John had an interesting deer season as well. Even though he had access to more property than he ever had before, he really struggled to find a good deer to chase. After a heart breaking trip to Kansas and a missed opportunity on a really nice buck, John's Oklahoma season was pretty uneventful. That is until the last day of the season, when a last ditch effort and a whole lot of luck came together and John was able to arrow his biggest bow buck to date!

Upon arrival, John quickly realized that the cards were stacked against him as far as the weather was concerned. Sustained winds of 20+ mph and gusts as high as 35 mph kept the action a little slow the first two days. On the third day however, the winds died and the temps dropped and those final two days turned out to be magical. When all was said and done, John barely had enough room in the cooler for all the meat he brought home, including a pleasant and unexpected surprise. And of course, things ended up coming down to the wire.

John finishes this episode with a little pre hunt chat about his upcoming Texas Mule Deer hunt. There was one big kink in his hunt plans, but after ironing out a few details the hunt is still on and John can't wait. This will be Johns first ever guided hunt, and he is excited for the experience and the opportunity to chase a new critter in wild country.

John briefly tells the story of his hunt and what he experienced, but the bulk of this episode is more about the process, the lessons learned, and what he would do differently next time. John lays out all of the rules of the hunt, and also talks about the terrain he encountered, the vegetation, and recommendations on gear to bring. John talks about the challenges of this hunt, and how just because you see lots of deer, does not mean its easy to actually fill a tag. He also shares some thoughts on the quality tag system, and some thoughts on whether or not this hunt may or may not be right for you.

The Episode timed out perfectly with a big announcement John has been wanting to make. To find out what that big news is, you'll have to check out episode 200 of the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcast, a proud member of the Sportsmens Empire Podcast Network!

In this episode John talks about being patient, waiting for your moment, being selective, and much much more. He also emphasises that if you have not gotten all your preseason work done, now is the time to do it before things really get good. And don't just get things up and running now, but keep everything running from now until the buzzer beeps, because you never know when that buck of a lifetime is going to step out and offer you a clean shot and a chance at glory!

After the local stuff, John goes outbound and talks about his upcoming trip to Kansas, which if you are listening to this episode when it comes out, he is already there. John discusses his camp set up, his scouting, and what he expects to encounter. John did not have a chance to make a scouting trip over the summer, so he is going in completely blind. Though he did not get to put boots on the ground, he has spent countless hours e-scouting ever since he put in for the tag back in April. He feels confident that with a little gravel under the tire and some dirt under his boots, he can find a spot to take down a big bodied Kansas buck. 

Jeremy talks about how he got started hunting out of state, and gives a few pointers for folks looking to plan their first out of state hunt. Jeremy also talks about how he stays mobile out on the road, not only with his hunting setup, but also with his vehicle. Jeremy hunts out of an SUV instead of a pickup so that he can eat, sleep, drive, and camp out of one rig and be as mobile as he needs to be. This is a great episode for anyone looking to take the next step in their hunting career and have their own adventure.

Next on the list are a couple young men who started "Hunting God Outdoors." Hunter, Gunner, and Roman's goal is to bring people closer to God while also enjoying the outdoor pursuits that we all know and love. After the Hunting God Outdoor boys, friend of the show Charles Greer with Whitetail Fanatic Land Consultants stops by the table for a quick summer time update. He and John talk a little food plot strategy and what this fall may bring to each.

To wrap up the show, Daniel McVay and Chancey Holdsworth of Buckventures drop by to talk a little behind the scenes of what it is like to be a part of a major television show. They talk about how much time and work goes into producing a 22 minute episode, and what it takes to put on such a large production. The guys also give some advice for young people who want to get into the industry, and some good ways to get started.

John and Charles also spend a good amount of time talking about muzzleloaders, and the challenges they bring. After using iron sights while hunting New Mexico last year, Charles has been swapping the irons out for a scope in order to hunt Oklahoma this fall. John continues to struggle getting his gun to group, and after discovering he was using too much powder, he has little time left to diagnose and problem solve before his upcoming hunting trip in Kansas this September. 

After the fish tale, John talks about his recent trip up to the McAlester Army Ammunition plant to try and learn a little bit about the area before his hunt in November. The base was open for a traditional bow only 3D course that pushed several archers to their limits. John met some great people, learned some valuable information about the hunt itself, and got a feel for the area. The main thing he learned was just how thick the cedar choked timber was, and how getting a clean shot is going to be extremely difficult!

Trenton and John talk about the new agreement the big five tribes came to that allows tribe members to hunt on each other's reservation lands. Trenton also talks about some research projects the tribes have been helping on, including opening up some CWD testing sites to make testing available to more people. And just for fun, Trenton puts on the host hat and asks John a few questions about his upcoming hunt on Big Mac aka the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.

Andrew also lays out the process of packing and traveling with a week's worth of gear and a firearm to another country. The United States part of it was not that difficult, but when he landed in Canada, they were not so easy. He also talks about the type of gear needed for a hunt like this, and some of the things that made his trip more enjoyable. Andrew also talks about the hunt itself, and what it took to get a fully grown moose worth of meat back to his freezer at home.

Back in Oklahoma, John drew a tag for a traditional archery only hunt which means he will need to polish his archery skills. After testing out an old recurve he had, he discovered a bent limb which makes the more powerful bow not an option. He now has to decide to stick with his 40 pound longbow, or drop some money on a new recurve. He also has to decide if he wants to stick to hunting on the ground or practice shooting a long traditional bow from a tree stand.

The last hunt of his season will take place in the cactus covered mountains of south Texas. Clothing is the main concern on this hunt. Being just off of the Rio Grande River and Mexican border, this area has some of the most unpredictable weather in the lower 48. Add long hikes mixed with hours of sitting and glassing, you just never know what you are going to end up needing to put on or take off in a moment's notice. All while possibly needing to take a 300 to 400 yard shot at any second.

Almost anyone can gain access to a small farm pond, which is part of the reason John feels so passionately about this project. After a lot of research, John set out to make the best fishery possible out of a one and a half acre pond that has been in his family for about 50 years. John's other goal was to do it as cheaply as possible. Structure, water clarity, and overall fish population are the main concerns, as well as hopefully growing some edge vegetation that will make the pond more attractive for waterfowl. So if that little mud hole in the middle of a cattle pasture is all you have to work with, don't fret. Almost any water source can serve a purpose for an outdoors man or woman willing to put in a little work! 

