Gamekeeper Podcast

 On this episode we get midseason updates from most of the crew on their turkey season. There are some good stories and none better than Dudley Phelps son Little Dud and his first turkey.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.   If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, send the guys a message and don’t forget to include your contact info so we can reach you if you win a prize! Support the show Stay connected wi...

On this week’s episode we are joined by avid hunter James Buice, who’s dad Mr. Billy Buice was a legend in the turkey call makers community.  James loves wild turkeys, the traditions around hunting them and being a free spirit, traveling to wherever the weather is good during the spring turkey season.  James tells us stories about his dad, wild turkeys and the interesting trumpet calls that are th...

On this episode we are joined by the turkey hunting legend Ernie Calandrelli. Big Ern has been around for more years than he cares to admit and he shares some great stories, wisdom and insight. We discuss how the gobblers head coloration explains his mood plus how his hunting style has changed through the years.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, send the guys a mes...

On this episode we are joined by Jim Zumbo, a legend in the hunting and outdoor writer world. He has truly been there and done it. The man has killed deer in all fifty states, elk in all the western states and has hunted all over the world. Mr. Zumbo has had more hunting experiences that most of us can dream about and it was our pleasure to sit down with him and just listen. He has a great story t...

On this episode we are joined by Andrew McKean, the Hunting & Conservation Editor for Outdoor Life. Andrew has the craziest elk hunting story we can recall hearing. The West has thousands of acres of landlocked public hunting opportunities that are more-or-less inaccessible. There has been much debate about corner crossings in the last few years. After drawing tags and studying maps, Andrew an...

On this episode, we are joined by legendary turkey call maker Lamar Williams. Mr. Williams is a true treasure, and it was fascinating to hear him share his journey of learning how to make turkey calls and how to turkey hunt. Collectors have sought after his calls for years, and the craftsmanship and sound are truly impressive. Be sure to stay tuned until the end to hear him run several box calls....

On this episode we are joined by Chad Anchors who makes a wingbone style cane yelper out of readily available bamboo that he explains and demonstrates. We’re all looking for a call that can give us an edge, a unique sound, and these cane yelpers seem to have just that. It’s an interesting discussion about how these calls came to be, how they work and how to run one.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  If y...

This week we’re joined by Brent Rogers who has fast become the authority on the history of turkey calls. Brent has a vast collection but more importantly has dedicated his free time to learn the history to the calls. It would be hard to imagine anyone knowing more about the infancy of the call business and collecting the old calls that are worth serious money. They are still out there to find thro...

On this episode we’re joined by Pat Newcomb of Nukem blinds to talk about the many benefits of using a blind. Is there anything more old school than building a blind to hide? However, today’s modern camouflage doesn’t dictate you use blinds now but there are many situations where a blind adds value. Pat explains many of them and they all made sense. We had a great discussion about hunting and hidi...

On this episode we’re joined by old school custom call maker and turkey hunter Pat Strawser. He has a great story and his calls are incredible. He is also a successful competitive caller so he understands how to get the best sounds out of a friction call. We learn about different slates and why he thinks the slate call is one call worth learning to master. It’s an interesting discussion with stori...

On this episode, we are joined by Pastor Joby Martin, who explains his intense passion for hunting. We also learn how the woods and the outdoors play a huge role in inspiring his soul stirring sermons and why he views it as an incredible way to reach men. We ask him about his thoughts on getting kids interested in hunting and what it means to be a man in today’s world. As expected, it’s a fun and...

This week we are joined by Chip Davis who is a serious turkey hunter and trapper. Chip’s seen the positive results of trapping and how it has impacted the properties he hunts and he also explains what he has learned. We were a little surprised to learn what animal he thinks is responsible for more adult turkey deaths but hearing his explanation made perfect sense. He is actively involved in Turkey...

On this episode we’re joined by legendary golfer and more important to us, serious turkey hunter, Davis Love III. He had a remarkable career playing golf with too many accolades to list, but even with all the attention he remembered the quiet mornings in the spring with his granddads shotgun and has ardently remained a turkey hunter to his core. Davis talks about his love of turkey hunting, his fi...

