Cross Trails OutdoorsThe Big Blue Mountain has created an ultralight backpacking blanket that weighs under 1.5 lbs!!!! Check out my review of the blanket, and check out my friends' videos in this collaboration!
What's with all the links? These affiliate links are the best way for me to invest money back into this channel to purchase equipment, gear and pay for trips. By clicking on these links to do the shopping you would do regardless, I get a minimal kickback from the sale. This is the best way to support this channel without it costing you anything more than what you would already be spending. Thanks so much!
Big Blue Mountain Lazy Bear Blanket: An Ultralight 3 Season BlanketCross Trails Outdoors2019-10-24 | The Big Blue Mountain has created an ultralight backpacking blanket that weighs under 1.5 lbs!!!! Check out my review of the blanket, and check out my friends' videos in this collaboration!
What's with all the links? These affiliate links are the best way for me to invest money back into this channel to purchase equipment, gear and pay for trips. By clicking on these links to do the shopping you would do regardless, I get a minimal kickback from the sale. This is the best way to support this channel without it costing you anything more than what you would already be spending. Thanks so much!Family Faith: The Dads Impact #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-20 | Dads, your church attendance makes a massive difference. Over 90% of families attend when dads lead the way. Make faith a daily practice, not just a Sunday event. Your kids are watching. #FamilyFaith #DadLife #ChristianLiving #ParentingTipsBalancing Fatherhood and Finances: A Dads DilemmaCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-18 | ...Hunting Doves: The Unexpectedly Rewarding Experience #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-18 | We picked a tough spot, but the joy on the kids' faces made it all worthwhile. Witnessing their excitement while cleaning the doves was the real prize. #DoveHunting #FamilyTradition #OutdoorAdventures #YouthSports #PatienceThe Dangers of Neglecting Family for Church #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-17 | A father's story of realizing his children felt neglected because of his work commitments. Prioritizing family time is crucial. Dedicated one-on-one time makes kids feel seen and loved. #FamilyFirst #ParentingTips #ChristianLiving #Fatherhood #DiscipleshipI Took My Son Dove Hunting… Then God Taught Me SomethingCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-17 | What happens when a simple dove hunt with your kids turns into a conversation about fatherhood, faith, legacy, and discipleship?
In this episode of Cross Trails, John and Troy talk about taking their kids dove hunting—and how the experience became a reminder of what really matters. The hunt wasn't just about birds, guns, or being outdoors. It was about spending time together, teaching responsibility, building memories, passing down a heritage, and creating opportunities to point our kids toward God.
We talk about the importance of being present with your children, putting the phone down, teaching kids how to work, simplifying life, and making the outdoors a place where conversations about Jesus happen naturally.
We also get real about the challenge of balancing work, ministry, marriage, fatherhood, and the temptation to become so busy doing good things that we neglect the people God has placed closest to us.
One of the biggest questions of the episode is this:
What are you actually passing down to your kids?
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to train up a child in the way he should go. Deuteronomy 6 reminds us to continually talk about God's commands with our children—when we sit at home, when we walk along the road, when we lie down, and when we get up.
The goal isn't simply to raise kids who know how to hunt, hike, fish, camp, or navigate the outdoors.
It's to raise kids who know Jesus.
