Then we get into some exotic talk with our old buddy Austin Dempsey of the Star S Ranch. You might recall the anti hunters have been trying to prevent exotic ranches from hunting 3 specific species: dama gazelle, scimitar horned oryx and the addax. These animals are endangered or extinct in their native africa- but exotic ranches have done an amazing job managing breeding herds of these animals in the states. The big loser with the latest news is the animlas themselves. Austin breaks it all down for us. The addax- what an awesome animal!

We round out the broadcast by tackling the zebra mussel issue with Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Inland Fisheries Regional Director Brian Van Zee. Zebra mussels are a highly invasive european species that once established in a lake or river system can cause extreme environmental and economic problems. Sadly enough- zebra mussels already have an established population on Lake Texoma. As anglers and boaters we must take every precaution to prevent their spread to other Texas waterways! Brian tells us how we can help and breaks down the consequences if we fail. A colony of zebra mussels on the bottom of a boat pulled out of an Oklahoma reservoir.

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This week was a good one ya’ll! Casey Donahew from the Casey Donahew band talks about the new record- Double Wide Dream… and of course that good ‘ol boy is as passionate about deer hunting as he is about music. Casey talks about his place in West Texas and the two management bucks he harvested this season. Casey doing his thing on stage:

Then Clint Montgomery of the Texas Archery Academy drops in. The Texas Archery Academy is a relatively new organization that promotes all aspects of archery in Texas. They have a massive shooting facility in Plano, Texas and are working towards building a strong statewide presence. Clint talks about their goals and events they put on to try and get new folks interested in archery- especially our youth. Here is a snapshot of a recent event aimed at introducing archery to some young Texans:

We then round out the show when TPWD Inland Fisheries Program Manager Carl Kittel stops by. Carl oversees the massive Winter Trout Stocking program each winter. This is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages to get out and catch some rainbow trout. TPWD stocks over 250,000 fish in over 100 locations statewide. Visit the TPWD website to find out when they’ll be stocking in your area.

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This show won’t be short on entertainment that’s for sure! We kick things off by checking in with our old buddy- Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. The first Toyota Sharelunker of the season was caught on Lake Fork over the Christmas Holidays so it’s no secret the big girls are moving up all over the state. Heath breaks down where to find ‘em and how to catch ‘em as we inch closer to the largemouth’s pre-spawn pattern.

Next we check in with Jackie Bibby- AKA ‘The Texas Snakeman’. Jackie has been hunting rattlebugs all over Texas for over 40 years! And on top of that, he holds numerous Guiness World Records for snake handling. Does climbing into a bathtub with over 200 rattlesnakes sound fun to you? Me neither, but you have to be some kind of adrenaline junkie to attempt it. Jackie tells us all about that stunt as well as some of his other incredible feats. Although he’s reached his early 60s, Jackie is showing no signs of slowing down as evidenced by him starring in the Animal Planet’s hit show Rattlesnake Republic. I guarantee you don’t want to miss this one!

We then round out the broadcast when David Sams of Lone Star Outdoor News joins us to talk whitetails- specifically how to age a buck in the field. David has amassed a lifetime of deer hunting knowledge and I was thrilled to pick his brain prior to my South Texas management hunt. What indicators does he look for when trying to gauge whether a buck is in his prime or on the downslope of his life and therefore a solid management buck? David with a great management buck of his own from last season:

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We kick off the New Years Day edition by checking in with Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Carter Smith. Our state park system needs our help and has issued a 4.9 million dollar plea for help. With budget cuts and the extreme drought of 2011, the state park system simply didn’t generate enough revenue. TPWD has come up with a 3 fold plan of action and Carter jumps on to talk about how we can help get this thing back on track.

Then we check in with Andrew Watson of Highland Village. Last week, Andrew landed the first Toyota Sharelunker of the 2011-2012 season while crappie fishing with his dad. The 13.51 lb Lake Fork monster was picked up by Dave Campbell and taken back to the Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Andrew actually hooked this largemouth 3 times before getting her in the boat. He tells us all about her breaking him off multiple times before he landed the fish of a lifetime!

Then we are joined by Dallas Safari Club President Ben Carter. Out of the Wild is the weekend at the Dallas Convention Center. DSC convention week is always one of my favorite weeks of the year! Over 800 outfitters, guides, guns and optics makers from all over the globe will converge in Texas this Thursday-Sunday for the world’s premiere outdoor convention. Ben talks about the week’s festivities including some new things for this year’s convention.

Then, with my South Texas deer hunt only one week away- I figured we should talk to someone who hunts the Brush Country on a regular basis. And our old buddy and Elite Series Pro Kelly Jordon fits the bill perfectly! Kelly has been hunting Webb Country for over a decade and that happens to be the same county I will be hunting in. Kelly sheds some light on how hunting the Brush Country is different from hunting other regions of our state. I hope I am fortunate to take a nice management buck- which in South Texas could be something similiar to this 7 1/2 year 137 inch 8 pt KJ harvested last season! LOL. Only in South Texas can this be considered a cull buck- what a monster!

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Merry Christmas everybody! I can’t believe that this is our 100th episode! Thanks for all the support over the past two years. Ya’ll are what keeps this show on the air. Anyway, this should be another great broadcast as we have Stephen F. Austin’s Andrew Upshaw with us. Andrew won the inagural Mercury College Bass National Championship and was therefore awarded a spot in the 2012 BassMaster Classic Field. Andrew talks about a dream come true and what he had to do to get to this point. Also, what does he expect on the Red River in Shreveport/Bossier City this February and does this Classic cater to his strenghts?

Then an awesome holiday treat when our old buddy Chance Cody of Spur 503 drops in! Chance and the band have a new record out and The Legend Grows is their best yet. We get chance to play a couple tunes and of course talk some bow huntin’. He is the fist in studio guest we’ve had bring in a euro mount. Nice Grayson County brute for sure!

We then round things out when longtime regular Major Cody Roberson of Army Bass Anglers stops by. ABA will once again have the honor of being the lead boat at this 2012 Bassmaster Classic. In edition to that, they’ve got a ton of other stuff going on as well- including a new show set to premiere on the Sportsman’s Channel this spring. Of course we get Major Roberson to share the details regarding Force vs Force. Should be a good one!

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This week we have some great new stuff and also a few classics as we reflect on some of the shows best moments of 2011. Off the top though we were joined by deer hunter Richard Lomas of West Salem, Illinois. Two weeks ago, Richard was on the way to his blind for the 2nd part of the Illinois shotgun season when he stumbled across the deer of a lifetime. His 30 pt no fence buck was actually an antlered doe! He gives us all the details about that day and a hunt he will never forget.

Then a real treat when we replay the finest moments from our latest interview with Phil ‘The Duck Commander’ Roberson. We get this old timer’s thoughts on everything from lead vs steel shot to the birth of his children. Good stuff as always with the Duck Commander.

Next we rediscover some of the magic that Uncle Ted Nugent brings everytime he joins the show. You never know what he is going to say- but I guarantee you it will be opinionated and from the heart! Never short on words- Uncle Ted always provides solid radio gold! Ted will hunt anything with an open season- Hope ya enjoy one of my favorite chats from 2011!

We then round things out when our good bud Rob Griffin of Southern Deer Stands stops by. We had such a great time last year and so many of ya’ll particpated that we decided to run it back and for our 2nd Annual Southern Deer Stands Deer Blind Contest! In Texas, we are all passionate about whitetails and our deer blinds are a major part of that. We want you to send in a photo and paragraph write up about why your deer blind is special. Maybe you built it with your son or grandson, maybe your wife shot her first deer out of it this fall…whatever the case we want you to have a chance to win one of our 4 great categories/prize packages.

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What a show this one was! We got the ball rolling when Dr. James Kroll dropped in for Part II of our miniseries on Whitetail Management During Drought. What should you shoot? When should you shoot them? What about deer and humans increasing contact…will they be viewed as a nuisance in the same way racoons and coyotes are? Great stuff as always with Dr. Deer himself!

Then with Pheasant season upon us I was thrilled to have TPWD Biolgist Todd Montandon join us. Todd handles all the pheasant data for Texas. Todd tells us what to expect this season and mentions a couple counties that are holding the most birds. While the of the drought of 2011 will cause it to be a poor year across the board- there are still some mature birds out there as Maverick found out on our trip last weekend!

If ya like Texas country- then you probably have at least one Kevin Fowler record. As one would expect Kevin’s latest record Chippin’ Away is full of good timin’, honky tonkin’ Texas tunes. But even with a full tour schedule promoting the new album- Kevin found some time to sneak away and drop this 180″ monster! We talk some music and a lotta hunting with one of the greats.

We then round out the show with a very special guest when Duck G of G&H Decoys stops by. Duck G is a 3rd generation owner of G&H, which was started by his grandfather in 1934. Times have changed, decoys have changed. But the folks at G & H haven’t. They’re still American made and family owned and operated. Duck G talks about the evolution of the sport and how G&H has been able to stand the test of time. G&H has proven to be the must reliable and realistic decoys I have found as a dedicated waterfowler. Three generations in the family business (below):

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Wow so much to cover this week and so little time to do it! If you haven’t heard the liberal tree huggin’ vegan hypocrites at PETA recently sent a letter to the mayor of Turkey, Texas (home of Bob Wills). PETA asked that Turkey rename it’s city ‘Tofurkey’ for Thanksgiving Day. So just to prove once again how idiotic these folks are…I called PETA and asked for an interview- posing as a radio show host who supports their backwards views. I think you will find peering into the soul of their organization both funny and sad.

