Gamekeeper Podcast

On this episode we’re joined in studio by expert beaver trapper and explosive expert George Brown.  Beavers are industrious critters and can back up a lot of water given the chance. We talk about draining and creating wetland areas to protect timber and create waterfowl impoundments. Using explosives to clear beaver dams and move water is a dangerous job and George has years of experience. It’s a...

On this episode we’re joined by Derrick Dixon, founder of Whitetail Research, a research-driven media platform based in Southern Missouri. Derrick puts questions hunters have debated for years to the test through real-world field research, studying everything from deer movement and behavior, coyote interactions, population density, nocturnal activity, and the effects of temperature on deer movemen...

On this episode we’re joined by Nathan Hood and Justin Henderson to talk food plot planting techniques. We talk everything from throw and mow to traditional disking, the importance of cultipacking, hand seeding, atv seeders, and a deep dive in how a grain drill works. With the recent years of drought, preserving moisture is important. Implementing a no till technique has proven itself a valid proc...

On this episode we’re joined by Dr. Bronson Strickland and Dr. Mick Hellickson to explain the results of their lengthy study on culling bucks. Genetics and nutrition are buzz words that deer biologists reference all the time. We can help provide enhanced nutrition in a variety of ways but what about genetics? Can you cull your way to better bucks over time? We get this question answered as they ex...

On this EXTRA episode Mark Olis of Moultrie joins us to explain the many high tech features of the new Moultrie EDGE 4 cameras and the App. Cameras are a big part of how we monitor our deer and if you don’t understand to use all the hunt-planning features you are missing out and possibly not getting all the info you possibly can. Marks a wealth of knowledge and explains it all.  Listen Learn and E...

On this episode, we’re joined by famed Minnesota fishing guide Kip Vieth to explain the many nuances of muskie fishing. You might be thinking, “I don’t have muskellunge where I fish,” but just trust us—this is an interesting fish native to North America that now has a greater distribution, thanks to many state agencies giving it a chance in their home waters. Muskie fishermen are a different breed...

On this episode we’re joined once again by Dr. Mick Hellickson to discuss aging deer on the hoof. Aging bucks can be challenging at times (like during the summer and peak rut), and Mick shares how he does it including a couple of non-traditional tips. Mick is a renowned biologist who’s had his hands and binoculars on lots of bucks through the years and gives great advice to help a Gamekeeper make...

On this episode we’re joined by Carl Ackerman. Carl decided at a young age to hunt as much as possible and as many species as he could. He has some great stories of hunts and travels from all over North America and Africa. We all dream of those “bucket list” hunts, and Carl will motivate you to go. He also has a very special memory of being in remote Alaska when 9-11 occurred and not knowing what...

On this episode we’re joined by the whitetail expert Dr. Mick Hellickson. Mick has an impressive resume and it’s a great conversation with a deeply scientific minded Gamekeeper who thinks about managing deer every day and pays attention to all the details of growing larger bucks and managing a herd. Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, send the guys a message and don’t...

On this episode we’re joined by hunter, optics expert and Leupold head man Bruce Pettit. Bruce has been around optics at a high level a long time. He gave us some insight into how scopes have improved, but also covered tips for  sighting in and using binoculars and range finders properly. These products are the key to making a hunt successful as well as more enjoyable. It’s never too early to get...

On this episode we celebrate the fun and traditions of a good ole dove shoot. We’re joined by Houston Haven of MDWFP and longtime dove field preparer and hunter Jay Chancellor. It’s a fun discussion that will remind everyone just why we enjoy a good shoot so much. Houston explains some of the biology of the dove and Jay explains how to have an enjoyable, safe hunt and make a field last. There is a...

On this episode, we learn about the fascinating catalpa tree and its ability to produce the fine fish bait known as catalpa worms. Where do these trees grow? How do you recognize them, and how can you encourage your trees to produce more worms? What if you don’t have any worms, what can you do? Our guest, Brian Anderson, is an expert on catalpa trees and catalpa worms, and we all learned so much f...

