120 Outdoors Podcast

Don and Chris interview Jerry Zona the Recycling Soild Waste Director for Mercer and Lawrence County. He is also the Executive Director for the Tri-County Cleanways. Jerry talks about how recycling = conservation, less landfills, less mining and energy savings. He explains what should be recycled and what shouldn’t. Very informative podcast, we know you will enjoy.

Chris and Don interview Tony Miller from the Ohio Bow Hunters Association. Tony talks about Crossbows and Crossbow hunting. We discuss everything from recommendations of what Crossbow to purchase to what broadhead works best. This show should answer many of your Crossbow questions.

Chris and Don interview Tony Sangialosi from Drawn Archery. We talk about everything you ever wanted to know about Bow Strings. Tony shares how he got into the business of custom Bow Strings. Our in depth conversation ranges from how often to change your strings to the benefits of custom Strings. Also, we discuss the misconceptions bow hunters have about string maintenance.

Our guest on today's Podcast is Buckeye Bow Hunter, Josh Grund. Josh gives us an update on his Kentucky Velvet Hunt and how his new saddle worked for him. We discuss several topics like when you should make a mock scrape, the location, type of branch, rope and vine. Josh shares his opinion on using scent and a camera to monitor activity.

Don shares his findings on the relationship between the Spotted Lanternfly and the Tree Of Heaven. He discusses the history and how to identify this tree, which is the host for the Spotted Lanternfly. Don suggests different ways to eradicate both the tree and this harmful insect.

Chris and Don interview Mike Sperry and Andy Ohl about the Chautauqua Lake fish habitat project. They discuss why the project was necessary and the process required for permits. Both Mike and Andy are members of Muskie Inc Chapter 69. The chapter was involved in several fund raising programs to help pay for permits and materials for the fish cribs. Also, the significant weed issues were discussed...

Chris and Don interview Kayak Tournament Angler, Dustin Hoy. Dustin is the owner/operator of Raccoon Creek Outfitters in Albany, Ohio. In his spare time, he fishes tournaments from his kayak. They discuss what to look for when purchasing a fishing kayak. Brand, size and style. Also, Dustin shares how to set up a kayak. Everything from rod holders to tools & electronics.

Chris and Don discuss Senate Bill 1239, No Child Left Inside Act. It is a bipartisan bill that would help bring locally developed environmental programs to schools nationwide.

Don shares his findings on the lost Lake Erie Blue Pike. In the 1950's the Blue Pike was the most common fish species in Lake Erie. A decade later the Blue Pike disappeared never to be found again. Don talks about what happened that led to their demise. Also, he found some interesting information on DNA testing and the relationship to our current Walleye population.

Chris and Don discuss the controversial issue of Forward Facing Sonar. They talk about the positive and the potential negative aspects of this new technology. It’s effects on the fish, fishermen and tournaments.

Don discusses how spring is a great time of year to identify invasive plants. Multiflora Rose and the Japanese Knotweed are a few of the most common in our area. Also, he talks about how many of the invasive plants have taken over the landscapes in our metro parks. Whenever possible try to plant native vegetation in your landscape.

Chris and Don interview Northeast Ohio Angler, Jim Morrison. Jim has a knack for catching big fish out of small water close to home. He shares his insight on what to look for when searching for small water that may hold big fish. Also, Jim talks about some of the equipment needed for a successful day. He shared a few funny stories that you will enjoy.

Don discusses Earth Day Cleanup tips. He offers suggestions on the tools needed to make your day successful. As Don mentioned, most state parks, metro parks or sportsmen groups have cleanup activities planned. Check Social Media or the Local News to get involved.

Turkey is the focus on this month’s podcast. Chris and Don interview Josh Grund from Buckeye Bowhunter. They review the ODNR Turkey research project started this year. Josh educates us on several different types of turkey calls. Also, he talks about how he uses decoys and offers some interesting tips. The discussion includes types of guns and different chokes available.

Don discusses the important role oak trees have in our ecosystem and everyday lives. Many don’t know, the Oak is our national tree and can be found from coast to coast. 

Chris and Don interview Steelhead Angler and Cleveland Metro Park Biologist, Mike Durkalec. Mike talks about the history of the Ohio steelhead program and the different strains of fish currently in our streams. He shares his thoughts on the importance of flow rates and fish location. Also, Mike gives his thoughts on the health of the program and the future of Lake Erie steelhead. 

Don shares the importance of the Quaking Aspen in a forest management plan. This tree can be found throughout our 120 and is vital to several different species of wildlife.

Don gives an update on the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. Chris shares the findings on Doe/Fawn study completed by Erich Long from the Dear Hunter Project. In this study, the prime rut dates and a few surprises were revealed. Also, Chris and Don interview Jim Inbody from the Northeast Ohio Chapter of American Woodcock Society about projects completed and activities planned for 2023. 

Don and Chris talk about the history of the American Chestnut tree and what happened to these valuable trees.  The restoration efforts have ties to our 120 that you may find very interesting. 

Chris and Don interview Dave Bell from Bell Deer Tracking Service. Dave talks about how he got started in the deer recovery business. He discusses the reason he picked Wren, a Bavarian mountain blood hound as his partner. Also, he offers some tips on what to do and not do if you can’t find your deer. He shares some amazing stories and we think you will really enjoy this show.

Chris and Don interview Buckeye Bowhunter, Josh Grund. Josh has a YouTube channel called Buckeye Bowhunter. They discuss everything from the rut to using calls and the importance of using milkweed for scent detection. This is a very informative podcast for the novice and veteran alike.

Chris and Don interview Dr. John Coluccy, Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Planning Great Lakes/ Atlantic Region. They discuss overall health of the Great Lakes waterfowl population. Also, Dr. John talks about how the drought in the upper Midwest has effected the duck breading season. He shares details on the new tracking study being done in the northeast. Listen to the podcast for more de...

Chris and Don interview Dave Kohler a Program Administrator with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Dave discusses the new Ohio Landowner Hunter Partnership program started in 2021. The goal of the program is to have more hunter access in strategic parts of the state. As of September 19,000 acres are enrolled and more are in the planning stages. A survey conducted after the 2021 season showed favorabl...

Chris and Don interview Chris Pappas, avid deer hunter on the use of the onX Hunt app. Chris explains why he stopped using his handheld GPS and started using the onX Hunt app.  He reviews some basic information from purchasing the onX maps to tracking your trails. Also, he discusses off loading maps and shares some interesting “Best Practices” he uses while out in the field.  

Chris and Don interview Don Rank the Pennsylvania Chairman for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA). They discuss the current funding sources for Wildlife (Pittman-Robertson Act) and Sport Fish (Dingell-Johnson Act). Don talks about a new proposal called RAWA Recovering America's Wildlife Act and the importance the act will have for all wildlife agencies. In Ohio it would be an additional 18 mill...