Joining us this episode is Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who plays pro football in between duck seasons. It’s a really fun interview with a guy who’s a passionate water fowler and world class duck caller. It’s interesting to hear about his evolution as a duck hunter, and how his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ottawa Redbacks have led him to positively expose so many non-hunting people to his love of hunting. Listen, Learn, Laugh and Enjoy! Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgame...
Feb 08, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 76
With temperatures across the whitetails range plunging and food sources depleting, we worry about deer herds being hungry and stressed. This week on the Gamekeepers podcast we talk about late season food plots, specifically Brassicas commonly known as turnips, rape, kale and radishes. These unique cultivars have long been a workhorse component in the BioLogic food plot blends, and we explain why we have love them so much. Dr. Bronson Strickland from the MSU Deer Lab joins us to explain what they...
Feb 01, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 75
This week Dr. Marcus Lashley of the UF Deer Lab joins us to talk about burning. We discuss when, why, what equipment and permits you need, and we try to demystify a management tool that many are leery of incorporating into their annual practices. Marcus is brilliant at explaining the process. Of course, Toxey, our own self-admitted pyro, joins the discussion but first tells the story of Mr. Fox's latest buck, (a big 11 point) that you don’t want to miss. Listen, Learn and Enjoy! Stay connected w...
Jan 26, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 74
On this week’s podcast the gang has an off the cuff discussion about some of our favorite “soft mast,” aka fruit tree and shrub species. We discussed the sites they occupy, management tips, planting times, strategies for improving hunting and sightings, morphology and anatomy, the importance of diversity, and more. You’ll hear about our favorite underrated species, and our votes for the best choice for North vs. South. Listen, Laugh, Learn, and Enjoy!!! Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram...
Jan 18, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 73
We sure do love duck hunting and managing for waterfowl, so we’re grateful to have Dr. Brian Davis from Mississippi State University join us in the studio this week. He answers all the questions we ask about ducks, their migration, banding, and how to improve our habitat to improve our hunting. There is a lot of fascinating information packed into one episode that will benefit both the waterfowl hunter, and anyone interested in learning more about their habitat and migration. Listen, Learn, and ...
Jan 11, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 72
With temps hovering around freezing or colder in most of the country, we decided to shift gears this week and think about warmer climes and fishing adventures. World class tarpon guide, Craig Brewer, joined us to deer hunt recently. While he was in town we sat him down to explain what’s going on with the water quality of the Everglades and the Florida Keys. As Gamekeepers, we need to pay attention to what’s happening. Of course we also talk fishing/hunting, and we all learn a lot from a man who ...
Jan 04, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 71
For most of us, thoughts of squirrel hunting conjures up memories of early hunting experiences. But there are many serious squirrel hunters who use specialized .22 rifles with silencers and or insanely valued dogs that will amaze at what they can do. Squirrels are nature’s athletes and world class hiders that will put your camo and hunting skills to the test. This week our guest is George Brown, legendary squirrel hunter who typically harvests upwards of 400 bushytails a year. We talk squirrels ...
Dec 21, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 70
How do you know if your property has exceeded the carrying capacity of deer? How do you know how many you need to shoot? Is there a strategy for when to cull does that seems to work best? This week we are joined by Dr. Steve Demarais of Mississippi State University to discuss these topics and much more. Steve has made a career of managing whitetails, and has a way of explaining things that makes it easy to comprehend. Listen, learn and become a better Gamekeeper. Enjoy! Brought to you by: Bertuc...
Dec 14, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 69
This week’s discussion centers around ways to improve the deer hunting for mature bucks on your property. Our featured guest, eccentric wildlife biologist Mark Thomas, does a deep dive on some of his best strategies such as: ecotones, his Interspersion Index Enhancement AKA (Hub and Spoke), and elevated food plots that stretch across riparian zones. It’s fascinating strategic information. Mark Drury joins in to help us ask the best questions. Listen, learn, and be a better GameKeeper. Enjoy! Bro...
Dec 07, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 68
This week we change gears to waterfowl, and talk about decoys and decoy placement with Phil Kahnke (noted waterfowl photographer and content creator for Banded). We’re also joined by Mossy Oak’s Bill Sugg, who has been rethinking his decoy spreads since he first started duck hunting. What are ducks looking for? Why do they…? How can I…? Do I need…? There are a lot of questions answered and some knowledge that you can apply to your next setup. If you crave the site of ducks finishing over the dec...
