In this engaging campfire conversation, Larry Weishuhn sits down with Rick Lambert at Baker Bottoms to talk quail hunting traditions, shotgun preferences, habitat conservation, and a lifetime passion for the outdoors.

Rick shares highlights from his recent experience at the historic Grand National Quail Hunt in Enid, Oklahoma, discussing the camaraderie, competition, and conservation focus that make the event special. The conversation expands into broader reflections on declining quail populations, the importance of habitat management, and the evolution of firearms and ammunition.

Blending storytelling, technical insight, and classic outdoor nostalgia, this episode celebrates the heritage of upland hunting and the people working to preserve it.

Rick recounts being invited to the long-running hunt dating back to the 1940s.

Event combines:

Two days of hunting

Four days of fellowship and fundraising

Strong emphasis on habitat preservation and conservation.

Rick’s team won both the trap shoot and quail competition.

Takeaway: The hunt is as much about relationships and conservation as it is about shooting.

Larry and Rick discuss the troubling decline of quail populations, especially in Texas.

Key factors discussed:

Habitat destruction (especially fence line clearing)

Disease pressures (including eye worm issues)

Changes in land management practices

Rick emphasizes:

“You cannot destroy the habitat of anything.”

Both hosts reflect nostalgically on hearing bobwhite whistles in their youth versus today’s scarcity.

Rick describes himself as a traditional double-barrel enthusiast.

His preferences:

Strong love for side-by-side and over-under shotguns

Favors sub-gauges, especially the 28 gauge

Appreciates wood and steel over synthetic materials

Believes .410 is often too challenging for beginners

Notable insight:

“If you call yourself a shot, you can kill anything with a sub-gauge that you can with a 12 gauge.”

Rick shares how his views evolved over time:

Early resistance to polymer pistols like Glock

Eventually adopted them after seeing their practical advantages

Still emotionally prefers traditional firearms

This segment provides a thoughtful look at balancing tradition with modern performance.

The conversation shifts into lever-action rifles and classic hunting arms.

Discussed favorites:

Savage 99 (especially in .300 Savage)

Marlin rifles (post-Ruger acquisition quality improvements)

Browning BLR

Ruger No. 1

Rick shares a lifelong dream tied to the Savage 99 and traditional deer camps in the Northeast.

Both men stress responsible hunting:

Know your personal limits first

Know your firearm’s limits second

Avoid wounding game

Practice at distance to improve close-range precision

Larry explains that long-range practice is about building confidence for ethical shots inside 100 yards.

Rick reflects on future hunting goals:

Considering bird hunting trips to Scotland or Sweden

Has hunted Africa, New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico

Plans to focus more on wing shooting as he ages

Memorable line:

“At 75 I’m going to start shooting feathers because I love shotgunning.”

This episode delivers classic campfire storytelling mixed with practical hunting wisdom. It will especially resonate with:

Upland bird hunters

Shotgun traditionalists

Conservation-minded outdoorsmen

Fans of classic firearms

The conversation reinforces that great hunting is about heritage, habitat, and the people you share camp with.

“Most firearms have more character than we do as shooters.”

Learn More:

DSC Foundation: dscf.org

Dallas Safari Club: biggame.org

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In this engaging episode of DSC’s Campfires, Larry Weishuhn sits down with special guest Jerry Baker for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation centered around hunting, conservation, and the deeper meaning behind the outdoor lifestyle.

Around the campfire, Larry and Jerry reflect on:

The formative experiences that shaped Jerry’s passion for hunting and the outdoors

The values of ethical sportsmanship and responsible land stewardship

The importance of conservation and preserving wildlife resources for future generations

Stories from the field that highlight both challenge and triumph

The evolving landscape of hunting culture in modern America

Throughout the discussion, Jerry shares personal insights and practical wisdom drawn from years of experience in the outdoors. The conversation moves beyond tactics and gear, focusing instead on legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility hunters carry as ambassadors for conservation.

As always, Larry weaves in thoughtful perspective, connecting Jerry’s experiences to the broader mission of education, advocacy, and wildlife stewardship championed by DSC.

Hunting is about far more than harvesting game — it’s about heritage and responsibility.

