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Midwest Whitetail Pro Staff
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  • How do you select your pro staff members? How does one get considered?
    Gus from WI asks:
    I love the semi live show and I have read a ton of your articles in many different outdoor magizines. I was wondering how to become a part of the Midwest whitetail prostaff. How were these certain people from WI were selected?
    Winke Responds:
    Gus, If you will send us an e-mail at info@midwestwhitetail.com we can send you out some information. Thanks for the interest and support. Merry Christmas (12-15-11)
  • What would it take to get an Oklahoma team on the Great Plains show?
    Stephen from OK asks:
    Bill, i noticed in a previous response on 11/30/11 to a question that you would like a group from Oklahoma to add to the Great Plains show. I was curious to know what it would take to make that possible?
    Winke Responds:
    Stephen, I am all for it. We need a few more good groups in that series. The guys that are there do an awesome job, but a few more good groups from OK or even Wyoming, etc. would be welcome. If you are interested, please contact info@midwestwhitetail.com for application information. Thanks. Good luck. (12-8-11)
  • How does a person get on your pro staff?
    Allen from MO asks:
    What/how would I go about becoming one of your pro staff hunters? I've noticed that most of your staff seem to have another job that they make a living at so I guessing it does not pay all that well, but I have always wondered what it would take. Sure looks like a lot of fun if you have the time.
    Winke Responds:
    Allen, It actually doesn't pay at all. The guys (and gals) are awesome and they do it because they love videoing the hunts and having the professionally produced memories to share with family and friends and because they like helping other hunters to be more successful. That is the only motivation that will produce long-term enjoyment in the video pro staff side of any outdoor company. If you are still interested and think you have that kind of motivation, please e-mail us at info@midwestwhitetail.com and someone will send you the pro staff application info. Thanks for the interest and support. Good luck. (11-16-11)
  • I don't video yet, but I am interested in being on your pro staff. Is there a way I can be part of Midwest Whitetail?
    brandon from KY asks:
    hi my name is brandon im a big fan of the show and i was wondering if u were still looking for guys in kentucky id give anything to b a pro staff member and would do anything that would help midwest whitetail i havent filmed but i can learn i would b more than happy to b a camera man hunter or whatever id just love to have the chance to live my dream if u can help please let me know thanks and god bless ....
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, I keep saying this, but we will likely add KY to the list of shows soon. We normally want people with video experience. That means we look for guys that love the video part and not just the hunting part. If you are only thinking of getting into video so you can be on a pro staff, you will lose interest when you realize it is not as glamorous as you might first think. There is a lot of work that goes with getting good footage. It is not something that comes easy either. It is an art that can take a few years to perfect. Mess around with a low cost handicam and if you enjoy it, look for ways to improve and then maybe invest in some better equipment. I wouldn't jump into it until you know you really enjoy the video aspect. Good luck.
  • How can we be part of your Wisconsin pro staff?
    Gus from AL asks:
    What does it take to become a part of your Pro-Staff for Wisconsin. A buddy and I love all aspects about whitetail hunting. Are getting into the sport of filming our hunts. I just want to know how to can get the chance to be a part of the Pro staff. Thanks much.
    Winke Responds:
    Gus, Please e-mail us at info@midwestwhitetail.com and we'll send you the information. Have a great day and thanks for the interest.
  • Would you be interested in a father son team for your pro staff?
    Randy from PA asks:
    Hi Bill. my name is Randy Heysham and I hail from Elkland, Pennsylvania. I was wondering if you needed another father and son team for your prostaff. I am going to be 61 years old and am semi-retired and my son has a busy job but we still usually get in about 5 weeks of hunting. you can see some of our stufff at our website, heyshamarcheryadventures.com please let me know if we can help in any way. thankyou, Randy
    Winke Responds:
    Randy, That sounds like it would be a good combo. We have a regular application process. Please e-mail us at info@midwestwhitetail.com and we'll forward the application form. Thanks for your interest. Good website, by the way. Have a great Easter.
  • How can I try out for your pro staff?
    David Prittinen from MI asks:
    Mr. Winke, my name is Dave Prittinen and I live in Bridgman, MI. Thats SW Michigan 15 minutes or so from the Indiana border. My family and close friends are all avid hunters, primarily bowhunting. We are going to start filming this year and was wondering what the process is about trying out to make your team. Is there a place I can send video's too. If anything some advice about how you got to where you are. Thanks for your time and have a great day.
    Winke Responds:
    David, Please send an e-mail to info@midwestwhitetail.com and we'll send you out the application information. Thanks for the interest. Good luck.
  • How do I join your pro staff?
    Pat from MN asks:
    I was just wondering on how to join your pro-staff. I am a Minnesota man and am on a lot of good bucks. I love to film hunts and have done a little bit of filming down in Missouri this fall. I was just wondering how to become pro staff because I just want to be part of Midwest Whitetails...Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Pat, If you will send us a request at info@midwestwhitetail.com we will get the pro staff application information out to you. Thanks for the interest.
  • Small world - I saw the Nipperts from your OH pro staff when I was getting my license in IL last fall.
    Chris from LA asks:
    Just thought I'd share this with ya...Back in early November when I was at Farm King in Macomb Illinois purchasing my license, I was standing in line behind these two guys with full beards that were a little taller than me (I'm 6'4")and close to the same age as me. At that time my buddy in line with me whipered over to me and said "I'll bet they're baseball players are something". Well when I saw the video of the Nippert brothers taking that nearly 180" deer I recognized them. Then I read their profile and found at that they were both major league players at one time and one of them had just got finished with the World Series with the Texas Rangers. It is definitely a small world.
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, That is funny. You should have given them a big hug. They are cool guys. I would like to have seen the look on their faces when you did that! Thanks for the note and for your support.
  • How can my friends and I apply for the Midwest Whitetail pro staff?
    Roger from IN asks:
    Bill....How can my group of friends and I get involved in the pro-staff? I am attending the Campbell Cameras video school in April and we are looking for a starting point in this industry. Any insight or opportunity would be greatly appreciated. We have been doing random filming and are looking for a place to get our footage recognized. Thank You! Roger
    Winke Responds:
    Roger, Send us an e-mail at info@midwestwhitetail.com. We'll get you the application information. Thanks for the interest.
  • Will you be looking for more pro staff this coming year? What should I do to apply?
    Jarred from OH asks:
    Mr. Winke, I really love the show and the passion your staff has for hunting whitetails. Will the state shows be adding new pro staffers for the upcoming season as in years past? If so, how would I go about applying? Thanks for your time and best of luck on the remainder of your season.
    Winke Responds:
    Jared, Thanks for your support. We are always looking to add quality teams to the pro staff. If are intersted, send an e-mail to info@midwestwhitetail.com and we'll send you out the application information.
  • How do I get on the Midwest Whitetail pro staff?
    Brad Stromberg from MI asks:
    hey bill! first and foremost great work with midwest whitetail. i keep up with the online show every week. i was just curious on how to get on the midwest whitetail pro staff
    Winke Responds:
    Brad, Thanks for the support and the interest. Please send us an e-mail to info@midwestwhitetail.com and we'll send you the application information. Have a great day.
  • I have a great piece of land where we are seeing lots of big bucks. I think our land would be a great addition to your show.
    James from AL asks:
    Hello Say I am hunting some woods that have the bigest bucks I have ever seen and I have been hunting for 40 years. My son 2 years ago shot a 15 pointer six inch bases scored 168. How ever we have a buck on video that make his deer look like a baby and the woods is all swamp and small patches of woods. I just can never see him during the day I have past up small eight's and nice nine pointer we manage our woods so that no 2 or 3 year buck gets shot and we only archery hunt I sure would love to show you this property I see deer every day this year I have seen more bucks thens does my woods would my a great addition to your program come check us out I have photos of all the wall mounters still running the woods thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
    Winke Responds:
    James, Sounds like an awesome spot. We don't want to invade your awesome hunting area. However, I do want to see photos of these bucks when you get them. I am sure that with careful hunting, eventually one of them will step out during daylight. My guess is that it will be soon, near a food plot. We are starting to see some mature bucks heading to food right now as they feed a bit and then look for does in the process. Once this week is over, I expect most of the activity to go back to nocturnal as the bucks fall into strictly feeding patterns so make the most of it. Please send the photos to info@midwestwhitetail.com. Good luck.
  • Will you ever consider adding an OK pro staff team?
    Cody from AL asks:
    Mr.Winke do you think that you would ever add an Oklahoma team to your pro staff.