Towards the end of the episode, John couldn't help but talk about deer a little bit. Brian discusses how the human population has changed hunting in his area in recent years, but that it's not all bad change. He also talks about what a difference antler point restrictions have made on the trophy quality in the state, and how education has led to more hunters passing younger bucks.

Connor and John talk about the different types of feeders out there and some advantages and disadvantages to each. The guys also talk about "hand corn" or simply placing bait on the ground and its effectiveness in the right situation. Connor talks about the ongoing battle a hunter will have with livestock and undesired critters like hogs and racoons any time a feeder is used on the open landscape.

Being a podcast host himself, Nate does a great job of turning the tables and asking John a few questions about his property and hunting in Oklahoma. After seeing John's property this spring, he had some questions about how John sets up and hunts his family cattle ranch. The guys also talk about if you can have "too many mature bucks" on a property and ways you can prevent that from happening.

John also ventured into some new territory and planted his very first alfalfa plot. In an area that saw a lot of browse pressure last year, John decided to switch things up and see if alfalfa could outgrow the deers stomachs. He also increased the size of that plot by almost 4 times! Follow along as John walks the listener through his step by step process and points out what he did right and several things he did wrong.

After the more serious introduction, the episode takes a turn to the lighter side as John is joined by Julius Craig of Deltaflauge Outdoors to talk about hunting in different states. The guys hit on Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Julius's home state of Louisiana. Being a new Oklahoma resident, Julius also asks John some questions about some of the state's lesser known game like bear and antelope. John also recounts the story of his truck getting stolen out of a Denver hotel parking lot on his way to hunt elk in north western Colorado.

This trip brought plenty of challenges, and though John had no problem finding birds, getting one into shotgun range proved more challenging than he expected. Like many western animals, the merriams he was chasing seemed to have no predictable pattern. Simply traveling wherever the wind blew them on any particular day. After three long days and a few disappointments, John finally caught up to a small group of strutters on the last day. However, even with a long beard at fifteen yards, John found out it's never easy!

Justin and John touch on a few of the more popular wild game species in Oklahoma including whitetail deer, wild hogs, and waterfowl ranging from ducks to greater Canadian geese. There is so much to cover that the guys didn't have time to deep dive into any particular topic, so be sure to check out Harvesting Nature online or tune into the Wild Fish and Game Podcast to learn more about getting the most out of your wild game!

The scouting mission was not a complete failure though. Two other hunters had been on the property for three days before John got there, and while scouting he found a big section of the property that they had not been able to access due to the deep mud. That is the area John chose to focus on the following morning, and he found himself surrounded by gobbles with daylight breaking! 

The scouting mission was not a complete failure though. Two other hunters had been on the property for three days before John got there, and while scouting he found a big section of the property that they had not been able to access due to the deep mud. That is the area John chose to focus on the following morning, and he found himself surrounded by gobbles with daylight breaking! 

This episode isn't all legislative talk however. John also talks about his recent hog hunt with the boys from up north. Two Michiganders and one Ohio native make the trek to Oklahoma to help John and his family with their hog problem, and do a pretty dang good job of it!

The guys talk about some of the stereotypes around hogs like the crazy population numbers and how tough the animals are. They also have a discussion about different firearms and calibers that are used to hunt wild pigs. Nick voices his goal of changing the negative perception hogs have at the dinner table, and vows to change the minds of Oklahomas and others about what a great gift these tasty creatures can be if taken advantage of. 

Don't forget to check out Nick (The Huntavore) and Nates (Michigan WIld) podcasts also available on the Sportsmens Empire Podcast Network!

This episode covers a little bit of everything. Keith and John talk about map scouting, the importance of camouflage, calling and reading birds, and more. Keith talks about his decoy preferences and again, reading the birds to give them what they want. Towards the end of the episode they cover actually killing a bird and all the different weapon choices out there. From a trusty ol 12 gauge to the new .410's on the market that are quickly growing in popularity.

After not drawing a tag in 2022, Tyrell set his sights on 2023 and was determined to make it happen. After the buck he scouted all summer was taken by another hunter on opening day, it was back to square one with the season already under way. With Kansas's recent trail camera ban, Tyrell had no other way to scout than boots on the ground and dirt on the tires. It took all season, but after a tip from a friend he was able to make a play on a great whitetail buck. If you have ever wanted to chase western whitetails, this is an episode you need to hear!

Not only were they successful at tagging a couple nice birds, but John also got to learn a lot about hunting with kids. SV is a trooper, and has never met a stranger, but when it comes to being quiet and still, it's hard to ask too much from a youngster. John got to see first hand that fruit snacks and peanut butter crackers could be just as important on a hunt as box calls and decoys.

Be sure to check out the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcasts social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram before hitting play on this episode. There are 4 pictures with labels that will help create a visual of what John is talking about during this episode. From the drone shots, you can see how John creates food plots, bedding areas, and travel corridors that all work together to put John in a position where the deer feel completely comfortable but also offer him shot opportunities. Don't want deer coming from the east because they'll get your scent? Manipulate the landscape in such a way that makes them come from the west. And don't think you have to have hundreds of acres to use these strategies. The three locations John uses in this podcast are all in a 140 acre area.

John and Nathan start out by talking about some of the obvious differences between compound and traditional hunting. Next, Nathan talks about his mindset going into the woods. John asks about his "standards" and if they changed after limiting himself to trad gear. John then asks Nathan to talk about some of the things he has learned that would translate back to hunting with a compound if he were to switch again for some reason.

Keith and John go over some of the differences in mule deer behavior, and the differences in hunting them versus whitetails. Keith talks about his equipment and what he thinks is important for specifically hunting Oklahoma mule deer as opposed to states further west. Keith also uses his experience as a taxidermist to give some pointers on field care for your trophy if you plan to get it mounted, and some good and bad strategies for getting your animal out in the sandy brush country of the Oklahoma Panhandle.

After nerding out on some numbers, John goes over a recent news article he came across about how wild hogs may be good for the environment. While hogs have their place, John is afraid this particular article had a hidden agenda in its midst. To round things off John touches on a few other topics like using forestry mulchers on hunting properties, preference points, and planning ahead for this upcoming hunting season. 

Charles and his buddies were able to hunt cranes and geese on this trip, which makes for a great comparison of the two species and helps people relate to something they may be a little more familiar with. Charles talks about the strategy they used, the decoy set ups, the size shells, and the hides the group used to put a 14 man limit on the ground one day, and a stack of geese the next. If a crane hunt isn't already on your list, it definitely will be after this episode!