0:00 – Welcome to Cross Trails 1:43 – Jack's First Dove Hunt 5:12 – Why Dove Hunting Is Great With Kids 8:24 – Passing Down a Heritage 10:38 – Teaching Responsibility & Work Ethic 13:06 – Building Memories That Last 15:40 – A Family Baptism & A Good Day 17:07 – When Being Too Busy Hurts Your Family 20:24 – Your First Discipleship Responsibility Is at Home 23:07 – Fatherhood Is a Gift AND a Responsibility 24:42 – Are We Giving Our Kids More Stuff or a Better Life? 27:04 – The Gear Doesn't Matter as Much as You Think 30:52 – Proverbs 22:6 & Raising Kids 34:37 – Finding Your God-Given Vision 37:49 – Deuteronomy 6:7: Teaching Faith Every Day 41:34 – The Impact of Consistent Faith 43:19 – Why Men Need Other Men 45:18 – The World Needs More Godly Men 47:06 – Closing Thoughts
#CrossTrails #ChristianPodcast #Fatherhood #ChristianFatherhood #Hunting #DoveHunting #Discipleship #ChristianDad #FaithAndFamily #Outdoorsbucks in season but ducks on our mind #duckhunting #hunting #duckdynasty #duckseasonCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-15 | ...Finding Contentment: A Journey of Patience #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-15 | Embracing the present moment is a learned skill. Discover how patience and contentment, even when life is busy, lead to greater fulfillment. Learn from the wisdom of being present. #Contentment #Mindfulness #Patience #PersonalGrowth #BePresentMonster Buck With Horse Shoulders #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-15 | This buck was a true monster, built like a cow with shoulders like a horse. His massive body made his impressive 130-140 inch antlers look smaller. He was a bully, too, with a broken antler tip from fights. #MonsterBuck #HuntingStories #BigDeer #RutSeason #WhitetailDUCK! Actually its a dove but it almost John right in the noggin! #hunting #doveseason #huntinglifeCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-10 | ...Why Early Season Bow Hunting is the Ultimate Challenge #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-09 | September bow hunting: the thrill of pursuing big game before the rut, when patience and scouting pay off. Beat the crowds and embrace the challenge of early season success. #BowHunting #EarlySeason #WhitetailDeer #HuntingTips #Outdoors #deerhunting #whitetail #bowhunting #bowhunter #archery #bigbucks #outdoors #hunter #deer #huntingseason #bowhuntingEpic Deer Hunt: My Heart-Pounding Bow Shot! #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-08 | Adrenaline surge! Standing up, drawing the bow, and the perfect shot. This hunter recounts the intense seconds of a close-encounter deer hunt, where stillness meets instinct. #DeerHunting #HuntingLife #AdrenalineRush #OutdoorAdventures #BowHuntingHuntings True Value: Feeding Families & Friendship #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-06 | Beyond the hunt, it's about sharing. Donating meat to families in need and experiencing the joy of hunting with loved ones. It's fellowship, community, and making a difference. #HuntingCommunity #GivingBack #FamilyTradition #OutdoorLife #ConservationDont Lose Your Blood Trail #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-04 | Never lose track of your blood trail again. Drop an arrow at the last sign of blood, take a breath, and retrace your steps. Avoid panic and ensure a successful recovery. #BloodTrail #HuntingTips #Tracking #Bowhunting #DeerSeasonPoison Ivy vs. Chiggers: Who Wins? #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-04 | Comment and tellus which you think is worse, Poison Ivy or Chiggers?
#PoisonIvy #Chiggers #NatureStruggles #OutdoorLifeThis 4-Year Hunt Came Down to ONE Blood TrailCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-03 | Four years. One incredible Kentucky buck. And a bow shot at just 12 yards.
In this episode of Cross Trails, Troy tells the story of the full-velvet buck he had been watching and patterning for years. Originally nicknamed “Uni” because of a unique kicker on his antler, this buck finally presented an opportunity on opening day of September bow season.
But the hunt didn't end when the arrow hit.
After waiting 45 minutes to an hour, Troy climbed down expecting to find the buck where he believed he had heard him crash. Instead, the deer was gone. What followed was a lesson in patience, discipline, and proper blood tracking that every deer hunter—especially new hunters—needs to hear.
Most importantly, this conversation goes beyond the hunt. We talk about why the experience, the people you're with, and learning to enjoy the process can sometimes matter more than whether you tag the biggest buck.
