The True North Lifestyle Podcast

Jeff from Peak Taxidermy returns to The True North Lifestyle Podcast for Episode 30.

The last time Jeff joined us, he was getting ready to take a chance on himself — leaving a good full-time job to pursue Peak Taxidermy. Now he’s back to tell us how that decision has played out and what his first year working for himself has really been like.

We go behind the scenes of the taxidermy business and talk about what happens after you drop off your trophy, tanning and turnaround times, custom forms, pricing, mount longevity, moose and detachable antlers, and why quality taxidermy can take a year or more.

With hunting season here, Jeff also shares some important advice on field care and caping, including common mistakes hunters make and what you can do to give your taxidermist the best possible starting point.

We also talk about balancing the busiest time of year in the shop with Jeff’s own hunting season, his favorite animals to work on, upcoming hunts, and plenty more.

Whether you’ve got a trophy on the wall or you’re hoping to put one there this fall, this episode gives you a look at the work that happens between the day of the hunt and the day that memory comes home.

🤝 PARTNERS & SPONSORS🧥 STAGR GearPremium hunting apparel built for serious hunters. Save 10% OFF with promo code TTN.https://stagrgear.com🏪 L.L. Cote- Proud partner of The True North Lifestyle. A Maine destination for hunting, fishing, firearms, archery equipment , outdoor gear, and everything you need for your next adventure.https://llcote.com🦌 Peak Taxidermy — You Hunt It, We Honor ItThis video is brought to you in part by Peak Taxidermy. Jeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, long-lasting mounts that honor your hunt and preserve the memory for a lifetime.https://www.peaktaxidermy.com🔪 Walker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives made in Maine. Built for hunters, guides, and outdoorsmen.https://walkerknifeco.com🏕 Lake Parlin LodgeNow booking weekly deer season cabin rentals and unforgettable Maine outdoor adventures.https://lakeparlinlodge.com🦌 THE TRUE SERIESTrue Estrus & True Dominance Buck Tarsalhttps://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop📲 STAY CONNECTED🌐 Websitehttps://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📺 YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthlifestyle👍 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📧 Sponsorship OpportunitiesInterested in featuring your business in future podcast episodes, films, and YouTube [email protected]

What should you do after the shot when an animal doesn’t go down and the blood trail starts to disappear? Do you keep tracking, back out, or call in a dog?

In Episode #29 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe Kruse and Jeff Paradis sit down with veteran Maine blood trackers Susanne Hamilton and Lindsay Ware for an in-depth conversation about tracking and recovering wounded game, including deer, moose, and bear.

With hundreds of tracks each season and years of experience working tracking dogs, Susanne and Lindsay have seen just about everything that can happen after the shot. They explain when hunters should keep tracking, when to back out, when to call a tracker, and why common mistakes like grid searching can make recovering an animal much more difficult.

They also break down how tracking dogs can follow wounded game for hundreds of yards with little or no visible blood, what the dogs may actually be following, and why archery and firearm tracks can present very different challenges.

The conversation covers high-spine shots, gut shots, leg hits, shot reactions, recovery timing, tracking wounded bears, dangerous moose encounters, recovery rates, and what hunters should do when a blood trail disappears.

Joe also shares a memorable moose hunt where the animal dropped instantly, appeared to be down for good, and then unexpectedly got back up and ran—leading to an important discussion about high-spine hits and why hunters shouldn't always assume an animal that drops immediately is dead.

Most importantly, Susanne and Lindsay share practical advice every big-game hunter should know: mark where the animal was standing, mark its direction of travel, physically mark blood and other sign, avoid walking directly on the track, and know when it's time to stop and call for help.

Whether you hunt deer, moose, bear, or other big game, this episode is packed with real-world blood-tracking and recovery knowledge that could make all the difference when a hunt doesn't go according to plan.

Save this episode before hunting season and share it with another hunter.

🧥 STAGR Gear
Premium hunting apparel built for serious hunters. Save 10% with promo code TTN.
https://stagrgear.com

🏪 L.L. Cote
Proud partner of The True North Lifestyle and a Maine destination for hunting, fishing, firearms and outdoor gear.

🦌 Peak Taxidermy — You Hunt It, We Honor It
High-quality, long-lasting mounts built to honor your hunt and preserve the memory for a lifetime.
https://www.peaktaxidermy.com

🔪 Walker Knife Co.
Handcrafted knives made in Maine for hunters, guides and outdoorsmen.
https://walkerknifeco.com

🏕 Lake Parlin Lodge
Maine lodging and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
https://lakeparlinlodge.com

🦌 THE TRUE SERIES
True Estrus & True Dominance Buck Tarsal
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#BloodTracking #Hunting #TrackingDogs #MaineHunting

🤝 PARTNERS & SPONSORS📲 FOLLOW THE TRUE NORTH LIFESTYLE

An underwater drone revealed a 1974 Camaro sitting on the bottom of Sebago Lake.

