120 Outdoors Podcast

Chris and Don interview Jennifer Grieser, Director of Natural Resources Cleveland Metro Parks.  Also, she is the Chair for the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Advisory Committee. Their other guest is Mike Durkalec, Aquatic Biologist Cleveland Metro Parks. Jen and Mike review the early history, the industrial phase, current success and the future of the Cuyahoga River.

Chris and Don interview Catfish Tournament Angler, Mark Dietrich. They discuss how popular catfish angling has become locally and across the country. Mark talks about some of his concerns the catfishing world is facing. From over harvest to pay lake tournaments. Also, he shares some of his secrets on finding and catching some of these catfish giants. 

Chris and Don interview Stephanie Uber, a Natural Resource Officer with the Division of Parks & Watercraft. They discuss boater safety in detail. From boater safety courses to cold water boating. Stephanie talks about age requirements for operating watercraft. She also reviews boating safety at night and kill switch laws. Remember, May is boater safety month.

Chris and Don interview, Curt Wagner from Ohio Division of Wildlife where he is the District 3 Fishery Management Supervisor. Our other guest is Mark Warmen.  He is the Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator for the Cleveland Metro Parks & Ohio Department Of Natural Resources. They discuss the history and life cycle of hydrilla and how it effects our lakes. They review the current treatment...

Chris and Don interview Brian Pilarcik from the Crawford County Conservation District.  Brian is a Watershed Specialist focusing on invasive aquatic plants. We discuss what is an aquatic invasive plant and how it affects water bodies. Brian reviews the process of identifying and the complexities of treating the invasive plants. Also, he shares some of the issues they are dealing with on Pymatuning...

Chris and Don interview ODNR Forest Gamebird Specialist, Mark Wiley.  They discuss the current situation with the Turkey population in Ohio. Mark shares the reasoning behind the new Turkey regulations taking affect this year and the outlook for the future.  He also talks about the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) statewide effort on improving wild turkey habitat in Ohio. 

Chris and Don interview Dave Riddell from Ohio Prairie Nursery (OPN) on the importance of Native Grass. They discuss the history of prairie grasses in Ohio and what led to their demise.  Dave talks about the difference between warm and cool season grasses. He shares some secrets on how to successfully plant warm season grasses on your property. He explains alternative methods for maximizing growth...

Chris and Don interview James Inbody from the American Woodcock Society. James is the President of the North Ohio Chapter. We discuss the unique characteristics of the American Woodcock and the habitat they need to thrive. James shared some of the habitat projects his chapter has completed and their future plans.

Chris and Don interview Mike Kingsley the owner and operator of Evergreen Outfitters on Chautauqua Lake, New York. He is an ACA certified Level 4 coastal kayak instructor & Level 2 Stand Up Paddle board instructor.  We discuss all the factors you should consider when purchasing a kayak.  From the size and type of kayak to being safe on the water. 

Chris interviews retired ODNR Fish Hatchery Program Administrator, Kevin Kayle. Kevin was the “Gate Keeper” for Ohio’s steelhead program. He talks about the history of Ohio's famed Steelhead program and what the future holds. We discuss the stocking program and how all the Great Lake States and the Providence of Ontario share best business practices to improve fishing.  

Chris and Don interview Matthew Smith, Assistant Regional Scenic River Manager for ODNR. Matthew discusses why the Scenic River Program was created in Ohio. He explains the process of how a waterway can become a Scenic and Wild River. Also, he shared some interesting information on the status of the program.

Chris and Don interview Award Winning Outdoor Writer, Andrew Pegman.  They review Andrew’s new book titled, "Outdoor Adventures of Northeast Ohio".  Andrew shares interesting tidbits about some of the anglers he has interviewed over the years. Also, they discuss the future of outdoor communication mediums.

We are currently working with Eric Long from Drumming Log Wildlife Management.  Eric developed a plan for the property focusing on Habitat Improvement.  On this podcast Chris and Don review the progress being made and discuss future plans. Topics include, timber stand improvement, native vegetation and pond management. 

Chris and Don interview Colton Masters from the Mahoning County Board of Health.  Colton discusses why we are seeing a Tick population explosion and offers some helpful tips to keep you and your family well. He explains the life cycle of a tick and debunks a few myths. Don’s rant this month focuses on recycling and trash.

Chris and Don interview Outdoor Photographer, Josh Ketry.  Josh shares some tips and time savers for taking better outdoor photos with your cell phone.  Also, we have a new segment on our podcast called the “rant” . On this episode Don’s rant is about CSO’s and infrastructure.

Chris and Don interview Mark Dilley, Chief Scientist with MAD Scientist Associates, an Environmental Consulting Company.  Also Mark is the President of the Ohio Wetlands Association (OWA).  Mark discusses the importance of wetlands and some of the opportunities we have moving forward. He talks about our history and some recent success stories you may find interesting.

The H2Ohio program is a game changer for Great Lakes conservation. To gain a better understanding of the H2Ohio Program Chris and Don interview Joy Mulinex, Lake Erie Commission Director Office of the Governor. Clark Hutson, Ohio Department of Agriculture, H2Ohio Western Basin Coordinator and Eric Saas from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, H2Ohio program manager. 

Chris and Don interview Outdoor writer Jack Wollitz about his new book "The Common Angler". Jack explains the “why” behind the fact that so many of us are passionate about fishing. He shares the connection we have with water and the fish that depend on it. Jack talks about his fishing friendships, relationships, and the common and uncommon experiences he had over the years.

Chris and Don interview Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), Pennsylvania Chapter Chairman, Nate Fronk. Nate shares with us how BHA is the voice for our public lands, waters and wildlife.  He discusses how important it is for BHA to be involved with the Sportsmen Policy Group in Pennsylvania. He also highlights recent successes and some of the threats to our public land.

Chris and Don interview Whitetail Deer Shed Hunter, Joe Shead. Joe is considered one of North America’s experts on finding Whitetail deer antlers. He has authored the book, "A guide to finding Whitetail deer antlers".  He shares tips and a few secrets on helping you become more successful on your shed hunts.   

Chris and Don interview Dave Riddell from Ohio Prairie Nursery (OPN). Dave discusses the importance of planting and maintaining native grasses and forbes. He also shares the benefits of a healthy prairie for pollinators, birds & wildlife. He offers suggestions on how the average homeowner can help restore our prairies.

Chris and Don discuss the effects 2020 had on the Outdoors, both positive and negative. They also share some ideas on getting out and enjoying the Outdoors during the winter months.

Chris and Don interview Muzzleloader expert, Tom Oakes. Tom works at the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio where he is a gunsmith. Tom will discuss options on purchasing your first Muzzleloader and share strategies to make you more successful this season.

Chris and Don share their Christmas gift list for the outdoor enthusiast. The list consists of useful items for both the hunter or fisherman.

Chris and Don interview wild game cooking enthusiast, Scott Denamen.  Scott is a Wildlife officer with the (ODNR) Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Over the past decade he has been cooking and sharing his wild game creations. He will share tips on how to prepare your next wild game meal.