SPYPOINT Podcast

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You put months of work into finally hanging your tag on that buck of a lifetime. In the aftermath you're so caught up in showing him off to your buddies and getting him to the taxidermist and processor that you don't take the time to get some good photos with your deer. It doesn't just happen to you. Lots of hunters do this every year. The truth is you only have one shot to capture the photos and videos you want to remember this day and this hunt. A little bit of forethought, and a little bit of deliberate planning can help you capture the images that will help you tell your story for years to come. Aaron Morgan of ICT Creative makes a living capturing moments in photos. He shares with us some tips to capture better photos so you aren't left regretting making poor choices made in a rush for years to come. We also talk about what it takes to break into the outdoor industry as a photographer, and misconceptions people have about it. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but it's all good stuff that hopefully you can put to use this fall!Aaron Morgan (@aaron.m.morgan) • Instagram photos and videos ICT Creative (@ict_creative_group) • Instagram photos and videosICT Creative | Content Creation | Marketing (ictcreativegroup.com)Project SPYPOINThttps://www.facebook.com/spypoint https://www.instagram.com/spypointcamera/https://twitter.com/SpypointCamera https://www.youtube.com/c/Spypoint

Deer season is here, and as we start to fill our tags we are left with venison we need to get processed and into the freezer. Have you thought about doing your own, but don't know where to start? Think you don't have the tools or skills you need to get it done? We're talking turning deer into venison on this episode!Hunters already know the name Outdoor Edge, and we have Will Morgan, Marketing Director from Outdoor Edge on this episode of the podcast to talk about all things processing. Will grew up in Wisconsin as part of a family that owned a restaurant and hunted. So he's been breaking down game for as long as he can remember. He's got tips, mistakes to avoid, and even shares his most underrated cut of venison that you should probably be putting to use. If you've put off processing your own deer, this episode tells you where to start. If you've been doing it yourself for a while, there's probably still a few tips and tricks tucked in here that you can benefit from. Welcome to deer season on the SPYPOINT Podcast!www.outdooredge.comProject SPYPOINThttps://www.facebook.com/spypoint https://www.instagram.com/spypointcamera/https://twitter.com/SpypointCamera https://www.youtube.com/c/Spypoint

As the Editor of Deer & Deer Hunting magazine Dan Schmidt has seen a lot over the years. We spray to all fields in this conversation with Dan and get a little controversial!As the 2022/23 hunting season is opening up across the country, we talk about the general outlook for deer hunters across the country and what they may be able to expect in the woods this fall from what we are hearing. From there, we take a different approach than usual. While everyone is looking for those hidden gems to go chase a big buck, we talk about those locations that are living on legacy and end up being an overrated hunting destination. Any guesses? Finally, we get Dan's take on the trail camera bans we are starting to see creep up around the country for both cellular and non-cellular trail cameras. As always, it's an informative, fun conversation that any deer hunter can enjoy. 

September is just around the corner and that means seasons are about to open. If you have last-minute things to get done before season you're starting to run out of time. When it comes to pre-season habitat improvements and strategy, Steven Fuller of The Huntin' Grounds is one of the best, and he joins us to talk about a wide variety of subjects with hunting season bearing down on us. From the extreme drought in parts of the Midwest, to the progression of The Huntin' Grounds with five years of habitat improvement, to the last-minute things you can still do to improve your hunting season, Steven and Trent touch on it all. Are you getting anxious yet? Season is almost here! 

On this episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast we are joined by Justin Martin. Many of you probably know Justin as the General Manager at Duck Commander. In addition to his duties there, Justin has his own YouTube channel and social media following and stays active in the industry in many capacities, including his partnership with Academy. Justin has a lot going on at the moment preparing for the arrival of twins, in addition to everything else going on. We talk about balancing fatherhood with outdoor pursuits, how to take your duck hunting to the next level, and what it's really like inside the walls at Duck Commander. If you don't know Justin, this is a great way to get to know him, and if you do, you should enjoy this quite a bit! 