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, It is something we are considering. We might just add OK to the Great Plains show to represent that region. Good luck this fall.
  • What was the guy thinking when he took the frontal shot at the buck?
    sean from IN asks:
    What in the world was the gentleman from MN in their latest episode thinking when he shot at that deer while the buck was looking straight up at him. This is one video I will show my child on what not to do. I love the show, but this shot was terrible. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Sean, Agreed. I talked to the guys about this and it won't happen again. Thanks for your support.
  • Likes the Christian environment at Midwest Whitetail.
    Dennis McDannald from IN asks:
    I just wanted to send you an email thanking you for being a great sportsman, but most importantly a man of God! I am a student ministry pastor in southern indiana. I remember when you did the broadhead shootout and go to donate money to your choice charity and you picked your church! Awesome. That hooked me to follow your stuff! Also, noticed that Ryan and Ame Fischer are believers too. she mentioned her hubby sometimes reads his Bible in the stand! Awesome! It would be great to find their email somehow to let them know as well! Just wanted to say thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Dennis, I appreciate your support. I will reply to you privately with some contact information. I hope you have a great day and thanks for being a valuable part of God's work in southern Indiana.
  • Are you looking for more pro staff members from Indiana? How do I apply?
    zach from IN asks:
    hey winke love your show!! just wonder if you guys are looking for any more prostaffers in Indiana and what it takes thanks zach ps keep up the good work!!
    Winke Responds:
    Zach, Please send in a request to info@midwestwhitetail.com and someone will get the information out to you. It is probably too late for this season, but we can get you some information to look at and maybe it will work out for next year. Thanks for the interest.
  • How do you become a pro staffer for Midwest Whitetail?
    joe from PA asks:
    How do you become a midwest whitetail pro staffer and do you have any requirements?
    Winke Responds:
    Joe, Send us a note at info@midwestwhitetail.com and someone will provide the information via e-mail. Thanks for the interest.
  • Do you pay the pro staff?
    mohammad ali from MI asks:
    hey bill im just curious, do you pay your pro staff of they just want to make the shows for free.
    Winke Responds:
    Mohammad, I don't pay the pro staff, at large. They do it because they love video taping deer hunts and because they want to be part of something. At least that is why I would do it. I do, however, pay the guys who actually put the shows together.
  • Please consider having your pro staff post pictures of their trophy room on the website; possibly make available to the public.
    Bobby from IL asks:
    Hey Bill, I was wondering if it would be possible to perhaps ask the members of the teams to take pictures of their trophy rooms or basements (wherever they mount all of their deer) and post the pictures in your pictures section. I would also like to know if you could make that option available to the public too and just create a folder in the pictures section to show them all off. To avoid getting millions of pictures of single deer heads, I would ask the members and public to only submit photos of whole trophy rooms. I am always excited to see an awesome trophy room and I am also looking for ideas for mine as well. I am sure people are always willing to show them off! Thanks again, stay safe and have a great season!
    Winke Responds:
    Bobby, That is a great idea. I will checkw with my website developers to see what is involved in that process. Have a great day and thanks for your support.
  • Why does the Missouri pro staff have only their 2009 hit lists posted on the site?
    Jesse from MO asks:
    I am new to midwest whitetails this year and think that it is a great web site. One thing that i don't really understand is why when i go to the missouri prostaff, they all have hit lists for the 2009 season. I have watched their hit list shows and know that they have them. It would make it easier to read the blog's because a lot of times they reference to a name of a deer on their hit list and then you could back to their profile and know what deer they are talking about. I spend a lot of time doing the same things that the pro staffers do and enjoy reading and watching others success.
    Winke Responds:
    Jesse, We haven't received the photos of their new hit lists yet. I need to get on everyone to get that stuff coming in. I agree. It makes it more interesting when the current year hit list are posted. I'll push the guys to get us the pictures and descriptions. Good luck this season and I appreciate your support.
  • Do you get special deer tags and permits because you have a hunting show?
    Tyler from MN asks:
    Hello Happy Hunting! Goodluck on bowhunter opening this weekend, in MN! I have a question regarding the amount of deer tag your staff seems to use. How are your staff members able to tag multiple bucks in one season? In MN, we are only allowed one buck per season. Do you get special permits and treatment because you have a hunting show? Do you have to buy non-resident permits when you travel to other states to hunt? Thanks Tyler
    Winke Responds:
    Tyler, No, not because we have a hunting show. A number of the guys are hunting in urban zones around the Twin Cities. If you watch the shows carefully you will see that a number of them are always talking about the challenges they face in this urban setting. Each municipality basically sets their own deer hunting (to remove the surplus) regulations. We have to follow all the same laws as everyone else. Sometimes we get held to an even higher standard and scrutinized more closely than others. But it is still the law. We follow the same ones everyone else follows.
  • Do any of your pro staff do food plot work in western IL?
    Jim from MA asks:
    Hi Bill great site... I own 105 ac in Schuyler Co. IL. I live out of state, and I'm looking for someone that could plant and maintain our food plots for next season. Does any of your pro staff guys do that type of work, and is looking to earn some extra cash? Thanks Jim
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, I will put the word out to the guys and see what I can come up with. Have a great day.
  • Hunt the big woods of Wisconsin and would like to bring a new angle to the web shows.
    Paul from WI asks:
    Bill, I live and hunt in NW WI. Sawyer, Bayfield and Ashland Counties to be exact. I mostly hunt BIG wood, public land but on occasion a little private. I do not have the luxury of food plots in the public lands but have had a lot of success. I have 45 years of hunting experience and am a certified measurer for WBBC,B&C and P&Y. A bunch of video experience too! I think that I can offer some unique angles on whitetail hunting, not just the rehashed staff about big woods seen in the past. While it may be late to get started this year in being on a MWW staff would you consider something in the future?
    Winke Responds:
    Paul, It sounds like you have a lot of valuable experience to offer. We need more input from the big woods/public land angle. We will get you the application very soon. Thanks for your support of the show and interest in being a part of it.
  • Can you send me information about being a member of your pro staff?
    Jason from WI asks:
    I also have a question about how to become a pro staffer like calvin from OH asked, because i dedicate alot of time into hunting and just dont have a starting point as of right now and was wondering if you could give some pointers on where and how to start out. I was also wondering if scott can send me an application as well? Thank you for your time Jason K from, WI
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, I have your e-mail address, I'll ask him to send you an e-mail. Thanks for your support and interest in the show.
  • Are you considering any more pro staff for Wisconsin?
    Jason Ruebl from WI asks:
    Hi Bill, Its Jason again in Eagle WI (I know Kurt)just checking in How are things looking for another pro staffer in WI.
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, We are always open to considering new teams. I will have Scott send you an application that details the process. Thanks for your interest. Have a great day.
  • How can learn about being on the IN pro staff?
    Robby Woodruff from IN asks:
    Hello, My wife and i spoke with some of the Pro Staff at the recent QNMA show in Louisville. We would like to know if their are an openings to be on the Pro Staff for Indiana. My wife Robyn and I have been hunting together for the last 8 years and feel we could contibute to the show. We have noticed that their are not alot of husband wife teams on the prostaff and feel we could become a great asset to your company. Look forward to hearing from you Thanks for your time. Have a SAFE hunting season Robby
    Winke Responds:
    Robby, I will have Scott Prucha get the application information to you regarding the pro staff. Thanks for considering this commitment. Have a great day.
  • How do I get on the pro staff or become a professional hunter?
    calvin from OH asks:
    I am 19 years old and i am starting to become very serious about hunting whitetails. I have never killed a big buck but i just bought a trail camera and have been getting consistant pictures of a buck that i think would score around 160. My question is what does it take to become a pro staff member for this show or a proffesional hunter period.
    Winke Responds:
    Calvin, I get that question quite a bit. Really, it takes experience. To be good at anything you have to spend a lot of time doing it and trying to improve on every aspect of your performance. That goes for both hunting and filming. We have a developmental pro staff for guys that want to be involved as they learn to film and hunt with a camera. That might be a good place to start. It may take a while to graduate, but at least you have some kind of a starting point. I will have Scott send you an application and you can take a look to see if you are interested.
  • How can we be considered for members of the pro staff? Maybe an Oklahoma team?
