Lone Star Outdoor Show

We all have a fish story, and this spring I was fortunate enough to hook into a largemouth that I may never top. All my life, I’ve wanted to join the double digit club. Some people fish their entire lives and never do. So to catch this big girl was something of a dream come true. And where I caught might just be the most surprising aspect of the whole experience. 10.23 lbs! Next we check in with lifelong houndsman Joe Braman of South Texas. Whether it be bobcats or mountain lion, Joe Braman is typically thought to be the best houndsman in the Lone Star State. Recently, he was approached by our mutual friend and conservationist Ivan Carter regarding the possibility of training his hounds to help catch rhino poachers in Africa. Joe responded by taking the next 15 months to train up over 100 hounds to aid in the effort. He talks about that training process and how he was able to make these friendly dogs aggressive enough to engage and stop a human target. The we discuss the latest and greatest hog hunting technology from All Seasons Feeders with 2nd generation owner Zach Gates. The new ‘Lil Squealer’ hog light comes in at a $59 price point and is going to be a game changer for the working man. Zach also has a new kit out that can take that old Gen 1 Night Vision unit and turn it into the latest and greatest currently on the market.

We kick things off by checking in with Texas Game Warden Captain Josh Koenig. Captain Koenig recently headed up a multi-year sting operation focused on Houston Texas’ black market for game fish. His unit posed as fish merchants and tried to sell illegal fish to various seafood restaurants throughout the Houston area. What they uncovered is simply mind blowing. Nearly 50% of restaurants were willing to purchase fish illegally! This is a huge issue from both a conservation standpoint and health risk concern for the consumer. Then we head to South Africa and discuss hunting the “Black Death” with our friend and Professional Hunter Carl Van Zyl of John X Safaris. Cape Buffalo kill numerous hunters and guides every year. Carl talks about the severity of a cape buffalo hunt and how he has managed to keep himself and his clients safe over the years. Few animals hold such a revered place among hunters as the Cape Buffalo- affectionately called Black Death for a reason. I was able to tag along on my friend Glynn Underwood’s buffalo hunt last summer. Next we discuss off season whitetail habitat improvements and spring/summer food plots with our old friend Dr. James Kroll – AKA ‘Dr. Deer’. We dive into prescribed burns, roller chopping, what plants work best in both northern and southern climates and much more!

We start things off by heading to the underrated Brazos River with kayak guide Matt Scotch. Matt breaks down why that fishery produces big bass compared to other rivers. Also, what are the advantages to bass fishing out of kayaks? We recap our two recent outings together where we faced everything from rising water and fast currents to thunderstorms and a great top water bite! We cover it all, plus the increasing popularity of kayak fishing with Matt. (Matt with a double digit lunker he landed out of his kayak) Next, a mountain lion hunt for the ages with a longtime fan of the show Clark Thompson. When one attempts to hunt cougar in North America, it’s generally done with hounds. So when I heard Clark’s tale of how he took this big New Mexico cat, I knew we had to have him share! Get ready for a unique blend of modern technology and hard nosed, old fashioned woodsmanship as Clark recounts what truly was the hunt of a lifetime. We round out the broadcast by spending some time with our friend Kevin Reese of Pulsar Night Vision and Thermal Optics. We discuss a myriad of topics including the 6.5 Grendal as a reliable pig killing caliber. Of course we also dive into the night and thermal optics realm. Things have changed mightily in recent years. Consumers get much more than they did a decade ago, and for a lot less of an investment. Kevin breaks down the Pulsar Night Vision and Thermal line ups, price points for each as well as special functions unique to the Pulsar lines. (Incredible clarity can be expected from the new Pulsar thermals like this Helion monocular)

