This week one of our favorite Gamekeepers, Hank Parker, sits down in studio and we cover so many topics it’s hard to describe. Once we get down to business we discuss building a new pond, how to improve an existing pond, legal issues around building, managing fishing pressure, favorite lures, adding structure, and more. Of course with all of his life experiences he has a story that relates to each and every topic. You’ll be surprised to learn how long a bowfin can live in the mud of a dried up p...
Jun 26, 2023•1 hr 35 min
This week we discuss an aspect of Mother Nature that we all dread and hate to see, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease also called EHD. Dr. Bronson Strickland of the MSU Deer Lab joins us to explain the disease and its causation. Later Mark Drury joins to tell us about his experiences and they are plenty. We’re starting to hear reports of sick deer around water sources and we wanted make sure we had the information for Gamekeepers to understand. Listen and Learn. Show Notes: Learn more about EHD - htt...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 10 min
This week we are fascinated to learn about the research and management of two different populations of black bears in Alabama. We are joined by biologists Hannah Leeper, Traci Wood and Dr. Todd Steury of Auburn University who explain it all. Listening to their stories of crawling into bear dens (a couple times while mama bear was still present) to retrieve and weigh newborn cubs will give you a whole new appreciation for the dedication these biologists have for their work. No matter where you li...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 17 min
On this BONUS episode we do a deep dive on planting sunflowers. Whether it’s a legal dove field or an area for your family to enjoy, we learn the latest techniques. We’re joined by Twinkie Estes of Nutrien and he explains the details of the modern herbicide resistant sunflowers that enable a Gamekeeper to grow a clean and attractive field. Doves love sunflowers and so do we. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Growing and Managing Sunflowers: PDF Send a text message to the show! When does deer ...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 1 min
This week we have Andy Dumbleton from Wrightson PPG in New Zealand join us in studio to answer our questions about forages. Besides being an avid hunter, Andy is a plant breeder at the highest level, who works in a lab and the field cross breeding plants to develop specific desirable characteristics. He is one of the top scientists behind the new Endurance Radish offering from Biologic Seed. It’s fascinating to hear how the whole plant breeding process works, and you’re guaranteed to learn somet...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 28 min
This week we are thrilled to be joined by Carlton Ward and Tori Linder from the Path of the Panther project. We finally found someone who loves to talk panthers more than us! It was interesting to learn the latest concerning the plight of the Florida Panther and the Wildlife Corridor that could connect the cats to the panhandle of Florida and beyond. There are so many moving pieces to manage. Carlton is a world class National Geographic photographer and Tori has dedicated her life to conservatio...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 20 min
This week Rob Kinney and Dudley Phelps take over the podcast studio again to hit on a few of the many habitat-related questions we get from our listeners. The questions are short, but in true “Dudley style” the answers are on point yet all over the place at the same time. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Listen, Learn, and Enjoy. Topics Covered : [1] Alternative mulch for your fruit trees and other successful fruit tree planting/care strategies [2] Managing underbrush when fire is not an optio...
May 26, 2023•49 min
This week we are joined in studio with fisheries manager, Robby Mays, and we discuss how to control and prevent aquatic weeds. Robby has a wealth of knowledge concerning managing fish and ponds, and our conservation covers many topics. A quality pond can provide so much enjoyment...but they REALLY need management. Join on our quest to learn how to build the perfect pond. Listen, Learn and Enjoy! Send a text message to the show! When does deer season start? If you want the best deer herd possible...
May 23, 2023•1 hr 41 min
This week we learn about ticks and tick borne diseases along with the details of a promising discovery. Researchers have learned the blood of white-tailed deer kills the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. We are joined by Dr. Stephen Rich of UMass at Amherst, a tick and tick disease expert who explains it all to us. We are also joined by Dr. Lyon Brown, a medical doctor and local friend who helps us make sense of it all. Don’t be scared of ticks, be informed and protect yourself. Listen, Learn ...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 7 min
This week Rob Kinney and Dudley Phelps take over the podcast studio to hit on a few of the many habitat-related questions we get from our listeners. The questions are short, but in true “Dudley style” the answers are on point yet all over the place at the same time. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Listen, Learn, and Enjoy. Show Notes : [1] Nativ Nursery's Wildflower & Nativ Grass Seeds [2] Check out the Nativ Nursery's Oak Tree Offerings [3] BioLogic Plant & Soil with Organix (Fertili...
