The Spring Legion Podcast

What makes the Eastern Wild Turkey America's most challenging gamebird? Join Hunter Farrior of Spring Legion, Dr. Mike Chamberlain (@wildturkeydoc), and Matt from the National Wild Turkey Federation as they dive deep into the mysterious world of Eastern Wild Turkeys from their Kentucky turkey camp.

The conversation opens with back-to-back hunting stories that perfectly illustrate why Easterns have earned their reputation for outsmarting hunters. As Dr. Chamberlain reveals, "Easterns are the most heavily hunted subspecies with decades of hunting pressure...they're used to dealing with us." This hard-won wisdom passed through generations of turkeys explains why success rates remain so low compared to hunting other subspecies.

You'll discover fascinating research about Eastern turkey behavior, including their complex roosting patterns where birds use multiple locations rather than returning to the same tree night after night. This explains why hunters sometimes return to a spot expecting the same bird, only to encounter a completely different turkey with different behavior patterns – a revelation that might change your hunting strategy forever!

The discussion takes a critical turn toward conservation as the team explores how Eastern turkeys depend on hardwood forests for winter nutrition and return to the same breeding grounds generation after generation. With hardwood forests disappearing at alarming rates and specific breeding grounds being disrupted, understanding these complex habitat needs has never been more important for ensuring the future of the wild turkey.

Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter looking to improve your odds against these forest-dwelling game birds, or a conservation-minded outdoorsperson concerned about wild turkey populations, this episode delivers crucial insights directly from the experts studying these magnificent birds. Listen now and gain a deeper appreciation for America's most widespread – and most challenging – wild turkey subspecies.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

This week, Hunter Farrior welcomes his good friend Gary Stanton (of country music duo Muscadine Bloodline) to share their recent adventure pursuing turkeys in completely new territory.

What begins as a loosely planned expedition with minimal local knowledge turns into a masterclass in adaptability, patience, and recognizing opportunity when it presents itself. The hunters reveal how a wrong turn and nearly hitting a hen with their truck led to discovering a turkey hotspot that would define their entire trip. Their experience demonstrates the delicate balance between scouting widely and committing deeply once birds are located.

The conversation explores the challenges of hunting opening day on public land, managing pressure from other hunters, and the tactical decisions that ultimately led to success. Rather than constantly seeking new ground, they found that staying put and truly learning one productive area yielded better results—harvesting birds seven hours apart but only 70 yards from one another.

Beyond hunting tactics, Bobby and Gary discuss their friendship built through shared passion for turkey hunting and literature, how superstition influences their hunting gear choices, and the special quality of early spring turkey season that keeps them coming back year after year. Their genuine enthusiasm and storytelling make this episode both entertaining and educational for hunters of all experience levels.

Whether you're planning your own out-of-state turkey adventure or simply enjoy authentic hunting stories, this episode offers valuable insights on finding success in unfamiliar territory while creating lasting memories with friends in the turkey woods.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

Hunter and Chase Farrior dive into week two of the 2025 turkey season with stories from the Mississippi woods, discussing strategies for hunting "henned-up" gobblers that are challenging to call in.

• Gobblers are particularly challenging this season, often going silent once they fly down from the roost
• Both hosts notice there seem to be more hens and gobblers than in previous seasons
• Chase shares a successful hunt where being in the perfect spot was more important than calling
• Hunter recounts a missed opportunity when overthinking a shot through potential obstructions
• The challenges of hunting thick cover where turkeys sound farther away than they actually are
• Discussion of red dot sights versus traditional beads and challenges when shooting in thick cover
• Brief mention of Breck's successful turkey hunt with their father
• Interactions with vocal hens can be almost as rewarding as working a gobbler

Visit springlegion.com to check out their merchandise including Mossy Oak vintage tees, casual rope hats, turkey hunting pants, and other accessories.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

We miss Mississippi's opening day due to severe tornadic weather but make up for it with an action-packed day two in the spring turkey woods. Safety first becomes our motto when dangerous storms threaten our hunting area, forcing us to exercise patience despite the nine-

• Observe an extremely vocal, aggressive hen cutting and assembly yelping from the roost
• Witness textbook "henned-up" gobbler behavior with minimal gobbling after flydown
• Encounter multiple turkeys during an afternoon solo hunt along property lines
• Note incredibly heavy pollen conditions throughout the woods affecting visibility
• Discuss upcoming hunting trips to California, Kentucky and possibly other eastern states
• Plan to feature guest appearances and hunting stories throughout the season
• Explain our strategy of being more conservative early in the season to avoid pressuring birds

For 15% off your next round of Houndstooth Turkey calls, be sure to use our special discount code SLP25 at checkout when you visit houndstoothgamecalls.com.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

The excitement of turkey season is finally here, causing anticipation and nervous energy as the hosts prepare for their favorite time of year.

