interesting and that never seems to work out. It is a good idea and I appreciate your thought and suggestion. Have an awesome new year.
  • Thanks for promoting the Creator, a new shirt design idea.
    Curt from OH asks:
    Thank you for being unashamed about your belief in The Creator, Almighty God. It is very refreshing to see someone sharing the same vision of blessing God and others with their business. On a trivial note I'd like to suggest when you get shirts in the future I'd like to see some with a small MW logo on the front up by the pocket area with the large print on the back. I think it looks classier for what ever that's worth. :-) (Mr. Picky here:-) Keep up the great show I watch it every week an tell anyone who will listen about it! Have a great New Year! I can't wait to get into the woods this winter & Spring and do some habitat management!
    Winke Responds:
    Curt, Thanks for your support. I appreciate it. Actually, the guy that designed this shirt is working on another one for me that has that exact style (less in front, more in back). Thanks for the suggestion. Good luck with the rest of the season.
  • Merry Christmas.
    Ron H. Jr. from WI asks:
    Merry Christmas Bill and team! Hopefully its every bit as good as your show!! Thanks again for everything!
    Winke Responds:
    Ron, Thanks. Merry Christmas to you and your family, as well.
  • Is an arranged marriage common in Iowa?
    Marc from MI asks:
    Bill, I have four beautiful daughters age 11,9,6 and 2. Is Andrew still single? Is an arranged marriage common in Iowa? Are you coming to the Grand Rapids, MI Hunting Expo this year?
    Winke Responds:
    Marc, That is funny. We are going to have a booth there, but I am not going to be there myself. I need to stay home and stay focused on my day job. It kind of got away from me last year promoting Midwest Whitetail, but it was time well spent. Tony and the MI pro staff will be in the booth. Thanks for your support.
  • The "tumor" on the doe on the early season MI video was an umbilical hernia.
    Robert from WI asks:
    Bill, No real question, just a few comments. I was reading one of your artciles in NRA's American Hunter Mag and came across your Midwest Whitetails web site a couple of weeks ago and am glad I did! I absolutely love it. The idea of a semilive internet show....cool. I've already been through all the video clips of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. Keep up the great work. The video of the doe that was shot with the large tumor off the bottom of the abdomen is a umbilical hernia. Look close and you can actually see the umbilcus(belly button). I think this was on the Michigan videos. Let Tony know! You really have some great bucks on your property! Thats what happens when you let the little ones go.I've been following your writing and photography for years! Bill, Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Robert Constantine P.S. if you need help with any camera work let me know. My two nephews are in there 2nd year of producing their own hunting DVD's.
    Winke Responds:
    Robert, Thanks for your support. I sure appreciate it. Also, thanks for the information on the doe. I'll pass it along. Finally, please tell your friends about us as we need all the help we can get spreading the word. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
  • Any news on the "Great 8"?
    Nathan from KS asks:
    Hey Bill, I havent heard anything about the GREAT 8 for a while. I was just curious if you guys have had any trailcam pics of him since you shot at him early this season, or do you fear that the Prucha gang will find him while shed hunting this spring?
    Winke Responds:
    Nathan, That big old dude has slipped through the cracks somewhere. I am not sure what happened to him. Realistically, it is no surprise as we had not seen him during the hunting season for the five previous years I have hunted that area (he is a very old buck) but we always seem to find his antlers. So I am not sure what to think. He evaporated. I do have some fear they will find him dead, but it would have to be from secondary infection as the hit was not directly lethal. The whole thing still makes me sick.
  • Can I watch your videos full screen?
    George from MD asks:
    Am I able to watch the internet show at full screen? thanks
    Winke Responds:
    George, You can watch the 2008 videos full screen but we had to create a new player for 2009 and that won't allow full screen. We are going to look into it this off-season and see if we can tweak it. Thanks.
  • Do you own the land you hunt?
    Tim Hart from IN asks:
    Dear,Bill Is all the ground you hunt on midwest whitetail.com your property? I watch your videos every chance I get.I love bowhunting, I have bowhunted forty-two years. "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, Everything I personally hunt is on our land. I was fortunate to be able to buy land when it was still cheap so I ended up with a nice piece. The rest of the pro staff either own land or hunt on permission. A few may be leasing a few acres here or there, but most are not. I appreciate your support and hope we can keep bringing you good stuff. Have great Christmas yourself.
  • Did you get the photo of the buck I sent you?
    Luke from MN asks:
    Hey Bill. I asked you a question a few weeks ago about scouting and I also mentioned shooting a 120 class 8 pointer and sent a picture but it isn't on the site yet. Just wondering if you got it. If not I can always try again. Hope you have a great christmas!
    Winke Responds:
    Luke, I did get that. We have fallen behind on getting photos up on the site. I'll make that a priority over the next couple of days. Thanks and congratulations. Merry Christmas.
  • Are you interested in a Kansas show?
    Andrew from KS asks:
    Bill, I was just wondering, would you be interested in adding a Kansas show, under the right circumstances? Im kicking myself right now for not getting footage of my deer this year. Saturday evening I was able to harvest a beautiful non-typical 13pt that grossed 156. I would be happy to send pictures. Thanks, Andrew
    Winke Responds:
    Andrew, Yes, I think I would be interested. If you are interested in possibly contributing, please get in contact with me in late January and I'll have a better idea what is going on at that point. I can give you some information for applying for the team if we do indeed do a KS show. Congrats on the great buck. Please send a photo to info@midwestwhitetail.com with a short write-up and I'll get that up on the site soon.
  • The guys seem to be shooting a lot of small bucks in some of the state shows.
    Jackson from WI asks:
    Bill, I'm really disappointed with some of the smaller/younger bucks that are being settled for on many of the shows. I hope the hunters aren't just settling so that they get a kill on camera. I'd rather see footage of them passing than wacking a small/young buck. That's what I loved about the show last year - your patience in pursuit of truly mature bucks. Many of the staffers on ther state specific shows don't have your fortitude and the shows are not nearly as enjoyable because of it. It helps me pass on a younger deer when I see others doing the same. I'd like to know your thoughts on this. Thanks for putting together such a timely and enjoyable show.
    Winke Responds:
    Jackson, In some cases they are probably hunting areas with limited mature bucks. I told the pro staff to focus on hunting bucks that are at least one year older than what most hunters would consider a solid buck. So for some parts of the Midwest, that is probably a 3 1/2 year old (maybe even a 2 1/2 in MI and PA). Some areas produce enough 4 1/2 and older to justify waiting, but in areas with low numbers of mature bucks it is not realistic to wait for one. The guys need to have fun hunting and there is no point in waitig for a deer that probably doesn't even exist. The areas that I hunt have decent numbers of fully mature bucks so it is realistic for me to wait for them. I am sure the guys will get better at this as their experience increases. I was not aware that some of the pro staff are not highly experienced hunters. That will all improve as we keep doing this. Every aspect of the state shows will be much better next year. Thanks for the comments and I appreciate your support.
  • Why aren't you notifying me on every new show?
    Jason from VA asks:
    Hey Bill, I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy watching Midwest Whitetails especially on the years that I can't be in Iowa. I hunt with Jim Samis on his two farms that I am sure you are aware of. I was wondering why I get an email from you on every other episode that you post? It was half way through the season that I realized I was only watching every other episode. Sometimes I forget to go check your website, however when you send me an email it is the first email I check. Thanks - Jason Myers
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, I didn't want to hit everyone with two e-mails per week. I figure that some of them will just get overload and unsubscribe. Some people want every notice, but I hate being over-bearing. We have dropped back to one per week starting this week anyway. Hopefully, the action will pick back up and we can produce a few more Thursday shows, otherwise we will stick with a show every Monday. Thanks for your support and you have my sympathy for having to hunt with Jim.