May 12, 2023•47 min
This week we welcome Heath North and Jason Pieroni, from Stratton Seed Company, to the podcast to help us understand the magical soybean. There may not be a more nutritious and highly desired food source for whitetails that can provide almost 4 seasons of the year. Soybeans are close to being the magic silver bullet of deer forages, but not all soybeans are equal and Heath explains the differences. When to plant, how deep, how big of an area to plant, broadcast or drill, glyphosate tolerance and...
May 09, 2023•1 hr 20 min
On this BONUS podcast, Rob Kinney from the Gamekeeper crew catches up with Scott Rhodes of the Low Country Gamebird Foundation (a 501(c)(3) out of South Carolina) to discuss the Mr. Fox SBE3 28 Gauge they built with Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Benelli, and Palmetto State Armory to raffle off in an effort to raise money for Mossy Oak's Gamekeeper Grants. We learn more about the foundation and their efforts to come alongside Dr. Mike Chamberlain to support his research efforts and that of others ...
May 05, 2023•23 min
This week Dr. Mike Chamberlain drops in and we discuss a variety of topics. Mike updates us on the extensive research his team is doing on the LPDV virus, we talk turkey hunting safety after learning of several accidents, and he dispels a few old wives’ tales that we bring up. All in all it’s an interesting discussion centered around the wild turkey. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Show Notes: Stay connect with Dr. Chamberlain Website: https://wildturkeylab.com/ Instagram: @wildturkeydoc Twitter: @wild...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 26 min
This week Dr. Shane Bernard tells us the history of Avery Island in Louisiana, including fascinating stories about the conservation efforts of E. A. “Ned” McIlhenny (1872-1949), the son of TABASCO® Sauce inventor E. McIlhenny. As the story goes, this man single handedly saved the imperiled Snowy Egret by creating protected sanctuary on the island that by 1911, had a thriving population over 100,000 birds. E. A. also banded over 300,000 birds and waterfowl to learn their migration habits, along w...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 34 min
This week we tell all about some turkey misses we remember that haunt us to this day. We’re joined in studio by Dr. Michael Chamberlain, who listens to our stories, laughs at us, comments his wisdom and then shares his own story. Toxey joins us late and gives an update on Mr. Fox and a hunt they shared that morning. However – the theme is misses – and if you turkey hunt much it’s going to happen to you as well! We hope you can learn something you can apply to your hunts to help keep you from bei...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 11 min
This week we have a world leader in wildlife conservation discussing the history and future of wildlife conservation. Mr. Shane Mahoney is a well-spoken, lifelong advocate for wild places and the wildlife that inhabits them. Everyone should take the time to listen to his retelling of the past and his insight into the future. It’s an interesting discussion that made us even more thankful for our wildlife heritage and conservation heroes. We all learned something. This one will make you think! Lis...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 57 min
This week the Gamekeeper crew continues to entertain our audience with more turkey stories. You’ll hear from an expanded group of hunters as they tell some of their favorite turkey tales. We hang on every word and pay tribute the grandest of all gamebirds. You might even learn something. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy! Send a text message to the show! When does deer season start? If you want the best deer herd possible this fall - then deer season starts NOW. For a limited time podcast listeners get 1...
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr 18 min
This week we hold court in the Gamekeeper studio and share some of our favorite turkey hunting stories. Have you ever heard of someone killing a turkey in their underwear? You will. What about a miss at three yards, or the turkeys that cause one to make poor decisions – like crossing a raging creek in the dark? You’ll hear a priceless Mr. Fox story from a rainy morning hunt, plus legendary turkey hunter/caller Ernie Callendrelli joins us and has us all laughing hysterically. We don’t take oursel...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 21 min
This week on the Gamekeepers podcast we talk about how Mother Nature is one TOUGH MOTHER. Our guest is Rick from the Nature is Metal Instagram page, and he’s probably seen more intensive nature scenes play out than anyone else on the planet. We talk about how different nature actually is compared to the warm-and-fuzzy Disney type films. Rick tells us about some odd and interesting video clips, including some that were too shocking for him to share on his page. It’s an interesting discussion that...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 17 min
On this BONUS podcast we chat with none other than Rob, from Rob Roberts Custom Gun Works! We talk all things turkey guns, including: tight chokes, forcing cones, modern shells, porting, old barrels, trigger work, shot strings, and more. Tight can be too tight, and there is no one-size-fits-all pattern. Rob is truly an expert, and has made a career out of improving shotguns with aftermarket gunsmithing and custom accessories. Most importantly, he provides us all with a few new excuses for the ne...