Nov 30, 2021•57 min•Ep. 67
Blood Trails are an inevitable part of a Gamekeeper’s life. Most end in joy, and some end in major frustration. This week we discuss how to understand the blood trail to make the best decisions. From reading sign to utilizing the latest technology we discuss it all. Gamekeepers Kennel Master, Bill Gibson, sits in, and guest David Westmoreland tells us about his incredible blood dog Stik (that Mr. Gibson trained). Dudley answers a listener’s question about trees. Listen, learn and enjoy. Brought ...
Nov 23, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 66
This week we touch a subject that is very dear to us all, introducing kids to the sport of hunting. What works, what doesn’t? How do you know when they are old enough to pull the trigger? You’ll hear thoughts and techniques to help everyone, guide and hunter have a rewarding experience. You’ll hear from seasoned hunters who have successfully introduced both young men and young ladies. If you’re in that stage where you have a youngster getting close, this is a must listen episode. If you’ve alrea...
Nov 16, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 65
This week on The Gamekeeper Podcast we dig deep into the world of processing venison from two different angles. First, Brad Lockwood joins us on the phone to discuss “harvest to freezer” from a DIY standpoint. Brad has been a very prominent name in the DIY processing biz for years, and we spent time gleaning ideas and techniques from him including aging meat. Next up is Chris Herring, a well-respected local game meat processor, who joins us in the studio. Chris clears the air by answering a few ...
Nov 09, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 64
This week we discuss deer hunting and guest Terry Drury, after telling the story of his largest buck to date and leaving everyone’s jaw on the floor, he provides a data dump of information that had everyone taking notes. Terry’s analogy of pre-rut and rut tactics, along with moon phases and temperatures was something serious deer hunters need to hear. Our second guest, Dave Nebraska of Mossy Oak, tells the story of his recent giant bow kill in Ohio, and lastly Bobby asks everyone about their fav...
Nov 02, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 63
A lot of guys dream about having their own hunting property and consider partnering with some buddies…but how many people actually get it done? This week on the Gamekeepers Podcast we talk to Brooks Tinsley, rabid duck hunter who recently partnered with some friends and found a way to buy an island in the Mississippi River. The discussion centers around how to find a place and the process of turning the Island into waterfowl destination and deer hunters dream. A listener can learn from the probl...
Oct 26, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 62
Join us this week for a very special episode as we shift the focus and shine the spotlight on a very deserving organization. Dr. Marty Brunson, of Catch-a-Dream Foundation, sits in the guest chair and tells some uplifting and inspirational stories as only he can. For over twenty years, Catch-A-Dream has quietly taken over 750 terminally ill children hunting and fishing. You’ll learn what ‘DBG’ (Divine Bullet Guidance) is, and how when the right people are doing the right the things for the right...
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 61
This week we point the microphone at our own tree hugger, Dudley Phelps, and ask him a bunch of questions about oak trees. There is no doubt that a working knowledge of trees can make you a better woodsman and Gamekeeper. Listen and learn what acorns drop first and last, plus- why they are so relished by deer and other wildlife. Learn where certain trees grow and how you can add value to your property and your life, by planting trees. It’s a good one and gets deep as Toxey joins in to explain hi...
Oct 12, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 60
This week on the Gamekeepers podcast, the guys discuss their thoughts on the best caliber and bullet choice for whitetails. Two guests join us, Pat Mundy of Nosler and Carsie Young, who just so happens to have been the third employee ever hired at Mossy Oak, and who also knows a whole lot about rifles. Calibers, bullet choices, sighting in techniques and understanding barrels and triggers are all discussed. There is a lot of information, laughs and good tips that a guy can apply to make his rifl...
Oct 05, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 59
This week on the Gamekeeper Podcast, we discuss what you need to be considering prior to setting up your deer stand(s) to target a particular deer. We cover hang-ons, shooting houses, ground blinds, and ladder stands- but more specifically where to put them to avoid detection and maximize success. Guests Mark Drury and Glenn Garner are masters on this subject in their respective parts of the country, the Midwest and the Deep South. It’s a great discussion that centers around the varying habitat ...
Sep 28, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 58
This week we discuss one of a Gamekeepers most useful tools, the surveillance trail camera. Joining us is Eric Ganster of @trailcamology who runs over 80 cameras and Mossy Oaks Ben Maki to discuss everything from catching poachers to strategies to pin point big bucks. There is something to be learned in this one. Enjoy! Follow Eric on Instagram @trailcamology Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mossyoakgamekeepers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameKeepers ...