We're in the dog days of summer, and while we are ready for the cooler days of spring, seasons don't always open with the frosty mornings we would like. With Kevin in Florida, and Michael in Georgia, the Backwoods Life guys are more accustomed than most to hunting in the heat. We talk about special considerations for early season or warm-weather hunts, how to handle venison in those conditions, what they have coming up for this fall, and a host of other things. Welcome to the latest SPYPOINT Podcast!

Dustin Sanchez of Real Avid is a gun nut and knows a lot when it comes to the firearms industry.With fall rapidly approaching, now is the time to start shooting your rifles and shotguns. Dustin brings a lot of great tips to the podcast when it comes to becoming a better shot, utilizing your optics and taking care of your firearm during the offseason.You may want to have a pen and paper handy as there are a lot of good takeaways from this episode that everyone can utilize!Dustin also gives a peek into some of the new and exciting things Real Avid has in store for 2022!Enjoy the latest SPYPOINT podcast, and if you are looking for even more content, visit www.spypoint.com/projectTo see more on Dustin and Real Avid, visit www.realavid.com

Summer has arrived and so has the time to start setting trail cameras for the season. Trent Marsh and Tanner Cherney sit down and talk all about trail camera tips, tricks and best practices.With antlers starting to grow, food plots emerging and the countdown to bow season looming in the back of everyone's minds; now is the time to get your trail cams out to see what is on your property.A few simple maintenances tips can go a long way regarding your trail camera's performance. Grab a pen and paper, as we hope there are a few takeaways that will keep your camera running at its peak throughout the coming season!We hope you enjoy the latest episode of The SPYPOINT Podcast.

It hasn't always been The Wild Initiative, but when Sam Ayers picked up and moved from California to Montana, the old name didn't seem to fit anymore. So, like Sam does, he made a change. Now, living outside of Havre, those who knew him 10 years ago would hardly recognize the podcast and knive-making empire he has built. We cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. From getting settled in his new place, to starting trapping, getting really into blademaking, and a lot more. Sam is one of the most unique and interesting people in the outdoor media space, so talking to him is always a pleasure. This is one you don't want to miss! 

Curt Geier and the crew at Working Class Bowhunter are no strangers to podcasting. With over 500 shows under their belt since 2015 and weekly shows, they are one of the originals in hunting podcasts.With winter behind us we have the opportunity to sit back and talk about the consumer show grind and where Working Class Bowhunter has been in the past 4 months and where you can see them coming up. We also spend a good amount of time on what we think hunters are messing up in today's times and how important goal setting is when it comes to future hunts.  Curt gives us some great information on making a hunt happen and not sitting back with the mindset of dreaming instead of justndoing.Enjoy the latest SPYPOINT podcast, and if you are looking for even more content, visit www.spypoint.com/projectTo see more on the Working Class Bowhunter, visit www.workingclassbowhunter.com

When Melissa Bachman burst onto the outdoor scene, she quickly gained a reputation as one of the hardest working people in the industry. Over the years she has built an incredible fan following and constantly delivers some of the best outdoor television you can find. It's always fun to talk to Melissa, and after we caught up at ATA I knew we had to get her on the podcast. First, her and Ben had an incredible brown bear hunt on Kodiak. Full draw on a brown bear at four yards, and that isn't even the craziest part of the story!The other? Coyote popsicles. Sorry, not going to explain that one, you'll just have to listen. We also touch on an issue that has been very important to Melissa, and one that I take very seriously: Hunter retention. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but it goes fast. Welcome to the latest episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast. 

