While Shags is off celebrating his wedding, we’re rolling back to one of our favorite conversations from the early days of the show. In this best-of episode, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Clay Newcomb — before he joined MeatEater and became a household name in the hunting world.

Clay talks about building Bear Hunting Magazine and its podcast, managing bears, spot-and-stalk hunts, baiting, and how the Ouachita Mountains stack up against the Ozarks. Plus: traditional bows, the mystery bait bucket, and a gear review that takes us straight back to the roots of the show. 

New episodes return next week — but for now, enjoy this classic conversation.

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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While Shags is off tying the knot, we’re rewinding to one of our all-time favorite conversations.

In this classic episode, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with fly-fishing legend Mark Van Patten for a wild and unforgettable ride. From Woodstock adventures and hitchhiking across the country to childhood street gangs, stream teams, the tying bench, mystery bait bucket, and gear talk — this is storytelling at its best.

Episode 315 takes us back to where it all began: Episode 10.

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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What do alien encounters, Robin Hood arrows, and finely tuned bows have in common? They all collide in this wild episode as Brandon and Shags welcome Jared Westfall of Creed Archery Supply. From running a pro shop to prepping for prime Midwest whitetail season, this one hits the mark.

From working inside a prison to owning one of Missouri’s premier archery shops, Jared Westfall built a dream around bows, bucks, and building a legacy. Brandon and Shags talk gear, passion, and hunting season in this can't-miss episode.

For more info:
Creed Archery Supply Website
Creed Archery Supply Facebook
Creed Archery Supply Instagram

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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Brandon Butler flies solo in Wisconsin at Doug Duren’s legendary farm for a deep dive into fall in the Driftless. From glowing autumn hillsides to cold spring creeks full of browns and rainbows, this multi-part conversation explores why the Driftless is one of the Midwest’s most unique outdoor destinations.

In Part One, Brandon sits down with Eric Johnson, Community Marketing Manager for Trout Routes, to talk about mapping tools, OnX Hunt and OnX Fish, and how technology is helping anglers find public water. They’re joined by conservationist Doug Duren of Share the Land and Kyle Zempel of Black Earth Angling Co. to cover everything from smallmouth fishing to the top five flies you need in your box, plus the history that shaped this one-of-a-kind landscape.

Part Two features Doug again along with Tim and Sarah Landwehr, owners of Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company, as the conversation turns to muskie fishing, smallmouth trips, and the role of guides as not just teachers but counselors, educators, and storytellers. The crew also dives into destination angling—from the Amazon to Bolivia—and why hiring a guide on new water can change everything.

Part Three brings in Lyndsey Braun along with Zach Heredia and Lucas to share tales of Alaska adventures, South American fisheries, cooking up great meals after long days on the water, and the shared responsibility of conservation.

“It’s not ours—it’s just our time.” This episode is a celebration of trout fishing, public lands, and the people keeping the Driftless and beyond wild and welcoming for the next generation.

For more info:
Doug Duren Website
Trout Routes
Black Earth Angling Co
Tight Lines Fishing Co
Sharing The Land

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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Brandon and Nathan welcome Joel Nelson from OnX Fish for a conversation that starts with a hat swap in a Wisconsin boat and quickly dives deep into the future of fishing.

From the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers conference to chasing smallmouth and crappie, the crew shares stories about conservation, outdoor media, and the power of technology on the water. Joel explains how OnX Fish is revolutionizing angling with data-driven maps, giving anglers confidence to explore new lakes and target trophy fish.

Packed with laughs, live-scope frustrations, and Midwestern fishing tales, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves time on the water.

For more info:
OnX Fish
Joel Nelson Instagram
Joel Nelson Outdoors

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod welcome guest Keith Hannaman to talk all things bear hunting across the country and here in Missouri.

What should’ve been a smooth conversation turned into one of the wildest recordings yet — Brandon’s iMac Pro took a nosedive, Missouri weather kept knocking Keith offline, and the whole thing quickly spiraled into a comical disaster.

Still, amidst the chaos, the crew managed to cover bear hunting, Keith’s days playing football at Penn State, the kickoff of archery season, and of course, the Mystery Bait Bucket.

It might be our most technically cursed episode yet, but it’s packed with good laughs and a little bit of outdoor wisdom.

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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In this episode of Drifting Outdoors, hosts Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Missouri farmer, rancher, realtor, and outdoorsman Bob Parker for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond Facebook debates.

Together they dig into chronic wasting disease, habitat management, property rights, and the often messy relationship between conservation policy and life on the ground. Bob also shares the story of his viral canoe and metal wildlife art, his early start in land stewardship, and how growing up in Kansas shaped his love for the outdoors.

At its heart, this episode is about finding common ground — even when disagreements run deep — and keeping conservation conversations rooted in respect, experience, and a shared passion for the natural world.

For more info:
Trophy Quest Outdoor Adventures 
Bob Parker Fine Art 

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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This week on Driftwood Outdoors, the crew sits down with longtime friend and international fishing traveler, Bob Critser.

From chasing whitetails in Indiana to hauling tuna off Mexico’s coast, Bob shares how his outdoor journey shifted from deer stands to the deep sea — and the adventures, challenges, and laughs along the way.

To follow Bob's adventures:
BC Instagram Page

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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In this episode of Drifting Outdoors, the crew dives into what it really means to be a hunter in today’s world. Brandon returns from Indiana after keynoting a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers event, reflecting on conservation, community, and the responsibility modern hunters carry.

Jameson Hibbs — BHA regional coordinator — shares insights on the organization’s mission, growth, and the fight for public lands. From the infamous Missouri Four corner-crossing battle to the culture shift from tradition to trophy obsession, the conversation explores hunting’s past, present, and uncertain future. 

It’s a candid, passionate, and sometimes controversial look at why we hunt, what’s at stake, and how hunters can protect both their legacy and the wild places we all share.

For more info: 
BHA Website
BHA Facebook
BHA Instagram

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
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Email:
[email protected]

In this laid-back episode of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, Brandon, Shags, and Joe take a breather from the heavy topics of recent weeks to catch up on life, health experiments, and the outdoors. Shags shares the highs, lows, and surprising benefits of his 72-hour water fast—including euphoria, insomnia, and the ultimate reward: a bowl of sauerkraut.

The crew also recaps Paddle Don’s wedding, digs into self-control and the challenges of modern eating, and debates everything from Missouri River canoe trips to outdoor policy, hunting culture, and even Ted Nugent’s controversial role in conservation conversations.

Whether you’re curious about fasting, passionate about the outdoors, or just here for the banter, this episode is a blend of humor, honesty, and hard-hitting opinions.

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
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Email:
[email protected]