  • QDMA director Bowden likes the show.
    Randy from GA asks:
    Bill- Just wanted to drop a note to say great work with MidWest Whitetails.com! The work and delivery that you and the rest of the team are presenting is top shelf quality and I know will only get better as you hone the video skills. Thanks for what you do for whitetails... Randy Bowden Director of Marketing & Corporate Relations Quality Deer Management Association
    Winke Responds:
    Randy, I appreciate it. I always enjoy your materials (I love the magazine). We are getting better at this, and still have much to learn about presenting information and video in a way that is both educational and entertaining. We will keep learning. Thanks for your support. I hope you are doing well.
  • Likes the education aspects of the show.
    Derek from NJ asks:
    I always can't wait for a new episode of your show. I accually became a very fan of Midwest Whitetail and enjoy it very much. What I have noticed is that not only you show your fans haw to harvest a huge buck, but what I mostly apprecitte is that you show them the mistakes you make. This way we all can go in the woods much better educated. (i don't see that much in other videos). Thanks... Derek
    Winke Responds:
    Derek, I appreciate the support and the comments. We are going to make it our goal to focus on education along with the hunts. I love showing the big ones we shoot, but it is even better when we can pass along some tips that might help others shoot big ones too. Good luck.
  • I am having trouble getting the videos to play; what might be wrong?
    Tracy from IA asks:
    Hello Bill, I just have a quick question about the videos. I have just started having problems the last week with the videos not playing, and sometimes not even downloading. They'll usually download properly, but when I try to play them they will just stop part of the way through, and not always at the same spot. My brother-in-law, who works for IBM, couldn't find anything wrong on my computer, do you know what it could be? P.S. I love the site!
    Winke Responds:
    Tracy, If your connection is slow or stops and starts the download will stop and the file will still be sitting in the cache of your computer. Everytime you try to play that video again, it will first go to your cache to check for that title. If it sees it there, it won't download a new one but will play it out of your cache. To fix that you have to delete your temporary internet files. Then you will get a fresh download when you click the play button. You can do this by going to the tools menu of your browser and then internet options and then delete temporary files. Good luck.
  • Is there is an archive of your articles somewhere? Do you have any books I can buy?
    Steve from PA asks:
    First of all, my compliments on the show. You have made what I believe is the most real hunting show out there. Its nice to know that you can hunt big whitetails with out paying an outfitter. I see you have a book coming out this year, when will it be available? Also have you published any other books? last but not least, is there an archive of your previous articles out there somewhere? I feel like I can gain a lot of information to change the way I hunt through your experiences. Thanks for all you do!!
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, Thanks for your comments and support. During the off-season I'll load the website with what I feel are some of my better articles so there will eventually be an archive right here. Also, I should have the shopping cart up and running on my website next week and I will post the three books I have written there if anyone wants to buy one. Thanks for your support. Have a great day.
  • Any chance for an Oklahoma show?
    Jeff from OK asks:
    MIDWEST WHITETAIL IS AWESOME! I watch every episode of all ten shows. Their not just entertaining but informative as your writing has been through the years. The question- Is there any chance of an Oklahoma show some time? It would be nice to know what others are seeing across the state.(meaning the phases of the rut) Keep up the great work!
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, I will have to consider that. I have had a few other requests for an OK show. OK is definitely a sleeper state that has some great deer. I will make a decision sometime after the season. Thanks for your support. All the best this Thanksgiving.
  • Excited about eventual Kansas Show.
    Nathan from KS asks:
    Hey Bill, I just wanted to sincerly congratulate you on having in my opinion the absolute BEST!!! hunting show I have ever seen. From the tips on deer management to the setups and needless to say the best deer hunting shows!! I watch your shows religiously and cant wait for the next episode to come out. I am very excited to hear that you will be coming out with a Kansas show next year, i'm extremely excited about that. Once again great job and I hope that someday I can meet you in person, I would be absolutely honored.
    Winke Responds:
    Nathan, Thanks so much for your support. It has been a lot of fun producing this material and learning how to present information people can use and enjoy. Good luck the rest of the season.
  • Thanks for showing the missed opportunities.
    Scott from MI asks:
    Bill i just wanted to thank you for showing the deer that got away this year. We never see deer hit and not recovered on the hunting videos, an occasional miss but thats it. I understand that when we go out and buy a video we dont want to see a bunch of deer hit but not recovered. wounding deer happens to all of us and when we watch videos, we see only kills sometimes we can get down on our self and think we are the only ones that that happens to. I have had good luck in the past getting almost every deer i shot, but last year i hit 3 bucks with my bow without recovering them. so when I see that it happens to you, I know it happens to everyone, and it really does make it easier to deal with.
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, Thanks for your support. I appreciate it, but I sure hope I don't have to produce another one of those kind of shows for a while. Good luck this year.
  • Would you consider having a Kansas show?
    Andrew from KS asks:
    Hey Bill, I was just curious to why you don't have a Kansas show? And if circumstances were right would you consider looking into it? Thanks, Andrew
    Winke Responds:
    Andrew, We are definitely considering having show for the Great Plains next year that would include hunts from KS, NE, NE and SD. I will need to line up a few more teams, however. I think I have a person to produce it, but need to make sure we can do justice to the states before we decide to go ahead.
  • Any word on the Great 8, trail cam pictures?
    Troy from MO asks:
    Any word on the Great 8? Trail cam pics, sightings, etc?
    Winke Responds:
    Troy, We have been hunting his area a lot. In fact, I was just in there again this morning. I have not see him since Halloween. I am guessing he totally relocated after that experience. He was reclusive old buck anyway. Though we have sheds off him for four years, that was the first time I actually saw him in hard horn. That is part of why it was so disappointing to have him get away. Anyway, I'll probably start running trail cameras again soon and I hope to pick him up somewhere.
  • Thanks for the site, you helped me harvest my deer.
    Tom from IL asks:
    Not realy a questtion, but just wanted to say thanks for the show and all the information over the last year. I just smoked a mature doe followed by my first buck ever not even 5 mins apart. The Hoyt Ultra Tech did great and it was all due to the lessons I learned from this site and the help of a few good friends. Have a great season and thanks again.
    Winke Responds:
    Tom, Congratulations. I am glad we could play a part in your success. Continued good luck.
  • Liked the last episode on tough shots. There are no perfect situations in bowhunting.
    cameron from AB asks:
    Hi Bill, I thought your latest episode of MWW was awsome. My hat goes of to mike for taking that long shot on that buck, its obvious that he was in alot of pain and suffering. As for drews buck, there is so many woulda,shoulda,coulda's in bowhunting that your bound make mistakes. Every hunt is a lesson and there are no perfect situations in bowhunting.
    Winke Responds:
    Cameron, Thanks. Those two encounters offered very good teaching material. We will strive to teach as we entertain. Thanks for your interest and support. There are certainly no perfect situations in bowhunting. It is a roller-coaster from season start to season end. Right now as I type this we are heading out to try to recover I giant 8 pointer I hit last night in the neck. He dropped and turned at just 30 yards. Amazing. Whether we find him or not, we will probably put the hunt on the Monday show. Back on the emotional roller coaster.
  • What kind of movement are you seeing? Are some of the shots I am seeing on the show less than ideal?