• Spring Legion updates on new apparel including Full Foliage patterns available for pre-order Tuesday 3/11/25
• Original Bottomland duffel bags finally arriving after three years of development
• Comparison of mouth call preferences (KB Hen batwing vs Ghost Cut)
• Essential gear carried in turkey vests including Thermacells, DEET, permethrin treatment
• Discussion of wing bone calls and their effectiveness
• Important utility items like limb snips, electrical tape, and extra socks
• Detailed breakdown of gun and ammo preferences, including TSS shells
• Weather preparation considerations including multiple clothing layers
• The importance of having backup plans and extra supplies in your vehicle

We'll hopefully be out in the woods getting our game plan together when you hear from us next. Thanks for listening to the Spring Legion podcast - your shares, reviews and engagement mean the world to us.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

Buckle up for an exhilarating ride through our latest podcast episode where turkey hunting tales take center stage! Join us as we share our personal stories of both success and lessons learned while navigating the thrilling, yet unpredictable realm of turkey season. With tales that range from triumphant encounters to comical misadventures, we reflect on the intricate dynamics of turkey behavior, the importance of preparation, and the gear that helps us bring home the prize.

Together, we'll explore the insights gained from past hunting experiences, touching on themes of patience, resilience, and the love for the sport that keeps us coming back for more.

 Anecdotes and tales draw attention to the beauty of being present in the woods, waiting for that fateful gobble while embracing the what-ifs that often accompany every hunt.

This engaging discussion is as much about the laughs as it is about the lessons, appealing to seasoned hunters and novices alike. We invite listeners to reflect on their own hunting stories and join us in the conversation. 

Ready to gear up for your own turkey season? Tune in and ignite your passion for the hunt while learning and laughing along the way. Don’t forget to join our community by sharing your turkey hunting adventure and contributing to the spirit of shared experiences!

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

This episode reveals the core concept of "woodsmanship" in turkey hunting, emphasizing that knowledge and awareness of turkey behavior, terrain, and strategic positioning significantly improve hunting success. Listeners discover essential rules of thumb for effective turkey hunting, including understanding camouflage, mastering call techniques, and respecting turkey instincts. 

• Introduction to wisdomship in hunting
• Importance of realism in turkey calls
• Tips on positioning and movement in the field
• Understanding turkey behavior and instincts
• Mastering calling techniques for better success
• Key insights on camouflage and visual elements
• The value of terrain learning and adapting to nature
• Reflection on the bond between tradition and advancement in hunting
• Encouragement to practice continuous learning and skills improvement

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

Is navigating public land hunting as challenging as it seems? Join us as we welcome back the exceptionally skilled, and a good buddy to us, Land Smathers to the Spring Legion Podcast. Known for his deep expertise in public land hunting, particularly turkeys in the Deep South, Land offers a treasure trove of insights from his expansive hunting experiences. We explore the thrill and complexity of hunting on public lands and compare it to the exclusivity of private hunting clubs. Our discussion paints a vivid picture of the excitement and fulfillment that comes from pursuing game across diverse terrains.

We also immerse ourselves in the world of spring turkey hunting, sharing nostalgic tales and strategic insights. Whether it's using kayaks for a stealthy approach on public lands or the sheer joy of early morning hunts captured on GoPro, the conversation reflects on cherished hunting traditions. As we gear up for the 2025 spring season, the focus remains on celebrating the camaraderie and excitement of turkey hunting. We invite our listeners to join the conversation, share their experiences, and suggest future guests, fostering a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics

What happens when road trip chaos meets the electric energy of a massive convention? Picture this: oversized trailers, unexpected gas station mishaps, and the breathtaking camaraderie of Nashville's NWTF Convention. We recount the behind-the-scenes hilarity and hurdles of our journey from Mississippi to the heart of this vibrant gathering. You'll hear the humorous tales of our logistical misadventures and the resilience that kept us moving forward, fueled by the excitement of connecting with fellow hunting enthusiasts.

Step into the world of turkey hunting culture with us as we explore its rich history and evolving dynamics. We share the stage with notable personalities like David Hawley and Brent Rogers, reflecting on the authentic essence of the hunt amidst the changing tides of commercialization. Discover insights into the art of turkey calling and the balance between tradition and innovation as we navigate the mindset and community that make these gatherings truly special. It's a celebration of shared passion, lifelong friendships, and the spirit of the hunt.

As the NWTF event wraps up, we shift gears to embrace the thrill of turkey hunting season. We share stories from the field, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the hunt and the lessons learned along the way. From Florida field escapades to mastering calling techniques, we discuss the importance of patience, adaptability, and authenticity in every hunt. Join us for a heartfelt wrap-up, where we express our gratitude to listeners and set our sights on the adventures and insights yet to come in the spring turkey woods.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com

LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior

We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

• North Mountain Gear
• Mossy Oak
• Apex Ammunition
• Vortex Optics