Durrell Smith hosted a special episode recapping his recent, highly memorable trip to the Minnesota Boundary Waters, joined by guests Land Tawney (co-chair of American Hunters and Anglers), Katie McKalip (conservation communications expert), Lukas Leaf (Executive Director of Sportsman for the Boundary Waters, who also served as camp chef), and Matt Schultz (Program Manager at SBW). Durrell described the wilderness as one of the most memorable times of his hunting career, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience wilderness that felt like being in a "theme park... just for nature" and fulfilled a childhood sense of adventure. The trip yielded a true "cast and blast" mixed bag, during which Durrell harvested his first rough grouse in Minnesota, caught smallmouth bass, and foraged for mushrooms. Central to the conversation was the advocacy needed to protect the Boundary Waters—a unique and irreplaceable landscape that is an "objective good" for all Americans—from the threat of the Twin Metals nonferrous copper-nickel mine planned upstream from the watershed. Guests confirmed that organizations are in "defense mode" against potential attempts to overturn the 20-year mineral moratorium issued by the Biden administration in January 2023, urging listeners to raise awareness and call elected officials to secure permanent protection for the watershed. Durrell concluded by announcing he is developing related content, including a video recap on the American Soul, American Soul YouTube channel, writing, and artwork, while also promoting new products and upcoming events, such as an Atlanta photography exhibition on November 1st.

The episode features host Durrell Smith and four guests who joined the trip to advocate for the Minnesota Boundary Waters wilderness: Land Tawney (introduced in the source as Lan Tommy Tony and Lan Tony), the co-chair of American Hunters and Anglers, and Katie McKalip (introduced in the source as Katie Maleb), who works in conservation communications dedicated to elevating stories about opportunities and cherished places held dear by outdoors people. They are joined by the team from Sportsman for the Boundary Waters (SBW): Executive Director Lukas Leaf (introduced in the source as Lucas Leap), who also utilized his past experience as a professional chef to serve as the camp chef for the group, and Program Manager Matt Schultz (introduced in the source as Matthew Schultz), who lives near Ely, Minnesota, close to the Boundary Waters and whose wirehaired pointing griffon, Salmon, helped Durrell get his first grouse in Minnesota.

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Full Episode coming soon

The Sporting Life Notebook Podcast: Wingshooting in Watercolor & Backcountry Insights

Welcome back to The Sporting Life Notebook Podcast! Durrell Smith, is here with an exciting and insightful episode, recorded live, to share updates, personal stories, and deep dives into the sporting life. This episode features the "Wingshooting in Watercolor" presentation given at the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) Rendevous in Missoula, MT.

Sponsored by Beretta USA & Beretta Gallery This podcast is proudly brought to you by Beretta USA and Beretta Gallery. Make sure to visit berettagalleryusa.com to explore their range of products, including premier firearms and shotguns. You can get discounts on many items right now, and don't forget to use promo code TSLN for special savings!

In This Episode:

