This week, we pay tribute to one of Missouri’s greatest conservationists — Jerry Presley, former Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, who passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 94.

Jerry dedicated nearly four decades to protecting and managing Missouri’s natural resources and inspired generations of outdoor lovers through his leadership, mentorship, and passion for the outdoors. From his humble roots in Low Wassie to the helm of MDC, Jerry lived a life defined by service, stewardship, and a deep love for the Missouri wilderness.

In remembrance, we’re replaying Episode 60, one of our all-time favorite conversations. Recorded five years ago, Jerry joined us to talk about:

• Growing up in the Ozarks during the Great Depression
• The creation of Eleven Point State Park
• Conservation legends and legislation
• Waterfowl, exotic pets, and goggle-eye fishing
• …and yes, even Bigfoot and the Mystery Bait Bucket

It was a conversation full of wisdom, laughter, and timeless stories.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to Driftwood Outdoors, we invite you to sit back and enjoy this special episode that captures the spirit of a true conservation pioneer.

Rest easy, Jerry — and thank you.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy to be made in the form of donations to the Jerry J. Presley Conservation Endowed Scholarship at the University of Missouri.

Link to make donations is HERE

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, Shags heads north to the legendary Lake of the Woods for the Fishing with Shags Experience at Ballard’s Resort—recently ranked the #3 fishing lodge in the country by USA Today.

From early morning casts to big-time catches, Shags and the crew teamed up with expert guide Brian for an unforgettable few days on the water. Hear the stories, the laughs, and the highlights from this epic summer trip to the Walleye Capital of the World.

If you love fishing, this one’s for you.

For more info: 
Ballard's Resort FB
Ballard's Resort INSTA
Ballard's Resort Website

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 protected]

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is more than just a wildlife issue—it's a crisis reshaping Missouri's deer hunting culture and threatening our landowners’ way of life. With confusion, controversy, and misinformation running rampant, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod of Driftwood Outdoors are hosting a powerful, event to cut through the noise and get to the truth.

Recorded live at Runge Nature Center, this episode brings together some of the most respected voices in wildlife conservation:

Kip Adams of the National Deer Association explains the science behind CWD.

Doug Duren, land steward and Wisconsin conservationist, shares a cautionary tale from a state that stopped fighting back.

Jason Sumners, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, outlines the state’s strategy to manage and contain the disease.

Moderated by Brandon Butler, the evening wraps with an unfiltered panel discussion featuring questions from real hunters and landowners. If you care about Missouri deer hunting, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. ​

For more info:
Missouri Dept of Conservation
National Deer Association

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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We’re joined by Jeff Trigg, a seasoned smallmouth fishing guide and sales rep for MeatEater’s top brands like First Lite and FHF Gear.

From Missouri’s scenic rivers to the shifting landscape of outdoor retail, we dive into everything: the proposed non-resident fishing license hike, the disappearing fly shops of the Midwest, stream pressure, life in the outdoor industry, and of course—our signature Mystery Bait Bucket question.

A must-listen for anyone who loves the water and the gear that gets you there.

For more info: 
Jeff Trigg Instagram
[email protected]

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 episode of Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod sit down with Elsa Gallagher, Habitat Program Director at The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund.

Elsa shares how her work is helping pollinators thrive across the Midwest by creating diverse, high-quality habitats on public and private lands. From seed mixes to sustainable management strategies, learn how the NextGen Habitat Projects are changing the game for bees, butterflies, upland birds, and more.

Whether you're a landowner, conservationist, or just love wild places, this episode is full of practical knowledge and outdoor inspiration.

For more info:
Bee and Butterfly Fund Website
Bee and Butterfly Fund Facebook
Bee and Butterfly Fund 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]

If you love stories about the great outdoors, media evolution, and chasing your passion—this one’s for you.

This week on the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod sit down with legendary outdoor photographer Bill Konway for a wide-ranging conversation that dives deep into life behind the lens and beyond. From photographing U.S. presidents and sports legends like Michael Jordan and Walter Payton, to capturing the quiet beauty of a foggy morning in the Midwest woods, Bill’s career spans the fast-paced world of newspaper journalism and the authentic soul of outdoor storytelling.

The guys talk about Bill’s early days as a newspaper columnist, his evolution into an award-winning photographer, and the passion for hunting and fishing that’s shaped his life. They swap stories about Brandon’s recent trip to Canada, discuss the changing landscape of outdoor media, laugh about male modeling in the woods (yep, you read that right), and explore what the future holds for the outdoor industry. 

For more info: 
Bill Konway Website
Bill Konway Instagram
Bill Konway Facebook

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]

Brandon and Nathan take a deep breath and look back on nearly six unforgettable years behind the mics of Driftwood Outdoors.

From the surreal honor of interviewing childhood heroes like Bill Dance and Al Lindner, to life-altering moments like Shags surviving a stroke and the arson that destroyed Brandon’s cabin, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on the wild ride so far.

It’s a celebration of the friendships made, the fish caught, the deer tagged, and the countless conversations recorded everywhere from Midwestern trails to faraway adventures. With stories of hilarious mishaps, humbling challenges, and unforgettable guests, this episode is both a tribute and a thank-you to the Driftwood Outdoors community.

Join us around the proverbial campfire as we swap stories, laugh, reflect, and look forward to the next 300 episodes.

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 protected]

We hit a major milestone with Episode 300, and who better to share it with than Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe? Brandon and Nathan sit down for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from the Governor’s deep love for Missouri’s great outdoors—hunting, fishing, conservation, and public lands—to the current state of politics both in Missouri and across the nation.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Driftwood Outdoors without a little awkwardness—Shags manages to be weird around the Governor more than once (including a wedding invite), but it all adds to the charm. We also put Governor Kehoe on the spot with our famous Mystery Bait Bucket question and more.

Tune in for a memorable episode that blends humor, heart, and honest conversation.

For more info: 
Governor Mike Kehoe FB page
Governor Mike Kehoe X page
Governor Mike Kehoe Website

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]

Brandon Butler is joined by Paddle Don, Derek Butler, and Adam Voight to relive their unforgettable journey through Minnesota’s legendary Boundary Waters—without co-host Nathan McLeod, who sat this one out.

Guiding them through the adventure was special guest Scott Mackenthun, a seasoned fish biologist with the Minnesota DNR, who not only planned the trip but played a key role in helping the crew navigate the challenges of the backcountry.

From portage pain and campfire camaraderie to fishing tactics and wildlife encounters, this episode dives deep into the raw realities and unforgettable moments of remote wilderness travel. Packed with insight, laughs, and honest reflections, it's an inspiring listen for anyone who's ever dreamed of paddling into the unknown.

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]

Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod are joined by special guests Paddle Don, Derek Butler, and Adam Voight for an exciting deep dive into their upcoming first-ever trip to the legendary Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

With candid conversation and plenty of laughs, the group discusses everything from essential gear and fishing plans to the unpredictable nature of wilderness travel—including food prep, bear safety, and the thrill (and challenge) of venturing into such a remote, pristine area. It’s a raw and relatable look at the anticipation and adventure of what could be a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience.

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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Instagram
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Email:
[email protected]