The Great Lakes Outdoors Podcast

In this episode of the Great Lakes Outdoors podcast, hosts Kyle and Travis welcome Cody from Heritage Taxidermy. They discuss Cody's journey into taxidermy, starting at age 13, and his experiences learning the craft. Cody shares stories about his early projects, including mounting a crow and a crappie, and how he developed his skills over time. The conversation covers the challenges and intricacies of taxidermy, such as dealing with different animal types and the importance of attention to detail.

Cody also talks about the business side of taxidermy, including the impact of social media on his brand and the importance of educating others in the field. The discussion touches on the hunting culture, the complexities of wildlife management, and the role of conservation. Cody emphasizes the significance of preserving hunting heritage and the need for responsible wildlife management.

The episode concludes with Cody sharing his thoughts on the future of taxidermy and his plans for expanding his business, as well as his commitment to maintaining the heritage of hunting and fishing.

In this episode of the Great Lakes Outdoors Podcast, hosts Chris Niemi and Travis discuss the intricacies of turkey hunting, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the challenges of overthinking hunting tactics, the impact of small mistakes like using a flashlight, and the importance of understanding turkey behavior. The conversation delves into the use of decoys, the significance of bird body language, and the role of curiosity in successful hunting. They also touch on the unpredictability of turkey movements and the importance of adapting strategies based on the environment and bird behavior. The episode concludes with reflections on the current hunting season and a light-hearted acknowledgment of the challenges faced

Join Kyle and Travis as they reveal the real secrets to successful turkey hunting. Forget the usual tips about calls and decoys—discover how understanding bird behavior and terrain can change your game.

Hear stories of missed shots, close calls, and the lessons learned. Learn about the impact of weather, water levels, and legal tactics on your hunt. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a beginner, this episode offers practical tips and real stories to help you succeed.

Tune in to rethink your approach and turn your luck around with insights from two experienced hunters.

Join Kyle and Travis as they dive into the world of hunting and outdoor adventures. This episode covers the excitement and challenges of turkey hunting, including humorous mishaps and insightful discussions on hunting regulations. Discover the passion behind the hunt, the camaraderie among hunters, and the thrill of the chase. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just curious about the outdoors, this episode offers a blend of storytelling, expert tips, and a touch of humor that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and updates on being a day late

02:17 - Introduction to Hunt Michigan Collab and its mission

03:21 - Regulations for deer and turkey seasons, potential rule changes

04:49 - Challenges of Waterfowl and Waterfall hunting

05:03 - How to get involved with Hunt Michigan Collab

06:21 - Travis’ role as Kalamazoo area hunt leader

07:14 - Season timing for deer and turkey hunts

08:04 - Impact of new regulations like the APR and one buck rule

09:15 - Debating trophy hunting versus meat hunting

10:08 - State land management and hunter density

11:31 - Managing expectations for turkey hunting success

12:53 - Season timing and weather implications

14:09 - Hunting strategies, no decoy setups

15:00 - Rethinking the use of rifles and muzzleloaders

16:17 - Youth hunting regulations and mentorship strategies

18:07 - The importance of hunting mature bucks

19:45 - Storytelling about opening day turkey hunt mistakes

22:18 - Social media’s influence on perceptions of size and trophy hunting

25:41 - The frustration with online hunting communities

26:28 - Spring weather patterns and their impact on bird behavior

27:23 - Personal hunting stories: missed birds and near misses

30:45 - Strategy for calling and setup for turkey hunting

34:55 - Close calls with turkey shots and how birds react

37:23 - The significance of respect and show in turkey hunting

42:49 - The impact of no decoy hunts and initial bird responses

44:54 - Balancing hunting pressure, weather, and bird movement

48:19 - The future of turkey seasons and regulations in Michigan

50:07 - Personal preferences for hunting showmanship and challenge

54:00 - The cultural and spiritual connection to turkey hunting

56:57 - Reflecting on the value of the hunt versus the trophy

58:07 - Plans for the upcoming hunt and season expectations

59:45 - Funny stories of missed birds and misfires

60:49 - Spring fishing plans and upcoming tournaments

Thank you for tuning in! Keep your spirits high and enjoy the season, whether in the woods or on the water. Don't forget to follow Kyle and Travis for more hunting tales and Michigan outdoor updates.