Jason Smith of Maine Freshwater Exploration: Going Deep joins Joe Kruse, Rick Labbe, and Jeff Paradis to tell the incredible story behind the discovery—and what happened when a recovery team tried to bring the car back to the surface after nearly 50 years underwater.

Jason originally returned to Sebago Lake searching for a 1991 Polaris Indy 500 snowmobile that had disappeared through the ice. With only minutes of battery power remaining, he spotted something unexpected in the distance: a 1974 Camaro resting on the lake bottom.

The discovery led to an investigation and recovery effort involving divers, law enforcement, lift bags, boats, and plenty of questions about how the car ended up there.

Jason also shares how his curiosity about Maine’s lakes, rivers, fish, and hidden underwater world inspired him to launch Maine Freshwater Exploration. The crew discusses underwater drone technology, recovering lost fishing equipment, exploring beneath the ice, locating sunken vehicles, and the strange objects Jason has discovered underwater.

They also dive into brook trout, lake trout, cusk, spawning areas, spring holes, thermoclines, river currents, and what underwater footage has taught Jason about where fish actually hold.

From schools of lake trout to lost phones, fishing rods, anchors, bottles, sunken vehicles, and a tree covered in fishing lures, you never know what the drone will reveal next.

If you enjoy Maine fishing, underwater exploration, lost treasure, sunken vehicles, fish behavior, and outdoor mysteries, this episode is for you.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:43 Meet Jason Smith
03:30 What inspired the underwater drone
07:58 Launching Maine Freshwater Exploration
13:40 Dropping his phone in 130 feet of water
15:00 Recovering lost items
18:19 Navigating without GPS
20:16 Exploring beneath the ice
21:40 Can you fish with an underwater drone?
23:00 What fish finders may really be showing
25:32 Jason’s strangest discoveries
29:30 A tree covered in fishing lures
32:25 Finding a 1991 snowmobile
37:31 Discovering a 1974 Camaro
38:45 Investigating the sunken car
40:25 Planning the recovery
42:04 Who owns a recovered vehicle?
42:45 Divers inspect the Camaro
45:48 The Camaro rolls during the first lift
52:10 How badly the car had deteriorated
54:00 Could a drone help solve a cold case?
1:02:17 What Jason learned about fish behavior
1:04:08 Fisheries biologists and underwater drones
1:05:17 Hundreds of spawning lake trout
1:06:58 How deep do fish live?
1:12:08 Find Maine Freshwater Exploration

FOLLOW JASON SMITH

YouTube & Facebook: Maine Freshwater Exploration: Going Deep
📧 [email protected]

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

🎟 Huntstock
Save 10% with promo code TTN.
https://huntstockevents.com/buy-tickets

🧥 STAGR Gear
Save 10% with promo code TTN.
https://stagrgear.com

🔪 Walker Knife Co.
Handcrafted knives made in Maine.
https://walkerknifeco.com

🏕 Lake Parlin Lodge
Weekly deer-season cabin rentals and Maine outdoor adventures.
https://lakeparlinlodge.com

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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After 35 years of chasing giant Saskatchewan whitetails, Rick and Mike Labbe have stories most hunters will never experience. From once-in-a-lifetime bucks to remote fly-in fishing trips, close calls, and unbelievable adventures, this episode is packed with stories you'll remember long after it's over.

If you love deer hunting, big bucks, fly-in fishing, brook trout, lake trout, and authentic hunting camp stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the new podcast studio

