Explore every episode of the podcast Gamekeeper Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| EP:386 | A Young Hunter’s Dream: 14-Year-Old Tags a Pennsylvania Elk | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:09:42 | |
On this episode, we learn about the incredible elk restoration project and the hunting opportunities in Pennsylvania. We are joined by Jeremy Banfield, the elk biologist for the PA Game Commission, who shares the more than 100-year restoration story. We are also joined by 14-year-old elk hunter Sammie Bartlett and her father. Sammie harvested a giant bull and tells a great story. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:385 | Hunter Comedian Trent Ellis | 31 Oct 2025 | 01:31:08 | |
On this episode, we are joined by funnyman and deer/turkey hunter Trent Ellis. His skits on social media have reached viewers all over the world, and his Southern humor often centers around hunting and hunting camp life. It’s a fun episode as we learn about his journey. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:376 | Football and Hunting with Brenen and McKenzie Thompson | 03 Oct 2025 | 01:17:55 | |
This week we’re joined by Brenen Thompson and his wife McKenzie to hear their story. Brenen is an exceptional collegiate athlete (rumored to be the fastest player in college), who also loves hunting and fishing. We learn about what it’s like to be a college football player with the desire to squeeze in hunting and fishing trips between practices and games. The couple loves to spend time together in the outdoors and their personal story is special, including McKenzie's tale of her personal best 10lb. largemouth. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:286 | Fall Turkey Hunting with Marlin Watkins | 03 Dec 2024 | 01:22:06 | |
This week, we have a truly special guest, Mr. Marlin Watkins from the hills of eastern Ohio, to explain the history and traditions of fall turkey hunting in the Northeast. The man is a legendary call maker and a gifted turkey hunter who is passionate about his dogs busting fall flocks, allowing him to call the birds back together. It was interesting to hear him explain the strategy and how the different age birds behave. We were shocked to hear him say he had fall long beards sometimes gobble hundreds of times to help locate each other. He explains the hunting process with a dog and without, plus how the traditional hunt is holding on in certain areas where legal. If you love turkeys and the fall woods…whether you can hunt them in the fall or not, we think you will enjoy listening and understanding the traditions from this old-school gentleman. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:285 | Foxworthy, Flip a Meaningful Buck and our Love of Deer | 26 Nov 2024 | 01:22:08 | |
This week we have another conversation with Flip Pallot and we’re also joined by two of our favorite Gamekeepers Jeff Foxworthy and Glenn Garner. Flip tells the fresh story of the largest whitetail he has killed, which happened that morning! We all discuss the allure of hunting big whitetail bucks and how it has strained many marriages, careers, friendships and much more. But why? We ask just what is it about white-tailed deer that makes us all so crazy for them? We also hear a hilarious snort wheeze story from Jeff and the harrowing story of a poacher that unknowingly slipped near him one Sunday afternoon after he had just purchased his farm. It’s a good one. Listen. Learn, Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:284 | Bonus: The Wensel Brothers | 22 Nov 2024 | 02:11:00 | |
This week we are joined by Gene and Barry Wensel to discuss their amazing deer hunting career. The Wensel brothers are legendary for getting bucks up close for bow shots and their ability to read sign associated with mature bucks. There are a lot of stories told and along the way we ask questions to help us all understand how they pick the right tree. It’s a fun one! Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:283 | Flip Pallot on Bowhunting | 19 Nov 2024 | 01:29:38 | |
This week we're joined by a truly special guest: the legendary Flip Pallot. Renowned for his exceptional fishing skills and deep passion for bowhunting whitetails, Flip is someone we’ve admired for years. We always felt we were kindred spirits, and finally, we got the chance to share a camp and dive into meaningful conversation. During our time together, he shared the unforgettable story of his first buck and opened up about what bowhunting means to him. At 82 years old, Flip brings a wealth of experience and wisdom—not just on hunting, but on living life to the fullest. We did our best to capture his insights and reflections for you. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:282 | Bonus: Stabbed by a Broadhead | 15 Nov 2024 | 01:32:24 | |
This week, we are captivated by Dr. Robbie Godwin’s harrowing account of his recent elk hunting accident where a broadhead pierced his chest. Alone on a remote New Mexico mountain without cell service and a malfunctioning handheld radio, Robbie was forced to be both the patient and the doctor. Faced with life-altering decisions—should he risk pulling out the broadhead and severe bleeding, wait four hours for his outfitter to reach him at dark or try to walk out for help?—this story is a gripping reminder that accidents happen in an instant. It’s a tale of faith, love for family, calm under pressure, and the importance of preparation. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy.
