Spotted Dog Podcast

The Majestic Bass Tournament is over, and some of the top finishers are sitting down to break it all down. Connor Nimrod, Jolyn Nimrod, Kade Hilstead, and Allen Anders join us to talk about what actually happened during one of North Louisiana's biggest bass tournaments. We cover everything from summer patterns and LiveScope to new dice style baits, electronics, tournament mindset, and what se...

The biggest bass tournament of the year is almost here. On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with the crew behind the Majestic Bass Tournament on Lake D’Arbonne to talk about what’s shaping up to be one of the wildest tournaments the lake has ever seen. Big weights are expected, giant bags are already being talked about, and conditions are lining up for an unforgettable even...

Josh Jones joins the Spotted Dog Podcast to talk about his rise in the fishing world, chasing giant bass, and becoming known as one of the top forward facing sonar anglers in the country. In this episode, we dive deep into how forward facing sonar changed modern fishing, how Josh approaches targeting giant fish, and the mindset behind consistently catching big bass. We also switch gears into a dif...

On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, host Nolan West sits down with young professional crappie angler Bryce Acreman to talk about an incredible year on the water, including Bryce’s run of tournament success and what it meant to win the Louisiana State Crappie Championship on Lake D’Arbonne. Bryce breaks down how he approaches tournament fishing, why covering water fast has become such a big...

In this episode of the Spotted Dog Podcast, we sit down with Cody Sedotal of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the state’s Small Game and Wild Turkey Program Manager, for a deep dive into Louisiana turkey hunting and turkey management. We talk turkey numbers, habitat, nesting success, gobbling activity, why some parts of the state are thriving more than others, and what the data...

On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we sit down with the two brothers behind Tone 29 Custom Turkey Calls. These Arkansas boys may be young, but their passion, knowledge, and stories say otherwise. From chasing longbeards to building custom calls with purpose, they carry the kind of wisdom, grit, and campfire storytelling you usually only hear from the old-timers. We talk turkey hunting, th...

In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we sit down with John Hanks, Large Carnivore Biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, to unpack the historic 2025 Louisiana black bear hunting season. Not long ago, the Louisiana black bear was on the brink of disappearing. Today, thanks to decades of research, habitat work, and careful management, the population has rebounded e...

In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we dive into suppressors, firearms, and the ATF changes scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2026, including the federal tax stamp moving to zero dollars. We talk through what suppressors actually do, common myths, how the current process works, and what these upcoming changes realistically mean for hunters, shooters, and responsible gun owners. This i...

This episode is a sit down with Spotted Dog Sporting Goods owners Michael and Richard, joined by Zach Pool of Rafter P Custom Knives. We dig into the latest Mathews and Hoyt hunting bows, talk real world hunting gear that actually matters, swap a few hunting stories, and look ahead to Christmas season. More than anything, this episode is a thank you! Thank you for supporting the shop, supporting l...

Nolan sits down with Reaper Boats owner Zach Randall for a straight-shooting conversation about duck hunting, boat design, and what really matters on the water. They talk about what duck hunters obsess over, new partnerships that you haven't heard of yet, and being a Jesus led person. If you run a boat or chase ducks, this one will get you thinking. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Nick Joiner and Michael McVay drop in for a Holiday Special built for anyone tired of guessing what to buy the hunters in their life. We swap hunting stories, break down the season so far, and then build a Christmas list with gifts that won’t get returned on December 26th. If you’re shopping for someone who’s impossible to buy for, or trying to make sure your own list doesn’t end up full of socks...

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is one of the most divisive topics among whitetail hunters. In this episode, we sit down with Johnathan Bordelon , Deer Program Manager and Whitetail Deer Biologist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries , and John Hanks , LDWF’s Large Carnivore Biologist , to unpack the science, the rumors, and the regulations surrounding CWD. From management zones to...

 In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with seasoned elk hunter Mr. Kenny to talk all things elk gear, scouting, and what the upcoming season could bring. Nolan also shares the exciting news about drawing a rare Navajo Nation archery elk tag and the plans, challenges, and dreams that come with it. Whether you’re an elk hunting veteran or gearing up for your first season, this...