Over the years, few topics have been discussed on our show more than Red Snapper. Every year we see the recreational angler (you and I) rewarded with a ridiculously short federal water season. Last year, the season was a whopping 3 days! Why do the feds keep screwing over the recreational angler? Why is a non migratory snapper resource managed as an entire Gulf Coast population? Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries Director Robin Reichers makes his return to the show to discuss a possible light at the end of this long tunnel. With 42% of the Gulf Coast Snapper biomass off our Texas coast, we should have more control over the season dates in those waters. Robin breaks down the proposed resolution for what is a robust and thriving snapper population. Then our old friend and inspiration Josh Carney (AKA “The Son of the South”) drops in to talk turkeys. Paralyzed from the waste down at 13 years of age from a freak turkey hunting accident, Josh hasn’t let that define him. If anything he’s used it as motivation. You can’t talk to Josh and not feel positive vibes coming your way. Also, a by product of that hunting accident left Josh with vocal chords that never fully developed. As a result, he is able to mimic the vocalizations of a wide array of species, including turkeys. The seasoned turkey hunter talks strategy from decoys to topography, as well as what vocalizations he uses and when while in the turkey woods. We round out the show by visiting with FLW Pro Anlger John Hunter. John breaks down how to get that finicky female to strike while on her bed. Also, what are his top 3 post spawn baits? We talk some bass fishing before diving into the latest from GoWild App. The social media platform created for outdoorsmen and women by outdoorsmen. No more hate, no more negativity, just outdoor enthusiasts celebrating this great lifestyle on GoWild App – now available on Android and Iphone!

We start off by checking in with our 2017 Photo of the Year Grand Prize Winner – Marc Vaden. He won our June photo contest and a fan vote saw him beat out the other 11 monthly winners for a chance to join me on a trophy axis deer hunt. We discuss the hunt in detail with Marc and Koons Canyon Ranch owner Glynn Underwood. The coolest part about the whole deal? Marc harvested his axis buck with the Mossberg .270 Patriot he won as the June winner. Marc with the biggest axis deer ever taken on the ranch! Of course, I didn’t let Marc have all the fun. Took this nice buck on a fun spot and stalk hunt with my Horizon Firearms 7mag. Then we spend a few segments with Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter Wildlife Committee Chair – Delia Malone. The Sierra Club has been very public about their goal to reintroduce wolves into a state (Colorado) that boasts the greatest elk herd in North America. We debate the pros and cons as well as the science behind such a move in a civil manner. I believe we need to keep our friends close and enemies closer, and in this case the Sierra Club is no friend of conservation in my estimation. A common claim by pro wolf groups is that wolves only prey on the old, the sick, the weak or the young. Reality is that wolves are opportunistic and although no fault of their own, will kill whatever is in front of them.

We start off by visiting with Overstocks and Bargains owner Trent Gilley. He purchased the contents of 14 Gander Mountain stores that went out of business and is now selling that ammunition at deeply discounted rates. We discuss how Gander Mountain went belly up and how they were able to take advantage of that opportunity which ultimately benefits our listeners. Also, how does he plan on continuing to supply his customers with discounted ammunition once the Gander Mountain ammo is gone? Then we spend a few segments with ‘Blood Origins’ founder and producer Robbie Kroger. What is a Blood Origin? How does that relate to us as hunters and anglers? Robbie talks about the new series and what he hopes to achieve with the project. This is one you don’t want to miss. What makes you tick as a hunter? We discuss. We wrap up the show by talking duck hunting with Delta Waterfowls Kyle Wintersteen. The ringneck duck is often overlooked by most duck hunters, even passed over in favor of other ducks frequently. Why does the ringneck get a bad rap? Is it warranted? A trio of beautiful ringneck drakes (photo Kyle Wintersteen).