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| EP:281 | Bow Hunting a 216-Inch Typical Buck | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:55:19 | |
This week, we’re joined by bow hunter Tommy Allen of Ohio, who recently harvested a once-in-several-lifetimes buck—a 216-inch typical giant he named Zeus. Tommy shares the incredible story and history behind this legendary deer, from passing on him a year earlier to give him time to grow, to dealing with neighbors hunting him, and Zeus becoming camera-shy and shifting his home range. We were captivated by Tommy’s determination, patience, and ability to stay calm when it mattered most. It’s an inspiring story filled with lessons that every hunter can apply. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy! Video coming soon on @buckeyeboyzoutdoors: https://www.youtube.com/@buckeyeboyzoutdoors Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:280 | Bonus: Understanding Silencers with Silencer Central’s Brandon Maddox | 08 Nov 2024 | 01:07:08 | |
This week we dive into the process of acquiring a suppressor/silencer. Brandon Maddox, the Founder of Silencer Central, joins us to explain trusts vs individual purchases, the new improved process and much more. We love the idea of reducing noise pollution on our farms and the silencer seems like a perfect tool to help a Gamekeeper when harvesting does. Squirrel hunters swear by them. Adults and especially kids can benefit from the reduced decibel exposure and recoil. They just make sense. We learned a lot from the conversation and were impressed with Brandon’s desire to make sure wildlife conservation benefits from the process. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:279 | Shot Placement, Blood Trails, and Big Bucks | 05 Nov 2024 | 01:47:57 | |
This week we are joined by a very special guest, 84-year-old Dr. Joe Bumgardner to discuss the intricate details of what actually causes the demise of a bow-shot deer. The many skinning shed autopsies he has performed has helped him diagnosis cause and correlate it with blood sign and the length of the blood trail. He has analyzed and explains all this to help bow hunters and gun hunters evaluate their hits and make smart decisions. Dr. Bumgardner also tells the story of his latest Mississippi buck named Houdini, a 175-inch monster typical. Lastly, his story of falling from a treestand, setting his broken femur in the woods and laying all night waiting for help will amaze you. You have to listen to this one. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:278 | Bonus: Tree Stand Safety - Stories of Survival and the Importance of Staying Safe | 01 Nov 2024 | 01:09:27 | |
This week we have a very sobering podcast that everyone who hunts from an elevated stand could benefit from a listen. Did you know that one in three hunters will fall from a tree during their hunting career? Many of these accidents are life changing. We’re joined by two hunters who were in different seasons of their lives when they fell from tree stands. A seasoned older hunter, Tony Rossetti, fell before daylight when a wooden step gave away and he lay all day and wasn’t found until late afternoon. Mitch Dozier was a young man in his prime when a numb cold boot broke a limb as he stepped out of a lock-on and landed on his back, forever changing his life. Join us and rekindle your pledge to safety by listening to their stories. You’ll also be inspired by the attitude these men display. Share this and hopefully we can help someone. Listen, Learn and Be Safe. Show Notes: Footer:
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| EP:277 | Deer Camp Life | 29 Oct 2024 | 01:28:51 | |
This week we are joined in studio by Malcom Reed and Mikey Dyer of How to BBQ Right fame. We discuss deer camp life and how cooking can be a center piece for bringing everyone together. Malcom manages a property in North Mississippi and we learn what he is doing to improve the hunting and we also ask him lots of questions about camp cooking. From squirrels to bone in ribeye’s we get educated by a master griller and learn how to BBQ Right. Deer Camp is a special place, made even more special by some good food. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:375 | A Deer Hunting Discussion | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:42:06 | |
On this episode we are joined by the guys from Southern Outdoorsman, Jacob Myers and Andrew Maxwell. It’s a great discussion on deer, deer hunting tactics and what they have learned through their experiences. If your passionate about chasing whitetails, you’ll enjoy this one. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:276 | Bonus: Aldo Leopold - The Father of Modern Wildlife Management | 25 Oct 2024 | 01:24:31 | |