Rhett did a great job of keeping up with statistics this year, and learned a lot about what a wounded or dieing whitetail does in the moments after the shot. The thing that surprised John the most, was how many deer they found that were still alive hours later. Another interesting point was how the animals acted based on the weapon that was used. This episode is packed full of lessons for beginning and seasoned hunters alike.

After a look to the past, John then turns his attention to the future. He has been keeping an upcoming fall hunt a secret for quite some time, but it is now time to let the cat out of the bag. John plans to shift his focus in a slightly different direction in 2024, and a direction he has been pulled in for quite some time. All these plans and more are revealed in this episode so be sure to listen up!

The hope of this episode is to help all couples out there know that they are not alone. Life balance is tough, no matter if it's hunting, work, or just the hustle of modern day society. John and Mackenzie have found that communication and expectations are monumental in retaining a healthy relationship during the fall, and honestly year around. They go through the things that have helped them communicate better and get through a fun, but challenging state of life. Even if you are young, single, and ready to mingle, this episode is packed full of good lessons for the future.

Thick cut pork chops, bacon, cured hams, and whole smoked pigs just to name a few of the cuts he tried, and all of them turned out great. Nick also kept track of the size and sex of the hog just to make sure there wasn't any added bias in the results. If you have ever been interested in doing something with all those wild hogs other than throwing them in the ditch, you really need to check out this episode!

After years of obsessing and hunting the big 10 point, on the Saturday after thanksgiving, in the very spot he got that first trail camera picture 6 years before, John was able to catch up with the 2% buck. The name came by accident, when John jokingly gave himself only a 2% chance of killing the buck because of the fact he was so nocturnal and lived on land John did not have access to hunt. However, after years of habitat work and studying the deer, John was finally able to kill the monarch 6 years after first laying eyes on him.

Charles talks about how Texas's antler restrictions have really helped the age class on their property, and how the last two years they have seen a big bump in older age class deer. Those older age class bucks have generally also sported larger headgear, which led to Charles being able to shoot his biggest buck to date. The buck managed to elude him during archery season, but a well timed cold front brought some opening day of rifle season success!

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John talks about some of the major differences between hunting the midwest and his traditional stomping grounds further south. He was shocked at how similar the breakdown of land was, with your usual ag fields, pockets of timber, and timber lined creeks. One thing that presented a major challenge though was the steeper more rugged terrain that made the wind extremely unpredictable. John was constantly moving and making micro adjustments to his set up, trying to put the wind in his advantage. He did see some really nice bucks, and is counting down the days till his return.

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Cort's first buck came after getting permission to hunt some land owned by his landlord, and this second buck came from that same property. Being a college student, and now freshly out of college and trying to make a living in this crazy world, Cort didn't have a lot of extra cash laying around to pay for a lease. Instead of giving up or just not hunting however, Cort rolled up his sleeves and made a deal with the land owner to work around the property in exchange for hunting rights. Doing odd jobs and helping work cattle has earned Cort the right to hunt a great property and harvest two fantastic whitetail deer.

Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

In this episode Kevin and Austin talk about the many projects the Oklahoma chapter of BHA has completed over the last few years, along with some future plans that are in the works. BHA also puts on educational events like deer camps and waterfowl hunts, and entertainment events like hunting and fishing films. BHA is all about getting people outside, and protecting our state lands for future generations.

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In this episode, John talks about the off season scouting and habitat work that laid the groundwork for his October hunt. With the dynamic of his neighbors changing, John has had to rethink his habitat and property layout. Those changes and a lot of hard work in the spring payed off with a solid buck at 18 yards on October 5th! By far the earliest in the season John has ever tagged a mature buck, or any whitetail for that matter.

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This episode isn't all about storytelling though, Amy is also a full time taxidermist and owner of Prime Time Taxidermy. She gives listeners some helpful tips on how to take care of an animal for transportation and delivery to the taxidermist, some helpful skinning tips, and even teaches John a few things he has been doing wrong. John and Amy cover caping deer, skinning bear, what to do with a bobcat, and how there's no need to cut up your moms pantyhose to keep a ducks feathers organized. 

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Keith and John go through the lengthy product line that Stratton offers, but also dig a little deeper into specific food plot strategy. They talk about when folks in the south should plant as opposed to what most people in the midwest suggest, and Keith gives some tips for people trying to grow food plots in these drier than usual conditions Oklahoma and surrounding states have been experiencing. John also lets Keith talk about a subject that he has essentially no experience with due to his abundance of wild hogs, which is growing corn for deer. Over all, this is a great educational episode that you won't want to miss!

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Both fellas share some of their muzzleloader failures and what they learned from them, and give some warnings to folks who are new to black powder. While the guys talk whitetails, John admits he may have to eat his words as his top target buck has been daylighting a lot leading up to the archery opener this coming weekend. John often warns against being overly excited for opening day, but when a target buck is showing himself, it may just be time to go all in!

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John starts at the beginning. Sometimes the hardest part about killing a mature buck is just finding a mature buck to chase. As the episode goes on, John dials in his approach including map scouting, trail cameras, weather conditions, and finally that moment of truth. When that buck of your dreams is standing in front of you, will you be ready? In his mind, if you don't go into the woods expecting to kill that buck, there's just no reason to go!

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There were several good lessons learned on this trip. John quickly realized that just because soybeans are still green, that doesn't mean they're still attractive. He also knew that water would be important, but when it's that hot and that dry, water is everything. John also had his first experience saddle hunting, and talks about some of the advantages and disadvantages to hunting out of a saddle vs a traditional hang on stand.

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One thing John wanted to be sure to cover in this episode, is the advantages and disadvantages of both tracking dogs and drones when it comes to recovering downed game. Rhett actually sought out dog owners to learn from them and get their take on the subject as well. Whether you are pro or anti more technology in hunting, this is an important episode to listen to. While there are certainly advantages to using tools like drones in the outdoors, there is definitely an open door for them to be used in the wrong way and Rhett does a great job of covering that topic as well. 

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John's only September hunt is his trip to Nebraska which he hopes to now make a yearly tradition. The guys talk about early season topics like hunting bed to food patterns, corn vs beans, water holes, and how terrible mosquitoes can be when hunting so early in the season. They take a little time to discuss Oklahomas proposed velvet season and the effect it could have on the state's hunters and deer herd.