    Cody from MN asks:
    Bill, awesome show. Two questions for you quickly. It is Nov. 17th, wondering what kind of action you guys are seeing in southern Iowa. Seeing a few bucks chasing still in Southern MN. Also, I have noticed on at least 3 hunts I have seen pro-staffers take shots that may not be ideal. I'm talking about the straight on chest shot. Sure it may be a killing shot and such, but is this really an ideal one? Specifically the last video I watched the hunter could have stopped him broadside instead waited until the deer stopped looking straight at him and shot him right in the chest. The deer did seem nervous, but isn't a broadside shot much better and should always be emphasized? These guys bring great footage and especially deer size most us couldn't, but couldn't these poor choices be worked on.
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, It has been dead here in southern Iowa. Mostly rainy the last few days and we have stayed in to avoid getting the cameras wet. When we have gone, we are seeing very little. I hope it breaks loose for a few more days, because I am not ready to see it shut down so quickly. I wait all year for this. Now to your other comment. I agree. Some of our pro staff are young and inexperienced. They make some poor judgments occasionally. You are going to see another one on the Main Show that we produce here in my office. It will be on tomorrow's (Thursday) show. But we spend time addressing it and talking about it and the hunter (one of my producers/cameramen) admits it was a poor decision. It is something we are going to fight for a while as everyone gains more experience. I have sent out a few messages to everyone addressing shot selection. We try to show everything here, but we are definitely having to swallow hard on a few of these. If we are able to teach better decision making through this process, then it serves some purpose as the guys gain the needed experience. I will keep pounding on them.
  • We have some bucks with a nice rack on one side and a spike on the other; should they be removed?
    Dustin from OK asks:
    Hello Bill, I really enjoy the show, I wish we could get something going here in Oklahoma. I have been trying manage my property to go more mature bucks. This year we have seen several bucks with a spike on one side and a nice four or five point rack on the other side. What causes this and will they grow out of it or do we need to take them out of the herd. Thank you!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Dustin, I think it is just genetics. If they are 1 1/2 years old, they likely will grow out if it. If not, they likely won't. In other words, when they look like that at 2 1/2 or older, they will likely always carry a funky rack. Not to say that they will never be big or interesting when they mature, but they will probably never be very high scoring. I would wait at least until 3 1/2 to start culling out bucks like that. Good luck.
  • How do you access your morning stands to keep the deer from hearing your footsteps in the leaves?
    Curt from OH asks:
    Thanks for the Terrific show. I love the feel of family you bring with your kids being along with you. Several Questions: What kind of entry route did you take to your stand that you harvested Survivor out of? I would have assumed from the valley below? Do you do anything special to keep your noise down when entering your stands in dry leaves? and lastly what do you do to keep from sweating on your way to your stand. I used a climber on Wed and felt like I had just got finished with the first quarter of a basketball game. Who ever invented a climber tree stand should be imprisoned for life.:-) I don't think I'll ever use one again!
    Winke Responds:
    Curt, I come in the back door to that stand, staying in the timber the whole way. It is about 1/2 mile in from the road. I typically only hunt my best stands when the wind is blowing a bit in the morning. That covers my noises. When it is still, it is hard to get away with anything. I hate still mornings. I stay away from my best spots. Generally, I try to dress light for the walk, and try to walk at a leisurely pace to keep from sweating. I hate climbing stands, so you won't get any argument from me. I am sure in the right place, they are fine, but they aren't for me.
  • How about a show for Kansas?
    chris from KS asks:
    I was interested in contacting you about a Kansas show for next season. I noticed there were a couple of other guys also interested. I was thinking that between the few of us we may be able to put on a good show. My wife and I spend alot of time hunting public land in SE kansas. If you have ever hunted public land you know how interesting these places can be. If you think this may be worth trying out e-mail me at chrs_dart@yahoo.com. If you boys from SE kansas read this shoot me an e-mail and we can compare notes. Good Luck throught the rest of the season and may Booners come to us all.
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, I have actually scouted several public areas in SE Kansas so I am familiar with you domain. I think it is a great idea. I feel like we need a Great Plains show for next year, but I will make that decision after the season. Please contact me again in late January or Feb and I should have some better ideas then. Thanks for your interest.
  • Thanks for the website, please keep it up.
    Brian from MO asks:
    Bill, I just found your site last week and I must say this is awesome! I've seen you hunt on the Realtree videos before but was unaware you had this site up. Just wanted to personally thank you for all the hard work you put into this site, and for sharing your wealth of knowledge on chasing the wiley old whitetail buck! I've already found a lot of useful information and I've barely scratched the surface. Can't wait to see the video of that buck you got on the 5th, what an awesome deer! I guess I really don't have a question, just wanted to let you know that I truly appreciate the work you have done, and the personal feel this site has. Keep up the good work and good luck (even though the good Lord gave us heat for November!)
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, I really appreciate your support. This is a ton of work - even more than I expected. I have not hunted so little since starting in this business, (it takes so much time to produce and upload all this stuff) but I feel it is worth it and I will continue to focus on educating as well as entertaining. Please tell a few of your friends as I need all the help I can get. Good luck to you too.
  • Why the shows ever appear in HD?
    Brett from WI asks:
    Bill, First off i love all your shows. All your prostaff are doing a great job. Also id like to give kudos to my friend Nick Niemann for getting his first bow and muzzleloader kills on the Wisconsin show. Will at some point will the shows air in HD. I know some of the guys are using HD cameras, and the extra eye candy would be cool. Keep up the good work. Thanks, Brett
    Winke Responds:
    Brett, HD takes tons of bandwidth and creates very large files that are hard for some internet users to download. If you have a fast connection and unlimited bandwidth to use, it is a great thing, but that is a minority of internet users. The HD footage from those cameras actually looks a lot better in the player size we are using than the SD footage shot with other cameras. So there is definitely an advantage even though we compress it. Thanks for your support.
  • Do you plan on having a southeast tean in the future?
    Ray from NC asks:
    Do you plan on having a south east team in the future? Thanks Ray
    Winke Responds:
    Ray, Not sure on that one. It is possible. But it is on the back burner for now. Thanks for asking. It would be cool to see though. Good luck.
  • Have you considered adding an Alberta show?
    cameron from AB asks:
    Hi Bill im really enjoying your 2009 shows,the show with the great eight was a real bummer, hopefully he survives and you get another crack at him. I was wondering if you would consider doing an Alberta show next year? my brother and I are serious deer hunters and we are gettting into taping our hunts. Thanks and good luck.
    Winke Responds:
    Cameron, Yes, I am considering it. Please check with me after the season and I will make a decision and pass along information about what you need to do to apply. Thanks for your support. I hope to see that buck again too.
  • How many views of the website do you get in a day?
    Troy from MO asks:
    How many views to this website do you get per day?
    Winke Responds:
    Troy, Can't tell you that, but it is a bunch.
  • Any discussion of adding a Nebraska show next year?
    Donnie from ME asks:
    Has there been any discussion from your team about adding Nebraska to your list of hunting destinations?
    Winke Responds:
    Donnie, We probably will add NE and KS (possibly SD and ND) next year and call it the "Great Plains" show.
  • The tips I have picked up watching the shows helped me shoot my biggest buck ever.
    Jarred from OH asks:
    Thank you for putting out such a quality show. The tips I have been able to pick up helped me arrow my best buck to date(140'' 9 point). Hope you and the pro staffers can all do the same.
    Winke Responds:
    Jarred, Congratulations on a great buck. Thanks for your support. I appreciate your comments and we are very happy to be able to help you in some small way. Have a great day.
  • Are you going to change the name of the Great 8 now?
    Danny from IN asks:
    After missing the great 8. will he be known as the great Winke. just kidding love the website
    Winke Responds:
    Danny, I need to change his name so I don't get a sick feeling every time I talk about him. Thanks for your support.