We kick off the broadcast by checking in with Texas Parks and Wildlife Mule Deer and Pronghorn Program Leader Shawn Gray. After seeing a decline in the age structure of mule deer bucks in the Texas Panhandle in recent years, TPWD is pushing towards a mule deer antler restriction for the 2018-2019 season. This would be the first of it’s kind anywhere and largely influenced by the success we’ve seen in whitetail deer antler restrictions over the past decade or so. We also discuss the Transpecos Pronghorn Translocation Project. Are we finally seeing positive results after being mired in pronghorn population decline in that region? Also, what affect do coyotes have on the overall population of the Transpecos herd? What steps (if any) does Texas Parks and Wildlife take to minimize the coyote mortality rate on pronghorn fawns? We discuss it all with Shawn. Then we spend a couple segments with Silencer Co’s Darren Jones. We tackle suppressors and why they are beneficial for hunters and shooters alike, also what ever happened to the Hearing Protection Act? Is it still in the works or dead in the water? We discuss the “Trump Slump” that the firearm industry has seen over the past year. Plus, Darren walks us through the legal process of acquiring a suppressor for both the individual and group trust. We round out the broadcast by discussing the new .224 Valkyrie caliber released by Federal Ammunition. Linda Powell of Mossberg Firearms jumps on to talk about it’s ballistic capabilities and availability in the AR platform. With spring turkey here, we also dive into some shotgun choices for the turkey woods.

In a modern society where the liberal left seems to want us all to identify as one gender neutral population, I give my three keys that will keep you feeling like a man. Lets face it, activities, tasks and even lifestyles that were historically deemed ‘manly’ are now frowned upon in many cases. So, stay wild at heart, keep your soul fulfilled and live a more satisfying life by doing at least one of these 3 things everyday. We are men, lets act like it and quit apologizing for doing what we are designed to do. Tune in to find out what they are. The we spend a few segments talking with our friend and longtime outfitter Ryan Callaghan. Ryan holds a lot of esteem in the western hunting community and as a public lands advocate. We discuss First Lite’s history, Merino wool’s effectiveness, layering systems, public lands, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, fishing Panama, and social media’s place as an anti hunting platform where people with no skin in the game somehow have the loudest voice…we cover it all with Ryan.

Kevin Proper’s life revolves around 2 things- serving his country as a Master Chief in the United States Navy AND hunting. Tune in as Kevin recounts taking this nice Ohio buck thanks to his Scentblaster.

We start off by discussing the new .22 Creedmoor caliber with our old friend and custom rifle builder Derrick Ratliff. The Horizon Firearms CEO is a huge fan of this round, which is a far cry from you grandad’s .22 plinker you shot as a kid. Traveling at over 3,300 FPS the .22 Creedmoor is a viable varmint to mid sized big game round. Capable of bringing down deer and hogs without issue. Then we discuss a horrific tragedy that befell one of our good friends and longtime bow technician Chris Lutsinger and his family when their 30 lb Australian Shepherd “Pancho” was pulled underneath their 6 foot wooden privacy fence by a pack of urban coyotes. You can imagine the impact on the wife and kids when Chris had to tell them what had happened. So, in order to protect their remaining dog “Lefty”, Chris taught himself had to set and maintain snares around the perimeter of his fence. In a few short months, he has managed to catch and dispatch 8 urban coyotes right in the heart of his neighborhood in Denton, TX. The kiddos with Pancho (killed) and Lefty. Coyote snared by Chris on the perimeter of his backyard fence. One of the 8 coyotes he’s snared since they killed and devoured his dog. We round out the broadcast when longtime listener and avid Stanley Thermos collector Carter Copeland joins us in studio. Anyone who’s ever listened to the show knows I always refer to my Stanley thermos in the opening segment, and Carter has over 50 Stanley’s dating all the way back to 1913! We talk about the company then and now. Most people don’t realize how ground breaking the Stanley technology was at the time. They also produced products for our military, commercial airlines and hospitals. Fascinating stuff! A few pieces from Carter’s Stanley Thermos collection