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Josh and John cover a variety of habitat topics relevant to most people who hunt in Oklahoma and beyond. They talk about feeders VS food plots and the advantages of both. They cover water, fire, cover, and pretty much every essential piece of habitat management it takes to grow quality whitetails. Josh talks about the importance of herd management, and John talks about how his philosophy on herd management has changed in recent years. This episode is both entertaining and educational, so be sure to give it a listen and check out Habitat Solutions.

After a nice long chat about pronghorn, Colter talks about another similar research project on wild turkeys. It is no secret that numbers appear to be declining across much of the country and especially in the southeastern United States, and Colter sheds some light on a few reasons why a decline may be taking place, and some practical things hunters and conservationists can do to have a positive impact on those populations.

And just because why the heck not, John and Colter finish the episode off with some good old wolf talk. Colter is fortunate enough to work on a grey wolf population study on Prince of Wales Island off the coast of Alaska. John talks a little bit about his experience with wolves in the north west while in college, and the guys talk about how sometimes the biggest obstacle in managing a species is just how cute they are.

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The second half of the episode focuses on the special and rare Oklahoma elk. Trevor is fortunate enough to have access to some amazing elk hunting opportunities that are hard to find. He talks about the different methods he has used to hunt them over the years, and how they have opened the doors to opportunities in the outdoor industry. This is a great episode with a great guy that you won't want to miss.

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It is going to be a busy fall for John. Nebraska velvet bucks, prime Iowa rut hunts, west Texas brush country, and good ol Oklahoma ranch land are all on the docket for 2023. Trying to fit all these states into a single hunting season is the issue. On top of a family and a full time job, John has his work cut out for him. He's not afraid of the challenge however, and is even trying to find a way to throw a south east Oklahoma bear hunt in the mix as well!

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Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

One of the main things John stresses in this episode is safety. Looking back at his youth, John put himself in a lot of dangerous situations that could have easily been prevented, especially with modern technology. He also talks about affordable gear, clothing, and other useful tips for young hunters who don't have a lot of spare cash laying around. Oklahoma has so many amazing outdoor opportunities, and most of them are fairly inexpensive and just waiting to be explored!

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Oklahoma has held its own in the competition over the years. Last year Oklahoma was second in entries, and multiple Oklahoma Teams finished towards the top of the leaderboard. While it is called a competition, the league is much more about camaraderie and bringing folks together rather than tearing them apart. If you don't have access to prime hunting ground, don't worry. There are all kinds of prizes to be won, some as easily as just signing up! Did we mention it's free?

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One of the main topics the guys cover is simply what caliber of buck John should expect to encounter. While most think there is a 200" deer behind every tree in Iowa, Dan makes it clear that that is not the case. There is however, on average a much higher caliber of deer and especially if you are on private land which John hopes to be hunting. The guys also cover expected weather conditions, if a saddle is worth it, terrain features vs deer sign, and much more. If you have ever hunted Iowa, or plan to one day do it, be sure to listen to this episode.

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Greg and John obviously talk about Gregs business, but they also cover many topics that are good for anyone looking to lease land should know. Obviously everyone wants to kill giant deer, but there are other things to consider as well like neighbors, water, food, accessibility for both hunting and other recreational uses, and don't forget about the land owner themself. The guys also talk about the advantages to leasing over owning. Such as being able to hunt multiple areas, or being able to simply pick up and go if something were to happen to the quality of the game a person is pursuing. 

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Bransen had hunted the western mountains before, but never for spring bear. He talks about the intense grind the hunt required in order to be successful. Long days and lots of miles. Some days waking up before 4:30am and not going to bed till well after 11pm. He goes through some of the gear he used on the trip and how he was able to stay in the back country for so long. He also gets into the different hunting styles the group used throughout the week, and how he specifically went against some of the usual tactics a lot of people use. 

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This episode is not a scientific evaluation of CWD and its future effects of the Oklahoma deer herd. Instead, this episode is simply meant to inform listeners about what has happened in the past, what is happening in the present, and to prepare Oklahoma sportsmen and women for the future. It's not time to hit the panic button just yet! John discusses the history of CWD in Oklahoma, the recent case that has been confirmed, and a few precautions the wildlife department is putting into place. There will definitely be another episode in the near future with someone who is far more informed than John, but he felt that this news was important enough to be addressed immediately.

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John and Levi start from the 10,000 foot view of finding an area to start with, and eventually work their way down to picking the specific tree. Levi talks about how terrain plays a major role in his setups, and how sign like rubs and scrapes don't play into his setups as much as it does for most people. The guys discuss saddle hunting and being mobile, and the ways Levi approaches hunting public compared to private. If you have ever wanted to learn more about hunting public land whitetails, this is the episode for you.

Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

The guys cover several topics including land parcel size, season structures, hot and cold weather effects, and even talk about different hunting strategies like deer drives. In 2022 Andrew killed a nice buck hunting two different parcels of land that totalled only 8 acres! He also talks about how Ohio does not have a modern rifle season. If you want to gun hunt, you can choose between a shotgun, muzzleloader, or straight wall cartridge such as the 350 legend. Overall, it is a great conversation about how different regulations work and affect different states and varying population densities of both humans and wildlife. Check out this episode, and be sure to check out Andrew and Paul over on the 02 podcast also on the Sportsmens Empire Podcast Network!

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After the story, John and Cole get into the hunting industry a little bit. Cole talks about how an internship led into a full time position, and eventually to him being the producer and editor of a major television show. Cole shares what makes the job so enjoyable and how it really is an amazing opportunity. It's not all fun and games, but the good tends to outweigh the bad. Cole also gives a few tips to anyone who may have a similar dream, and some advice on how to maybe get your foot in the door. 

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After heading home and getting back to work for a few days, John then headed to his buddies place in west Texas to once again try to get a Rio Grande turkey in shotgun distance. Unlike his other hunts, this one happened extremely fast! Though he had his gopro rolling, John would have loved to have had a camera man along on this hunt. Give the episode a listen and find out why!

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On top of the rutcation observations, Lindsay and John discuss a few other things that greatly affect hunters in the sooner state. One bright spot in the conversation comes when Lindsay talks about a few statistics that he recently learned about Oklahomas deer herd. These statistics are quite encouraging after all the recent talk about laws and regulations and other worrisome topics. Most will be encouraged to learn that the state of whitetail deer hunting in Oklahoma is far better than most realize. 

There is a little bad news in this episode however. Be sure to stick around till the end, when John asks Lindsay about a recent research study done on wild hogs. Lindsay discusses the study and how to everyone's surprise, they have found that wild hog populations are growing at an even faster rate than previously thought. The age at which sows can begin breeding is staggering, and so is the survival rate of piglets!