Then we get into some serious blood tracking talk when we are joined by Rod Buvens and Courtney Farris of the National Lacy Dog Association. Today it is illegal to use blood tracking dogs in 22 East, Texas counties. It’s my belief that the ethical hunter does everything in his power to recover a wounded or dying animal. And preventing the use of blood tracking dogs on a lead makes no sense at all. The legislation is outdated and needs to be changed. Rod and Courtney are spearheading that effort. The couple also owns two lacy dogs- a versatile working breed that originated right here in Texas. They make excellent blood trackers, hog dogs, cattle dogs and love working. One of their lacy’s hot on the trail of an archery whitetail.

Next we talk waterfowl with Delta Waterfowl’s Regional Director Travis Sheridan. Travis talks about Delta’s work in Texas as well as upcoming events with the Ft. Worth and College Station Chapters. If you are passionate about waterfowling I encourage you to get involved with a local chapter. Delta turned 100 years old in 2011 and their goal is to ensure that full skies fill the marshes for future generations. One of their projects is getting kids involved with building wood duck boxes such as this one:

We cap things off by checking in with our old friend Captain Len Girard. Captain Len joined us live from the Upper Laguna Madre this week for our coastal fishing report. The reds and flounder are staging for their December and they are hungry! Capt Len breaks down where he is finding them and what he’s using. Gulf coast flounder is one of my absolute favorite dishes. It’s gonna be a great show!

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We start the show off by checking in with our longtime pal- Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. Heath brakes down how to locate the big girls during the late fall as well as what baits are triggering the most agressive and consistent strikes. Sharelunker season is here and Heath’s insight could help you land the toad of a lifetime!

Then a very special guest stops by. Houston native Stan Nobozny has over 150 IGFA (International Game Fish Association) records to his name. Stan has fished all over the world for both fresh and saltwater species from alligator gar, to red snapper and tarpon. He talks about some of his adventures setting these records including two heartbreaking tarpon tales that came up just short. What are his goals for next year? Also in 2012, Stan will receive the IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award for his accomplishments as an angler. Stan with his most recent world record- a 22 1/2 lb tripletail caught and released in Matagorda Bay.

We round out the show when Texas Feral Hog Round Up Coordinator Bobby Standifer joins us. This tournament offers cash and other prizes to hunters taking out Texas feral hogs over the next few months. Registration is simple and you could win $1000 or a new pickup! There are both archery and rifle divisions and Bobby tells us all about the first annual Texas Feral Hog Round Up. Should be a good ‘un!

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What a great lineup for this week! As most of you bowhunters are probably aware by now, a 194 inch Hopkins County whitetail was taken down on opening morning of archery season. Kyle Koon of Sulpher Springs, TX watched this buck grow up for 4 years before decided to harvest him as a monstrous 4 1/2 year old this fall. This buck will shatter the Hopkins County record and also is a testament to what sound management practices can do. The deer was taken on a 500 acre low fence property. Kyle tells us all about that special morning as well as some of his management philosophies. Here is a trail cam pic of the buck and Kyle with his trophy on opening morning.

Then another special guest drops by to talk whitetail management- Jack McElroy of Oasis Wildlife Water Systems. Oasis is a relatively new company specializing in providing a reliable water source for the wildlife on your ranch and lease. Jack saw a need to get water to his deer on his Hill Country lease and the result was the creation of Oasis. Inspired by the Texas deer hunter for the Texas deer hunter.

We then round things out when one of my favorite singer/songwriters joins us. The pride of the Canadian Rockies, it’s the great Corb Lund. Corb grew up hunting and fishing his family ranch in some of the most rugged land in North America. His family owned a cattle ranch and Corb is no stranger to rodeoing and steer wrestling. So how did a Rocky Mountain cowboy start making some of the best Texas style music around? Corb tells all. Should be a good un ya’ll!

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We start off by checking in with Sundance Ranch’s Wade Burton. Sundance Ranch is a small Hill Country Equine Community. Properties in this rural community are between 2 and 5 acres and bowhunting has long been an acceptable method used to help control their ever increasing deer population. With one deer for every 3 acres, things have gotten out of control. The deer have become an nuisance but there is a small faction of community members who want the bowhunting to stop and one member is suing to try to end bowhunting completely. Wade discusses the problems deer are causing and why bowhunting needs to continue at Sundance Ranch. The overall health of the herd is suffering and automobile accidents are increasing. Situations like the one below aren’t good for us or the deer:

The we are joined by longtime Texas outdoor writer Bob Hood. Bob has been goose hunting in Texas for 42 years and his recent article Ghosts of Goose Hunts Past – was featured in the latest Texas Fish and Game Magazine. Things have changed significantly over 4 decades and Bob has seen and done it all. From the rice fields of the Katy Prarie to the peanut fields of West Texas he has experienced the highs and lows of Texas goose hunting. Are things better now than they were back then- when a decoy spread consisted of a bunch of rags? Bob tells it all. Below is South Texas goose hunting pioneer Marvin Tyler, credited for beginning the rag decoy craze back in the 1960s.

We then round things out by talking water easements when Texas Nature Conservancy State Director Laura Huffman stops by. In November, Proposition H will be voted on by the legislature. This important bill offers Texas landowners tax breaks for allowing water on their property to be available for public use. And with 96% of our state privately owned- it’s important for us to start thinking about alternative water sources for both us and our fish and wildlife such as the private wetland seen below.

The we talk big bass, redfish and some urban fishing with pro angler Jen Carroll. Jen is passionate about getting kids and women involved in fishing and the great outdoors. She fished the women’s Bassmaster Circuit for three years before it shut down. How many of you fellas can beat a PB 11 lb largemouth? I know I can’t!

Then a real treat for all you football fans out there as Dallas Cowboy’s safety Gerald Sensabaugh drops in. The 2-2 Cowboys are on a bye this week and I guarantee ya that means Gerald is on the water somewhere enjoying his other passion in life. We talk a little football and a whole lotta fishing. Gerald doing what he does on the gridiron and on the water:

We round out the show by checking in with Lone Star Ag Credit’s Mike Shelley. It’s all of our dreams to one day own our own piece of land to hunt and fish on. Mike explains how Lone Star Ag Credit can make that dream a reality. This is one show you don’t want to miss!

Wow- what a stellar lineup this week. It’s been about a year since Uncle Ted was on with us. Apparently, that is way too long…because Ted has a heck of a lot to say! Ted wants some Texas hunting regulations changed regarding Migratory Game Birds and High Fence Hunting. I have to admit- I agree with what he has to say. Also, @ 63 years old, how in the world is Ted still rockin’ out like it’s 1977? The man simply never stops going! You won’t want to miss this one.

Then former Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams stops by. You might have seen it by now, but if not be sure to check out the video below. It’s sheer genious and will no doubt make ya laugh. Roger is currently on the campaign trail as he is running for Congress in 2012. Roger is a lifelong Texan and represents the small business owner. I know I have his back as do most of our listeners.

We round things out with our old buddy Captain Len Girard. The report along the coast just gets better and better as redfish, trout and black drum are on fire!!! Fishing from Corpus Christi Bay past the Land Cut, Len gives us the low down on where to catch ‘em and what they are biting. Captain Len with a monster.

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Wow! So much is going on in our great state right now. Sadly not all of it is good as much of our historic Bastrop State Park has been ravaged by the latest wildfires to scorch the Texas ground. Bastrop State Park was set up as part of FDR’s New Deal as the country tried to rebound from the Great Depression. Anyway, Texas Parks and Wildlife Spokesman Mike Cox drops in to talk about the fire and how it has affected the park and the famous “Lost Pines” forest. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by Texas Wildfires in 2011. Firefighters trying to supress the flames at Bastrop State Park:

Then a very special treat as one of Texas best singer/songwriters joins us in studio. Owen Temple grew up in the Hill Country and deer hunting and pickin’ on an old guitar where just a way of life. Owen plays a couple tunes and talks about his love for the outdoors.

We round out the show by checking in with shark angler Albert Zertouche. On August 13th of this past summer Albert hooked up with a 12 ft 6 inch tiger shark off of North Padre’s Bob Hall Pier. This fish already shattered the Texas catch and release record and is a pending world record! Albert talks shark angling and tells the tale about his once in a lifetime catch!

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We start things off with Texas Fish and Game Magazine’s John Felsher. His latest article “Bass Tactics for Redfish” breaks down the similarities between freshwater bassin’ and saltwater reds. Bass fisherman don’t need to restock their tackle boxes when they head to the coast- just go with what ya got. John talks about some of his favorite bass baits that redfish can’t resist. John with a nice bull red caught on a spinnerbait:

We keep it coastal with our next guest as Captain Len Girard makes a return visit to the show. Len has the reds, trout and flounder bite down to a science from Corpus Christi Bay all the way up to the Land Cut. But right now, the Upper Laguna Madre is on fire, and Len is reeling in the big reds. He tells us where to find ‘em and what their biting.