Conservation is a shared obligation that requires active participation.

Mentorship plays a vital role in sustaining ethical outdoor traditions.

The campfire remains a powerful place for storytelling, learning, and passing down values.

This episode is a meaningful reminder that the outdoor lifestyle is built on integrity, respect for wildlife, and a commitment to preserving the natural world for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations from the campfire.

🎯 Key Takeaways

Learn More:

Dallas Safari Club: biggame.org

DSC Foundation: dscf.org

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In this episode of DSC’s Campfires, Larry Weishuhn broadcasts fresh from the heels of the 2026 DSC Convention in Atlanta. Larry provides an enthusiastic recap of the event, describing it as a massive success filled with smiling faces and a true "family reunion" atmosphere. He reflects on the record attendance, the success of the outfitters, and the distinct culture that sets the Dallas Safari Club apart as a premier conservation organization.

Larry also highlights key moments from the convention, including the Life Member Breakfast, prestigious awards, and the exciting future of the organization under new leadership. He also shares updates on his personal projects, upcoming guests, and how listeners can get more involved through his new Patreon community.

Atlanta 2026 Success: Larry contrasts this year's show with the previous year, noting a massive turnout, happy exhibitors, and a vibrant energy that solidified the move to Atlanta as a win for the organization.

Stealth Vision Technology: A deep dive into Larry's time at the Stealth Vision booth with Dr. John McCall, Joe Cunningham, and Matt Burgess. Larry explains Dr. McCall's unique medical approach to optics—building scopes based on how the human brain and optical nerve process images.

Life Member Breakfast: A recap of the event co-chaired by Ken and Brenda Hurd and David and Kathy Allison. Larry praises the keynote speaker, Robbie Kroeger of Blood Origins, for his passionate advocacy and storytelling.

Educator of the Year: Larry shares the honor of presenting the DSC Foundation Educator of the Year Award to his close friend, Dr. Mike Arnold. He discusses Mike's books (Bringing Back the Lions, Bringing Back the Wild) and his scientific contributions to the industry.

Leadership & Direction: Larry offers high praise for Russell Stacy, the new CEO/Executive Director of DSC, commending his heart-led leadership style. He emphasizes that DSC remains a volunteer-driven organization where the majority of funds go directly to conservation, education, and advocacy.

Notable Attendees: Mentions of high-profile attendees, including Donald Trump Jr., who auctioned off a hunt, and industry titans like Steve Hornady.

Upcoming Events & Guests: A look ahead to the DSC Foundation Gala (July 23–25, 2026) at the Gaylord Texan. Larry also teases future podcast episodes featuring Michael Waddell, Terry Anderson, and Rick Lambert.

Patreon Launch: Larry announces the launch of his Patreon page (MR WHITETAIL), where he will be hosting giveaways, including signed books and Larry Weishuhn Collection knives by Silver Stag.

Dallas Safari Club (DSC): biggame.org

Stealth Vision: stealthvision.com

Choctaw Hunting Lodge: choctawhuntinglodge.com

Larry’s Patreon: patreon.com/MRWHITETAIL

DSC (Conservation, Education, Advocacy)

Hornady

Taurus

Stealth Vision

Red 55 Winery

Choctaw Hunting Lodge

The Crown Bar

Texas Wildlife Association

Double Nickel Taxidermy

Burnham Brothers Game Calls

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Larry has long loved hunting Coues whitetail, known as "The Grey Ghost of the Desert". 

In this episode Larry talks about hunting the fabulous El Durangueno Ranch in Durango, Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains.  The late and great Jack O'Connor considered the diminutive Coues whitetail subspecies North America's Greatest Game Animal  Larry certainly agrees.  Larry discusses differences between Coues and "regular" whitetails, hunting techniques, and many more topics, including describing him taking a great buck during the last moments of his hunt.  Great information, good stories, and even an invitation to go hunt Coues deer in the future with Larry.

In this solo episode, host Larry Weishuhn records from the high-elevation El Durangueno Ranch in Durango, Mexico. He recounts a successful hunt for Coues deer (often called the "Gray Ghost of the Desert") and reflects on the history of the ranch, the wildlife conservation efforts there, and his excitement for the upcoming DSC Convention.