00:42 Meet Mike Labbe

01:10 STAGR's new wool hunting gear

03:10 Lanny Benoit's deer hunting clinics

04:10 Lanny's handmade knives

05:55 Podcast updates

07:30 Spring fishing season

08:20 Canada's incredible fly-in fishing

10:00 Family adventures in remote wilderness

12:45 Giant brook trout & lake trout stories

15:45 Labrador, Ontario & Alaska fishing adventures

19:10 How Rick discovered Saskatchewan hunting

20:40 Their unforgettable first Saskatchewan trip

22:00 The giant buck Rick still thinks about

23:20 Rick announces the 2026 Buck Bash

24:15 Bring your biggest buck to display

25:00 FREE official deer scoring

26:30 Knife making & giveaways

27:50 Live taxidermy demonstrations

28:40 Food trucks, music & family activities

30:00 Buck Bash details & ticket information

31:10 Mike's incredible 193-inch Saskatchewan buck

34:30 Why Saskatchewan produces giant whitetails

38:45 The giant 8-pointer Mike passed

43:45 Returning to Alberta after 20 years

44:10 Alberta outfitter horror stories

49:00 One of the wildest hunting stories you'll ever hear

🦌 Rick Labbe's 2026 Buck Bash

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026

📍 Clinton Fairgrounds • Clinton, Maine

✔ Bring your favorite buck to display

✔ FREE official scoring by Northeast Big Bucks

✔ Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club scorers

✔ Live taxidermy demonstrations

✔ Knife making demonstrations

✔ Free knife sharpening

✔ Huge raffles & giveaways

✔ Live music

✔ Food trucks

✔ Kids activities

🎟️ Buy tickets early to receive bonus raffle tickets!

🎟️ Tickets:

https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop/ols/products/2026-buck-bash-tickets

🤝 Partners & Sponsors:

🎟 HuntstockGet 10% OFF your tickets with promo code TTN.
https://huntstockevents.com/buy-tickets

🧥 STAGR GearPremium hunting apparel built for serious hunters. Save 10% OFF with promo code TTN.
https://stagrgear.com

🔪 Walker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives made in Maine. Built for hunters, guides, and outdoorsmen.
https://walkerknifeco.com

🏕 Lake Parlin LodgeNow booking weekly deer season cabin rentals and unforgettable Maine outdoor adventures.
https://lakeparlinlodge.com

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Interested in featuring your business in future podcast episodes and YouTube videos?

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If you enjoy whitetail deer hunting, big woods bucks, Saskatchewan hunting, Canadian whitetails, fly-in fishing, brook trout, lake trout, moose hunting, outdoor adventures, and hunting camp stories, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE. New videos and podcasts are released every week!

What creates a legendary deer hunter?In Episode #26 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, the crew sits down with the legendary Lanny Benoit alongside Timmy Bolduc and Glenn Bombardier for one of the most personal and in-depth conversations yet about the origins of the Benoit Bucks legacy, growing up in the Vermont woods, learning to track deer, competitive shooting, snowmobile racing, and the mindset that helped shape one of the greatest big woods buck hunters of all time.From stories about carrying a .22 at 7 years old, shooting bucks around the house as a kid, learning without modern technology, and eventually helping revolutionize big woods deer tracking through books, VHS tapes, seminars, and deer schools… this episode dives deep into the history behind the Benoit family and the culture of Northeast deer hunting.The conversation also covers:The beginnings of the Benoit Bucks DVDs and seminarsHow tracking schools are helping modern huntersWhy confidence and experience matter in deer huntingThe reality of learning through mistakesShooting, mechanics, geometry, and competitionThe mentality required to consistently track mature bucks, this is one you don’t want to miss.📌 Timestamps0:00 – Intro0:45 – Timmy Bolduc & Glenn Bombardier join the podcast1:40 – Fishing Moosehead Lake with Lanny2:15 – Supporting the podcast & sponsors3:10 – Huntstock Wisconsin & Massachusetts4:15 – Rick Labbe’s Buck Bash announcement5:30 – Walker Knife Co. & handmade knives6:45 – The origins of Lanny Benoit’s hunting passion7:40 – Growing up hunting in Vermont as a kid8:30 – Carrying a .22 at 7 years old9:15 – Life before TVs, phones & paved roads10:30 – Fishing and hunting alone as a child11:40 – Lanny’s obsession with becoming a great deer hunter12:30 – Shooting bucks around the house at 9 years old13:10 – Competition, mindset & passion14:20 – Snowmobile racing & designing carburetors15:10 – Why school bored Lanny16:00 – Understanding mechanics & geometry17:20 – Early deer tracking lessons18:20 – Hunting Maine & the big woods19:30 – Lanny’s first 200-pound buck20:40 – Legendary shooting ability & skeet shooting23:00 – Coaching shooters & fixing bad habits24:50 – Advice for becoming successful at anything25:50 – The growth of the Benoit deer tracking schools27:30 – Hands-on shooting drills at deer school29:00 – How to sign up for deer school30:30 – The influence of Benoit books & DVDs31:10 – Tom Blaise/filming discussions & early hunting films33:30 – Ontario hunts & filming giant bucks35:40 – The first Benoit DVDs & VHS tapes36:40 – Why hunting with a cameraman can help38:00 – The origins of hunting seminars & videos40:40 – The first Benoit Bucks book & its impact42:00 – Competition between the Benoit brothers43:20 – Tips for tracking mature bucks44:30 – Confidence, experience & learning from mistakes46:30 – Lake Parlin Lodge deer camp openings48:30 – Timmy & Glenn discuss how Benoit Bucks changed their hunting🌲 Featured GuestsLanny BenoitTimmy BolducGlenn BombardierJoe KruseRick Labbe🦌 Mentioned In This Episode🏹 Benoit Deer Tracking Schools📍 Pine Grove Lodge – Moscow, Maine🎣 Northeast Troller👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN for 10% OFF🧥 STAGR Gear👉 Use code TTN for 10% OFF🔪 Walker Knife Co.👉 Handcrafted knives made in Maine🏕 Lake Parlin Lodge👉 Weekly deer season cabin rentals available now🎟 Huntstock👉 Use promo code TTN for discounted tickets💬 Comment BelowWhat’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned while deer hunting?And what’s your favorite Benoit Bucks memory — the books, VHS tapes, DVDs, seminars, or tracking stories?👇 Let us know in the comments.🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle📺 YouTube: @TrueNorthLifestyle📘 Facebook: The True North Lifestyle📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🌐 Website: TheTrueNorthLifestyle.com

