🚨 Maine moose hunting is at a turning point and this conversation matters.

This could be voted on Thursday (3/26) — action is needed NOW!

In Episode 22 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe sits down with James Cody, Executive Director of the Maine Professional Guides Association, and Lee Schanz Jr of Big Woods Bucks to break down two major issues that could impact the future of moose hunting, guiding, and sporting camps in Maine.

This episode focuses on L.D. 2054, the bill aimed at cleaning up Maine’s lodge tag program, protecting the integrity of the moose hunt, and making sure the system works the way it was originally intended. The conversation also covers the push for expanded September moose hunts in more zones across the state, and why that matters for guides, sporting camps, hunters, and the rural Maine economy.

From the economics of nonresident moose permits and sporting camps, to fairness for guides and outfitters, to what listeners can do right now to support the bill, this is an important and timely discussion for anyone who cares about Maine’s outdoor heritage.

If you care about Maine moose hunting, sporting camps, guiding, and protecting the future of the outdoors in Maine, this is an episode worth listening to and sharing.

Timestamps / Chapters

0:00 Podcast intro

0:06 Special guests James Cody & Lee Schanz

1:32 What this emergency legislative update is about

2:23 Breaking down L.D. 2054

4:03 The original purpose of the lodge tag program

6:13 How lodge tags affect nonresident permits

8:01 How the current system works

11:20 Why this program needs to be cleaned up

12:38 Zone access and adjacency issues

16:03 Who should qualify for lodge tags

18:48 Lee Schanz’s perspective as a guide

22:12 Why the public should support this program

24:14 Key changes proposed in L.D. 2054

28:00 Why moose tags shouldn’t become currency

32:23 Stopping resale and flipping of tags

36:08 Preference for camps running their own hunts

38:01 Permit process issues being addressed

41:28 Why this matters to everyone

42:12 Where to read and follow the bill

44:31 The 12–1 committee vote explained

46:01 Attempted revote and what happened

48:30 Why you should contact legislators

51:16 September moose hunts explained

53:08 Greenville, Rangeley, and pushback

56:04 Why September hunts matter

58:55 Business and biological benefits

1:02:18 Final thoughts on the future of moose hunting

1:04:00 Call to support L.D. 2054

1:04:35 Closing thoughts

1:05:18 Shoot Straight

Call to Action:

If you support cleaning up the lodge tag program and protecting the integrity of Maine’s moose hunt, take a few minutes to contact your local representative and senator and ask them to support L.D. 2054.

Every voice matters.

Sponsors & Shoutouts

Lake Parlin Lodge

Weekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday & Friday night happy hour included.

🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.com

STAGR Gear

Save 10% and gear up for hunting season using our exclusive affiliate link:

🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m

💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check it’s applied.

Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate Guide

Land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.

📞 (207) 364-5326

🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson

🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com

Walker Knife Co.

Handcrafted knives & tools.

🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com

⸻

Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle

📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle

👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop

🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com

📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle

⸻

🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?

📧 [email protected]