Roger Raglin is an industry legend that requires no introduction for most anyone that has paid attention to outdoor entertainment over the last four decades. As a pioneer of outdoor film and television, Roger has been a staple of the modern hunting industry since it began. A big part of what has made Roger so successful and led to his longevity in and industry that is notorious for fast risers and even faster falls, is his ability to tell a story that keeps the audience wanting more. We wanted to have Roger on the podcast to tell some of those stories, and to put the current state of the industry in context, since there are few people who have been part of it since the current version started in the late 80s and early 90s. As with any conversation with Roger, the stories are fun, and you don't have to listen too close to learn something. In the end, you come away with a smile on your face and an appreciation for the memories and stories that the outdoors can provide when you approach it with the good humor and humility that Roger does. Enjoy the latest SPYPOINT Podcast, and if you are looking for even more content, visit www.spypoint.com/projectTo see more of what Roger has to offer visit www.rogerraglin.com or www.rogerraglinchannel.com

Spring is officially here, even if the weather across the country isn't making it feel like it. Chances are, you're already thinking about your habitat improvements for this year. In this episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast, we talk to Josh Pretzer about what he has in store for his farm, recap last year's hunting season, and get caught up in a half dozen other things as well. Of note, we talk about the implications and fallout of rising fertilizer prices, how Josh is dealing with them from the perspective of a farmer, and what you can be doing to prepare as well. As usually happens when Trent and Josh get talking, the conversation wanders around quite a bit, from camera strategy, habitat strategy, and scouting philosophy, to talking about old deer and even answering some questions from the SPYPOINT audience. Check out the latest episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast, and let us know if there's something else we should have asked Josh! 

In this episode we talk to National Director of Conservation Services for the National Wild Turkey Federation, Mark Hatfield. We caught up with Mark just as he was coming out of the Convention and Expo in Nashville. Attendance was strong for the expo, and in addition, the NWTF launched the Help the Yelp campaign to recruit more members to NWTF to help support ongoing conservation and research programs. We also spent a good bit of time talking about habitat issues we are seeing with turkeys, and the decline we are seeing for turkeys in a good portion of the country. As with most issues like this, there is no one magic bullet to resolve the issues or that is causing the decline, rather it is a confluence of many factors that are bringing turkey numbers down from the post-recovery peak. Mark and Trent talk about misconceptions in turkey habitat needs, improvements, predator and nest raider stress, and much, much more. Enjoy the latest episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast, and check out the Help the Yelp campaign from the NWTF. Join us in Conservation (nwtf.org) SPYPOINTProject SPYPOINT

Ralph, Vicki, and RJ Cianciarulo join the SPYPOINT Podcast to talk about all they have going on these days. The last year or two has been crazy for a lot of us, but even more so for the crew of The Choice. Fans will remember at the end of last year illness hit the whole team hard and prevented them from attending the trade shows. This came on the heels of moving the entire family and operation out of Illinois to Colorado. We cover all of that, and so much more on this episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast. 

Carrie Zylka, host of the HuntFishTravel Podcast joins us (finally) to talk about a recent three-state, three-day trip chasing great ice fishing in the upper-Midwest. Cell service and weather issues delayed getting the podcast recorded! Carrie had planned to hit popular ice fishing destinations in South and North Dakota, as well as Minnesota at Lake of the Woods. As is often the case, things didn't go exactly as planned, but we go over the recap of what SHOULD have been an epic trip that you could make too. From there we go into travel in general, as well as some of the best hunting and fishing destinations, common mistakes people make when traveling, and lots more. Enjoy this crossover episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast with the host of The HuntFishTravel podcast, Carrie Zylka! 

As hunting seasons start to wind down, a lot of people take to the woods for trapping during the off season. A lot of technologies in the hunting industry have changed drastically over the last few decades, trapping on the other hand has stayed relatively true to its roots.Charlie Masheck & Justin Jett from Hoosier Trapper Supply join Brian on this episode to talk about the state of the trapping industry, common mistakes, tips and much more! This is one of those episodes you'll want to listen to as you are going to set your trap lines!For more information about Hoosier Trapper Supply, you can visit https://hoosiertrappersupply.com/. 