This week we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the publishing of Aldo Leopold’s timeless classic book, A Sand County Almanac. We are joined by Dr. Curt Meine and Buddy Huffaker of the Aldo Leopold Foundation and our own Daniel Haas who has a fascination with the topic. We learn about Aldo’s early years, his interest in hunting and the journey of how he came to be known as the father of modern wildlife management while helping create awareness of environmental ethics. It’s an inspiring discussion and a story that anyone who loves land and wildlife needs to hear. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:275 | Deer Hunting with Dogs: History, Strategy, and Culture in the Deep South | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:44:13 | |
This week we have David Smith, the president of the Mississippi Dog Hunters Association, to discuss deer hunting with dogs. Chasing deer with dogs is a long lived tradition in the Deep South. Clubs exists that lease/hunt thousands of acres and turn out hundreds of dogs. We ask the obvious questions about traditions, how it started, how they operate, their strategy, do they try to manage their herds and of course, how they get along with neighbors that don’t dog hunt. There is a lot more discussed and we found it very informative. Did you know George Washington killed his first buck in front of a pack of deer dogs? Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:274 | Bonus: Piebald Deer | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:43:38 | |
On this bonus Dr. Steve Ditchkoff of Auburn University joins us to explain the phenomenon piebald deer. We’ve all either experienced one in the wild or seen a picture on social media. They can be odd looking deer with short legs, humped noses, noticeable overbite and they can also be beautiful animals with white colorations that range from just a few spots to almost total coverage. Are the genetically inferior? Should we shoot them? Are they protected? What other animals can be piebald? It’s an interesting discussion with great information. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:273 | Complex Whitetail Strategies | 15 Oct 2024 | 01:39:17 | |
This week we are joined in studio by whitetail specialist, Alan Summerford, who takes obsessing about hunting strategy to another level. It doesn’t take long listening to Alan talk to know this guy pays more attention and understands whitetails better than the vast majority of hunters. If you’re interested in growing bigger deer, harvesting mature bucks and creating whitetail heaven on the place you hunt, this podcast is for you. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:272 | Bonus: Understanding Wolves on the Landscape | 11 Oct 2024 | 01:20:38 | |
This week we’re joined by retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife wolf expert Ed Bangs who was appointed as the Wolf Recovery Coordinator in the mid ‘90’s. We were surprised to learn that wolves had the greatest natural range of any land mammal in the northern hemisphere with distribution seemingly everywhere at one point. They are an incredibly adaptable animal and hearing Ed explain the dynamics of the wolf pack is truly fascinating. He explains how wolves were feared, hated and eventually extirpated. Later wolves became a symbol to many people who have pushed to restore them. Obviously this reintroduction has created lots of issues. Ed does a great job of explaining wolves, why we have conflicts, where there are typically problems, where it works and some of the urban legends we have heard about wolves. Not living in the West, wolves are obviously not part of our daily discussions but we wanted to learn about them. If you are interested in wildlife, this one makes sense. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:271 | One of the Best Bowhunters | 08 Oct 2024 | 01:16:41 | |
This week we are joined by the unbelievably talented bowhunter Glenn Garner. Glenn manages the Jeff Foxworthy farm in Georgia and knows how to grow and kill big deer. To further prove the point, he has killed 26 Pope and Young qualifying animals with most coming from the property he manages. We have a great discussion about identifying and targeting specific bucks, rut parties, food plots and how to enter and exit a stands. He also explains his thoughts on killing momma doe early so she doesn’t disperse the buck fawns. Oh and the story of the 200 inch buck named Moe will make you think about what’s a big deer worth to you. It’s a good one. Listen, Learn and Enjoy.
