Jordan Hoover is back in the dynasty, and this one hits close to home.

In this episode, we sit down with returning guest Jordan Hoover for a hard-hitting conversation about the state of hunting in America — and what's at stake right now for Michigan deer hunters. Jordan breaks down the three biggest issues facing hunters across the country, the threats flying under the radar, and why the hunting community can't afford to stay silent.

Then we shift focus to what could be a defining moment for the future of deer hunting in the Great Lakes State — the upcoming NRC (Natural Resources Commission) meeting, where Michigan's newest proposed regulations are set to be on the table. We unpack what these changes could mean for hunters, wildlife management, and the traditions we've built our lives around. Make no mistake — this meeting isn't just policy talk. The decisions coming out of it have the potential to either protect Michigan's deer herd for generations or fundamentally change the game forever.

Whether you're a Michigan hunter, a concerned sportsman, or just someone who cares about the future of wild game culture in America — this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

Listen. Learn. Show up.

NRC Meeting: April 8, 2026 at 9 am, Lansing Community College

Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

What does it mean to dedicate a lifetime to the wild places of Michigan? In this landmark episode of Wild Game Dynasty, we sit down with Richard P. Smith — author, wildlife photographer, and the newest inductee into the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame — in a conversation that spans decades of tradition, controversy, and conservation.

Joining the discussion are legends who have shaped the outdoor world as we know it: the great Fred Bear, the father of modern bowhunting; outdoor media icon Mort Neff, whose Michigan Outdoors brought the wilderness into living rooms across the state; beloved conservationist and writer Tom Huggler; multi-species hunting and storytelling phenomenon Steven Rinella; and bass fishing royalty Kevin VanDam.

Together, they unpack the release of Richard's latest book, a must-read for any serious hunter or naturalist. The conversation turns candid as Richard shares his deeply researched perspective on why Michigan's deer herd has been in steady decline — pointing to habitat loss, predator pressure, and management decisions that have left hunters and biologists alike sounding the alarm.

Then things get controversial. Richard takes on one of the most debated topics in whitetail history: the Mitch Rompola buck — the mysterious giant that some call the greatest deer ever taken and others call one of hunting's greatest hoaxes. Richard doesn't hold back.

This is the kind of episode that reminds you why you fell in love with the outdoors in the first place.

📖 Explore Richard's books, photography, and legacy at richardpsmith.com

Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: ⁠https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

What does it take to spend 50 years mastering the art of tracking whitetail deer in the rugged wilderness of Maine? This week on Wild Game Dynasty, we sit down with Randy Flannery — owner and operator of Wilderness Escape Outfitters — to find out.

Randy is the kind of outdoorsman that legends are made of. With half a century of boots-on-the-ground experience in the Maine backcountry, he's forgotten more about whitetail behavior, outdoor survival, and wilderness hunting than most of us will ever know. In this conversation, Randy pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be a hunter, a tracker, and a steward of the wild.

Don't miss this one. Hit play, take notes, and head over to Randy's website to learn more about booking your next adventure with Wilderness Escape Outfitters: https://wildernessescape.com/

Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

What does it take to turn an ordinary piece of ground into a whitetail paradise? In this episode, we sit down with Greg Compeau, owner and operator of GMK Logging, a business dedicated to the creation and restoration of wildlife habitat with a special focus on whitetail deer.

Greg weighs in on the controversial issues surrounding whitetail deer in Michigan, sharing his perspective as someone who works in the field every day. It's an honest, on-the-ground conversation that every Michigan deer hunter needs to hear.

Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

Wild Game Dynasty explores the complex history of wolves in Michigan and examines the heated debate surrounding their federal protections as Congress prepares to vote on a bill that would remove wolves from the endangered species list.

Upper Peninsula of Michigan Predator Prey Relationship Study: https://straitsareasportsmensclub.net/u-p-predator-prey-study

Join WGD for an in-depth conversation with Dan Schmidt from Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine as they explore chronic wasting disease and what it means for the future of deer hunting.

This episode tackles the tough questions: Is CWD being weaponized as a fear-mongering tool? What's the real impact on deer populations? Dan and WGD dig into these critical issues and much more, offering insights every deer hunter needs to hear.

Hungry for More Wild Game Recipes and Tips?

Don't miss out on expert hunting insights, mouthwatering game recipes, and outdoor cooking techniques delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to the Wild Game Dynasty newsletter today and join a community of passionate hunters and wild food enthusiasts.

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From field to fork, we've got you covered.

Get ready for a truly wild and gourmet twist on classic chili! In this video, I'm showing you how to transform often-overlooked venison heart into an incredibly rich, flavorful chili that'll blow your mind. Combined with the earthy luxury of morel mushrooms, this isn't your average bowl of red.Venison heart is lean, tender when cooked right, and packed with deep, meaty flavor that makes it perfect for slow-simmered dishes.Whether you're a hunter looking to use more of your harvest, a forager who scored some morels, or just someone who loves adventurous cooking, this recipe will elevate your chili game to a whole new level.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell for more wild game recipes and cooking adventures!#VenisonRecipes #WildGame #MorelMushrooms #Chili #HunterCuisine #GameMeat #Foraging #FromFieldToTable

Join WGD for an in-depth conversation with Jordan Hoover, Upper Peninsula resident and chairman of the UP Deer Advisory Team.

We dive into the ongoing debates surrounding whitetail deer management in the UP and explore how the Deer Advisory Team is working to address these challenges and represent the voices of local hunters and landowners.

Gary Morgan, founder and creator of Wild Game Dynasty Hunting Outfitter and Guide Services, joins new WGD podcast host Ryan Foguth for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of hunting and conservation. In this episode, Gary opens up about his inspiration behind launching the podcast, his vision for its future direction, and the dramatic shifts he's witnessed in conservation and wildlife management over the years.

This marks an exciting new era for the Wild Game Dynasty Podcast. Follow along for compelling conversations about hunting, outfitting, and the conservation efforts shaping our outdoor future.

GMK logging owner, Greg Compeau, knows the formula for transforming marginal land into productive hunting land