This episode of DSC's Campfires features host Larry Weishuhn and guest David Cotton, covering a range of topics from charity events to thrilling hunting adventures with a special emphasis on family experiences.

David Cotton begins by discussing his participation in a Toys for Tots golf tournament at Pinnacle Club on Cedar Creek Lake. This is his fourth year playing in the event, which raises funds to buy toys for children whose families are struggling. While the local tournament is smaller, it's expected to draw 144 golfers and could collect 200 to 300 toys after donations.

The conversation moves to a memorable bear hunt David and his 85-year-old father, Dave, experienced at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in Oklahoma. The father and son were placed in the same blind by their guide, Dusty, with the goal of both killing a bear.

David's Father's Bear: Despite early issues with crosshairs in low light, David's father later killed a large bear. The bear was hit with a perfect shot, traveled about 65 yards, and David noted the distinct "death moan". The bear weighed 347 pounds.

David's Bear: Within just 15 minutes of the first kill, another bear appeared. David made a good shot on the second bear, which weighed around 150 to 160 pounds.

The Gear: David mentions their use of Stealth Vision optics, noting the excitement of capturing the hunt on video.

David then recounts a recent second rifle season elk hunt in the Pagosa Springs/Chama area of Colorado.

Initial Challenge: Earlier reports from a friend indicated very few elk were being seen.

A Successful Hunt: David convinced his father to hunt a specific area, setting him up with a chair at the base of a stand.

The Shot: His father used a Stealth Vision scope with a customized turret that uses yardages instead of mill dots. He ranged an elk at 346 yards, turned the turret to 350 yards, and hit the elk, dropping it. The bull elk was a 5x4. In a follow-up shot, his father hit the elk in the head when it tried to get up, confirming the kill.

The discussion shifts to the current whitetail deer season in Texas, which both Larry and David describe as "different" and "difficult".

Unpredictable Rut: The rut has been highly unpredictable, with bucks either being absent or showing up unexpectedly.

Weather and Food: Despite ideal cool, cloudy, and overcast weather for hunting, deer activity was low. David notes that a large number of acorns means deer have ample food and do not need to move much.

Extended Season: David expresses optimism about the extended season through the end of February due to the Managed Lands Deer (MLD) program, hoping to see more mature bucks become active later on.

Larry reminds listeners about the upcoming DSC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for February 6th, 7th, and 8th.

⛳ Holiday Charity and Community🌲 Double Bear Kill at Choctaw Hunting Lodge🏔️ Elk Hunting in Colorado🦌 Tough Whitetail Deer Season📢 DSC Convention

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🦌 Podcast Summary: Tale of Two Bucks

This episode of DSC's Campfires features host Larry Weishuhn sharing two personal hunting stories from the current season. The episode also includes mentions of the DSC Convention in February and various sponsors.

🦌 Hunt One: The Absolute Monster Buck

Larry details his first hunt on the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in southeastern Oklahoma, a property of 44,000 contiguous acres. This hunt followed a personal health scare—pericarditis—that required surgery and recovery, making the trip even more meaningful.

Location: Choctaw Hunting Lodge, which includes a high-fenced area of over 1,000 acres for managed deer.

The Setup: Larry was invited as a guest of Avient, a world-renowned polymer producer, to assist with introducing them to various manufacturers. He was using a rifle with an Avient barrel and a Stealth Vision scope. The rifle was a 7mm PRC with Hornady 175-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter bullets, which he notes is "unbelievably accurate".

The Hunt: After his friend, Jim McQuerry, successfully harvested an impressive 10-point buck, Larry returned to the field. Larry hunted with Jim and Dusty and Jessica Vickery, who run the lodge. They spotted a massive deer in thickets. Larry ended up taking the deer with a shot at 50-60 yards using a borrowed .22 Creedmoor rifle with 80-grain Hornady ELD-X bullets.

The Trophy: The buck was an "absolute monster". Its antlers scored 357 (gross) on the Boone and Crockett system. Larry reports that the antlers were wider than he could imagine, with an outside spread of 37.5 inches, and featured eight drop tines. Larry shares that while some may criticize hunting a high-fenced property, the circumstances of his health and the sheer experience of taking such an animal make it a cherished memory.

🦌 Hunt Two: The Red River Buck

The second story takes place in Montague County, Texas, on a lease near the Oklahoma border. Larry's goal was to rattle a white-tail buck out of Oklahoma, across the Red River, and into Texas.

Location: A lease in Montague County, Texas, along the Red River.

The Setup: Larry spent time prior to the hunt putting out Vineyard Max attractant in the area and set up near a trail coming out of the river. He hunted mid-day, which he firmly believes is an excellent time to hunt, especially when the moon is new or full.

The Hunt: After an unsuccessful morning, Larry returned to his spot at noon. He started rattling antlers and after his first sequence, a mature buck came towards him from the river, showing signs of having just crossed the water. When the buck turned to walk away, Larry grunted at it, which caused the deer to turn back. He was able to get a shot off through a small window in the brush with his 7mm PRC rifle.

The Trophy: The buck was a mature, six-year-old basic 9-point with a couple of kickers, scoring about 145. It was a special hunt because he achieved his goal of rattling a buck out of a different state and taking it on his home turf.

