In this episode of the Green Top Outdoors Podcast , host Hunter Brooks is joined by Ducks Unlimited representatives Barbara Gavin and Shawn Kooyman to discuss DU’s vital conservation work in Virginia—especially its growing efforts to restore wetland habitats and support waterfowl like the American black duck. Barbara shares her background and current role leading DU’s Working Lands Program , a partnership with NRCS that helps private agricultural landowners create and restore shallow water wetla...
May 19, 2025•33 min•Ep. 110
Special Agent Zachary Howlett and First Sergeant Tyler Bumgarner of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources join Hunter and Todd to recount one of the most shocking and widely publicized wildlife crimes in recent history — the Hollywood Buck case. The Hollywood Buck, a beloved and iconic 29-point whitetail that called Richmond’s historic Hollywood Cemetery home, was known to locals and tourists alike. His enormous, non-typical antlers made him a legend — until his tragic and illegal killin...
Apr 08, 2025•58 min•Ep. 109
In this special episode, Hunter sits down with Denny Quaiff, Bob Duncan, and Nick Hall to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Virginia Deer Hunters Association . They discuss how the organization was founded, the challenges they faced in those early days, and the victories that shaped its legacy. From grassroots efforts to major conservation initiatives, this conversation highlights the dedication of those who fought to preserve Virginia’s deer population and hunting heritage. The guests also ...
Mar 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 108
For those seeking a combination of adventure and comfort, Tinashe promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s untamed wilderness, ensuring that every guest departs with exceptional trophies, cherished memories, and newfound friendships. Clayton Fletcher returns to Green Top and joins Hunter and Andrew for a great conversation about hunting in Africa. Clayton shares an unbelievable lion hunting story, the great opportunities offered in Africa currently, and why his outfitter serv...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 107
Scott Lindy and Matt Gills join Hunter for a discussion about the upcoming NRL Hunter 2-day National match taking place in Gladstone, VA at Black Bear Shooting Club. Black Bear Shooting Club is located on the legendary Spears Mountain. This location offers challenging opportunities for long range shooting and competing. Scott and Matt discuss the history and purpose behind the NRL, the history behind Spears Mountain, and the exciting first ever shoot coming soon in April. Many questions are answ...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min•Ep. 106
Join us for a thrilling conversation with Kristy Titus and Lauryl Akenhead as they take us through their extraordinary journeys in the worlds of firearms, hunting, and competitive shooting. Kristy, a renowned hunter and firearms instructor, opens up about her passion for ethical hunting and how it led to her TV show "Pursue the Wild." Lauryl, a young powerhouse in the competitive shooting scene, recounts her victory at the World Championships in Colorado and her dedication to the Precision Rifle...
Jan 09, 2025•40 min•Ep. 105
Step into the exhilarating worlds of hunting and racing with Ward and Jeb Burton as our special guests. From Jeb's thrilling tales of calling in a bull elk in Montana to Ward's insights on the high-energy atmosphere of the Ultimate Air Dogs event, this episode is brimming with adventure. Our discussion takes a deep dive into the intricate behaviors of elk during the rutting season and the profound satisfaction derived from a triumphant hunt. We also highlight the significance of conservation eff...
Dec 12, 2024•38 min•Ep. 104
Join us as Rob Roberts shares his remarkable journey from Arkansas hunting roots to becoming a celebrated name in the firearms industry. Discover how Rob's early experiences in sporting clays, skeet, and trap during the 1990s allowed him to learn from top champions and fueled his ambition to revolutionize the hunting market with competition-level technology. Learn about the creation of innovative products like the Raptor choke and how these advancements make firearms more accessible and effectiv...
Nov 28, 2024•39 min•Ep. 103
Ever wondered how a prion disease could affect an entire deer population? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Justin Foulkes and Alexandra Lombard from the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) as they unravel the mysteries of deer management and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Virginia. Justin, our guide through the complexities of the upcoming deer season, and Alexandra, the eagle-eyed Wildlife Health Coordinator, share vital insights into the spread of CWD across 15 counties, with ...
Nov 14, 2024•54 min•Ep. 102
Join us as we talk with captured media!
Nov 11, 2024•42 min•Ep. 101
Thank you to Real Tree for being apart of our very special 100th episode!
Nov 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 100
Scent Thief – Russell Epperson, owner, and creator of Scent Thief, along with David Langston, join Hunter during the 2024 Outdoor Expo to discuss this wonderful product. The story of Russell’s journey from a teenage trapper to business owner of one the best and most innovative hunting products on the market is an amazing one. With hunting season in full swing, do yourself a favor and try this amazing product for optimal success!
Oct 23, 2024•39 min•Ep. 99
Whether you’re planning your own safari or simply dreaming of the wild, this episode will transport you to a land where nature reigns supreme. Grab your binoculars and tune in for a virtual escape into the wild!
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 98
Over the first weekend in October, we're hosting our 5th Annual Outdoor Expo!
Sep 20, 2024•46 min•Ep. 97
Today we talk with John Barklow, Senior Product Manager at SITKA Gear, about the new Optifade Cover Camoflauge Pattern. https://www.sitkagear.com/technology/optifade-concealment/cover
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 96
Welcome to the Green Top Outdoors Podcast, where we dive deep into everything that makes the outdoors great—from hunting and fishing to community events and local happenings. Deer season is almost here. Do you have a processor you trust to give you the best final product of your harvest? Stephen Wood joins your host Hunter Brooks and Todd Sadler for an episode about deer processing. Almost two years ago, Stephen took a chance and started his business. In just a short amount time, his Woodsong De...