We round out the broadcast with a real treat as former TPWD employee and longtime freelance outdoor writer John Jefferson joins the program. John’s latest piece “Golden Age of State Parks, How Texas Acquired a Passel of Iconic Parklands” graced the cover of the August edition of TPWD Magazine. The Lone Star State has over 600,000 acres of state park land. But it was the effort and vision of a few conservationists who helped pave the way for our great state park system. The 25 year Golden Age from 1963 to 1988 saw over sixty state parks added to the system. You may recognize names like Governor John Connally, Texas Tech’s John Gosdin and Senator Don Kennard. John talks about the article and reflects on some of those who paved the way for the state park system that hundreds of thousands of Texas hunters, hikers, campers and anglers enjoy each year.

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Well it’s finally here ya’ll! The North and Central Zone Dove Openers are this Thursday, September 1st. For many of us this signals the beginning of hunting season. But if you’re like me then you probably spent too much time fishing this summer and not enough time at the range finetuning those shotgunning skills. But, there is hope for us slackers out there. Our good buddy Paul Bradshaw of Texas Fish and Game Magazine joins us to help us out. Paul has some last minute tips to share that might just help us knock down a few more birds this fall. He’ll break down the 4 B’s among other things. Check out this great camera work on a good shot on this dove.

Hunting season not only means that hundreds of thousands of Texans will be flinging lead this fall, it also means that thousands of hunting dogs will once again be called on to perform in the field. However, danger goes hand in hand with the duties of all types of hunting dogs. In Texas, one of the most serious dangers is venemous snakes. Rattlers, moccasins, copperheads…you name it! If you hunt Texas- your dog will eventually come across one of ‘em. But there are measures to take to ensure your dog has the knowledge to steer clear of snakes- most notably you can enter them into a snake avoidance clinic. So this week, the Snakebreaker himself, Wayne Lain joins us to talk about snake avoidance. He performs these valuable clinics all over the state, my dogs have gone thru it and I recommend yours do as well.

We round things out by checking in with our big bass authority- Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. Fall is around the corner and even though it’s still hotter than hell, the fish know it’s time to once again start moving up in the shallows in search of food. Heath breaks down what you should be doing to pattern these fish and hopefully haul some of these toads into the boat. And for you waterfowlers- we will also get an early teal scouting report since Heath is on the water everyday. Heath with a recent catch.

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We start things off by checking in with Army Bass Anglers founder Major Cody Roberson. ABA prostaff members have been cashing checks and spreading the Support, Defend, Fish mission statement and Major Roberson talks about some of the recent highlights. Also, born in raised in South, Texas – Major has been slaying hawgs since he was a kid. What’s his favorite way to catch big Texas bass during the heat of August? We are gonna find out.

Then one of my favorite musicians makes his return to the show, Brandon Rhyder has been a busy man. Having just released his Live At BillyBob’s record- he still found time to head to the coast and catch some trout this summer. Brandon talks about that experience as well as his recent bow elk hunting trip to Colorado.

Then we round out the show with someone many of ya’ll probably aren’t familiar with- heck I didn’t know much about him and I am a huge soccer fan. But after reading about him in the latest edition of Texas Monthly, I knew he was a kindred spirit and I had to get him on the show. Brad Davis of the Houston Dynamo is a huge bass angler and is equally passionate about deer and ducks! Not only that but he also has a foundation benefitting those brave men and women who have served our country. Not too shabby for a fella who is currently tied with David Beckham for the MLS lead in assists.

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We start things off by checking in with Texas Parks and Wildlife Whitetail Program Leader Alan Cain. This drought is wearing us thin across the state, but it’s still our responsibility to manage the resources we do have- and everyone knows that whitetails are a precious resource in Texas. So Alan sheds some light on management philosophies folks should put into place during extreme drought conditions. Should you be shooting more does, which if any bucks should you target? Also, cattle ranching has long been king in Texas and deer and cows obviously share the same habitat- so what can you do to make sure both have the nutrition they need?

Then we are going to get into something that gets my blood boiling. If you are unaware, the Obama Administration recently implemented legislation that requires law abiding Texans to register shotguns and rifles used for hunting if you buy more than one in a five day period. This blatant violation of the constitution was not approved by Congress- instead it was shoehorned in thru the backdoor. Luckily, the NRA has filed a lawsuit against the adminstration and the ATF. NRA Director of Legislative Action Chris Cox joins us to breakdown the entire situation. Chris has some hot opinions and I am looking foward to hearing what he has to say. But the bottom line is that gun registration is unconstitutional and this administration has overstepped their bounds. Chris doing what he does best:

We then round out the broadcast with a very special guest, when Cleveland, TX native Joe Williams drops in to talk alligator gars with us. Joe has been pursuing these prehistoric freshwater beasts for decades and all that time on the water paid off big this year as he has landed two state record quality fish in a span over just a couple months. Here is Joe with the actual rod and reel state record catch and release fish. Measured over 7 ft 4 inches! And the best part? She’s still out there swimming around so that someone else might have the chance to catch her.

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Its gonna be a dang good one! We start off by talking reds, trout and flounder with our good buddy Captain Len Girard. Fishing from Corpus Christi Bay, thru the Upper Laguna Madre thru Baffin Bay and up to the Land Cut- Captain Len covers alot of water and has the specifics on where the fish are and what they are biting.

Then, larger than life personality and lifelong fisherman Bill Dance drops in to talk summertime crappie techniques with us. We are all pros when the crappie are spawning, but what about when they move back out into deeper water. Bill breaks what to look for when seeking schools of slabs during the heat of the summer- then he tells us how he catches them.

This week’s show should be a dandy. We start things off with Marvin Winn of Maxcutter Knives. Maxcutter will outfit the July Photo of the Month winner with a custom 13 inch pig sticker. Marvin joins us to talk about his experience as a knife maker and what goes into making a quality blade. Pigsticker in progress and some of Marvin’s other work laid out in the studio. NICE!

Then we check in with one of the greatest shotgunners the world has ever seen when Tom Knapp drops in. Tom not only holds various world records as a shooting exisbitionist but he is a lifelong wingshooter. Tom talks about how he got his start in competitive shooting and his love for everything from dove, ducks, quail to pheasant. After 18 years he split with Benelli and is now shooting CZ shotguns. We get into that relationship and why it ended. And like so many of us, Tom also loves to watch them dogs work so we’ll talk gundogs as well.

We finish things off by checking in with our old buddy Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. This week we cover how to locate large suspended schools of bass during the hot summer months. No matter what lake you fish in Texas- one thing is constant- it’s gonna be hot! And that means bass will suspend in deeper water during the heat of the day. Heath breaks down how to find em, and what techniques are the most effective at catching these suspended monsters.

First of all, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers over the past week. Many of ya’ll know that I have been in the hospital two times over the past week with an emergency appendectomy and then complications following the surgery. So this week’s show was mostly recorded from my hospital bed. Feeling better!

Anyway, this week we are thrilled to have Captain Sig Hansen join us from the Discovery Channel’s long running hit show Deadliest Catch. The famous
We get into the long Norwegian heritage of the Hansen family as commercial fisherman. We’ll also talk about the old days and some of the close calls associated with the Northwestern. Fast money and even faster lives, the Bering Sea fisherman works hard and plays even harder.

Then we check in with a good buddy and one of my favorite outdoor writers, Conor Harrison of Lone Star Outdoor News. Most of us enjoy wetting a line as often as we can, but for some city folks that just isn’t practical. Driving an hour or more is often the norm but what if you only have a couple hours to scratch that fishing itch?

Conor and I set out to find a place right in the middle of Dallas to spend a morning on the water and hopefully catch a few fish. So whether you live in DFW, San Antonio or Houston the opportunities are all around you. Ultralight tackle, a kayak and a couple hours is all ya need for your next urban fishing adventure.