On this episode we’re joined by one of our favorite turkey hunters, Dave Owens, to discuss the upcoming turkey season. We can always learn something good from Dave. He answers our questions about turkeys and turkey hunting and just talking turkeys has us even more excited for spring turkey season.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.    If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, send the guys a message and don’...

On this episode we are joined by legendary gunsmith Rob Roberts to discuss shotgun performance and specifically turkey guns. Rob has years of experience improving how shotguns perform and always has something interesting to explain. We discuss forcing cones, TSS and chokes, the sub-gauges and much more.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy. If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, send the guys a message and d...

On this episode we’re joined by custom call maker Mark Six to talk turkey calls. Mark has been around the calling world for quite a while and he is known for making a quality call. We asked him to sit down and tell us the process of making and tuning his box calls along with explaining other calls.  It’s a interesting discussion.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, s...

On this episode we’re joined by Dave Edwards a certified wildlife biologist and rabid outdoorsman. Dave has managed properties all over the South and now concentrates his efforts mostly  in Florida with his hunting and wildlife consultant business Tall Tines. We discuss a number of topics deer and turkey related including understanding vetch a bit better, wild flowers, tips on judging bucks age an...

This week we’re joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain of the University of Georgia, a leading wild turkey researcher. Mike brings us up to speed on some interesting recent research, including Wild Turkey DNA and what gamekeepers can do right now to improve their property for the season. We also discuss why turkey flocks in many areas should be coming out of winter in great shape. It’s an interesting conv...

On this episode, we’re talking turkeys with Dr. Will Gulsby and Dr. Marcus Lashley. They break down recent university research, answer your questions, and share insights just in time for turkey season. Nothing better than talking about our favorite bird with the season on the horizon. Listen, Learn and Enjoy.   If you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, send the guys a message and don’t forget to inc...

On this episode we are joined by a true fire expert, John Stivers, to explain prescribed fire and its many virtues. John has burned more than a million acres in his career and he teaches courses to help others be comfortable with the entire process. We all learned so much. It’s an interesting discussion that celebrates fire on the landscape.  Listen, Learn and Enjoy.   If you enjoyed this Gamekeep...

On this episode we are discussing techniques and lures for catching pre-spawn largemouth bass. We are joined by Cody Tedford of Toad Thumper Lures and Cody Cannon of Whiskey Myers who is a diehard bass fisherman and obsessed lure designer. The  two guys have teamed up to create some amazing baits. What are the classic baits and tactics used pre-spawn and what’s some outliers that should be tried....

This week we are joined by Dr. Brad Cohen and Jim Ronquest to address the recent allegations by Louisiana State Senator, John Kennedy, that flooding standing corn in the certain central states like Missouri is short stopping ducks and preventing them from completing their migration. It’s a controversial argument that’s been going for a while but has recently gotten more attention. We find out what...

On this episode we’re joined by Matt Brock and Brae Lynn Stagert, two experienced wildlife biologists. We focus the discussion on how to eradicate invasive plants like privet and other unwanted species through various methods like hack and squirt. Some folks call it forest stand improvement or timber stand enhancement but no matter the name, it’s worth paying attention to and this is a great lesso...

This week we are joined by expert outfitter Grant Kuypers of Buck Paradise in Saskatchewan Canada. We’ve all dreamed about hunting the big bodied, heavy horned whitetails that are produced in the Great White North. From long quiet days on the stand, hearing wolves howl, to enduring freezing temperatures and finally seeing a buck larger than you have ever imagined,  Canada consistently produces gia...

This week we’re joined by prolific the outdoor writer/adventurer, J. Wayne Fears. Mr. Fears has been writing both books and articles pertaining to the great outdoors for decades and is an authority on many facets of the great outdoors, including:  hunting, fishing, trapping, shotguns, rifles, ammunition and  outdoor cooking and camping and more. His profession turned him into a world traveler and...