In this episode, the guys are joined by Justin Wiese of Wheezy Outdoors for a laid-back conversation covering ice fishing, trapping, and winter life in northern Minnesota. Justin shares what he’s seeing on the ice this season, from strong panfish bites to tricky ice conditions caused by warm weather and pressure ridges.

They dig into modern ice fishing tools like LiveScope and Vexilars, how technology can save time when fishing with kids or guiding clients, and why responsible use matters. The conversation also covers bobcat and coyote trapping, predator dynamics, ice shelter setups, heaters, trout fishing on stocked lakes and the Gunflint Trail, and what it takes to keep winter outings fun for the whole family.

It’s an honest, experience-driven discussion that feels like a fish house conversation—full of practical tips, stories, and Northwoods perspective.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

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We head onto the ice and into the dark house to talk one of the most traditional and adrenaline-filled winter pursuits out there — dark house spearing for trophy northern pike.

We’re joined by lifelong ice spearing legend Denny Lemler, who shares decades of stories, hard-earned lessons, and the kind of insight you only get from spending countless hours staring into a spearing hole. Denny breaks down where he likes to set up, what he looks for under the ice, and how reading fish movement through clear water is a lot like deer hunting — patience, positioning, and timing are everything.

We dig into gear, spears, and decoys, including some of the wild and creative decoy designs that have proven to draw in big pike over the years. From subtle movements to aggressive presentations, Denny explains what gets fish to commit and what makes them turn away at the last second.

As always, there’s plenty of fun along the way — stories from the dark house, laughs, side trails, and the kind of conversation that reminds you why traditions like spearing are still alive and well. If you love ice fishing, northern pike, or just hearing great outdoor stories from someone who’s lived it, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

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First Call For Help ( www.firstcall211.net)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Ring in the New Year with a just-for-fun, no-pressure episode of Down The Barrel! The guys kick back to wrap up the year, wish everyone a Happy New Year, and remind you to be safe and have fun as the calendar flips.

Along the way, we hit a few classics—breaking down how MDHA works, what makes this organization tick, and why member-driven conservation still matters. Things also go slightly off the rails (as expected) with some well-earned commentary on those damn Black Angus cows.

We also drop a new sponsor announcement for 2026, welcoming another great partner into the Down The Barrel family as we head into the new year.

We wrap it up by looking ahead at what’s coming in 2026 for MDHA, Wolf Report, and the podcast itself—new projects, new ideas, and plenty more stories to share in the year ahead.

Thanks for listening, thanks for supporting MDHA, and here’s to another year of conservation, hunting tradition, and good times.

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It’s the most wonderful (and slightly unhinged) time of the year on Down The Barrel! The guys settle in for a festive Christmas & Eggnog Edition, talking all things Christmas and New Year’s — from holiday traditions and classic (and not-so-classic) Christmas movies to what’s on the menu this time of year.

They also dig into what’s going on with the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, mix in some ice fishing talk, late-season outdoors chatter, and, of course, plenty of the usual seasonal BS you’ve come to expect.

And because no holiday show is complete without a little audience participation — send us your favorite eggnog recipes. We’ll be trying a few next week, so if it’s good, bad, or downright questionable, we want to hear it.

Grab a mug, pour something festive, and enjoy this holiday-flavored episode of Down The Barrel.

BTYB: MDHA (https://www.mndeerhunters.com)

Wolf Report (https://www.wolf.report)

Deadnuts Outdoors (https://www.deadnutsoutdoors.com)

MNBOW (https://www.mnbowhunters.com)

The guys connect virtually with some great folks from the Des Moines Valley Chapter of MDHA to talk about one of MDHA’s most meaningful youth programs—the Kilen Woods Youth Deer Hunt.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives young hunters a fully outfitted, mentored deer hunt made possible by dedicated MDHA volunteers. We’re joined by Brian, chapter president; Denis, former Minnesota Deer Hunters Association president; and Matt, a former Kilen Woods youth hunter who’s come full circle to serve as a mentor today. Together, they share what makes this hunt so special, the impact it has on kids and families, and why programs like this matter for the future of hunting and conservation in Minnesota.