November is a time for deer camps, friends, family, and thanks. Brian and Billy might not be family, but they might as well be. They've spent as much time in blinds and stands and trucks together as just about any two guys could. Since we've arrived at that time of the year where we all like to tell stories about our best day in the woods, our favorite hunt, or maybe even the one that got away, we thought it would be nice to hear from the guys, just telling stories and remember fun days in the field. Enjoy the latest episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast

Peterson Outdoor Ministries is a non-profit organization committed to serving our injured and recovering veterans by getting them into the outdoors through hunting and fishing. Tron Peterson founded Peterson Outdoor Ministries in 2006, and has since expanded to include Lodge of Hope. The mission for POM is pretty clear, provide our veterans a place and opportunity to promote their healing by being in the outdoors. Listen to Tron talk about all their initiatives, where they are active, and how you can help serve those who have served on our behalf. As a bonus, we get a few good hunting stories thrown in as well. For more information about all that Peterson Outdoor Ministries is doing, you can visit https://petersonoutdoors.org/. 

While you might not know it, Toyota is active and committed to promoting hunting, fishing, and conservation. As active members of multiple outdoor writer organizations and sponsors of outdoor communicator scholarships, Toyota is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to supporting outdoor enthusiasts. Curt McAllister joins us to talk about those projects, as well as others, along with touching on the new Toyota Tundra recently unveiled. If you've been paying attention, you also know that Toyota and SPYPOINT are working together on the #HuntingRigRoadtrip. Take a listen and get a fresh perspective on everything Toyota is doing to promote our outdoor passions, and visit www.spypoint.com/roadtrip to see the details of the Toyota Tundra we're giving away! 

September is Tree Stand Safety Awareness Month. As hunters return to the field, or are about to, making sure you are able to stay safe when you leave the ground is critical for having a successful season. Tree stand safety has evolved a great deal in the last couple decades, as many things have in the outdoor industry. HSS has played a huge part in modernizing the tree stand safety harness, and in making it a valuable tool for the hunter, rather than just a hinderance they try to avoid using. John talks about his own tree stand accident, how the HSS vest came to be, and why tree stand safety and advocacy is so important to him. Of course, John is also a hunter, so we talk about plans for the fall, and new products from the HSS family. If you've never heard the John's story, about how Hunter Safety System came to be, it's a great listen. Welcome to the latest edition of the SPYPOINT Podcast. 

August is National Shooting Sports Month, and with hunting seasons just around the corner there is no better time to introduce someone new to the shooting sports and all the different facets and forms that can take. Justin Morrissey, Manager of Social Media for the NSSF, joins Brian on this episode of the podcast to talk about National Shooting Sports Month, as well as the other ongoing initiatives the NSSF has to promote recruitment, education, and responsible gun ownership. In case you think all the NSSF has going on is SHOT Show, we'll bring you up to speed with programs like +One, Project ChildSafe, Fix NICS, and more. Of course, with fall approaching we'll talk about the upcoming seasons as well! 

HHA Sports is a on the cutting edge of archery accessory design and technology, and we are thrilled to have Chris Hamm, Co-Owner and VP of Operations of HHA Sports on the podcast to talk about everything going on at HHA. After starting with just one product, HHA has become a category and industry leader, with 17 straight years as the customer's favorite single-pin bow sight. How they got here, where they're headed next, and more on the latest episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast!

Angling has exploded during COVID as people look to get back outside, and Josh Lantz shares fish stories, and the latest trends from the world of angling. Josh Lantz of Traditions Media works with some of the biggest names in the industry for both hunting and fishing, but with ICast just around the corner, and the best fishing of the year happening right now Josh joins us to talk about the latest trends he's seeing, new products in the space, and of course he and Brian are sharing fish stories. From river smallmouth in the Midwest, to tarpon in in Florida, the guys are talking all kinds of fishing, gear, trends and trips to get you pumped for a summer of fishing! 

Camp Chef is one of the most iconic names in outdoor cooking equipment. They've been around forever and have brought some incredible products to the market. From camp stoves and grills to pellet smokers and pizza ovens, Camp Chef has almost anything you could think of when it comes to cooking in your backyard or the great outdoors. Steve joins Brian to talk about the company, the products and some of his favorite recipes as we get into the meat (pun intended) of the grilling season. Sit back, relax, and listen, and you can almost smell the food cooking and hear the sizzle of fat on the griddle! 