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Episode 77

]]> http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/this-weeks-show-20/feed/ 0 1:00:00 Synopsis of Episode 77: First of all, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers over the past week. Many of ya’ll know that I have been in the hospital two times over the past week with an emergency appendectomy and then complications following [...] Synopsis of Episode 77: First of all, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers over the past week. Many of ya’ll know that I have been in the hospital two times over the past week with an emergency appendectomy and then complications following the surgery. So this week’s show was mostly recorded from my hospital bed. Feeling better! Anyway, this week we are thrilled to have Captain Sig Hansen join us from the Discovery Channel’s long running hit show Deadliest Catch. The famous We get into the long Norwegian heritage of the Hansen family as commercial fisherman. We’ll also talk about the old days and some of the close calls associated with the Northwestern. Fast money and even faster lives, the Bering Sea fisherman works hard and plays even harder. Then we check in with a good buddy and one of my favorite outdoor writers, Conor Harrison of Lone Star Outdoor News. Most of us enjoy wetting a line as often as we can, but for some city folks that just isn’t practical. Driving an hour or more is often the norm but what if you only have a couple hours to scratch that fishing itch? Conor and I set out to find a place right in the middle of Dallas to spend a morning on the water and hopefully catch a few fish. So whether you live in DFW, San Antonio or Houston the opportunities are all around you. Ultralight tackle, a kayak and a couple hours is all ya need for your next urban fishing adventure. Podcast: Episode 77 Fishin, Outdoors cablewaco@yahoo.com no no http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/this-weeks-show-19/ http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/this-weeks-show-19/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:52:34 +0000 Cable http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/?p=3175 This week’s show will is a pretty fishing intensive one. I was able to head down to Corpus and fish two days last week. On Wednesday I took a trip with our resident saltwater guide Capt Len Girard. So Len joins to talk about our trip and the awesome trout bite along the Texas coast. [...]]]> This week’s show will is a pretty fishing intensive one. I was able to head down to Corpus and fish two days last week. On Wednesday I took a trip with our resident saltwater guide Capt Len Girard. So Len joins to talk about our trip and the awesome trout bite along the Texas coast. Myself and Captain Len with a mess of trout.

LeAnn Shcmidt of Cabela’s then drops in to talk about the awesome event taking place this weekend in the North Texas area. It’s the annual Allen USA summer bash and Cabela’s is partnering with our Lone Star Chapter of Delta Waterfowl among other organizations to put on the Cabela’s Zone. The festivities start at 4pm so parents grab your kids and get them to the Cabela’s Zone for some great free outdoor activities.

Then it’s a special in studio treat as we are joined by a couple of avid outdoorsmen- Scott Burgess and Tori Smith, better known as The Gringo Kings. These fellas keep their bass rods with ‘em in the tour van! We’ll talk some huntin’ and fishin’ with these good old boys and of course they brought their guitars, so expect to mix in some awesome Texas tunes as well.

We round out the show by checking in with Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. The big girls are schooled up in most Texas lakes and Heath tells us how he is hammering them by deep water structure fishing around mid morning. Should be a great show!

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Episode 75

]]> http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/this-weeks-show-19/feed/ 0 1:02:00 This week’s show will is a pretty fishing intensive one. I was able to head down to Corpus and fish two days last week. On Wednesday I took a trip with our resident saltwater guide Capt Len Girard. So Len joins to talk about our trip and the a[...] This week’s show will is a pretty fishing intensive one. I was able to head down to Corpus and fish two days last week. On Wednesday I took a trip with our resident saltwater guide Capt Len Girard. So Len joins to talk about our trip and the awesome trout bite along the Texas coast. Myself and Captain Len with a mess of trout. LeAnn Shcmidt of Cabela’s then drops in to talk about the awesome event taking place this weekend in the North Texas area. It’s the annual Allen USA summer bash and Cabela’s is partnering with our Lone Star Chapter of Delta Waterfowl among other organizations to put on the Cabela’s Zone. The festivities start at 4pm so parents grab your kids and get them to the Cabela’s Zone for some great free outdoor activities. Then it’s a special in studio treat as we are joined by a couple of avid outdoorsmen- Scott Burgess and Tori Smith, better known as The Gringo Kings. These fellas keep their bass rods with ‘em in the tour van! We’ll talk some huntin’ and fishin’ with these good old boys and of course they brought their guitars, so expect to mix in some awesome Texas tunes as well. We round out the show by checking in with Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. The big girls are schooled up in most Texas lakes and Heath tells us how he is hammering them by deep water structure fishing around mid morning. Should be a great show! Podcast: Episode 75 Fishin, Huntin, Music, Outdoors cablewaco@yahoo.com no no http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/3159/ http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/3159/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:07:55 +0000 Cable http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/?p=3159 This week should be another educational episode. Off the top Ray Faulkner joins us to talk about the June Photo of the Month Grand Prize which Texas Custom Camo and Imaging was kind enough to donate!

Then we’ll visit with Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Whitetail Program Leader Alan Cain. Much of [...]]]> Synopsis of Episode 74:

This week should be another educational episode. Off the top Ray Faulkner joins us to talk about the June Photo of the Month Grand Prize which Texas Custom Camo and Imaging was kind enough to donate!

Then we’ll visit with Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Whitetail Program Leader Alan Cain. Much of Texas is mired in drought and that is not good for our whitetail herd. Decreased birth rates? Fawn mortality? Starvation? Disease? Antler growth? Alan breaks it all down for us.Prolonged drought can stunt cause deer to become emaciated and stunt antler growth.

Then we talk hunting lights with Rob Bresnehan of Magnalight. A Texas based company, Magnalight has been around for 40 years. Mostly making high end, high tech lighting products for our military. But over the past 5 or 6 years, they have become a major player among varmint, predator and hog hunters. They also manufacture the commercial fishing lights you see on shows such as Deadliest Catch If it has to do with outdoor lighting, Magnalight is sure to be in the middle of it so pull up a chair for our Outdoor Lighting 101 class!

Then Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Coastal Fisheries Director Robin Reichers joins us as the red snapper season has officially opened up along the Gulf Coast. It also happens to be the shortest snapper season on record which has both commercial and recreational anglers up in arms. The short season even prompted Governor Perry to write a letter to the Gulf Coast Fishery Management Council. So what’s up with the shortened season? Robin has the answers. He also has reason to believe that the two fish per day limit is the reason for larger snapper being caught over the past few years. Red Snapper… One of my favorites. See ya’ll at the coast, it’s offshore time!

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Episode 74

Jonathon VanDam drops in to talk about fishing fulltime while still enrolled in college and what it’s like trying to break out of his uncle Kevin’s shadow. JVD did finish 5th at an Elite Event in Florida last month. Fishing is in that family’s blood. Not only is his unlce the best bass fisherman of all time, his father even holds the state of Ohio record smallmouth bass! At 22, JVD is in the fast lane to become one of the world’s top bass anglers.

Also, How many of ya’ll are familiar with the history behind this beast? It’s the largest free ranging whitetail the Lone Star State has ever produced. Anyway, a recent article got me thinking about the history behind this deer and I will have the writer – Bill Miller, Editor Lone Star Outdoor News- on the show this weekend to discuss the Brady Buck (AKA Benson Buck, McCullock Buck, and 78 Point Buck). This deer ranked #1 all time B&C for over a quarter century and grew up right here in Central Texas (near Brady). Nobody knows who really shot it or who found the carcass. But there are two sets of antlers from this deer that are currently on display, the larger of the two scoring 286 with 78 scorable points. There is a replica on display at the new Cabela’s in Allen for anyone who would like to see one of the most amazing whitetails ever to walk this earth. When did this buck live? How bout 1890…so much history surrounds this deer- it’s a major part of our state’s rich whitetail tradition.

We then round out the show by checking in with our very own Elite Series Pro Kelly Jordon. 2011 has been up and down for KJ so far, he has two top ten finishes out of 3 events- but a couple of weeks ago he was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. Doctor’s cut on him last week and he is stitched up in a couple places. Things are looking good, but we will see how Kelly is holding up and when we can expect him back on the water.

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This week we start off by visiting with our old buddy- Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. My dad and I had the pleasure of fishing with Heath on Monday. It was a humbling experience for us both! Heath was whackin’ em all day- but the bite was so subtle that dad and I were having a heck of a time knowing when a fish actually picked up the bait. It was still a great day on the water as I did manage to catch my first Lake Fork largemouth. Heath proved to be a great and patient teacher. We get into what worked and what didn’t and a whole lot more. Heath did landthe biggest bass I have ever seen in person- 8 lbs easy!

We then check in with Tioga Retrievers’ Angie Becker for Part II of our mini-series “The Progression of a Gun Dog“. My 9 month old female- Belle, has two months of Basic Gun Dog training under her belt and we’ll find out how she is coming along. With force fetch, delivery to hand and steadying already taken care of, what will she be working on during the last month of her training? If you are thinking about adding a retriever to the family then this is something you don’t want to miss. Belle doing work:

We round out the show by chatting with Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Governmental Affairs- Scott Sutherland. Scott has his finger squarely on the pulse of what is going in Washington D.C., and he has some great news to share with all waterfowlers as the federal government just announced they will be contributing 37.5 million dollars to NAWCA (North American Wetlands Conservation Act) in 2011. There was a real possibility that NAWCA was going to be completely shut out of federal funding in 2011 and with private donations matching federal dollars to the tune of 4 to 1 – this was set to be a loss of about 120 million dollars towards watefowl conservation in 2011. Since 1995, NAWCA related projects have seen over 110 million dollars go towards projects in Texas alone! Without this program scenes like the one below would become less and less common:

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Most of us don’t have any state record fish to our names, much less three of ‘em. But three is how many angler Charles Dewey has after landing a state record Rio Grande Cichlid a couple weeks ago. Charles stops by to talk about his 1.87 lb monster he caught using a pole and line method on Lake Dunlap outside of New Braunfels.

Then one of Texas’ great singer/songwriters joins us live in studio. Guthrie Kennard has been everywhere and played with just about everyone. His tune ‘Catfish Fishin’ is one of the greatest fishing songs ever written. Guthrie will play it for us as well as discuss growing up on a river in the 1950′s. It was definitely a different time and way of life.