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| EP:270 | Bonus: Understanding the Alligator Snapping Turtle | 04 Oct 2024 | 01:16:13 | |
On this week’s bonus episode, herpetologist Jimmy Stiles brings a giant alligator snapping turtle into the studio to teach of about these turtles. We’ve all seen them and we’re all fearful of those powerful jaws. Old timers say if they bite you they won’t let go until it thunders and some of us are willing to sacrifice one of Dudley’s appendages to see if this is true. Do you know how they make a catch food, where they prefer to live and how long they live? We also discuss burning in hardwood bottoms. Jimmy is about to get his PHD and he has studied the effects of fire on invasive privit and bottomland hardwoods and shares his insight. It’s an interesting discussion. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:269 | The Technical Physics of Archery | 01 Oct 2024 | 01:37:39 | |
This week we take a deep dive into understanding the physics of bows, arrows and broadheads. After losing a buck of a lifetime on a well-placed shot, guest Kenny Thompson spent years collecting data and researching how it all works together, and has developed a system that’s working great for him and his bow shop clients. Kenny takes a hard stance on his preferred fixed blade broadhead choice, and we agreed with much of what he said, but not necessarily all of it because there is also data to back up the effectiveness of quality mechanicals. Understanding that the bow and arrows need to be tuned for balance and for maximum efficiency to enhance penetration made so much sense to us. We talk down range arrow speed, tuning, balance, penetration, and also momentum. All this is discussed to explain where and why to try to hit a whitetail. Everybody should aspire to be an as effective as possible when a chance at a shot presents itself. We enjoyed the conversation and it reiterated to us that we all need to spend more time with our equipment. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:268 | Bonus: Why a Good Scope is So Important | 27 Sep 2024 | 01:05:44 | |
On this week’s bonus episode we talk about scopes and binoculars and how they can improve a hunt. Our guest is Bruce Pettet, CEO of Leupold and he has some great insight that can benefit hunters. Bruce is an avid hunter and understands the demands hunters place on their products. We ask about reticles, wind drift, fixed vs variable, small binos for turkey hunting, eye relief, what power is best for light gathering, why these modern scopes have three knobs, parallax and what’s his favorite hunting scope and how to teach kids about eye relief. We even asked him if he had scope eye! Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:267 | Growing Trophy Bass | 24 Sep 2024 | 01:47:46 | |
This week we take another deep dive into managing ponds for trophy fish and learning about the importance of water quality. Our guest Troy Goldsby explains his thoughts on what it takes and how he is growing some giant bass. He has some interesting insights that can be applied to any pond. Troy has managed Bill Dance’s ponds for years and has seen the extremes people are willing to go to grow large record class fish. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:374 | [Timely Classic #50] Understanding EHD | 28 Sep 2025 | 01:14:30 | |
We are hearing EHD is really bad this year. Hopefully it’s not in your neck of the woods. Our friend Tommy Allen has experienced losing some fantastic bucks. To learn more about EHD we are re-releasing the classic episode #165. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:266 | Bonus: Alfalfa: The Queen of Forages | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:52:25 | |
On this week’s bonus episode with talk with Kentucky Ag Ext specialist Andy Mills to learn about growing alfalfa for wildlife. We have all heard about the quality of forage that alfalfa can produce but we’ve also heard of the many difficulties. Why is it considered to such a good forage and what are the techniques a guy needs to use to establish a field. Andy explains it all and we learned from him. If you interested in growing diverse crops for your wildlife, you’ll find this one interesting. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:265 | Managing Whitetails with Matt Brock | 17 Sep 2024 | 01:43:50 | |
