Minnesota's Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program has helped conservation organizations put millions of dollars directly into habitat projects across the state. But a major change to the program could leave much of rural Minnesota on the outside looking in.

In this episode of **Down the Barrel**, Jimmy, Deno and Jared break down what the CPL program is, where the money comes from, how organizations like the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association use these grants, and why the new geographic restrictions are raising serious concerns for hunters and conservationists across Greater Minnesota.

MDHA alone has used CPL funding to complete roughly 140 habitat projects representing millions of dollars in habitat work and tens of thousands of acres across Minnesota. These aren't projects designed to fund an organization's operating budget—they are locally driven conservation projects that require matching funds, documentation and reimbursement for actual habitat work.

The guys discuss why MDHA believes Minnesota can—and should—continue investing in metro-area habitat **without sacrificing conservation projects throughout the rest of the state**. They also explain how these projects support more than wildlife by putting money into local contractors, businesses and rural communities.

The message is simple: **Conservation shouldn't stop at the metro line.**

The episode also covers MDHA's new petition calling for statewide CPL opportunities to be restored and why hunters, conservationists and rural Minnesotans need to make their voices heard.

Then the conversation shifts gears to Game Fair, the Arctic Cat Prowler and FLOE CargoMax giveaway, MDHA's Education Raffle, the 50 BMG giveaway, upcoming chapter events—and, naturally, plenty of the usual Down the Barrel banter.

**CPL funding comes from Minnesotans. Habitat opportunities should benefit Minnesotans across the entire state.**

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhutners.com)

First Call (www.firstcall211.net)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Can hunters have an honest conversation about Chronic Wasting Disease without all the shouting? We think so.

In this episode of Down the Barrel, Jimmy, Dean, and Jared sit down for a campfire-style discussion about one of the most controversial topics in deer hunting—Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). None of us are scientists, and we don't pretend to have all the answers. We're simply three Minnesota hunters talking through the questions, concerns, and opinions that many hunters have but don't always feel comfortable discussing.

We discuss the new 2026 CWD testing strategy, why the DNR is changing its approach, whether mandatory testing makes sense, the debate over feeding and attractant bans, concerns about future regulations, and why continued research is important—even when the answers aren't always clear.

Along the way we also touch on:

Minnesota's new CWD testing program.

What we know—and don't know—about the disease.

Why misinformation exists on all sides.

How CWD could impact the future of deer hunting.

The importance of asking questions without attacking each other.

A few updates on the 2026 hunting regulations and what's happening at Game Fair.

Whether you agree with us or not, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment and join the conversation. Hunting is stronger when hunters can respectfully discuss the issues that matter most.

BTYB:

MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

This week on Down the Barrel, Jimmy, Deno, and Jared welcome back Craig Niemi of Minnesota Fishing Encounters Guide Service for an entertaining conversation packed with fishing knowledge, guide stories, and plenty of laughs. Craig shares decades of experience guiding on Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish, including where to find trophy walleyes, muskies, crappies, pike, and panfish throughout the season.

The crew discusses why northern pike deserve more respect at the dinner table, favorite fish recipes, fishing after dark for giant walleyes, introducing kids to fishing, and how today's technology—especially forward-facing sonar—is changing the future of the sport. Along the way, they swap stories about memorable catches, local resorts, conservation, hunting, and, as always, wander off into a few hilarious rabbit holes.

Whether you're chasing your first muskie, looking for better walleye tactics, or just enjoy hanging out with a few outdoorsmen around the microphone, this episode is full of practical tips, honest opinions, and classic Down the Barrel banter.

BTYB:

MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

The guys are back after a busy start to summer with another July BS Session, catching everyone up on what's happening across MDHA, MNBOW, and Down the Barrel.

This episode covers the launch of MDHA's brand-new Huntin' & Haulin' Sweepstakes, featuring a new Arctic Cat Prowler XT paired with a Floe trailer, plus the limited-edition HM Defense .50 BMG Sweepstakes celebrating America's 250th birthday.

The conversation also dives into preparations for the upcoming Roger Up Veterans Hunts, including new food plots, Mossberg rifle donations, plans for permanent elevated hunting blinds, and ways listeners can help support the program.

The crew previews several upcoming events including:

Game Fair

The Full Draw Film Tour at Rapids Brewing

The new MNBOW Hunting League

Fall chapter banquets and county fairs

They also discuss why fundraising is critical to supporting habitat projects, hunter education, advocacy, and protecting Minnesota's hunting heritage.

