Mississippi Outdoors Podcast

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt talks with Anthony Ballard, the leader of the Black Bear Program at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Anthony discusses the history and resurgence of black bears in Mississippi, the challenges of managing them, and the techniques used to monitor and conserve their populations. He also shares his person...

Join us in this exciting episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast as host Matt Wyatt sits down with Kevin Meacham, the host of Mississippi Outdoors TV since 2017. Kevin shares his incredible journey from guiding bow hunts in Mississippi to traveling the world capturing breathtaking hunts on camera. Listen as Kevin recounts his early days at Tara Wildlife, his adventures with Primos Hunting, and...

Join us in this informative episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast as host Matt Wyatt sits down with Stan Priest, the Lands Coordinator at MDWFP, to discuss the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). Stan shares his expertise on the history, implementation, and benefits of DMAP, a program that helps landowners and hunting clubs improve deer herd quality through professional biologist assi...

In this fascinating episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt speaks with Emily Field, the state herpetologist from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Emily shares her passion for reptiles and amphibians, discussing everything from alligator snapping turtles to venomous snakes and endangered salamanders. Learn about the importance of these creatures in our ecosystems, th...

Join us in this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast as host Matt Wyatt sits down with John Bernstiel, a park ranger with the National Park Service on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They delve into the wonders of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the largest national seashore in the country. John shares his journey from Pennsylvania to Mississippi, his experiences working in various national...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we sat down with Alfred Williams, a Bass Fishing Hall of Famer and one of Mississippi's finest anglers. Alfred shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a professional bass fisherman, detailing his pioneering techniques with the hollow body frog that transformed the sport. They discuss his memorable moments on the tournament trail, t...

On this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we sat down with Lake Pickle, a Brandon, Mississippi native who turned his passion for hunting and the outdoors into a thriving career in social media and video production. Lake shares his journey from his first turkey hunt to becoming a key figure at Primos Hunting and onX Maps, offering insights into the power of storytelling, the evolution of...

Dive into the thrilling world of alligators in Mississippi with Ricky Flynt, the former leader of Mississippi's Alligator Program. With decades of experience, Ricky shares stories from his career, offering a look into alligator behavior, conservation efforts, and the development of the alligator hunting season. His tales include close encounters and groundbreaking research, highlighting the resili...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we delve into the life and adventures of Kennie Prince, retired conservation officer and author of "The Poacher’s Nightmare: Stories of an Undercover Game Warden." Kennie shares his extensive experience in wildlife conservation, law enforcement, and the art of trapping. He recounts thrilling stories from his career, detailing his encounters with...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt reconnects with Adam Butler, Turkey Program Manager at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. They delve into the exceptional turkey hunting season of 2024, exploring the factors that contributed to this record-breaking year. Adam discusses the significant increase in turkey harvests, the impact of brood su...

Dive into the daring and fascinating world of snakes with Jimmy Nichols, the founder of Grab U One Outfitters, on this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast. Discover how a childhood hobby turned into a lifelong passion for Jimmy. Jimmy shares insights into snake behavior and the importance of education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the depths of fisheries management with Dennis Riecke, a seasoned fisheries coordinator at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, in this captivating episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast. With 35 years of experience, Dennis shares insights from his extensive career, from his early days at Mississippi State to significant projects like studying fish movements...

Step into the life of Colonel Jerry Carter, the Chief Law Enforcement Officer at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, in this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast. Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Colonel Carter shares his early experiences with nature, his evolution in law enforcement, and his achievement as the first African-American to lead conservation...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we're joined by Russ Walsh, Chief of Wildlife at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Russ delves into his decades of experience in wildlife management, from his formative years in the private lands sector to his current role overseeing wildlife conservation strategies across Mississippi. This episode provides a deep div...

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast as we delve into the world of white-tailed deer, their management, and the fascinating research conducted by the Mississippi State University Deer Lab. Bronson Strickland, co-director of the MSU Deer Lab, shares his wealth of knowledge on deer behavior, habitat management, and the scientific endeavors that aim to understand th...

Join us as we explore the journey of Andre Hollis, from his days as a receiver at Ole Miss to becoming the Director of Mississippi State Parks. In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Andre shares how a chance encounter led to a fulfilling career with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Discover the challenges and triumphs of managing the state's 25 parks, th...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we sit down with Larry Pugh, Executive Deputy Director at MDWFP. In this conversation, Larry draws surprising parallels between golf and fishing, sharing how each requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the environment. We delve into the competitive world of tournament fishing, discuss techniques for growing large fish, and explore...

On this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast we sit down with John Ruskey, a devoted explorer and steward of the Mississippi River. With years of canoeing experience, John shares his journey from discovering the river's untouched beauty to founding a canoe company that guides adventurers through its mighty currents. This episode delves into the transformative power of the river, the art of...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we're joined by Scott Barry, Southern Miss' legendary baseball coach. Scott opens up about his deep-rooted love for hunting and fishing, and how these activities have been a vital part of his life alongside his illustrious coaching career. We explore how retirement is reshaping his approach to the outdoors, his memorable hunting experiences, and...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we dive into the world of fishing in Mississippi with MDWFP Fisheries Bureau Director Jerry Brown. Jerry recounts his journey from childhood fishing experiences to his role in fisheries management. The episode covers various fishing techniques, the importance of fisheries management, and the diverse fishing opportunities in Mississippi, includin...

Step into the interesting world of David Ellis, also known as "Yawt Yawt" on his popular YouTube channel, in this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast. David shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming Mississippi's premier hog trapper. With over 200,000 subscribers, David's tales of trapping hogs, building an online audience, and wildlife conservation captivate and educate. He di...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, former Mississippi State quarterback Tyler Russell shares his transition from football fields to fishing tournaments. Tyler discusses how his competitive nature and dedication on the football field have translated into success in bass fishing and tournament participation. He reflects on balancing college athletics with outdoor passions and outli...

Dive into the life of Randy Watkins, Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer and former PGA Tour golfer, in this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast. Randy shares his journey from a young golfer to a seasoned pro, intertwining tales of golf, family, and his deep-rooted love for Mississippi. Through stories of personal triumphs, lessons from the green, and his commitment to fostering golf among th...

Join us as we explore the exciting world of the Swamp Witches, a group of women united by their love for the outdoors. This episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast introduces Julie Wooley and Lila Sessums, sharing the story and adventures of this close-knit group. From fox hunting to sitting in duck blinds, to an adventurous horseback safari in Kenya, their stories highlight the power of frien...

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, we're joined by Adam Butler, leader of the Wild Turkey Program at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Adam shares his in-depth knowledge about wild turkeys, their biology, and the history of turkey populations in Mississippi. We explore the intricacies of turkey management and conservation, understanding the challenges...