Today I welcome Gene Schoen to the podcast. I met Gene when I lived in Michigan for work. I met him due to me and a buddy leasing some land to hunt on that bordered his. He invited us over for breakfast at his "off-grid" cabin and it was there that I learned there was a lot more to Gene than just hunting. Gene is a great hunter and fisherman but also an accomplished taxidermist. Did I mention a retired shop teacher? I enjoyed getting to know Gene over my time in Michigan and we had some great times hanging out in his taxidermy shop drinking some beers.

Andrew Brown is my guest for this episode. I met Andy last year traveling with Ford. We are both long-time Ford employees but had never crossed paths until last year. Andy's story telling and experiences are second to none. As soon as I found out he was a hunter I knew I had to get him on. Andy is from Nebraska and had some great life experiences to talk about along with his hunting stories!

Presley Lannon joined me on this episode and I believe you will truly love hearing from Presley. He is only 16 years of age but already an accomplished fisherman. Presley was everything I expected with his overall attitude and demeanor towards the outdoors. Anyone who wants to begin their bass fishing journey, you will find this conversation interesting. I believe we will be hearing about Presley in the world of professional bass fishing in the future!

I encourage you to follow Presley on his following social media channels at:

Facebook: Presley Lannon

Instagram: @lannon_fishing

If you are interested in coming on please reach out to me by messaging me on Facebook through the Average Joe's Outdoor Stories group page.

Thank you!

My wonderful wife Christina is a Rockstar! We visited the 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, TN for her birthday weekend.

I'm ready to go for 2023.

My guest for this episode is David Spaulding owner and operator of Harpeth River Kennels.  I have gotten to know Dave over the years through mutual friends at the Tennessee River/Kentucky Lake.  After listening you will probably do anything you can to find a farm to visit and go duck hunting with family, friends and dogs!  His passion is contagious when he speaks about his farm and dogs. Please give Harpeth River Kennels a follow on Instagram and Facebook. More information can be found here: https://www.harpethriverkennels.com/

My guest for this episode is Russ Dubke a union pipefitter born and raised in Michigan.  I met Russ a couple of years ago while hunting some land that borders his. It was easy to tell when I first met him that he lives and breathes deer hunting.  He is also a family man who has rededicated himself to a healthy lifestyle.  His passion about his family, hunting and fitness is worthy of a listen.

In this episode I am joined by Matt Clarey who is a Tennessee Wildlife Resource Officer.  Matt is an avid outdoorsmen who grew up in Michigan but moved to Tennessee in his teenage years.  Matt is married with two children and gets his workouts in by participating in the Highland Games. His work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency encompasses a variety of different topics such as Hunter Education, Boating Safety and programs to recruit new people to the outdoors!  

The Average Joe this week is David Hurst.  I got to know Dave through a mutual friend of ours and a few hunting trips we took together.  Dave is a dedicated father and husband who loves to hunt.  Yes he still loves it; even after experiencing everything in the episode title! 

In this episode my guest is my good friend Kit Peden.  Kit is married with two sons that are wild and crazy as he was growing up.  Kit's experiences are definite life lessons that I know I'll never forget.  You'll have to tune in to find out which ones I'm talking about, but they revolve around a soda bottle and a boat.