This week we have an interesting in studio discussion on managing whitetails with biologist, and well-known bow hunter, Matt Brock. Matts worked for the states of Mississippi and Alabama and has seen a lot of habitat and ideas. We discuss trail cameras, bottomland versus upland habitat, coyotes and predator management, rainfall amounts and its effect on management practices, tried-and-true strategies he’s acquired over the years, managing expectations, and more. He also tells the story of how his dog, while blood-trailing a deer, got into Temik AND his inadvertent exposure to it while caring for his dog. Matt came very close to having a tragic ending. It’s a hard story for him to tell but we hope someone can learn from it. At the end, he pulls out a jungle carpet python and tells us about his love of reptiles. It’s a great discussion. Listen Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:264 | Bonus: From Bachelor Groups to Fight Club | 13 Sep 2024 | 01:11:56 | |
On this bonus episode, Dr. Bronson Strickland of the Miss State Deer Lab joins us to explain antler mineralization, velvet shedding and the process by which testosterone starts building and eventually busts up the friendly bachelor groups. We also talk about ticks, minerals, bucks home range, moon phases, hermaphrodites, testicular injuries, the drought, the multi-year effect of the drought and stress events, effects of heat on deer, and preparing to plant with no rain on the horizon. It’s a great discussion. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:263 | Velvet Bucks and Bachelor Groups | 10 Sep 2024 | 01:21:33 | |
This week we take a deep dive into understanding and hunting bucks in velvet and those heart stopping bachelor groups we love to see. We have a great group of guests: Mark Haslam, a rabid whitetail guy who hunts SC and has years of velvet buck experience, Alan Summerford, an impressive young habitat manager who has perfected the strategy of creating velvet killing areas, and Kyle Lybarger the native plant specialist, helps us understand what natives are attractive right now. Have you ever hunted dropping muscadines? It’s a great discussion. Does deer meat taste better from late summer harvested deer? Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:262 | Bonus: Be a Better Bowhunter with Archery Strong | 06 Sep 2024 | 01:02:48 | |
This week’s bonus features Christian Williams of Archery Strong who helps archers stay in the game by relieving pain, preventing injury and building confidence as well as accuracy. Whether you’re a new bowhunter or seasoned, you’ll benefit from Christian’s healthy approach to warming up and strengthening core muscles. Do you know which shoulder exercises to perform to work the key muscles used to draw your bow back? Have you ever thought of warming up? How many arrows is too many? What’s the best practice strategy? This discussion is a great look into how we all should prepare for bow season and a life outdoors. Be more confident and accurate. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:261 | Insights into Sandhill Cranes with Dr. Blake Grisham & Courtenay Conring | 03 Sep 2024 | 01:45:05 | |
This week we’re are joined in studio by Dr. Blake Grisham of Texas Tech and Courtenay Conring, a hardworking young biologist. These two and others have been working a long term research project on Sandhill Cranes. It’s a very interesting discussion and we learned so much. Most people don’t understand the various populations of cranes, their migration, pair bonding, parenting skills and how long lived they are. We did know that they are referred to as “ribeye in the sky” and it was confirmed they are in fact delicious. We also learned just how much fun they are to hunt and we were surprised to learn just how wary they are. Sandhill Cranes have a beautiful throaty call and once you have heard one it’s easy to recognize. We are proud to know these researchers are helping other state agencies understand these wild birds to better manage them. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:260 | Bonus: Seed Coating Explained | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:53:30 | |
On this bonus podcast it’s an education on how science and technology is helping to enhance seedling survival on super small seeds like clovers, alfalfas and select brassicas. We are joined by Bill Talley of Summit Coatings a long time seedsman who does a great job of explaining the thought process behind coating seed and adding inoculants. This is a technology that’s made many people wonder what’s going on as the overall seed count is lower, the seed is made heavier, but in the end you’ll have more plants survive. If your into food plots and especially clover, you need to listen and it will help your wildlife farming skills. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:259 | Talking Ungulates with Dave Owens | 27 Aug 2024 | 01:14:05 | |
