Down The Barrel With Jimmy, Deano, and Jared

The guys are back after a busy start to summer with another July BS Session, catching everyone up on what's happening across MDHA, MNBOW, and Down the Barrel. This episode covers the launch of MDHA's brand-new Huntin' & Haulin' Sweepstakes, featuring a new Arctic Cat Prowler XT paired with a Floe trailer, plus the limited-edition HM Defense .50 BMG Sweepstakes celebrating America's 250th birthday....

Minnesota's hunting and fishing license system is changing in a big way. In this episode of Down the Barrel Podcast, we break down the new Minnesota DNR Licensing App, digital harvest validation, electronic trail passes, and what these changes mean for hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor recreation users. We discuss the benefits, possible concerns, and what you should do now before deer season...

In this episode of Down The Barrel Podcast, the guys dive into two outstanding organizations that are making a difference in the outdoor world. First, they discuss the MDHA Forkhorn Camps, one of Minnesota's premier youth outdoor education programs, and how these camps are helping pass our hunting heritage on to the next generation. They also recap their experience at the Professional Outdoor Medi...

Not gonna lie… this one’s a bit of a filler episode because things have been absolutely nuts lately. But sometimes those turn into the best conversations. Jim, Dean, and Jared sit down to catch up, crack a few drinks, and talk through everything that’s been happening lately with MDHA and beyond. We cover some big MDHA updates, talk about the newest chapter joining the organization, dive into the l...

In this episode of the Down The Barrel Podcast, we sit down with Peter Lodermeier to talk about Minnesota’s T.I.P. Program — Turn In Poachers. Peter shares the history behind the organization, how it started in Minnesota back in 1980, and how volunteers across the state continue working to protect wildlife and natural resources today. We discuss how the T.I.P. program works, how anonymous tips hel...

Down The Barrel hits a huge milestone—Episode 100—and we’re celebrating the only way we know how… with some full-auto fun. We made a trip to Off Grid Armory to spend the day sending rounds downrange and catching up with our buddy Sam. Along the way, we dive into everything from Off Grid Suppressors and SHOT Show highlights to Sherps, gear, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. It’s loud, it’s u...

Episode 99 is all about updates as the crew gears up for the big 100th episode. Jared joins remotely while sick, and the guys jump into key topics including the ongoing rifle vs. shotgun zone decisions, with counties approaching the May 15 deadline. They break down the crossbow bill passing unanimously in the Senate, expected to move through the House, and why these changes matter for the future o...

Brandon Ladoux is back—and this time, it’s all about the gear. No side topics, no detours—just a full-on bowhunting equipment breakdown from start to finish. We cover everything serious bowhunters care about: stands vs. saddles, bow setups, arrow builds, broadheads, optics, and must-have accessories. Brandon also shares what he’s running for self-filming in the field, giving you a behind-the-scene...

In this episode of the Down the Barrel Podcast, the crew sits down with Minnesota bowhunter Brandon Ledoux to talk about his journey into serious bowhunting and the lessons learned along the way. Brandon shares how losing his father at a young age helped shape his connection to the outdoors and fueled a lifelong passion for hunting. What started with rifle hunting eventually turned into a full com...

In this episode of Down The Barrel, we’re joined by public land hunting standout Greg Lease. Greg is a member of MNBOW, a former deputy, and someone who has built a reputation for consistently finding success chasing whitetails on public land across the Midwest. Greg shares his passion for the hunt and breaks down how he approaches public land in multiple states, including Kansas, Iowa, North Dako...

In this episode, we dig into where the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) stands on some of the most talked-about issues facing hunters and gun owners today. We break down the latest wave of proposed anti-Second Amendment legislation in Minnesota and what it could mean for our community—not just for deer hunters, but for predator management and the future of hunting as a whole. We also dive...

In this episode we sit down once again with our good friends Josh and Katie to hear all about their recent Utah turkey hunting adventure. What started as a quick trip to chase a couple Merriam’s turkeys turned into a great story. Along the way we dive into Minnesota turkey hunting, talk about walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods, and swap stories about a few classic Canadian staples—from Tim Horto...

All the way from South Africa, we’re joined by Pieter Viviers, owner of Marupa Safaris, along with our good friend Tony Roettger for an unforgettable conversation about African big game hunting. In this episode, Pieter shares how he got started bringing American hunters to South Africa and what a true African safari experience really looks like. We break down the trophy options available, realisti...

