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]

Ever wonder what it’s like to run a general store at the heart of Maine’s big woods hunting culture? In this episode, Joe, Lee, and Rick sit down with Ryan Cowper, owner of the Flagstaff General Store in the Stratton–Eustis region.Ryan and his family have built a true community hub, serving food, renting cabins, and operating one of the busiest deer tagging stations in western Maine. Last season alone, they tagged nearly 300 deer, along with countless bears and moose, making the store a crossroads for hunters, locals, and travelers alike.From tracking big-bodied bucks to the legendary stories that pass through the tagging station, Ryan shares his deep ties to the hunting culture of Maine’s western mountains. He also opens up about his own hunting journey, from shooting his first spike horn at 13, to chasing bulls with a coveted Zone 4 moose permit, to the hunt where everything went wrong.Topics covered in this episode:🏪 Running the Flagstaff General Store & its role in the community🦌 The stories (and characters) that walk through a busy tagging station👣 Maine’s tracking heritage and how Ryan approaches the woods🛶 Hunting, cabins, and life in the Stratton–Eustis area🎯 The big shed he found, and the big miss that still haunts him🍂 The passion, laughter, and traditions that make Maine’s hunting culture uniqueThis mix of hunting stories, heritage, and real-life community perspective is one you won’t want to miss!💦Don’t forget to pre-order a bottle of TRUE ESTRUS, grab your doe estrus for this season:🔗https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop/ols/products/true-estrus🦌 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!👉 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, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered.⸻🏠 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]

Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes at a taxidermy shop? In this episode, we sit down with Jeff to talk all things taxidermy, Maine’s legendary bucks, and the stories hunters bring with their mounts. From hearing the same story three times (when a deer gets dropped off, checked in on, and finally picked up) to preserving giants from the big woods, Jeff shares the heart and passion that goes into honoring every animal.We also dive into feeding programs, deer migration, and the record-setting Maine bucks that prove what this state is capable of producing. If you’re into deer hunting, big woods traditions, and the art of preserving memories through taxidermy, this episode is for you.Topics covered in this episode:🎨 Why passion matters in taxidermy☎️ Calling tactics for moose, deer, and elk🦌 Legendary Maine bucks — Ramsay, Hill Gould, and Silver Ridge🌲 Deer migration and survival in the North Country❄️ Feeding programs and how they saved Maine’s herd in tough winters🏹 Stories from hunters and the connection between the hunt and the mount🔥 Why “You hunt it, we honor it” is more than just a taglineThis mix of hunting stories, outdoor knowledge, and the craft of taxidermy is one you won’t want to miss!🦌 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!👉 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, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered.⸻🏠 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]

Ever wonder what really goes on inside a beehive? 🐝 In this episode, we sit down with Nancy to talk all things beekeeping, honey, and hive life. From swarms and queen bees to the legendary “wiggle dance,” we dive deep into the fascinating world of honeybees and why they’re one of nature’s most intelligent and organized species.We also swap stories from Huntstock, share personal experiences with stings and remedies, and even get into how honey and bee venom are being studied for their health benefits. If you’re into hunting, homesteading, the outdoors, or natural living, this episode has something for you.Topics covered in this episode:How queens are born & cared for 👑🐝The wiggle dance and bee communication 🕺Swarms, varroa mites, and hive managementHoney as a remedy for stings, allergies, and energy 💪Beekeeping adventures (including a sting to the face!)Chaga, coffee, and survival hacks in the wild 🌲☕Why bees might just prove intelligent designThis mix of beekeeping knowledge, outdoor stories, and hunting lifestyle talk is one you won’t want to miss!______🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle by shopping with 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, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered.⸻🏠 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]

In this episode, Joe, Rick, and Ol’ Guide Mike sit down with Garnett Robinson, nephew of the late Gordon Berry. Garnett shares stories of his early years hunting and fishing with Uncle Gordon and Uncle Ronnie, painting a vivid picture of time spent in the big woods and on the water.The guys reflect on Gordon’s lifelong outdoor passions, hunting, fishing, and shed hunting and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Along the way, Garnett and Ol’ Guide Mike revisit some wild stories from their days as roommates (and hint at a few they can’t share on air).Gordon will be dearly missed, but his love for the outdoors and the people he shared it with will carry on. R.I.P. Gordon, your stories and spirit live forever._____🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle by shopping with 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, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered.⸻🏠 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]