Setting: Located in the Sierra Madres of Durango, Mexico, at an elevation between 8,500 and 9,000 feet.

History: Owned by Alonso Hayala and his family for 67 years. The property spans approximately 57,000 acres (plus adjoining leases).

Wildlife: The ranch is known for its biodiversity, including a massive population of Gould's turkeys, reintroduced Elk (which have flourished into a large herd), and the primary subject of this hunt: Coues deer.

Larry describes the Coues deer as a unique, small subspecies of whitetail known for their grey color, large ears, and ability to vanish into the landscape.

The Guide: Larry hunted with a local guide named "Zordo." Despite a language barrier, they communicated effectively through hand signals and shared hunting instincts.

The Encounter:

Day 1: They spotted a massive buck late in the evening but lost the light and could not take a clean shot.

Day 2: They returned to the same canyon. After a long hike and glassing session, they spotted the buck chasing a doe at roughly 400 yards.

The Shot: Larry set up for a shot across a canyon. At 300 yards, he took the shot when the buck paused behind some brush.

The Result: The buck ran a short distance and fell. Upon recovery, Larry realized it was a "monster" Coues deer with a wide spread and long main beams, though it had unfortunately broken off its left main beam. Larry estimates it would have scored in the 120s (a trophy class for this species).

Larry detailed the specific equipment he used for this successful hunt:

Rifle: Mossberg Patriot with a 20-inch barrel.

Caliber: 7mm PRC.

Ammo: Hornady Precision Hunter, 175-grain ELD-X bullet.

Optics: Stealth Vision binoculars and a 3-18x44 scope.

Patreon: Larry promoted his Patreon page ("MRWHITETAIL"), where he offers exclusive video content, tips on wildlife management, and giveaways.

DSC Convention: He expressed excitement for the upcoming convention in Atlanta, where he looks forward to reconnecting with friends and listeners.

"I'm 78 years old this year... and I'm still going at it strong." — Larry Weishuhn

"It is the most accurate, deadly bullet I have ever put through a rifle." — Larry Weishuhn (referencing the Hornady ELD-X)

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Guest: Alonzo Ayala, co-owner of El Durangueño Ranch in Durango, Mexico.

Episode Overview:

The conversation highlights the ranch's unique high-altitude habitat (8,500+ feet), home to thick pine forests and diverse wildlife. Alonzo details the ranch's renowned Gould’s Turkey population—frequently producing record-breaking birds—and its thriving Coues deer herd, which Larry describes as exceptionally healthy with abundant young bucks and fawns. The pair discuss the ranch's strict native-species-only policy, which led to the reintroduction of Elk to their historic range in Durango after a 100-150 year absence.

Beyond hunting, Alonzo shares the ranch's commitment to community and education. Through their summer camp program, they host urban youth and underserved local children, teaching them ranching skills, astronomy, and environmental stewardship, guided by the charismatic "Chief Kalako."

Key Topics Discussed:

History of El Durangueño: How a partnership between Alonzo's father and Jack Brittingham transformed a cattle ranch into a conservation haven.

Gould’s Turkey: The ranch's reputation for world-class turkey hunting, including holding top records in the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Coues Deer: The high density and excellent health of the local "Grey Ghost" deer population, attributed to careful habitat management and water distribution (36 dams and multiple troughs).

Elk Reintroduction: The successful effort to bring Elk back to the Sierra Madres using top-tier genetics from the U.S., now resulting in a self-sustaining herd of over 400 animals.

Conservation Philosophy: A dedication to native species (no exotics), low-fence hunting, and long-range shooting ethics.

Community Outreach: The ranch's educational summer camps that reconnect city kids and support local underprivileged youth with nature and ranch life.

Birdwatching: The ranch's incredible biodiversity, including species like the Mexican Jay, making it a prime spot for birders.