    Chris from OK asks:
    Huge fan Bill, I see that you get alot of questions about becoming a part of the MWW team. That being said my brother is a U.S. Marine and will be returning from Afganistan in Sept. of this year. Long story short we will be well qualified to support your team in and out of the woods. Maybe you could point us in the right direction to possibly becoming your Oklahoma Team. I know its a long shot but it was worth taking the time and by the way great shows from everyone at MWW keep up the great work and thanks for taking the time to read. Thanks Chris
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, We would be happy to take a look at you. Please contact Scott Prucha at scott@midwestwhitetail.com. Scott is handling all the new team applications. We are always looking for good talent and have set up a way to incorporate people into the filmiing process and help them learn if they don't have a lot of experience. Some people come right in as strong pro staff members and others need to be developed a little bit. The application process is designed to help us determine which category each applicant falls into. Thanks for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
  • How can I get in contact with the OH show producers?
    Ryan from OH asks:
    Hi Mr. Winke. I love the show and have seen each one a few times. I recently moved to Ohio and I was wondering if I could get the contact info for the Ohio show producers. I am here for school so I don't have a ton of time to prep, scout out land, etc. for the upcoming hunt and I want to ask them a few questions. Thank you very much for the show and your help. Ryan
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, I will pass your name and e-mail address along to Jason Huntsman and I'm sure he will contact you when he gets some free time. Thanks for supporting the shows. I really appreciate it.
  • How do I apply for the pro staff?
    Nathan from VA asks:
    How do you apply for a prostaff or team spot? Im in Va and hunt Va, Wv and OH and mostly public land in all three states. Thanks Nathan Killen
    Winke Responds:
    Nate, I will have Scott Prucha get ahold of you. He is handling the pro staff. I am not sure we have the perfect show for you to be on, but we would love to get a look at your camera skills and see if it makes sense to find you one. Thanks.
  • How many new teams did you add to the pro staff?
    Jodi from MO asks:
    Bill, Have all selections been made for the new teams to be added to the MW pro staff? If so, how many new teams were added per state?
    Winke Responds:
    Jodi, I think we added about 15 total teams to the state shows. We are still taking in a few applications from those who came along late, but pretty soon we will have to cut it off so that we can get the teams up to speed on how we do things.
  • How can apply for the Midwest Whitetail pro staff?
    TYRON from MO asks:
    I am a avid hunter, and i was wondering how would i go about becoming a member of midwest whitetail? It says u live in southern iowa. I do most of my hunting in north central missouri in Mercer county. I live in southwest missouri but have accsess to almost 600 acres. And have killed a good number of deer. In a nutshell i was just trying to get some info on home i could become apart of the team, even if it is on a trial basis i would be willing to do it such as record a couple of hunts and submit them to see if u like them. My hunting partner is also a avid hunter and we both shoot hoyt.His father also shot for hoyt for about 4 years. We will be in mercer late may early july planting food plots. Looking forward to hearing from u soon
    Winke Responds:
    Tyron, Scott Prucha is handling the applications for the pro staff this year. He can send you the information via e-mail and you can go from there. His e-mail address is scott@midwestwhitetail.com. Good luck and thanks for your interest.
  • Do you still need more pro staff members for Midwest Whitetail?
    Mitchell Lockwood from MO asks:
    Is Midwest Whitetails looking for more pro staff, and if so how could i get a video to you and what requirements do you have?
    Winke Responds:
    Mitchell, If you can contact Scott Prucha (scott@midwestwhitetail.com) he can get you the details you need to apply for the pro staff. Thanks for the interest.
  • What does being on the pro staff entail?
    Mike from OH asks:
    Could you give me a basic discription of what being a Pro Staff member entails? I Would just like to add a word of thanks and good job by the Ohio Team Thank, Mike
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Thanks. The pro staff's number one responsibility is to educate and entertain through the use of video footage. To do a good job of that, they need to have a teammate or video/hunting partner. It is really hard to self-film a hunt that tells an enjoyable story. There are too many parts of that story that are missing when self-filming. The pro staff has to use the sponsor gear and they have to use a camera that meets a certain minimum for quality. This is really ideal for people who already love to film hunts. There is a learning curve and we aren't opposed to helping people work their way up the learning curve, but sometimes people with limited experience wash out because of the difficulty of getting a good hunt on film.
  • Will a Sony XR200V work for filming my hunts?
    austin from MO asks:
    hey bill i was wondering i got the sony hdr-xr200v would that work and when does the aplication sheets need to be turned in
    Winke Responds:
    Austin, It would be very marginal. The sensors on those handycam camcorders are just so small and the image generally gets very noisy in low light. In general, they do poorly in low light. They just can't gather much light with that small lens. It is fine for practice, but if you get really serious, you will need to upgade to a three sensor camera such as the basic GL2. It is inexpensive but good enough. It the low end of what we want folks to use. Generally, you can pick them up used on Ebay for around $800 to $900. We need the applications by sometime in mid-April.
  • When do I need to get my application sent in by for the pro staff?
    austin from MO asks:
    HEY, BILL I WAS WONDERING WHEN THE MW APPLICATIONS NEED TO BE SCENT IN BY AND ARE YOU GOIN TO BE AT COLUMBIA MO DEER CLASSICS THIS WEEKEND THANKS
    Winke Responds:
    Austin, Midwest Whitetail will have a booth at the MO Deer Classic in Columbia. The MO pro staff will man that booth. Stop by if you will be there. If you get the apps to us by the end of April, that should be early enough.
  • Can you give me information on applying for the pro staff?
    Eric from IA asks:
    Hey, was wondering if you had any more information on the applications for becoming pro staff members? Love the shows and watch all of them. Also can't wait to see the wrap up of the hit list bucks and which ones were checked off the list for next years show.
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, Scott Prucha is handling the pro staff for me this year. You can reach him at scott@midwestwhitetail.com and he can get you the information you need to apply. I am going to put out a video Blog about the hit list sometime next week. Thanks.
  • What about the Kansas show? Can I apply for the pro staff?
    Kris from KS asks:
    Bill, If you guys decide to have a show in Kansas I would love to apply to be on your pro-staff team. Please keep us informed if you decide to have a show how we need to apply. I have been hunting for several years and would love to show what Kansas has to offer. I have been glued to your show this season and can't get enough. I have watched every episode from every state and you all have done a great job showing real hunts! Thank you for all of your hard work! Kris
    Winke Responds:
    Kris, Thanks much for your support. We may as well just get the process started and then we have that out of the way in case it all comes together. Scott Prucha is handling the pro staff for me this year. You can contact him at scott@midwestwhitetail.com and he will get you the application information. Thanks for the interest. Have a great day.
  • Is there any need for more pro staff from Pennsylvania?
    Frank from PA asks:
    Hello Bill, I had a quick question about your staff. Would it be possible to add some more people from Pennsylvania. I am a young bow hunter (actually just turned 18 today) and I am very interested in being apart of your show somehow. If you could please email me some time. Thanks alot.
    Winke Responds:
    Frank, We are getting that squared away right now. I'll get you some information on applying soon. Thanks for the interest.
  • Any interest in a Virginia show? We might be able to help.
    Steohen from VA asks:
    Bill, I am huge fan of Midwest Whitetail. I wanted to know if you have any plans on doing a show out of Virginia? If so, my wife and I are avid hunters and we would love to help you guys and be apart of Midwest Whitetail! We have our own site www.mvp-outdoors.com, it is small and basic for now but we aspire to have a show as you do today. You guys are doing a great job! God Bless!
    Winke Responds:
    Steohen, Thanks for the support. Right now, I don't have a VA show on my planning horizon. However, there may be a possibility in the future. Please stay in contact. Have a great day and thanks again for the interest.
  • How can I apply for the PA pro staff?
    Eric from PA asks:
    hey Bill i do some serious bow hunting here in pa and would love to be part of your Northeast pro staff how could i do so thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, I will be posting something on the Blog soon about this and will try to also contact you personally with information how to apply. Thanks for the interest. I really appreciate it.
  • How can my buddy and I become pro staff members for Wisconsin?
    BJ from WI asks:
    How can my hunting partner and I become members of the Wisconsin Pro Staff?
    Winke Responds:
    BJ, I will be putting information out in a few weeks about this. I will post something on the website and will reply directly to as many people as possible, but in general we are going to entertain new pro staff for each show, but we will need some materials to look at in the selection process. As stated, I'll get that information out in the blog in the next few weeks. Thanks for the interest.
  • Are you going to be adding pro staff this year?
    Carl from IA asks:
    Bill, Will you be looking for any new pro staff next year? My friend and I would love to be part of your show. We hunt Dubuque County and Jackson County. I think we could bring you some great hunts. Thanks for your time.