0:00 Cross Trails: Faith & the Outdoors 0:44 Story Time with Troy 1:16 The Poison Ivy & Chigger Disaster 3:31 The Story of the Buck 4:31 Why September Bow Hunting Is Special 6:54 The Velvet Buck They've Been Watching 7:08 Four Years of Waiting for “Uni” 8:15 Patterning the Buck 9:27 The Underwear & Muck Boots Strategy 10:16 The Buck Appears 11:05 A 12-Yard Bow Shot 13:19 “Don't Mess This Up” 13:46 The Full-Velvet Buck 14:38 The Longest 45 Minutes 15:32 The Deer Is Gone?! 16:04 How to Track a Wounded Deer 17:09 The Tracking Mistake Hunters Make 18:13 Why Deer Can Run Much Farther 18:43 The Recovery & Giving Back 19:13 The Joy of Finding the Deer 20:14 Why Helping Recover a Deer Is So Special 21:26 Hunting With Friends & Family 22:27 Hunting With Your Kids 23:06 The Buck’s Final Score 23:44 The Adrenaline of Bowhunting 25:24 Learning to Control the Jitters 26:23 When Hunting Feels Like Ministry 28:38 The Blood-Tracking Technique 29:44 You Haven't Finished Until You Find the Deer 30:29 Blood Tracking Is Three-Dimensional 31:41 The Monster Buck Story 33:04 “I Found Him” 34:28 Learning to Love the Process 35:00 Finding Contentment in Hunting 36:27 Philippians 4:13 & Being Content 37:13 Learning to Be Present 38:12 “Water on a Duck’s Back” 39:25 What's Coming Next on Cross Trails 40:42 It's Almost Go Time 41:22 Deer Season, Duck Season & What's Ahead 42:07 Thanks for Watching
Subscribe to Cross Trails and come along as we explore where faith and the outdoors intersect.
#DeerHunting #BowHunting #CrossTrails #WhitetailDeer #KentuckyHunting #Hunting #ChristianOutdoorsStealth Hunting Tips: Dont Let Deer See You! #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-09-02 | Crucial for hunters: be silent and stealthy when entering and exiting your stands, and when placing corn. Deer spook easily if they sense your presence. Master the art of unseen movement. #DeerHunting #HuntingTips #Stealth #OutdoorLife #WhitetailBow Hunting Prep: Scouting & Tree Stand Setup #shorts #hunting #buckcommanderCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-31 | Get ready for bow season! Master scouting for deer movement, especially during acorn drops. Perfect your tree stand placement and range of motion for a clear shot, maximizing your hunting opportunities. #BowHunting #HuntingTips #Scouting #deerhunting #whitetail #bowhunting #bowhunter #archery #bigbucks #outdoors #hunter #deer #huntingseason #bowhuntingSalvation: The Helmet for Your Mind #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-30 | Focus your mind on the eternal, not the temporary. Salvation acts as your helmet, keeping you true north, preventing everyday issues from weighing you down. #Salvation #EternalFocus #Mindset #SpiritualGrowthThe Unexpected Reality of Faith #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-28 | Becoming a believer doesn't mean an end to struggles. In fact, challenges may increase as you align with your faith. Prepare for the journey ahead. #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLife #PerseveranceHugging Jesus: A Better Place #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-28 | When loved ones pass, it's painful. But there's comfort in knowing they're with Christ, a place far better than here. Embracing the hope of eternal peace. #ChristianGrief #Bereavement #FaithHope #HeavenlyPeace #EndOfLifeWe Started Talking Hunting… Then Got Into the Armor of GodCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-28 | What does it really take to get ready for a day of hunting?
In this episode of the Cross Trails Podcast, John Kelley, Troy Whitmore, and Taylor Wilson sit down to talk about everything that goes into preparing for a successful day in the woods.
From waking up before daylight and getting your gear organized to scent control, hunting clothes, boots, backpacks, headlamps, cameras, bows, safety equipment, and more, the guys walk through how they prepare before heading out to hunt.
The conversation also gets into experimenting with new hunting gear, including camo and concealment systems, and the importance of practicing with your bow before the moment of truth arrives. One thing becomes clear: you don't just show up on opening day and expect everything to go perfectly. Preparation matters.