This week we have one of our favorite guests talk deer hunting with us. Dave Owens of the Pinhoti Project is a rabid turkey hunter, and each fall he manages to wrap a tag around an old bruiser whitetail. Is he equally obsessed? What deer sign does he key in on? What are his favorite setups? Is it feed such as acorns or persimmons? Trails? Near bedding? We ask the question, what does he think makes him such a successful hunter? He’s a humble guy but we pull out some qualities that we all can apply to our own hunts. It’s a good discussion – one that a deer hunter will certainly enjoy. Does he get revenge with a trivia question? Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:258 | Bonus: To Plow or Not To Plow | 23 Aug 2024 | 01:22:11 | |
This week we have agriculture/chemical specialist Frankie Williams of Nutrien on the show to help explain the options around plowing. Frankie brings years of big ag training coupled with hands on wildlife food plots experience to help us all improve our farming for wildlife. We talk disc, discing, no till plows, overseeding and many other options. It’s an interesting discussion. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:257 | Creating Huntability & A Secret to Lush Clover | 20 Aug 2024 | 01:43:03 | |
This week we take a deep dive in improving the huntability of a property with a Kenny Thompson owner of Plots Plus. Kenny manages a bunch of farms, plants hundreds of acres, creates water holes, funnels, turkey dusting areas and much more. He explains what he does and how access is one of the most important aspects to consider. Along the way we talk clover and we were shocked to learn his secret for establishing the lush thick clover fields that are his trademark. It’s a great discussion that can help anymore enhance a property or simply improve how they hunt. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:373 | The Chestnut Story | 26 Sep 2025 | 01:18:42 | |
On this episode we learn about the amazing story of the Chestnut Blight that wiped American Chestnuts off the landscape in the early to mid-1900s. These massive trees were so important to wildlife and the local way of life – and the glimpse back into what it was like back then is mindboggling. Our guest is Sara Fitzsimmons who currently works at Penn State University and served for over two decades with The American Chestnut Foundation, most recently as Chief Conservation Officer. Simply put Sara knows the Chestnut story and does a great job telling it. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:256 | Bonus: Invasive Fish | 16 Aug 2024 | 01:08:53 | |
On this bonus podcast we talk with the Fisheries Extension Professor at Mississippi State, Dr. Wes Neal, about the invasive carp species (including the “jumping” carp we’ve all seen in videos or person) who’s populations have exploded in our U.S. river systems. We talk about them and their close relatives the grass carp, bighead carp, and black carp. We also learn about another well-known invasive fish, the northern snakehead, and how it’s now not necessarily as controversial to some as it used to be. It’s a fascinating discussion to learn how these fish arrived here, what they are doing to the ecosystems and what we can expect in the future. We also discuss how European fisherman revere the carp we seem to loathe. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:255 | Extensive New Fire Data with Dr. Craig Harper | 13 Aug 2024 | 01:39:55 | |
This week we all sit mesmerized by Dr. Craig Harper of UT as he explains his twenty-five-year study of fire and how it affects habitat. We’ve all known the importance of dormant season fires on the landscape but Craig explains the importance of fire at other times of the year and the exact benefits. His long study in conjunction with many other smart minds is now being explained and the results are eye opening. He’s even preaching to burn smaller areas and he thoroughly explains why. Want to improve bedding? He has an answer. Want to create fawning cover? Want to create poult bugging areas? Nesting areas? High protein forbs and forages for a healthier deer herd? You have to listen to this one. We think it may be the most definitive explanation of fire we’ve heard and how using it over the calendar year can help you to accomplish your goals. You might need a notebook. Listen Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:254 | Bonus: Eating Crow | 09 Aug 2024 | 01:22:14 | |
This bonus episode we are joined by crow hunting expert and world class caller Sandy Brady. Imagine killing 8,000 crows a year and over 400 in one hunt! Sandy takes it very serious and hunts them hard. He explains his set up style and more importantly explains the black birds vocalizations. He’s also a big turkey hunter and teaches us that the way most folks try to get a turkey to shock gobble is actually the crows alarm call and that may be hurting your chances of seeing that gobbler. That got our attention. We are fascinated by his crow hunting prowess and intrigued to learn how to step up our crow calling game for locating turkeys. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:253 | Managing Whitetails and Dealing with Deer Management Fatigue | 06 Aug 2024 | 01:37:22 | |
