Okayest Trapper

On today's episode, I get to sit down with Scott Mackner, aka 330 Maniac! Scott has been a digital mentor of mine in the beaver trapping world ever since I made my first set. A pioneer in the trapping YouTube space, Scott is also a fisherman in his home state of Minnesota and spends most of his time outdoors. Tune in, because you are not gonna want to miss this one. Be sure to check out our partners as well! https://kryptek.com/  Code: OKAYESTTRAPPER https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode I get to sit down with Katelyn Breunig out of the great state of Wisconsin. Although a lifelong hunter, she didn't get her start in trapping until a little later in life.  We chat about life, trapping with young children, how to find a mentor, and what we believe is the future of trapping in this country. Go check out Katie's social media with the handle @katieb_outdoors and follow along with all of her adventures. Lastly, don't forget to check out our partners as well! https://kryptek.com/  Code: OKAYESTTRAPPER https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's we are switching roles and I am getting interviewed by none other than Bryan Paulus of “The Marsh Boys” podcast. Sit back as we discuss hunting, trapping, and all things outdoors! Don't forget to check out our partners as well! https://kryptek.com/  Code: OKAYESTTRAPPER https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode I sit down with my buddy, Laramy “Sasquatch” Miller, to talk about all things trapping! We discuss his trapping origins, raising tough kids, guiding, and talk about how he organically became a staple in the outdoor TV world. We also learn about his secret to becoming a better hunter… hint: It may have something to do with trapping and hounds… Tune in wherever you consume your podcasts, leave us a review, and be sure to check out Laramy's newest show “A Legacy” airing on the Pursuit Channel. Don't forget to check out our partners as well! https://kryptek.com/  Code: ZACH20 https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast I sit down with renaissance woman, Lindsay Persico. Lindsay's story is a very inspirational one and we chat about her trapping exposure, kids, and of course cover how she won the History channel show Alone: The Beast. Tune in wherever you consume your podcasts and I guarantee you aren't gonna want to miss this one. https://kryptek.com/  Code: ZACH20 https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode I sat down with Mike Newsome of Hammer Down Drivers. Mike is a lifelong trapper, hunter, and entrepreneur.  We chat about his upbringing in trapping, his determination in big game pursuits, and touch on his trapping business building the toughest drivers money can buy. If you are interested in one of his drivers, email him at hammerdowndrivers@gmail.com or check out his facebook page with the same name. Tune in wherever you consume your podcast and be sure to check out our sponsors: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast I sit down with Mark Ross. Mark is a lifelong hunter, trapper, and guide. He's also heavily involved in the Nebraska Fur Harvester Association and is helping to plan their upcoming convention. We chat about childhood memories, stories from Alaska, and of course learn all about the upcoming rendezvous. Tune in wherever you consume your podcast and be sure to check out the links below, including our sponsors: https://nebraskafurharvesters.com/convention/ https://www.lightsoutsnaring.ca/ Show Sponsors: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper I sit down with the affable Ivy O'Guinn. She and her husband live, trap, and guide full time in Alaska. You can watch their adventures on the History channel's hit TV show, Mountain Men. We chat about her origins into trapping, following your heart, and always being open to learning new things—no matter how difficult they are. Want to join them on a trapline adventure or big game hunt? Check out their website: https://bbbalaska.com/ Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts and be sure to leave us a 5-star review and check out our show sponsors: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper I sit down with Charles Kelly. Charles is a long time hunter but new to the world of trapping. In what I learn is his style, he went all in on one of the more challenging trapping challenges, wolves, and has been seeing some great success. If you are a new trapper, be sure to tune in to get an idea of what it takes to really get started and how to beat down the learning curve. Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts and be sure to leave us a 5-star review and check out our show sponsors: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode I sit down with firefighter, trapper, and father, Josh Wortley. Josh has been trapping the Idaho woods since he was knee high and has now turned to educating others through trappers ed and encouraging people to join their state trapping organizations.  We chat about his survivalist upbringing, mental toughness, and pepper in a few awesome stories about the great outdoors! Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts and be sure to leave us a 5-star review and check out our show sponsors: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast I sat down with John Petrak. John is a lifelong hunter, trapper, and entrepreneur. He recently started 3D printing traps for educational and ornamental purposes and has been garnering amazing feedback. You can check out his work and place orders through his facebook handle Freepop3d or order through https://riverratstrappingsupplies.com/ Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts and be sure to leave us a 5-star review and check out our show sponsors: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Naomi Hersh. Naomi is a trapper, houndsman, and mom!  Tune in wherever you consume your podcasts and be sure to give our sponsors a follow to help us keep our show on the digital airwaves: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with predator hunter, trapper, electrician, and auctioneer John Bair. John has been in the outdoor industry for decades and if you have ever been to any large hunting expo, you have likely seen his handy work as an MC and auctioneer. Tune in wherever you consume your podcasts and be sure to give our sponsors a follow to help us keep our show on the digital airwaves: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