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After the to-do list, John also shares some stories from his Sportsmens Empire hog hunt from a few weekends ago. Fellow podcasters came from Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri to hunt hogs in southeast Oklahoma. Many of the guys had never even seen a hog, much less hunted them, so it was a lot of fun for John to take them around and turn them loose on some wild hogs. 

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Even after all the mishaps, it was still an incredible trip. He got to do a lot of scouting for both turkeys and deer, and got permission on yet another property for this fall. John also got to see the effects of EHD for himself, finding multiple deadheads while walking around scouting. It is truly incredible how diverse whitetails and turkeys are and all the places they can thrive, even when it seems the cards are stacked against them.

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Michael and John do their best to weed through some of the proposed bills, and what it could mean for both hunters and wildlife. The guys talk about how other states have handled some of these topics, and how it has affected them. Some of what is said in this episode is certainly opinion, but much of it is factual and taken directly from bills that are currently in circulation in the state legislature. It is growing more important every day for people to get involved with what happens in politics, no matter what side of the isle you fall on. If the people who love to hunt and fish don't stand up for their rights, there are not many others to do it for them!

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Tims passion for this project shines through as he talks about the hunts and opportunities they are able to offer. Those opportunities take a lot of work though, and the organization is always looking for more volunteers. Tim talks about who is eligible for their hunts, and what they are looking for in volunteers. Even if you are not an experienced hunter, they are always needing folks to help around camp to cook, clean, and organize. If you don't feel comfortable being a guide, and cleaning isn't your thing, they are more than happy to accept financial help as well. They are a 501 c3 non-profit organization, and you can learn more by listening to this podcast, or check out their facebook and website at oklahomaoutdooroutreach.org. 

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If those topics don't get your water boiling, there's more. A bill to start an August velvet deer season has already passed the senate and moved to the house, and could go into effect as early as next year! Not enough you say? Did you know there are people pushing to get airbows legalized for archery season in Oklahoma? Have you seen trail cameras are now banned on public land in Kansas? Topics like these can no longer be ignored, and they are only becoming more common.

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In an unexpected bonus to this episode, Keith also talks about how predator numbers are affecting turkey numbers across the nation. Keith spent several years as a professional trapper (thus the nickname) back in the 80's, and talks about how the decline in fur prices also led to the decline of interest in trappers. Keith doesn't claim to be the best turkey hunter, but throughout the conversation his knowledge of woodsmanship really shines through, and you may just want to pay attention when ol Bobcat has something to say.

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Randy has been into coyote hunting for a long time, and for several years spent way more time in varmint tournaments than a deer stand. Over the years he has accumulated some high quality night time hunting gear, and this podcast is mostly centered around that gear with some hunting techniques thrown in along the way. The guys talk thermal vs night vision and some of the benefits and downfalls of each. Why an electric ATV may be the way to go, and the advantages of having a raised hunting rack in the back of it. The three talk about some of the differences in calling coyotes with thermal versus walking up on hogs, and how to do each one safely. If you have been thinking about going on a thermal hunt, or maybe buying a thermal of your own, this episode is a great resource before you go spending a whole lot of money.

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Paul and John share one thing in common, neither of them are any good at using a mouth call, one of the most popular turkey calls on the market. Paul does a great job of discussing mouth call alternatives, and why you might use one over the other. The guys also talk about locator calls and when a certain one might be appropriate. Paul and John talk a little bit about the different habitat types that turkeys live in, and how different calling turkeys in deep timber is compared to the open plains. Over all, this is one of the best darn turkey talks the Oklahoma Outdoors podcast has ever had.

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After growing accustomed to a more spot and stalk form of hunting over the last few years, 2022 had Josh going back to the basics and more traditional styles of whitetail hunting. He spent time studying scrapes and licking branches, diving deep into herd health with protein feeds and minerals, and working on his shooting form mid season. John also threw in a few lessons of his own, like why you SHOULD NOT hunt your best spot, why you should hunt for yourself, and how he found himself once again learning that trail cameras don't always tell the whole story.

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John tells the story of when he first learned how important wind and scent control were when chasing a creature who literally lives and dies by its nose. Many of these topics have been covered at one point or another, but this episode compiles them into a single list, and deep dives into each area. Some of these topics are great for young or newer hunters, while others are more directed at the advanced listeners. No matter your skill level, the topics in this episode are great to keep in mind, and all of them are things John wishes he would have learned 18 years ago. 

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Tyrell and John take turns talking about the ups and down of their seasons, and what they learned along the way. Tyrell takes us to his DIY elk hunt in Colorado, and his once in a hundred lifetimes moose encounter! Ever had a rutting moose drool on your chest while trying to stomp you into the ground? Well Tyrell has, and he does a great job of bringing you along for the action. John talks about gaining access on private ground out of state, and Tyrell recalls his brief stint with target panic, even after years of success harvesting bucks with his bow. The guys also talk about not getting ahead of yourself on opening day, how you should never stop scouting, and how important it is to take does if you love hunting whitetail deer in the great state of Oklahoma. This is a great episode looking back at the 2022 season, and once again is meant to encourage you the listener to reflect back on what you learned this past season.

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The guys talked about how far is too far when doing a hang and hunt, and how far is not far enough. They discuss treestand height and shot angles, hunting out of enclosed blinds, and even some waterfowl talk about whether being hidden or having lots of decoys is more important. No matter what you chase, it's important to look back on the experiences you had and learn from them for the future. Whether big bucks are your thing, or chasing coyotes out on the prairie, there is always more to learn!

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The guys start off by defining "bedding cover" which is a term that is often thrown around in the whitetail world. They also discuss timber stand improvement (TSI), foodplots vs feeders, how deer use the wind, the different uses for timber, and the statewide issue of eastern red cedar. Charles really impressed John with his knowledge, and there is certainly something in this episode for everyone!

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Scotti Campbell is one of the most genuine people you will ever talk to, and he and John have a great conversation about all the hunts Top'o Texas Outfitters has to offer. While they have become known for being a bow hunters paradise, including traditional archers, Scotti and his crew welcome all types of hunting for a variety of game. While Aoudad are their bread and butter, Top'o Texas also offers a limited amount of Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, and Javelina hunts, most of which take place on a private 120,000 acer ranch nestled into the beautiful and scenic Davis Mountains. If you are looking for adventure close to home, you definitely need to look into Top'o Texas Outfitters. 