On this episode we discuss new and used tractors with seasoned mechanic Clay Davis who runs the Gamekeeper Garage. Clay spends his days keeping everything running and has learned a lot through the years. From hooking up attachments, horsepower needs, which transmission type is best to work to look for in a used tractor, we ask a lot of questions.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  If you enjoyed this Game...

On this episode we’re joined by Dr. James Martin of UGA to discuss northern bobwhite quail and much more. James is an interesting guy who loves the old ways and clings to them. Whether its following a brace of dogs or sitting down to a gobbling turkey, James clearly loves the sport and respects the traditions. We discuss the past, present and future of the Gentleman Bob and much more.  Turns out a...

On this episode we discuss scouting and game camera tips. Our weekends are precious, and knowledge from careful scouting can reveal so much.  There is an art to camera placement and getting the best informative pictures that can help you unlock what’s happening on your hunting area. Our friends at Moultrie are changing the game with technology and we are here for it.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  If...

This week we’re joined by former Major League Baseball All-Star and Gamekeeper Adam Wainwright. Adam played 18 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, winning a World Series in the process. During those years he never strayed from his love of deer hunting and in fact the Drury’s during his time there lit a fire in him to manage a property! After retiring from MLB Adam moved back to his home state of...

On this episode we’re joined by Kurt Colgrove and Justin Ballard of Paragon Aerial Solutions. These guys are using drones to do wildlife surveys (think deer, turkeys, pigs and even coyotes), but they are actually kicking your typical drone survey up a few notches. We’re all familiar with doing annual deer censuses with trail cameras, but these guys have determined a way to have instant data. Its i...

On this episode we’re joined by Dr. Jay Shelton of UGA to discuss pond management and especially aquatic weed problems. Jay is an obsessed fisherman and extremely knowledgeable  about pond weeds and how to control them. Is there anything more frustrating when owning a pond than having weeds that prevent you from being able to fish it? We talk about construction, permits, revamping old ponds, chemi...

On this episode we’re joined by two renowned birding enthusiasts to tell the story and help unwrap the mystery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker ( Campephilus principalis).  Chuck Hunter is retired from the USFWS and spent his career working on endangered and threatened, at-risk, and other species of conservation concern throughout the Southeast Region.  Bobby Harrison, a noted birding expert has qui...

On this episode we’re joined by two experts, John Doresky and Will McDearman, to explain the story of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.  John is the current USFWS Recovery Coordinator and Will, now retired, was the previous coordinator.  Both men have spent most of their careers studying these birds and have interesting information to share. The RCW is a small woodpecker that used to be abundant in the...

On this episode we’re joined by Orin Robinson of Cornell University to discuss the modern methods of monitoring birds and especially waterfowl. Orin is a Senior Research Associate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and has traveled the world studying birds. His love is waterfowl and he explains eBird and Merlin to us. It’s a fascinating discussion with a scientist that has amazing insight into the...

On this very timely episode guests Dr. Scott Stephens and Dr. Mike Brasher of Ducks Unlimited explain some changes that are being considered to the Prairie Pothole region’s wetlands. These wetlands were voluntarily placed into waterfowl friendly easements through our duck stamp purchases, and the USFWS is asking for comments concerning possible changes that can affect these wetland ecosystems and...

On this episode we’re joined by Mark Drury to discuss getting ready for the white-tailed deer season. Mark always has interesting insight and wisdom when it comes to whitetails. We talk camera placement, licking branches, the moon, bachelor groups, planting near native bedding areas and how keeping historical data on bucks leads to success.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper...

On this episode we’re joined by Rafe Nielsen of Browning to learn about the mysterious 16-gauge. It’s a great sized shotgun and many people swear by them but the 16 didn’t stay popular for many reasons. Why didn’t it take off? Is it still used much today? What sub-gauges are hunters currently choosing? We also learned some facts about Browning and also got some tips for introducing kids. It’s a fu...

On this episode were joined by the great minds of Bronson Strickland and Bonner Powell of Wildlife Investments.  We talk about an often overlooked area on hunting properties, old fields. We learn what’s the best strategy, techniques and ways to add value to your wildlife by managing these areas with intention. It’s a process that can yield great results and doesn’t cost as much as other projects....