    Winke Responds:
    Carl, Yes, I am sure we will add some more pro staff. We have learned alot from this past year so the pro staff won't be quite so easy to enter. I am going to expect people to work their way in. It is harder work than people think and we had a high number of folks drop out this past year without actually contributing anything. So I am going to handle it a bit differently. However, to answer your question, yes we are always looking. Contact me at the end of January and I'll have the information you need compiled and ready to hand out. Thanks for your interest and for your support.
  • Is SE Iowa the best place in the country for deer hunting?
    Josh from KY asks:
    I have always heard south east Iowa has the best deer hunting. Is this true? One more question. What about a Ky show? I've been following MW.com since the beginning we spoke through e-mail a few times just wondering how to be apart of what you are doing. Thanks so much for the show and the Christian influences you share through it. May GOD bless you and your family.
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, As in most of the Midwest, the neighborhood determines how good the deer hunting will be. There are no broad regions that are good across the boards. However, there are probably as many good neighborhoods in SE Iowa as anywhere. But that doesn't mean that the very best neighborhood in the country for big deer is SE Iowa. I would guess it is probably in northcentral KS or possibly a few areas of IL or even western Iowa. There are a lot of good neighborhoods out there. I know there are a few in Kentucky too. I am not sure on the KY show. That is one of my priorities for the off-season, trying to put that together. Thanks for your support. God bless you and your family too.
  • Do you need a pro staff person from NW Ohio?
    Dusty from OH asks:
    have you guys considered a pro staff for north west ohio thats where im from.
    Winke Responds:
    Dusty, I would love to consider you for any open slots (we will have a few). Please get back in touch with me at the end of January and I'll have the particulars about what we are looking for and what you have to do to apply. Thanks for the interest. I appreciate it. Merry Christmas.
  • Do you have any girls on your Indiana pro staff?
    Sarah from IN asks:
    i was wondering, in indiana do you have any girls on the pro staff?
    Winke Responds:
    Sarah, We don't have any currently, but that doesn't rule out adding some. If you are interested, please get back in touch with me in late January and I'll have the plan for 2010 and can tell you how to apply for the pro staff. Thanks for the interest.
  • How can I get on the Indiana show?
    Austin from IN asks:
    Hi Bill, I just had a question, how would I ever be able to get on the midwest whitetail show Indiana.Or is there really just no way?
    Winke Responds:
    Austin, It is possible. I will be figuring out my plans for 2010 and will have those finalized by late January. Please contact me at that time and I'll get you the information you will need to apply for the pro staff. Thanks for the interest.
  • Do you need any more pro staff people for Wisconsin?
    Marc from WI asks:
    Hello, I'm from Southwestern Wisconsin were we have great farm land that produces great hunts. I would love to join the team. Let me know if you would like to see some of the potential I would offer to the show. I hunt on 350 private acres of farm land that we take 150" + bucks years after year. Look forward to hearing from you. Marc
    Winke Responds:
    Marc, We will probably be looking to add to the pro staff next season, but I am not giving that process too much time right now. Please contact me after the season (late January) and I'll know my needs at that time and can pass along information on how to apply for the pro staff. Thanks for the interest.
  • What do I need to do to be considered for the Michigan pro staff?
    Matthew from MI asks:
    Bill, How do I become a pro staff member, for Midwest whitetail Michigan, I'm sure you get this question a lot. I am an experienced hunter that focuses on mature deer in Hillsdale and Lenawee county. I hunt good ground with my best friend. He also hunts just like me, we put out alot of trail cameras to get setup on the best deer. We have a 120 minimum. I am a QDMA member and part of the crooked horn co-op of South Central Michigan. I will be looking forward to hearing your response, thanks in adavance for your time. Thanks Matthew Halleck
    Winke Responds:
    Matthew, It is a good resume. Please contact me in late January so I can give you a better idea of where we are at and what we need. I am sure we will need to add a few. I can get you information at that time on how to apply. Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
  • How can I get involved in Midwest Whitetail?
    Dan from MO asks:
    How do you get involved with providing you with video footage or becoming a part of MidWest Whitetail team. I consider myself an experienced hunter who has takes good bucks on a consistent basis. Thank you
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, We welcome applications for the pro staff, but please contact me again after the season. I'll have a better idea what we need and what we need to do differently then and I can get you all the information you need to apply. Thanks for your interest.
  • How are the guys from Kansas doing? Will you have a Kansas show next year?
    Tiodd Wilson from KS asks:
    HI MR Winke I am curios to how the kansas boys are doing. I was also wondering if you are going to put a Kansas Banner. You have a great site and keep up the good work. Todd Wilson
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, We are getting regular updates from them but they haven't had any serious encounters with their hit list bucks nor have they shot anything at this time. I think we will have a show dedicated to the Great Plains next year (KS, NE, SD and ND). Thanks for your interest and your support.
  • How can I be part of the Iowa pro staff?
    chuck from IA asks:
    would die to be part of team iowa! lots of knowlege, hunted southern iowa all my life! What do I do?
    Winke Responds:
    Chuck, Get back with me after the season and I'll give you some information on how to apply for the pro staff. Thanks for your interest and good luck hunting.
  • How can I be part of the Wisconsin team?
    Ron H Jr. from WI asks:
    How could I become a part of Team Wisconsin?
    Winke Responds:
    Contact me after the season and I'll get you some information about applying. Thanks for your interest.
  • How can I be part of the pro staff?
    Daniel from MO asks:
    My question is similar to one posted already by a viewer who is about to get out of the Army. With that being said I am an avid outdoorsman and would like to be able to do it more. I know that if I were involved in something similar to what Midwest Whitetail does then that would be great. I guess what I am saying is that I would like to become a part of the pro-staff here at Midwest Whitetail. If nothing else as a full time cameraman. For me it is simply the thrill of being in the woods and being part of what God intended us to do, be stewards of his creation. I know that it is in the middle of the season and I do not expect a response any time soon but if you could let me know when you can it would be greatly appreciated.
    Winke Responds:
    Daniel, I appreciate the interest and encourage you to get back in touch with us after the season. We may be looking to add a few to the pro staff at that time and I can pass along information on how to apply. Thanks for the support.
  • When is the best time to talk with you about possibly being part of the pro staff?
    Devin from MO asks:
    Hey Bill I was wondering what all was needed to join the pro staff? I am thinking about buying the Canon GL1,if the videos were good and what else is required? Also what time of the year would i talk to you about an opening spot?
    Winke Responds:
    Devin, Please get back with me after the season. I will know much more at that time and I can pass along information about applying for any open spots. Thanks for your interest.
  • Will you be having a KY team next year?
    Jacob from KY asks:
    I have been a fan ever since last year when i logged on to realtree.com i saw one of your videos on the side i watched instantly hooked went to you website now being a second year fan i have watched every video on this website love your shows. Well i was wondering about a Kentucky pro staff? I am 17 years old i film my hunts and run trail cameras all year long and practice qdma. Well it would be a pleassure to be apart of this great pro staff. I talk to Mike Earp sometimes from Missouri pro staff hes really cool and has contributed to the show very well this past year. Sorry about the great 8 you will get on him shortly. God bless, Jacob Latimer
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, I am not sure on the KY show for next year, but it is probably a go. I will know better when this season ends and I get a chance to catch my breath. Please check with me after the season. I appreciate the interest and thanks for the encouragement on the Great 8.
  • What kind of cameras do you require for your pro staff?
    Jerehmy Griffiths from WI asks:
    Hey Bill, I have a question about possibly joining the pro staff. I was wondering was kind of cameras you require? And what are the benifits of joining your pro staff? I have a great passion for stick and string hunting and seem to be quiet succesful. I've killed 4 P&Y in the last 6 years with 2 being 160 class. I guess I like to hear your thoughts on what it takes or requires to make the pro staff or any other pro staff? I was wondering also how would be a good way to get my name out there to possibly be picked up someone? Thanks keep up the good work.
    Winke Responds:
    Jerehmy, We use a combination. Most of the guys use something along the lines of the Canon GL2, some carry HDV cameras like the Canon XHA1 and Sony FX7. We don't permit handycams because the image control is not good enough. You need a good manual focus ring because you are going to use that on nearly encounter and you need a camera that does well in low light and the handy cams generally can't deliver that. Get back in touch with us after the season and we'll get out more information about the pro staff.
  • Can I join the pro staff if I live in Canada?
    philip from ON asks:
    can i join the pro staff if live in Canada
    Winke Responds:
    Philip, Please contact me after the season and I will have an answer for you. I won't rule anything out at this point. Good luck.
