This week we discuss gamekeeping with the greatest tournament bass fisherman of all time, Kevin VanDam. Kevin’s 9-5 is obviously the fishing circuits, but we were interested in hearing how he has used his fishing and gamekeeping senses to turn his 300 acre Michigan property in a very high pressure area into an absolute wildlife mecca that hunts easily. Our co-worker Chris Paradise sits in on the discussion, and has personally seen the results of Kevin’s hard work. We learn a lot about how he app...
Aug 16, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 106
This week the Gamekeeper crew welcomes Pat Murray the president of the Coastal Conservation Association and discuss issues around our coastal fisheries. Pat has a lot of hands on salt water guiding experience that helps him understand the resources and its challenges. We all learned a thing or two and gained more great respect for the people managing these special fisheries. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Send a text message to the show! When does deer season start? If you want the best deer herd poss...
Aug 09, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 105
This week we dive deep into learning about an obscure native chestnut relative that is highly preferred by wildlife, and the grass roots organization we believe will bring it back to its former glory. Our brilliant guest, AJ Hendershott, with the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, really schooled us on everything to know about the Ozark Chinquapin (Castanea ozarkensis) and what they are doing to get them back to a sustainable level. You’re gonna want to get your hands on some nuts after listening. The...
Aug 02, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 104
This week we learn from Ian Bartoszek, a biologist with The Conservancy of SW Florida, where he describes the recent capture of an 18 foot, 217 pound Burmese python in the Florida Everglades and more. Ian and his staff have dedicated their lives to protecting the Everglades from this invasive species, and so far have removed an astonishing 26,000 pounds of these snakes. The stories are crazy! Later, retired Mississippi biologist Jim Lipe, tells the random story of how he was bitten by a cottonmo...
Jul 26, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 103
This week the Gamekeepers have accomplished waterfowler, Jim Ronquest, sitting between the turkeys and talking ducks, green tree reservoirs, red oaks and how he spots duck bands. We also talk to Amanda Everaert, of the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, about the history of the Jack Miner bands, and how he got started with his flying missionaries. It’s an amazing story that not enough people have heard. You will enjoy this one! In fact, we bet you’ll end up googling Jack Miner. Listen, Learn and Enjoy! ...
Jul 19, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 102
This week on the Gamekeepers podcast we learn about toxicants and bait delivery systems that are being tested as a method for the control of destructive and invasive wild hogs. Dr. Glen Gentry, of the LSU AG Center, and Dr. Bronson Strickland, of the MS State Extension, tell us about what is on the horizon for Gamekeepers and farmers to protect their habitat and crops. It’s an interesting discussion about solving a plague that is causing billions of dollars in damage, and pushing deer and turkey...
Jul 12, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 101
This week on the Gamekeepers podcast we welcome one of our favorite guests, Dr. Marcus Lashley (@DrDisturbance), from the University of Florida. We begin by discussing summer scouting for desirable plant species, while many are blooming and easier to identify PLUS how to gauge them as indicator species. We also give a tip on an app or two that can help a Gamekeeper ID them. The presence of these plants or lack thereof can be important information to a Gamekeeper. Marcus also explains a recent st...
Jul 05, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 100
This week we had a very special guest sitting between the turkeys. Dr. Craig Harper of UT is a world class habitat specialist and we were fascinated by his insights into improving the huntability of a property. He went into detail explaining the native seed bank and how a Gamekeeper can use it their advantage, what his research has demonstrated is the best way to manage clovers and the very best explanation of successional plant communities that has ever been given. This is a great one. Listen, ...
Jun 28, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 99
This week on the podcast we dive deep into more efficient methods of establishing plantings for wildlife, without having to till the soil. Methods such as Throw-and-Mow and Frost or Snow Seeding are increasing in popularity because it’s easy, cheaper, better for soil health and ultimately the critters. The use of implements such as roller-crimpers are explained as a way of cutting back on herbicide use and improving growing conditions. Gamekeeper Magazine Editor-in-Chief and our Northern food pl...
Jun 21, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 98
This week on the podcast we talk about growing big bream. Really big bream, copper nose bluegills over three pounds to be more exact. Guest Sarah Parvin has proven she and her dad can grow three pounders regularly. She tells how and explains the project she and her father started to grow a world record bream in North Alabama. Their pond is called the Slab Lab and it’s impressive. Also retired fisheries scientist and founder of American Sportfish Hatchery, Don Keller joins us to tell us the scien...