We start things off by discussing the 100% Carnivore Diet with Dr. Shawn Baker. At 51 years young, Dr. Baker is as chiseled as it gets. He is healthier than he’s ever been and he’s done by eating nothing but steak for 14 months! That’s right a 100% animal protein diet. No fruits, no veggies, no carbs. We discuss the Carnivore Movement that seems to be healing people with all kinds of health ailments. What, if any are the negative side affects of the Carnivore Diet? Does this diet only work for people who are into training or working out regularly? Also, where does wild game fit vs domestically raised animal protein? Dr. Baker gives us his take. (Photo: Jeremiah Doughty- @FromFieldToPlate) (Dr. Baker looking lean and fit after 14 months of eating nothing but meat) Then we sit down with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Board Chairman Ryan Busse. We dive into BHA’s grassroots structure and how that approach is translating into the fastest growing public lands conservation group in North America. Also, how does Ryan and BHA feel the Trump Administration has done thus far in representing the interests of sportsmen and women – specifically the proposed 90% cut to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We also lighten things up a bit by talking upland hunting, classic shotguns and good working dogs. (Ryan joined us in studio all the way from Montana) (Ryan Busse with a Public Land Pronghorn)

On this week’s show we discuss a bucket list trip that was 2 years in the making. There were plenty of highs and lows on my quest to harvest a wolf. We also caught other species such as lynx, wolverine, martens and much more. We dive deep into the time honored tradition of trapping with longtime trapper Jack Hooper of Babine Lake, B.C. Jack walks us through how to set various traps and snares for different species. Most importantly, we talk about the vital role trapping plays in ensuring the health of ungulate herds of moose, deer, elk, etc.

We start by checking in with Pope and Young Club President Jim Willems. Topics discussed include: hunting with traditional archery equipment, elk hunting the west, the Crossman Airbow, how P&Y and Boone and Crockett came to a gentleman’s agreement on scoring process, USFWS’ continued mishandling of wildlife policy and much more! (Jim and I sat down to visit this at the recent Dallas Safari Club Convention) (Jim with this season’s Kansas bruiser taken with his recurve) Then we spend some time visiting with Patrick Foigel- PR Director for Earth X (Formerly Earth Day Texas). What does this tree hugging, seemingly hippy backed organization have to do with hunting? Well, surprisingly they understand that sustainable use hunting is indeed conservation. So this is a conversation well worth having, one that I hope drives the needle in the right direction as far as two sides starting to understand each other. Maybe not agreeing with the other, but at least understanding and respecting each other’s stance.

First, we hear the full story on the would be state record deer poached by Denton County resident Travis Johnson this past October. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Story McCuistion headed up the investigation and he joins us to explain how Travis illegally harvested the deer and what punishment he faces for unlawfully taking a truly once in a lifetime buck. ( Mr. Johnson posing with the would be state record buck that was shot after dark and on property he didn’t have hunting permission on) Then I share my harrowing duck hunting tale from 2 weeks ago. My 4 legged partner “Belle” fell thru the ice. What do you do at that point? If you decide to go in after your dog, what measures should be taken to insure you make it out alive? Luckily, our group quickly came up with a game plan and executed it without a hitch. (Belle and I in the ice water, talk about a new kind of cold) We wrap up the broadcast by checking in with Kurt Davis and William Wilkinson. This duo recently won the West Texas Big Bobcat Contest. Nearly 700 teams entered and the tournament paid out over $100,000 – including a $48,440 payday to Kurt and William for their 34 lb 7 oz tomcat. We hear about that hunt as well as the equipment they use on their set ups.

People often ask me “Why do you hunt?” My response is usually pretty vanilla: “Why do I hunt? I don’t know, why do I wake up in the morning? I just don’t know any other way. It’s who I am.” Luckily, renown conservationist, author, hunter and tv show host Shane Mahoney is much more articulate and eloquent in explaining the answer to that question than I could ever hope to be. When Shane speaks, I listen intently. I know you’ll enjoy this discussion on our inherent love for the wild others we share this planet with. We discuss it from a historical standpoint up to the current social trends we see with hunting and wildlife. Fascinating Stuff! (Shane and I taping this conversation at the recent Dallas Safari Club convention) (French cave art dating back 30,000 plus years. The artists of the day only painted animals. No landscapes, no trees, no sunsets, no lakes. Just the animals they hunted, the ones that hunted them and the ones they admired) Then, Captain Nick Dykes jumps on to discuss what artificial baits are catching the most trout this winter. We get out of the boat and discuss his passion for wade fishing and why he finds that style of fishing so attractive. (Captain Nick with a big Galveston speck)