Sep 20, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 57
This week we shine a light on the amazing conservation leadership of Bass Pro Shops. John Paul Morris joins us and we talk about lessons learned as kids, a father’s example, hunting, managing ducks, bow fishing and just how important the nation’s natural resources are to all of us. Before it’s over, Dudley and Toxey tell us their favorite oak hybrids. It’s a good one. Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mossyoakgamekeepers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook....
Sep 14, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 56
Join our in-depth food plot discussion of seed blends vs monocultures (single species plantings). You’ll also learn the thought process behind the designs of some super successful blends, and how to make them work on your place. There is a lot of hard earned information delivered that’s sure to make you a better food plotter and Gamekeeper. At the end, in an emotional moment we pay tribute to our dear friend and coworker Tim Anderson who recently passed away. We will miss you Tim! Stay connected...
Sep 07, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 55
Enjoy a couple of hunting stories from the GameKeeper crew as they hit the swampy backwaters attempting to fill a few alligator tags. With a season that’s only 10 days long, a couple of crews rushed out to hunt different zones with different outcomes. As the Northeast crew dealt with large crowds and pressured gators, the West Central crew had easy pickings, but not without some surprise encounters no one expected. In the end everyone comes out on top with a fun story to share. Enjoy! Stay conne...
Sep 04, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 54
Listen to a food plot roundtable discussion. Soil expert Johnny McRight, and Plots Plus owner Kenny Thompson, join the Gamekeeper crew (including Toxey) for a discussion on planting techniques and what works best. You will hear a thorough explanation of planting clover in the fall and the importance of a nurse crop. In fact, we think it’s worth the listen just for that information. You’ll also hear Dudley explain the soil saving “throw and mow” technique. There’s much more- and we promise everyo...
Aug 31, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 53
Alligators are fascinating! With the season starting in many states, we welcome Ricky Flynt, the Alligator Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), to talk gators. Ricky shares his knowledge on what to expect when alligator hunting, tips on how to handle an alligator while hunting, and legal capture techniques. Later, Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Department calls in with a story and some surprising detai...
Aug 24, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 52
Heat Stroke is a serious subject. Every year we hear of dogs overheating on dove shoots, and some unfortunately don’t recover. This tragedy can be avoided. Man’s best friend needs a watchful eye during these hot months. On this episode we deal with the do’s and don’ts of training/hunting in the late summer heat. Bill Gibson, the Director of Gun Dog Training for the Mossy Oak Kennels, and KC Swaim, his trusted assistant, join us for this very important discussion. Listen, learn, and spread the wo...
Aug 17, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 51
Pull up a chair, grab a cold beverage, and enjoy the discussion with chef, author, and avid outdoorsman Michael Hunter, as the Gamekeeper crew asks him a variety of questions about Canada, cooking, foraging for wild ingredients, and how he paved his path into the hunting world. The guys bring out a charcuterie board of southern gas station delights for Michael to taste. Lastly, Michael tells the story of how he battled animal rights activists who protested his (award winning) Antler restaurant i...
Aug 10, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 50
Armyworms are always a late summer potential food plot problem but this year they are being reported in biblical plague proportions across the Deep South and Heartland. Even worse, they are also expected to cause major plot problems into the fall. The fall! That’s the biggest food plot planting time of the year. Join us as we have Dr. Angus Cachot and Dr. Bronson Strickland of Mississippi State’s Extension Service explain the armyworm life cycle and how to battle these eating machines before the...
Aug 03, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 49
This week we dive into the world of deer meat after eating canned venison with our GameKeeper Butchery guest, Sam Kohler. After trying his canned venison lo-mein dish, we can’t help but share the different ways we handle and prepare wild game. We discuss everything from shot placement and field care, to aging and processing. Sam even shares some ways to prepare wild game organs that’s quite a deviation from grandma’s fried deer steaks. If you enjoy eating deer meat you don’t want to miss this on...
Jul 27, 2021•56 min•Ep. 48
This week we learn more about the dreaded tick than we probably wanted to know. Did you know that by the time the tick gets on you, it has been on two other hosts during its development from nymph into a mature tick? Did you know ticks quest? We didn’t either, but learned that while listening to Dr. Steve Demarais of MSU fully explain ticks and how they can be a source for so many ailments. Later on Dr. Ned Miller explains Lyme and the Alpha-gal (allergy to red meat) along with what to look for ...
Jul 20, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 47
