Turkey season is close enough you can feel it — and for Dave Owens, that means one thing: Nashville is coming.

In this episode, I’m joined (again) by Dave Owens of The Pinhoti Project as we get honest about the chaos that hits when the NWTF Convention countdown starts. From camera gremlins and editing panic mode to the real mental pressure of stepping onto the biggest stage in turkey calling, Dave breaks down what most people never see: the work, the nerves, and the tiny details that can make—or break—a run.

We also dive deep into the art and science of competition calling, including:

Why Dave doesn’t “over-practice” (and how bad habits sneak in)

Sorting through piles of calls to find “the one” (and why even champions do it)

Scenario format in Nashville: what it is, why it matters, and what judges are really listening for

The hardest calls to nail under pressure — and why the clock can wreck your head

Who’s knocking on the door in 2026 (and why the talent pool is deeper than ever)

Then the conversation turns to what this whole thing is really about: people. We talk about the KT Team, purpose in the outdoors, and how turkey hunting can be genuinely life-giving. We also pause to acknowledge losses in the turkey world — including Billy Buice — and why it adds urgency to capturing the stories and preserving the culture.

A fun, honest, and meaningful pre-season check-in with one of the best to ever do it.

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