What actually makes fish bite? Why do fish hit one lure… and completely ignore another? If you’ve ever wondered why one lure works one day and not the next… this conversation will change how you think about fishing.

In this episode, Christian Carlson of Northeast Troller https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN breaks down the real factors behind what triggers fish to strike—from lure design and color patterns to trolling speed, presentation, and instinct. If you’re looking for trolling gear for trout and salmon — spoons, flashers, dodgers, down-rigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered.

What does it take to turn a passion for fishing into a full-blown business? Joe Kruse, Rick Labbe, and Lee Libby sit down with Christian Carlson of Northeast Troller to talk about everything from growing up fishing across the country to building a successful lure company from the ground up.

This one is packed with insight, laughs, and real-world experience—from selling night crawlers as a kid to designing and testing trolling spoons that are now catching fish all over the Northeast.

If you’re into fishing, lure design, or just appreciate the grind of building something from nothing… this episode delivers.

🎣 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Christian got his start selling nightcrawlers as a kid
• The story behind building Northeast Troller
• What actually goes into designing a fishing lure
• The science behind spoon shapes, colors, and action
• Why some lures work one day… and not the next
• The truth about “hot” patterns and industry trends
• How small tweaks in speed and presentation change everything
• The process of hand-painting and building lures
• Why quality hooks and materials matter more than you think
• Real fishing stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments

📌 Timestamps

0:00 Intro + welcome to the podcast
0:45 Supporting the channel + subscribe
2:30 Sponsors, merch & updates
4:40 Meet Christian Carlson (Northeast Troller)
6:30 Growing up fishing + early influences
8:00 Selling nightcrawlers as a kid
10:00 From aquaculture to lure building
12:00 How trolling spoons are made
14:30 Testing lure shapes & action
18:00 Color patterns & why they matter
22:00 Naming lures + industry trends
26:00 Patents, designs & competition
30:00 Custom lures & what actually works
33:00 Boat speed, presentation & fishing strategy
36:00 Behind the scenes of lure production
40:00 Hooks, materials & durability
44:00 What happens to lost lures?
46:00 Old-school lure origins & fishing history
End: Final thoughts & wrap up

💬 Let’s Hear From You

What’s your go-to lure or pattern that always produces?

Have you ever found something that just “works” no matter what?

Drop it below 👇

🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle

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🤝 Sponsors & Partners

Northeast Troller

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

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

If you’re looking for trolling gear for trout and salmon — spoons, flashers, dodgers, down-rigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered.

STAGR Gear
Save 10% with code TTN
https://stagrgear.com

Walker Knife Co.
https://walkerknifeco.com

🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in working with us?
📧 [email protected]

What happens when you stop avoiding the tough topics… and finally say what everyone’s thinking?

In this episode, Joe, Rick, Lee Libby, and “Old Guide Mike” dive headfirst into some of the biggest hot button issues in the hunting and outdoor community right now—from Maine legislation to hound hunting, Sunday hunting, and the future of our traditions.

This one gets real.

From celebrating the passing of LD 2054 to breaking down controversial topics like anti-hound legislation, fly fishing-only waters, and Sunday hunting laws… this is a raw, honest conversation about what’s happening right now and what it means for sportsmen everywhere.

If you care about hunting, fishing, and protecting the future of the outdoors… this is a must-listen.

