The Field Notes Podcast

Presented by Farm Bureau of Georgia - Episode 20 of The Field Notes Podcast features a one-on-one sit down with GON chief editor Jason Nesbit. He tells the story of how he stepped into the role with GON, and what led him to make a career change in his 40s. Jason links up with Jake Rowe to discuss the long-term, multi-faceted vision of GON Outdoors, which includes helping people get outside and enjoy God's creation, serving as a voice for the state's outdoorsmen and, above maybe all else, paving the way for the next generation of hunters and fishermen. A Georgia boy to his core, Jason also digs into what makes the Georgia outdoors so special, and what makes him tick when it comes to hunting and fishing. 

Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau - Episode 19 of The Field Notes Podcast features a 1-on-1 sit down with Derik Lawrence of Send Me Dog Ministries. Derik is an avid hunter and fisherman who has a special knowledge of and connection with hunting dogs. He uses them both to hunt birds and in the pulpit as he ministers to people far and wide. He discusses how God led him to create Send Me Dog Ministries, and blesses us with some scripture. He also talks about what he looks for in a hunting dog and shares his passion for the Georgia Outdoors. 

Presented by Farm Bureau of Georgia -- Lake Lanier spotted bass guide and expert Jimbo Mathley joins The Field Notes Podcast to discuss his incredible journey from Indiana, to Virginia, to the state of Georgia where he has become a go-to source on the Peach State's most popular lake. After a lengthy, successful run in the corporate world, Jimbo took a leap of faith and pursued his dream of fishing for a living. It wasn't always easy, but it was a calling that he did not ignore, nor did he give up on. He walks Jake Rowe through the entire story and delivers some intel on Lake Lanier for those who plan to get out there any time soon. 

The Field Notes Podcast, presented by Farm Bureau of Georgia, welcomes special guests Emily Rushton and Taylor Rampley. Emily is a turkey biologist with the Georgia DNR, and Taylor is a GON Field Editor and avid turkey hunter. They join Jake Rowe to recap the NWTF Show in Nashville last week and discuss the issues, challenges and positive trends surrounding turkey hunting and population in the Georgia outdoors. 

We spend a lot of time in the woods on episode 16 of The Field Notes Podcast, presented by Georgia Farm Bureau. Much like last week, Jake Rowe goes one-on-one with the special guest host, Ben Martin of the Hunt Regs App. Ben has built his app from the ground up, helping hunters stay compliant with state regulations on the surface level. Dig deeper and you'll find the journal, where hunters can use wind, weather, and other factors to track patterns. Ben also tells some fantastic hunt stories and discusses his love of turkey hunting. 

Presented by Farm Bureau of Georgia, this episode of The Field Notes Podcast is a little different. Jason Muhlbauer of The Fish School joins the show in a co-host role to talk bass fishing and a lot more. He and Jake Rowe link up to discuss tournament angling, Jason's new foray into guiding, the "live scope" debate, and even some saltwater fishing. Jason also talks about his meteorology and GIS backgrounds,  as well as his experience as a FAA licensed drone operator—each of which he uses out on the water. 

Presented by Farm Bureau of Georgia, Braelin Smallwood and Jake Rowe begin the show with an unbelievable story of a duck hunter on Lake Oconee who saved a doe from the jaws of a coyote. Caleb Stewart got his limit of wood ducks on a snowy Sunday morning, but he also saved a life—or two. Braelin and Jake also connect with Lindsay Thomas of the National Deer Association, a former GON editor. He shares info on the issues facing Georgia's deer population, shares some management tips, and a wild story from his time at GON. 

Presented by Farm Bureau of Georgia - A group of hunters and landowners from southwest Georgia got together about 16 years ago and decided to do what was best for quality deer management in their area. The Early County crew started the Spring Creek Co-op, and it has been a rousing success. Mike Lowe, who was one of the founders, joins The Field Notes to extoll the benefits of teamwork. He tells us all about the evolution and successes since the co-op was started. Kimberly Lee and Jake Rowe also discuss recent GON happenings and news, including a trip to ATA in Indianapolis and saying goodbye to a couple of legends. 

Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau, the first episode of The Field Notes Podcast in 2026 is teeming with great stories and info. Travis "T-Bone" Turner joins the show to discuss his exploits in the outdoors, thriving after a cancer diagnosis, and his love of archery. Jake Rowe and Braelin Smallwood also tell the stories of a 24-point Seminole County monster and an impressive bow buck that was first spotted on a doorbell camera. 

The last Field Notes Podcast of the year features a look ahead from the GON crew and another fun interview with an expert with the Georgia DNR. Kimberly Lee, Braelin Smallwood, and Jake Rowe gather to discuss what they want to accomplish in the outdoors for 2026—from trying something new to doing more of what they love. GON also connects with I.B. Parnell to discuss upland game birds, how to help manage the population, and CWD.