Stranded in the Alaskan bush. Giant brook trout in Labrador. Snowmobiling in Jackman. A lifetime of wild outdoor stories.In Episode 21 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, the guys are joined by a special guest we’ve been wanting to get behind the mic for a long time — Rick’s dad, Mike Labbe.Mike shares decades of unforgettable hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling adventures that helped shape Rick’s passion for the outdoors. From raising a family around hunting camps in Maine to wild trips across Alaska, Canada, and Labrador, this episode is packed with unbelievable stories, humor, and lessons learned from a lifetime spent chasing adventure.You’ll hear the story of getting stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness, remote fly-in fishing trips chasing giant brook trout, the early days of snowmobiling in Jackman, Maine, and what it was like raising kids in a family where hunting season meant school could wait.If you love hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, Maine outdoor culture, and wild wilderness stories, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.In This Episode:• Rick’s dad Mike Labbe joins the podcast• The heyday of snowmobiling in Jackman, Maine• Family hunting traditions in the Maine woods• A crazy story about getting stranded in the Alaskan bush• Giant salmon, lake trout, and wilderness fishing trips• Labrador fly-in brook trout adventures• Floatplanes, wilderness travel, and close calls• Stories from Rick growing up in a hardcore outdoor familyTimestamps / Chapters0:00 Podcast Intro0:23 Rick’s Dad Mike Labbe Joins the Podcast1:44 Starting the Jackman Snowmobile Rental Business3:20 The Heyday of Snowmobiling in Maine6:36 Family Snowmobiling Trips & Trail Culture9:19 Grooming Trails & Volunteer Work12:38 The Alaska Road Trip Adventure13:38 Stranded in the Alaskan Bush17:19 Canoeing 70 Miles Toward Civilization20:04 The Floatplane Rescue31:17 Maine Hunting Traditions34:58 Fishing the Allagash & Canada38:31 Alaska Fishing & Giant Crab Story49:08 Labrador Fly-In Fishing Trips1:07:00 Giant Lake Trout Stories1:09:43 Confrontation on a Remote Lake1:12:20 Maine Sportsman’s Show Talk1:16:45 Upcoming Adventures1:18:17 Podcast Outro – Shoot StraightSponsors & ShoutoutsMaine Sportsman’s Show 2026Come see us, catch the seminars, and stop by to say hello.🔗 https://mainesportsman.com/sportsmans-show/Lake Parlin LodgeWeekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday & Friday night happy hour included.🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.comSTAGR GearSave 10% and gear up for hunting season using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check it’s applied.Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate GuideLand, homes, and camps across Western Maine.📞 (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.comWalker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives & tools.🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com🎯 Sponsorship OpportunitiesInterested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?📧 [email protected]⸻Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle⸻👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to follow along with our adventures, podcasts, hunting films, and outdoor stories.

What part of winter in Maine are you living for right now — snowmobiling, ice fishing, bobcat hunting, grooming trails, or scouting for spring?

The boys are finally back behind the mics.

In Episode 20 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe sits down with Rick Labbe and Lee Libby for a long-overdue winter catch-up that covers everything from western bowhunts to Maine cat season to the future of outdoor access in our state.

Rick shares the story behind his Arizona buck and why this year’s rut timing had everyone guessing. The guys break down Maine’s bobcat season — what conditions matter most, how hounds are progressing (including pup “Patches”), and how to recognize a big, clean cat track… even when you’re spotting them at 40–50 mph from a moving truck.

From there, the conversation shifts to trail grooming realities — breakdowns, bony sections, rider responsibility, and the kind of winter mileage goals that leave your throttle hand numb. If you’ve been logging miles or running a groomer this winter, you’ll relate.

We also take time to remember Dave Jones and what he meant to the Jackman snowmobile community and the people who ride those trails every winter.

The discussion eventually turns toward land access, dams, energy, outdoor recreation, and the changes that could impact how we live and hunt in Maine. It leads into politics — but no matter where you stand, our shared love for the outdoors is what brings us together. That’s what The True North Lifestyle is all about.

And of course, we wrap with what’s ahead: Allagash and St. John trips, the Spider Lake True North ride, the Maine Sportsman’s Show, new gear, seminars, and more guests lined up.

⸻

In This Episode:

• The podcast is back (and the boys get called out for missing meetings 😅)

• Rick’s Arizona buck & why the rut was late

• Maine bobcat season recap & reading clean cat tracks

• Bobcat hunting with hounds & pup “Patches” coming along

• Trail grooming realities: breakdowns, bony stretches & rider responsibility

• Big winter mileage goals & remote ride plans

• Remembering Dave Jones and his impact on the Jackman community

• Real talk: dams, land access & Maine’s outdoor future

• Maine Sportsman’s Show & upcoming True North projects

⸻

Chapters:

0:00 Intro – The crew is back

2:30 Arizona buck story

10:30 Cat season recap + reading tracks

22:30 Grooming talk + trail realities

34:30 Big miles + winter ride plans

51:00 Remembering Dave Jones

1:02:00 Outdoors & Maine access discussion

1:18:00 Sportsman’s Show + upcoming projects

1:27:00 Wrap-up

⸻

If you enjoy the episode, it genuinely helps when you subscribe, like, and share.