Mentioned Links & Resources:

Ranch Website: www.durangoranch.com

Instagram: @rancho_durangueno

Sponsors:

DSC (Conservation, Education, Advocacy)

Hornady

Taurus

Stealth Vision

Red 55 Winery

The Choctaw Hunting Lodge

The Crown Bar

Texas Wildlife Association

Double Nickel Taxidermy

Burnham Brothers Game Calls

Join Larry by the campfire for a deep dive into Mexican wildlife conservation and the legacy of El Durangueño.

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In this episode, recorded in the rugged beauty of West Texas, Larry Weishuhn is joined by a true icon of the outdoor industry: Fred Eichler. Known for his boundless energy and his show Everything Eichler, Fred sits down at the campfire to discuss the evolution of hunting, from traditional archery to the rise of technology. The two legends swap compliments and stories, discussing the art of getting close to game—whether with a recurve bow or a handgun—and the vital importance of "woodsmanship" in the modern era. The conversation concludes with a strong message about unity among hunters, the importance of firearms safety education, and the necessity of the NRA.

[00:00] Intro & Sponsors: Larry welcomes listeners back to camp in West Texas.

[01:15] Legends Collide: Fred and Larry discuss their mutual respect. Fred shares how Larry’s writing and TV presence influenced him growing up, viewing Larry as the "Whitetail Guru."

[03:30] The Evolution of a Hunter: Fred talks about starting with shotguns and .22s under his father's guidance before gravitating toward bowhunting for the challenge.

[05:45] Handguns vs. Bows: A comparison of short-range hunting methods. Fred expresses his admiration for Larry’s proficiency with a handgun, noting that it requires the same stalking skills as archery.

[08:00] Woodsmanship: Larry laments the shift from relying on instinct ("what's between the ears") to relying on technology ("fingertips"), and the importance of knowing how to navigate the wild without GPS.

[12:20] The Africa Connection: How Larry inspired Fred’s dreams of hunting Africa. They share a laugh about the "weird stuff" they’ve eaten in bush camps, from snakes to "little dickey birds."

[14:45] The Second Amendment: A serious look at the role of the NRA. Fred emphasizes that the NRA is the most significant organization protecting gun rights and stresses the importance of safety education for children.

[18:00] Unity in the Field: The need for all gun owners—whether they hunt with bows, rifles, or handguns—to belong to the NRA to protect the future of the lifestyle.

"I hate to say 'growing up,' but watching you handle yourself on TV, your articles, your books... you backed it with knowledge." — Fred Eichler to Larry Weishuhn

"Years ago, we took what you had between this ear and this ear, and that's what you used. Now... we've put it at fingertips. Somewhere down the way, those buttons are not going to work." — Larry Weishuhn on modern technology vs. woodsmanship

"A firearm has never hurt anybody... until it gets into somebody's hands and they determine what they're going to do with it." — Fred Eichler

"The finest people in the world are out there, those who love the outdoors." — Larry Weishuhn

This episode is brought to you by:

DSC (Dallas Safari Club): Conservation, Education, and Advocacy.

Hornady: Accurate, Deadly, Dependable.

Taurus: Award-winning revolvers and pistols.

Stealth Vision: High-tech, precision-driven eyewear and optics for the modern hunter.

Red 55 Winery: Signature wines from country artist Miranda Lambert.

Choctaw Hunting Lodge: Home of some of the finest hunting in North America.

The Crown Bar: La Grange, Texas.

Texas Wildlife Association

Double Nickel Taxidermy

Burnham Brothers Game Calls

Follow Fred Eichler: Everything Eichler

Join the DSC: www.biggame.org

Join the NRA: nra.org

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In this episode, Larry Weishuhn sits down in the wilds of West Texas with Jeff Johnston of the NRA and American Hunter. Recorded on a sprawling 40,000-acre cattle ranch near the Mexican border, the two discuss the unique challenges of hunting the "fan-tailed" Carmen Mountain Whitetail in the high desert. Larry and Jeff swap stories about the rugged terrain, the necessity of quality optics, and the diverse wildlife of the Chihuahuan Desert. The conversation then turns to a passionate discussion about the vital importance of the Second Amendment, the role of the NRA, and why unity among gun owners is critical for the future of the United States.

[00:00] Intro & Sponsors: Larry introduces the show from the high-elevation desert of West Texas.