Mar 24, 2023•53 min
This week, George Mayfield once again joins us between the turkeys to talk turkeys. George’s turkey hunting career has run the full gamut and he has ended up at the Gamekeeper stage wanting to give back. The old guide has spent many a morning breaking day in the turkey woods and his insight and explanations of their behavior is next level. Because our listeners asked, we brought him back. You don’t want him hunting your property and you don’t want to miss this episode. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. S...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 31 min
This week we have a deep discussion on turkeys with two fanatics, Jason Hart and Doc Weddle. Doc, a carpenter by trade, takes off four months each spring to chase the gobble. He has completed 3 US Turkey slams (all 49 states) and only has a small handful of gobblers left to complete his 4th and 5th!!! Doc gives out some great advice on hunting public ground and how he has learned to get the most enjoyment out of each hunt. It’s a good one that you don’t want to miss. Listen, Learn, and Enjoy. Sh...
Mar 14, 2023•1 hr 24 min
This week the Gamekeeper crew talks with noted South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Senior Biologist, Dr. Chad Lehman, about the turkeys found in his state. We learn about how important the Ponderosa Pine is to the tough yet beautiful Merriam’s turkey, hear about previous restoration efforts, and learn about the Black Hills and what to look for if you’re planning a trip to hunt Merriam’s. Chad is a great guest and the topics vary widely during the conversation. Listen, Learn and Enjoy. Send a text...
Mar 07, 2023•1 hr 21 min
On this BONUS podcast we interview Lucas Mashtare of Tetra to help us understand how a hearing device will protect and enhance our hearing. Turkey hunters depend on their ears, and during this brief but insightful discussion we learn how the many activities of a gamekeeper could be damaging their hearing without the proper protection. Listen Learn, Enjoy, and Protect Your Hearing. Show Notes: TETRA Hearing: https://tetrahearing.com/ Send a text message to the show! When does deer season start? I...
Mar 03, 2023•38 min
This week the Gamekeeper crew enjoys a lively discussion of the Rio Grande subspecies of the wild turkey. Dr. Dwayne Elmore of Oklahoma State University explains habitat, roosting habits, and overall behavior of the lusty, frequently gobbling bird that we all love to chase. We learn why their gobble sounds different and a theory on why they can be hard to kill right off the roost. Lots of turkey obsessed hunters chase Rios every year and if you don’t, you should consider it. Listen, Learn and En...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 22 min
On this week’s BONUS podcast, we talk about taking western hunting trips and the daunting process of applying for tags. We are joined in studio by Jared Larsen and Lake Pickle of OnX, who explain the new features on their App to help unlock any confusion associated with where/when to apply. It’s a time consuming process made simple by the wizardry of their technology. If you’ve ever had an interest in traveling to hunt wild turkeys and/or western big game, you’ll want to give this one a listen t...
Feb 24, 2023•52 min
This week Dr. Marcus Lashley aka Dr. Disturbance of the University of Florida Deer Lab joins us to talk turkeys. We consider Marcus a homeboy and love talking with him whenever we get a chance. It doesn’t take long for the conversation to morph into a discussion of the Osceola subspecies of the wild turkey. Rich with legend and lore, the Osceola is a remarkable bird that resides in some beautiful and unique habitat. We touch on a lot of information that any turkey hunter will find interesting. L...
Feb 21, 2023•1 hr 22 min
This week we’re joined by Mike Chamberlain and discuss none other than our beloved wild turkey. It’s a camp fire style conversation where we ask questions and Mike explains his knowledge. It’s an in-depth conversation that ranges from scenarios of which turkey to shoot, to what’s the latest research and insight on current turkey related issues. The turkey world now has many people who are concerned about habitat, population levels, nesting, and poult survival. We hope this podcast adds fuel to o...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 33 min
This week we are honored to have Dr. Dana Morin, an Applied Population Ecologist with the Carnivore and Population Ecology Lab at the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State, sitting between the turkeys and explaining many facts about coyotes. We learn they are a fascinating animal, very much deserving of our respect even though we still seem to want to trap or shoot each one we see. They weren’t always in the Eastern half of the U.S., yet have you ever wondered how they got her...
Feb 14, 2023•1 hr 28 min
During this BONUS episode, Neill and Daniel Haas join us to explain the details of the much anticipated Mr. Fox Vest. It’s been somewhat of a mystery until now, but listen and you can find out the story behind, the reason for and how to acquire your own piece of turkey hunting history. It will be obvious that much thought occurred when designing the vest AND making certain as many people as possible have an opportunity to collect one. Listen Learn and Enjoy. Send a text message to the show! When...
Feb 10, 2023•42 min
