THE BACKSTORY
When the pandemic hit in 2019 and shut down outdoor trade shows, Cody D'Acquisto didn’t wait around for things to go back to normal. He packed up a van with gear and a mission—to bring mobile hunting education straight to the people. What started as a few small, informal meetups evolved into something bigger: a series of hands-on events focused on real hunting knowledge, shared by real hunters.
Those first gatherings were raw and stripped-down. No flashy booths. No endless sales pitches. Just gear you could test and tactics you could learn. Cody’s vision was simple—connect with hunters face-to-face and pass along what works in the field. Word spread fast, and those humble meetups turned into full-blown events, drawing hunters from all over the country.
From the beginning, the goal wasn’t just to talk about gear—it was to build better hunters. That mindset still drives the Whitetail Roadshow today. The show limits brand presence to only a few that bring true value. The rest of the space is reserved for learning, testing, and connecting. Yes, there’s food, maybe some cold beer, but this isn’t about flash—it’s about function. As the industry leans further into tech, the Roadshow leans harder into woodsmanship.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been attending spring Whitetail expos—showing gear, talking shop, meeting people. But the traditional shows always lacked what hunters actually needed: hands-on, in-field experience.
I wanted to give hunters a place to test gear, ask questions, and learn from others. A space that felt less like a sales floor and more like a campfire conversation. So, I built the Roadshow—teamed up with close friends and proven hunters from across the country—and took it on the road.”
Cody D'Acquisto
Now, the Roadshow includes a diverse crew of over 25 mobile hunting experts. These aren’t just guys with opinions—they’re hunters with track records. Each brings a different regional style and tactical angle. Whether you're new to mobile hunting or a seasoned veteran, there’s something to learn from every conversation.
Cody's approach has always been about pulling knowledge from those who’ve figured it out, blending that into your own system, and constantly evolving. That’s why every Roadshow lineup is curated to include a variety of perspectives—from big timber hunters to farm country killers—giving attendees the chance to take what works for them and leave with their own game plan.
One person who’s been instrumental in building the Roadshow from day one is Jacob Lishen.
Jacob showed up early with curiosity, drive, and a clear passion for learning. Over the years, he’s gone from a student of the process to a teacher in his own right. Always present, always pushing to help others, Jacob’s been a key piece of the Roadshow’s growth and community.
The Whitetail Roadshow isn’t about selling hype—it’s about sharing what works. It’s not a convention hall packed with noise, and it’s not a DIY backyard gathering. It’s something in the middle. A place to get your hands dirty, talk tactics, and leave with real insight that helps you kill more deer.