  • Does your pro staff have to use the sponsor's products?
    Brian from MO asks:
    Is it necessary to shoot a hoyt bow to be a part of your pro staff? How about stands? I use a tree saddle and wouldnt dream of using a conventinal stand. You have a great show and I would love to be part of it! Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, Thanks for watching the shows. I appreciate it. We have to support our sponsor's products as much as possible. Not every single pro staff member has all the sponsor products but they are working to acquire them. Bottomline, we have to support the companies that make this possible. It is impossible for me to put this together without making some money at it because it takes tons of time and sponsors are the ones that help me in that regard. So long-term we will be supporting their products every year.
  • Proud of his daughter's hunt on the Ohio show.
    Tony from NY asks:
    Not quite a question but would like to congratulate my daughter Lisa and her husband Josh prater on there hunt and on her first Bow Kill! Watching these guys go out there and face the elements, having patience and the skill to finally bag what they were out there to get! The producers out there who aired and narrated the sequences up the the finality were very much professionals.Really didnt think my daughter had it in her to do it but hey, I guess she gets her traits from me! I have did a lil hunting when I was younger, upstate New York, but my daughter has given me the incentive to get back and get out there get some pointers, yes from my son inlaw Josh and daughter Lisa. And who knows, beginners luck might get me my first large crown! Thank you Winke for giving Josh and Lisa the opportunity to show there skill and teamwork to all! From The DAD! Tony out of N.Y.C.
    Winke Responds:
    Tony, I agree with you. I thought it was a great hunt and a great show. I enjoyed their story and you have every right to be proud of what they have done. Jason Huntsman does a great job with that show. He is the one who puts it together each week. Have a great day.
  • How can my buddy and I join the pro staff?
    william from OH asks:
    How can my buddy and i become a team on the ohio pro staff
    Winke Responds:
    William, Contact us after the season and we can get you some information on applying. Thanks for your interest.
  • How do I get involved with your pro staff here in Kentucky?
    Jacob from MO asks:
    Dear Bill, I am a 17 year old From Kentucky and i have wathed every episode read every blog that you guys have made. My passion is the outdoors and deer hunting especially. I film on my 113 acre farm and we also have a 168 acre farm that we hunt and film on as well. And i talk to one of your pro staff members all the time Mike Earp from the Missouri show. Well my question is how do i become part of the prostaff? Good luck out in the feild. God bless!
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, Please get in touch with us after the season. We are focused on hunting right now, but will shift gears toward considering any openings in the pro staff for next season after we wrap up this season. Thanks for your interest and support.
  • How can I get involved in what you are doing?
    Allen from PA asks:
    How would i get involved in something like you guys are doing? Videoing, Hunting, and Being part of a team. I'm very interested. Thanks Allen
    Winke Responds:
    Allen, Get a hold of us after the season and we'll offer some information on applying for the pro staff, if you are still interested. Thanks for supporting the show.
  • Is there a way that my family can be part of your show up here in Wisconsin?
    Bob from WI asks:
    I'm from Eau Claire, Wi, recently found Midwest Whitetails. What an awesome format, watched every show over 2 week period and impatiently await them each day. My compliments on a great product. I have 2 girls and a boy sandwiched inbetween. They are 7,8 and 9. I have begun to take them to the stand with me and will be having my wife along to try to do some amateur filming this year mostly for memories. She's interested in learning to edit and produce family videos. What I'm wondering is if it turns into something serious and quality would you be interested in us as a family growing into the sport as staff for Wisconsin? If we get to that point, I use some of the sponsors but have no problem making those switches at my own expense. I'm a hospital pharmacist and work 7 on 7 off so have some time, my wife is a stay at home mom. I have a couple quality private properties and hunt public lands along the Eau Claire River. I'd probably need to expand. Let me know what you think, Thanks, Marty
    Winke Responds:
    Bob, I appreciate the support. Thanks. Get in contact with us after the season and we'll get you some information on applying for the pro staff and we'll take it from there. The 7 on 7 off must be a lot of fun. Good luck.
  • How can my sons and I apply for a spot on your pro staff?
    Steve from MN asks:
    Hi my name is steve and i live in the south western part of minnesota. I have been hunting ever since is was 5 years old. I am 47 up to this date. I have two kids one is 15 and one is 18. I was just wondering if there is any way me and my two kids could join ur prostaff. thanks. steve
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, Contact us after the season and we'll get you some information on how to apply for any open slots. Thanks for your support.
  • I am from Oklahoma, is there a way to be considered for the MW pro staff?
    Austin from OK asks:
    Mr. Winke, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy the show. It’s nice to know there are other people out there like me. I know this is a very busy time of the year for you and I’m sure you get hundreds of emails like this, but I just wanted to express my interest in being part of the Midwest Whitetail team. I am from Oklahoma and will also be hunting in Kansas this year. I was not sure if you were thinking of expanding to an Oklahoma team for which you might need prostaff, or if you might want some satellite prostaff for the Main show. Just this last Saturday, Oct. 10, I shot a nice buck and doe with my bow while videoing myself. I was able to get both shots on film along with a couple of minutes of footage of them feeding. The buck was a main frame nine with several kickers and a tine that grew out the back of his main beam for a total of 14 points. I’m guessing he will gross somewhere close to 140 and was at least 3 ½. I also have several hundred trail cam photos and e
    Winke Responds:
    Austin, Congrats on the great buck. We are likely to produce a Great Plains show for 2010 and that might offer some opportunities. Please contact me after the season and I'll get out some information about how to apply. Thanks for the interest.
  • Do you ever take hunts from guys that aren't part of the pro staff?
    Chris from IL asks:
    Do you take videos from hunters that aren't pro staff members? If you do, how can you get them submitted? Thanks. Chris Learned
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, We sometimes do, but it is very rare. The biggest issue we have in that regard is gear. Our agreement with the sponsors is that we only use their stuff. So when the footage comes in it may have a different bow or different camo, etc. and we simply can't use it. Also, we try to keep the stories going from the intro/pre-season time on through the season. We often have dead times when we don't have much going on and that would be a good time for a guest hunt, but when things are really breaking loose in November, we don't have the room for guest hunts. I hope that answers your question. If you have something in particular, please let me know and I can address it in more detail.
  • How can I get on the Maryland pro staff?
    craig from MD asks:
    How would I get onto the Maryland Pro Staff? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Craig, It is too late for this year. Jeff Frey and Todd Herrman are producing that for me and I think Jeff called an official end to adding any new guys to that show about three weeks ago. It is hard to get everyone up to speed in time to contribute so we have to enforce a cutoff. However, there may be some openings next year. Please check with me after the season and I'll share information with you on how to apply for any of those open slots. Thanks for your interest.
  • How can I get on your Indiana pro staff?
    Ryan from IN asks:
    I was wondering about the possibility of joining your team. I've been deer hunting in the state of Indiana all my life and have been fortunate enough to take a few good deer but am ready for the next level. I am currently finishing up my last semester as a Business major at Indiana Wesleyan University, but when the weekend comes, I am in the woods on the ground or in the stand. Hopefully there can be a way we could talk sometime to see if this dream of mine could possibly become a reality. thanks for your time. have a good one.
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, We are pretty well set for the pro staff for this year, but if you will get ahold of me after the season I'll give you some information about the best way to apply for any openings we might have in the pro staff at that time. Thanks for your interest.
  • What was Ryan Fischer's education process to help him get into Land Management?
    stephan from KS asks:
    hello my name is stephan nickell im originally from kansas. im in the army currently in germany hopefully ill be home in october. i have a couple questions. i maybe getting out of the army in about a year. i would like to know how you pick the members of your prostaff, i love bowhunting and would like to make a career out of it. second i was watching the latest wisconsin show, and was wondering where did ryan fischer go to school at for his degree ? if i can i would like to go to kstate an get a bachelors in fisheries & wildlife conservation is that good enough to get a job in the hunting industry? i would appreciate an email back but i understand how busy you are. i just wana say i love the show it helps with the homesickness. god bless & good luck.
    Winke Responds:
    Stephan, First off, we appreciate your service and the fact that you are doing what is necessary to keep this the greatest country in the world where we can enjoy such privledges as hunting deer. We select the pro staff off application DVDs that they send us. Be sure to get back in contact with me after the season and I'll get you the information you need to apply if you are interested. I think K State would be a great choice if for no other reason than it puts you in a very good part of a very good state for hunting deer! Here is the information I got from Ryan Fischer regarding his career path: "I went to college at UW-Green Bay here in WI. I got a double major in Biology and Environmental Science, specializing in ecology. From there I went to work for various federal agencies and other conservation related groups. That in turn lead to working in the private sector as an wildlife consultant. I would recommend that if someone is interested in this field to get an early start and get involved with as many career related clubs, activities, as possible. Hope this helps and good luck."