Aug 30, 2024•23 min•Ep. 95
Welcome to the Green Top Outdoors Podcast, where we dive deep into everything that makes the outdoors great—from hunting and fishing to community events and local happenings. I'm Hunter Brooks, and today, we’ve got an exciting conversation lined up as we talk with Sheila Sullivan and Rebecca Mulvane about a brand-new event that’s bringing some serious four-legged fun to the area. It’s the First Annual Colonial K9 Classic , presented by Muddy Marley's Dog Wash, happening September 13-15 at Jamest...
Aug 27, 2024•24 min•Ep. 94
Aneil Kumar and Elliot Loper join Hunter to talk about ISportsman.com . They dive into the cutting-edge platforms that are revolutionizing the way we manage and participate in outdoor recreation. ISportsman.com has set the standard for streamlining access to outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to camping and hiking. We discuss how this user-friendly platform simplifies permit applications, activity tracking, and provides real-time updates to enhance your outdoor experience. But the inno...
Aug 09, 2024•54 min•Ep. 93
In this exciting episode, we bring a unique twist to the world of firearm accessories with a mock fantasy football draft, but instead of players, we're selecting the top red dot sights for handguns. As the red dot sight rapidly becomes the go-to choice for handgun enthusiasts, its popularity is soaring daily. Kevin Dunne, Locke Taylor, Mike Norman, and Hunter select their “team” of red dots while analyzing and debating the best options available on the market. Whether you're a seasoned shooter o...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 92
Iain Henderson joins Hunter to discuss the popular and fascinating world of subsonic ammunition. We discuss popular choices in calibers for subsonic ammunition, why the 300 Blackout is the king of subsonic, and why application dictates performance. We will also provide insight into terminal, external, and internal ballistics and how they pertain to the performance of subsonic ammunition. This episode offers a short yet comprehensive overview of subsonic cartridges and their practical application...
Jul 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 91
Jason Kelly is an accomplished combative athlete, an experienced competitive shooter, and a highly motivated instructor. He is renowned for generating unique and effective blocks of instruction to satisfy each customer’s needs. And he is an ambassador to Blue Force Gear. Jason joins Hunter and Iain to discuss Blue Force Gear, his background, training, and the #1 rule, always look cool.
Jul 19, 2024•19 min•Ep. 90
Mike Dye is an upland game bird biologist for the Virginia DWR. He specializes in turkey and grouse. He returns to do another episode with Hunter and Todd to discuss this past spring turkey season. This episode covers the harvest numbers, survival rates of a turkey, conservation methods, and they discuss the various ways that the DWR can help you as a hunter, outdoorsman, landowner, and conservationist.
Jul 17, 2024•50 min•Ep. 89
Zach Donovant, owner of Old Dominion Custom Rifles, returns for another episode with Hunter and Andrew. In this episode, they discuss some of the nuances of building custom rifles, wildcat calibers, smokeless muzzleloaders, hunting season, and the 25 SAUM.
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 88
Bear Davidson joins Hunter and Todd on this episode to discuss the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation), growing up in the outdoors, setting goals, achieving goals, and the importance of conservation. Bear is the former Vice President of the state NWTF and is now one of the National Board of Directors.
Jun 21, 2024•51 min•Ep. 87
Michael Botelho and Andrew Napier join Hunter to discuss sporting clays, tournaments, and gun selection for new and experienced shooters.
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 86
Hunter is joined by Mike Smith and Owen Bradley to discuss pier and surf fishing in the OBX. Mike and Owen are both pros at Green Top and they share their advice and stories regarding this popular style of fishing. The Outer Banks is known to be a fishing destination. As technical as it all sounds, Mike and Owen simplify things in this episode. So, whether you are a beginner looking to learn a new thing, or an experienced angler who is curious, tune in to this episode.
May 24, 2024•22 min•Ep. 85
Lupo is Italian for wolf. It is a fitting name for this extraordinary rifle that Benelli is producing. This rifle is designed to dominate the land where their shotgun, the Super Black Eagle, dominates the skies. Hunter, Andrew, and Green Top gunsmith Chris Mierzwa recently built 3 separate Green Top performance packages, took them to the range, and tested them for accuracy. These packages consist of scope, mounts, and ammo all selected by them. In this episode, they give an in-depth review of th...
May 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 84
Hunter is joined by Green Top pro Iain Henderson and Ben DeWalt, founder, and senior instructor of Onsight Firearms Training. In this episode they discuss the importance of firearms training. Onsight offers a unique and advanced style of training. It ranges from defensive pistol, defensive shotgun, first aid, or even an AK rifle course. So, whether you are learning from a course at the Green Top Shooting Range or looking to become more educated in something specific, it all starts with signing u...
Apr 12, 2024•51 min•Ep. 83
It’s March mayhem, and we decided to sit down and have us a little fun. Hunter, Travis Barrett, Patrick Combs, Mike Gardner, and Scott Parker sat down to decide what is the most iconic WW2 firearm. Tune in and listen as we delve into the fascinating topic of World War II firearms and explore which weapon stands out as the most iconic. From the mighty M1 Garand to the fearsome MP40, join us as we examine the historical significance, battlefield impact, and cultural legacy of these legendary weapo...
Mar 29, 2024•56 min•Ep. 82
Jackie Rosenberger returns on another episode to discuss the upcoming 2024 Elk lottery. This program is now a highly anticipated event every year. The Elk Management program began many years ago with the help and support of many hard-working DWR employees and volunteers. Jackie and Hunter discuss the current state of the elk herd, the successes of the 2023 hunt, and the future of the elk program.
Mar 25, 2024•24 min•Ep. 81