Episode 8 covers stories from harpooning tuna to flying into inaccessible public land, this episode of The True North Lifestyle Podcast is packed with summer stories, western hunting insight, and hilarious guide tales you won’t want to miss.Joe Kruse, Lee Libby, Rick Labbe, and Mikey Stevens sit down to share updates and unforgettable experiences — from DIY moose hunts in brutal terrain to the controversial corner-crossing case that just changed western public land access forever.We cover it all: Alaska’s strict hunting laws, insane elk stories, power paragliding into checkerboard land, and Rick’s test drive of a new mountain-crushing Polaris rig. Oh — and Mikey shares a legendary story about guiding a married stripper during moose season (yes, really).💥 Plus:* The best and worst units to draw for elk and mule deer* Public vs. private access challenges across the West* Why helicopters are illegal during Alaska hunting season* Epic paragliding elk hunts into inaccessible land* Tips for packing out moose before the meat spoils* A shoutout to Jackman’s upcoming bass tournament 🐟* Rick’s final deer tracking seminar this season on August 15th in Dover-Foxcroft, ME!* Legendary\ story of Mikey guiding a married stripper on a Maine moose hunt.* Mike fishing the hex hatch* The summer fishing slowdown + fall cool-down ahead (spoiler: when the temps cool down the action heats up again)* Rick’s trip to Wyoming* Everyone’s fishing adventures* Fish Hook Fiascos, where everyone shares "getting hooked" storiesIf you're a diehard hunter, western DIY dreamer, or just here for the laughs this podcast delivers.🏕️ SPONSOR FEATURE— GARY WILLIAMSONLooking for land in Western Maine? Hunting cabin or dream home? Gary’s your guy.📞 Call/Text Gary Directly: (207) 364-5326🌲 Learn More: https://www.cassiemason.com/about/jul...🏡 Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.comStay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle📺 YouTube: @truenorthlifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shopWebsite: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7...Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597W...Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyleInterested in sponsoring a future episode?Reach out: 📧 [email protected]’d love to feature brands that align with our values and audience.📌 Timestamps:0:00 – Summer Updates & Western Hunting Access12:10 – Drawing Tags: Elk & Mule Deer Strategy17:50 – Corner-Crossing Laws & Landmark Court Case26:45 – Flying in to Hunt: Paragliders, Planes, & Alaska Rules39:00 – The Stripper Moose Hunt Story 54:00 – Rick’s New Mountain Polaris Test Drive59:00 – Upcoming Bass Tournament in Jackman1:01:00 – Final Tracking Seminar Aug. 15 – Dover-Foxcroft, ME#TheTrueNorthLifestyle #DIYHunting #WesternHunting #PublicLandAccess #ElkHunting #MooseHunting #MuleDeer #CornerCrossing #OutdoorPodcast #TrackingBucks #Huntstock2025 #BassFishing #AlaskaHunting #ParagliderHunt #BackcountryHunters

Episode 7 | Made By Hand: The Story of Walker Knife Co. & Taylor Walker | The True North Lifestyle PodcastIn Episode 7, we sit down with outdoorsman, filmmaker, and master knife maker Taylor Walker of Walker Knife Co. Taylor’s journey—from guiding whitewater rivers and fly fishing to crafting custom knives built to thrive in the toughest backcountry conditions, reveals the heart, soul and passion behind every blade he makes.🔪 Taylor’s story began with frustration over subpar commercial knives during his river guiding days. That frustration sparked a relentless pursuit of creating better, more reliable tools— made right in the woods of Maine, USA. Using cutting-edge MagnaCut steel and old-school craftsmanship, Taylor shapes knives that don’t just look good but work hard in the field.🎙 This episode also dives into Taylor’s filming Joe Kruse as they share stories from 2018 when Taylor followed Joe on hunts, falling in love with deer hunting and tracking—even though he had never deer hunted before and had no idea what to expect. Their friendship and shared experiences deeply shaped Taylor’s perspective on hunting and gear. Plus, stories of Taylor’s Pennsylvania flintlock hunt.🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:* The inspiration and design process behind the new Trackr 2.0 knife—a first look before its official release at Huntstock* Why MagnaCut steel is perfect for hunting knives* How lessons from river gear and fly fishing influence hunting knife innovation* The art and technique of hand-built sheaths, vacuum molding, and precision CNC handle work* Real talk on edge retention, heat treatment, sharpening myths, plus two expert guides on knife sharpening and care* Insights on filming hunts and capturing authentic outdoor storytelling* Why Maine-made craftsmanship matters and how honest hunter feedback shapes every iteration* Stories from Taylor’s life guiding rivers, hunting Maine’s woods, fly fishing, flintlock hunting in Pennsylvania, and filming adventures in the backcountry🔥 Who this episode is for:Whether you’re a craftsman, hunter, filmmaker, gear enthusiast, or simply obsessed with quality tools and storytelling that perform in real conditions—this episode delivers deep insight and inspiration you won’t want to miss.Taylor is also an experienced freelance filmmaker, having worked with Maine-based organizations like High Peaks Alliance and the iconic L.L.Bean.🔥 If you’re a craftsman, gear junkie, hunter, or lover of tools that truly work, this conversation brings serious depth and inspiration.👉 Catch Taylor at Huntstock, where the Trackr 2.0 will be officially released! Plus he will be sharpening knives so bring your hunting knife and anything else you need sharpened to huntstock!🎙 Handmade Blades: The Journey of Taylor Walker —a hunter, whitewater guide, filmmaker, and self-taught knife maker—whose Maine-made blades are built to last and born from the backcountry.#CustomKnifeMaking #MagnaCutSteel #MaineCraftsmanship #HandmadeKnives #HuntingKnives #RiverKnives #SheathDesign #OutdoorGear #KnifeSharpness #CNCKnifeHandles #EdgeRetention #Huntstock #MadeByHand #WalkerKnives #TrueNorthLifestyle #HuntingPodcast #KnifeMaker #WhitetailHunters #HuntingGear #OutdoorLife #Craftsmanship #BuiltByTheHunt #KnifeMaking #MadeInMaine #Hunting #HuntingLife #BladeSmith #KnifeCommunity #KnifeEnthusiast #BackcountryGear #FieldKnives #GearTalk #HuntingCulture #WildernessSkills #KnifeCollectors