In this episode I sit down in studio with Paul Sikkenga- member of the Lower Peninsula Deer Advisory Team and Founder of the Facebook group "DNR Watchdog" as we continue to discuss regulations surrounding Michigan deer hunting right now. If you listened to the two-part series with Jordan Hoover (Ep. 24 and Ep. 25), this episode will follow up with that conversation bringing a different perspective.

We dig into Michigan deer management, baiting, the role of the Deer Advisory Team, influence of the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission, where hunters disagree... and where they strongly disagree.

The hope of these discussions is to make one think regardless of their position.

I am joined in Studio by Todd Taylor, Michigan Assistant State Lead for The Fallen Outdoors.

We Talk About:

Veteran Brotherhood

Healing through the Outdoors

Purpose after Service

Combating Isolation and Veteran Suicide

This episode dives deep into how outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing, and time spent in the woods are helping veterans reconnect, rebuild, and rediscover purpose. If you care about faith, family, freedom, and the outdoors... this one matters. For more information, please visit thefallenoutdoors.org or contact Todd Taylor at [email protected]

I'm honored to welcome Michigan native, author, storyteller, and the voice of Michigan Backroads- Mr. Ron Rademacher to the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast Studio! Ron has spent over 3 decades exploring hidden gems here in the Great Lakes State. From forgotten trails and hidden waterfalls to scenic country hikes and sleepy smalltown charms- he has spent decades seeking out the places most travelers miss. His passion for discovery is why Michigan Backroads has become the go-to resource for road trips, weekend getaways, nature spots, and quirky Michigan wonders. In this episode you'll hear: Ron's philosophy on why the road less traveled matters. Tips for that perfect weekend escape tucked into Michigan's woods, shorelines, and backroads. Stories of breathtaking views, hidden oddities, and Michigan history whispering from forgotten corners of the mitten. Whether you're planning your next adventure, looking for inspiration, or just itching to explore something real, Ron's perspective will get your boots tapping and your wheels turning!

Michigan deer hunting is at a crossroads. In Part 2 of Episode 24 (Ep.25) of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we conclude our break down the one-buck tag debate, the role of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), and what the future of whitetail hunting looks like in the Great Lakes State. Joined by special guest Jordan Hoover- Chairman of the Upper Peninsula Deer Advisory Team, we dive deep into Michigan deer regulations, hunter concerns, and whether the policies of today still reflect the heritage and culture of Michigan hunting.

Michigan deer hunting is at a crossroads. In Episode 24 of Wild Spirits Outdoors, we break down the one-buck tag debate, the role of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), and what the future of whitetail hunting looks like in the Great Lakes State.Joined by special guest Jordan Hoover- Chairman of the Upper Peninsula Deer Advisory Team, we dive deep into Michigan deer regulations, hunter concerns, and whether the policies of today still reflect the heritage and culture of Michigan hunting.

What does it really take to complete the North American Super Slam with archery equipment? In Episode 23 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we break down one of the most legendary accomplishments in bowhunting — harvesting every recognized big game species in North America using only a bow and arrow. From Alaskan moose and brown bear…To desert bighorn sheep, mountain goat, caribou, plains bison, mountain lion, muskox, and more…This episode isn’t about inches, scores, or shortcuts. It’s about the dream. The obsession. The years of planning. The travel .The failures. The once-in-a-lifetime moments. We explore:

• What the North American Super Slam actually is

• The species required to complete it

• Where these animals live• What makes each animal uniquely challenging

• Rough costs to pursue these hunts• Legendary archers who have completed the Super Slam

• Why Chuck Adams’ achievement changed bowhunting forever

• Why the Super Slam represents more than a checklist — it represents a life built around the chase

If you’re a bowhunter who dreams bigger than a single season…If you believe hunting is about story, struggle, and soul…This episode is for you.

🎯 CHASE THE WILD. FEEL THE SPIRIT.

In this episode of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with Clint Catchot of Droppin Hammers Outdoors for a deep-dive into whitetail hunting in New York — one of the most challenging and misunderstood deer hunting states in the country. bWe break down what it really takes to consistently kill mature bucks in the Empire State, including:

✔️ New York buck numbers & herd structure

✔️ Tag allocations, season lengths & regulations

✔️ Public land pressure and how deer adapt

✔️ Scouting strategies for big woods & ag country

✔️ Finding mature buck bedding in pressured terrain

✔️ In-season adjustments that lead to punched tags

Clint shares hard-earned lessons from years of hunting New York, why NY hunters become more disciplined, and how those skills translate anywhere in the country.

Whether you’re a New York resident or hunt heavily pressured ground elsewhere, remember this: Pressure creates smarter hunters — and tougher deer.

🎯 Subscribe to "Droppin Hammers Outdoors" on YouTube 📩

Follow and message Clint Catchot on Facebook

🎙️ Subscribe to Wild Spirits Outdoors for weekly podcasts, wild takes, and raw hunting conversations.

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.

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January in Michigan isn’t the end of the outdoors—it’s where discipline is built. In Episode 21 of the Wild Spirits Outdoors Podcast, we dive deep into what’s still open, still possible, and still worth pursuing during the heart of winter. From the Kalamazoo Outdoor Sports Expo to a full breakdown of current Michigan hunting and fishing opportunities, this episode is about staying sharp when most people check out.🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Kalamazoo Outdoor Sports Expo recap — gear, community, and winter momentum

Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting recap- what was discussed on January 14 and why it matters to hunters and anglers

Upcoming NRC meeting dates & locations — how to stay involved and informed

Michigan winter hunting opportunities:

Small game hunting (rabbit, squirrel, hare)

Predator & coyote hunting

Michigan fishing opportunities in winter:

Ice fishing for perch, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and pike

Mind, Body & Spirit discipline:

Staying physically strong through winter

Feeding the mind with books and learning

Anchoring life in faith and Scripture

Winter strips away excuses. This episode is for hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen who refuse to go dormant when the temperature drops.

Episode 20 is the final chapter of my 2025/26 Ohio Muzzleloader Season 3-Part Series. I recap and break down the 4 Day season. This episode isn't a highlight reel, but rather a reflection of the hunt- what went wrong, what worked.I'll dive into:Late-season muzzleloader tactics that worked, and what didn'tHow the weather changed whitetail movementLocation choices, mistakes, and what I'd do differentlyJoin the Tribe and follow Wild Spirits Outdoors.

Part 2 of our Ohio muzzleloader season comes to you remote from our deer camp and picks up right where the grind begins. In this episode, I’m joined in the studio by my good friend Brandon as we break down the first three days of the Ohio muzzleloader season—highs, lows, and everything in between. Days one and two tested our patience with gear malfunctions on both sides, forcing us to adapt on the fly. Despite the setbacks, day two delivered a major win when I was able to tag my first Ohio muzzleloader deer, while Brandon used the opportunity to explore new ground and gather intel for the days ahead. Day three turned into the kind of hunt we all live for. We covered nearly three miles of uncharted ground, pushing deeper than planned, and were rewarded with multiple exciting encounters that reminded us why we chase these late-season adventures. This episode dives into problem-solving in the field, trusting the process, and embracing the grind when things don’t go according to plan.

🎯 Ohio Muzzleloader Series – Part 2 of 3🔥

Gear failures, first-season success, and boots-on-the-ground exploration

🏹 Real talk, real hunts, real lessons

Chase the Wild. Feel the Spirit.