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The big eight suddenly became one of the most consistent and paternable bucks John had ever hunted, something John has seen a lot during late season. He was so consistent in fact, that John had no problem being patient and waiting for the right time to hunt him. That patience almost cost John the buck however when hog hunters on horse back and a pack of dogs interrupted one of his hunts! In the end though, waiting was the right call, and three days after Chirsmas, John was finally able to punch his second Oklahoma buck tag on the big eight!

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Mackenzie talks about expectations, and how she has learned to be more upfront with John before the season even gets underway. John and Mackenzie have both learned how important communication is, and the more heads up the better. Mackenzie is a planner, while John is much more go with the flow. They have learned over time that the more they can plan ahead, the better it is for both of them. John has also had to learn that a baby really does change things, and that sometimes you really have to take a step back and think about your priorities in life.

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That's not the only crazy encounter John had over the weekend though. What seemed like a chip shot on another mature buck turned into a nightmare. John had a buck that had been visiting a feed site for several nights in a row, and finally had the right conditions to go in for the kill. Yet again however, some crazy circumstances led to that deer living another day, and John still holding a tag in his hand with the season quickly winding down.

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One of those hard core product testers is Josh himself, who has been chasing ducks and geese from Nebraska to Texas for years. After Josh runs us through the different OFC products, he and John talk hunting and it becomes very obvious that Josh has spent some time over a decoy spread. Josh gives a crash corse on hunting geese which is something John has done very little of in his life. The guys talk decoy spreads, blinds, and the difference between calling lesser and greater Canadian geese. Deer season may be ending soon, but there is still plenty of time to get out there and hunt some waterfowl!

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Nick is an adult onset hunter, meaning he started hunting a little later in his life. While a lot of people learn to hunt first and then cook, Nick is quite the opposite. Nick got into hunting because of the food it provides, so it just makes sense that he cares so much about the great quality wild game can have if you take care of it. Nick and John discuss some basic venison prep, and Nick shares a few recipes you probably won't find in your grandma's old cook book.

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After a very expensive trip to Cabelas, John still went on and followed through with the hunt, but his troubles were far from over. An early snow storm dumped 8-10 inches of snow, making travel around the lodge near impossible. Trying to roll with the punches, John and Nate dropped to lower elevation to try and find the elk the snow had pushed down. All they found down low were hunters and land locked pieces of public that were blocked off by private landowners. This trip turned into a life lesson about trials and perseverance, and they are some life lessons that John will not soon forget. 

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John absolutely loves late season whitetail hunting. In fact, 5 of his last 7 Oklahoma bucks have come after December 22! This episode is meant to both educate and encourage folks to not give up. Late season can be one of the easiest and best times to pattern a mature buck. As hunting pressure goes down and bucks become slaves to their stomachs, punching your tag can be as predictable as a late season cold front. 

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John was very limited in hunting time this year after the birth of his daughter in July, and had put most of his season's hope into the last weekend of October during the state's muzzleloader season. The weekend had been good to John in the past, with several mature buck sightings over the years. John put in for a vacation day that Friday to make it a long weekend, but as the time approached, so did the bad weather. After a few slow hunts, John kept telling himself that as soon as the weather breaks, the bucks would be coming out. His patience paid off, and he was rewarded with a dandy Oklahoma 10 point buck!

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On this episode of the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcast, John and Nate discuss their upcoming trip. They talk about the gear they plan to bring for a trip that has a lot of uncertainty when it comes to weather. It could be anywhere from 60 to -20 at any given time and everywhere in between. Apart from clothes, the guys also talk about gear such as packs, binoculars and spotting scopes, guns, and even four wheeler accessories.The guys also discuss some strategies they think will be helpful on the trip, and where they might be able to find some bulls. 

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After a little land talk, the guys talk about their other passion of whitetail deer hunting. Will was able to harvest a heck of a buck during Oklahomas muzzleloader season and talks about the unique way he was able to gain permission to hunt the Oklahoma monarch. After Will tells his story, Andrew answers a few questions about what it was like to come from the midwest big buck state of Illinois to Oklahoma. Andrew talks about what it was like being able to use bait and how that now plays into his hunting strategy, but also how it takes a lot more than a corn pile to kill a great buck. This is a great episode for anyone looking to be either educated or entertained!

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After the November break down, John goes into some best practices that he has learned over the years. He talks about what to do when the action on your cameras goes dead, and a trail camera strategy he learned that has directly led to putting a buck on the ground. Grunt tubes, rattling, decoys, it's all covered in this episode. And be sure not to forget the most important thing when it comes to hunting November, just be out there!

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Josh walks us through his three years of chasing antelope in the pancake flat Oklahoma panhandle. He started on one of the few public areas that offered hunting opportunities, but after putting in some time and miles, was eventually able to gain some private land permission. Josh talks about the different strategies he and his buddy and most recently his wife have implemented over the last few years. They have done it all, from sitting over water holes to spot and stalk, and even decoys. Josh talks about what he has learned, what worked and what didn't, and how anyone could take advantage of this unique opportunity.

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In the second half of the show, John welcomes back returning guest Taylor Jones. Taylor is a man on a mission. So far that mission has included two great early season bucks, including a Kansas velvet buck. Taylor talks about how water played a big roll in his success this year because of the dry conditions, and how he has learned how important entry and exit routes are. Taylor and John also have a little bonus conversation about getting your significant other into hunting, and things to do or not do.

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After the CWD talk, the conversation takes a much more light hearted turn. The guys talk about the state's two elk herds and how the state tries to manage them on both private and public land. Black bears are also a topic of conversation and JD discusses the growth of Oklahomas population and why the state manages the hunting seasons the way that they do. 

You can't talk about Oklahoma big game without spending some time on white tail deer. John asks the controversial "one buck vs two buck" question and JD offers some very insightful responses. JD also talks about the states mule deer population and how it can be challenging to manage such a small and varying herd on the edge of its natural range.

After the deer behavior 201 course, John also throws out some good reminders for folks to keep in mind heading into the fall. Tips like not wasting your time chasing unkillable bucks or not getting hung up on summer trail camera photos. As fall quickly approaches the time has finally come! This is the last episode before Oklahomas bow season opens up, so what better time to talk deer hunting! 