But then the conversation takes an unexpected turn.
The guys begin talking about one of the most important things they can do before a hunt: pray. That leads into a conversation about Ephesians 6 and the full armor of God—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, shoes of peace, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.
Whether you're getting ready for bow season, deer hunting, or simply trying to grow in your faith, this episode is a reminder that being prepared matters—in the woods and in life.
What is the ONE thing you never leave home without when you're going hunting? Let us know in the comments.
If you enjoy conversations where faith and the outdoors intersect, make sure to like this video, subscribe to Cross Trails, and join us for future episodes.
00:00 – Faith and the Outdoors 00:10 – Getting Ready for a Day of Hunting 00:42 – How Many Alarms Does It Take? 03:00 – Getting Your Gear Ready the Night Before 05:15 – Laying Out Hunting Clothes 06:45 – Scent Control Before the Hunt 10:00 – Boots and Getting Ready in the Dark 13:10 – What's in the Hunting Backpack? 14:40 – Why a Headlamp Is Essential 18:00 – Safety Gear and Hunt-Day Essentials 22:15 – Hunting Clothes and Camo Patterns 22:52 – Trying New Hunting Gear 28:00 – Tree Stand Gear, Cameras and Filming Hunts 31:00 – More Essential Gear for the Woods 36:30 – Protecting Your Hearing While Hunting 37:17 – The Most Important Thing Before the Hunt: Prayer 37:47 – The Full Armor of God 38:48 – The Belt of Truth 40:48 – The Sword of the Spirit 42:28 – Why Practice Matters in Hunting and Faith 43:39 – The Breastplate of Righteousness 49:17 – The Shield of Faith 53:20 – The Shoes of Peace 56:53 – The Helmet of Salvation 01:00:00 – Final Thoughts
#BowHunting #DeerHunting #ChristianPodcast #HuntingAndFaith #ArmorOfGodAlways Be Ready: Hunting and Faith Lessons #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-27 | Scouted a spot but it's taken? Always be ready. Just like in faith, preparedness is key. You can't hang your stand or sight your bow on opening day. Relentless pursuit of the mission. #AlwaysBeReady #HuntingTips #FaithJourney #Preparedness #DeerHuntingDeer Hunting: Mastering Early Season Bedding and Trails #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-27 | Discover critical early season deer hunting tactics. Learn how to scout bedding areas and manipulate trails for the path of least resistance. Maximize your success by understanding deer behavior. #DeerHunting #EarlySeason #Whitetail #HuntingTips #ScoutingDont Be Unready: Lessons from Hunting Prep #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-27 | From retirement to faith, being unready leads to scrambling. Like hunters prepping year-round, consistent preparation prevents chaos and ensures you're ready when opportunity strikes. #Preparation #ProactiveLiving #MindsetMatters #GetReadyHunting Hacks: Disguises & Farm Tricks #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-27 | Creative hunters use scarecrows in camo and even mimic farm animals to get closer to deer. Ever thought of walking behind a cow to mask your scent? Some truly wild tactics! #HuntingTips #DeerHunting #OutdoorLife #HuntingHacksFaith, Deer Hunting, and Finding Joy in Jesus #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-26 | Reflecting on a past of disbelief to finding profound joy and relationship with the Creator. Discover the reward isn't always tangible, but found in the connection itself. #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #RelationshipWithGod #Devotion #InspirationFaith vs. Doubt: The Jesus Connection #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-20 | For those without faith, the mention of Jesus can be jarring. But the answer lies in showing them why. My life is 10X better with Him. Let me tell you about my sin. #FaithJourney #PersonalTestimony #JesusSaves #SpiritualGrowth #JesusBow Season Is Coming. Are YOU Ready?Cross Trails Outdoors2026-08-20 | Bow season is almost here—but being prepared for the hunt is about more than having the right bow, equipment, and strategy.