• The Backcountry in Your Backyard Event at Orvis Sandanona Durrell recounts the recent Backcountry in Your Backyard event, a partnership between Minority Outdoor Alliance and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA). The event, held at Orvis Sandanona in Millbrook, New York, offered a unique opportunity for a smaller group of participants (five this year!) to experience clay shooting and fly fishing for free, with transportation facilitated from Penn Station. The goal of these events is to provide access to the outdoors for black and brown people and those who haven't had the opportunity, connecting them with conservation and outdoor sports. Hear about the fantastic experience of participants breaking clays and even catching fish, and the joy of seeing new outdoor enthusiasts light up. Plans are already in motion to return to Sandanona next year.
• Deep Dive: The Beretta 687 EL Diamond Pigeon 410 Get an exclusive look and hear about 's personal experience with his favorite Beretta shotgun, the 687 EL Diamond Pigeon in 410 gauge. Discover why this handmade firearm, with its stunning hand-etched engraving of pheasants, woodcock, and grouse, is a dream piece. Learn about the unique "break-in" process for a handmade gun and how it finally became "like butter" after two and a half seasons of use. emphasizes the importance of using such high-quality pieces in the field to create a lasting legacy. This 28-inch barrel beauty is available at berettagalleryusa.com for $9,429, and remember to use the TSLN promo code for 10% off!
• The Power of Storytelling: A Bird Dog Will Make You Cry shares the impactful story he delivered at the BHA Rendevous, a tale he never got to tell his late mentor, Neil Carter Jr.. This deeply personal narrative recounts a moment at a Minority Outdoor Alliance "learn to hunt" event in Alabama where a participant, Renee, overcame significant personal trauma related to firearms through the therapeutic experience of bird hunting with 's dogs, Jug and Joker. Discover how the bird dog's work transcended the hunt itself, highlighting the internal and healing aspects of connecting with nature.
• Art, Creativity, and the Future of the Outdoors Building on the "Wingshooting in Watercolor" presentation, discusses the crucial role of art and authentic creativity in documenting and sharing outdoor experiences. He challenges the limitations of digital content and AI in conveying the true essence of hunting and conservation. Learn how his artwork bridges cultural divides and connects communities, from city dwellers to international chucker hunters in the Himalayas. The conversation emphasizes that unique, human-made art is vital for attracting new, diverse audiences and preserving the tactile, real experience of the outdoors for future generations.

New Sporting Life Notebook Offerings is excited to announce new products crafted with his own hands and artistic vision, soon available on the thesportinglifenotebook.com web store:

• Coffee Collaboration: A custom "sporting life roast" created in partnership with Grassroots Coffee Roasters in Thomasville, Georgia, featuring unique bag artwork designed by .
• English Setter Keychains: From 2D drawings to 3D reality, these all-gold English setter keychains are a fun, unique offering.
• Limited Edition Sculptures: Large, hand-leafed gold English setter sculptures, serving as fine art pieces for the upcoming American Soil, American Soul exhibition.
• Handmade Dog Collars: The first prototypes of 100% genuine cowhide leather dog collars, hand-cut and hand-stitched by himself, will be available soon.

Upcoming Events & Announcements:

• Minority Outdoor Alliance: Union Perfectors for Conservation Join the Minority Outdoor Alliance for a day of exploration and discovery! This service-oriented event will connect the community with Pennsylvania state agencies. There will be hands-on demonstrations, opportunities to meet wildlife experts, and activities like bird watching for the whole family.
  • Date: August 2nd
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: French Creek State Park, 843 Park Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania
  • Register here: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/231822
• American Soil, American Soul 3rd Exhibition Mark your calendars for the third visual arts show, potentially featuring a musical performance, from American Soil, American Soul!
  • Date: October 8th
  • Time: Evening show, around 6:00ish
  • Location: Norton and Hodges store in Charleston, South Carolina
• Minority Outdoor Alliance Membership Keep an eye out for details on how to become a member of the Minority Outdoor Alliance as they prepare to open up membership options soon, aiming to expand their national reach.

Connect with The Sporting Life Notebook:

• Visit the Official Store: thesportinglifenotebook.com
• Shop Beretta: berettagalleryusa.com (use code TSLN)
• Learn More About Minority Outdoor Alliance: minorityoutdooralliance.org
• Subscribe on YouTube: American Soil, American Soul for comprehensive content from sporting life to art and music
• Sign Up for the Newsletter: thesportinglifenotebook.com
• Follow on Social Media:
  • YouTube: American Soil, American Soul
  • Instagram: American Soil, American Soul, The Sporting Life Notebook, Minority Outdoor Alliance
  • TikTok: (Follow once the host is out of "TikTok jail" for talking about firearms!)
• Support Public Lands: Join Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA)

Thank you for tuning in and supporting the podcast. Your engagement inspires the work we do. Share these channels with friends and keep supporting the genuine and inspired work of The Sporting Life Notebook!