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Williams, founder of Retriever Fuel, to dive into the world of canine nutrition designed specifically for active working dogs. Chad shares his journey from a construction background to creating a revolutionary product that supports recovery, joint health, focus, and performance.

This episode features a lively conversation between Travis and Kyle, co-hosts of the Great Lakes Outdoors podcast. They discuss Kyle's recent trip to Mexico, where he enjoyed surfing and interacting with locals and tourists. The conversation shifts to their preparations for the upcoming turkey hunting season, including scouting properties and maintaining relationships with landowners. They emphasize the importance of communication and building personal connections with farmers to secure hunting permissions. The hosts also touch on the challenges of managing turkey populations and the impact of predators on wildlife. Additionally, they discuss their plans for future hunting trips and the camaraderie that comes with shared outdoor experiences. The episode concludes with mentions of sponsors and promotions for hunting gear and accessories.

Join Travis in his first solo episode with guest Ben Geiger, an outdoorsman skilled in DIY projects and land management. They discuss property improvements, hunting strategies, and share humorous stories. Topics include property management efforts like cutting and burning, food plot strategies, building relationships with landowners, and hunting tales. The episode also covers Ben's tractor project, firewood plans, and the upcoming turkey season.

In this episode, Kyle, Travis, and Ryan Burnett of Pattern Pros dive deep into the importance of patterning guns for turkey, waterfowl, and rifle hunts. Ryan shares insights on how detailed gun patterning can significantly improve hunting accuracy and confidence, and discusses upcoming product innovations.

00:00 - Introduction and the importance of gun patterning in hunting success

02:07 - Turkey and waterfowl seasons: reflections and challenges

04:00 - How Pattern Pros started: innovating with multi-shell pattern packs

05:42 - The evolution of turkey loads and TSS shot technology

08:45 - How manufacturers support pattern testing and product development

09:25 - The process of testing and choosing shells for optimal patterns

12:31 - Challenges of expensive shells and the value of pattern testing

16:38 - How firearm manufacturing differences affect patterns

19:19 - The importance of patterning rifles for ethical hunting

22:26 - The influence of ammo components like powder and primers on accuracy

27:19 - Patterning tips for beginners: starting close and understanding impact points