  • Will you be doing a show for Kentucky next year and if so, will you consider us for the team?
    K.C. from KY asks:
    First of all i want to say i love the show. I noticed you didnt have anyone on your prostaff from Kentucky. A friend and me live for deer season.We are both 26 years old family and faith oriented people who love life. We have both always wanted to get into the video and hunting industry. We have about 7 high quality farms in Kentucky to hunt and run 6 trail cameras most of the year. If you need anyone else on your prostaff to produce a show from Kentucky, just email me and let me know. Im sure you get a lot of people wanting to do this and if you dont have the need for us, I completely understand. Thanks for reading my email, have a blessed day and a great hunting season.
    Winke Responds:
    KC, I will probably try to add a KY show next year. There seems to be good demand for one. Please contact me after the season and I can pass along the information you will need to apply for that pro staff. Thanks for your interest.
  • Do you need any young pro staff members from Indiana?
    Jacob from IN asks:
    I was wondering if you guys are looking for any young prostaff members from Indiana. Myself and my two buddys are big hunters from central Indiana we also hunt down south alot on the weekends. We are goin to start videoing each other a lot more this year. We have been working all summer on food plots and getting our properties ready for this year. We are just trying to get notticed and get a chance with somebody like mid west whitetails to hunt with. Just let me know thanks for your time.
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, We may need some additional pro staff members next year. We are pretty well set for this year. Please check with me after the season and I'll give you information about how to apply for any open slots. Thanks.
  • Are you going to produce a Nebraska show?
    Brian from ME asks:
    Bill, I live in Omaha NE and was wandering if you are thinking of getting a Nebraska show, and if so how would we get a chance to be a part of it.
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, I am seriously considering it for next year. Contact me after the season to see if it is still in the plan and to get some information about the applying for slot on the pro staff. I think I will likely try produce a combined Great Plains show including KS, NE, SD and ND. Thanks for your interest.
  • How can I become a pro staff for Midwest Whitetail-Michigan?
    Matt from MI asks:
    Bill, I was wondering what it took to become a prostaff member for midewest whitetail michigan. I live in Hillsdale county and have access to hunt over 1500 well managed acres. Thanks, Matt
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, We aren't taking any more applications for this year as the pro staff is set, but please contact us again after the season and we'll get you the information you need. In the meantime, if you are serious about this, it would be a good idea to get some filming experience - possibly film one of your buddies hunting some this year to get an idea whether you enjoy it and to learn more about the challenges. To do this right, there is a pretty serious learning curve. Good luck this year.
  • How do I get noticed so I might get on someone's pro staff?
    Elwin Page from ME asks:
    Hey Bill my name is Elwin I read a little bit ago someone asked how to get on a pro staff team and u said to prove yourself has a hunter or a target shooter. I live in Maine and would u have any idea were I could go so maybe someone would notice? Thank your for your time and I can not get enough of midwestwhitetail watch ever night sunday-thursday and i am always looking at the questions section. And I wish all good like this hunting season.
    Winke Responds:
    Elwin, That is tough question to answer. I would look for opportunities to serve industry people during your free time. Ask the local sporting goods shop owner if you can help him in some way, maybe ask a local outfitter if you can help him at the Harrisburg show, etc. Get involved helping whoever you can. As long as they are active, you will get the chance to meet people. Don't be pushy, just get to know folks and after some time, opportunities will surface. They won't come to you in a vaccuum. You need to be out there doing something - helping someone, meeting people, learning. Sounds like a long road and it probably is, but at least it is a road that has some nice fringe benefits along the way. You may never be discovered, but maybe you will end up with a cool job in the outdoor industry. It is all about relationships.
  • What happened to the Kentucky show?
    Josh from KY asks:
    Hi Bill, My name is Josh from western Ky. I wrote to you last year about the show and you responded and said that you were going to do a show in Ky. We swapped e-mails a couple of times and I never heard back from you. I was just wondering what happened with the Ky show? I love what you got going here I watch every day. I'm still interested if you are. Thanks Josh
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, I never ended up putting together the right combination of guys (I need people to host and produce as well as pro staff) for KY. Plus, I ended up with my hands full with the other shows. I am hoping to put KY together for next year. That is the goal. Sorry to hold you off for another year, but if you can contact me after this season is over, I'll have a better idea of my mindset at that time. I appreciate the support and look forward to learning what you have to offer. Have a great weekend.
  • Would I have a chance of getting on your MI pro staff next year?
    Brandon Adamski from MI asks:
    Hi, my name is Brandon and I just moved to Grand Rapids From Sturgis, 2 hours away to attend college as a freshman. I eat, breath, and sleep, whitetail deer. i would like to let you know that being this far away from my hunting property your show has saved my life being a poor college student i dont have the outdoor channel but do however have fast internet that led me to stumble over your site and show, love it. I was wondering how and when you picked your prostaff? and if i was eligible for next years draft? while home during the summer im running trail cameras and shooting velvet footage almost 24-7 and when im at college my uncle matt (also and avid whitetail inthusiest) does the filming and trail cameras. i think we would be a great representation of St.Joe County southwest michigan next season.
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, Sounds like you are right. Please get ahold of me after the season. We have our 2009 pro staff set in stone but there may be openings for next year. Thanks for your interest. Have a great season.
  • Should a new bowhunter shoot the first legal deer or hold out?
    Heath from KS asks:
    Hank, it has been fun to read the bios for the different pro staff. I really like the diversity. My question centers around Katie. Will she take the first comfortable shot opportunity she has, or will she hold out to shoot a 150 inch plus buck. What advice would you give inexperienced bow hunters, shoot the first legal deer and gain experience or wait for a trophy or a particular age deer?
    Winke Responds:
    Heath, Not sure on Katie. She is a very self-confident, independent young lady so she may hold out. In general, I would definitely recommend shooting the first legal deer to gain experience. There is no substitute for experience. The idea is to create action to keep new hunters interested. I still shoot a lot of does simply because I enjoy it and also because it is good for the herd. Shooting stuff with a bow is very cool. No reason to hold out until you are ready for the next challenge.
  • Who do you choose the guys to represent Missouri on your site?
    Clint Schwach from MO asks:
    Hey Bill, Im clint schwach, i just turned 17 years old, i live in warsaw,mo. 2 hours south of kansas city on US65HWY, live all around the deer woods and i watch your shows every week and i am on your website about every day, i love deer hunting and i love videoing, every hunt i go on i video or i video my friends as they hunt, im real into it and actually just made a promo off of some clips i had for this season just like you guys did, when i retire thats what i wanna do, but now, Who are you picking to get information about the missouri side of the woods? I'd love to post info and video and pictures to help out with your semi live updates and etc, but also, what exact song off of shockwavesound.com do you use in your 1 min highlight segments? Thanks a bunch Clint - Schwach Outdoors
    Winke Responds:
    Clint, We basically have people apply for the pro staff and then pick the best prospects from those applications. The main thing is committment. We need guys who have the opportunity or drive to video their entire season from scouting to patterning to hunting. We also need guys that have someone to film them and who have basic broadcast quality cameras (nothing too special). If you are interested, you might want to practice a bunch with the filming and then check back with us next summer. I don't think the music is on there any more. They rotate the music on their site and I can't find it anymore. Glad we bought it when we did.
  • Do you need any more pro staffers for your Pennsylvania show?
    Cody from PA asks:
    Hi Bill my names Cody Shaffer im from Pennsylvania and I love to deer hunt especially love to bowhunt. I seen on your website that you were making a Mid West Whitetail Pennsylvania and looking for prostaff members and I would be very interested in helping you. My dad and I could both hunt and film for each other. We have three farms we hunt. thanks for reading my measage and hope to here from you soon. Cody
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, Thanks. I'll get you in touch with the PA producer to see if he has filled up his pro staff yet. I am certain he would want to see some kind of tryout interview DVD or something before going any further, but he may already feel like he has the guys he needs. I will forward your e-mail address to him, but be advised he is on vacation this week and may not respond right away. Thanks for your interest. The PA show should be a lot of fun. Best regards.
  • Do you need another team from MI?
