We have a returning guest on the show today—Zak Slagle, a biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources—and we’re talking all things smallmouth bass on Lake Erie.

We get into some really cool stuff from the latest research, like how these fish move throughout the seasons and what tracking studies are starting to reveal. Zak also breaks down spawning habits, genetic connectivity, and how invasive round goby have changed the game for smallmouth.

We couldn’t help but talk about chasing trophy smallmouth, plus what climate change might mean for the future of the fishery and conservation efforts going forward.

If you’re into fishing this podcast is for you!

On today’s episode, we’ve got returning guest Mark Wiley from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

We get into the multi-state turkey study, now in year four, and Mark shares some of the cool stuff they’re starting to learn about turkey movement and survival. We also talk about the recent cicada hatch and what that might mean for turkey populations.

Mark gives his take on the outlook for the 2026 spring season—what hunters should expect—and breaks down some of the proposed changes for the fall turkey season.

If you’re into turkey hunting or wildlife in general this podcast is for you.

Today we’re joined by Jared McLellan, Consulting Forester with Anundson and O’Barto and a graduate of Hocking College. Jared holds degrees in both Forest Management and Wildlife Management.

This episode pairs perfectly with the Grouse Initiative podcast released on March 15th, diving deeper into how thoughtful forest management impacts both landowners and wildlife.

Jared shares key insights for landowners considering a timber harvest—covering forest health, property goals, and timing—while also explaining how proper forest management benefits wildlife.

If you’re passionate about the outdoors or managing your property, this episode is for you.

I can remember when a day hunting in the woods almost guaranteed you’d flush a few grouse. 

Today, things look very different. Grouse numbers have declined across much of their range, and in many places the opportunity to hunt them has disappeared altogether.

In this episode, we’re joined by Cody Altizer and Erich Long from the “Give for Grouse Initiative”. They’re working to raise awareness and support for habitat restoration and conservation efforts aimed at bringing grouse populations back where they belong.

We talk about what’s happened to the grouse population in Ohio and across other states—and why the decline isn’t caused by just one issue. Cody and Erich also share what landowners can do to improve habitat on their property, and how everyday sportsmen and women can make a difference.

If you care about wildlife, forests, and the future of upland hunting, this podcast is for you.

Every year, the list of invasive plants continues to grow. In some cases, plants and trees planted years ago are now considered invasive . Have you ever wondered, what the average homeowner can do to stop the spread of evasive plants. Today, we interview Amber Stilwell. She is a recognized expert through the Pennsylvania Sea Grant and Penn State extension, specializing in Coastal Out Reach and Watershed Management. Amber answers our questions and offers solutions on removing evasive plants from your property. We discuss the tools available in identifying the culprits. Practicing safe removal guidelines to avoid spreading seeds or rhizomes and choosing native alternatives. If you are interested in learning more about invasive plants and how to replace them, this podcast is for you.

It’s considered the off season, but many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy this time of year. It is one of our favorites. We like the off season, scouting and antler shed hunting opportunities it provides. Today, we interview Tony Sanglisona from Drawn Archery. Tony explains why he enjoys the off season. He gets into detail about the importance of off season scouting. He shares a couple of secrets that resulted in a successful fall hunt. Also, we learn about Shed hunting strategies that everyone can use. If you are interested in the great outdoors this podcast is for you. Thanks for listening and remember to like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

This year, one of our goals is to catch steelhead through the ice. Winter of 2026 seems to be lining up for good ice. Today, our guest is Mike Durkalec. Mike’s full time job is Aquatic Biologist for the Cleveland Metroparks. He is a well known Great Lakes angler. One of his passions is catching salmonid through the ice. In this detailed interview, we get into everything from where and how to find fish in Great Lake harbors, to essential equipment. As with any ice fishing, safety first. No ice is safe, so please be careful. Hopefully, after listening to this podcast you can get out and catch some chrome through the ice. Remember to like, subscribe and follow us on facebook and instagram. Thanks for listening!

In October of 2025, I had the opportunity to join Matt Wolfe and his crew at Pymatuning Lake. Matt is a biologist with the ODNR and has taken part in fish surveys for 20 years. On that day, he and his crew were conducting a panfish survey. We visited several netting sites around the lake, recording each fish captured. The fall of that year, standardized fish surveys were taking place across the state. Scientific findings and public input aid in managing a fishery. Matt goes into detail on how Ohio does it . If you love to fish, this podcast is for you

Ohio’s North Coast, known as “Steelhead Alley” has become a favorite destination for anglers across the country. Many of the diehard steelhead anglers we spoke with expressed concern over the number of fish in our streams. As with most fishing related issues it’s complicated and a combination of several factors. Today, our guest is Curt Wagner from the ODNR. We discuss Ohio’s steelhead program the past, present and future. Curt explains in detail what happened in the last few years that might have affected the return rate. Also, he shares insight for the bright future plans for the program. It’s a very interesting podcast any angler will enjoy!

On this Podcast Chris and Don review 2025 and look to the new year. They discuss many of the good things, including the reintroduction of Lake Sturgeon and Steelhead into the Cuyahoga River; the exceptional fishing on Lake Erie and a successful deer season. Some challenges in 2025, the EHD outbreak and the drought conditions to name a few. However, overall 2025 was good and we look forward to 2026. Wishing all our listeners a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This podcast can be found on all the major platforms.