⸻

Sponsors & Shoutouts

Maine Sportsman’s Show 2026

Come see us, catch the seminars, and stop by to say hello.

🔗 https://mainesportsman.com/sportsmans-show/

Lake Parlin Lodge

Weekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday & Friday night happy hour included.

🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.com

STAGR Gear

Save 10% and gear up for hunting season using our exclusive affiliate link:

🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m

💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check it’s applied.

Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate Guide

Land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.

📞 (207) 364-5326

🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson

🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com

Walker Knife Co.

Handcrafted knives & tools.

🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com

🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?

📧 [email protected]

⸻

Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle

📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle

👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop

🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com

📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle

Some hunts become stories.Some stories become legends.In Episode 19, we sit down with Kode Paradise, a 19-year-old hunter from Jackman, Maine, who spent three seasons chasing the same buck. He missed him twice, learned hard lessons, and finally crossed paths with him again — running with a doe — making a shot that changed everything.This episode is about more than one buck.It’s about focus, patience, and the kind of hunting that only happens in the big woods.If you love true hunting stories — this one is for you.⚠️ Quick heads-up: From 7:45–18:00 the camera angle stays the same due to a switch issue. Audio never drops — and the story is too good to skip.⸻What You’ll Hear in This Episode:• The 3-year history of one Jackman giant• Missed shots and the lessons they taught• The final encounter and a running shot• Why Jackman bucks are different• Deer nutrition myths (and why feeding corn is a joke)• The truth about taxidermy and mounting• Maine deer genetics and how the herd has changed• Big-woods hunting in Maine• Why patience beats pressure every time• A taxidermy shop stealing a buck… and how it was recovered• The real cost of mounting a full moose• Why antlers are dropping early this season• What the future of hunting access could look like• How to track deer without obsessing over trail cameras⸻⏱️ Episode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome to the True North Lifestyle Podcast0:54 – Cody Paradise & the Jackman dream buck2:10 – Growing up in Jackman & learning the big woods early3:58 – Muzzleloader heartbreak: missing the same buck twice5:19 – Going all-in on one deer7:13 – Passing deer & the mindset to kill a true giant8:41 – The week before Thanksgiving: conditions line up11:15 – Spotting the buck from the truck11:45 – Close-range encounter in thick cover13:32 – The shot sequence & recovery16:01 – A 151″ Jackman giant & what it meant19:16 – Big Maine bucks: then vs. now25:03 – How weather instantly changes deer movement31:21 – The taxidermy disaster no hunter wants to experience49:40 – Chasing big racks out west51:45 – Spotting a buck over a mile away56:00 – 293-yard muzzleloader shot (and a surprise)57:20 – Why both antlers were already gone1:05:20 – Blake Shelton flies over the hunt 🤯1:10:30 – “We’re living the good old days right now”🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle **Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!🏠 Looking to Buy or Sell in Western Maine? Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide for land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle with Northeast TrollerGet fully geared up for trout and salmon fishing with spoons, flashers, dodgers, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more.👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?📧 Email: [email protected]

Kick back and hang out with Garnett—aka BIG G, the “Master of Disaster”—as he unleashes the wildest hunting stories of his life! Mike Stevens, Rick Labbe, and Joe Kruse join in, sharing laughs, reflections, and their own unforgettable moments as Garnett takes us through a full season of adventures.From sneaking out at midnight at age 10 with a flashlight and a 410, to tracking giant bucks in Saskatchewan and Alberta, BIG G shares the chaos, tricks, and laughs that made him a legend. This episode is a season recap of epic tales and timeless hunting lessons, including:* Epic childhood mischief: stealing root beer bottles to trade for shotgun shells.* Family, friends, and legacy: revisiting his dad’s grave, honoring hunting mentors like Clark Perkins, and passing on lessons to the next generation.* Old-school hunting wisdom: BIG G and Rick break down strategies for tracking smart, older bucks—even modern hunters will take notes.* School vs. deer: how “buck fever” got him excused from class, and the tenderloin deliveries that kept him out of trouble.* Seasoned adventures: epic encounters with “Ghost Bucks” in Saskatchewan, monster bucks in Alberta, and classic Maine hunting stories that span decades.* Camaraderie and chaos: moments of laughter, friendly bets, and the off-the-cuff brilliance only Garnett can deliver.* Whether you’re a hunter, outdoors fan, or just love larger-than-life storytelling, BIG G’s tales are equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and jaw-dropping. This episode is the perfect look back at a season full of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories.🎯 Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell to catch more legendary stories from The True North Lifestyle!

**Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:

🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)

🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com

🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:

📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle

👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop

🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com

📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle

🦌 Preserve Your Trophy with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, long-lasting mounts that honor your hunt the right way. Trusted craftsmanship, built to last a lifetime.

🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207

🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle with Northeast TrollerGet fully geared up for trout and salmon fishing with spoons, flashers, dodgers, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more.

👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN

💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.

🏠 Looking to Buy or Sell in Western Maine? Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide for land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.

📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com

🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?

📧 Email: [email protected]

This episode is pure True North Lifestyle storytelling. Some opportunities only come once — and this conversation is all about having the courage to say yes when they do. The central theme of this episode is recognizing opportunity and taking action, even when the outcome is uncertain. Josh explains how the biggest adventures of his life: hunting, flying, traveling, and building an outdoor lifestyle which all started by stepping into moments most people hesitate to take.Joe, Rick, and Lee sit down with guest Josh Tripp for a wide-ranging, honest conversation that dives deep into what it really means to chase hard adventures, from tracking big Maine bucks, to solo archery elk hunting in Colorado, to bush flying, aviation mishaps, and the grit it takes to keep pushing forward.Josh shares unforgettable stories from his first experiences tracking deer in the Maine big woods with Rick, learning lessons the hard way and developing the patience and mindset required to consistently hunt mature bucks. The conversation then shifts west to a raw, boots-on-the-ground breakdown of solo elk hunting, including the mental grind, packing meat, hiring packers, and navigating the reality of doing it alone in the mountains.The episode also takes a wild turn into aviation stories — from wrecked planes and Super Cubs, to flying in harsh conditions, Hurricane Gloria, and a full-circle Saskatchewan story that sounds too crazy to be true (but is). Along the way, the guys connect the dots between hunting, flying, risk, experience, and why the most meaningful pursuits in life are rarely the easiest.This is a laid-back, hilarious, and thoughtful episode packed with real lessons, Northeast hunting culture, and the kind of stories that only come from years of getting after it.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:• Josh’s philosophy on saying yes when opportunity presents itself• Josh’s first experiences tracking deer with Rick in the Maine big woods• Lessons learned chasing mature bucks and choosing the right track• Solo archery elk hunting in Colorado — mental battles, pack-outs, and reality checks• Hiring packers and what it’s really like getting an elk out of the mountains• Why waiting for “the right time” often means missing the moment• Aviation stories: Super Cubs, wrecked planes, bush flying & Hurricane Gloria• The unbelievable Saskatchewan plane story that comes full circle years later• How risk, age, experience, and grit shape better hunters and outdoorsmen• Why big adventures demand patience, preparation, and humility• Laugh-out-loud camp banter and classic True North storytelling• A running joke revealing Rick’s “unique” taste in hotels (yes… mannequins 😆)If you love big woods deer hunting, elk hunting, tracking stories, aviation, and real conversations about pushing limits and learning the hard way — this episode is for you.**Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🦌 Preserve Your Trophy with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, mounts that honor your hunt the right way. 🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207🎣 Northeast Troller:

👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.

In this episode, Joe Kruse and Rick Labbe sit down with Glenn Bombardier and the legendary Lanny Benoit, one of the greatest buck trackers to ever walk the big woods.From jaw-dropping deer stories across Maine, Vermont, and the Golden Road, to the brutal camps, school buses, wild adventures, and the early years of the Benoit brothers, this episode is packed with deep woods knowledge, humor, history and big buck stories!If you love tracking big bucks in snow, 200-lb Maine bucks, big woods adventures, and old-school deer camp storytelling, this episode is pure gold.Lanny covers everything from how he learned to read a track as a kid, to shooting giant bucks in the 70s and 80s, to the evolution of deer herds, coyotes, wolves, road systems, and why track selection and patience are the real keys to consistent success. He even dives into his days racing snowmobiles, the “veteran” pain tolerance he developed from it, and how that played into becoming a world-class buck tracker.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:• Lanny Benoit’s earliest days learning to track with his father and brothers

