Pro Talk Outdoors - Sportsmen's Nation

Parker McDonald has burst onto the hunting scene in recent years, but never more explosively than he did in 2021.  The Southern Ground Hunting host has illustrated a clinic by example on how to make the most of public ground whitetail hunting, and doing so in different states, scenarios, and climates.  McDonald has become the peak of versatility, and shared with Dave and JP part of what makes him tick...and why water is his best friend. Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of PTO, Dave and Savanna are joined by good friend Derrick Minton.  Derrick and Dave discuss some late season success in Kentucky, as well as their thoughts on hunting leases.  The gang goes over their "what to do and not to do list" when it comes to going into a new lease.  And as always, they share lots of laughs. Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

The Pro Talk Outdoors boys have had one of their most eventful whitetail ruts of recent years.  JP finds a little redemption in Kentucky after a dream hunt on an island in Pike County, Illinois ends with heartbreak.  Meanwhile, Dave returns to a property with a lot of history based on a weather induced gut feeling and shows exactly why keeping track of your previous seasons can pay dividends in the future. Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast  

Join Dave and his wife Savanna as she makes her first appearance on PTO, and they discuss life on their newly named farm, "The Crooked Heart".  They take a dive into discussing their land management strategy, as well as discussing recent hunts and interesting events.  On this episode you will hear about "checkerboard" management, dealing with neighbors, hunting close to home, and enduring the full moon.  Just not the moon you would expect.   Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

The boys of Pro Talk Outdoors have found their microphones amidst the pile of moving boxes, household repair items, and new far equipment.  While new property and home buys for both may netted some horrible luck, and huge opportunities...they haven't lost their desire to get back in the whitetail woods.  Get the scoop on some stories that are too bizarre to be made up. Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP open the show setting up what their turkey season openers are lining up to be, how unlike with your wife, sometimes it's 'what you say' and not 'how you say it', and are even joined by Terry Peer of Lester's Feet Foundation, and Real World Wildlife Products to talk about how his foundation is doing a live raffle between now and July 4th to benefit the families of children with life altering illnesses.  The guys get into all the details on how folks can participate, how they pick the families, as well as what raffle items can be won for donating.  Catch it all on Pro Talk Outdoors! Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Repeat guest Cragg Fitz, formerly of Realtree and Trained Assassins dealt with major life impacts during 2020, like many Americans. While his journey with both of those groups came to a close, his journey to a fitter, healthier, and happier life was just beginning. Now after dropping significant weight, Cragg is using his following to impact other people by kickstarting their weightloss in a big way. Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

The Pro Talk Outdoors guys have made no secret how fond they are of fall planted food plots, particularly the Deadly Dozen.  However, each year they get more and more fond of clover blends because of their versatility, relative low maintenance, and outright production throughout the year.  They bring on co owner of Real World Wildlife Products, Wes Delks, to dive into the proper steps to prep for a clover plot, establish it, and maintain it for both new, and already existing areas.   Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

It's no secret the guys have their favorite mineral, but they spend this episode discussing why getting something with a high nutrient value is what's important.  They explain why reading your tags, labels, and doing your homework is a worthy investment of your time, and can pay dividends in the long run.  In the interest of long run, they also discuss timing of getting supplements out on your properties, and how long you should expect to put in that work before you see benefits, and just where the impacts are felt the greatest.   Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP are avid anglers, as any listener would know.  They're also amateurs, which they're not afraid to admit.  However, only one of the two would be eligible to fish in the new Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open which was just announced by Outdoor legend Johnny Morris, and his iconic Bass Pro Shops brand.  Our two hosts dive into the pluses, minuses, schedule, and rules for the new series...as well as who may have an advantage to take home the one million dollar grand prize. Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP are joined by Matt Drury of Drury Outdoors, and one of the pioneers of the revolutionary "Deercast" App that was designed to give everyday hunters a deeper analysis of their local hunting based on current conditions.  Matt discusses the first meeting in which the idea was pitched, why the Drury's felt like they needed to release something like this, and what "Deercast" and other similar hunt predictors can bring to your day to day hunt planning, especially for a hunter with limited time to spend in the woods. Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Deadly Dozen from Real World Wildlife Products, a fall planted plot blend containing twelve different seed types, has become the favorite staple every fall for Dave and JP.  This year they decided to do their own experiment with the mix by planting two plots, side by side at the front end, and the back end of the recommended planting window.  While the experiment won't be complete until the bell tolls on the 2020 season, they've noticed some interesting behavior trends from the local wildlife in relation to these dueling plots, and have managed to capitalize on some of those patterns.   Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