Huge thanks to the Des Moines Valley crew for joining us—and thanks for bearing with us through a few technical hiccups along the way. It’s a great conversation about mentorship, tradition, and giving the next generation a positive start in the deer woods

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MNBOW (https://www.mndeerhunters.com)

We’re back around the table with our good friends Josh and Katie, and like most good conversations in deer camp, this one goes everywhere — fast. From classic deer camp stories and chasing woodcock in the Northwoods, to a whole lot of unscripted, hunting-related BS, this episode is packed with laughs and side trails.

Expect maybe too many laughs, a little Canadian flavor, some friendly jabs, and just enough marriage counseling to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of conversation that feels less like a podcast and more like hanging out after a long day in the woods — no filters, no agenda, just good friends talking hunting, life, and everything in between.

If you’re looking for hard data and serious tactics… this probably isn’t the one.

If you’re looking for fun, stories, and real camp-style banter, pull up a chair and hit play.

Listen all the way to the end for a very special Canadian Christmas Carol you won’t forget.

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Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Deadnuts Outdoors (www.deadnutsoutdoors.com)

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On this episode, we’re joined by one incredible guest: BerLynn Fleury, Women’s Engagement Coordinator for Roger Up. BerLynn sits down with us to share her story, talk about the mission behind Roger Up’s women’s program, and revisit the unforgettable MDHA–Roger Up Lady Veterans Deer Hunt from a few weeks back.

We swap stories, laugh plenty, and reflect on the great crew of women who joined us—plus a few of the MDHA “goobers” who tagged along. It’s a conversation about community, service, purpose, and the power of getting outdoors together.

Take a few minutes to tune in, meet BerLynn, and learn more about the incredible people and programs at Roger Up.

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Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Deadnuts Outdoors (www.deadnutsoutdoors.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

On this edition of Deer Camps, we welcome back our good friend Joe Cannella for another great conversation. Joe takes us up to his deer camp in the Togo, Minnesota area, sharing the history behind the camp, what makes it unique, and the challenges of chasing whitetails in the far north woods.

We dive into the traditions, the landscape, and even a few of the quirks that make Joe’s camp just a little creepy—but still pretty darn cool. As the conversation unfolds, things even start to feel like a mini deer camp of our own, complete with stories, laughs, and the kind of camaraderie that makes these places so special.

It’s a fun, interesting episode filled with good laughs and genuine deer camp spirit. Thanks again to Joe for hanging out with us!

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Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Deadnuts Outdoors (www.deadnutsoutdoors.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

In this episode, we sit down with MDHA Woodland Chapter President Wayne Lindquist to dive into the rich legacy of his family’s long-standing deer camp near Hill City, Minnesota. Wayne shares the history behind their camp, the traditions and rules that keep it running smoothly, and a few memorable success stories that make their spot in the woods truly one-of-a-kind.

Jared also jumps in with some stories from his own family’s deer camp, including a fun prank he once pulled on his dad—because no deer camp is complete without a little good-natured mischief.

We also catch up on how the crew did over opening weekend, what they’ve been up to since, and why their camps continue to be places where friends, family, laughter, and tradition come together year after year.

If you’re a fan of deer camp stories—or if you have a camp of your own you’d like to feature on the show—give this episode a listen and reach out. We’d love to share your story next.

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Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Deadnuts Outdoors (www.deadnutsoutdoors.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

This week on Down The Barrel, we dive into our first go at the new Camp Ripley system — what worked, what didn’t, and everything we learned along the way. We’re also gearing up for the Minnesota Deer Firearms Opener! Hear what our plans are for opener weekend, get the scoop on the ins and outs of the updated Camp Ripley process, and share in the excitement for the best time of year.

Good luck to everyone heading to the woods — hunt safe, enjoy deer camp, and let us know how your season starts off!

And don’t miss next week’s debut of our new series: Deer Shack Confessions — real stories, laughs, and legends from the deer woods.

BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com)

Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Deadnuts Outdoors (www.deadnutsoutdoors.com)

MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)