In this episode, LDWF’s own Large Carnivore Program Manager and Biologist, John Hanks, returns to the Spotted Dog Podcast Studio for a second time. Nolan and John dive into Louisiana’s expanding black bear population, the recent increase in tags, and what it means for hunters and conservation alike. John shares the latest insights on habitat growth, management strategies, and the science behind on...

In this groundbreaking episode, we sit down with the visionary behind WiseEye Trail Cameras , the most advanced scouting system in the woods. From A.I. driven species recognition to real-time strategy tools, WiseEye is reshaping how hunters prepare for their season. We dive into the story behind the tech, the science of smarter scouting, and how WiseEye is helping hunters across the country patter...

In this episode, Nolan sits down with Sontus Mitchell,a Louisiana State Trooper and 2x Majestic Bass Tournament champion, to talk bass fishing on Lake D’Arbonne and beyond. Known for consistently finding big fish when others can’t, Sontus shares the strategies, mindset, and tactics that have made him one of the most respected anglers in North Louisiana. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a die-ha...

 In Episode 32, Nolan sat down with acclaimed chef and Louisiana outdoorsman, Cory Bahr of Parish Restaurant, for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond food and field. Chef Cory Bahr is a celebrated figure in the culinary world, known for his dedication to Southern cuisine and his deep roots in Monroe, Louisiana. Earning the Food Network's "Chopped" Champion, Food & Wine&...

For decades, the Majestic Bass Tournament on Lake Darbonne has been more than just a fishing event, it’s been a family tradition for some, a cornerstone of the local community, and the one bragging right that everyone who fishes it, wants. On this episode, Nolan brought back your favorite guest, Greg Hicks, and they sat down with Dale Taylor, the man who started it all, and his grandson Daniel Tay...

In this episode of the Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan West sits down with Connor Nimrod, founder of Tournament Technologies in West Monroe, to talk about how technology is transforming competitive fishing from the dock to the data stream. They dive into the story behind Tournament Technologies, the challenges of todays fishing, and what the future holds for anglers and organizers alike. Plus, they tou...

In this episode of the Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with Richard Albritton, one of the owners of Spotted Dog, widely considered the best archery technician around, and Zach Poole from Rafter P who is a custom knife maker who happens to be a full-blown archery expert. The crew dives into what it takes to shoot accurately at long distances, their favorite moments from the Total Archery Chall...

In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with pro angler Brennan Flick, a rising star in the BASS fishing world. Brennan shares his journey from weekend fisherman to tournament competitor, offering insights into the grind of professional angling, strategies for landing big bites, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. Whether you’re an aspiring tournament angler or j...

In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of crappie fishing with two of the best in the game—William Whetstone and Steve Adams. These expert anglers share their top strategies for finding and catching big crappie, the impact of forward-facing sonar, and what it takes to compete in high-stakes tournaments like Crazy Crappie Cash & The Crappie Masters. Whether...

Nolan sits down with custom knife maker and elite bow hunter Zach Poole for a deep dive into craftsmanship and the hunting lifestyle. Zach shares how he builds premium handmade knives the old-school way, along with some of his best hunting stories—including the heartbreak of a lost opportunity on a monster elk. With the Total Archery Challenge fast approaching, Nolan and Zach break down what to ex...

In this episode of the Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan & Richard sits down with John Hanks, Louisiana’s leading Black Bear Biologist and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Wildlife Biologist of the Year. We dive into the recent historic black bear hunting season, discussing its success, management strategies, and what it means for the future of the species. John also shares insights on black...

In this episode of the Spotted Dog Podcast, we’re joined by Dustin Morris, a founder of the Precision Rifle Series and PRS National Champion. Dustin is a seasoned expert in firearms and hunting and we dive into the evolution of hunting calibers. From the iconic rounds that shaped hunting’s past to the cutting-edge modern rifle calibers dominating the field today, Dustin shares his insights on what...