    Nick from MI asks:
    Hey Bill, I was just wondering if you still needed some reps. from michigan... me and a buddy hunt and film and we have a huge sony video camera im not sure what model or anything but it is his dad's back up camera.. his dad is jim benton and has a show on the outdoor channel so we have the resources for filming and getting the footag to you we were just wondering if you still needed reps. thanks -Nick
    Winke Responds:
    Nick, I think it would be great to take a look at you guys. I am going to send you a private e-mail with the procedure we have been using for checking out pro staffers. Thanks for your interest.
  • Do you need any more teams for Michigan?
    Peter from MI asks:
    Hey Bill just wanted to let you know that the part on the latest episode, when you were petting that fake bear and said something about chad being whiped made me laugh so hard I probably rewound it about forty times that was some good laughs. I also wanted to let you know that if you need any help with the Michigan portion this year me and my brothers and cousins would love to help you out I realize you might already have guys here in michigan to help but if we could do anything we would love to help. We roll on the Canon XHA1 as well as a couple other 3ccd cameras I also do alot of editing. We are firm belivers in QDM we dont shoot anything under two and a half thats pretty mature around here we could for sure give you about a million doe kills as well as some good buck hunts,summer velvet footage etc. We have been pretty fortunate to kill alot of great bucks here in a very pressured state so anything we could do please let me know Thanks for your time and keep up the great shows Pete
    Winke Responds:
    Peter, That was pretty good. That bear is one that the National Bowhunter Education Foundation puts out for shot placement study. The other side shows a cutaway of all the internal organs. We can definitely use a few more good groups for Michigan. Please send me an e-mail via the info address (info@midwestwhitetail.com) and we can discuss how to see if it will work for both parties. Thanks for your interest and your support. Best regards. Bill
  • How do I get into the Midwest Whitetail purchase discount program?
    LEE from AL asks:
    A friend of mine was able to purchase a ALPHAMAX 32 using a discount program through your organization / what are the requirements to qualify? I am currently shooting a TRYKON & would like to move up to the ALPHAMAX series bow.
    Winke Responds:
    Lee, That discount program is only for the guys that will be filming for the shows this fall. I need people who are committed to the video project. In return for that, I support them as best I can through our sponsors. So the discount is only for those select individuals. Thanks for your interest.
  • How did you find the college kids that are helping you with the show?
    corey from WI asks:
    Hi i love the show. I was just wondering how all the younger college age kids became part of the show or how you knew all of them were dedicated bowhunters before you started the show.
    Winke Responds:
    Corey, Thanks for your support. Most of them live around me. They had been dabbling with filming and I came up with this idea so they naturall fell right in with me. They have a lot of energy and really enjoy it, plus it is a great education. A couple of them have started helping with producing the episodes which is great. The next show we put out, a turkey show that I should have up either later today or tomorrow, was produced start to finish by Chad and Drew - two college age kids. Drew is playing baseball at Simpson and Chad is working at Muddy Outdoors and taking a few classes at Indian Hills - besides working for me.
  • How can I help in Minnesota?
    Matt from MN asks:
    Hey Winke, I was browsing the site and I was looking in the MN section and seen that you are looking for help in the MN dept. I was just emailing you today to see if you are still in search of some help in MN. please let me know. Thanks Matt
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, The separate state pages will launch this summer as we start to get closer to the hunting season. I plant to include a separate series of shows for each state. Mostly, I am looking for guys who film their hunts and can help us produce a show for MN. We have some of those teams in place, but probably not enough of them yet. We will also need lots of help promoting the MN show once it starts to air late this summer. Thanks. Bill
  • Are you adding any new Pro Staff members for this fall?
    sage from MO asks:
    Did you add any new members for this season? If so who are they or are you going to introduce them sometime. Just wondering since the new season is coming up fast.
    Winke Responds:
    Sage, Yes we are going to have lots and lots of new hunters on the show this year. I am still getting all that organized, but I will be releasing the new shows in late August, so that is when you will meet some of them, at the latest. I may end up with special pages on the site for the hunters, but in the past I have tried to keep the focus on the deer instead of the hunters. Thanks for your support and interest in the show. Should be an exciting fall Bill
  • Have you selected your pro staff for this season?
    Sarah from OH asks:
    Hello Bill, Have you selected the Ohio Pro Staff and could that possibly turn into a job? Also when will the website be updated with the Pro Staff members? Thank you for your time. :) Sarah
    Winke Responds:
    Sarah, Thanks for your interest. We have made some selections but will be selecting more right up until about the middle of the summer. At that time we will bring the state pages online and get that all organized on the site. I think you offer a great idea to put the pro staff on those pages. I will consider that. The pro staff is primarily for people to be a part of something cool - at least we think it is cool! And it gets them into the hunting industry. At the end of the day, MW is still all about hunting big deer and showing the world how much we love it and helping them to do it better. That is what we are trying to promote over the individuals themselves. It is our mission: We more about the deer and the quest and less about the people - though obviously they are big part of the show. Thanks for your question.
  • Information about Pro Staff
    Rick Knochel from MO asks:
    Mr. Winke, I just wanted to contact you to let you know that I am interested in becoming the Missouri moderator and also hunting for the team. My cousin and good friend Shane Sutter talked with you at the Illinois Deer and Turkey Classic. I have been filming for a couple years now with a regular mini camera. Last year both Shane and myself bought Canon XL1's. We filmed quite a bit last year and learned a lot. Filming adds a lot of fun and excitment to hunting and I really enjoy letting others see our footage. I am 24 and presently in nursing school. I have a Biology degree from Illinois State University and have a love and respect for the outdoors, especially the Whitetail deer. I love the setup of the show and would love the opportunity to discuss joining the Midwest Whitetail team. Shane and I have edited some of our footage and would love to show it to you if you are interested. Thanks for producing and clean and exciting production and thanks for your time, Rick Knochel
    Winke Responds:
    Rick, Sounds great. Please mail the footage to the address at the bottom of the home page on the site. I'll take a look and then we can discuss further. Put your contact information in there too. I appreciate the interest. I look forward to seeing it. Best regards.
  • Contributing in Ohio
    clint from OH asks:
    Hi bill its clint from ohio. i was just wondering if you were going to be at the deer and turkey expo in ohio this year? i know you previously said you were and was just making sure...my buddy gary and I made a tape for you and are very excited for you to view it. we think that we would be wonderful contributers to an already outstanding show. We have been moving stands lately and have found 12 sheds so far ranging from yearlings to a matched set of a nice 150in. 10 point and a 65 in. right side 8pt. we live whitetails and bowhunting 24/7...we just got back from las vegas at the national indoor shoot. i shoot for mathews and he shoots for hoyt and were fired up to keep looking for sheds and talk with you about the show. thanks again for a great show and hope to hear from you and see you at the deer and turkey expo so we can all three talk more. again thanks for a great show( i loved the dead bucks episode by the way) god bless; clint
    Winke Responds:
    Clint, Please check back with me. I need to sort that one out yet. I have the booth reserved so I am pretty sure I'll be there. Check with me in a week or so. Thanks for your interest and support. I look forward to meeting you. Best regards. Bill
  • How Can I Help?
    Chuck from MO asks:
    Hi Bill, I like many other outdoorsmen would love to be a part of your incredible show. I was wondering If you were going to have a booth at the Iowa Deer classic coming up in a couple of weeks? I would love to stop by and speek to you about how I could contribute. Also, I was wondering when you thought deer start dispersing from their core winter areas into their summer ranges. Is it around spring green up or later/earlier. Thanks and hope to speek to you soon, Chuck
    Winke Responds:
    Chuck, I will will be at the Iowa Classic all three days. I look forward to meeting you. Thanks for your support and interest. Bill
  • Consideration for Pro Staff
    nick from AL asks:
    hey bill, you told me in a previous post to send you some footage of me in front of the camera. my question is, is vhs footage ok? just for now if i really start doing it i would be able to do it in dvd ( if needed ) but i am going to send you some w/ vhs and also do u want hunting footage or just me talking??..scouting ect..... thanks, Nick Wellman
    Winke Responds:
    Nick, Anything you can put together quickly, but mostly just you and a bit of something you have filmed. Thanks. Bill
  • Interested in Michigan Pro Staff Position
    Nick from MI asks:
    hey i saw that you are looking for people in michgan to help out with this state's part of the show well i would be interested in sending you some vodeo footage if you want it we shott at least 1 or 2 good mature bucks on our properties a year and have some incredible encounters.overall we hunt porobbaly around 1,000 acres of private land and have some great success as well as some great bucks!! let me know if you are interested in any of this. thanks -Nick Wellman
    Winke Responds:
    Nick, That would be great. I would love to look at it. Please spend a little bit of time in front of the camera yourself so I can see you in action. Please send to the address at the bottom of the home page. Thanks much. Bill
  • How Can we Contribute?
