Jared Scheffler: The Fred Bear of the Modern Hunting World 

Exploring Jared Scheffler’s Revolutionary Approach to Hunting in Today’s Hunting Era

I’ve been watching the Whitetail Adrenaline DVDs since they first came out, and I might have been one of their number-one fanboys. Years ago, I used to show customers scenes uploaded to YouTube at a computer retailer where I worked. When I started podcasting in 2013, Jared Scheffler was my first podcast guest, and I was nervous about interviewing him. Of course, he was just as humble back then, and it was an “okay” first episode. 

Fast forward 10+ years when Jared Scheffler, the mastermind behind Whitetail Adrenaline, recently hopped on the Okayest Hunter podcast; it wasn’t just another episode but one that should leave you feeling inspired and motivated to be a deer hunter. It was a deep dive into the essence of hunting with a man I believe to be the Fred Bear of our time. Scheffler is a beacon of raw, unadulterated hunting adventures in an industry teeming with scripted hunts and predictable narratives, much like Bear was in his time.

A Legacy in the Making

With Scheffler’s vision, Whitetail Adrenaline has shattered the mold of traditional hunting content. By embracing the unpredictable chaos of unscripted, public land hunts, Scheffler has carved a niche that resonates deeply with the hunting community. His narrative isn’t just about hunting; it’s about the adventure, the unpredictability, and the sheer joy of the pursuit—echoing Fred Bear’s legendary spirit in a digital age. Of course, when things are unscripted, sometimes, s*** happens. Some of the blunders Whitetail Adrenaline documents are not only highly relatable, but they’re also gut-busting hilarious. 

Scheffler said on the Okayest Hunter podcast,

“I liked the idea of the customer paying for it. I remember it being very important to me in the beginning. I felt that held me to a standard that I had to produce something that was worthwhile that people were going to pay for and were willing to pay for. So that kept me in check to produce a better quality product.”

This quote reflects Scheffler’s commitment to quality and authenticity. He ensures his content genuinely resonates with his audience and values their support and investment in his work. When you watch the DVDs, this is extremely evident.

Mastering the Craft Against All Odds

Scheffler shared his epic saga of battling the digital wilderness, from YouTube’s capricious monetization policies to the turbulent world of sponsorships. Opting for DVDs in a streaming-centric world, Scheffler’s Whitetail Adrenaline thrives by setting its own rules, much like Bear did by pioneering bow hunting when it was considered obsolete. When Jared was getting his start, he drove to local hunting retailers to sell his DVDs on their shelves. Scheels was one of his first retailers. This was a big feat, considering DVDs were on their way out then, and even the big-name hunters weren’t selling in retail as they transitioned to connected TV. You gotta admire the grind and hustle of someone like Scheffler pursuing what he loved. That same grind, hustle, and unwavering work ethic is also imbued throughout the Hunts Whitetail Adrenaline documents. 

The Art and Philosophy of Hunting

Scheffler isn’t just about the how-tos; he’s about the whys. His insights into hunting strategies, from open terrain to dense timber, are not just tactics but philosophies. He teaches us that to understand hunting truly, one must embrace failures, adapt, and continually refine one’s approach. In a world filled with how-to content in hunting podcasts and YouTube channels, it’s an entirely different angle to learn from Scheffler simply by watching him in his element out in the whitetail woods. It reminds me of the adage, “Do as I do, not as I say.” <– I might have inverted this saying, hmm? You get the idea. Learning through osmosis is a powerful addition to all the how-to content we consume as whitetail hunters thirsty for knowledge to improve our craft season over season. 

More Than Just a Hunter

The impact of Whitetail Adrenaline extends beyond thrilling hunts; it’s about building a community that values authenticity and relatability. Scheffler’s willingness to showcase the unfiltered realities of hunting—successes, blunders, and all—has fostered a culture of genuine connection and learning among his audience. This authenticity positions Scheffler as a modern-day Fred Bear. Scheffler said in the most recent Uncuffed season, “I’ll shoot a smaller buck if I’m excited about the hunt.” This is a hell of a message to the hunting community in a day and age where monster bucks continue to be the prize hunters are after. Sometimes, as we promote at Okayest Hunter, the thrill of the hunt is worth pursuing. 

The Journey Continues

As the conversation drew to a close, it was evident that Jared Scheffler’s story is far from over. With plans to delve deeper into bow hunting and explore new storytelling avenues, Scheffler is set to continue his legacy, much like Fred Bear did for decades. His journey reminds us that passion, authenticity, and an unbreakable bond with the natural world are at the heart of hunting.

Jared’s appearance on the Okayest Hunter podcast wasn’t just a conversation; it was a declaration of hunting’s enduring spirit, a tribute to Fred Bear’s legacy, and a glimpse into the future of hunting content. As Scheffler continues to innovate and inspire, he solidifies his place as a legend in the making, a modern-day Fred Bear leading the next generation of hunters into the wild unknown with courage, integrity, and a DVD player in hand.