The Woodsman Perspective

Within the ranks of turkey hunters, there are people who are specialists. We are going to highlight those specialists with a series of podcasts. The first one that we are featuring is "The Technician". We all have one in our circle, at least I hope we all do. Our friend Matt Kilpatrick is a technician. A cabinet builder by trade, he has an uncanny sense of craftsmanship and an eye for detail. He i...

Hardwoods are key to any recreational tract and wildlife habitat.  Dudley Phelps is the resident expert and tree nerd on the Mossy Oak Gamekeeper podcast, and we were excited to sit down with him and talk oaks, acorns, and hardwood management.   Dudley has a wealth of knowledge, not just on these things but all things wildlife and  hunting.   We grilled some venison tomahawks and had a great conve...

This throwback Thursday is a great conversation with Steve Brown, owner of Brown & Co outfitters.  Steve is one of the best turkey hunters to ever do it, hands down.   He has killed multiple world slams with archery equipment, guided decades ago at Westervelt lodge, competed in the Grand National calling contest and twice winning the Mississippi state championship.   Turkey hunters will enjoy...

The tools and timing of disturbance will determine the results.   Mitt Wardlaw, serial entrepreneur and land management expert understands this as well as anyone in the world.  On a scientific level and from practical application, Mitt can explain these differences and tactics so that we can all understand them.   We discuss the fire, tillage, herbicide and what timing will yield what results.  A...

The turkey hunting circle is relatively small, and inside is an even smaller circle of turkey callers. This tight knit group is made up of some of the biggest names in the hunting industry, and some names you've never heard unless you follow the calling contests trail. From Matt Van Cise, Ronnie Cuz Strickland, Bob Dixon, the Drury Brothers, to names like Ray Eye, Jami Linder, Paul Butski, Walter...

As a teaser to an upcoming episode with Mitt, we reached back into the archives and pulled this monologue of Mitt talking disturbance.  Specifically how the timing of disturbance determines what the plant response will be and how to intentionally use this to maximize plants and forbs and still have enough grass to carry the fire that is needed to maintain early successional  habitat.     You can f...

Pat Davidson is not only a tax expert, but he is also a hunter and landowner. Chris helped Pat purchase and set up a tract that would serve as a multi-use property for his family.   We talk about that process and then we get Pat to discuss several things that land owner should consider when buying or selling.   He covers 1031 exchanges, Capital gains, and basis.   This one is full of good informat...

Behind almost every grip and grin hero photo of a hunter with a giant whitetail there is usually a string of hurt feelings, strained relationships, and sometimes even criminal activity.   The bottom line is that giant whitetails will make otherwise good people do things they would not normally do.   This often results in damaged relationships, lost leases, and in some cases more trouble than the d...

The rut has passed and now bucks are coming in recovery mode.   Now it's time to protect those bucks that you've been watching and hopefully they don't leave for a late rut doe or for food and get shot in the last few days of season.   Chris employees what he calls "Defensive feeding" to hold deer on his property and keep them fed and in a low stress situation so that they don't have to leave.  Fe...

On this episode we talk with Dave Owens of the Pinhoti Project about his approach to turkey hunting, traveling, and trends. We don't get too deep into techniques, because each situation is different with turkeys. But we do talk about some of the similarities that are found in turkey hunters. Me, Chris, and Hunter took Dave on a trap line with us before we recorded, so he had gotten to see Hunter i...

We are back at Hunter's shop to talk coyote trapping.  Hunter walks us through what you need to get started and some tactics to help you be successful.   You can find all of the products we talk about at F&T Fur Harvester's  www.fntpost.com     bBDNcehZ2ePEy0wCefWY

On this episode we have our good friend, neighbor, and all around woodsman Caleb Westmoreland in to talk about a doe he took on a bowhunt this year. It will blow your mind how old this deer is, and the story of how we know exactly how old she was.