Jun 14, 2022•59 min•Ep. 97
On this week’s Gamekeeper podcast we discuss foliar applied fertilizers with Chris Grantham of AL Liquid Fertilizers. With increasing fertilizer costs, spraying is a great solution to enhance the production of food plots – especially clover fields. We learn just how easy it is, and we were surprised to learn how quickly the plants respond. You’ll learn everything from when to spray to how to calibrate a sprayer. We also start the countdown to the 100th episode contest and give a clue to help lis...
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 96
This week the Gamekeepers have Dr. Mike Chamberlain, @wildturkeydoc, in the guest chair recapping the recent season and the topics surrounding the wild turkeys struggle in many places. It’s a frank discussion on the latest info biologists have learned, antiqued game laws, and a very detailed explanation of the first two weeks of poults life that is fascinating. (And you think your kids are a handful) You don’t want to miss it. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Send a text message to the show! When does d...
May 31, 2022•59 min•Ep. 95
In this episode the Gamekeeper crew and David Hawley of the @wildturkeyreport begin with a discussion about why we think growing season burns need to be implemented much more often. Next we dig in with Pete Muller, Travis Sumner, and Mark Hatfield of the NWTF to learn more about their “Help the Yelp” program. The wild turkey is facing some serious challenges these days, so as Gamekeepers we HAVE to pay attention and do what we can to help. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy! More info on the Help the Yelp...
May 28, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 94
This week Dr. Bronson Strickland of MSU joins us to talk warm season plantings and also discuss some of the interesting findings from their recent cool season plot trials. As always, Bronson delivers information Gamekeepers want to know. But first the guys test their turkey calling skills against the amazing bird recognition app called Merlin. It’s a competition that leaves some hurt feelings. This is a good one! Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Send a text message to the show! When does deer season sta...
May 24, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 93
This week on the Gamekeepers podcast we have Dr. Mark McConnell of Mississippi State University and grad student Olivia Lappin sitting between the turkeys and talking wild bobwhite quail. We all love to hear him whistle and we lament the fact that there are so few of them on the landscape now. They explain what led to the beloved birds' downfall and what cutting edge research is doing to understand ways to influence a comeback. Along the way we talk about French poodles as retrievers, thermal im...
May 17, 2022•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 92
This week we have outfitter and waterfowl enthusiast Ramsey Russell from GetDucks.com. Ramsey is arguably the worlds most traveled and accomplished waterfowler, so we sat him down in the studio to hear some very interesting stories from his travels, but also hit on a few theories about the seemingly recent changes in the North American duck migration patterns. It quickly becomes obvious he’s in this game much more for the journey than the hunt. We also deviate from the ducks for a moment to hear...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 91
This week we learn about some interesting wild turkey research led by Dr. Will Gulsby, Associate Professor of Wildlife at Auburn University. We discuss his teams study concerning gobbling frequency on public and private lands across the state and various disease threats including the application of chicken litter. We also learn about a carcass study he is doing within the state to learn about the reproductive viability of the jakes and mature birds. It’s an interesting discussion and we all lear...
May 03, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 90
On this bonus podcast Toxey, Daniel and Neill tell the story of Mr. Fox’s recent turkey kill. By now everyone on social media has seen the fantastic picture of them celebrating the moment, but this podcast tells the emotional story of how it all unfolded. Goose bumps ahead! Listen, Learn and Enjoy! Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @GameKeepers Twitter: @MOGameKeepers YouTube: MossyOakGameKeepers Website: Mossy Oak GameKeeper Send a text message to the sh...
Apr 29, 2022•44 min•Ep. 89
This week on the Gamekeepers podcast we have Brent Rogers @gobblegitr, who takes us on a fascinating discussion of the history of the wild turkey. Brent is thought to own the largest collection of wild turkey literature in the world, and we would also say his knowledge of turkey history is world class as well. Collectively we do a lot more listening than talking. Brent’s respect and love of the wild turkey, including old literature and his knowledge of the 18th century naturalists that witnessed...
Apr 26, 2022•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 88
This week we have Dr. Marcus Lashley (aka @drdisturbance), from the University of Florida, sitting between the turkeys and talking about hen nesting habitat. Everybody wonders what they can do to help improve turkey numbers, and this podcast shines a light on exactly how we can all help. It’s a fascinating discussion about what prime nesting habitat looks like and how we can help create more of it. Marcus had actually harvested a gobbler the morning we recorded, and we had some good discussion a...
