More than 25 years ago, a routine day on a northern Wisconsin trapline took an unexpected turn for Steve Olson. While handling a conibear trap deep in the woods, a split-second mistake left him trapped and stuck alone with no cell phone and no immediate help. What followed required problem-solving, determination, and a calm approach under pressure.

In this episode we share Steve's experience and focus on the safety lessons every trapper should know, including the importance of letting someone know your plans, communication, using proper safety equipment, understanding emergency techniques, and the value of taking a trapper education class before heading into the field. A reminder that preparation, knowledge, and respect for the equipment matter on the trapline.

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In this episode, we sit down with Ron Niziolek, a life long bow hunter from Cody, Wyoming whose passion for elk hunting places him deep in some of the most bear-dense terrain in the lower 48. In areas where nearly every drainage holds a grizzly bear, success isn't just measured by filling a tag- it's measured by getting home safe.

During the 2024 Wyoming elk season, Ron encountered 41 grizzly bears and experienced multiple bluff charges.

This is an honest conversation about passion, preparation, and coexistence and what it takes to continue hunting elk in wild places without letting fear push you out of the mountains you love. If you hunt, hike, or spend time in grizzly country, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we share the powerful story of Lauren Jean- a tough, devoted hounds woman whose life was turned upside down by a single tick bite. After contracting Lyme disease, Lauren quickly developed severe symptoms, including neurological issues, heart complication, and P.O.T.S forcing her into a year long battle that drained her health, finances and strength. Through hospital visits, costly treatments, and constant setbacks, she continues caring for her 7 Bluetick hounds and her farm almost entirely on her own. We explore the science behind Lyme, why it's called "The Great Imitator" and the importance of prevention, tick-removal, and tick-testing services like TickCheck. This is a story of resilience, reality and the urgent need for better Lyme awareness and research.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brew_city_blue_hounds?igsh=MTExdXM0YjlveWQzcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18PymsmEWE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

TickCheck: https://www.tickcheck.com/landing/lyme-disease?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=201474434&gbraid=0AAAAADvq656tIgEmHWdne88I47vdGxNAn

Tick Testing: https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/testing/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, returning guest Jeff Braaksma shares a harrowing first hand account of what he believes was a Brown Recluse Spider bite-right in the woods of Wisconsin, where the species isn't considered native. While clearing brush for a deer stand, Jeff experienced a bite that quickly turned serious: swelling, tissue damage, and a textbook bullseye wound. Days later, after posting pictures on Facebook, his story ignited a response - dozens of others across Wisconsin shared similar experiences, raising new concerns about these so-called "hitchhiker" spiders.

We breakdown Jeff's story and go beyond it, sharing what experts say you should do if you suspect a Brown Recluse bite. From symptoms to treatment-and what not to do, this episode is packed with information every hunter, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast should know.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share a painful lesson I learned first hand: What happens when you don't properly protect your skin from the sun. After a fishing trip turned into a medical nightmare, I developed sun poisoning and second-degree burns on my lips. We'll talk about what sun poisoning actually is, why your lips are especially at risk, and how you can prevent serious sun damage using SPF lip balm, sun-protective clothing, and smarter habits.

Also, check out episode 40, "What's That Spot?", where I talk with fishing guide Thatcher Haggberg about the different types of skin cancer caused by sun exposure.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.