[02:00] The Landscape: Discussing the "spine-filled" vegetation and diverse wildlife of the Chihuahuan Desert (Javelina, Mule Deer, Elk, Black Bear, and Quail).

[04:15] The Carmen Mountain Whitetail: Larry explains the biology of this unique subspecies—smaller than a Coues deer but with a tail the size of a standard whitetail.

[06:30] Hunting Stories: Jeff recounts his successful hunt and Larry jokes about "double drop tines." Mentions of Fred Eichler's success in camp.

[09:45] Tactics & Gear: The importance of "glassing" in vast country. Discussion on optics (Stealth Vision), rifles, and the necessity of flat-shooting calibers (.270, 7x57, 6.5) and accurate ammo (Hornady).

[14:20] The Second Amendment: A serious pivot to the state of gun rights. Larry emphasizes why the 2nd Amendment is the backbone of American freedom.

[16:00] The NRA's Role: Why the NRA remains the strongest lobbying organization due to its membership base, not just money.

[18:30] Call to Action: Larry urges listeners to write handwritten letters to legislators and maintain membership in gun rights organizations.

[21:00] What's Next: Larry discusses his upcoming hunts in Oklahoma and Texas.

"Everything here, for the most part, has got spines, stickers... if you look at our hands, you can probably see all the scratches." — Larry Weishuhn

"To me, anything that scores 85 or better is one heck of a deer." — Larry Weishuhn on the Carmen Mountain Whitetail

"Without the Second Amendment and our ability to own guns, this country will not exist in a relatively short period of time." — Larry Weishuhn

This episode is brought to you by:

DSC (Dallas Safari Club): Conservation, Education, and Advocacy.

Hornady: Accurate, Deadly, Dependable.

Taurus: Award-winning revolvers and pistols.

Stealth Vision: High-tech, precision-driven eyewear and optics for the modern hunter.

Red 55 Winery: Signature wines from country artist Miranda Lambert.

Choctaw Hunting Lodge: Home of some of the finest hunting in North America.

The Crown Bar: La Grange, Texas.

Texas Wildlife Association

Double Nickel Taxidermy

Burnham Brothers Game Calls

Join the DSC: www.biggame.org

Join the NRA: nra.org

Follow Larry Weishuhn: Website | Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of DSC’s Campfire features host Larry Weishuhn joined by returning guest Craig Archer and wildlife biologist Cyle Foley. Recorded in a hunting camp in the Rolling Plains of Texas, the trio dives deep into the science and strategy behind successful wildlife management.

The Role of a Biologist:

Cyle Foley explains his role as a consulting wildlife biologist. He emphasizes that effective management starts with knowing what you have. He conducts helicopter surveys to count populations, determining buck-to-doe ratios and fawn crops to set accurate harvest quotas.

The group discusses the importance of the "management team"—the landowner, the land manager (Craig), and the biologist (Cyle) working in unison to achieve property goals.

Deer Management Philosophy:

"Age is King": Cyle stresses that age is the most critical factor in producing big deer. A buck needs to reach maturity (5-6 years old) to express his full potential.

Nutrition is Queen: Once age is established, nutrition is the next limiting factor. If a deer has age and food, the antlers will follow.

Genetics is the Joker: They agree that in a low-fence, free-range environment, you cannot effectively manage genetics. Culling "inferior" bucks generally doesn't work because you can't control the doe's genetic contribution.

The Quail Equation:

The Rolling Plains is famous for quail, but populations are volatile ("boom or bust").

Cyle explains that while rain is essential, timing is everything. Rain is needed to grow forbs (weeds), which attract insects. Quail chicks require a diet of almost 100% insects for the first few weeks of life to survive. Without "bugging grounds," the chicks starve even if the habitat looks green.

Habitat Restoration:

They discuss the use of prescribed fire and mechanical clearing (grubbing) to restore grasslands. The goal is to create a mosaic of cover and open space that benefits both deer and quail.

Cyle’s Background:

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Cyle started his own consulting business to help landowners across Texas. He values the relationship with practical managers like Craig who can implement the scientific recommendations effectively on the ground.

