Dear Hunter Podcast artwork

Dear Hunter Podcast

69 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratings

Welcome to the Dear Hunter Podcast! Dedicated to wildlife conservation, land management, and the outdoor lifestyle, our goal is to share with you information, stories, and experiences that will make you a better hunter, conservationist, and steward of wildlife and the place they call home.

Natural Sciences Science Education conservation nature hunting outdoors wildlife wildlifeconservation
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Episodes

Ep. 57: Give for Grouse Initiative - Fundraising for Ruffed Grouse

June 27, 2023 19:28 - 54 minutes - 75.2 MB

In this episode, we introduce the Give For Grouse Initiative, a fundraising project we created to raise funds for direct, boots-on-the-ground conservation and management of the ruffed grouse. Ruffed Grouse are a species of decline across much of their range, and we're making it our goal to give this iconic upland species a promising future. And we've already launched and accomplished two fundraising projects! Raising over $4,000 that we're donating to Ruffed Grouse Society Biologists for t...

Ep. 56: Ruffed Grouse Management With Grouse Biologist Mike Dye

March 06, 2023 17:34 - 1 hour - 156 MB

In this episode we're talking with Virginia DWR Upland Game Bird Biologist, Mike Dye, about the status of the Ruffed Grouse in Appalachia. Mike is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the species and it's management, and in this episode he communicates clearly the trajectory of ruffed grouse in Virginia over the last 100 years, what private landowners can do on their property to improve habitat for ruffed grouse, and what the biggest hurdles grouse have to overcome. This is an incredible e...

Ep. 55: Jared & Brian of the Habitat Podcast

February 27, 2023 21:26 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Today's episode is long overdue as sit down and shoot the bull with our friends Jared Van Hees and Brian Halbleib of the Habitat Podcast. We talk about Jared and Brian's individual journeys in the oudoors as well as the how the Habitat Podcast got started and how it's grown into the one of the most popular podcasts for hunting and habitat management while creating a sense of community and brother and sisterhood amongst their followers. This was a great conversation that you'll surely want to...

Ep. 54: Controlled Burning in Virginia

February 21, 2023 18:33 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MB

It's fire season! Last weekend, Erich came down to Rockin' Chair Ridge for a weekend of habitat work, specifically conducting some controlled burns! In this episode, we recap the week and the work we completed. We burnt old field, pollinators, and a clear cut, and we discuss how each burn went, the goals for each, follow up management, and and how we expect the habitat to respond to the fire. 

Ep. 53: Oak Savannas and Professionally Managing Habitat with Jesse Knox

February 14, 2023 13:53 - 1 hour - 106 MB

In today's show we chop it up with Jesse Knox, host of the Beast of Burden Podcast, owner of Dbl Tree Habitat Inc., and our longtime friend. We have a great conversation with Jesse about managing habitat professionally, his journey in the outdoors, and taking ownership and responsibility for his home farm. We also talk about how he's restoring an oak savanna on his home farm as well! Jesse's passion and enthusiasm for wildlife and habitat is genuine and contagious, and you can feel it in thi...

Ep. 52: 2023 Habitat Plans, Big Picture Wildlife Decisions, CWD

January 04, 2023 22:33 - 1 hour - 95.5 MB

In today's episode we talk about a varierty of topics including what management projects we're most excited about for 2023, CWD media and journalism, and big picture decision making and how it effects wildlife. We also talk about preparing now for the fast approaching habitat season that's right around the corner!

Ep. 51: Big Bucks Down! The Stories of Two Mature Buck Hunts

December 07, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 89.9 MB

Big bucks down! November was good to the both of us, and in this episode we share the stories where we each tagged a mature buck!

Ep. 50: Native Habitat Management with Kyle Lybarger

June 30, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 134 MB

In today's episode, we chat with Kyle Lybarger of the Native Habitat Project about the importance of native plants and managing native habitats. Working as a private forester, Kyle noticed a disconnect between landowners, hunters, and habitat managers and the habitats they manage, and set forth to educate all demographics on how important native plant communities are for wildlife and how to manage your property for ecosystems, not singular species. This is a great conversation you don't want...

Ep. 50: Native Habitat Management with Kyle Larberger

June 30, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 134 MB

In today's episode, we chat with Kyle Larberger of the Native Habitat Project about the importance of native plants and managing native habitats. Working as a private forester, Kyle noticed a disconnect between landowners, hunters, and habitat managers and the habitats they manage, and set forth to educate all demographics on how important native plant communities are for wildlife and how to manage your property for ecosystems, not singular species. This is a great conversation you don't wan...