On this episode we’re joined by Pierce Young, a deer biologist with the MDWFP who specializes in private lands advice. We start off asking a lot of questions about fawns, the birthing process, how they learn to nurse, their scent, how mom moves them and hides them plus more. We learned a lot and we went on to discuss what most folks are doing right and wrong in terms of managing their property. We also learned there’s a term called deer management fatigue that’s a real thing and affects many clubs and gamekeepers. It’s an interesting discussion centered around one of our favorite critters, the remarkable white-tailed deer. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:252 | Bonus: Conservation in Focus | 02 Aug 2024 | 01:30:48 | |
On this week’s bonus episode we walk down memory lane with Rusty McDaniels and Joe White, two guys who have been filming for Mossy Oak for a long time. We ask about what they have seen outfitters do to manage deer and turkeys that we could learn from, how they have seen attitudes about conservation change. We learn about the bonding that occurs in a hunting camp, the work ethic that has to be present and the memorable experiences you can miss if you’re not paying attention. We also hear some great stories that include deer, turkeys, Florida panthers, mountain lions and fighting black bears. This is a fun one. Listen, learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:251 | Hunting with Thermals | 30 Jul 2024 | 01:29:30 | |
This week we learn about predator hunting with thermal equipment. Two excellent Louisiana outfitters who specialize in hunting pigs and coyotes with thermals at night join us to explain just how it’s done. It’s a fascinating discussion and we all learned that we all want to experience this unique hunt. We know first-hand how devastating pigs can be to a property, but these guys have found a way to keep the pressure on them and help their local farmers AND have FUN! If you have feral pigs in your area, there may be local farmers that would welcome you to help reduce their numbers. The trappers are using thermals and suppressors to clean up the pigs they can get in traps. We aren’t glorifying pig hunting, but pointing out a way to help put the pressure on these destructive vermin. We also learn what a Rougarou is and how did we miss that? Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:250 | Growing Corn for Wildlife | 26 Jul 2024 | 01:38:14 | |
In this BONUS episode Dr. Erick Larson, the Miss State University Extension Corn and Grain Crops Specialist joins us to explain growing corn for wildlife. Everyone readily admits a field of standing corn can attract and hold wildlife and teamed up with cool season plantings can create beautiful areas of green/grain. However for many food plotters, growing corn can be a bit intimidating. We ask Erick to help us understand how to take agricultural knowledge and apply it to growing smaller plots of corn specifically for wildlife. Erick’s a mild mannered corn genius who recently bow killed a 200-inch whitetail in Kansas. It’s a great discussion. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:249 | They Did What? Duck Hunting Confrontations | 23 Jul 2024 | 01:08:29 | |
This week we are joined by Natalie Krebs, Executive Editor at Outdoor Life. She recently traveled to Australia to learn about the anti-hunting movement that’s vigorously trying to stop duck hunting. We were fascinated to hear about how these groups operated. We’ve never encountered an anti-hunter during a hunt…have you? Her stories are shocking and we thought that every hunter should pay attention to this to understand and help prevent this from happening in our United States. Either through egregious actions during hunts or more discreet methods of changing laws (think California mountain lions and now attempting the same in Colorado), the anti’s are making efforts to shut down our way of life. They don’t understand conservation and how hunting plays an integral role in managing wildlife, while at the same time raising funds for the same animals and many others. This is one every hunter needs to pay attention to and share. Listen, Learn and Be Informed. Show Notes: Read Natalie’s article in Outdoor Life - https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/australia-duck-season/ Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:248 | Bonus: Night Killers, Blood Lusting Poachers | 19 Jul 2024 | 01:34:58 | |