We round out the show by checking in with Texas Ranger first baseman Mitch Moreland. Mitch joined me on a spring turkey hunt with Silver Creek Guide Service. A lifelong waterfowler and deer hunter, Mitch was able to bag his first spring gobbler on this hunt. A trophy tom with a 9 1/2 inch beard! Not a bad way to spend an off day before heading on a 10 day road trip.

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Texas Fish and Game Magazine Contributing Editor Paul Bradshaw will be on the show this weekend to discuss his recent article “The 5 Bass Baits You Probably Aren’t Using But Should Be”. It will be informative and straight to the point and ya never know- Paul might just have the insight you need to land that double digit toad this spring!

Also, Greg Biffle- driver of the #16 Ford will join us. The Samsung Mobile 500 is tonight (April 9th) at Texas Motor Speedway and Greg talks a little Nascar and a whole lot of fishing as he is a lifelong fishing nut! He even has an offshore rig near his North Carolina home.

And then Texas Dog Hunters Association Excutive Advisor Douglas Mason drops in to talk about the 2011 Hunt for The Hungry which raised over 34,000 lbs of field dressed pork in less than 48 hours!!! We’ll also discuss some proposed legislation that would affect our rights to hunt with any breed, as well as general stuff that will affect any dog owner who chooses not to get their pet fixed. How does a $300 per year tax sound for choosing not to spay or nueter you hunting buddy? What about it being illegal to leave your dog at home alone unsuprvised? I know it seems absurd, but there are actually people out there who think this way. I can’t imagine waterfowling without my dog. TDHA is on the front lines trying to ensure that we never lose these precious rights.

This week we start things off by talking big bass with our very own Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. Big bass are beginning to spawn all over our state and Heath is a master at getting those huge females to strike while on their nest. From now until the end of May is the best time to catch a monster largemouth and Heath might just have the tip that helps you land that fish of a lifetime!

Waterfowl season may have come and gone but ya’ll know I’m always up for talkin’ ducks and our good buddy Charles Smith of Cadence Duck Calls drops in to do just that. Made right here in Texas, Cadence is hands down the best call I have ever blown. How did Charles get started in the industry and what seperates these Texas made calls from the competition? I might even blow my Cadence ‘Closer’ on the air and let Charles critique me.

Charles after a morning in the marsh

We then round out the broadcast with one of my favorite singer/songwriters - Dustin Perkins. Besides being an up and comer on the Texas music scene, Dustin is also and avid outdoorsman. I knew I had to get him on the show when minutes after meeting he took his phone out and started showing me pictures of dead animals and full stringers of fish! My kinda fella alright. Anyway, we’ll talk a little huntin and fishin’ and of course Dustin will play a few tunes for us as well.

Well, Saturday April 2nd is the North Zone turkey opener. I have anxiously been awaiting turkey season like so many of ya’ll have, and our old buddy- TPWD Turkey Program Leader Jason Hardin will drop in tell hunters what to expect this season. We had a great hatch last year so expectations should be high!

Then, an authority on crappie joins us to talk about the spring spawn. The slabs are in the shallows and nobody knows how to catch ‘em like ‘Mr. Crappie’ Wally Marshall. Never a dull moment with Wally as he gives us some tips on how to take advantage of the great crappie fishing that comes each spring.

It’s no secret that feral hogs are not well liked by farmers and ranchers, they cause over 400 million in damages each year in Texas alone! Poisons have been considered in the past, but a new sodium nitrite based poison could hit the market very soon. Texas Wildlife Service’s Mike Bodenchuk joins us to talk about this poison and a new feeder that is in the works that only allows feral hogs access to the bait.

A very familiar sight on Texas’ landscapes- hogs rooting up a pasture.

We begin the show by talking bass fishing with our buddy Mark Jones. Mark has his hands full with the Oakley Big Bass Tour (now available on WFN – so set your DVR’s) and of course the up and coming Lone Star Series. Last season they gave away a Nissan Titan at the championship. This year’s purse includes a $25,000 Nitro! There are still ways to qualify for 2011 Lone Star Series championship on Sam Rayburn and the Central and North Divisions still have multiple events left.

Then our very own Angie Becker of Tioga Retrievers drops in for the first installment of our mini-series “The Progression of A Gun Dog.” My 8 month old chocolate female has been with Angie and Tim for over a month now and we discuss in depth how Belle is coming along. Also, what is expected of a pup when they begin training, and what should an owner be doing to prepare their pup for gun dog training? I am excited that we will be checking in with Angie periodically throughout Belle’s training.

Belle is all about her work- and I am proud to say she couldn’t have cared less that I came to visit.

We round out the broadcast by checking in with our GR8 Mounts/Lone Star Outdoors Show Bobcat Mount Contest Winner- Denton’s Barrett McLendon. Barrett shot this cat during bow season last year and was voted the winner of our contest by his peers. His story and photos were compelling because it was an archery kill and as most college kids would do, Barrett kept the cat next to the frozen pizzas in his freezer for 3 months in hopes of winning the contest. Thanks for all the great submissions and stories. Be sure to check out the podcast to hear Barrett describe his hunt.

We start things out by checking in with our ‘ol buddy Mike McKinney of WTHO. Mike is the authority on harvesting trophy aoudad in West Texas. And seeing how a huge ram is on my bucket list, well it only makes sense to get the low down from the man who knows these animals better than anyone.

Then a very special guest drops by. His show Pigman the Series is the number one rated show on the Sportsman Channel and he has taken the world of outdoor television by storm. Brian “Pigman” Quaca has never been short on words and that is no exception here. A native of Central Texas, bow, rifle, hog doggin…it doesn’t matter, Brian is a master at killing huge pigs! I guarantee ya you’ll be entertained by our chat, I know I was!

We round things out with one of the best acts going in country music. Jamie Richards is not only one of my favorite singer/songwriters, but he is also an avid bass fisherman. So we’ll talk a little music and a whole lotta bassin’ with Jamie. Hope you enjoy the show!

This week’s show recaps one of the most memorable outdoor experiences of my life. Harvesting a feral hog with dogs and a blade has long been on my bucket list. Well I can cross it off after hunting with my buddy Chris Williams of GoHogDog. We were able to harvest two hogs and I had the honor of dispatching them. The dogs were by far the most memorable aspect of the hunt however as each one had their own personality and their own specific job to do in order to contribute to the team effort. Made a lot of new friends that day and can’t wait to go hunting with them again. We recap the whole experience with Chris during this week’s broadcast.

Hog #2 was a 150 lb boar with decent cutters.

We also check in with Dr. Dale Rollins from the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch. This was supposed to be a banner year for Texas quail hunters after the wet 2010 spring. But things didn’t pan out that way and Dr. Rollins is searching for answers. Could disease be responsible for the continued decline in Texas bobwhite populations? Dr. Rollins thinks its something that needs to be seriously considered.

Lastly we are joined by Army Bass Anglers founder Major Cody Roberson. Major Roberson and ABA once again had the honor of leading the ceremonial launch at the Bassmaster Classic and he has a few funny stories to share with us. ABA also has a ton of stuff on TV right now so be sure to check out the World Fishing Network and Versus to be sure you don’t miss ABA in action.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new hunting show The Wild Within then I strongly suggest you do so. It airs on the Travel Channel and host Steven Rinella joins us to talk about his show which places a new spin on the hunting show genre. Steven is a renown outdoor writer and lifelong outdoorsman. The Wild Within focuses on our nature as humans to hunt game, and the process of turning wild game into delicious table fare. No part of the process is left out from the harvest to butchering to the actual meal itself. This is a show like none other and Steven proved to be one heck of an exciting interview.

Steven field dressing and then butchering a bull moose in Alberta Canada

Steven and his guide Charles after a successful hog dog knife hunt in Hawaii

We also check in with our very own Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick . Heath not only gives us an in depth look at the Fork bite, but also breaks down the 2011 Bassmaster Classic which was dominated from start to finish by Kevin Van Dam who won his 4th Classic title and a $500,000 paycheck. He shattered records like it was going out of style en route to posting a 69 lb 11 oz overall weight (a new Classic record). He also decimated the field by winning by over 10 lbs!!! It was all KVD all weekend on the Louisiana Delta and Heath talks about the best of the best.

Lastly we are joined by Bryan Moore who tells us about the revolutionary new feeder made by Capsule Game Feeders. This is unlike anything you have ever seen and comes with a 20 year warranty to boot!

This week we step into the octagon with UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes. The 9 time Welterweight Champ is the new host of Trophy Hunter TV on the Outdoor Channel. Matt is a passionate whitetail and upland hunter but his favorite thing is getting into the outdoors with his 11 year old son Joey. We also ask Matt who has hit him the hardest and when we can expect him to fight again.

Then we check in with our favorite Elite Series Pro – Kelly Jordon. Kelly is obviously gearing up for the 2011 Classic on the Louisiana Delta. How does he see the tournament unfolding? How will the fog affect the guys who want to make the 100 mile run to Venice? Who is his darkhorse and a whole lot more with KJ.

