Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast

Todd tells about his oldest daughter's first turkey! He breaks down the preparation that went into her success from shooting and scouting to simply taking her along on hunts from a very young age. Scott and Todd chat about getting kids involved in hunting and what it takes for them to enjoy it. If you've got kids and want to get them into hunting this is a can't miss episode.

Host Todd Helms and Wingman Scott Reekers recap their wildly successful Montana turkey hunt. The hunt resulted in three big gobblers taken in dramtic fashion. Scott and Todd hunted private land with an emerging outfitter, Circle S Outfitters #406-853-8352. The hunt featured off the ricter action and they both highly recommend giving JD at Circle S a call if you're looking for a stellar turkey hunt! Todd breaks down what worked for the crew and why he chose the employ the tactics he did to capitalize on flocked up aggressive Toms. This is a can't miss episode!

The guys from Raised Hunting are as good as they come and turkey killing machines! Raised Hunting is a television, social media and podcast platform that celebrates the connection of family in the outdoors. Host Todd Helms asks some hard questions like: Is bowhunting turkeys ethical? The response and conversation on this episode is a can't miss!

In this episode of the Wingmen Podcast, Scott Reekers and host Todd Helms sit down to answer your Turkey Hunting questions. From guns and ammunition for turkeys to calling and how close to get to a roost, the fellas dive deep into the topic of turkey hunting to help you become a better turkey hunter. Also, we have partnered with our friends at Hi Mountain Seasonings to bring you a killer giveaway. Just follow the link in this description to get signed up.

Pat Shellady produces popular chukar hunting videos avid uplanders on YouTube right in our backyard of Wyoming. He is a passionate public land advocate who spends as much time as possible tromping through the windblasted uplands of Wyoming chasing wild birds behind his "Cheatgrass" Setters. Pat and host Todd Helms discuss upland bird hunting, habitat, a few tips and tricks for consistently getting into birds in the oceans of habitat across the West and a few of the problems and concerns facing western upland hunters. Pat also shares a few cautionary tales about livestock guardian dogs and rattlesnakes... This is a can't miss episode!

Nathaniel Kohfield is the head of marketing at Tanglefree. We had the pleasure of sharing a couple of days in the blind shooting snow geese with him and talking hunting. Nathaniel is a diehard waterfowler who eats, sleeps and breathes the game! His insight into product development and what it takes for products to perform in the field is enlightening and we enjoyed this podcast very much. Give this one a close listen and then go check out Tanglefree's full line of waterfowl products.

Brandon Moss aka "Upland 406" is a diehard upland bird hunter and dog trainer in Montana. His passion is for wild, prairie birds and he's deeply involved in the conservation and management of Montana's uplands. Brandon and host Todd Helms discuss dog training and hunting of course but also dive into Montana's recent delaying of the nonresident bird season opener to give resident hunters a head start. There's a lot to unpack in this episode and it's sure to ruffle some feathers out there. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

Mallard Bay and GuideTech are the brainchild of Logan Meaux. Logan is a driven young mastermind whose aim is to bridge the gap between outfitters and clients making each one's life easier and better. With Mallard Bay hunters and outfitters are seamlessly connected and the headache's of booking hunts and managing expectations are eliminated. Logan's idea is so solid that host Todd Helms kicks himself for not thinking of it first. The fellas have an in-depth conversation about this revolutionary new business and of course the chat turns to hunting and what Spring has in store.

The Gundog Doc - Dr. Joe Spoo sits down with host Todd Helms and answers some Social Media questions about hunting dog care. Dr. Spoo goes into details about common gundog injuries and prevention, spaying and/or nuetering your gundog and other topics. This is a can't miss podcast if you're a gundog owner or prospective owner. The guys already have plans to record another episode diving into even more listener questions.

Platte Basin Outdoors is a premier waterfowl and turkey hunting outfitter on Colorado's Front Range and Wingmen host Todd Helms just had the opportunity to spend a few days smashing geese and ducks with them. He sits down for a killer conversation with guides John Brunelli and Devin Mellars. The guys chat about how they got into guiding, what the daily grind is like, their advice for incoming clients and finally Todd gets them to divulge some of their goose hunting secrets. This is a can't miss episode of The Wingmen Podcast.

On this episode of the Wingmen podcast host Todd Helms sits down with Andrew McKean. Andrew is currently the optics editor of Outdoor Life The guys swap stories about the struggles of this slow season, hunter recruitment, conservation funding and more

Podcast host Todd Helms sits down to recap the 2023-2024 duck season here in Wyoming. Warm weather made for slow hunting for much of the season, but Todd breaks down his strateby for hunting the stale birds. The end of the season brought colder temperatures and a big push of new birds in the area. Todd and the Wingmen crew took full advantage and made the most of the last week. He also breaks down the gear the team ran this season.

Michael Tracy is the "big cheese" at Platte Basin Outdoors, a waterfowl guide service on the front range of Colorado. Michael walks host Todd Helms through the paradigm shift his life took after surviving cancer and how it made him refocus on what he is truly passionate about; hunting waterfowl, namely geese! Platte Basin Outdoors guarantees their hunts; it is guaranteed that you'll have a blast or you'll keep hunting until you do! This is a fresh take in the world of guided waterfowl hunts and it has helped Platte Basin Outdoors build an impressive client list and reputation. The fellas also go into detail about Kryptek's new waterfowl camo, Flyway Deadzone, and Michael breaks down Kryptek's soon to be released Waterfowl jacket and bibs. This is a banger of an episode and one you simply can't miss.

One of our favorite guests of all time is back! Michael McNeal joins host Todd Helms once again for a quick hunt update. Michael has been grinding since August and loving every minute of it. Todd asks Michael a listener question about how he gets to hunt so much and the answer is pure gold! The guys get into what it takes to succesfully film waterfowl hunts, what it's really like and what they strive for when producing content. Michael lives the kind of life that a lot of guys think they want. If that's you don't sleep on this episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Host of the Eastmans' Journals Podcast and Eastmans' President/Owner Ike Eastman and Todd Helms sit down to rehash a waterfowl hunt they did with thier daughters last year on New Year's Eve Day. The hunt was a banger and everyone had a great time. The conversation travels from reliving that hunt to how to manage your waterfowl hunting spots, the importance of hunter recruitment and even into the question of "Have we recruited too many new hunters?" This episode is a romp through the fields of modern hunting and what it will take to keep things headed in the right direction. Lots of laughs mixed with some serious conversation make this episode a can't miss!

Wingmen host Todd Helms takes time for a solo podcast to answer listener questions and give a duck season update. He dives deep into Kryptek clothing, Federal Premium shotshells and of course, dog training! Be sure to ask questions on our episodes and social media for Todd to answer and give you a shoutout!

Jared Wicklund is an upland bird hunting machine! Jared and host Todd Helms have an indepth conversation about Jared's work with Pheasants Forever and what the organization does for birds and hunters. Hint - there's way more than just bird habitiat... from public access projects to making sure as many roosters as possible are available to hunters, Pheasants Forever is a top notch conservation organization that puts its money where its mouth is!

It's round two with Wade Skeen, he is covered up in ducks at the moment and loving life! The guys anwer some questions from podcast listeners and chat about duck hunting tactics, dog training and the guide life. It's another killer episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Ryan Bassham lives the life most wingshooters dream about and his stories never fail to educate and entertain. Ryan's new video series The Road To 100 takes viewers around the world telling the stories of people and places from the exotic to the everyday. Host Todd Helms and Ryan chat about this new series and the hunts coming up on it. The guys also answer a question in the new Q&A section featuring questions and comments from Wingmen social media, YouTube and podcast enjoyers. Leave us a question on any of those formats for a shoutout in the next episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Host Todd Helms sits down for a very special recording with his best guest yet, his dad, Jake Helms. The pair revisit a family duck hunt last fall where they were able to get together with Todd's younger brother, Scott for an action packed hunt that turned out to be a feature film for Wingmen. Todd and Jake take a stroll down memory lane as Jake walks them through how he got started in wingshooting as a boy. The guys also relive hunts from Todd's childhood including a unique glimpse into “Goose Camp.” This is truly a one-of-a-kind Wingmen Podcast episode and you can't miss it!

On this episode of the Wingmen podcast, you've got questions and host Todd Helms has answers! Todd sits down for a solo questions and answers podcast. He gathered up the most common questions from Wingmen fans. Get insight into ideal layering systems for any weather conditions, selecting the best ammunition for the hunt, how to find the "X" and so much more! Send in your questions for Todd to digitalmedia@eastmans.com for the next Q&A podcast.

Sam Soholt is a rare bird... he's a man who followed his dreams of making a living in the hunting industry and has been wildly successful. Sam isn't just about Sam though, he's left his mark by advocating for public lands and conservation with his latest endeavor being the Duck Ruck: 100 mile walk wearing a heavy backpack in three days to raise money for waterfowl conservation. This was a fun conversation as Todd and Sam are connected via the Eastmans' brand and shared partnerships, including Savage Arms, and the guys were able talk about some of that history. Don't sleep on this one folks.

Ed Arnett of the Wildlife Society is back on the podcast and he and Todd Helms take a detailed look at the real world of Conservation Funding. This one will make some folks uncomfortable but it's an incredible conversation that runs hard into reality of wildlife funding. Todd and Ed don't pull punches and get into a seriously tough topic to tackle. If you care about wildlife and wild places this is one episode you can't miss!

Butch Whiting w/Kryptek Outdoor Group: Butch Whiting is very possibly the model for the iconic "most interesting man in the world" ad campaign. He is the cofounder of Kryptek and still operates the brand with a hands on leadership mantra. Butch and host Todd Helms dive into the history of the Kryptek brand, the mad-scientist genius behind the military tested and proven camouflage and what's on the horizon in the Kryptek waterfowl world! Butch shares his passion for waterfowl and the guys get into the nitty gritty of the art of concealment.

Jeff Jones is the co-founder of Chêne Gear, our wader partner and a rising star in the waterfowl world. Chêne's ethos of producing gear that's everything you need and nothing you don't that'll keep you in the field and on the hunt is piloted by Jones who has spent his entire working life building waterfowl gear of some sort or another. You'll be hard pressed to find someone with more expertise than Jeff. Host Todd Helms and Jeff talk gear, ducks, and being a dad in this can't miss episode.

Wade and Todd have been acquainted for a long time but have never had the opportunity to visit in depth until this podcast episode. They waste no time diving into hunting, dogs, and the difference between real world hunting dogs and HRC trial expectations and realities. This is a killer episode with two very like-minded, hardcore waterfowlers.

In this episode host Todd Helms sits down with world traveler Michael McNeal to talk about all things waterfowl hunting. He's been around the globe and has experienced some unbelievable hunts. The guys swap stories about hunting the great North and tips for international travel.

Episode 84 is all about getting the most from your onX Hunt App as host Todd Helms sits down with Ben Brettingen of onX. The guys dig into some of the everyday uses for the App and some hidden tricks for taking it to the next level. Along the way they chat about birds, predator management and the importance of having a large network. Don't sleep on this one.

Superior Upland is an outfitter, dog trainer, shooting preserve owned and operated by Jake Perry in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Host Todd Helms sits down and talks dogs, ruffed grouse/woodcock and the state of habitat in da UP. The guys share a common love for upland bird hunting since Jake live and hunts where Todd went to college. It's another great episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Host Todd Helms is solo on this one and as usual he has lots on his mind! He breaks down why it's vitally important to practice shotgun skills, dog training and physical fitness over the summer months. Todd is passionate about all three of these topics and shares his insights from 30+ years of doing all three. Todd also dives into the latest Wingmen film – The Sage Grouse Project. . . this film is the story of what's at stake if Sage Grouse are listed on the Endangered Species List: public land closures and loss of civil liberties being at the forefront of the issue. The Sage Grouse Project drops later this month and is a can't miss, just like this episode!

Rhys Haugen is perhaps one of the most interesting people we've had on the podcast. Host Todd Helms and Rhys sit down and record a face to face episode discussing Rhys' budding upland hunting gear company, High Plains Gear. Rhys drew on his time in the Marine Corp to create next level performance gear for the uplands. When he isn't working on his company, he also trains dogs. This led to a discussion about training bird dogs and goes into Rhys' time in Germany where he got started on German dog breeds. It's another can't miss episode of the Wingmen Podcast!

Host Todd Helms sits down with fellow Wingmen and Eastmans' staffers Dan Pickar and Luke Washington for what begins as a recap of the spring's turkey season. However, the conversation quickly takes a left turn as the guys dive into the hotly debated topic of comparing turkey hunting to elk hunting. Tactics are contrasted and opinions begin to fly as the guys drag the 800 lb gorilla into the center of the room and start wailing away! The conversation eventually turns to getting kids addicted to hunting and why being successful in the field is crucial to hooking them and keeping their attention on hunting instead of the trash the world throws at them. This is a killer episode of the WIngmen Podcast and one you can't miss!

If 5,000 widgeon tornadoing a sheet water field sounds like a good time then this episode is a must listen! Mike and his partner started Rainout Outdoors about two years ago and are crushing it out in Washington state. Mike and host Todd Helms dive deep into what it takes to be consistently successful in the late season. From realistic calling and decoy placement to natural hides vs. blinds, the guys talk about it all. They even discuss how the future of hunting is in danger thanks to anti-hunting groups and legislators running game and fish commissions. If you're a passionate hunter you can't miss this killer episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Host Todd Helms goes solo on this one to discuss Wingmen's new partnership with Kryptek. Todd has put virtually the entire line of clothing from this Pro 2A, veteran owned brand through the paces and is stoked about the performance and the ethos surrounding this partnership. The Kryptek crew are hunters and patriots and make zero apologies for either. When you're done listening to this episode you'll know exactly what Kryptek items you'll need to create a complete system that will perform under the worst weather conditions while keeping you concealed and in the hunt.

Brian Kelvington's official title is Director, Media at Vista Outdoor Inc. We know him as one of the best guys in the industry, who works tirelessly to advance ammunition development to provide hunters and shooters with the best possible ammo. Brian's a devoted wingshooter and we were blessed to spend a few days in Montana this past fall putting some new products from Federal Premium through the paces under some incredibly brutal conditions while hunting for Canada geese and upland birds. Host Todd Helms and Brian chat about hunting and what's new on the ammunition side for Vista Outdoor. It's another can't miss episode of The Wingmen Podcast.

Host Todd Helms sits down with “Stormin' Norman” for a one on one conversation down at Hunt Expo in SLC. The guys chat about the world class waterfowl hunting offered by Wingmaster Outfitting, and how the firm's waterfowl/black bear combo hunts in September are an experience every avid hunter needs to partake of. Norm is a real character and this episode doesn't varnish any opinions as the fellas dive into more than just hunting. It's another killer episode of The Wingmen Podcast.

Recorded at the Western Hunting Expo, Federal Premium's Jon Zinnel sits down with host Todd Helms. They talk about this year's expo turnout, rehash their past fall seasons, and dissect different Federal Premium shotshells and their performance. They also discuss conservation and their passion for hunting. You don't want to miss this episode of the Wingman podcast!

Bruce Pettet joins the Eastmans' Crew at the Western Hunting Expo in Salt Lake City where he sits down with host Todd Helms. They talk about the history behind various Leupold products, Bruce's recent "Macnab" hunt and the film resulting from that journey, dog training, the upcoming turkey season, and more. It's a fun episode you don't want to miss!

Colton Thompson is living the dream. He walked away from a successful career to pursue his passion of duck calling, building duck calls and training British Labradors. Host Todd Helms and Colton wade into the deep end of Colton's story and find a “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” story that pure American Dream. The guys talk ducks, duck calls, dogs and even what they look for in a duck call. Be sure not to miss this episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Host Todd Helms and freelance photographer/videographer Harrison Creed breakdown their hunt with The Outfit Oklahoma. The fellas go through the ups and downs, how to deal with crappy clients, stale birds and managing expectations. Harrison also dives into what it takes to be a freelance photographer and a bit of his daily grind in the waterfowl world. It's another can't miss episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Cody McCarthy is a former World Champion Elk Caller but his passion extends well beyond wapiti. Besides being a strength and conditioning trainer Cody works for Slayer Calls where he is integral in developing cutting edge game calls, especially elk and waterfowl to help hunters of all stripes the most from their time afield. Cody's passion is obvious and this is a can't miss episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Host Todd Helms goes into detail about how to get the most out of your duck hunting spots over the course of a season. Todd also walks you through how he set up Hondo for success on his first blind retrieve. Finally, Todd offers up a quick review of the new Federal Premium Hevi-Bismuth shotshell. It's all things waterfowl on this episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Wingmen host Todd Helms sits down to review the gear he and crew have been using this fall and give a quick update on Hondo and his first hunt! Hondo is crushing it and Todd explains the journey to get to this point and why he waited to hunt Hondo until he was two. With Christmas right around the corner Todd dives into the gear he and crew have been using and why any waterfowl or upland hunter would be stoked to unwrap it. From hunts and gear to dogs and birds, this episode is loaded with top notch information.

Host Todd Helms wanted to know more about how these fellas got started in the waterfowl/big game outfitting business and to learn exactly what they offer besides world class goose and black bear combination hunts. The conversation spans everything from origins and services to arctic wolf hunting adventures that border on the unbelievable. Adventure is a part of daily life in and around La Crete, Alberta, Canada and these fellas fully embrace it. Grab a beverage, sit back and prepare to be amazed listening to this episode!

Recorded on location in La Crete, Alberta, this episode features two of the hardest working guides in the business, Curt and Rod Friesen of Wingmaster Outfitting. These guys busted their butts for us during our week of hunting and Todd sits down to pick their brains and get some Canadian perspective on waterfowl hunting, especially along the famous Peace River in Alberta. This is a must listen for anyone looking for a once in a lifetime waterfowling experience.

Todd Helms and Brandon Mason sit down to discuss their upcoming hunt for waterfowl and black bears in northern Alberta. The guys are taking Brandon's son Hunter to help film but there's sure to be some golden father & son moments along the way. The guys are stoked for their trip and discuss everything that's gone into this adventure and what they are expecting. It's yet another can't miss episode of The Wingmen Podcast.

Fellow Eastmans' employee and Wingman, Scott Reekers sits down with host Todd Helms for a preview of their 2022 hunting seasons but the conversation quickly turns to the trials of training dogs and balancing family life with a hunting addiction. The guys delved into some big game conversation and extolled the virtues of Wyoming's season structures that allow wingshooters a very long and very liberal hunting season. This is another solid episode of the Wingmen Podcast.

Ike Eastman is the owner & CEO of Eastmans' Publishing, aka The Boss but he hates that title and is honestly one of the most visionary leaders we've had the pleasure to work with. Ike and host Todd Helms try to keep the conversation focused on an incredible hunt with Ike and and his oldest daughter last winter but they wander down a maze of rabbit trails along the way and discuss everything from shotguns and shooting to getting kids hooked on hunting and their road trip to pickup Hondo, Todd's new Labrador, from Southern Oak Kennels. This one is as entertaining as it is long and it's well worth the listen.

Ed was on the podcast last year prior to our Sage Grouse hunt together in late September and has become a good friend. In this episode Ed and Todd talk Sage Grouse hunting, cooking, habitat and of course the tenuous status of the big birds themselves. Eventually the chit chat turns to dogs and dog training as Ed is a former trial circuit judge and trainer. One thing is for certain, when Ed and Todd get to visiting there isn't much oxygen left for bystanders.

Every now and then we have the pleasure of having a guest on the podcast whom we feel like we've known for a long time and we instantly connect with as the conversation flows naturally as the time slips away. Marty is one of those guests. Host Todd Helms and Marty talk Labradors, dog training and of course duck hunting in this longer than normal episode and the hits just keep on coming. If you like dogs, hunting, good stories and laughter then this episode is a true can't miss!

Throwing it back to host Todd Helms' roots with episode 61… Ruffed grouse in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Kyle Warren of Paint River Llewellins in Ironwood, Michigan. Kyle breeds and trains Llewellin setters and is a wealth of information on dogs in general. We've never heard scenting and scent cones described in as much detail or understood them better than after our chat with Kyle. We also 100% agree with Kyle's take on owning the “right” dog and how breeders can help make that decision easier. Todd did that with Hondo and it was a very good decision. If you're an upland hunter or a dog person this is a can't miss episode.