Ep. 49: Trapping Raccoons to Help Wild Turkeys with Casey Shoopman

June 10, 2022 01:17 - 1 hour - 156 MB

Concerned, upset, and motivated by the decline of the wild turkey population across much of the country, professional trapper Casey Shoopman wanted to make a difference. So he went to work. The result was 119 raccoons removed from one 20-acre field in 10 days. Listen or watch this podcast to hear Casey's passion for wildlife, turkeys, trapping, and making a difference. This is the mark of a true conservationist - making a difference and doing it for the right reasons.

Ep. 48: Vitalize Seed and Soil Conservation with Jared Van Hees and Al James

April 25, 2022 12:37 - 1 hour - 123 MB

In today's episode, we're talking with Jared Van Hees and Al James about the launch of their new seed company, Vitalize Seed. Al and Jared share with us what motivated them to start their own seed company, and what makes Vitalize Seed different from other seed companies on the market. Placing a focus on soil health and conservation, Vitalize Seed makes diverse seed blends that help build healthy soil, and benefit all wildlife species from bucks to birds to bees and everything in between. 

Ep. 47: How To Manage Your Property For Deer and Upland Birds

March 24, 2022 13:54 - 55 minutes - 75.9 MB

We were recently asked to give a presentation for Pheasant's Forever and Quail Forever of Illinois about how to manage your property for whitetail deer as well as upland birds like pheasant, quail, and ruffed grouse. We discussed how managing deer and upland birds are similar, as well as the differences between the two types of management. We also talk about removing the ceilings and labels we put on ourselves as wildlife managers and looking at the bigger picture of wildlife management. 

Ep. 46: CWD and Why a Buck Harvest Should Never Exceed a Doe Harvest

February 28, 2022 16:15 - 1 hour - 89.7 MB

In today's episode, we're catching up on our new YouTube series, "Our Way of Life" discussing the videos we've put out so far and the ones to expect in the future! We also talk about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), what the future of CWD looks like across the country, and what we can do as hunters and wildlife managers to combat it. Finally, we talk about the recent news that the buck harvest exceeded the doe harvest in 2021 and the ramifications and consequences of such a statistic.

Ep. 45: New Wildlife Management Video Series

January 23, 2022 18:48 - 42 minutes - 58.6 MB

In today's episode, we talk about the new video series coming to our YouTube Channel, "Our Way of Life." We talk about what kind of videos we'll be creating, what we're hoping to accomplish with them, and what you guys can expect from our channel in the future. If you haven't already, please check out our YouTube channel below and subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjOVyRF0b1OKPnL7yzkUNw

Ep. 44: 2021 Review, Deer Season Recap, 2022 Goals

January 03, 2022 18:32 - 1 hour - 110 MB

In today's episode, we review what 2021 looked like for us as hunters and wildlife managers, thinking back to what we accomplished and were most proud of, and what we'd do differently. We also share stories of the highs and the lows of our 2021 deer season. Finally, we preview 2022, lay out our goals for the coming year, and discuss what we have in store in the coming months!

Ep. 43: Disabled Youth Hunt, Opening Day Recap, & Fall Hunting Plans

October 05, 2021 11:58 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

In today's episode, we catch up on our recent activities in the field, highlighted by participating in a hunt for disabled and underprivileged youth. We also talk about our first hunt of the season, Erich's upcoming bird hunt, and the importance of language, and how we communicate the hunting lifestyle.

Ep. 42: Wildlife Photography, Invasive Species Control, And Other Ramblings

July 27, 2021 19:26 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MB

In today's show, we sit down, catch up, and talk about how we've been spending our summer so far. We talk about shooting whitetail and wildlife photography, managing nonnative invasive species, the status of Erich's bird dog, Waylon, and more!

Ep. 41: The Future of Forest Management

May 20, 2021 15:57 - 1 hour - 136 MB

In today's show, we're joined by certified forester, John Kehn, to talk about the future of forest management. In this episode, we get a forester's perspective on: - The future of forestry - Hinge Cutting - Relationship building between wildlife management consultants and foresters - How to recruit new foresters into the forestry profession - And much more! Thanks for listening!  

Ep. 40: Are You Getting Burned Out on Wildlife Management?

March 20, 2021 00:31 - 1 hour - 105 MB

Today's episode is an important one! We're talking about a subject in wildlife management that maybe you haven't thought about, would admit to, or might make you feel uncomfortable - that feeling of getting burned out on our passion that is wildlife management. We're joined by our honorary guest, wildlife manager, and hunting guide, Sam Leatherman, to discuss this very topic.  Is it a fear you have? Are you burned out or have you ever experienced burnout? What can do you do to prevent ...

