Michigan deer hunting rules are changing, and if you bowhunt or manage property, this conversation hits exactly where it matters. Kyle and Travis break down the new one buck, earn-a-buck conversation, how it could change what hunters pass on, and why the smartest move might not be the one everyone expects.They also get into the real-world side of archery season prep, from pin setups and peep sights to anchor points, missed-shot flashbacks, and the mental game of getting back behind a bow after time off. If you've ever stared at your sight picture and wondered whether your setup is helping or hurting you, this one is packed with relatable, practical talk.You'll hear their take on:

• Whether Michigan firearm deer season is still the state’s biggest hunting tradition
• How to decide between fixed pins, one-pin sights, and simplified yardage setups
• What it actually means to pass a young buck when your neighbors might not
• Why some properties produce giant deer, and others keep spitting out weird six-points
• How genetics, pressure, food, and cover shape what shows up on camera

Kyle also shares updates on trail camera setups, blind prep, and early waterfowl season timing, while Travis weighs in on the realities of hunting pressured ground, managing expectations, and why some of the best deer properties look like nothing more than a ditch line in the middle of a field.If you hunt Michigan, care about deer management, or just want a brutally honest conversation between two guys living the hunting season from both the waterfowl and whitetail side, this episode is for you.

Kyle and Travis sit down with Hunter from Tri State Retrievers to catch up on his move from Ohio to Arkansas, his work as a guide, and how he keeps dog training small, personal, and effective. They also dig into the realities of Arkansas duck hunting, from flooded rice fields and hospitality-driven guide services to why the hunting culture down south is so different from the Great Lakes.In this episode, Hunter shares what changed after leaving Ohio, how guiding and dog training fit together, and why transparency matters when you’re trusting someone with your dog for months at a time. The conversation also covers waterfowl heritage, pressure on bird habitat, safety in the blind, and what owners should look for in a trainer.

• Hunter explains how Tri State Retrievers started in Ohio with Dustin, then shifted to Arkansas after he moved south and began building a kennel there.
• He breaks down why he keeps dog training small, usually around six client dogs, because guiding takes up much of the fall and winter.
• The crew talks about how competitive dog training is in Arkansas, where word of mouth and Facebook still do a lot of the heavy lifting.
• Hunter compares Great Lakes waterfowl hunting with Arkansas hunting, pointing out that the Great Lakes region is often underestimated.
• They get into the difference between hunting heritage in Arkansas versus Ohio, especially around flooded timber, rice fields, and big-water or field hunting.
• Hunter explains why Arkansas hunting feels different now than in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, saying the region has changed rather than simply “died off.”
• He discusses private clubs, unharvested crops, and how large tracts of held birds can affect where ducks and geese land and feed.
• The group covers the all-inclusive side of guiding at Bust a Duck Guide Service, including lodging, meals, safety briefings, and making the day comfortable even if the birds don’t cooperate.
• Hunter walks through his dog training timeline, from puppy programs at 8 weeks old to started gun dogs and longer programs for hunt tests and finished retrievers.
• He explains what owners should look for in a trainer: transparency, kennel size, daily attention, facility quality, and regular communication.
• The conversation closes on why hunting dogs are more successful when they get real hunting experience, not just yard drills or test-only work.

Michigan hunters are arguing about the wrong things. From baiting and Sunday hunting to cell cameras, crossbows, and social media drama, Travis lays out the opinions that will get people fired up and talking.This solo episode of the Great Lakes Outdoors Podcast is part hot take, part reality check, and part old-school hunting philosophy. Travis uses a structured, no-nonsense format to tackle some of the most debated questions in Michigan hunting right now - and he does not hold back on where he stands.You’ll hear Travis break down:

• Why Michigan firearm season still feels like a holiday
• Whether Sunday hunting should be allowed everywhere
• Why baiting is fair chase in his eyes
• The pressure to pass bucks when your neighbors won’t
• Habitat vs. genetics on growing mature deer
• Why 10 acres can attract deer, but not truly hold them
• The role of OnX, cell cameras, and other technology in modern hunting
• The most overrated gear, the one item he never hunts without, and why rangefinders changed everything
• How social media can both grow hunting and poison it
• Why antler size should never decide whether a hunt matters

Travis also gets personal, sharing stories from his own hunting life - missed opportunities, buck fever, public land struggles, youth hunts, deer camp memories, and the moment he realized a “successful” hunt does not always mean killing an animal. Those stories give the episode real weight behind the opinions.If you care about Michigan hunting, deer management, hunting ethics, or the way social media is shaping the next generation of hunters, this episode hits all of it. It is especially relevant if you have ever felt judged for the size of the deer you shot, wondered whether modern tech is changing the sport too much, or just want a straight answer from someone who has lived these debates.Equal parts controversial and relatable, this episode is built to make you think, nod along, or completely disagree - and that is exactly the point. Perfect for hunters who want an honest conversation, a few laughs, and a fresh take on the issues everyone in the woods is already talking about.

Small changes in the woods can completely change your deer season. Mike of Full Draw Land Management LLC breaks down the exact mistakes most hunters make with food plots, stand placement, access, canopy cover, and bedding locations - and how to fix them before your property gets blown out.

If you’ve ever wondered why deer vanish in the middle of October, why your food plot gets hammered at night but stays empty when you hunt it, or why your “perfect” setup still isn’t producing mature bucks, this conversation hits every weak spot. Mike, Kyle, and Travis  get brutally practical about what actually holds deer on a property and what just looks good on a map.

You’ll discover:

• Why access is often more important than food
• How sunlight on the forest floor can create up to four tons of food per acre
• The difference between AM stands, PM stands, and transition stands
• When clover, chicory, oats, cereal rye, brassicas, or fruit trees make sense
• Why “too thick” and “too open” can both ruin a property
• How to think about neighboring properties before you ever buy land

Mike also shares the real-world consulting process behind Full Draw Land Management, including how he grades properties, why neighborhood pressure matters, and what he looks for when a client wants to turn 40 to 120 acres into a better hunt. He explains why some plots should be treated like sanctuaries, why mature deer react to scent and movement faster than most hunters realize, and how tiny access tweaks can mean the difference between a dead property and a huntable one.

This episode matters if you’re buying land, improving a deer camp, or trying to make your current property hunt like it should. The biggest mistakes in deer management are usually the simplest ones, and once you hear Mike’s approach, you’ll start seeing your own property differently.

Perfect for deer hunters, landowners, and anyone who wants more daylight movement, better hunts, and fewer self-inflicted mistakes this season.

For more information email Mike at [email protected] or look him up on Facebook at Full Draw Land Management LLC.

When you think of fishing in Michigan, you probably picture just casting and catching — but behind the scenes, a quiet upheaval is taking place. Troy Stokes, president of the Michigan Bass Federation, and Mark Etch, tournament director, reveal how they're building a grassroots movement to protect, promote, and elevate fishing statewide. Discover how this volunteer-driven organization fights invasive species, advocates for year-round catch and release, and creates opportunities for anglers of all ages to step up and make a difference.

You'll learn about the upcoming state and national tournaments that could be your ticket to fishing for hundreds of thousands of dollars — all for just a few hundred dollars and a passion for the water. Troy and Mark explain how the federation is shaping policies on Wake Boats, invasives, and habitat conservation, influencing decisions that affect Michigan lakes and waterways. They also highlight the importance of youth programs, increasing memberships, and how engaged anglers can amplify their voice at the table with the DNR and other agencies.

This episode breaks down actionable ways you can get involved, whether through membership, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to get your kids into fishing, listen now to see why Michigan's fishing scene is more dynamic — and more crucial to conservation — than ever before.

Perfect for anyone eager to impact local waterways, aspiring tournament anglers, or community members passionate about preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Don’t miss how organized activism and dedicated individuals are transforming the future of fishing in the Great Lakes State.