🗓️ DSC Convention Announcement

Larry reminds listeners that the DSC Convention is scheduled for February 6-8 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Learn More About Larry at: https://www.larryweishuhn.net

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Larry sits down at the campfire with longtime friend, author, and professor Dr. Mike Arnold, recently named DSC Foundation’s Educator of the Year for 2026. The two visit about Mike’s lifetime of work in education and outdoor writing, then dive deep into his unforgettable hunt in the Scottish Highlands with Royal Outfitters UK. Mike recounts the toughness and magic of the mountains, pursuing hard-earned hill red stags during the rut, taking a younger stag for the larder and population control, and making the longest shot of his hunting career on an old warrior stag. He also shares the stories behind a trophy roebuck and a rare royal Sika stag, along with fascinating insights into Sika biology, behavior, and how hunters help manage deer numbers for Scotland’s massive forestry industry.

Along the way, Larry and Mike talk about the stark beauty and rich history of Europe, from castles to the famous “Harry Potter” Jacobite train, and how trips like these are ideal for both hunters and non-hunters alike. They wrap this portion of the conversation by touching on Mike’s ongoing writing projects, including new work that highlights how hunters around the world are solving human–wildlife conflicts through ethical, science-based conservation.

Topics in this episode include:

Dr. Mike Arnold honored as DSC Foundation Educator of the Year 2026

Challenging red stag hunting in the Scottish Highlands during the rut

Pursuing and taking a roebuck and royal Sika stag

How hunters support Scotland’s forestry and wildlife balance

The draw of European hunting: history, culture, and great adventures for hunters and non-hunters

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Larry Answers Two Big Questions from Listeners

In this engaging and insightful episode of DSC’s Campfires, Larry Weishuhn—Mr. Whitetail himself—pulls up a stump by the fire and dives into two listener-submitted questions that every hunter can appreciate. With his trademark blend of storytelling, humor, and deep field experience, Larry breaks down each topic in a way only he can.

Question 1: A practical, boots-on-the-ground discussion about deer behavior, seasonal patterns, and how hunters can adjust their approach to improve success in changing conditions.

Question 2: Larry shares personal wisdom and proven strategies regarding gear selection, field preparation, and the realities of modern deer management. His answers mix decades of field trials, conservation knowledge, and relatable campfire honesty.

Larry brings real-world clarity to questions many hunters overthink.

His down-to-earth teaching style makes complex topics feel simple and actionable.

It’s full of storytelling moments, laughs, and hard-earned advice from one of America’s most trusted outdoor voices.

Whether you're prepping for your next hunt or simply love hearing Larry’s perspective, this episode delivers classic Campfires content: entertaining, educational, and packed with practical takeaways.

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In this episode, Larry sits down with a group of legendary outdoorsmen including Choctaw Hunting Lodge’s Dusty Vickrey, Avient’s Jesse Baird, and former Shooting Times editor Jim Bequette. The conversation this show revolves around lots of hunting stories, Avient's Rapid Heat Releasing Barrel Technology, and much more fun-spirited conversations.

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In this special bonus episode of the podcast, seasoned outdoorsman Sam Old joins the show to share his best deer season insights, strategies, and practical field wisdom. From understanding late-season deer behavior to choosing the right stand locations, Sam breaks down what hunters should be paying attention to right now.

He offers real-world tips on scouting, feeding patterns, shot placement, equipment choices, and how changing weather can dramatically shift deer movement. Whether you’re a new hunter or a long-time veteran of the woods, Sam’s straightforward advice will help you make the most of your time in the field this season.

A helpful, informative, and timely episode packed with knowledge you can put to use this season! Happy Hunting!

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Dr. Mike Arnold (www.mikearnoldoutdoors.com) describes to Larry his most recent trip to Africa involving hunting crocodiles, hyenas, capturing and moving rhinos and the adventures in doing so, such as he and his wife Francis being in a small, leaky rowboat surrounded by crocodiles and hippos, and pulling hairs from the tails of rhinos for genetic research...  Larry and Dr. Arnold also talk about his latest book, "Bringing Back the Wild" available in audiobook, Kindle and hard-cover form, and how to procure autographed copies through his website at mikearnoldoutdoors.com . Outdoor writing and wildlife conservation at its finest!

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In this lighthearted and laughter-filled episode, Larry Weishuhn — known to many as Mr. Whitetail — reflects on his decades-long friendship and media adventures with legendary outdoor radio host Luke Clayton of Catfish Radio fame. The two share stories from their years in the outdoor industry, filled with humor, camaraderie, and good-natured ribbing that longtime listeners have come to love.

Larry then sits down with a colorful guest who goes by the name “Ole Root” — a character who brings both comic relief and unexpected wisdom to the campfire conversation. As the talk unfolds, it becomes clear that Ole Root may have enjoyed a few too many sips before joining the show, making for some hilariously unpredictable and entertaining moments.

This episode is a perfect blend of storytelling, laughter, and the authentic campfire spirit that defines DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn.

Learn More at LarryWeishuhn.net

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In this episode, Larry sits down with outdoorsman and storyteller Sam Old for a lively campfire conversation about hunting heritage, outdoor adventures, and lessons learned in the field. Sam shares memorable stories from his time in the woods, insights on wildlife conservation, and his personal philosophy on living close to nature. As always, Larry’s signature humor and warmth bring out the best campfire moments — blending wisdom, laughter, and genuine appreciation for the great outdoors.

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Larry rides solo on this episode talking about his Maine bear hunting adventure, as well as Edgar and David's fall bears on the Choctaw Hunting lodge. Larry also talks about his other adventure with some medical complications which became a doctor/surgery "adventure".

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