  • How do I view a complete show when my player keeps buffering or stopping at the same point?
    allen from AL asks:
    when i click on the the video to watch it all it does is say loading? i have watched other videos in the past. what do you think is going on? allen
    Winke Responds:
    Allen, Your internet connection may be dropping out. If so, the player will load an incomplete copy of the show onto your computer. The only way to see a full show is to delete your temporary internet files and start over. Go into the Tools menu of your browser, then Internet Options and finally the Delete Files command. Delete the Temp internet files and you should be good to go.
  • Proud of Prater hunts.
    Tony from NY asks:
    Not a question like last time! The kids did it again, My son inlaw Josh prater and Daughter Lisa! This time Josh got his, a 10 pointer. Never seen anybody so happy as I did when I watched the segmunt on his hunt! Good job again on the fine work you's all did! Real proffessionals! From Proud Dad!
    Winke Responds:
    Tony, Those guys have burned up their tags fast. It was fun watching their hunts. You have reason to be proud.
  • Thanks for helping me shoot my biggest buck ever.
    jordan from MO asks:
    I don't have a question it's more of a thank you. I really enjoy your main show and also the state shows. I'm 22 and I've been bow hunting since I was 15. That first season with a bow I shot a small buck and I was very excited but since then I missed a couple deer and shot two does but never found them. I was starting to lose hope and didnt bow hunt as much. I found your show and some of your articles this summer and it really got me pumped up. So I really got it together this year practiced shoting and hunting a lot and I harvested my biggest buck ever in early October. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, I am so happy for you. Congratulations. I am also proud that we could play a role in your success. Keep up the good work. It is an awesome sport, but a roller coaster ride for your emotions. Continued good luck.
  • My son-in-law shot a buck for the OH pro staff.
    Tony from NY asks:
    Thanks for answering me and giving your insite. Do let Jason know I do apreciate his skill and work! Oh yeh by the way the time that I wrote you on my thoughts of Josh and Lisa my daughter PRATER! He bagged a 10 pointer! Now I think he doesnt feel left out! LOL! Thanks! Tony out of N.Y.C.
    Winke Responds:
    That is what I heard too Tony. Congrats to both of them. I look forward to seeing the show.
  • Does the pro staff worry that they are giving out too much information about their hunting area on the show?
    Woody from VA asks:
    Do you or the pro staff every worry about giving out to much information? If I had a world class buck on my trail camera, it would be hard to give that out. Take Tony, he showed how he setup his stands with all that hunting pressure in his area. I would be scared one of the other hunters may see that. Great shows, I look forward to seeing you get the High 8.
    Winke Responds:
    Woody, I suppose that could happen. You have to make a decision; if you are going to be of any real help to people you need to reveal some information. Also, it is much more educational and interesting if you include details. I have been trying to find that buck but haven't been able to. I kind of think he may have moved off after the summer feeding period. We'll keep trying to find him, but it has been a long time since he appeared (late August) and we haven't gotten him on trail cameras either. It is a long shot now.
  • Go Hawkeyes! Viewer appreciates the shows and loves his Hawks.
    Jordan from IA asks:
    Bill, this isn't a question, just a statement. It's easy to see that you and your pro staff enjoy hunting just like the rest of us average joes and I really appreciate that. This time of year is just magical......and not just because of the time we get to spend hunting, but also college football :). Our Hawks are chugging along but getting it done week to week and I sure hope we can get it done Saturday night in East Lansing. It sure is fun to watch. GO HAWKS!!!! Oh, and good hunting.
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, Yes, go Hawks. I graduated from Univ. or Iowa way back in 1986. I am heading to the house right now to watch the game.
  • How can I send you photo of the 174 inch buck I shot in Indiana last week?
    Cory from IN asks:
    I started watching all of the shows back in September and catch every episode every week. On 10/18 I killed a buck in Indiana that grossed 173". Is there any place on the site to put midwest bucks? I would like to share my Indiana buck with others from the Midwest. Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Cory, Congratulations. I am very excited for you. That is a great deer. You can e-mail us a photo of it to: info@midwestwhitetail.com and a brief description of how you got him and we'll get it up in the photo gallery. Congratulations again.
  • Why aren't some of the Pro Staff members on your web site?
    Dave from IA asks:
    How come there are alot more teams introduced on the shows than what there are on the pro-staff pages, or are they just not done yet? Just wondering because I am looking forward to seeing which guys get bucks off there hit list. Thanks for the great show.
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, I think we have kept up with most of them. We might be behind on a few state shows. If they aren't on the pro staff pages it is usually because I don't have the information. We are still working on the pages. Thanks for your support.
  • We watch the shows during our downtime at work.
    Brian from GA asks:
    I don't really have a question more of a comment. I work for an ambulance service and one of our weekly missions at work is to log on watch all the shows. Thanks for what you do.
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, Thank you for your support. We should start to come with some big bucks and rut action in the next few episodes.
  • Will you consider expanding into the south?
    Grady from MS asks:
    Mr. Winke, I understand that your website is called "Midwest Whitetails", but one has to wonder. With the growing success of your website and/or hunting shows, have you thought about expanding to other parts of the country? I live in Mississippi and really enjoy watching the shows on your website. I look forward to checking for new videos on your website weekly. Do you forsee any expansion to the southern states?
    Winke Responds:
    Grady, I appreciate it. I have been thinking about this. The only downside is the work. If you knew how many gray hairs I have now compared to last year, you would be surprised. No, that isn't the deciding factor - I am not afraid of work. It takes a lot of time and if I can make money at it to compensate for the time I will do it. I plan at least a small amount of expansion next year, but if the sponsors want to ramp up more, (and more importantly are willing to offset my expenses to add the new shows) I will probably move forward faster. It is really all up to them. In the end, I am just creating this marketing tool. If they want me to make it bigger, I will.
  • Has it been a slow week?
    Brandon from AL asks:
    It looks like it's been a slow week with not too many episodes being posted. Are things that slow right now? I haven't been in the stand since last Friday, but I saw 4 deer that day and have seen about 15 over two days that I stopped to scout from the road at a new 10 acre property I've gottn permission to hunt. All does mind you, but still plenty of deer. We've had a warm week here in MD with a really windy day this week. I am hoping with rain coming through and cooling off tomorrow that it will be a good day.
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, We post them right on schedule whether we kill stuff or not. We try to keep everyone up to date on what we are seeing, good, bad or ugly. Unfortunately, you hit the nail on the head though: we haven't been seeing much. One of the guys here went out to a good spot tonight (Friday) and filmed an old buck so they are starting to prowl around a little bit. These next few weeks things will get interesting, but it was a pretty slow week. Good luck.
  • We are managing deer in Michigan but the neighbors don't let them go.
    Kevin from MI asks:
    I just wanted to let you guys know that you guys have a awesome show i really like the hunts from michigan. I hunt and live in ionia county and i am trying to manage the property that i am hunting by leting the little ones walk so i can see better and bigger buck in the years to follow. but its hard when the people that hunt in the woods that surround you when they dont care how big the deer is oh well the most i can do is just let the little ones walk and hopefully they make it through the season and hopefully see a shooter. my cousin and my self are starting to get into videotaping eachother a little bit. we were thinking about starting a show if we could get some nice bucks on video. Any ways i just wanted to say keep up the great work and i look forward to seeing more of your guys hunting videos there awesome.
    Winke Responds:
    Kevin, You might consider starting a co-op among the neighboring landowners who agree with you. That may cause others to take the movement seriously. If no others agree with you, you will have to become a diplomat and sell them on the idea. Good luck with your season and your filming.