We sit down with Tom Gable of the Voyageurs Wolf Project for a straight-up, science-driven conversation about wolves, deer, and what’s really happening in Northern Minnesota. Tom breaks down their new three-year deer survival study—59 deer collared and counting—as researchers dig into winter severity, predation, logging practices, and habitat changes. The big takeaway? It’s not just about wolves....

In this episode of Down The Barrel, we sit down once again with Tony Roettger, from Safari Club International - Minnesota Chapter—and as always, it’s a great conversation. We dive into the upcoming MN SCI Expo happening in Brooklyn Park, breaking down what this incredible event is all about. From conservation-driven fundraising to supporting wildlife initiatives and protecting our outdoor heritage...

In this episode of Down the Barrel, the crew recaps how SHOT Show went this year—highlights from Vegas, the chaos, the conversations, and the gear that actually stopped us in our tracks. We also hit on what’s coming up with MDHA regional meetings and why members should be paying attention. We break down who we ran into on the SHOT Show floor, with honorable mentions going to Off Grid Armory, Athlo...

In this episode, the guys are joined by Justin Wiese of Wheezy Outdoors for a laid-back conversation covering ice fishing, trapping, and winter life in northern Minnesota. Justin shares what he’s seeing on the ice this season, from strong panfish bites to tricky ice conditions caused by warm weather and pressure ridges. They dig into modern ice fishing tools like LiveScope and Vexilars, how techno...

We head onto the ice and into the dark house to talk one of the most traditional and adrenaline-filled winter pursuits out there — dark house spearing for trophy northern pike. We’re joined by lifelong ice spearing legend Denny Lemler, who shares decades of stories, hard-earned lessons, and the kind of insight you only get from spending countless hours staring into a spearing hole. Denny breaks do...

Ring in the New Year with a just-for-fun, no-pressure episode of Down The Barrel! The guys kick back to wrap up the year, wish everyone a Happy New Year, and remind you to be safe and have fun as the calendar flips. Along the way, we hit a few classics—breaking down how MDHA works, what makes this organization tick, and why member-driven conservation still matters. Things also go slightly off the...

It’s the most wonderful (and slightly unhinged) time of the year on Down The Barrel! The guys settle in for a festive Christmas & Eggnog Edition, talking all things Christmas and New Year’s — from holiday traditions and classic (and not-so-classic) Christmas movies to what’s on the menu this time of year. They also dig into what’s going on with the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, mix in some ice...

The guys connect virtually with some great folks from the Des Moines Valley Chapter of MDHA to talk about one of MDHA’s most meaningful youth programs—the Kilen Woods Youth Deer Hunt. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives young hunters a fully outfitted, mentored deer hunt made possible by dedicated MDHA volunteers. We’re joined by Brian, chapter president; Denis, former Minnesota Deer Hunters...

We’re back around the table with our good friends Josh and Katie, and like most good conversations in deer camp, this one goes everywhere — fast. From classic deer camp stories and chasing woodcock in the Northwoods, to a whole lot of unscripted, hunting-related BS, this episode is packed with laughs and side trails. Expect maybe too many laughs, a little Canadian flavor, some friendly jabs, and j...

On this episode, we’re joined by one incredible guest: BerLynn Fleury, Women’s Engagement Coordinator for Roger Up. BerLynn sits down with us to share her story, talk about the mission behind Roger Up’s women’s program, and revisit the unforgettable MDHA–Roger Up Lady Veterans Deer Hunt from a few weeks back. We swap stories, laugh plenty, and reflect on the great crew of women who joined us—plus...

On this edition of Deer Camps, we welcome back our good friend Joe Cannella for another great conversation. Joe takes us up to his deer camp in the Togo, Minnesota area, sharing the history behind the camp, what makes it unique, and the challenges of chasing whitetails in the far north woods. We dive into the traditions, the landscape, and even a few of the quirks that make Joe’s camp just a littl...

In this episode, we sit down with MDHA Woodland Chapter President Wayne Lindquist to dive into the rich legacy of his family’s long-standing deer camp near Hill City, Minnesota. Wayne shares the history behind their camp, the traditions and rules that keep it running smoothly, and a few memorable success stories that make their spot in the woods truly one-of-a-kind. Jared also jumps in with some s...