The Pro Talk Outdoors team was joined by co-host of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Terry Peer, to discuss in depth the format of his ongoing cell camera test.  Peer grabbed six of the top selling cell cameras on the market and has begun putting them through the most intensive, and unbiased test available for public consumption.  The results have been interesting, and may help you identify which features are best for you, and may not be best for your neighbor.  As a cherry on top, Terry discusses the growth of Chasing Giants, his race to rehab a knee injury, and a crossbow explosion that cost him a deer over 160".  Catch it all on Pro Talk Outdoors! Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Louisiana hunter Justin Lanclos had a 'fall' to remember a few years ago, and one that nearly could have taken his life.  Lanclos was fortunate to land correctly, and even more so that his nine year old son was with him to get them out of the woods.  He shares this harrowing story and how he has parlayed that incident into a career in the industry, and a presence with the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation.  President of the TSSA Glen Mayhew also joins the show to discuss how accidents like Justin's have become increasingly less common since the inception of the organization.  Get the scoop on Pro Talk Outdoors! Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Interviewing the cream of the crop in the outdoor industry is nothing new to Dave and JP, as that's the platform Pro Talk Outdoors was built on.  It's not often, however, that a pro level outdoorsman on their show brings with him a Big League level talent, experience, and resume from a professional sports.  The boys were pleased to welcome the founder of Taz Timbers Outdoors, professional relief pitcher Tony Zych.  Zych spent time detailing the inspiration for his family based show, and the mental state that drives that content, as well as his path back to the "show" with the New York Yankees.  Catch it here! Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP sit down to discuss the three major points in identifying what to lease, how to lease, and strategies to make the most out of it.  They dive deep into each steps analysis to help you eat the elephant one bite at a time.  Leasing can be intimidating...but it doesn't have to be! Pro Talk is Powered by Simplecast 

Co Owner of Real World Wildlife Products, Wes Delks, was kind enough to chat with the boys on common mistakes and pointers for soybean planting, their new Giant Miscanthus, as well as a bit about how important it is to be constantly innovating with habitat products to give consumers an added edge every year.  An all land managers dream episode! ProTalk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

The Pro Talk Outdoors team had one heck of a circus-like turkey season while filming season four of their original series "In A Strut" set to air in 2021.  They ran along some major accidents, misses, a run in with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and one TON of fun.  Give this episode a listen to catch all of that, as well as how one set a personal best bird, and another got their first ever.  Hook 'Em or Hunt 'Em! Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP wanted to get in on the fun that everybody has with the "Greatest of All Time" debates that occur on radio and TV across sports America.  To do their own spin, they broke bass fishing down into two categories: The Greatest of All Time, and The Greatest of Today.  Check out their arguments, and feel free to weigh in on social media as to who's list was better! Pro Talk is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP took a conservation approach this episode to discuss the methodology toward improving a private lake that you share access to, and how to properly assess the current state of the fish present.  Jeff Buckingham from the state of Arkansas joins the show to give an expert approach on things such as potential habitat improvement, selective harvest, as well as under the radar methods that one could do to improve a body of water tremendously.   Pro Talk is Powered by Simplecast

One of outdoor television's most energetic and known personalities, Kip Campbell of Red Arrow, has fought back from a multi year battle with Lyme Disease to land back among the most active, seen, and laughed with hosts in the industry.  The road to return however, was long and tumultuous.  He detailed how proper diagnosis saved his life, and made a return to his passions possible again.  Give this one a listen to hear the harrowing story, and what he would recommend to fellow outdoorsmen to avoid the same battle he just fought.  Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP go solo for an episode to discuss how cabin fever can truly go away when you look at a surprisingly long list of to do's than the average outdoorsman could undertake.  Things such as shed hunting, stand movement, and even door to door property acquisition are highlighted as productive ways to push your way through the end of winter.   Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP open the show discussing some of the negative stigmas associated with the modern day outdoorsman in the general public, as well as some of the divides among the outdoor community itself.  This topic is continued in the second segment when they are joined by Kendall Jones.  She explains how some opposition helped fuel her rise in the industry, as well as shared what ways she continues to give back to local communities as a whole.  Being better people, and being better advocates was the name of the game in this episode. Jones and the PTO boys share some easy ways everybody can help improve some of perception issues that today's hunter and angler deals with.   Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast 

Team Radical's Kyle Heuerman joins the show to share a bit of his story of 'Uno', a buck he chased for six years, as well as how he patterns the month of December with greens, grains, and 'hunt tokens' with the wife at home.  Get the low down right here on Pro Talk Outdoors! Pro Talk is Powered by Simplecast