In this conversation, we take a deeper look at preparation, hunting, faith, discipline, and life. Preparing for bow season can teach us some powerful lessons about how we prepare ourselves for the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities that come our way.
00:00 – Are You Prepared for Bow Season? 02:30 – What Does Preparation Really Mean? 07:15 – Getting Ready for the Hunt 12:30 – Preparation Takes Discipline 17:45 – What Hunting Teaches Us About Patience 22:30 – Are You Prepared for Life? 27:15 – When Preparation Meets Opportunity 32:00 – The Importance of Being Ready 37:00 – Preparing Spiritually 42:00 – What Are You Preparing For? 46:00 – The Challenge: Be Ready 49:00 – Final Thoughts
#BowHunting #BowSeason #Christianity #Faith #Hunting #OutdoorLife #Preparation #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #LifeLessonsWhy Faith Transforms Your Life #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-18 | Ever wondered why faith matters? It's not just belief; it's a life upgrade. My journey shows it's 10X better with Him. Discover the difference. #FaithJourney #LifeTransformation #SpiritualGrowth #PersonalTestimonyPassing on the Torch: A Fathers Joy in Mentorship #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-18 | The purest form of stewardship is passing on what you love. Witnessing a child's first deer hunt brings a profound joy, a moment of connection and shared passion. #Mentorship #Fatherhood #Hunting #PassingTheTorch #Legacy #takeakidhunting #bigbucks #deer #bucks #whitetaildeer #archery #Jesus #nwtf #deerhuntingFirst Time Hunting? What Nobody Tells You #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-17 | Stepping into the hunting world feels awkward when you don't know what you don't know. Get guidance early to avoid feeling like a burden and actually learn the ropes. #HuntingTips #BeginnerHunter #OutdoorSkills #LearnToHuntWild Ops Box: Outdoor Skills Delivered #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-16 | Discover the Wild Ops Box! A year-long monthly subscription delivering essential outdoor skills like land navigation and fire-starting directly to your door. Learn valuable lessons from the wilderness. #WildOpsBox #OutdoorSkills #SurvivalGear #SubscriptionBox #GetOutsideAre You In Chapter 3? That doesn’t mean you can’t disciple #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-15 | Imagine your faith journey as a chapter book. If you're in chapter 3, there's someone who hasn't even read chapters 1 and 2 yet. You can teach them what you know. #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #Discipleship #PersonalDevelopmentMeet Them Where Theyre At #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-15 | Doubting how to disciple someone? Forget reciting scripture. Speak their language—whether it's Spanish, English, or cultural understanding. Enter their comfort zone, then introduce Jesus. #Discipleship #Evangelism #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowthListen to Understand, Not Respond #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-15 | Stop listening just to reply. True connection happens when you listen to understand. It shows you care and builds genuine relationships. #ActiveListening #CommunicationSkills #Empathy #RelationshipTipsPentecost: 3,000 Souls Won on Day One #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-13 | Witness the birth of the church! On Pentecost, disciples spoke in tongues, reaching diverse crowds. Thousands were transformed, proving the power of the Holy Spirit. #Pentecost #Christianity #Faith #ChurchHistory #InspirationOld-Timers vs. YouTube: Whos the Better Teacher?Cross Trails Outdoors2026-08-13 | Every hunter, fisherman, backpacker, or outdoorsman learned what they learned from someone else. In this episode, the guys discuss why it's so important to learn from those who have been though it and simply know more than we do. _____________________________________________________
0:00 Faith and the Great Outdoors 1:01 The Mentors Who Shaped Us 4:03 Breaking the Competitive Cycle 7:27 Digital Mentorship in the Modern Age 11:27 Hustle Respects Hustle 15:03 The Great Camo Debate 21:50 Passing the Torch to the Next Generation 33:03 Discipleship Beyond the Church Walls
