Bows and Turkeys w/ Michael Pitts

In this engaging episode of Sportsmen's Empire, host Dan welcomes Michael Pitts, a seasoned hunter and Realtree contributor, for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with turkey hunting but quickly expands into deep discussions on bow hunting philosophy, mental health, and personal growth. Pitts shares insights on the nuances of hunting different turkey subspecies—Easterns, Osceolas, Merriam’s, and Rio turkeys—highlighting how regional differences in terrain and pressure dramatically affect hunting tactics. He reflects on his own journey, including a memorable encounter with a massive turkey near an abandoned warehouse and his thoughts on the challenge of hunting in the notoriously tough middle Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi region. The conversation then pivots to bow setup, with Pitts detailing his 73-pound Hoyt AX3 setup, his preference for 418-grain arrows with lighted nocks, and his skepticism about extreme FOC (Forward of Center) builds. He passionately defends personal preference in archery, emphasizing that confidence and consistency matter more than numbers. The episode concludes with a heartfelt and vulnerable discussion on men's mental health, where both hosts open up about imposter syndrome, overthinking, and the importance of faith, gratitude, and community. Pitts shares personal struggles and offers a powerful reminder: if God woke you up today, you have nothing to complain about.