• Stories from Maine’s Parlin Pond Road, Spencer Road, and the Golden Road

• Why Lanny shot so many 240–260 lb bucks—and how he chose the right track

• Aging a track, reading stride width, and how to judge a buck by his chest• The difference between long-bodied bucks vs. short-bodied bucks

• Wild stories: school buses as hunting camps, wall tents blowing over, fires, storms & deep snow

• The Ontario years—massive deer, sheds everywhere, and the story behind the big 300-lb ledge buck

• Party hunting days in Vermont and crazy double-kill stories• How wolves and coyotes changed the big woods forever

• Snowmobile racing, injuries, grit, and building the mental toughness needed for tracking giant whitetails

This podcast that captures exactly what makes Northeastern big woods hunting so special: tradition, knowledge, camaraderie, storytelling, and the thrill of following a single buck track through miles of wild country.**Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🦌 Preserve Your Trophy with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, long-lasting mounts that honor your hunt the right way. Trusted craftsmanship, built to last a lifetime.🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle with Northeast TrollerGet fully geared up for trout and salmon fishing with spoons, flashers, dodgers, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more.👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.🏠 Looking to Buy or Sell in Western Maine?Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide for land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?📧 Email: [email protected]

This is a podcast you won’t forget. Stephan White joins Joe Kruse in the studio to relive the unforgettable hunting story where he finally tagged his first deer—after 36 years of hunting since 1987. Guided by Joe for two seasons with Big Woods Outfitters at Lake Parlin Lodge, this was Steve’s third year hunting on his own under the American Plan, and he finally connected with the buck he had been chasing for decades.From the emotional high of seeing that deer standing in front of him, to the drag, the fire-starting mishaps, and the reflective moments sitting alone beside his buck—this episode captures everything we all love about deer camp: camaraderie, adrenaline, frustration, laughs, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.Set in the snowy Maine woods and staying at Lake Parlin Lodge, this episode is pure Northeast hunting storytelling at its best—heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with wisdom from decades in the woods.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:• Steve’s once-in-a-lifetime buck after 36 years of hunting• How Joe tracked another buck, got Steve’s text, and rushed to celebrate and help get the deer out• Steve following a pamphlet word-for-word to gut his first deer ever• How Steve’s mother-in-law used to tell him every day: “This is your day”• The surreal moment every hunter dreams of—and how it matched his exact vision• Dragging the deer, smoke signals, frozen fingers & gear lessons learned the hard way• Why starting a fire in cold weather is harder than it looks—and what to pack next time• The emotion of doing it on your own, and why that made the hunt even better• Ben Allen of Epic Adventures sharing a funny story about a client NOT seeing a deer• Ben’s upcoming trip to the North Maine Woods to hunt deer• Rifle, snow, tracking conditions & how the hunt truly unfolded• Joe’s reflections on why this kind of hunt never gets old—no matter how many bucks you’ve taken• The community of deer camp: long-time friendships, shared stories, and why this lifestyle keeps us all coming back• Patriots vs. Dolphins banter (because it’s a tradition!)• Listener shoutouts & what your support means to the team⸻Sponsors & Shoutouts:Stagr GearSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with Stagr Gear using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount! Preserve your trophies with Peak Taxidermy🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Peak-Taxidermy-61572674926781/🔪 Check out handcrafted knives and tools made in Maine: ➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Reach out for sponsorship opportunities to be featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video at 📧 [email protected]