Spotted Sea Trout are always a hot topic along the Texas coast. This week was no exception as TPWD officials met to discuss whether or not to reduce the current 10 fish daily bag limit down to a 5 fish limit. Whether you are for it or against it- the decision was made to keep the limit at 10 fish per angler TPWD Coastal Fisheries Director Robin Reichers drops in to elaborate on why TPWD felt it best to leave the current regulations in place.

Another great Texas whitetail season has come and gone and few know Texas deer better than biologist and big game hunter Larry Weishuhn. We discuss management, antler restrictions, the potential impact of feral hogs on a deer herd, helicopter crashes and a whole lot more with ‘Mr. Whitetail’ himself.

We round things out with new TPWD Desert Bighorn Sheep Program Leader Froylan Hernandez. By the 1960s, the desert bighorn was completey wiped out of Texas. But the ensuing decades resulted in TPWD working hard to restore the desert bighorn to much of it’s historical range within our great state. Froylan talks about the history of the bighorn’s struggle and how it resulted in where we are today. There are over 1,000 animals currently in the Trans Pecos and less than 5 weeks ago, TPWD captured and relocated over 40 sheep to Big Bend Ranch State Park. It’s taken hard work and dedication but it’s awesome to see the desert bighorn sheep thriving in Texas once again!

This week’s show has it all! We kick things off with 21 year old Salado, Texas native Sam Vanhoozer. This past December, Sam and his father were hunting mulies between Sheffield and Iraan, Texas when a 100 lb cat crept into the sendero with plans of pouncing on an unsuspecting fawn. That all changed with one crack of Sam’s rifle. A real Texas mountain lion! I have to admit I am jealous of Sam’s once in a lifetime opportunity.

Then when check in with Texas Parks and Wildlife Big Game Program Leader Mitch Lockwood. TPWD recently came under fire after exterminating 71 whitetailed deer at the Anderton Ranch in Hunt County. The breeder deer were euthanized due to the ranch’s failure to comply with state regulations and Lacey Act violations. The origin of the deer were not documented and therefore TPWD had no choice but to protect one of our state’s finest resources: our deer herd.

We round out the broadcast by checking in with Falcon Lake fishing guide Tommy Law. On January 7th, Tommy hauled in a 15.63 lb largemouth bass which shatterd the 20 year old Falcon Lake record of 15.12 lbs. Tommy has been fishing Falcon for 40 years and guiding for the past 3. Glad to see his hard work finally payed off with the fish of a lifetime, what a beauty!

Then we visit with Houston native Carl Riley who in October landed the fish of a lifetime when he landed this 800 lb blue marlin during the Bisbee Black and Blue Marlin Tournament in Los Cabos, Mexico. Anyway, after a 5 hour fight the fish was finally aboard but Carl and Team Great Escape were 10 minutes late getting to port for the weigh in. It ended up costing Team Great Escape anywhere from $650,000 to 1.2 million in prize money!!! So while that is a heartbreaker, Carl still ended up catching the fish of a lifetime. Carl talks about the fight and the experience of arriving just late to weigh in.

Then we go urban on ya with Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Deer Biologist Richard Heilbrun. Many Midwestern states already have urban whitetail archery seasons and you may be suprised to know that Richard and TPWD want to see these kinds of programs implemented in Texas communities with large urban whitetail populations. Property destruction and deer/automobile collisions are on the rise across the board and urban archery is a viable option to help control these deer herds…very interesting stuff!

This week is gonna be a diverse one. Off the top we visit with our old buddy from the Texas Coast, Captain Pat Hunt. Captain Pat has been fishing Corpus Christi Bay and the surrounding areas since the mid 1950s. Needless to say he is still whackin’ the redfish at a pretty good clip. Where are the trout this time of year. What wintertime bait is the most effective for both trout and reds? All that and a lot more with Captain Pat.

Then with the December 4th Pheasant opener less than a week away and with Maverick and I loading up the truck and heading West on Friday I figured we better find out what to expect this season. Nobody knows more about our state’s roosters than Texas Parks and Wildlife Upland Game Bird Program Leader Robert Perez. TPWD has been conducting surveys throughout the Panhandle since the late 1970s and Robert will tell us what this year’s results mean. We also cover the history of the Ringed Neck Pheasant in Texas. When was it introduced and why?

We round out this week’s broadcast with a very special guest- Texas Rangers hurler Tommy Hunter drops in. Tommy is not only an avid outdoorsman, but his 13-4 record was good enough to lead the majors in winning percentage. An integral part of the best Rangers team in club history Tommy is currently en route to Mississippi in hopes of taking a monster whitetail. Other off season plans include duck hunting with Mitch Moreland Ian Kinsler and possibly hog hunting with Cliff Lee…sounds like a blast. Also, where the heck did the claw and antlers originate? Should be a lot of fun with a genuine good ‘ol boy!

This past week I was able to harvest my first buck. A Montague County 8 pt at Goin Day Hunts. My friend Don Gresham invited me back out to his place in Forestburg and Don joins the show to visit with us about my hunt and Goin Day Hunts. The Greshams have had this land in the family for well over a century and I was honored to head out there and share their little piece of paradise.

Becky Clark of Rustic Reminders Taxidermy and GR8 Mounts also stops by to talk taxidermy with us. It’s very important that you take special care of any trophy animal you plan on taking to the taxidermist. Becky reminds us of some of those important details that often get overlooked. GR8 Mounts have also donated 3 awesome mounts that we will give away on the show including: a whitetail shoulder mount, a full body bobcat mount and a whitetail euro mount. Be sure to listen to the podcast to find out how you can have your trophy mounted for FREE!!!

Shawn Roberts, Regional Field Supervisor of the National Wild Turkey Federation drops in to give us an overview of the NWTF. The great thing about this organization is that so much of the money raised stays in your state and with your local chapter. I am thrilled to be involved as we look to get a chapter going in McKinney. If you have any interest in conservation and making a difference then contact Shawn as we always want to add to the 75 NWTF chapters already in Texas. Shawn with a beautiful spring gobbler:

And of course November means bucks and ducks are on the brain, but it also means that Sharelunkers are usually being caught on Lake Fork. Our Lake Fork guide Heath Hardwick checks in to give us a detailed report on what the big ones are hitting and where. It’s gonna be a great show.

Should be a pretty educational show this week. Staying on top of current issues that could directly affect the Texas outdoorsman is something I take pride in so off the top we’ll visit with Matt Dunn- Legislative Director for the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Why visit with Matt??? Because Obama and the EPA are attempting to ramrod some ridiculous legislation down our throats. The proposed legislation was drafted by the EPA and would allow the sale of E15 gasoline. E15 is NOT compatible with any marine engine, lawnmower, weed whacker (or any other gas powered equipment) and even vehicles manufactured prior to 2007. Ethanol is bad for the engine and the consumers and all 13 million registered boat owners in the country could be left holding the bag on this deal.

Then, Dale Hall- CEO Ducks Unlimited drops in. Dale was recently named the Conservationist of the Year by America’s Wetland Foundation. We get into that, the lasting effects of the tragic Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Dale’s favorite place to hunt, and the most glaring obstacle he forsees facing the future of our continents waterfowl.

We round things out with a guy who is probably a lot like you and me. Van Zandt County bowhunter Greg Goodrich joins the show to talk about an unfortunate decision he made while deer hunting last week. Greg killed an 8pt buck that failed to meet the Antler Restrictions in Grayson County. Greg didn’t realize this until he laid his hands on his buck. This was his largest archery deer ever harvested and while a trophy to him- the deer was still illegal. So he was faced with two choices: 1) walk away and let the deer lay in the woods OR 2) tag the deer and turn himself in… Lets just say that I am proud to have such an honest man and ethical hunter as a guest. Lots to learn from Greg’s experience!

Greg’s illegal Hagerman 8pt.

Off the top we’ll visit with our favorite angler- Mineola’s own Kelly Jordon. Kelly is gearing up for the Bassmaster Classic and upcoming Elite Series but he still found some time to head to the Panhandle and harvest a trophy pronghorn! We will talk about that experience as well as the Louisiana Delta and how Kelly thinks the fishing will be at the 2011 Classic. Also, BASS announced a few changes in the qualifying structure for the Elite Series and the Classic, so Kelly gives us his take on that as well.

Then one of our state’s most respected outdoorsman- Gary Roberson- drops in to talk predator hunting. Gary has decades worth of experience and his article The Bobcat: Texas Most Secretive Predator was featured in the July/August edition of Texas Trophy Hunter Magazine. I want a nice bobcat mount for my study and so I’ve asked Gary to share his knowledge on calling and hunting cats with us. What should I look for when deciding where to make a call? How long should I wait before moving locations? What are his favorite sounds for bobcats? Electronic vs mouth calls…all that and a whole lot more.

Then Ducks Unlimited Senior Regional Director Jim Lillis stops by…but we aren’t talking ducks! In 2007, Jim was drawn for one of the Hagerman Wildlife Refuge archery hunts in Grayson County. On that day he experienced the whitetail hunt that most of us can only dream about- harvesting a then state record typical whitetail that grossed over 180 and scored 175 2/8 inches!!! His Boone and Crockett beast is still number 1 in the LSBA record books and I am thrilled to have Jim tell his tale during the show.