Spring means food plots are on everyone's mind, and the questions this time show it!You guys drive the bus on what we talk about in the Ask Me Anything series with Josh Pretzer, and it's pretty clear what you all are thinking about these days, food plots! From tips for first timers, to the best all-around food plot for deer and turkeys, Josh and Collin are talking about a little bit of everything for plots. It isn't just advice about what to plant in your food plot though, the guys also talk about some things that can ruin food plots. How big a factor is vehicle intrusion? How can food plots and feral hogs coexist? It's a busy time on the farm, but Josh is always here to answer your questions and give whatever advice he can to help make sure you're on the right path for your own Building Whitetails journey. 

Joe Henry, Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, joins Brian to talk about some of the challenges Lake of the Woods has dealt with in the last year with the border closing, the ice road they built, and how they've managed to overcome many challenges. They also spend time talking about the great fishing opportunities Lake of the Woods has to offer, and the other things you can enjoy while visiting the northern-most point of the contiguous United States. 

Everyone knows about clover and soybeans, but are there other food plots you should consider? Lindsay Thomas of the National Deer Association joins Brian to talk about that and more. Lindsay Thomas has been with the National Deer Association since it started, following many years there when it was the QDMA. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to habitat management for deer, and he joins Brian to talk about some of the less common food items you can plant that will benefit deer, but also benefit other species as well. Lindsay brings a unique perspective on how to hunt those food plots,  how to shape them, and how to think about those resources that deer use. Enjoy the latest episode of The SPYPOINT Podcast, and don't forget to share your feedback in the comments section as well. 

Welcome to the latest addition to the SPYPOINT Podcast Channel, Ask Me Anything with Josh Pretzer!Every month we will be going live with Josh Pretzer of Building Whitetails to field your questions about the latest episode of Building Whitetails, along with anything else you want to know about farming, hunting, habitat management, fatherhood or anything else you can think of. This month we get into how many acres you need to really develop a whitetail management plan, tips for placing your trail cameras this time of year, how to work and collaborate with neighbors that also hunt, mineral supplements for deer hunting and much more. You'll be able to catch the audio from every month's AMA, here, or be sure to follow us on IG or Facebook to jump in and ask your own questions. 

The single-season turkey hunting grand slam is no easy feat, doing it in 36 hours? Is that even possible? John Cassimus is going to find out. John Cassimus, host of Darn Hungry joins Brian for this episode of The SPYPOINT Podcast to talk about his upcoming attempt to set a record for the fastest grand slam in turkey hunting history, with a target time of 36 hours! John is building an entire campaign around his attempt, raising funds for the the NWTF, and giving away tons of prizes for people who donate to the campaign, Donations will also enter you for tiered prize giveaways. John shares where to learn more, how to follow along, and why this is so important to him.  You can learn more at www.under36.com With the turkey hunting talk out of the way, the guys switch over to talking about another one of John's passions; food! Everything from how Darn Hungry came to be, to wild game cooking tips, and pointers for the home chef. 

Brian is joined by Josh Pretzer, host of Building Whitetails in this episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast. Josh had an incredible fall, tagging a buck he called Goal Post, and his wife was able to take a great deer as well, even with limited time to hunt. The guys talk about putting a wrap on the first year of the video series they each host, what they learned, how response has been, and what is coming in the next year. 

Many of us dream of elk or mule deer hunts out west, but with so many different regulations and tag systems, it can be daunting to try to figure out how to get started and make our western hunting dreams a reality. Eastmans' is the authority on western big game hunting, and Brandon Mason has been at the forefront of making information on state outlooks and draw odds available for all those hunters that want to come to the west in pursuit of big game. Brian and Brandon talk about some great hunts they've had, management challenges in the west, and where to look for good information about getting your tags for a hunt. 