Chris is a great story teller, but the story is only half the episode this week. John and Chris also talk about several lessons they learned from hunting new states with different terrain and circumstances. Chris talks about hunting corn early season, which is not something people talk about a lot. The guys also talk about using ozone out in the field, and the things they have learned from using it for several years now. Last but certainly not least, Chris and John talk about Oklahomas CWD rules, and how it makes out of state hunting a little more challenging now that you can no longer bring whole deer from other states back into Oklahoma. They also discuss a few Oklahoma CWD thoughts as well, so listen in and feel free to give your thoughts on the subject on the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcast social media pages.

One of the best surprises of the trip though, was how easy it ended up being to gain access to private land. It definitely helped having a local inside man to speak on John's behalf, but over all most of the people John interacted with were happy to help or at least give some knowledge. John left his house with 110 acres to hunt, and driving home he now has access to over 1,300 acres for future trips! So even though he came home with a giant pot of tag soup, the trip was far from a waste, and the knowledge he gained on this out of state trip will absolutely help him bag more bucks back on his home turf. 

You are going to want to stick around for the end of this show also, as Daryn and John discuss what makes Iowa whitetail hunting so special. John asks about Iowa's deer management laws to see if there are any ways Oklahoma could improve its own practices. The two talk one buck vs two buck tags, doe numbers, ag practices, and much much more.

Michael and John cover a lot of the usual hunting topics, but from a mountain whitetail perspective. It's pretty hard to grow a foodplot on rocks, and with such drastic elevation changes, thermals often trump wind. John and many Oklahomans have the headache of dealing with hogs, but have you ever tried to keep a black bear off your bait pile? This episode is as unique as the terrain it covers, and Michael does a great job of teaching people what he has learned in his many years of hunting this remote and beautiful landscape!

For John's talk, he broke the gear into three categories: Essential, Recommended, and nice to have. John is a firm believer that gear should never be the reason a person chooses not to hunt, and most people probably don't need nearly as much gear as television shows or advertisements would lead them to believe. Are binoculars nice to have, sure, but are they really essential? Listen to this week's podcast to hear John's take on binoculars and loads of other gear.

After Matt and John finish the mobile gear talk, John dives into a little preseason hunt update. On his last trip out to the ranch he discovered the cows had destroyed everything, and he means everything. Luckily most of it was fairly easily fixed, and he got a little extra work done as well. He is preparing for his early season Nebraska hunt, and trying to finish up his preseason prep on the home place in Oklahoma.

John and Tony dive right into what it takes to kill an early season whitetail. John has a lot of cards stacked against him on this quick hunt, but Tony helps him shuffle the deck to try and sort a few things out. John will have only two or three days to locate and kill a buck in a mix of corn, CRP, and timber. Tony and John talk about where bucks might be bedding, what types of food sources they might be hitting, and how John might be able to get in between the two. Tony also talks about how much he enjoys hunting Oklahoma, and the guys spend some time talking about the current state of the deer herd and how it might improve. If you have ever wanted to tag an opening day whitetail, this is the episode to help you do it!

Dalton and John talk about all aspects of fly fishing, from beginner rods to the basic gear you need to get started. John asks about some flies that work well in Oklahoma as well as other places, and a few good bodys of water people should check out. And though the guys make it a point that fly fishing is for more than just trout, they do talk about some of the great trout fishing opportunities that Oklahoma offers for both fly fishermen and rod and reel folks. There is no way you can listen to this podcast and not get at least a little curious about fly fishing, and Dalton throws out some other great resources to help people get started and learn more.

Topics covered include where to start hunting, how to use trail camera data, buck bedding and how it plays into your strategy, wind, and terrain just to name a few. Along the way all three gentlemen drop plenty of tips and tricks from using online maps to cheaper feed for your feeders. To end the discussion, Jonny and Josh both help John with some potential hunting strategies for his upcoming early season Nebraska velvet hunt. The boys truly cover it all in this episode!

A large portion of this week's podcast is about John's plans for this upcoming fall, and if you are a listener of the show, he is looking for your input! Oklahoma whitetail, Texas whitetail, and Colorado elk are already on the schedule. John also has an opportunity to hunt whitetails in Nebraska, and the potential to hunt black bear and mule deer in Oklahoma. He is looking for some listener input to help him decide, so give this episode a listen and then let him know what you think!

John stopped by a friends lease on his way to a wedding in west Texas and had only one morning to get it done. With a little OnX scouting and a whole lot of luck, John was able to have one of his best turkey hunts ever. Multiple setups, quick decisions, and a turkey right next to the truck are all a part of this exciting story!

Jonny is also involved with Quest Hunt Co. and is helping bring the deer hunting competition to Oklahoma. The contest is made up of two person teams that compete for prizes at the end of the season. Lastly, the two just talk a little deer hunting. Jonny talks about what he looks for in a stand site, and how he scouts public land. Jonny puts a lot of time in on OnX and Google Earth before ever stepping foot in the field, and contributes a lot of his success to that method. If you are looking for a reason to get excited for the upcoming deer season, this episode will do that and more!

If you think this episode of the Oklahoma Outdoors Podcast is only about a single state though, you are greatly mistaken. Eric has also found some amazing international hunts that are much more affordable than most people think. And he throws in some tips and things to watch out for that can raise the price if you aren't careful. He has hunted rivers flowing with ducks in Nicaragua, and bruised his shoulder shooting doves in Argentina, both of which cost him less than a guided midwestern whitetail hunt! If you have a once and a lifetime type hunt on your bucket list, this episode might just help you make that hunt become a reality. 

On this episode Casey and John spend a little time talking about the gear you need for bowfishing and how it differs from traditional archery equipment. They then spend a little time talking about the difference between bowfishing at night versus the day, and how to locate and shoot fish at night. Then comes Casey's favorite topic, finding and shooting huge alligator gar. Not only does he talk strategy, he also gives a lot of general information about alligator gar and their behavior and habits. If you have ever been interested in bowfishing, you will definitely want to check out this episode. Every time Casey puts his boat in the water, his goal is to find a 7 foot fish! 

Jennifer Samford is a long time employee of the City of Pauls Valley and has helped organize and run the Okie Noodling Tournament for many years. Jennifer and John discuss all the fun and attractions waiting tournament goers at this weekends event. Jennifer gives all the details about how to enter the tournament, when people can start fishing, and when participants have to be at weigh in. She also highlights the concerts and live performances, as well as gives some general tips for people to have the absolute best time possible. Be sure to clear your schedule and get to Pauls Valley this weekend for the Okie Noodling Tournament!!