"You can't manage what you don't know you have." — Cyle Foley (on the necessity of accurate wildlife surveys)

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Episode Overview

In this special bonus episode, Larry Weishuhn welcomes listeners to 2026, reflecting on a fast-paced 2025 and sharing his excitement for the adventures ahead. He provides a roadmap of his upcoming hunts, convention appearances, and new content plans for the year.

2025 Recap & Recent Adventures

Larry briefly touches on his late 2025 activities, including:

Carmen Mountain Whitetail: Hunts in November and December.

Texas Panhandle: Hunting with Craig Archer and Kyle Foley.

Cotton Ranch (Becker Bottoms): Spending time in Northeast Texas with David and Edgar Cotton and Rick Lambert. Larry notes their shared appreciation for Savage Model 99 lever-action rifles, mentioning he recently hunted with a .300 Savage built in the 1920s.

Upcoming Plans for Early 2026

Coues Deer Hunt (January): Larry is heading deep south to the El Durangueño Ranch in Durango, Mexico (Sierra Madres) to hunt with Terry Anderson. He recounts a successful hunt there in 2025 for a unique buck with broken tines (currently being mounted by Double Nickel Taxidermy).

DSC Convention (Feb 6–8): Larry will be back in Atlanta at the World Congress Center.

Roles: He will MC the Life Member Breakfast and present the "Educator of the Year" award to his good friend, Dr. Mike Arnold.

Appearances: Attendees can find him at the Hornady and Stealth Vision booths.

Future Content & Announcements

TV & Print: The Carmen Mountain Whitetail hunt will be featured on Sportsman's Life TV (Carbon TV/YouTube) and in an article for Sporting Classics Magazine.

Upcoming Podcast Episodes:

An interview with Jeff Johnson (originally recorded for the NRA).

A sit-down with Fred Eichler, discussing longbows vs. rifles.

A discussion with Edgar Cotton about his decades of elk hunting, starting in the 1970s.

International Hunts: Plans for later in the spring include hunting Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer in England, followed by a three-nation Roe Deer hunt.

Patreon Launch: Larry announces a new Patreon launching in Jan/Feb to offer extra content, direct communication, and giveaways.

Sponsors Mentioned: DSC, Hornady, Taurus, Stealth Vision, Red 55 Winery, Choctaw Hunting Lodge, The Crown Bar, Texas Wildlife Association, Double Nickel Taxidermy, and Burnham Brothers Game Calls.

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In this episode of DSC’s Campfire, host Larry Weishuhn sits down with Craig Archer to explore the nuances of woodmanship, wildlife management, and the "lost art" of tracking animals after a shot.

Reading the Signs: Archer emphasizes that modern hunters often focus on the shot but neglect the critical signs that follow. He stresses observing how an animal reacts—whether it "kicked up its back end," "humped up in the middle," or "stumbled"—to determine the shot's placement.

The Tracking Process: Archer advises hunters to stay in their blinds after a shot to observe and wait rather than rushing to look for the animal. This patience prevents hunters from inadvertently destroying a blood trail by stepping on it.

Environmental Factors: The duo discusses how local terrain, such as the "sandy shinnery" country of Texas, affects tracking. In sandy soil, blood may form "balls" that aren't immediately recognizable, and heavy fat content in well-fed deer can quickly plug exit wounds, minimizing external bleeding.

Property Management: Archer shares his management philosophy for his low-fence operation, which includes:

Natural Diet: Avoiding protein supplements in favor of a natural habitat supported by rotational cattle grazing.

Water Distribution: Strategically placing water troughs to spread livestock and wildlife across the property, preventing overgrazing near a single source.

Collaboration: Working closely with biologists to manage population density and "buck-to-doe ratios".

Hunting Ethics: They underscore the importance of sighting in rifles before a hunt, noting that even high-quality optics can be knocked out of alignment during travel. Ensuring an accurate shot is a fundamental responsibility to the animal.

Craig Archer is a professional outfitter and land manager with over 17 years of experience in the Lubbock, Texas area. His operation maintains a near 100% success rate for mature animals by strictly managing hunting pressure and maintaining "sanctuaries" near water sources where rifle hunting is prohibited.

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