On Today's Episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with mother and son duo, Zac and Laura Gidney! We chat about how they started trapping as a family of five, how they have maintained their love of the sport, and why trapping reinforces their core family values. Tune in wherever you consume your podcasts and be sure to give our sponsors a follow to help us keep our show on the digital airwaves: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with none other than Bill Duke. Bill is the owner and operator of Duke Traps and has been manufacturing wildlife management equipment since 1986. We talk about his family legacy in the fur industry and how things evolve and change over time.  We also cover a wide variety of interesting topics like raccoons in Japan, shooting his first deer, and how trapping will survive for the next millenia.  Tune in wherever you consume your podcasts and be sure to give our sponsors a follow to help us keep our show on the digital airwaves: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast, we sit down with Sarena Manee. Sarena is a hunter, trapper, and graduating college student who is probably one of the only people you'll meet who has trapped a wolf in Michigan. We chat about her introduction to trapping during COVID, what tradition means, and how she plans to keep trapping for a lifetime. Tune in wherever you consume your podcasts, and be sure to give our sponsors a follow to help us keep our show on the digital airwaves: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Joe Goodman! Joe is a lifelong trapper, hunter, and outdoorsman. He also happens to be an amazing artist whose work has been featured in Fur Fish Game magazine (and pretty much every other trapping publication) since 1987.  Joe and I chat about his first experiences trapping, cleaning animals in an art-school dorm room, friendship, and working with some of the top names in the industry such as Tom Miranda. Check out all of Joe's work on his website: https://www.joegoodmanprints.com/ Also, check out all of our sponsors who all help keep our show afloat: https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper Podcast we sat down with Cory Mosby. Cory is a lifelong trapper, hunter, and conservationist who also happens to be the Idaho Fish & Game furbearer biologist. We chat about his upbringing running traplines in Missouri, what a day in the life of a wildlife biologist looks like, and how Idaho invests in managing its fur bearing population for outdoor recreation.  Tune in, because you are not gonna want to miss this one. Also be sure to visit our sponsors to help us keep the lights on! https://blokes.co/zachhanson Code: ZACHHANSON https://mtntough.com/ Code: OKAYEST30 https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

On this week's episode of the Okayest Trapper we have a very exciting crossover episode with the OG trapping podcast “Trap House Podcast.” Justin and Charlie are part of the reason why I decided to start my own trapping podcast and it was an honor to sit down and chat about all things trapping with them! If you haven't, give them a follow and make sure you add their podcast to your regular rotation. https://open.spotify.com/show/3WUwbjmeUorPDeTE8eOv7D

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Justin Webb, executive director of The Foundation for Wildlife Management (F4WM). We chat about his unique childhood growing up off grid, elk hunting, and the impacts of the wolf introduction in Idaho. If you have any interest in wolf hunting or trapping and the changes that have happened to our local landscape, you are not gonna want to miss this one. Tune in and make sure you head to https://f4wm.org/ and join

On today's episode we sit down with the North American Trapper himself, Alan Probst. Alan comes from a long line of trappers and grew up during the fur boom. We chat about his family lineage, what makes trapping great, his decade long career as a professional baseball player, and what it means to create content and start a company. Buckle up, you are not gonna want to miss this one. Check out Alan's website at www.northamericantrapper.comOn t

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Bryan Watson of Trapline Beard Oil. Bryan is a hunter, trapper, and entrepreneur who runs a bespoke beard oil company focused on the trapping community as well as his own ADC nuisance control company. We chat about Bryan's start and resurgence into trapping, why it's vital we hold on to this heritage, and of course… why it's important to take care of your beard(s)! Check out his webpage, here: https://www.traplinebeardoil.com/

Re-run the episode from when Zach guested on the Okayest Hunter podcast to talk about his journey going from his career in Artificial Intelligence to heading west and becoming the Okayest Trapper!

On this week's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Autumn McEntee. Autumn is a conservationist, angler, hunter, and trapper who is now working with the National Deer Association. We discuss Autumn's favorite memories growing up trapping with her dad, catching her first fisher, FTA's trapper college, and why it's important for us to put our best foot forward in portraying trapping in a positive light. Tune in and leave a rating because you aren't gonna want to miss this one!

On this week's episode we sit down with the host of Man Eats Wild TV, Mario Kalpou. Mario is an entrepreneur, hunter, trapper, guide, and a former restaurateur.  We talk about his childhood managing pigs on his family farm, how trapping is universal, and how he has been able to combine his love for food with his love for hunting. Tune in, because you are not gonna want to miss this one. https://maneatswild.com/

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with none other than Mark Zagger of Coyote U. Mark is a NY state trapper and businessman who has traveled the country doing demos, writing trapping books, and giving back to the trapping community! We chat about some important fundraising for a fellow NY trapper, Von Strahan, as well as how Mark got his start in trapping, and what keeps him motivated after all of these years. Buckle up, because you are not gonna want to miss this one. http://www.coyoteu.com/ https://www.nystrappers.org/ New York State Trappers: The Next Generation

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Leon Windschitl. Leon is the owner of Top Lot Stretcher Company and has been trapping and putting up fur since his early teens.  We chat about his trapping origins, how learning a trade helped define his future, and cover tips and tricks to help you be a better fur handler. You aren't gonna want to miss this one, and be sure to check out his website for stretchers and all of your other trapping supply needs. Also, if you are new to trapping or want to touch up on your skills check out his LKL trapping experience linked below. https://toplotstretcherco.com/ https://www.facebook.com/LKLTrappingExperience/

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with bowhunting legend, Fred Eichler. We chat about how trapping shaped him into the hunter he became and how if he had to choose one thing to pursue for the rest of his life, it would be trapping. We also talk about the state of hunting and trapping in Colorado and what our collective future may look like. Check out his website: https://www.fredeichler.com/ or check out his shows on the sportsman channel

On today's episode we sat down with Riley Kirkpatrick of Kirkpatrick Forge. We chat about Riley's first exposure to trapping, wrestling as means to developing grit, how he got into farrier & blacksmith work, and how trapping has helped him land some pretty cool gigs. Visit his website www.kirkpatrickforge.com

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Rob and Matt from the Keystone Experience podcast. Rob and Matt are good ol' boys from the great state of Pennsylvania who enjoy hunting, fishing, and trapping. Their podcast covers their tactics and the equipment they use to get the job done. Buckle up, because you aren't gonna want to miss this one! https://open.spotify.com/show/2lftF0YvYWWs3vVcGYbDVC

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Alyssa Younker of Challis Taxidermy. Alyssa is an adult-onset trapper, hunter, homesteader, and taxidermist! We chat about how she got into trapping, what sparked her to pursue taxidermy, and how trappers should prepare their hides if they want a life-size mount. Buckle up, because you are not gonna want to miss this one! Check out Alyssa's work at www.challistaxidermy.com or visit her and her husbands youtube channel @mtn_built https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVbb8Y5qBsmPaniBgrAtwCw

On this short episode, Zach reflects back on the last six months of hosting the Okayest Trapper podcast. We talk a bit about upcoming guests, how to give feedback, and what's in store for the rest of the year! Zach will be at the F4WM Wolfer Summit this coming weekend and then in Colorado for the C.R.W.M event doing a demo in August. If you are at either of those events, stop by and say hi!

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Melanie Sutterfield and Lauren Easley from beaver's unlimited. Both of these women are adult-onset trappers who have found redemption in the swamps of Mississippi learning to do amazing animal control work. We talk about getting into trapping as adults, how to deal with snakes and gators on your trapline, starting a youtube channel, and how there are experiences that exist in the woods that only trappers and hunters will experience. Buckle up, because you are not gonna want to miss this one.

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Matt Brophy and his son Robert. Matt is an Army Special Forces veteran, lifelong trapper, owner of Epler Fur Co., and runs the Skook Trappers facebook page. We cover topics ranging from taking your kids on the trapline, Pennsylvania bobcat trapping, dealing with competitors, and how we need to unite as a trapping community. Tune in, because you are not gonna want to miss this one. https://www.eplerfur.com/

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with the man behind the music of HawkenHorse band, Andy Wills. Andy grew up exposed to trapping and has since dabbled in the iconic tradition, which has been the source of much inspiration for his music. We chat about history, how fur-handling helped shape America, and the need to preserve our more traditional ways of life – something he aims to accomplish through his music. Check out Andy's website and get ready for the release of his newest album this coming July and pump his tunes while you're out trapping! www.hawkenhorse.com

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Stacey Skyrpan. Stacey is a Canadian farmer, mother, wife, trapper, and the owner of Wolf & Fox Fur.  We dive into how she grew up around trapping legends but didn't get into the art herself until she was in her 30's. We chat about mentorship, legacy, and how important it is to pass these historical ways of life onto future generations. Check out her website: https://wolfandfoxdesigns.ca/ The Cremation of Sam McGee: https://thewanderinghermit.com/x-poetry/sammcgee.htm

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Jase Groesbeck. Jase is a lifelong hunter and trapper who is now using his social reach for greater purposes. We chat about bear hunting, his first run-ins with trapping, and how he and his wife are building a foundation to take well-deserved people on once-in-a-lifetime hunts. Jase is as down to earth as it gets and a blast to chat with. Tune in, because you are not gonna want to miss this one.

On this week's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Lydia Reichenbacher. Lydia is an Ohio native who picked up trapping in high school on a whim! Since then she has built a life centered around trapping, which involved starting her own apparel business – Tight Chains Co. We chat about how she got her start in trapping, learning things the hard way, trapping through injury, bringing kids on the line, and talk about the feelings of imposter syndrome when giving demos at conventions. Buckle up, because you are not gonna want to miss this one! https://tightchainsco.com/

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast, we sit down with Randy Newberg. Randy is a staple in the outdoor and conservation community and has been making hunting related content, TV shows, and podcasts for over a decade.  We chat about his upbringing in Minnesota running traplines, his recent fitness journey, and why learning to trap can make you a better hunter. Tune in, because you aren't gonna want to miss this one. https://randynewberg.com/

On today's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sat down with artist Nicholas Coleman. Nicholas is a Utah native and his western works have been featured in galleries all over the world. We cover his early motivations for artwork and how time spent with his father out on the trapline helped build an immense appreciation for attention to detail – something that would come in handy during his art career. Buckle up because you are not going to want to miss this one. https://www.nicholascolemanart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nicholascolemanart/

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with none other than Dan Gates. Dan has been a Colorado based conservation advocate for decades and is leading the charge against the proposed trophy hunting classification of mountain lion and bobcat in his home state.  Dan is a trapper, multiple-time conservation board member, hunter, and a true mover of the needle. Take a listen, learn, and if you can, support the efforts of Colorado for Responsible Wildlife Management. https://savethehuntcolorado.com/

On this week's episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Laura Groesbeck. Laura is an entrepreneur, hunter, trapper, mother, and a reluctant outdoor influencer.  We dive into her businesses, her first exposures to trapping, and what it means to involve family in the pursuits that we love. Buckle up, you are not gonna want to miss this one! https://www.instagram.com/thedicklesshunter/ https://www.instagram.com/westernskies_skullsandjewelry/

On this week's episode of the Okayest Trapper Podcast we sat down with Jeffrey Miller. Jeffrey is a lifelong trapper, homesteader, expert fur handler, and an all around nice guy! Over the years of exploring and trapping in North Dakota, Jeffrey began to log his adventures in writing and eventually published a handful of books, his latest being “Our Bend in the River.” You can check out his books on Amazon and order fur products through his website Cottonwood Bend Farms.