Our good friend Dr. Kenny Edwards is on the show today. Kenny's passion for hunting whitetails began at an early age on the farm in Crawford, MS and grew throughout his time in the Navy, med school and through his career as an orthopedic surgeon. A few years ago he was looking for a farm to buy and develop as hunting tract. We discuss that process with Kenny and get some great insight on the detai...

Late summer droughts in the south stress our deer, arguably as much as the long cold winters in the midwest and northern states. Planting and feeding during this time becomes somewhat of a toss up, or maybe an art. We talk about some of those challenges and more. Thanks ‪@HRAgriVideos‬ for the hat. We mention a few of our friends on this one, I hope I don't miss anyone but thanks ‪@MidSouthResourc...

On this episode we cover the "other" method of dove hunting. You don't hear much about this because there is a perceived gray area as far as legality. The regs allow for hunting doves on areas that have been top seeded for wildlife food plots or for erosion control. There are some things that you can not do, and probably shouldn't say, but you can have a great hunt without the expense of planting...

On this episode we are joined by Jared Lewis and Boomer Brown with Apex ammunition.  We get some background on the Apex beginnings as well as their growth.   But what we really wanted to talk to them about is how they have revived an area NWTF chapter and banquet.  It's a good story about taking initiative and making it happen.  Check out @Apex_ammunition and @j_lewisphoto on Instagram for more. 

On this bonus episode we talk with Steve Brown and Scott Branton to find out the history behind the annual gathering of The Tenth Legion. This group was started by a dozen turkey hunters and named after the unofficial cult that Tom Kelly created in his book, The Tenth Legion. The group has grown to approximately 75 members. This invitation only event is special to all of these members, and I see w...

This week we invited our good friend and lifelong bow hunter Slade Fancher.  Slade made his living for nearly 2 decades selling, tuning, fixing, and setting up bows.  From hunting whitetails in central Mississippi to Elk out west, Slade has a lifetime of experience in bowhunting and archery.   We cover a lot of bowhunting history and stories in this one.  We'll have a follow up with Slade and get...

Waterfowl impoundments are a great way to add value to your property, not to mention that shooting ducks on your own private spot is one of the most fun things you can do.  Chris tells some basics from seed varieties and timing of draining and adding water as well as some experiences that he's had over the years. 

On this episode we recap turkey season and discuss early summer work.  From foodplot planting, plant varieties including natives with their crude protein content to the frustration that many of us are feeling with unhulled vetch.   

On this episode we sit down with Bart Chancellor and Chad Smith.  They are handlers for two of the most famous and skilled dogs in Mississippi.  Bart's dog, Smoke and Chad's dog Si are known all over state and are legendary in many camps.  With over 2000 recoveries between them they have seen more big bucks and happy hunters than most of us ever will.  We were glad to get them in to talk with us a...

These days with the technology available most of us have an intimate knowledge of the deer on our hunting tracts.  We are always hoping watching for the deer that is an all-star, or has the potential to become one if we can keep him alive a few more years.  When we identify that special deer, we find ourselves making decisions and planning around that one single deer.  From working as hard as we c...

On this episode we talk about the Noxubee Farm Supply racoon round up. We discuss our strategy, the acres we covered, and our opinion on the backlash not only from nonhunters, but most vehemently from the coon hunting community. We have coon hunters that hunt the ground we trapped and hunted during the round up, there are still plenty of coons to tree. We all have our particular species that we ar...

Our friends at Noxubee Farm supply in Macon, MS are putting on a Racoon Roundup later this month so Chris and I went down to get more info.  We ended up setting up in owner Ryan Bostick's office and filming a podcast.  Ryan is a lifelong conservationist, hunter, and a veteran.  We think you'll love this conversation.   Get more details on facebook at www.facebook.com/noxubeefarmsupply  

A short podcast on the annual debate of whether trapping is an effective means of turkey predator management.  Especially when compared to efforts in the area of habitat improvement.  Sometimes trapping might be the only thing that a lease holder, club member, or someone hunting by permission can do.