We are covering a lot of ground this week. Off the top we will get into some serious redfish talk with longtime Coastal Bend fishing guide Pat Hunt. Pat is a Vietnam Veteran, who has been fishing Corpus Christi Bay and the surrounding area since the 1950′s. The bull reds are running and we are going to find out their current pattern.

Then we are joined by Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples. Commissioner Staples, a native of Palestine, TX grew up in a farming/ranching family where hunting and fishing were just a way of life. Always looking out for the Texas farmer and rancher- Commissioner Staples declared October “Get the Hog Outta Texas” month. Feral Hogs cause 400 million dollars in damage to Texans annually and Commissioner Staples has challenged us all to do our part and smoke as many hogs as we can. Lets see some more pictures like this one!

Then we will check in with American Hunter Magazine field editor Bill Winke. Bill recently conducted a study regarding whitetail deer “jumping” the sound of a bow string. His article “The Science of String Jumping”, dives headfirst into where you should place your shot on an alert deer and at what distance. Being a first year bowhunter myself, I found the article very informative and I am looking foward to finding out what his research concluded. Bill with a trophy bow kill.

Lastly, angler Mike Kernan drops in to recap the first ever Lone Star Series season. He and his partner Chris Tilton captured the Lone Star Series Championship on Lake Lewisville last weekend and won a brand new Nissan Titan for their efforts. Mike is fishing the Central Open event on Texoma this weekend and if the chips fall perfectly he could end up with an invitation to fish the 2011 Bass Master Classic as well as fish the Elite Series. Mike fishes lakes all over Texas and gives us some insight on October bass patterns in the Lone Star State.

Man oh man, what a great show this weeks gonna be! Off the top we visit with a remarkable young fly fisherman- 15 year old Noah Thompson of Austin, TX. Noah recently represented his country at the Youth World Fly Fishing Championships in Slovakia. He had a tremendous showing for Team USA earning the Bronze Medal in the individual competition. As a fly fishing newbie myself- I am sure I can learn a lot from this seasoned fisherman.

Then we will have our first ever Texas Country Music Artist in Studio as Commerce, Texas native Justin Bowerman stops in to talk huntin’ and play a couple songs for us. With track titles like: “Deer Meat”, “In The Duck Blind” and “Black Mouth Cur”- it’s easy to see why Justin’s music speaks to me and I know you are gonna enjoy as well.

And last but not least we will visit with #69 himself. Yep, Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl Defensive End Jared Allen is set to join the show. Jared truly lives an outdoor lifestyle and enjoys huntin and fishin’ for everything under the sun. Wolves, bears, whitetail, pheasant- he’s even killed a bull elk with a spear ( as you may have seen on Youtube).

Anyway, Jared’s 1-3 Vikings take on our 1-3 Cowboys on Sunday so we may even talk a little pigskin. Sorry Jared, can’t be pulling for ya this weekend. Should be a great interview to cap off an awesome week!

Well, we’ve been around a little while now. So this week I thought I would take the opportunity to revisit some of my favorite interviews over the past 8 months. Maybe you have heard some of these, maybe all of them or maybe you haven’t heard any of them. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy hearing some of my favorite moments with Bill Dance, Phil Robertson and Ted Nugent. So pull up a chair around the campfire and take a load off with 3 of the most influential characters in the outdoor industry.

Lots of great stuff planned for this week. We visit with TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries Program Director Robin Reichers regarding the reopening of the red snapper season in October. Rumor has it that the Gulf Coast Fishery Management Council will reopen the red snapper season- weekends only- for the month of October. The hope is to give fishing guides, hotels, restaurants and so many others who were devestated by the Deep Water Horizon explosion this summer, the chance to make up for some of the business they lost as a result of the catastrophe.

Then we sit down and talk with the epitome of an outdoor couple- Grapevine Texas’ own Cam and Sam Ketchersid- AKA Team Lonestar from the Campbell Outdoor Challenge which airs on Versus. Cam and Sam are in their 2nd year of filming their hunts and competing on this show. With feral hogs, Eastern Turkeys, antelope all already out of the way…Cam and Sam are in 2nd place heading into the final event- The Illinois Whitetail Challenge. With $50,000 on the line, we are pulling for them to bring the title back home to Texas. Anyway, we will pick their brains about everything having to do with filming a hunt.

Sam showing off her trophy South Dakota antelope. Cam documented the whole thing on film.

Also, Army Bass Anglers founder- Major Cody Roberson- makes his return to the show to talk about some major news regarding Army Bass Anglers. A couple of new TV shows might just be in the works and I am looking foward to hearing all about it. You aren’t gonna want to miss it!

When people think of bass fishing in Texas, one lake stands above the rest. Yep I am talking about Lake Fork here ya’ll. Other lakes (like O.H. Ivie last season) have enjoyed tempory success over the years. But none have stood the test of time like Fork. So this morning we’ll talk with my buddy and longtime Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick. Heath has been fishing Fork for 15 year and he will explain the biological reasons why Fork continually produces so many big fish. The stats don’t lie- Fork has produced 246 of the 504 registered sharelunkers caught in Texas! That is just under 50% !!! Heath also has the fish patterned to a science so you just may learn something if you are interested in fishing Lake Fork.

With the bow season opener only a couple weeks away, I thought we should probably talk with the president of an organization that is always working to protect our rights as Texas bowhunters. So I am thrilled that Lone Star Bowhunters Association President Jack Jetton will join the program. The LSBA has been protecting and advocating for our rights since the 1970′s. Who do ya think got us our archery only season? Yep it was the LSBA. With over 30 years of bowhunting experience we can learn a lot from Jack. He even serves on the Whitetail Advisory Council to TPWD. Needless to say I am thrilled to have Jack as a guest.

Last year’s buck Jack harvested with traditional equipment. A nice 9pt.

Hunters and outdoorsmen are always looking for ways to better hide themselves for their prey. So obviously camoflauge is very important to us and their are literally hundreds of brands and patterns to choose from out there. But only one was designed specifically for Texas hunters by a Texas hunter. Game Guard is entering their 9th hunting season and has gained a pretty loyal following. But how did this Texas based and family owned business get going? Game Guard’s founder/owner Craig Smith drops in to talk about why he formed this great company. What kind of obstacles did he face starting out in the cut throat camoflauge industry? We get to the bottom of all that and what seperates Game Guard from other camo patterns. I am proud to wear it when I am in the field.

Education and Conservation are key this week. We start things off with Mark Cunningham Foundation President and CEO Dyron Bynum. The Mark Cunningham Foundation was founded in honor of Mark who passed after a long battle with cancer. The foundation formed in his honor now focuses on taking kids suffering from cancer into the outdoors. MCF has some great hunts planned for some special young people this fall, but they need your help locating more kids that deserve to go on these outdoor adventures. Dyron tells us how we can get involved and hopefully make a difference in a youngster’s life.

Then we sit down and talk whitetails with Ceasar Kleberg Wildlife Research Insititute Biologist Dave Hewitt. Dave is an expert in wildlife nutrition and was a source for the recent Lone Star Outdoor News article “What’s on the Inside Counts”. We dive into the stomach contents of whitetails and reasons why many hunters could benefit from examing the stomach of harvested deer. You might be suprised at what you’ll find, and it may even make you a more effective hunter.

Lastly, we visit with Lake Texoma striper guide John Brett. With over 40 years experience chasing striped bass, John has seen it all. Even landing a 67 lb salt water striper years ago. Why is Lake Texoma the nation’s premiere striper fishery? What does it have that other reservoirs don’t? When is the best time of the year for striper and tips on how to land ‘em.

A happy angler with a nice haul of Texoma Stripers after fishing with Captain John Brett:

Well, if you love the sport of Bass fishing as much as I do then you are probably pretty excited about ESPN’s sale of B.A.S.S. to Jerry McKinnis and company. Having hosted the iconic show The Fishin’ Hole for over 40 years, Jerry knows how to present our sport on TV. He has traveled the world fishing for all manners of fish, but his passion and his true love is bass fishing. He has fished for fun as well as competatively in tournaments. Quite simply Jerry has done it all and still remains as genuine and down to earth as he always has.

With Jerry at the forefront, how can we expect B.A.S.S. to change the way it markets itself to the public? What about the controversy surrounding the AOY Postseason? Any changes in that format for next season? What about expanding the Elite Series? All that and much more with one of our sport’s biggest ambassadors.

Then one of Texas’ all-time great singer/songwriters joins us to talk a little music and a lot of outdoors. Robert Earl Keen talks about growing up hunting and fishing his beloved Texas. What about the inspiration for classics such as : The Front Porch Song, 5 LB Bass and Corpus Christi Bay? What is Robert’s personal best largemouth? How does he manage his deer herd on his Medina ranch? You don’t want to miss this interiview with one of the all time greats!