The fellas are far from experts, experienced, or with expectations when it comes to using scent in the whitetail woods.  They were joined by the head of Rack Getter Scents and Lures Gerard Sauchelli to get his thoughts on their place in a hunters arsenal.  Is it Nonscents or Nonsense?  You decide! Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

The renowned hunter, land manager, writer, and whitetail aficionado Don Higgins joined the show to discuss his daily social media sensation "Rut Report", break down what he feels like are the main 3 phases of "the rut", as well as a little bit about the two giants he killed on back to back days earlier this November.  Get it all on Pro Talk Outdoors! Pro Talk is Powered by Simplecast

Dave and JP go 'no pro' on this episode to discuss what they've got going for what is setting up to be a strong Kentucky season...and a very challenging Indiana season.  The two spend the meat of the episode diving into when and why you hunt a morning, how you go about it, as well some of the effects they believe the moon can have in October.   Pro Talk Outdoors is Powered by Simplecast

The fellas are joined by Indiana State deer biologist Dr. Joe Caudell to discuss the current state of the Indiana deer herd. This episode offers some great insight into the how's and why's that go into the decision making process for herd management.

Our hosts got a chance to catch up with some local flavor recently in the fishing scene. Scottsburg High School Bass Fishing Team head coach Bill Buckner joined the show. Bill was gracious in being razzed about his name, and most importantly shared how SHS got it's inaugural season underway, and how important community support is to the survival of the program. Support local, and check out what the Scottsburg Warriors Anglers have been accomplishing in 2019!

Humor and the outdoors can often go together. Michael Pitts takes nearly every hunting trend to the woodshed in his YouTube and Realtree 365 segments. If it's popular or controversial, Pitts has found a way to roast it with tongue planted firmly in cheek. We chatted with the fulltime firefighter, bow shop owner, and outdoor comedian to see how he got his start in the outdoors, and how his laugh based content really lighten the world up a bit...particularly when it comes to hunter on hunter bashing.

Changing your frame of mind is going to be paramount in 2019 for hunters in the midwest. States all across the region have experienced at, or near record rainfall this year to cripple many farmers and foodplotters alike. Dave and JP wanted to take it to the next level on this discussion, and throw out the how and why's to adjusting your game plan to ensure a successful season with unprecedented circumstances. Things like fall food plots, amounts, mineral, and drastically altered hunting strategies make the list.

Co Owner of Real World Wildlife Products, Wes Delks, jumped on the show with Dave and JP to discuss the options that hunters have with the record rains in the midwest, and how they may be able to adjust to save their food plots. With Wes' ties to the farming community, the group delve in on consequences that the farmers may face as well.

JP and Dave reflect on the Wisconsin trip from last week, and how their time in the North Woods turned into a dream adventure. Dave caught not one, but two muskies to fulfill a lifelong goal, and JP landed a 4 pound smallmouth to mark off a bucket list accomplishment. If their smallmouth recap wasn't enough, they caught up with Chris Horton of the Congressional Sportsmen's Society, formerly the B.A.S.S Biologist to discuss how anglers can make a positive impact in legislation for their local waters, and primarily how somebody can dig and create their own bass fishing paradise, step by step by step. Check out one of our most informative episodes of the year!

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brandon Cobb comes on the show to talk about his meteoric rise to two event wins in only sixteen appearances in his young career. He spends some time with Dave and JP discussing how he's made the most of his recent opportunities, and how he picks apart a body of water to fit his style of fishing, instead of throwing the kitchen sink to find what sticks. In depth discussion with one of the hottest anglers in pro fishing!

He may not be a doctor, but he should have an honory PHD, as Professor Steven Bardin has his finger on the pulse of freshwater fish biology. Not only can Bardin put things in a basic perspective for laymen like show hosts Dave Barrett and Johnny Pace, but his group at TX Pro Lake and Bass Brigade are raising funds to get more youth involved with freshwater biology, and into the great outdoors. Give a listen to Steven in this episode!

Dave and JP dive deep into the eventful turkey season the Pro Talk Outdoors and "In A Rut" team has had in 2019. They go full access on Dave's three missed birds, an incredible reaping hunt, JP's back to back opening day triumphs, and how ANYBODY can get a case of the 'yips'. These regular dudes share once again how regular they really are.

Cragg Fitz of Trained Assassins spent some time with Dave and JP to talk about turkey hunting tactics that he employs regardless of the time of season, or location he hunts. Most of the episode, however, centered on the impact that season dates can have on individual locations, and even the effect of periodically shifting those dates can have on bird population, and hunter success. Lastly, they close out explaining why every outdoorsman should be a CraggHead!