Roger Sigler joins Brian on this episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast to talk about all things shed hunting. Roger has been one of the pioneers of competitive shed hunting, dog training, and has really helped bring the art of shed hunting and training shed dogs into the mainstream. As we get deeper into winter and bucks start to cast off their antlers, this is what we have to look forward to until the gobblers start sounding off! 

Brian is joined by Kent Weil, longtime outdoor writer and trapper from Illinois to talk about all things trapping. Have you been thinking about getting started in trapping but aren't sure where to start? Been trapping for a while but always looking for new information? Brian and Kent have you covered!

Brian visits with Melissa Bachman, host of Winchester's Deadly Passion. As we move into December, and the rut is behind most of us, they talk about the great hunting that can still exist, what to key on in the late season, and what gear can keep you comfortable when the worst weather of the year bears down. Trading stories, sharing tips, and remembering great hunts, it's another great episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast!

Brian is joined by Darren Choate, Editor of Bowhunting World on this episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast. Brian and Darren trade hunting stories, talk about memorable hunts, and where in the industry is in terms of advancement and innovation.

Brian is joined by Dan Schmidt, Editor of Deer & Deer Hunting to talk all things hunting as seasons are essentially open across the country at this point. Join Brian and Dan to get your hunting fix as you head to the stand yourself this season, and make it your most successful yet.

Glen Mayhew, President of the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation joins the SPYPOINT Podcast to talk about September being Tree Safety Awareness month, common excuses and misconceptions about tree stand safety, resources of the TSSA, and more on this episode of the SPYPOINT Podcast.

Brian chats with Kinion Bankston of the well-known social platform, Southern Boyz Outdoors. Kinion has built one of the biggest social media followings in the entire outdoor industry by sharing his experiences in the Louisiana swamps and across the country. Brian and Kinion go back a ways, so there's no shortage of things to talk about as Kinion gives us an insight to what life in the swamp is really all about.

Steven Fuller of The Huntin' Grounds joins the podcast to talk land and habitat management. Steven brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, with degrees in the field and years of experience. Brian and Steven talk about what can still be done this year, planning plots and stands to work together, and how to develop a plan to draw and hold deer.

Summer is here, let’s get on the water. Brian has GameChangers co-host Billy Lawson and Kinion Bankston of Southern Boyz Outdoors to talk bowfishing. Bowfishing is one of the fastest growing parts of hunting and fishing, in no small part because it’s a blend of the two. From carp and gar in the Midwest, to alligator gar and redfish in Louisiana, and mahi and gators in Florida, Brian, Billy, and Kinion are telling stories, sharing tips, and having a laugh.

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo chat with host Brian Stephens about the impact of COVID-19 on hunting television, outfitters, and hunters in general. With that out of the way, they talk about some of their favorite hunts, as well as how to choose a good outfitter for a bear hunt. They also share knowledge from their more than 40 years in the outdoors about how to judge bears, and how to have a successful hunt.

Dr. James Kroll, also known as Dr. Deer joins the SPYPOINT Podcast to talk about the impact doe health has on the overall herd, huge food plot mistakes you might be making, and how to approach making a plan for land and herd management.

This month on the SPYPOINT Podcast we're talking to Josh Pretzer, whose new series Building Whitetails, dives into the topic of habitat and land management on his farm in Kansas. Brian and Josh cover a lot of ground in how to think about land management, including the importance of does, common misconceptions, and how to know when to head to the woods to hunt the fruits of your labor.

Brian Stephens talks to Michael Lee of Backwoods Life about the upcoming turkey season, and the fun that comes from chasing birds all across the country. To check out Michael Lee and all of the stuff the Backwoods Life Crew is up to check out their social media! www.Facebook.com/BackwoodsLife www.Twitter.com/BackwoodsLife www.Instagram.com/BackwoodsLifeTV www.YouTube.com/TheBackwoodsLife https://my.roku.com/add/BACKWOODSLIFE

Brian Stephens, host of the SPYPOINT Podcast, talks to Mike Stroff of Savage Outdoors and The One. As a respected guide and successful outfitter, Stroff has unique perspective on this time of year and how to prepare for the upcoming hunting season.