  • Where is the latest show?
    Todd from CO asks:
    where's the new show. its been almost a week since your last one
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, Boy you guys are a tough crowd. It's up there now. Should be a good week for most of the shows as most have kills on them. We weren't so lucky this time, but we are putting our plans together.
  • Is there any chance for a Friday show?
    Chad from VA asks:
    Enjoying all the shows. Any chance to get a show on Friday? Sure would get us weekend warriors pumped up for the weekend.
    Winke Responds:
    Chad, The web numbers drop off pretty sharply heading into the weekend so we focused just on the days when the traffic is highest (Sunday through Thursday). Sorry, but no Friday show in the cards for this year.
  • Noticed a nice buck in the background of your latest blog.
    Trevor from MO asks:
    Hey Bill, I am sure noticed, but that is a pretty large buck in the left background of the most recent post that you made (picture is of the big 6). I know it would be difficult to speculate but it seems pretty tall and heavy. Anyways, Good luck with the kids, can't wait till my wife can get out and the kids are old enough. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Trevor, There are quite a few bucks like that around. They are good bucks but not real head turners. I was surprised how few bucks we actually got on the cameras. I was expecting to see several others that never showed up. That is what them so interesting to hunt. They are always full of surprises. Hunting with the family is awesome. Good luck.
  • Enjoy the shows from Minnesota.
    Nick from MN asks:
    Bill, I really enjoy watching all the different shows. I just watched the newest one with you and your son on the early muzzleloader hunt. He has lots of pastience! I also enjoy the Minnesota show. I seen one of the shows had some filming done on the Wilkens Farm in Mora. That is my hometown. I also hunt many areas round there. I infact spent the opener in the Mora area this past weekend with very few deer seen, but my father had a close encounter with a dandy buck opening morning. Thanks for providing these online shows, great job, and good luck this season! NICK
    Winke Responds:
    Good luck to you too Nick. Help us spread the word. We are a new project so word of mouth is our best marketing tool. Good luck this season.
  • What was the third buck you shot last year?
    Jordan from IA asks:
    Bill, just read through the October issue of American Hunter and read your article about "Advanced Whitetail Patterning." In it you stated that you shot three bucks last year. I know you shot two on the show but what was the third? Just curious.
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, The one that got away on November 7. We found him in the spring when shed hunting. Bill
  • Have you heard anything about Kyle Booher's injuries from Michigan?
    Troy from GA asks:
    Any update on Kyle from Michigan and his fall? Our prayers are with him.
    Winke Responds:
    Troy, Thanks. Last I heard he had gone through the full battery of x-rays and there were no broken bones or internal injuries. Just a lot of cuts, scrapes and wicked bruises. It just shows that you never know when it will happen. We all think it can never happen to us. I have fallen twice, the longest being about 12 feet. There was no possible way to grab a branch. One moment I was in the tree, the next moment I was on the ground. Just that fast. So forget about your reflexes. I was always very active in sports and felt I could save myself if I started to fall - wrong. The only hope is a climbing harness when setting stands and a full tree stand harness when hunting.
  • How about an episode where you show us the mounted bucks from last season?
    Michael from ON asks:
    Bill, Love the shows leading up to the season...They sure get me pumped for my area. I was curious if you have ever thought of putting a show together with some/all of the mounts of the deer shot last year, if any were mounted, which I assume more were, because they were all Giants!! It would be cool to see how the whole story finished up and how some of the mounts were completed...Thanks Michael
    Winke Responds:
    Michael, That is a good idea. We need to work a few of those into the future episodes. I have starting doing European mounts on my bucks and I really like those. That process is worth showing sometime on the program too. Have a great day and thanks for watching.
  • Are you going to have a Kansas show next year?
    Brian from KS asks:
    Hey Winke, I have really enjoyed watching your shows, it is nice to have a tv show that is semi-live. I was wondering what happened to the kansas show, and if you are planing on having one next year. Thanks Brian Price
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, I will probably combine the Great Plains states to produce a Great Plains show. The hunter numbers drop as you go west and I need to make sure that the show has enough viewers to support it so that is why I may combine a few states. I still need to think about that some more. But I did drop Kansas because I got a limited amount of interest from potential pro staffers. We'll see what this winter brings. Thanks.
  • Would be interested in adding a Canada show to your site?
    Chris Jones from ON asks:
    Hi Bill was wondering if you would be interested in adding and Ontario/Canada section to your site? may be just a hunt or 2. I know the show is called Midwest Whitetail but a Canadian view point could be interesting to your viewers. We are weekend warriors up here to I love to try to put something together for you. Need some feed back on camera choices etc.. Thanks CJones
    Winke Responds:
    I have a couple of others wanting to do something like this. I will definitely reassess it after the season to see how I feel about the workload and the feasibility. I appreciate the interest and would love for you to contact me in Feb or March. Have a great day.
  • Enjoy the show - lost my job.
    curtis from AL asks:
    Bill, I would just like to say this show is awesome. This is the coolest show I have ever incountered. I enjoy everything you do from getting the family involved, to getting really into what you do for the viewing audience. I am layed off out of the auto industry and this is deffinantly one bright spot in my day. So I just want to say thank you for everything.
    Winke Responds:
    Curtis, I really appreciate the kind words. I am sorry that you lost your job. Hopefully you can find something else that is even better - and soon. In the meantime, we will try to keep producing shows that you can enjoy. Good luck with the job search. Have a good week.
  • How can I help you when you come out with a Kentucky show?
    casey from KY asks:
    Hey Bill i was reading your answer about the show in kentucky and how you dont have the people well if you could EMAIL me back i am a Very avid Bow hunter and hunt pretty much every day of the season im 20 years old and have all the equipment, time and farms to bring you some awesome ky bucks i kill a big one every year i have never even picked my bow up off the hanger on a buck less than 130 inches i try to manange the 5 farms i hunt the best that i can but you know how it goes with everybody on the farms around you there saying is if its brown its going down it makes it hard to manage but im doing it and i have 15 really nice bucks on my hitlist so far this year and with the kentucky show see our season comes in early september 5th this year so there would be some early hunting actin while you all are scouting..i would really like to see how i could go about hunting for you just email me and we can talk about it a little bit more for the 2010 season..thanks bill
    Winke Responds:
    Casey, Sounds like a good possibility. Please check back in with us after the show season is over this year and we will start to put together plans for additional shows we need to add. Have a great day.
  • Why can't we send messages straight to the state teams?
    Michael from WI asks:
    It would be a nice addition to your site to have the opportunity to e-mail the individual teams. In my case I'd love to compliment the Wisconsin team on a nice preview video for 09, of course I'm bias (Ben and Zach are friends of mine). BTW Bill - great job on the overall package you've put together, I'm telling all my friends to subscribe.
    Winke Responds:
    Michael, Thanks for your help. Yes, they are doing a great job. Right now I am having all the correspondence come through the main office using the info@midwestwhitetail.com e-mail address and we can forward it to the other shows. It makes it easier to keep our finger on the pulse and head off problems before they grow. Not that I expect problems, but it is wise to have a good system of feedback. Have a great day.
  • Aren't you doing a Kansas show this year?
    Rodney from KS asks:
    Are you guys not going to have a segment for the state of Kansas? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Rodney, We just never got the interest from Kansas to field a full pro staff. We have one group that will be contributing occassionally to the Main Show from KS this year. Next year, I will probably try to put together a Great Plains edition that would have KS, NE, Dakotas. I would think I can get enough solid teams from that big area to pull it off. Best regards.