Most hunters believe success hinges on the right stand or perfect wind — but what if the secret to better hunting isn’t what you’re doing during the hunt? Rich from Killer Food Plots reveals the overlooked strategies that can turn your property into a deer magnet, even in the most challenging conditions. Whether you're managing a small backyard or a large piece of land, learn how creating the perfect habitat with food plots, bedding areas, and strategic planting can dramatically boost your odds — and keep deer coming back year after year.

In this episode, we dive deep into the science and craft of food plotting. Rich shares how planting oats as late as September can provide crucial late-season forage, and how simple techniques like mowing and no-till planting can turn a barren field into a high-quality habitat in just a few years. Discover the hidden power of landscape features like drain ditches and hedgerows that deer naturally use to evade pressure, and learn how to incorporate these funnels into your strategy.

We break down:

• The best timing and methods for planting spring and summer plots that attract and hold deer longer
• How to use switchgrass and other native grasses to create bedding cover that deer prefer for fawning and winter success
• The latest innovations in soil health — from liquid fertilizers to drone technology that can scan, seed, and even treat your land remotely
• Why focusing on habitat management can outperform even the most carefully planned hunts
• Tips for working with farmers and neighbors to improve access and reduce pressure on your property

If you're serious about maximizing your property’s potential or simply want to learn how to outsmart pressure and heavy crop harvesting, this episode is essential listening. Rich’s real-world experience and innovative tips make farming and habitat creation approachable and effective for hunters at every level.

Rich is a seasoned habitat specialist and founder of Killer Food Plots, known for his innovative approaches to food plotting, soil health, and deer management. His expertise guides hunters and land managers to make smarter, more sustainable choices that pay off year after year.

Perfect for hunters, landowners, or anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their property — the game-changing tactics in this episode could be your secret advantage. Hit play and start turning your land into a deer paradise today.

Join Kyle and Trav as they dive into waterfowl season prep, hunting stories, gear talk, and the unique challenge of the Great Loop — all sprinkled with humor and practical tips for outdoor enthusiasts.

In this episode, Travis and Kyle discuss recent boating mishaps, waterfowl hunting strategies, property management, and the importance of community in hunting. They also touch on the evolving technology in trail cameras and the upcoming youth events supporting outdoor traditions.

Join us for a lively discussion on the current environmental conditions, deer hunting strategies, and wildlife behaviors in Michigan — all intertwined with personal anecdotes and practical tips.

In this episode:

• The impact of recent weather patterns on outdoor activities and wildlife movement
• Building and utilizing tree stands and blinds for deer hunting
• The fascinating behaviors of wood ducks and their nesting habits
• Strategies to minimize scent detection and attract deer
• Exploring new hunting technology ideas, including virtual shooting apps
• Updates on Michigan deer regulations and conservation efforts
• The benefits and challenges of saddle hunting and mobile setups
• How weather and habitat influence deer and duck populations
• Personal stories about poison ivy, ticks, and insect management in the field

In this episode of the Great Lakes Outdoors Podcast, Kyle and Travis unlock the strategies that turn casual hunters into seasoned experts who consistently outsmart mature deer and waterfowl. From managing water levels to optimizing food plots, they reveal the insider tactics that give you the edge, including how strategic scent use and stand placement can dramatically change your season.

You'll discover:

• The surprising effectiveness of early seduction tactics like Hodag scent ropes and how they attract bucks and geese months before season peaks.
• Practical tips for food plot timing, from August seedings to late-season stand adjustments based on crop changes and deer movement patterns.
• The latest insights into waterfowl hatch success, duck and goose hatch statistics, and how shifting water conditions affect migration and local bird numbers.
• How to leverage trail cameras legally in 14 states and the crucial difference between using them for scouting versus over-reliance.
• The mental game of hunting: balancing passion, strategy, and timing to ensure long-term success without burnout.
• Fun stories that highlight the unpredictability of wildlife — like rescuing a baby goose and the surprisingly high survival odds of small animals like turkeys and waterfowl in the wild.