hunting, fishing, backpacking, mentoring, learning, beginner hunter, hard lessonsFrom Deer to Ducks: A New Hunting Passion #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-12 | What started with deer and bow hunting has evolved into a deep passion for duck hunting. The fellowship, the Arkansas lifestyle, and the humbling Kentucky hunts—it's a different kind of chase. #DuckHunting #DeerHunting #HuntingLife #Fellowship #ArkansasEcho Chambers vs. Reality #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-10 | Are we products of our online echo chambers? Our perceptions shape reality, but what if we stepped outside our bubbles to understand different perspectives? True understanding lies beyond the groupthink. #EchoChamber #Perception #Reality #Groupthink #PerspectiveResponding to Differing Opinions with Truth #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-10 | Navigating conversations with those who hold opposing views? Start by finding common ground. Both sides can agree on rejecting animal abuse, a shared foundation for dialogue. #BiblicalTruth #CivilDiscourse #CommonGround #RespectfulDebateThe Unexpected Compassion in Hunting #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-10 | Ethical hunting emphasizes humane treatment, a principle echoed even in ancient texts. Discover why respect for life guides responsible hunters, ensuring animals aren't left suffering. #EthicalHunting #HumaneTreatment #HunterEthics #RespectForLifeLost Trophy Buck: The Ultimate Hunting Heartbreak Story #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-08 | That gut-wrenching feeling when you're confident you made the shot, but the animal disappears. You search for weeks, hoping to find a sign, only to realize it truly got away. #HuntingStruggles #TheOneThatGotAway #HunterLife #UnresolvedDeer Hunting Mistake: The 12-Foot Buck That Got Away! #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-08 | Mistake during second deer hunt: lowered gun, checked phone. An 8-point buck appeared 12 feet away, but a jacket squeak sent it fleeing. Lesson learned: patience and gun readiness are key. #DeerHunting #HuntingTips #Patience #MissedOpportunity #OutdoorAdventuresBiblical Basis for Eating Meat #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-08 | Exploring Genesis 9: Noah and his family are given dominion over animals after the flood, with permission to eat them. A key distinction is made regarding consuming blood. #Genesis9 #BiblicalEcology #Noah #CreationImpact on Hunters, Anglers, and Farms #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-08 | This policy affects over 330,000 hunters, 500,000 anglers, 37,000 farms, tribes with treaty rights, and even veterinarians. The economic repercussions extend to thousands of families facing unemployment. #Hunting #Fishing #Farming #Economy #PolicyImpactBow Hunting Disaster: Arrow Missed Deer by Inches! #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-07 | A near-fatal shot led to a week of regret and questioning bow hunting. Witness the moment a single arrow missed its mark, shaking a hunter's resolve. #BowHunting #HuntingFail #HunterLife #RegretOregon Coast & Mt. Hood: Epic Forest Hikes & Tide Pools! #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-07 | Witness the dramatic Oregon coast: sheer cliffs plunging into the ocean, massive rock formations, and lush evergreen forests. Then explore Mount Hood's wilderness, hiking to stunning views and hidden lakes. #OregonCoast #MountHood #HikingAdventures #NatureLoverHunting Ethics: Humane Treatment of Animals #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-07 | Hunting with respect means ensuring humane treatment. God's word emphasizes compassion, even in taking life for sustenance. The worst outcome? Injuring an animal and not finding it, a pain for both hunter and the hunted. #HuntingEthics #AnimalWelfare #ResponsibleHunting #ConservationIncredible 10-Pointer Deer Encounter: My Hunting Story #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-06 | Seconds from disaster! A hunter freezes as a 10-point buck appears, but a moment's hesitation almost costs him the shot. Did he make it? #Hunting #WhitetailDeer #BigBuck #OutdoorAdventures #CloseCallEverests Death Zone Queues: INSANE Dangers & Costs #shortsCross Trails Outdoors2026-08-06 | Climbing Mount Everest means waiting in lines—in the death zone. With costs soaring to $100k, hikers risk it all for a summit, often at the mercy of unpredictable weather windows. #MountEverest #Climbing #Adventure #ExtremeSports #Nepal