The boys from STAGR GEAR, Adam Lamson and Greg Gove, join us for an action-packed podcast, we talk hunting in the Northeast, sharing epic stories, gear tips, and family hunting moments you won’t want to miss. From bow season thrills to crossbow game-changers, and from teaching a 3-year-old grandson to hunt, to a wife’s first moose —this episode has it all!🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:* The story behind Stagr Gear: Blaze Capes, Gloves, and the evolution of jackets & pants for Northeast conditions* Upcoming women’s & kids’ gear lines, plus new colors like snow camo and classic red & black* Hunting updates from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine—bow season, public land pheasant hunts, and more* Heartwarming family hunting moments and first-time experiences in the blind* Crossbow insights: extending range, boosting accuracy, and keeping older hunters in the game* Incredible moose, deer, and turkey hunts, including first kills and lessons in patience & confidence* Tracking tips: estrus scent, drag rags, and following blood trails for maximum success* Gear updates: Nor’Easter Grunt Calls, Stagr Gear custom hems, Walker knives, Peak Taxidermy, plus promo code TTN discounts* Behind-the-scenes hunting stories: town deer dynamics, Rangeley big bucks, Vermont tracking adventures, and snowmobile tales* Community, collaboration, and connecting with fellow hunters in the Northeast* How to support the podcast: subscribe, follow on social media, and leave a reviewWhether you’re a seasoned hunter, a family looking to get outdoors, or just love hunting stories, this episode is packed with laughs, tips, and unforgettable real-life adventures.Sponsors & Shoutouts:Stagr GearSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with Stagr Gear using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount! Preserve your trophies with Peak Taxidermy🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Peak-Taxidermy-61572674926781/🔪 Check out handcrafted knives and tools made in Maine: ➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Reach out for sponsorship opportunities to be featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video at 📧 [email protected]

This episode starts off with Jason Delpalazzo sharing stories from his Alaska moose hunt, from the long travel days and camp life to the challenges of filming in the backcountry. He talks about the scale of Alaska’s wilderness, the differences in calling moose compared to Maine, and the unforgettable moments that come when you finally connect after putting in the work.Then Rick dives into his Wyoming elk hunt, describing what it’s like to chase bugling bulls across the mountains. He breaks down how elk hunting tests your patience, calling, and endurance, and shares how those experiences compare to the thick, quiet woods of Maine.The guys also reflect on a multi-generational Maine moose hunt where a 13-year-old took center stage. It’s a story full of pride, tradition, and family, capturing what hunting is truly about: time together in the woods, passing on knowledge, and watching the next generation light up with excitement.Between laughs, storytelling, and a few good-natured jabs, this episode covers everything from cross-country hunting adventures to the local traditions that define Maine’s outdoor culture.🦌 Topics covered in this episode:🗺️ Jason’s Alaska moose hunt — travel, calling differences, and what makes the hunt so special🏔️ Rick’s Wyoming elk hunt — chasing bugles and adapting to the open country🎯 A 13-year-old’s first moose hunt and what it means for three generations of hunters🪵 Moose calling tactics and how hunting styles differ between regions🔥 Reflections on family, mentorship, and the shared passion that keeps hunters coming back💦True Estrus Doe Urine — Pre-Order Now!‼️https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shopOnly Available for One More Week! you want the ultimate edge for your fall hunts, don’t miss out on True Estrus — single-batch doe urine, harvested during peak estrus, shipped cold and fresh directly to you. Supplies are limited, and we’ll only be taking orders for another week until mid-October, so secure yours now! Perfect for pairing with your grunt tube, it’s a must-have for any serious hunter.This episode blends thrilling hunting stories, heritage, and actionable tips, perfect for anyone passionate about moose hunting, Alaska adventures, and the tools that make a hunt successful.🦌 Preserve your trophies with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy takes pride in creating high-quality mounts that honor your hunt and last a lifetime.🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Peak-Taxidermy-61572674926781/If you’re in the Winterport or Greater Bangor, Maine area, consider Jeff your go-to taxidermist. Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Facebook, and check out his site to see his incredible work!🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle by shopping with Northeast Troller!⸻🏠 Looking to buy or sell land, a home, or camp in Western Maine?Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide.📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com⸻🛠️ Shoutout to Taylor Walker!🎙️ Taylor continues to crush it behind the scenes, making this podcast possible.🔪 Check out his handcrafted knives and tools at Walker Knife Co:➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🔥 Built with pride. Ready for the woods.⸻🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle⸻🎯 Interested in sponsoring a future episode?Reach out at 📧 [email protected]