Apr 19, 2022•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 87
This week on The Gamekeepers Podcast: More turkey talk as previous World Champion caller, Chris Kirby, the owner of the iconic Quaker Boy brand, joins us to discuss his calling style and hunting strategies. He also talks about growing up around the turkey call business, and his dad the legendary Dick Kirby. At the end, Dudley answers a question about mistletoe. Listen, Learn and Enjoy! Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @GameKeepers Twitter: @MOGameKeepers...
Apr 12, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 86
This week we have Mark Drury in the spotlight, where he answers a bunch of questions about turkey vocalizations, his hunting strategies, and calling style. We even get him to show off his turkey calling skills for us– and being a former World Champion you know it sounds beautiful! Also, our own David McElwain and his friend Olivia Lappin tell the story of how her first turkey hunt played out. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy! Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @Ga...
Apr 05, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 85
This week we have Dr. Michael Byrne, Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Missouri, and Reina Tyl, Wild Turkey Biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, and we discuss the research they are doing on turkey reproduction. The project is impressive as they are tagging close to 50 hens with GPS transmitters, and plan to attach smaller VHF transmitters to poults to study their individual survival. The information they have learned so far is impressive with more to...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 84
Have you heard about the group of South Mississippi turkey poachers who were caught with over 100 illegal turkey kills in one season? This week we interview the Mississippi Game Wardens who dedicated their lives to solving this case. There were over 280 violations involving 14 people, and the violations stretched from their home state of Mississippi to Nebraska, and several states in-between. The wardens answer all of our questions as we get a peek into the dark underworld of poaching –and it’s ...
Mar 22, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 83
This week we ask some in-depth turkey hunting questions to two of the best turkey hunters we know— Mossy Oak’s own Toxey Haas and Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland. Both have spent the majority of their lives in the turkey woods, and have seen and experienced it all. They finally sit down in the GK studio and we ask questions. It’s a must listen podcast with tips to improve your turkey hunting skills. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy! Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @Gam...
Mar 15, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 82
This week we continue to talk turkey with guests Jordan “Big Country” Blissett and Lake Pickle of Primos. We talk about how they got starting chasing turkeys and Jordan gives a detailed explanation of how a mouth call works. This one could save you $$$ as you pick out calls. It was a lot of fun and guaranteed you’ll learn something. Listen and Learn. Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @GameKeepers Twitter: @MOGameKeepers YouTube: MossyOakGameKeepers...
Mar 08, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 81
This week we continue our turkey discussion with George Mayfield. We explore some of the observations about wild turkeys he has made chasing them for the last fifty some odd years, we discuss calls and we end with him telling one his favorite stories. Guaranteed you’ll learn something. Listen and Learn. Enjoy. Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @GameKeepers Twitter: @MOGameKeepers YouTube: MossyOakGameKeepers Website: Mossy Oak GameKeeper Send a text messa...
Mar 01, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 80
This week we ask some in-depth turkey hunting questions of one our most popular guests from last year, Mr. George Mayfield. His lifetime of chasing turkeys has taught him a thing or two about closing the deal with tough longbeards. George sits down in the studio and we methodically ask him questions. There is a lot of info that can be gleaned that will no doubt improve a listener’s turkey hunting game. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy! Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Fac...
Feb 22, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 79
This week we return to talking turkeys with Dr. Chamberlain and we ask him the question, “What have you learned in all your research that has made you a better turkey hunter?” We thought that might be some information we could all learn from. It’s an interesting discussion that had our whole crew paying attention. Stay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @GameKeepers Twitter: @MOGameKeepers YouTube: MossyOakGameKeepers Website: Mossy Oak GameKeeper Stay in touch...
Feb 15, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 78
Technology can be a big help in making you a better hunter and Gamekeeper. In this episode we are joined by the guys from OnX (Jared Larsen, Andrew Willard, and Todd Williams) as they explain the many ways the OnX app can improve your game in the field. It’s incredibly useful information and we all learned from it. We also ask a Mississippi hunter, Colby Upton, to tell us the story of a giant buck he recently killed in our neck of the woods. This one is packed with information. Listen, Learn and...
Feb 11, 2022•59 min•Ep. 77
