Mississippi Outdoors Podcast

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Reece Holford, general manager of Longleaf Plantation, to explore the rich tradition of quail hunting and the unparalleled Southern hospitality that defines this unique destination in Mississippi. Reece shares his journey, from starting as a 14-year-old employee to managing the 4,300-acre property known for its wor...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt speaks with Commissioner Billy Mounger of the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Mounger shares insights into the role of the commission, how it works with agencies and legislators, and the challenges of balancing conservation, public access, and economic benefits. From managing Mississippi’s parks and wildlife...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Richard Parker from Bass Tactics to discuss the rise of high school bass fishing in Mississippi and beyond. Richard shares how he started youth and high school fishing programs, the incredible scholarship opportunities available, and his personal journey as a lifelong angler and military veteran. From managing tour...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Reno Moore, a retired naval aviator and firearms instructor for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Reno shares his journey from learning handgun safety on a budget as a college student to designing comprehensive firearm training programs for Mississippians. The conversation covers everyth...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Scott Baker, a retired MDWFP biologist, to dive into the timeless tradition of squirrel hunting in Mississippi. Scott shares stories from his early hunting days, explains why squirrel hunting is a great gateway for young hunters, and discusses the importance of public lands for small game. The conversation also hig...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Dr. Steve Demarais, a renowned wildlife biologist with over 40 years of experience in deer ecology and management. Recently retired from the MSU Deer Lab, Steve reflects on his journey from Massachusetts to Mississippi and the groundbreaking research he’s conducted over his career. From studies on deer breeding beh...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt talks with Pierce Young, a Private Lands Wildlife Biologist at MDWFP and the 2022 Wildlife Biologist of the Year. Pierce shares his journey from growing up in Columbus, Mississippi, to becoming a leader in deer management and private lands conservation. He discusses the importance of working with private landowners to manage Mississip...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we're talking to Corey Wright, a dedicated wildlife educator at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. With over two decades of experience, Corey shares his path from an intern to becoming a vital figure in wildlife education. His stories from handling native wildlife to fostering a deeper understanding of Mississippi's rich biodiversity, il...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with William McKinley and Kamen Campbell from MDWFP’s Deer Program to discuss chronic wasting disease (CWD). They explore the history, spread, and impact of this fatal disease on Mississippi’s deer populations, as well as the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage it. From the importance of hunter participation in sampli...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with veteran fisheries biologist Keith Meals, who has spent decades managing Mississippi’s renowned crappie fisheries. Keith shares his journey from North Carolina to Mississippi, his early days in fisheries management, and his role in making critical decisions that have shaped crappie fishing across the state’s top res...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt speaks with George Phillips, paleontology curator at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. George shares his expertise on Mississippi’s ancient history through fossils, from marine life to rare dinosaur discoveries. He explains what it means to be a curator, discusses significant fossil finds, and gives listeners a glimpse i...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Rick Burris, Chief Scientific Officer at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, to discuss the intricacies of managing Mississippi's marine resources. Rick shares the department’s efforts in fisheries management, including setting size and bag limits, tracking fish populations, and working closely with oth...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt is joined by William McKinley, the Deer Program Coordinator at MDWFP, to discuss Mississippi's thriving deer population and what hunters can do to maintain healthy herds. William dives into the data behind deer management, explains the importance of hunters leading the conservation effort, and shares his personal journey from chi...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with wildlife photographer and author Paul Brown. With over 50 years of experience, Paul shares his journey from student photographer at Mississippi State University to becoming one of Mississippi's most published wildlife photographers. He talks about the challenges of capturing the perfect shot in the wild, the import...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt talks with Will Selman, professor of biology at Millsaps College, about the secret world of turtles. From box turtles hiding in plain sight to the fascinating ways turtles find water, Will shares his research and experiences tracking these elusive creatures. The conversation covers the unique behaviors of Mississippi’s diverse tu...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt sits down with long-time Jackson news anchor Howard Ballou to talk about his love for the outdoors. Howard, who has been on the air for nearly 40 years, shares stories of his fishing adventures across Mississippi, from bass fishing at Simpson County Lake to growing up on the coast of North Carolina. Howard reflects on his time in jour...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Nathan Blount, a public lands expert and biologist at MDWFP. Nathan shares his vast knowledge of Mississippi’s public hunting lands, including the types of areas available to hunters, the rules and regulations, and how to find the best spots. From managing wildlife on public lands to his personal hunting experience...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt speaks with Kris Godwin, a longtime USDA employee and avid outdoorswoman. Kris shares her experiences in wildlife conflict management, crappie fishing, and squirrel hunting. From catching crappie with her husband Dave to handling beavers in football stadiums and removing vultures from properties, Chris provides unique insights into he...

In this episode we talk with DelJuan Robinson, former Mississippi State and NFL defensive lineman. DelJuan shares his journey from being one of the most highly recruited football players in Mississippi to his time in the NFL with the Houston Texans. After retiring from football, DelJuan has returned to his love for the outdoors, focusing on rabbit hunting and fishing in Mississippi. DelJuan shares...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt and MDWFP Deputy Director Larry Pugh sit down with professional angler Pete Ponds, a seasoned tournament fisherman with an impressive career that spans over two decades. Pete shares insights into his journey from fishing the Ross Barnett Reservoir to competing in elite tournaments like the Bassmaster Classic and Major League Fishing....

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we sit down with Houston Havens, the Waterfowl Program Coordinator at MDWFP, to explore dove hunting in Mississippi. Houston shares insights into Mississippi's resident and migratory dove populations, habitat management, and the state's dove banding program. The conversation also touches on the broader world of migratory birds, including Canada...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Scooter Watley, a veteran videographer and producer who has spent over two decades capturing the beauty and excitement of Mississippi's outdoors. Scooter shares his journey from his early days in news to filming some of the most memorable moments in Mississippi Outdoors TV. He discusses the challenges of filming in...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt explores the roles and responsibilities of conservation officers, often referred to as game wardens, with guests Lt. Jason Blaylock, Lt. Sheila Smith, and Lt. Marcus Christon. The trio discusses the broad scope of their duties, which go beyond enforcing wildlife laws to include public education, search and rescue, and working wit...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt chats with Edward Wall, a renowned wildlife photographer whose work has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Ducks Unlimited and Mississippi Outdoors. Edward shares his journey from picking up a camera as a hobby to becoming a full-time photographer. He discusses the challenges and rewards of capturing stunning imag...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt talks with Andy Gipson, the Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Commissioner Gipson discusses the broad scope of his department's responsibilities, from promoting agriculture to managing gas pump inspections. He shares his personal journey from growing up on a farm to leading the state's agricu...