Mike Reeber

The thunderous sound of a springtime gobble coming from a distant oak tree during the early morning hours is something that I never get tired of hearing. After listening for a bit and working toward that location, a plan suddenly is developed, the sky begins to brighten and the springtime woods starts to wake up. Once settled in at the base of a tree, you start to wonder if the plan that you just came up with is even good enough to work. And, as all of us who have chased turkeys for a long time know, even the most rock solid plans can be dismantled in a matter of seconds on behalf of that nearby gobbler.

Turkey hunting is all of the things. It's exciting, it's nerve-wracking, it's technical, rewarding and humbling. And, it's all of these feelings that bring me back spring after spring.

Nothing quite like an opening day double to reignite the fire on a new season!

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Bone collecting season is well underway and I'm way behind my usual numbers! I'm pretty sure the whitetails do this to me on purpose.

Some good ones so far, but still out there looking for a few known giants. Check out some giants from a few seasons ago ⏩

This foggy day has me reminiscing of this heavy horned giant. Coincidentally, this was the last time I ever saw him, as he disappeared into the brush forever.

It's tough to find a reason to not cook some quail over some coal. Whether you went out hunting them or picked up some at the local market, they're always a treat.

Mezcal and Achiote spiced quail over hickory coals resting on top of red lentil and sundried tomato ragout.

Tablitas, Flanken ribs or whatever else you wanna call them. They're that strange little package of beef ribs sitting in the fridge at your grocery store that most people stroll right past. Life advice, don't pass these up next time you see them. Simply marinated with garlic, soy and brown sugar and then cooked hot and fast over some hickory, these things are actually addictive with a cold brew for lunch.

I was going through all of my photos from 2025 and was trying to figure out which ones would be the best to post to sum up the year. Then I came across this one from just last week and thought, this is the only photo that I need to post. These two right here are my world, my heart and the brightest sunshine on the gloomiest of days. Sure, this year was full of great travel, incredible cooking events and awesome hunts, but they are nothing in comparison to this family of ours. I'm just very lucky and very, very grateful.

Happy new year, y'all!

Second chances aren't a guarantee, but when they present themselves, you need to take them.

By now, most of you know the story of Axel, my oldest buck to date that I royally screwed up with my recurve back in November. I sat there for weeks wondering if he would make it or not. I combed the cameras hourly checking for just a glimpse of him. Over the years, this buck turned into such an incredible warrior during each rut, which is when I would only usually catch him during daylight. In 2023 I saw him pinned down on a doe, standing there glaring at me like a statue. And, all I could wonder this year is would he make it to this rut or had this story already ended?

Two and a half weeks to the day, I got a 2 second video clip of him standing by water. From there, he started his annual pre-rut roaming pattern and I began to collect more information on his ways. Best of all, he seemed fine and the arrow backed itself out. After a few more sits, he emerged from the brush on a foggy morning and I made that second chance count.

This deer probably means more to me than any other and the hunt is one I won't soon forget. What an adventure it has been.