Ep. 39: The Uncomfortable Feeling of Wildlife Management

February 15, 2021 20:14 - 1 hour - 71.1 MB

Today's episode is about that uncomfortable feeling of wildlife management! From firing up a chainsaw to lighting a drip torch, we talk about that uneasy feeling that comes with managing wildlife. We also talk about our responsibility to wildlife and habitat, and how to make the right decisions and execute them confidently.

Ep. 38: The Future of Wildlife Management

February 01, 2021 18:02 - 57 minutes - 79 MB

Today's episode is all about the future of wildlife management. We discuss the positive and negative trends we're seeing within the wildlife management community, areas in which we can improve, and reasons for optimism. We also discuss bring to light several issues that affect wildlife management in the bigger picture that most hunters may not be aware of.

Ep. 37: Deer Hunting Update, Bucks to Birds Follow Up, and a Strong Message for Deer Hunters

December 14, 2020 14:01 - 1 hour - 110 MB

In today's episode, we give an update on how we spent our time in the outdoors during November with Cody hunting the whitetail rut and Erich training his new bird dog, Waylon. We give an update on our Bucks to Birds Campaign, and finish the episode with a very strong message for the deer hunting community.

Ep. 36: The Bucks to Birds Campaign

October 26, 2020 23:42 - 58 minutes - 80.7 MB

In our most meaningful podcast yet, we're introducing The Bucks to Birds Campaign. A conservation collaboration unlike any other, The Bucks to Birds Campaign is a coalition of deer hunters, upland bird hunters, wildlife managers, and conservationists all across North America coming together with a common goal in mind -- saving the ruffed grouse. We talk about how the campaign came to be and how you can help give the Ruffed Grouse a positive future. If you'd like to donate and make a differ...

Ep. 35: HuntPro and Trail Camera Technology with Rans Thomas

October 23, 2020 18:15 - 1 hour - 87.5 MB

In today's episode, we're joined by wildlife biologist and hunting land specialist, Rans Thomas, to talk about a truly revolutionary product in the wildlife management and conservation world, the HuntPro App. HuntPro is a patented, image recognition platform that uses Artificial Intelligence to enable outdoor sportsmen, natural resource agencies, and hunting property managers to quickly and easily identify species, measure wildlife populations and track wildlife activity behaviors using game...

Ep. 34: Hunting Roundtable Discussion with Jason Snavely

October 12, 2020 18:55 - 1 hour - 123 MB

In today's episode, we're joined by our good friend Jason Snavely to have a good, old fashioned, shoot from the hip, roundtable discussion about the following topics: How to take quality trophy photos Why it's important to take respectful pictures What makes a good, skillful hunter? What does it mean to be a professional hunter? What makes a good wildlife consultant? The difference between a wildlife management consultant and a hunting consultant. And much more!

Ep. 33: Deer Season Kickoff!

October 06, 2020 23:42 - 53 minutes - 73.9 MB

Today's show is the official kickoff to deer season episode! In the first of what will be a series of episodes dedicated to deer season, we talk about our expectations for the upcoming season, introducing new hunters to the sport, hunting for reasons that make you happy, and how to determine what makes a buck a "shooter" or not. Good luck to everyone in the woods this fall and stay safe!

Ep. 32: Wildlife Cooperatives with Hunter Pruitt

September 15, 2020 20:24 - 1 hour - 97.1 MB

Today's episode is an important one, as we're joined with Hunter Pruitt of the National Wildlife Cooperative as we discuss an often overlooked aspect of wildlife management and conservation, wildlife cooperatives. Hunter introduces his new project, the National Wildlife Cooperative, and how he feels it can benefit landowners, wildlife managers, hunters, and wildlife enthusiasts all the same. We also talk about how important relationship building, community, and the human element are for the ...

Ep. 31: Changing the Hunting Narrative with Blood Origins' Robbie Kroger

July 21, 2020 22:03 - 1 hour - 105 MB

In today's show, we're joined by filmmaker, producer, and storyteller, Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins to talk about the narrative and perception of hunting. We hit on many different topics including: Changing the perception of today's hunter The importance of real, authentic storytelling in the hunting community How to communicate with nonhunters Finding the reasons WHY we hunt Holding hunters accountable while eliminating the division within our community And much more!

Ep. 30: What Makes a Good Hunter?

July 06, 2020 21:06 - 1 hour - 76.8 MB

On today's show, we're again joined by our good friend, