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)

Brandon Ladoux is back—and this time, it’s all about the gear. No side topics, no detours—just a full-on bowhunting equipment breakdown from start to finish.

We cover everything serious bowhunters care about: stands vs. saddles, bow setups, arrow builds, broadheads, optics, and must-have accessories. Brandon also shares what he’s running for self-filming in the field, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how he captures his hunts.

Whether you’re dialing in your setup for the upcoming season or just love talking gear, this episode is packed with real-world insight, preferences, and practical takeaways from someone who puts it all to the test.

If it’s used in bowhunting—we probably talked about it.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Deadnuts Outdoors (www.deadnutsoutdoors.com)

In this episode of the Down the Barrel Podcast, the crew sits down with Minnesota bowhunter Brandon Ledoux to talk about his journey into serious bowhunting and the lessons learned along the way.

Brandon shares how losing his father at a young age helped shape his connection to the outdoors and fueled a lifelong passion for hunting. What started with rifle hunting eventually turned into a full commitment to bowhunting, where constant learning, adapting, and learning from mistakes became the keys to success.

The conversation covers everything from missed shots and tough hunts to spot-and-stalk successes, filming hunts for the Ledoux Crew YouTube channel, and how hunting strategies evolve over time. Brandon also talks about balancing family life with hunting and how becoming a husband and father forced him to hunt smarter and make the most of limited time in the woods.

It’s a great conversation about perseverance, storytelling, and the reality of chasing whitetails—successes, failures, and everything in between.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf,report)

In this episode of Down The Barrel, we’re joined by public land hunting standout Greg Lease. Greg is a member of MNBOW, a former deputy, and someone who has built a reputation for consistently finding success chasing whitetails on public land across the Midwest.

Greg shares his passion for the hunt and breaks down how he approaches public land in multiple states, including Kansas, Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Missouri. From scouting strategies to adapting to different terrain and hunting pressure, Greg talks about what it really takes to get it done on public ground.

If you’re interested in traveling to hunt, learning how to unlock overlooked public land opportunities, or just hearing stories from the road chasing Midwest whitetails, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Grab a seat, tune in, and learn how Greg consistently finds success where everyone else is hunting.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

In this episode, we dig into where the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) stands on some of the most talked-about issues facing hunters and gun owners today. We break down the latest wave of proposed anti-Second Amendment legislation in Minnesota and what it could mean for our community—not just for deer hunters, but for predator management and the future of hunting as a whole.

We also dive into a growing national conversation around Fourth Amendment concerns involving conservation officers and access to private property—an issue that’s raising eyebrows across the country and hitting close to home here in Minnesota.

Throughout the episode, we share MDHA’s stance, our personal perspectives, and what we believe is at stake. If you’ve been wondering where we stand on these issues, this is the episode to listen to.

And of course, it wouldn’t be us without mixing in a little humor along the way.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

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

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

In this episode we sit down once again with our good friends Josh and Katie to hear all about their recent Utah turkey hunting adventure. What started as a quick trip to chase a couple Merriam’s turkeys turned into a great story.

Along the way we dive into Minnesota turkey hunting, talk about walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods, and swap stories about a few classic Canadian staples—from Tim Hortons coffee to shore lunches on the lake. We also check in on how the whitetail deer population is doing in Ontario and what hunters are seeing north of the border.

As always, the conversation goes wherever it wants—plenty of laughs, a few good hunting stories, and even a little marriage counseling sprinkled in along the way.

If you enjoy hunting, fishing, road-trip adventures, and good friends around the mic, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

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

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

All the way from South Africa, we’re joined by Pieter Viviers, owner of Marupa Safaris, along with our good friend Tony Roettger for an unforgettable conversation about African big game hunting.

In this episode, Pieter shares how he got started bringing American hunters to South Africa and what a true African safari experience really looks like. We break down the trophy options available, realistic costs, travel planning tips, and what hunters should expect when booking the adventure of a lifetime.

We also dive into the inherent dangers of hunting Africa’s largest game — including intense stories of Cape buffalo encounters and lion charges that will have you leaning in a little closer. From rifles and calibers to timing your trip and preparing properly, we cover the details that matter.

If Africa has ever been on your bucket list, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe — and as always, thanks for listening to Down The Barrel.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

FirstCallForHelp211 (www.firstcall211.net)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)