On this week's episode of the Okayest Trapper we sit down with Kevin Estela of Fieldcraft Survival. We discuss his earliest memory of trapping possums in his backyard with his dad, to coaching students all across the world on the basic tenets of survival, and even dive into core differences between commercial trapping and trapping in a survival situation.  This is gonna be one you don't want to miss and if you haven't already go on to Amazon and check out Kevin's books and also check out his upcoming courses on Fieldcraft Survival.  www.fieldcraftsurvival.com

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast Zach sits down with the president of the Arizona Trappers Association, Jim Ball. Jim is a first generation trapper and has cut his teeth trapping in the desert southwest, finding his speciality in live trapping bobcats on public land. Listen in as we discuss his background, motivations, and desires to grow the ATA to help preserve trapping rights in his state and nationwide. Tune in, you are not gonna want to miss this one. www.arizonatrappersassociation.com

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast we sit down with Chris Morgan, VP West of Montana Trappers Association. We cover his trapping origins back east, how he ended up in Montana, and what put him on a path to help defend trapper's rights in Montana and nationwide. Buckle up, you are not going to want to miss this one! www.montanatrappersassociation.com

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper podcast, Zach sits down with Cliff Gray of Pursuit with Cliff. Cliff is an ex-wilderness guide and now runs a hunting-focused youtube channel full time. We chat about his experience with trapping during his youth and how it helped him become a more efficient full time hunting guide. We also discuss all things social media and how hunting, trapping, and even fishing are under a microscope and what we can do about it as a community. Buckle up, you are not gonna want to miss this one. www.pursuitwithcliff.com https://www.instagram.com/cliffgry/?hl=en

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper Podcast we sit down with the President of the New Mexico Trappers Association, Chance Thedford. Chance is a multi-generational trapper and had a front row seat to the devastating bill that ended public land trapping in his home state. We discuss his trapping origins, the impacts of this bill, and discuss what trappers in other states can do to help prevent this happening to them! Buckle up, you are not going to want to miss this one. If you are a trapper and want to help with the countersuit to help New Mexico trappers regain their public land rights, consider making a donation to the effort. You can send a check to the following address, but please specify that it is for the NTA NM Lawsuit, any amount you send helps: 429 H Street Bedford, IN 47421

In this week's episode we sit down with the Alaska wildman himself, Adam Grenda. We cover his North Idaho origins, learning to fly, and how he handles running a remote trapline in wide open spaces. Ever the humble gentleman, Adam exposes how fatherhood has transformed his desires and that passing on a legacy of trapping and hunting is his ultimate goal. Tune in because you are not gonna want to miss this one.

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper Podcast we sit down with Jake DeBow of New England Naturals. Jake is a wildlife biologist by trade and an avid trapper. He and his wife, Riley, also happen to run one of the most successful social media channels dedicated to trapping – @newenglandnaturals. We talk about his start in trapping, the benefits and pitfalls of social media, BMPs, and so much more. You are not gonna want to miss this one. Vermont Trapping Association Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZUfVSLFFcE&t=1539s

On this episode of the Okayest Trapper we are joined by a true pioneer of the trapping world, Paul Antczak. Paul is a lifelong trapper who has fought to make a living in this profession for decades, which has landed him a coveted spot on the History Channel's hit TV show Mountain Men. We chat about conservation, wolves, mentorship, and even bats! You aren't gonna want to miss this one. Follow Paul and his exploits on the Mountain Men TV Show on the History Channel Give him a follow on Youtube and Facebook @montanawolftrapper  www.mtntoughfitness.com (use promo code OKAYEST30 for a 30-day free trial)