If you're wondering what's coming over the next few months, this episode is packed with updates, upcoming events, and plenty of the usual Down the Barrel banter.

BTYB:

MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

First Call For Help 211 (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Minnesota's hunting and fishing license system is changing in a big way. In this episode of Down the Barrel Podcast, we break down the new Minnesota DNR Licensing App, digital harvest validation, electronic trail passes, and what these changes mean for hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor recreation users. We discuss the benefits, possible concerns, and what you should do now before deer season arrives.

BTYB:

MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

First Call For Help 211 (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

In this episode of Down The Barrel Podcast, the guys dive into two outstanding organizations that are making a difference in the outdoor world.

First, they discuss the MDHA Forkhorn Camps, one of Minnesota's premier youth outdoor education programs, and how these camps are helping pass our hunting heritage on to the next generation.

They also recap their experience at the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) Summit held in Hugo, Minnesota, where they spent several days connecting with outdoor writers, content creators, manufacturers, and conservation organizations from across the country. From great conversations to new friendships and exciting opportunities, the POMA event showcased the best of the outdoor industry.

Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and join Jim, Dean, and Jared as they share stories from the week and highlight two great operations that are helping keep our outdoor traditions strong.

Have a listen and learn more about the Forkhorn Program and POMA—two organizations doing great things for the future of the outdoors.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

First Call For Help 211 (www.firstcall211.net)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Not gonna lie… this one’s a bit of a filler episode because things have been absolutely nuts lately. But sometimes those turn into the best conversations. Jim, Dean, and Jared sit down to catch up, crack a few drinks, and talk through everything that’s been happening lately with MDHA and beyond.

We cover some big MDHA updates, talk about the newest chapter joining the organization, dive into the latest conversations around guns in Minnesota, and discuss the exciting partnership opportunities brewing with Arctic Cat. We also revisit the idea of putting together a Wild Game Cook Off with our good buddy Tony from.

It’s laid back, unfiltered, and exactly the kind of episode you’d expect from a few guys trying to catch their breath during a busy season. Grab a drink, hang out with us for a while, and thanks for listening to the.

BTYB:

MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

In this episode of the Down The Barrel Podcast, we sit down with Peter Lodermeier to talk about Minnesota’s T.I.P. Program — Turn In Poachers. Peter shares the history behind the organization, how it started in Minnesota back in 1980, and how volunteers across the state continue working to protect wildlife and natural resources today.

We discuss how the T.I.P. program works, how anonymous tips help conservation officers catch poachers, and the types of violations commonly reported — from overlimits of walleyes and illegal deer hunting to damage to public lands and protected species violations. Peter also explains how rewards are offered for information that leads to arrests and convictions, along with the importance of public involvement in protecting Minnesota’s outdoor heritage.

The conversation also dives into the famous “Wall of Shame” displays seen at sports shows across the state, fundraising efforts that keep T.I.P. operating independently, and some unbelievable real-world poaching stories from over the years.

If you’re passionate about hunting, fishing, conservation, and protecting the future of the outdoors, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Learn more or support the organization at:

http://www.turninpoachers.org

BTYB:

MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Down The Barrel hits a huge milestone—Episode 100—and we’re celebrating the only way we know how… with some full-auto fun.

We made a trip to Off Grid Armory to spend the day sending rounds downrange and catching up with our buddy Sam. Along the way, we dive into everything from Off Grid Suppressors and SHOT Show highlights to Sherps, gear, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. It’s loud, it’s unfiltered, and it’s exactly the kind of episode that got us here in the first place.

Reaching 100 episodes puts Down The Barrel in the top 5% of podcasts globally by longevity—and honestly, that’s pretty wild to think about.

We couldn’t have done it without all of you. Whether you’ve been listening since day one or just found us recently, thank you for the support, the laughs, and for riding along with us.

Here’s to 100 episodes down… and 100 more ahead.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Episode 99 is all about updates as the crew gears up for the big 100th episode. Jared joins remotely while sick, and the guys jump into key topics including the ongoing rifle vs. shotgun zone decisions, with counties approaching the May 15 deadline.

They break down the crossbow bill passing unanimously in the Senate, expected to move through the House, and why these changes matter for the future of hunting—especially when it comes to recruiting and retaining hunters.

The crew also reviews 2025 deer harvest numbers, showing an encouraging rebound thanks to mild winters and improved success rates.

To wrap things up, it’s classic Down The Barrel talk—turkey season, fishing opener, gear chatter, and plenty of laughs—plus a reminder to support hunting legislation and tune in for Episode 100.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)