    Brad from MI asks:
    Hi there, Me and my good hunting buddy met you at the Grand Rapids Show and we were wondering what we would have to do to contribute. I seen in the question befor this that there are some requirments and we were jsut wondering what thoughs were. We would love to help you guys out in any way.
    Winke Responds:
    Brad, Thanks for your interest. I am asking everyone to send me a DVD with something they have filmed and also a segment where they are in front of the camera talking about where they deer hunt, how many days each fall they hunt, who would likely film them, how they like to hunt, their most memorable hunt, etc. Anything that will give me some idea of how they do in front of the camera and how/where they hunt so I can figure out if there is a good fit. You can send it to the address at the bottom of the home page. I appreciate your support and your interest. Bill
  • Getting on the MW Pro Staff in Michigan
    Mitch from MI asks:
    Bill, I got to meet you at the Grand Rapids show. I just wanted to take a second to thank you for chatting with my brother in law and me. Actually I came by your booth twice and saw you once on the way to the Bad Boy Buggy booth. I along like an infinite number of others would like to help you out and be a contributor. I have read the requirements you stated and will see if I can put something together and make the cut. I do have the whitetail passion like many other, but will probably be somewhat limited in contribution due to the time element. (I have a 2 year old and 6 month old at home) However, if it works out and I can contribute in any way shape or form, I am here at your disposal. In the interim I will continue to spread the word about your website and I will continue to watch.
    Winke Responds:
    It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to seeing your submission. Best regards. I am trying to ue the show to create opportunities for people as well as to produce a good show, so please feel free to send me a video interview. Thanks Bill
  • Contributing from Ohio
    clint from OH asks:
    I am from central ohio and was wondering how to be a contributing member of midwest whitetails next year? me and a buddy have been filming for a few years now and were quite excited to see that you were going to be looking for people from ohio to film. I live on a dairy farm with hunting access to about 2000 acres. Hope all is going well and by the way WE LOVED THE SHOW THIS YEAR!!!!thanks Clint
    Winke Responds:
    Clint, Thanks for your support. It is for sure of interest to me. Give me some more information by way of a tape audition. That is a good way for me to see who I am dealing with, what strengths you have and a way to evaluate you guys for the show. I want to make it as good as possible, and as you know, the right people are everything. So, you and your buddy get in front of the camera and tell me about yourselves, the kinds of terrain and cover you hunt, your best buck, most memorable hunt, the kind of hunting you like to do, when you hunt, anything you can think of that might help me see the possibilities and the storylines. That way I can get a sense of how it will all fit together. Without meeting you personally (which might be possible at the OH Deer Classic) that gives me the best chance to get to know you. My address is at the bottom of the website and below Thanks so much for watching the show. I appreciate it.
  • Kansas Pro Staffer?
    Jesse from KS asks:
    I have hunted in the S.E. kansas area on some great land this year. I pulled a 183 non- typical of this piece this year and my hunting partner Scott also pulled a 145 class eight pointer. I have watched your on-line videos all year and feel that we could add the uch needed Kansas aspect to your show. We are experienced bow hunters with some surley great footage to offer your show. I would love to work in cunjuction with midwest whitetail to bring the viewers somthing special from Kansas in the 2009 season. Let me know if you are looking for somone in the area to film some giant Kansas whitetails. Thanks for your time. Jesse Sample You can also reach me by telephone at: 761-7049.. Thanks again.
    Winke Responds:
    Jesse, Thanks for your support. I am definitely interested. Can you send me a tape (or better yet, a DVD) with a bit of your hunt plus you and your buddy in front of the camera talking about your hunting area, what you like about it and some of the challenges and opportunities, the kind of camera gear you use, etc. so I can about you while also seeing you operate in front of the camera. It would be a lot of fun to watch. The address is at the bottom of the home page. Thanks. Bill
  • Michigan Pro Staff Question
    Keith from MI asks:
    Bill, As you can see my name is Keith,three of my buddies and myself met you this past weekend in Indy at our hotel for the ATA show.We saw you in the elevator and then talked a little by the parking garage.You mentioned the possibility of a show in our home state of Michigan.On the ride home we all talked about how kool that would be and how we would love to be a part of that experience.I just wondered how we could be considered for something like that?Again greet to meet you as with all the big names in the business you were real kool to talk to thanks a lot Keith A. Wyngarden
    Winke Responds:
    Keith, Thanks. I enjoyed it too. Always fun to talk deer hunting with people who obviously love the sport. Starting at the Deer Classics I will be taking &amp;quot;applications&amp;quot; if you want to call them that. I will need to learn as much as I can before making the decisions about who to include in the &amp;quot;Pro Staff&amp;quot;. Shooting nice bucks is great, and important, but I will also be looking for people who can humbly represent a part of their state with true to life hunting and portray the challenges in a way that every one can understand. That way, the story line will be enjoyable to watch all season. They also need to be people with enough filming experience to be capture it all. That can be learned. There is a lot of time between now and the hunting season. Also, it takes a committment to the filming that not everyone has. So, if you are still interested, and I hope you are, please look me up at the Deer Classic and if you are not going to be there, please submit a tape with each of you in front of the camera introducing yourself and telling me what you think the most interesting thing is about the place you hunt and the way you hunt. That will give me a good place to start. Thanks for your interest. It was a pleasure to meet you.
  • How Can I Be Involved in KY?
    jacob from AL asks:
    Mr. Winke, my name is jacob and I am 16 years old and I live in kentucky, I read that your having a ky portion on your show, well I was wondering how to get involved with that. I am a very dedicated hunter, and truly obsessed with whitetails and your show, so if you have any information please let me know. Thanks, jacob
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, There are many ways that you can get involved. If you are filming your hunts (or other people's hunts) I would love to see some of that. If you enjoy writing you can contribute to site in other ways, such as regular participation on the forum, when I get that up and running. You can photograph people's dead deer and submit those to the site. I'll give you the credit for that. Everyone starts somewhere and I am all about giving people the opportunity and then see where it leads. If you have specific ideas (things you think you would be good at) please let me know and I'll give you a chance to try it.
  • Helping Out in Wisconsin
    Ted Marum from WI asks:
    I don't so much have a questiopn as I would like to congratulate you on a job well done. I have a blast watching your new segments each week and I personally would like to commend you on the show's with your children. It's obvious that they really enjoy the time spent with Dad. The key with chidren is keeping it short, sweet, lots of action, and fun !!! My one question is are you still looking for individuals to contribute to the show, hunting, filming, ect. ? Have a good time at the ATA show. Thanks, Ted Marum
    Winke Responds:
    Ted, Yes, I am. I am meeting with the sponsors at the ATA show to figure out what they are willing to support, but I would like to create multiple shows and will need good video contributors for each of these. If we go forward, and I am guessing we will, I need about six to eight hunter/filmer teams in each of the states we target for a show. Once I know for sure where we are headed, I will get in touch with everyone and start looking for solid representatives. It is a bit demanding to keep the story line going all season, so I will be looking for teams that can make this kind of commitment. It is fun, as you will see from the next show (Jan. 8). It is definitely neat to have the memories and to share them on video. I don't own the footage, I only use it so the footage still belongs to you. Anyway, thanks for your support and I'll be putting the word out once I have figured out if my vision jibes with that of the sponsors. Bill
  • How to be part of the Show
    terry from AL asks:
    thanks for postin those pics and like the dream job article i too would like to write an do video hunts have ben recording few days but no action though but have two weeks vacation and a buck an two doe tags left maybe if i kill one on video how can i get it posted an maybe also like a chance to be a contributor for illinois part of your site well thanks again
    Winke Responds:
    Terry, We are going to be adding a lot more from other states next year. Just getting started this year, I had to stick close to home. That is part of my goal in attending all the Deer Classics, to find those people in other (other than Iowa) Midwestern states that can help support the show. I would reccommend stopping by the Midwest Whitetail booth at the IL Deer Classic and talking to one of us. We will be looking for a few good teams in each state, but even if you don't make that cut this year, there may be other things you can do to be part of this production and website until you gain more experience. Also, I might be able to offer other advice to get you started. Thanks for your interest and for supporting the show. Bill