The Pro Talk Outdoors guys played host to Dr. Clifford Shipley, a biologist and veterinarian with decades of experience studying the science of four legged creatures, and their resiliency to sickness and disease. He joined the show to go in depth on bovine creatures such as deer, elk, and even cows to help understand how EHD, CWD, and other diseases can affect what outdoorsmen will experience in their lifetimes.

The Pro Talk Outdoors boys jump on the mic with former Bassmaster Classic Champion Casey Ashley. The three of them talk about how being comfortable with a body of water can make a world of difference, and how adverse conditions can level the playing field…and eliminate the advantage that locals may have. With that sort of thing in mind, Ashley discusses how much confidence he has during early season tournaments, especially with things lining up the way they are for the Tennessee River this year. Get the scoop, right here!

JP and Dave hop on the mic to go over their respective shed hunting strategies, or lack thereof. They both have ideas about what they'd like to accomplish and learn from the process, and discuss the mixed results that can often occur. To kick off the remainder of the show, they wax poetic about episodes gone by, and some of the best moments they've had on the show in their three years. Excerpts are played from Roland Martin, Chad Morgenthaler, Don Higgins, Bill Winke, and Lee and Tiffany Lakosky. Have a listen to some great stories, touching moments, and helpful tips shared in this 'Best Of' episode!

Dan Infalt is different. His approach, his style, the way he thinks about his craft…it’s all different than the average bear. Over the years Infalt has honed his ‘Hang and Hunt’ technique to fit different areas, time of season, and especially a buck’s personality. In this episode Infalt spends some time discussing how he goes about finding buck bedding locations, and what each one means based on where you find it. He is known now as the Big Buck Serial Killer, and talks about that here on Pro Talk Outdoors!

Live from the ATA Show, we had a chat with a couple old friends, and some new blood within Real World Wildlife products led to a spill on the 2019 push, and goals to make things even more 'Real World' and relatable. Their vision for the year sheds light on their pursuit to continue a strong influence on deer herd health in North America.

One of the masterminds behind "Chasing November" joined us on Pro Talk Outdoors to discuss his path directly from college that led him to moving completely into the outdoor world with his production role with Midwest Whitetail. One of the most humble, down to earth, and realistic guys you could have a chat with.

Just when you thought Don would have a quieter 2018, he found ways to make more headlines! While this time it wasn't a combined 400" in back to back hunts, but more big news on the personal side. Not only is Don adding to his role in the industry, but is broadening horizons as well. As if that wasn't enough...he's now pioneering something that's never been done before when it comes to sharing knowledge, and patterning big bucks...an on farm master class! Get the scoop first on Pro Talk Outdoors!

The Innovative Angler himself, Gary Klein hopped on the show to explain the roots of the bass fishing revolution that is Major League Fishing. Not only has this creation caught fire the last few years, but it’s now escalated the sport to a whole new level with its first tour in 2019. Don’t think for a second that they’re done there. Check it out!

We asked Deer and Deer Hunting editor Dan Schmidt to share his thoughts on when to pull an all day sit, and if they really make a difference. Dan, JP and Wyatt discuss whether its quality over quantity, or a mixture of both that creates the best recipe for success in the whitetail woods. Have a listen to see if you find your style in the methods discussed.

Does the rut start based on daylight, temperature, or the exact same time it started last year? To jump into the age old question, we thought no better guy to ask than Gordon Whittington of North American Whitetail! Whittington shares with us his thoughts on the subject, and how he came to believe those things over years in the woods all across the country. Engaging thought processes, and even some tips on how to choose your vacation days wisely, and make the most of time afield. What a brain to pick on the most controversial subject of all.

Nick Mundt of Bone Collector shares a bit about his Western Guiding beginnings, and how a regular joe should go about getting himself on a hunt of a lifetime on that side of the Mississippi.

The boys 'Dive Deep' with local hunter Jason Campbell, who is taking on a brand new challenge of all public land whitetail hunting in 2018. Campbell shares all the lessons he's learned so far, and how he's tackling this big change.

Jason Matzinger of Into High Country comes on Pro Talk Outdoors to chat about all things outdoor, the great species out west, and his recent projects.

TSSA President Glen Mayhew and board member, and Realtree Outdoors giant David Blanton join Wyatt and JP to delve into the most important topic in all of hunting...treestand safety, as well as go over some staggering numbers that may make you think twice.