  • Thanks for a show dedicated to the Northeast!
    Tommy from MD asks:
    I just wanted to say that I think it is awesome that you guys are showing some footage from Maryland and Penn. I had heard about the site from Whitetail Affliction and decided to check it out. My buddy and I recently started filming here in central Maryland and we love it. I know there is alot of big deer in the midwest but you don't really get to see any hunts from the northest. There are some big deer here as well. I just wanted to say thanks for giving us Maryland and Penn. guys some credit for managing and harvesting some mature bucks. Can't wait to check out the shows this year.
    Winke Responds:
    Tommy, It will fun for everyone to watch that show. As you say, it receives very little coverage in national hunting shows, when now you have a "GLOBAL" hunting show! Thanks for the support. Tell all your friends. I need the help! Have a great day.
  • Did your friend Mike kill his buck on January 12?
    Doug from IA asks:
    In the october 2009 Petersons bowhunting, you have an article on the four bucks shot by yourself and Mike Sawyer. I see three of them were shot during the rut and the fourth was shot in January. The picture of the last buck shot has a date of Jan 12th. Was that the kill date? As the archery season closes on the 10th for iowa bucks, could you clarify as to why the date on the picture is dated jan 12 and the article was dated on the 3rd. Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Doug, No, they messed that up on the photo. If you read the article you will see it was actually killed on January 3. You can see all those hunts here in 2008 episodes on the site. Talk to ya later.
  • Wnen will the rest of the Ohio teams be added to the pro staff pages?
    Shawn from OH asks:
    When will the rest of the Ohio Pro Staff be added?
    Winke Responds:
    Shawn, We are adding new teams each day. I hope that within a week we have everyone up on every state show. It is a time consuming process, but the result, I think, is worth the work. Thanks for your support.
  • Will you be adding Kansas any time soon?
    Heath from KS asks:
    Bill, Found the show last year, and I have watched every episode multipal times. Last year was my second year hunting. Your show is the best information I have found. I have learned so much, thank you! I really look forward to this season. My question is, do you have anything coming down the pike for a show in Kansas?
    Winke Responds:
    Heath, I appreciate your support and I am very happy that you have been able to use this site to increase your knowledge. It looks like we will try to incorporate KS better next year. For this year, we have one team from KS on the main show and they will have to carry the show for all of KS. Good luck this year.
  • How come you don't have a show for Kansas?
    Joe from KS asks:
    Hey, where is Kansas? It seems to be missing from your list of states, thats got to be an oversight. take care/be safe,
    Winke Responds:
    Joe, We didn't get enough response from Kansas to field a pro staff for this year. We will try it again next year. I was going to add KS wtih the MO show, but decided to just hold off for this year. I have one good solid group from KS that will appear on the main show this year. I hope to have something dedicated to the Great Plains next year. I will have to push a little harder to find the right guys out there during the off-season. Thanks and be safe yourself.
  • How were you lucky enough to be the host?
    Evan from IL asks:
    hey i no this is quite a bit late to ask!...but i was just wondering how this site n stuff was created!?...like who are the people that came up with the idea n how u were lucky enough to be the host n stuff!? thanks!! evan!
    Winke Responds:
    Evan, I was the one that came up with the idea for it. I was "Lucky" enough to be the host because I spent a bunch of money for the website and bought a ton of camera and editing equipment. Not sure that was lucky or not. It has been rewarding, but lots of work. Take care Evan and thanks for your support.
  • We are getting close - Liked the promo video.
    Nick from MN asks:
    Hello. My name is Nick. I just wanted to say I am really impressed with the site and videos. I have been watching them for sometime now. I am from Minnesota and hunt the east-central portion. I just seen the promo and it got my blood pumpin. I am getting the itch to get out. Five more weeks to go . Good hunting to you and the pro-staff in the upcoming season. NICK
    Winke Responds:
    Nick, Thanks. Yes, that promo was a good kick in the backside. I watched it about 20 times. Thanks for your support. It is getting close now. Good luck.
  • Is the High 8 really a ten pointer with short G4s?
    Jerry from MN asks:
    Bill, Love the hit list. Is the "high 8" really a ten pointer with short G4's
    Winke Responds:
    Jerry, Yes, I guess technically he is. Looks like the 4's are about an inch. I'll take him either way!!!
  • Excited about the new shows.
    Davidf from CA asks:
    Hey Bill jsut wanted to drop a line to let you know how excited I am about teh new state by state breakdown shows this year. I am a native michigander living in CA (ugh, work) and love fueling my need for Michigan Whitetails anyway I can. I have hunted with Mike Deryder every year for about the last 8 years at his grandparent's place their in Bellevue and can't wait to watch some hunts this year, Heck, I'll be back there again this year so maybe I'll get to be around while a few our put together. Now I just need to keeping working on finding a job back in the Midwest. I am deep in looking for a transfer to either Omaha or Dupo, IL so if I can't lucky, I'll be dropping Tony Mike and Yourself a line to get hooked up with the local crew and see if there is anywhere I can help out. I hear there's a chance of Nebraska next year so hopefully I can be on the starting side of NE comping soon. Keep me in your 'little black book' for NE, I should be there soon.
    Winke Responds:
    David, Thanks for the support. We are also excited to get that off the ground. Everyone is working hard behind the scenes and it appears that everything is coming together smoothly. We will definitely look at having a show for the Great Plains next year. Good luck this fall.
  • Are you going to produce a DVD?
    Matt from MO asks:
    Bill- I was wondering if you were planning on putting out a DVD of the show. We really enjoy your website and would love to have it in DVD format. Thanks, Matt Missouri
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, Thanks for your support. I appreciate it. We aren't putting out a DVD this year, but we will consider it next year after the season starts to wind down. Take care.
  • Why isn't Midwest Whitetail on TV?
    Patrick from IL asks:
    I just heard about your show. I like what I have seen from your shows. I just wanted to know is your shows on TV? If not. Why?
    Winke Responds:
    Patrick, Thanks for your support. Midwest Whitetail is not on TV. I talked with some friends at Intermedia Outdoors back in April, that's the company that owns the Sportsman Channel. But it never really came to anything. Our sponsors aren't looking for another TV show right now, they like the fact that this is on the web. I like it too in many ways. I don't have to deal with network standards or politics. We just produce shows as close to the time the action occurs as possible and try to educate as well as entertain and let the chips fall where they may. So, I am not pursuing TV at this time. Who knows, maybe next year something will change, but for now MW will only be on the web. Please check back with us from time to time. I have some changes in the format when the new shows start coming out in late August.
  • What about adding a show for WV?
    Nathan Killen from VA asks:
    Bill, What about a Wv show ? I hunt 4 bowonly counties in Wv that produce some brusers and its mostly public access.I actually killed a 184" Nontypical there in 06 which was #2 in the state for that season. I got alot of trail cam pictures of this deer and a shed. Every year I get pictures of some really good ones over mineral licks and find alot of good sheds. Keep me in mind if a Wv show comes up, besides it further west than Pa ! Thanks , Nathan Killen
    Winke Responds:
    Nathan, First off, congratulations on a great deer. To shoot a buck like that on purpose is an amazing accomplishment. I knew I would catch a little flack for adding PA to the Midwest! That kind of made me chuckle too when I did it, but there is no secret that there are a lot of deer hunters in PA and our show is popular there, so I figured I'd just quietly redraw the nations regions and no one would notice! I actually have some ideas in mind for 2010 that might be a good fit for WV. I appreciate the support and I will keep your e-mail address handy. Don't be afraid to contact me again in the future. Have a great weekend.