📌 Timestamps
0:00 Intro + why this episode is different
0:45 Subscribe + supporting the channel
2:30 Sponsors, merch & upcoming guests
4:50 Introducing hot button topics
5:45 LD 2054 passes – what it means
8:00 How sportsmen made a difference
10:00 Lodge tag system explained
14:30 Non-resident hunters discussion
20:30 Anti-hound hunting legislation
24:00 Why hounds matter for conservation
31:00 Fly fishing-only waters debate
35:00 Maine trout fisheries & access
43:30 Sunday hunting discussion
47:30 Old stories + real perspectives
End: Final thoughts on the future of hunting

🔥 In This Episode
• The truth behind LD 2054 and why it matters
• How sportsmen actually made a difference through calls and emails
• Corruption, loopholes, and fixing the lodge tag system
• The real impact of non-resident hunters on local economies
• Anti-hound hunting legislation quietly added to federal bills
• Why hound hunting is critical for wildlife management
• The controversy around fly fishing-only waters in Maine
• Wild vs native brook trout and protecting fisheries
• Sunday hunting debate and how it affects everyday hunters
• Real stories, opinions, and unfiltered takes from the crew

🧠 Why This Episode Matters
This isn’t just another podcast—the guys speak freely and say what’s on their minds.

This conversation is about:
• Protecting hunting traditions
• Standing up for what’s right
• Understanding how legislation actually affects sportsmen
• Making sure future generations can enjoy the outdoors

As discussed in the episode, sportsmen speaking up made a real impact—proving that voices, calls, and emails truly matter.

💬 Let’s Hear From You
Where do YOU stand on these issues?

• Should Maine allow Sunday hunting?
• What are your thoughts on hound hunting?
• Did LD 2054 go far enough?

🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle
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STAGR Gear
Save 10% using our link:
https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=979730...
Use promo code TTN at checkout

Walker Knife Co.
https://walkerknifeco.com

Lake Parlin Lodge
https://lakeparlinlodge.com

🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in being featured in a future podcast or video?
[email protected]

Ever had one of those trips where everything turns into chaos… in the best way possible?

13 guys. Moosehead Lake. Ice fishing. A massive bonfire.
And a podcast recorded right in the middle of it all.

But this trip wasn’t just fun—it got real.

This episode of The True North Lifestyle Podcast is different than anything we’ve done before.

We brought the mics to camp, rotated guys in and out (musical chairs style), and captured real, unfiltered conversations from one of the best—and most eventful—weekends we’ve had.

You’ll hear from familiar voices and new faces including Oscar, Phil, Greg, and Griffin—each bringing their own stories, perspective, and energy to the table.

From sketchy ice conditions and pressure ridges to helping pull a machine out of the lake… and even hearing about a truck going through the ice near the Kineo docks—this weekend was a reminder of how quickly things can change out there.

At one point, the crew even talks about it straight up:
👉 they’d take the risk for a big buck… but not for a fish.

And that mindset showed when Rick made the call to keep the group from crossing the lake in tough conditions, avoiding a situation that could’ve gone sideways fast.

And for the first time ever… Neil steps in and takes over hosting duties in the second half of the podcast, switching roles with Joe and running the show.

👉 How do you think Neil did?

Would you want to see another episode with Neil hosting? Let us know in the comments.

🧊 What Went Down This Weekend

• Ice fishing on Moosehead Lake
• A 13-man crew at camp
• A legendary lake bonfire 🔥
• Helping rescue a machine through a pressure ridge
• Reports of a truck going through the ice near Kineo
• Rick making the call to avoid a risky lake crossing
• “Risk it for a buck… not for a fish” conversation
• Garmin LiveScope debate (game changer or cheating?)
• Kids, mentorship, and growing up in the outdoors
• Behind-the-scenes with our film crew
• Griffin’s brutal first experience trying to keep up with Rick tracking 😅

📌 Timestamps

0:00 Welcome to camp (13 guys, Moosehead trip begins)1:30 Ice conditions & bonfire tradition3:30 Fish caught + recap5:00 LiveScope discussion10:00 Camp chaos & stories 😅14:30 Oscar joins the podcast28:00 Machine through the ice rescue story31:00 Dangerous ice & pressure ridge discussion34:00 Meet Phil & Griffin (film crew)46:00 Tracking story (Griffin vs Rick)52:00 Neil takes over hostingEnd: Wrap up + what’s next

📍 Locations

Moosehead Lake, MaineLake Parlin Lodge

🎯 Coming Up

We filmed this entire trip—full video dropping soon 🎥Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.

💬 Comment Below

Have you ever had a sketchy moment on the ice?

And seriously…
👉 Should Neil host another episode?

🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle

📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle
👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop
🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com
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📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle

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]

🚨 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.