Harvey talks about what he hunted before their were any deer in the area, and how he vividly remembers seeing his first whitetail doe. Oddly enough his first ever deer was a mule deer he shot in Canada, and that's a memory he will never forget for more than one reason. He tells all kinds of stories from hunting and fishing, and even a great story about pulling a jet through downtown Ada. You will want to listen to this episode over and over again, and will be laughing all the way through.

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Les brings all his knowledge from fishing tournaments and guiding to the table this week as he and John deep dive into the crappie fishing water. They cover Les's complete rod and reel setups for both guiding and tournaments, his crappie specific boat, and all the ins and outs of finding crappie. The two talk about water temperature, depth, and clarity and how the fish react to each. Les gives an explanation of livescope technology and how he uses it, as well as how it has completely changed how people fish for crappie. Les really knows his stuff, and is also just an overall great guide and person in general. 

Not only do the two talk shooting form, Chris also talks about his battle with target panic and how it almost caused him to quit shooting competitively all together. He talks about how he dug himself out of it, and the training he did to get to where he is today. John also asks for some good practice scenarios for both target archery and hunting, and finishes with a tough question many have been asking recently. How far of a shot is to far?

The guys also answer some general hunting land questions. What kind of features should people look for when buying land? Do you look for different types of features in different parts of the state? And so many more. John also asks them a popular question that he gets through social media on a regular basis, what part of the state is best for hunting?

Ben and Dan go into the details of the league and talk about all the different ways to get involved. They have a turkey competition, an elk competition, a one shot archery competition, and the main event, the deer competition. Dan and Ben also tell John some of the things they have learned since starting the league, like how there are big bucks all over the country that most people don't know about, and how to plan out a multi state year. This is a great lighthearted episode, which is a great representation of the league itself. When it all comes down to it, the BHL is about community and sharing the passion we all have for bowhunting whitetail deer. 

If you are looking for a top notch secluded fishing destination, Private Water Fishing has you covered. This company doesn't just accept any ol pond out there, and the majority of these private lakes are over 10 acres in size. Each is managed for both fish quality and to provide a great fishing experience. After a lake is booked, it has to wait through a mandatory rest period before it can be reserved again in order to keep the fish from being over pressured. Like what you're hearing? Listen to this episode and don't forget to stick around till the end for a second exciting announcement!

Part two of this episode is another project of Roys that was spawned out of his outfitting business, and that is the Okie Hides blinds. Roy had trouble finding the right blind that could stand up to the elements western Oklahoma could throw at them, while also being comfortable and having all the features he was looking for. Eventually Roy took it upon himself, and he and his team set out to make the perfect blind for their needs. What they came up with is a large elevated blind with a pitched roof and windows in all the right places. So check out this episode and their website to learn all about Woods County Whitetails and Okie Hides blinds. 

The conversation starts off by going back in time a little bit, discussing turkeys as a native Oklahoma bird, their decline, and restocking efforts that have grown into the flocks we see today. From there the two cover topics all across the board including Rio grande vs Eastern subspecies and the habitat needed by each of them, polt survival, recent population declines, and what is being done about it. Annie also gives private land owners some things they can do to help more wild turkeys survive on the landscape. 

Bobby started his turkey hunting journey in Arkansas, and talks about how back in the 80's a successful hunt might be as little as seeing a turkey track or hearing a lone gobble. One thing about him is that he truly relishes todays hunting opportunities, and even with what a lot of people are calling down years, he reminds us that we are still very blessed. John and Bobby start small with beginner calls and basic noises and cadences people should be able to make before going into the woods. The two work their way up to calling in birds and how different situations need different approaches, and also tackle decoys and the ups and downs that come with them. John tells a story of the all too common gobblers hanging up on a fence, and Bobby gives his two cents on what he would do in that situation. Towards the end John asks Bobby's opinion on shooting jakes, and how the overall population in the state is doing.

The two kicked it off with some shed hunting talk, and Bransen talks about how much he has learned about deer and their travel behavior after getting more into shed hunting with his dogs. He also says it is easier to train a dog to shed hunt than most people believe. The guys also discuss Johns recent burn at his property, and Bransens upcoming burn on his own property and the prep that goes into it. Bransen also tells the story of his nice 160" class whitetail he took off his own 50 acre place and the improvements he is making in order to make it a yearly thing. Bear hunting and the Oklahoma quail population are a couple more of the random discussions covered in this episode, and to hear the rest of them you're just going to have to listen to this episode!

John and Andrew jump down a few rabbit holes between stories also. Andrew talks about calling deer and how he feels you almost can't over call. They talk about how Kansas genetics got into southeast Oklahoma deer. They also talk about one of Oklahomas controlled traditional archery hunts, and how it is even more challenging that it appears. Within that discussion they get into buck to doe ratios and the list goes on. All in all this is an episode that has a little bit for everyone. 

After wrapping up the story of his fishing adventure, John shares two big deliveries that showed up at the ranch this week. One of them is going to make his upcoming deer seasons much more comfortable, and the other is an old friend that is going to help take his habitat work to the next level! John goes into detail about some exciting habitat work he has planned in the upcoming weeks, and how he now hopes to get more work done than he could have ever dreamed of. 

If you are used to hearing surface level food plot topics like what seed to plant to bring in more deer and when to plant it, this is not what this conversation is about. This podcast takes a deep dive into improving your soil, getting your ph right, when and how to use lime and/or calcium, and how all of this plays a part into a better and healthier deer herd. Steve, Andy, and Kenton work with people every day to improve their soils, crops, and food plots, so put your thinking cap on and listen as they discuss the entire Plot Dr line and how it can help you and your deer. 

With one buck in the freezer and another tag in his pocket, Dwayne began searching for a larger buck to help his teams standing in the Bowhunting League competition. With his teammates both getting nice bucks of their own, Dwayne had the most room for an upgrade. After talking to a local farmer, Dwayne got a hot tip about a big typical ten point that had been visiting a wheat field and quickly bagan hunting it. This is where the story takes some unfortunate turns, and Dwayne has more than one incident that did not go his way. 

John and Mckenzie talk about some of the main hurdles that stand in peoples way from booking one of these dream hunts. They also talk about ways to navigate those hurdles, and make them less daunting. They discuss hunting Africa in quite a bit of detail since it is one of the more popular destinations, but Mckenzie also suggests some other destinations and game species that might interest someone looking for a more out of the ordinary experience. Also covered in the podcast are travel tips for taking a gun or bow abroad, and tips on how to get your trophies back to you in good condition.

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