  • When will you start working on your hit list of bucks for the 2009 season?
    Troy from MO asks:
    When will you start releasing footage of the bucks on your hitlist this fall or have you even started recording footage of the deer?
    Winke Responds:
    Troy, I am going to start filming around the middle of July. I have enough deadlines and such that I dare not comitt too much time to scouting until I know I can get some really good stuff. Our bucks generally start to show up on fields in mid-July and stick with that pattern until almost the time when their velvet sheds. So I will have plenty of time to start putting the list together between July 15 and August 15. I will add a few more I'm sure after they shed the velvet. That is when I'll start using the cameras more. I just really like the video of the bucks. It is very cool to watch that. Thanks for your support. Stay tuned. Bill
  • Why no Kentucky show for 2009?
    Kristopher Burgin from KY asks:
    Hey Bill.. Awesome shows keep em' comin. I noticed that Kentucky isn't listed at the bottom of the page anymore and was wondering if you are still planning on doing the Kentucky portion of Midwest Whitetail. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Kristopher, I am not going to be able to pull off Kentucky or the Great Plains this year. I am hopeful to make that happen for 2010. I don't have enough natural connections in KY and the Great Plains is so sparesly populated with hunters that I decided to wait a year. Plus, putting this stuff together is a lot of work and not sometimes expensive and I had to draw the line somewhere for this year. Thanks for your support. I'll keep working in that direction.
  • When will the other state Deer Classic shows come out?
    jon from IA asks:
    When are the rest of the state videos from the deer classics going to be up.
    Winke Responds:
    Jon, We are working a couple of shows from Nick Mundt. He and his girlfriend hunted in TX last winter and Nick gave up the tapes from the hunt. After we finish those, we will bring you the Iowa and the Minnesota Classic videos. We don't have anything from the other states this year, unfortunately.
  • How big is your farm and what are you harvest goals for this fall?
    Michael from ON asks:
    Bill, The view from your deck in the shows is great!! How big of property do you own and manage?? Is it 1 parcel or do you have pieces all over? What do you plan on having as food for this season? Also, what are your harvest goals?? Do you go into the season saying a max of 8-10 mature bucks etc? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Michael, We love it here. It is truly a dream setup. The land is roughly 1,000 acres, more or less in one block. I was fortunate to begin buying it when it was cheaper but I still have a mound of debt to show for it! I will have beans and corn and turnips in the bigger plots, and a few clover plots. I will frost seed most of the turnip plots to clover this winter. The majority of the food plots are the result of the commercial farming that I do on the farm. I have a local neighbor put in and take out my crops for me. That way I can control what stays when it gets picked. I don't have harvest goals. There are several mature bucks that need to be shot. In fact, we'll shoot pretty much everything that is old, so that will dictate what we shoot more than anything else. Some of these bucks need to be shot. I would think we will shoot about six or seven bucks, of which only a couple will be true trophy bucks - the rest will be more like culls. We had a great year last year, by far our best. I don't expect a repeat. We'll shoot several old bucks, but most will not have big antlers. Still a ton of fun.
  • What are you seeing in antler development right now?
    AJ from NY asks:
    I was just wondering about an update or a blog of what you have been seeing for promising deer so far in the late spring? If you have even had time to get out and take a look yet. I have seen quiet a few around my area but nothing I have been impressed with yet.
    Winke Responds:
    AJ, To be honest with you, I haven't been out yet and don't have any cameras set up yet. I will likely get started hot and heavy in mid July when the bucks' antlers are much closer to full development. I really enjoyed filming them during the summer last year; it was almost as much fun as hunting them, so I am sure I will plenty to offer come July.
  • When are the state pages on the website going to be ready?
    Evan from IL asks:
    hey I know that it takes a lot of work just to get this one show going and so getting one for each state has got to take obviously much more. I was wondering though when the whole state by state portions will be up(Illinois specifically!). It says March or April and its now almost June. I'm not trying to sound too demanding since its all free to us and everything but if you know of any time frame it would much be appreciated!! Thanks Evan Fishhook, Illinois
    Winke Responds:
    Evan, I was going to have basic content for each state but decided that the best way to do this is to bring them all out shortly before the new shows start to run this summer. So I would say we are looking at about Mid August now. I want to make sure I have something for those pages (interesting content) before I make them live. Sorry for the delay. I was a little overzealous in my first prediction. Thanks for your support. Bill
  • Likes the show and can't wait to start filming velvet bucks.
    Daniel from OH asks:
    I love your website, this is awesome seeing all of these big bucks and the way you broadcast the shows weekly. If you did a magazine I would def. subscribe to it. I'm completely obsessed with deer hunting and really relate to you guys having 3 or 4 year records of certain bucks and all there unique characteristics I can't wait until next month to get out and start videoing all the velvet footage. Once again you have an awesome show!!!!
    Winke Responds:
    Daniel, I appreciate the support. We are looking forward to July too so we can get the cameras out and film some more big deer - hopefully. Not sure we can rival last year, but we will sure try. Best regards. Bill
  • Are you adding any new spoonsors?
    Tim from IN asks:
    Bill, just thought I'd ask and see if you were going to have any new sponsors on board this season or had any sponsorship changes, due to last season's huge success. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the other states bring to the table, because it will be nice to be able to relate to someone from this area in the semi-live format. Thanks and good luck this upcoming season. Tim
    Winke Responds:
    Thanks for your support. It looks like we will add a couple more. Keystone Country Store (online retailer) has joined us. Muddy Outdoors (tree stands and harnesses) is onboard. I will be contacting Winchester this week to discuss as there was some initial interest from them. I have been talking with a couple others, as well. The reception from the industry has been positive. I need to make sure we can pull off all these shows now!!
  • When is the next shed hunting show coming out?
    DAVID from ON asks:
    Hey Bill, love the show, man its gotta suck finding those bucks dead like that. I bet you wish you could have that shot back on that big boy. When is the next shed hunting show going to be? I have been checking everyday since the last one lol and i cant wait. But keep up the good work, I hope you guys do this again next year!
    Winke Responds:
    David, Thanks, it did suck, to put it politely. I have been at it long enough to learn that you have to take this all in stride. You have your good days and your bad days. You try to all you can to avoid the bad ones, but they still come from time to time. The next shed show is scheduled for Monday. We are going to use it to stress test a new method of serving the videos so hit it as often as you can and try to crash the server! Kidding, but it will be a good test for our new system. Thanks. Bill
  • Like the Website
    scott from OH asks:
    Hi Bill. No question, just wanted to let you know how great this site is. I have been a huge fan of yours for years. I eagerly await Petersens Bowhunting every month. I credit your articles and Mark Drury's videos for my deer hunting success. Isn't bowhunting big bucks grand?
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, I appreciate the supprt and am glad that I was able to help you become a better deer hunter. It is a great adventure every day. Good luck.
  • Request Food Plot Episodes
    Jason from TX asks:
    Is anyone else having problems with the latest video. Bill I truly love the videos, and can never wait till the next one airs. However, the last video posted on March 29, seems to have some problems. It will not play more than three seconds of video without buffering some more. This is on an extremely high speed internet connection, with nothing else being used at the time. Needless to say I am unable to watch it. Thank you for what you are doing. Look forward to what is coming next. I hope it is not till the fall. I would enjoy watching videos of food plot management, and things like that during the summer. Thanks again, and God Bless!!
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, The guys serving my site have issues. I expect them to get that resolved soon. It is not just your computer. I will try to get out some food plot stuff this summer and a few short segments from some of the Deer Classics we visited. Also, I may post a couple of turkey hunts, to keep everyone on filming side sharp. Thanks for your support. Sorry about the problems.