We start out the show by visiting with Dallas Cowboy TE John Phillips. John grew up in the Appalachain Mountains of Virginia. He could literally walk out his back door and be on a mountain trail. Hunting was a means of survival for the Phillips family and John talks in depth about his appreciation for the outdoors. With training camp well under way, we will talk a little football as well.

Then we sit down with ESPN Outdoors lead photographer James Overstreet. James has photographed every Elite Series event since it’s inception and just returned from covering the AOY Postseason in Alabama. We talk about the possible shake-up with the current points system and of course….we go into depth on ESPN’s recent sale of BASS to Jerry McKinnis and company. What does this mean for the future of the sport?

Then we cut up and have a little fun at PETA’s expense, you’ll have to tune in to find out for yourself.

This week we have another great show planned for ya. We will visit with TPWD’s Mule Deer and Pronghorn Antelope Program Leader Shawn Gray. He answers all our questions regarding both species populations, regulations, harvest goals and much more. Think Antler Restrictions for mulies have been discussed by TPWD? We are gonna find out!

Then we visit with Predator University’s Tony Tebbe. Tony’s forte is hunting coyotes- but he has upped the anti by adding another element to the equation. His dog Gunner goes out and picks fights with yotes and then turns tail and lures them into rifle range for Tony and his clients. Coyote Decoy Dogs??? Yep, they are pretty cool and Gunner is the best of the best. We talk training, dangers associated with sending your best bud out to pick a fight with a deadly predator, and other advantages associated with hunting predators with a good dog.

Then we also visit with Team Catfish’s Cody Mullennix. Cody is the former World Record Holder and current Texas record holder for Blue Catfish on rod and reel. His 2004 Texoma blue cat tipped the scales and 121 lbs 8 oz !!! Now that is a monster! We talk about that day as well as catching big blues in the summertime heat. Here is Cody with the former world record blue cat after it was successfully transplanted to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens:

This is a very special week as bow hunting legend Fred Eichler joins the program. Fred is the only man to have harvested all 29 North American big game animals with a recurve. Which animal was the hardest hunt? What’s up with the pink arrows? With a wife who likes to hunt as much as him, who watches their three sons? (Michelle is the CEO of Muzzy Broadheads). Did he ever think he was going to die while on one of his hunting adventures? All that and a whole lot more.

Also, President and Founder of Army Bass Anglers Major Cody Roberson, talks about the history of Army Bass Anglers, it’s mission statement and his love for fishing. Founded in Texas, ABA now has chapters in 29 states! We appreciate all of the ABA’s service to our great country.

Well, there isn’t much of a debate when it comes to who is the planet’s best bass angler. With 5 Angler of the Year titles and 3 BassMaster Classic Championships Kevin Van Dam is the world’s best. Kevin stops by for a visit and talks about his love for fishing as well as hunting!

What does Kevin look for first when pre-fishing? How does he draw large spawning females off their beds and what bait would he choose if stranded on an island? All that and much more with KVD !!!

Also, for you Texas waterfowlers- Delta Waterfowl’s Director of Coservation Programs Joel Brice talks about Delta’s hands on approach to waterfowl conservation- Predator Control. With an ever changing landscape dominated by farmland in the Prarie Pothole Region, it has become necessary to take out one animal to ensure the survival of another.

This program directly benefits the Texas waterfowler- since Delta is based in the Central Flyway’s northern most state North Dakota. Predator control means more ducks for us in the Central Flyway’s southern most state- TEXAS!!! This week we go in depth into the philosophy of predator control with one of the world’s oldest and most deicated conservation organizations.

We dive in deep with Texas Agrilife Wildlife Specialist Dr. Billy Higgenbotham. We talk food plot and feeder ratios in respect to property size. What food plot will grow best in your region of the state? How long should you continue to feed corn after deer season ends? We cover that and so much more. Dr. Higgenbotham provides the most in depth insight on how to be a good land steward and properly manage your deer herd.

Also, Texas Country music artist and avid outdoorsman Charlie Robison pops in for a visit. Charlie is hosting the first ever Bay Bash and Redfish Round-up which goes down July 4th weekend in Rockport. A weekend of great fishing and even better music as Charlie, Roger Creager, Band of Heathens, Brandon Rhyder and many others take the stage. It’s gonna be a good one!

Well, I think it’s going to be another great show. The Outdoor Channel’s Lee and Tiffany Lakosky join the program and we go into detail on a variety of subjects. Obviously, we talk whitetails, and how much work it requires to manage 6,000 acres and 600 acres of food plots. Also, does Tiff gut her own deer, how did Lee get her hooked on smoking monster whitetails? Who has the best deer to date and much more! Be sure to check it out as well as The Crush With Lee and Tiffany which airs 4 times a week on the Outdoor Channel.

Also, one of my favorite musicians and life long outdoorsman Max Stalling stops in to talk about growing up in Zavala County. Hunting was more than recreation in his South Texas upbringing. Max’s father hunted and fished to put food on the table for his 6 children. Some of Max’s fondest memories are growing up crappie fishing on the Nueces River. Also, Max has a new record coming out August 17th !!! So we’ll get the scoop on that as well.

Well, if you don’t know who Bill Dance is, you have either been living under a rock for the past 40 years or you are just getting into the outdoors. If it’s the latter, then welcome aboard. If it’s the former…well then welcome back I guess. Anyway, it’s not everyday that a living legend joins the show so be sure to check out the podcast as Bill talks about the good old days.

With 3 B.A.S.S. AOY titles to his credit, does Bill ever regret leaving the tournament life so early? Who is his all time fantasy fishing team? Why does he always have on that University of Texas hat??? And so much more!

Also, If you grew up a pro baseball fan in the late 1970′s – early 1980′s then you know who Jim “The Amazing Emu” Kern is. He made three MLB All Star teams as a reliever including ’79 with our Texas Rangers in a season which he posted 29 saves, 13 wins and a 1.57 ERA…how the heck???

Well, the Amazing Emu has been outfitting and guiding for the past 23 years from Texas, to Alaska, Africa, South America and as Roger Creager puts it “back home to Texas again”. Emu Outfitters is based outta Fort Worth and we talk a little baseball and a lot of hunting with Ranger great Jim Kern!

Dallas Cowboy defensive end and avid outdoorsman Marcus Spears talks about his passion for hunting and fishing. Marcus sees a future for himself in the outdoor industry as a professional hunter and advocate for getting the African American community interested in the Great Outdoors. A crazed outdoorsman on my favorite football team? I’m gonna have to get a #96 jersey for next season!

Also, Willie Robertson – President of both the Duck Commander and Buck Commander gangs joins the show. Willie will also be out at the DU Sporting Expo talking to outdoorsmen from all over the Lone Star State. What was it like growing up in a family obsessed with chasing ducks?

How did he fall in with a bunch of current and former Major League ball players resulting in the formation of Buck Commander? Also, I think that former MLB pitcher and Buck Commander Matt Duff will sit in on the interview with Willie- Good Times No Doubt!

Kelly Gotch is one of the outdoor industries most liked personalities. She continues to rock ‘n roll, paving the way for women in the outdoors. Fellas, she has killed more animals than most of us can only dream of killing in our lifetime. Its gonna be fun picking the brain of this sweetie pie!

Also, Baylor University’s mens hoops team is coming off their best ever season. Making it to the Elite 8 before falling to national champion Duke. Baylor coach Scott Drew talks a little hoops, but more importantly he discusses his love for fishing- specifically pursuing largemouths.

This week Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith (the head of the entire department) joins the program. How will Govenor Perry’s proposed 25 million dollar TPWD budget cut affect the Texas Sportsman? What does he consider TPWD’s greatest success/failure in his tenure? What is his favorite part about his job?

Also joining the show is the Executive Director of the Lone Star Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America- Glen Bentley. The PVA is hosting the Texas Round Up Bass Tournament coming up on Lake Ray Hubbard. I am proud to have a disabled veteran such as Glen and the rest of the PVA as part of the show.

This week’s show includes fellow outdoor show host and well respected outdoor writer Luke Clayton. With spring turkey season less than two weeks away Luke shares his favorite gobbler recipe. Also, one of your favorite 95.3 The Range artists Jason Boland joins the program and last but not least, Seth Skinner- the current World Champion Coyote Distress Caller gives us tips on predator hunting in the Lone Star State. He is even going to blow his songdog call on the air!

Cable and Ted Nugent delve into a wide array of topics including: The 2nd Amendment , President Obama, hunter’s rights, the 70′s music scene, concealed carry and much more! There isn’t a dull moment in this episode as The Motor Ctiy Madman speaks his mind. You don’t want to miss it.

This week Texas native and pro bass angler Kelly Jordon joins us for the first of a monthly installment called Kelly’s Corner. He will break down what techniques are the most effective at the current time of year on our Texas lakes. I am sure that we will cut up some to as Kelly likes to have a good time.

Hunts for Heroes founder Billy Hodges will also join the program. What’s cooler than taking our injured vets on hunting/fishing expeditions full time? I can’t think of anything but that’s what Billy does.  Joe Crafton, Board Member of the newly formed Quail Coalition expalins why the 11 Texas Quail Unlimited chapters broke away from QU. Hope ya’ll enjoy the show.