40:43 - Using steadiness and proper technique for pattern testing

44:52 - The planned expansion of Pattern Pros’ product offerings

55:33 - Future concepts like arrows, broadheads, and muzzleloaders

61:10 - The wild ride of hunting shows, challenges, and growth plans

64:40 - The upcoming presence in retail stores and target expos

68:16 - How to connect with Pattern Pros for pattern testing and products

69:22 - The value of patterning in turkey and waterfowl hunting

70:45 - Planning hunts, testing gear, and the importance of preparedness

72:29 - Wrap-up and gratitude for the support and future outlook

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview

01:51 - Shed hunting adventures and tips

02:22 - Trip to Southern Ohio for shed hunting and terrain terrain impressions

03:43 - Sign from hunters and public land observations

04:45 - Experiences with deer sign and tracking

05:24 - Ohio deer hunting insights and land access considerations

07:05 - Comparing Michigan and Ohio terrain and hunting pressure

07:37 - Setting up on property, thermals, and stand placement tips

08:17 - Property management: burning, replanting trees, and water features

09:20 - Planning for waterfowl ponds and habitat improvements

10:11 - Maintenance tips for tree stands and gear prep

11:00 - Scouting strategies using leaves off and camera placement

12:28 - Some discussion on stand location and deer behavior

12:50 - Shed hunting efforts and finding antlers

13:56 - Field sightings of deer and shed antlers, and late-season find

15:08 - The challenge of shed hunting in crops and terrain

16:27 - Tracking turkey sign and turkey activity patterns

17:22 - Memorable turkey hunts and property features

18:32 - Hunting tactics: blinds, calling, and decoy strategies

21:02 - Gear prep: calls, shells, and practice tips

22:04 - Turkey season preparations and licensing updates

23:04 - The value of scouting apps and prior knowledge

24:55 - Effective use of trail cameras for hunting success

26:39 - Defensive behavior of wildlife and habitat transition areas

28:30 - Bow hunting prep and gear maintenance

29:02 - Strategies for turkey decoys and stand setups

30:17 - The art of camouflaging and blending with turkeys

34:09 - Memorable turkey hunt stories and surprises

37:01 - Discussion on aggressive TSS loads and turkey hunting ethics

38:04 - Dealing with hunting criticism and resource management

39:01 - Creative use of decoys: geese over buck decoys!

42:04 - Turkey tagging, e-tags, and harvest reporting

45:46 - Deer and turkey population insights from harvest reports

47:08 - Season outlook, draw systems, and conservation thoughts

50:08 - Road safety, coyote and raccoon impacts on wildlife populations

52:35 - The ongoing battle with predators and predators’ breeding habits

54:02 - Upcoming outdoor gear releases and merch plans

55:50 - Episode closing and upcoming topics

• The recent Michigan House bill on deer baiting and its implications
• Pros and cons of one buck versus APR (Antler Point Restrictions) systems
• The impact of hunting regulations on deer herd health and genetics
• The role of social media in shaping hunting law opinions
• Wildlife conservation efforts, including turkey and dove regulation changes
• Practical tips for shed hunting and scouting techniques

00:01 - Introduction to Michigan hunting laws and recent legislative updates

00:24 - Michigan House bill passing to lift deer baiting across the lower peninsula

00:52 - Different hunter types: habitat-focused vs. baiting advocates

01:17 - Concerns around CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) and baiting regulations

02:24 - Impact of bait restrictions and the debate over natural vs. baited food sources

02:53 - The economics of hunting: tags, tags costs, and management strategies

03:38 - Managing hunting succession and exploring riskier management options

04:36 - The potential benefits of a one buck system and its effect on buck genetics

05:10 - The debate on whether to maintain or switch hunting policies, emphasizing herd health

06:12 - The importance of herd ratios and genetic diversity in deer populations

07:07 - The influence of antler restrictions and the discussion about shooting or waiting for bigger bucks

08:09 - The concept of injured deer and ethical decisions during hunting with a one buck limit

09:36 - The reality of social media influence and differing opinions among hunters

10:05 - Hunting variety: managing deer seasons and exploring cross-state hunting opportunities

11:20 - The challenges in changing hunting laws and the power of community advocacy

12:53 - The significance of record-keeping and technological advances in scouting

14:13 - The future of turkey hunting research and habitat management in Michigan

15:57 - The politics of hunting regulations: funding, lobbying, and public opinion

17:53 - The potential of new research projects, including geo-tracking and banding efforts

20:40 - Engaging the hunting community for feedback and continuous improvement

22:17 - Upcoming spring activities: shed hunting, turkey loads, and gear preparations

23:09 - Personal experiences with bow hunting and gear investments

24:08 - Ethical considerations: hunting with calls and respecting wildlife

25:28 - The controversy over crane and dove hunting laws in Michigan

30:40 - The economics of out-of-state hunting trips and their impact on local economies

35:08 - Strategies for shed hunting and scouting during winter and early spring

37:21 - Sharing shed photos and the importance of age estimation and genetics

41:53 - Managing deer populations and understanding herd dynamics

45:04 - The importance of strategic hunting pressure and habitat management

48:14 - Final thoughts on proper hunting techniques and wildlife stewardship