  • How Can I Help?
    Jim from MI asks:
    Bill, I don't have a question. I just wanted you to know that I just watched the web shows again and when I got to the final show, I actually got choked up during the years' highlight portion. It made me realize the seasons were really over (even though I right this in March!). Oh well, only six and a half months till they come around again. I also want you to know how much I enjoy your web site. It gives me something to look at on the internet that's related to hunting. I wrote you once before and offered to help in any way I can. I'm retired and not in the best of health, but I do have time on my hands. Please let me know of anything I can do to further the cause. Thanks again for the site and I can't wait until August!!!!! Jim Shear
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, I sure appreciate the support. I think I will wait until I have the first few of next year's shows up and going before I promote the site really hard. I want to make sure there is plenty of content there. I only get one chance to make a first impression, so I will tap into your free time then. To be honest, I got a little choked up at the end of the season too! I'm with you on that. Thanks again.
  • Midwest Whitetail on Facebook
    Adam from PA asks:
    I wrote 2 postsdown but got cut off:We hunt a farm about 1800 acres just SE of Osceola, IA. Since 1998, as a nonresident, I have legally drawn 6 gun tags and this year a bow tag. I spent 15 days in Iowa this year. (10 in Nov and 5 in Jan.) This year on Nov 8th the day before your encounter, I get in the tree for the first time with a bow in Iowa. I got real lucky. A huge buck followed a doe right to me; I drew and shot, and made a bad shot. I stayed in my stand for 5hrs before I got down. I had hit the stomach, amazingly, 26 hours later, I found my buck. There is a lot more to the story, but it ended with a buck of lifetime. He is main 10 with 10 more points, he goes around 160” non-typ. To top it off, just before I shot he did a “roar”, only the 2nd time I heard it. Anyway, our hits were similar, I was blessed to find my deer. Anyway you asked for suggestions. Here is mine. Join Facebook.Com, and look for the “group” Mid-west whitetail, a fan started it up. Colton Cason is on it.
    Winke Responds:
    Adam, Congratulations on the buck. I had heard about it and went and checked it out. Actually one of the guys who helps produce the show, Drew Yarkosky, a college student locally, started the page. You are right, we need to use that page to do a little more networking for Midwest Whitetail. There are many hunters on Facebook. Thanks for the advice. I appreciate your support. Bill
  • Supporting MW's Sponsors
    Jeff from PA asks:
    Just wanted to post a comment to keep up the good work!! I really enjoyed watching your season as it unfolded this year. Can't wait for next year. As long as your producing, I'm watching and supporting your show and your sponsors. Best Regards, Jeff
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, Thanks. I really appreciate your support. It is because of this sort of support that we can keep producing the show. We should have a few surprises for you next year. We are doing some creative planning right now and if you look to the west you can probably see the smoke rising from our miniature brains running at 8,000 rpm. Best regards. Bill
  • Off-Season Shows
    will from MO asks:
    I have a few farms in north missouri not far from the iowa boarder. i live in southern missouri. with only little time available what is the best time to take a trip up to the north MO, southern IA area to shed hunt?...Also I just found the website. and i have to say it is AWESOME!!! love the show, and how you all break the hunt done for us viewers. Is there going to be a few new shows in the months to come. about shed hunting and food plot preparation? thanks will
    Winke Responds:
    Will, I will do a couple of off-season shows on those topics. One of the viewers requested a quick show on how we film the hunts, the equipment we use and how we use it, the lessons we learned this year, etc. I will definitely do that. It should be a fun one too. I think that around mid-February through the end of the month is a good time to find the sheds. This year, the deer seem to be dropping early so it might be a bit sooner than that. If you wait too much past that time you run the risk that squirrels will get the ones that drop in the timber. Good luck and thanks for your support. Bill
  • A Show about how we Film
    Carl from IA asks:
    Mr. Winke, Just want to say I watched every show!! Nice job! Can you show us the set-ups you use when filming? Along with what type of camera you use and the way you attach it to the tree? Also where you typically look for your sheds? Sound like another show!
    Winke Responds:
    Carl, That does sound like a good show. I wish I had thought of that. I'll plan something along those lines for a couple of weeks from now. I also want to do a little better job of producing a highlights show. I was pressed for time on this one and didn't probably get enough of our kills in there. Subscribe and you'll get an e-mail from me when I have that one done. Thanks. Bill
  • Doing the Show again in 2009
    Jared Cammenga from MI asks:
    will you be hosting this show again next hunting season?
    Winke Responds:
    Jared, Yes. We'll show a few off-season shows on shed antler hunting and food plots but will start back up with regular semi-live hunting action during the preseason, probably around Sept. 1.
  • Will You Produce a Video?
    Dan from IA asks:
    I was wondering if you are going to produce a video of your TV show because if you was going to I would buy it.
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, I think we will produce a diary of the season type DVD that would be a slightly different format from the show. In the menu, you would pick the hunter you want to follow rather than the hunt you want to watch and follow that person through the entire season. When I have it done, I'll let you know via my e-mail newsletter. If you have not signed up, you can do so on the home page. I keep those newsletters very short and to the point so as not to wear out my welcome. I like to use them to let people know when we have a new show uploaded. Thanks for your support. Bill
  • Mentioning Christ at Christmas
    Nathan from IA asks:
    Bill, I noticed that you twice said that the birth of Christ was the reason for the season. I am glad to see a talented hunter and writer as your self not afraid to put that out there. I look forward to meeting you at the deer classic this spring. I appreciate your work and have always enjoyed your articles. Keep up the good work. Nathan, South Central Iowa
    Winke Responds:
    Nathan, Thanks for your support. Yes, I am a born again Christian and as such I look at Christmas from much more of a personal perspective. That is when my savior was born. Pretty big event wouldn't you say? Thanks again for your support and Merry Christmas to you and your family. Looking forward to meeting you. Bill
  • Like What You are Doing
    Justin from MI asks:
    Bill, I have really enjoyed what you have been doing with your shows. I just found this sight a couple weeks ago so I have been trying to catch up. Keep up the great work. Will you be in MI anytime soon. If not where would be the closest you would come? I live in Grand Rapids, MI and would be interested in talking to you about your show and what your plans are for the future. My two brothers and I hunt mainly in ILL and have been managing for 5+ yrs. What you are doing is exactly what i would love to do someday. Keep up the great work. Hope to hear from you or meet you soon thanks Justin
    Winke Responds:
    Justin, I'm scheduled to be at the Deer Show in Grand Rapids on Jan 23 - Jan 25. Please come look me up at the Midwest Whitetail booth. I look forward to it. Bill
  • How can I help you Promote the Show?
    Tom from MN asks:
    Hi Bill I just wanted to say that I just got an e-mail about your site from G5 and I thought I would check it out. I'm truly impressed by how this site looks and the shows are awesome! This is exactly the kind of site I've been looking for. Especially since it will be involving the state that I call home, Minnesota. I was wondering how a person would go about becoming apart of this wonderful organization. I'm a bow hunter myself and an archery tech. at the Gander Mountain in Woodbury, MN. I'd like to possibly work something out with where I can help promote this site to other people. Let me know what you think. Otherwise I'll see you at the Whitetail Classic here in Minnesota and we can talk then. Once again thank you for a wonderful site and keep up the good work. Tom
    Winke Responds:
    Tom, Please look me up at the Classic. I'll be there from Mar 13-15. Things change rapidly with this project and what I say today might be different after I take a step back at the end of the season and re-evaluate where we are going next. I appreciate any support you can give us. Thanks. Bill