This week we are joined by retired Game Warden Tim Flanigan. His new book, Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers tells the story of his career operating in the dark of night chasing night hunters. The poaching activity where outlaws utilize bright lights to aid in the unethical harvest of deer goes by many names such as shining, spotlighting, and jacklighting to name a few, and it occurs wherever whitetails live. His stories are shocking to say the least – from the blatant disregard with wounding animals to flagrantly threatening the wardens life, which was in clear danger more times than we could count. We explore why some folks fear “Mr. Green Jeans” and we try to understand why poaching even has an appeal to some. By the end of the recording you will have been amazed at what this man went through to protect wildlife in his home state of Pennsylvania. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:247 | Maggie Williams talks Green Heads, Wild Turkeys and the Importance of Dads | 16 Jul 2024 | 01:34:32 | |
This week we’re joined in studio by Maggie Williams, a young lady that proudly calls Arkansas home and ducks hunts 60 days a year and chases turkeys in more than a dozen states. How did she get the passion for hunting? What aspects of the sport drew her in? We asked her a lot of questions and found her to be a very interesting interview. We talk greenheads, wood ducks and wild turkeys and her talent for finding private land access which has Dudley rethinking his. We also talk about being a dad and the influence that we can have on our children. It’s a fun one. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:372 | Andy and Nicky Mill Talking Hunting and Fishing | 23 Sep 2025 | 01:29:07 | |
On this episode we are joined by famed skier, author and tarpon fisherman Andy Mill and his son Nicky. They host the Mill House Podcast and talk to us about their love of elk hunting and fishing. We dive into elk and tarpon and Andy asks about the way whitetails are managed and hunted. Moreover, It’s a father and son story of enjoying the journey and how the outdoors has given them the chance to really connect. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:246 | Bonus: A Life of Chasing Quail and a Dog Named Puny | 12 Jul 2024 | 01:32:51 | |
This week we’re joined in studio by an old school quail hunter who hunted through and vividly remembers the good ole days of bobwhites. Mr. Tommy Paulk is a larger than life character from Bullock County, Alabama that loves to hunt “pottidges” as he likes to call them. Once a crop duster with over 30,000 acres of private land access, he flushed many a covey and tells us all about it. Who wouldn’t have wanted love to grow up where you whistle for the dogs, take off walking in any direction and be bird hunting. It’s a rare glimpse into how it once was. Also, you know that Bonnie Big Boy tomato you love from the garden, guess whose grandmother was Bonnie? You guessed it. You’ll enjoy this one. Listen. Learn and Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:245 | A Longing for Gentleman Bob | 09 Jul 2024 | 01:53:47 | |
This week we have Dr. Mark McConnell, Asst. Professor of Upland Birds at Mississippi State, to talk about the current status and future of a bird we all love so much. The flush of a wild bobwhite quail is an experience that many younger hunters may never have, and we discuss just how did we get to this scenario and what realistically can be done. It’s a deep subject, and you’ll hear it’s one that evokes frustrating emotions. Mark is a well-spoken knowledgeable expert that loves every aspect of the upland experience, and is the perfect guest to tell us what we need to know. You’ll even learn that French Poodles were originally bred to retrieve. Lastly, woodcock are discussed and they may be the target species for wild bird hunters of the South and beyond. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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| EP:244 | Bonus: Everything Crappie with Jimmy Slater | 05 Jul 2024 | 01:23:23 | |
On this week’s BONUS podcast we have crappie fishing legend Jimmy Slater in studio to explain everything crappie/white perch/sac-a-lait. His family has been in the crappie jig business for over 50 years and they’ve kept their finger on the pulse of both old school and new modern techniques. Crappie are a lot of fun to catch and delicious to eat. Listening to Jimmy will help you understand these fish and how to improve your chances. We also talk about the live scope technology and how it’s impacting the resources. It’s a fun discussion. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connected with GameKeepers:
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