The Buck We'll Never Forget: a Father, a Son, and a Moment in Time

On this week’s episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Jake Fiola—an everyday Pennsylvania hunter, father, and endlessly reflective outdoorsman. Jake shares the story of an early-season hunt that became far more meaningful than the arrow, the antlers, or even the rare size of the buck he harvested. Hunting with his young son for the first time from an elevated stand, Jake found himself navigating a swirl of emotions: excitement, nerves, nostalgia, and the sobering responsibility of ensuring his child’s safety. What unfolded was a moment that would change how he sees hunting, fatherhood, and the legacy we pass to the next generation.

Together, Mitch and Jake dive into themes every parent-hunter wrestles with—slowing down, letting go of control, teaching through experience, and rediscovering why we hunt in the first place. Jake’s story isn’t about a giant buck; it’s about gratitude, perspective, and the miracle of watching a child experience the woods the way we once did. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that the true trophies in the outdoors are the memories made, the values shared, and the lives shaped while sitting side-by-side in a tree.

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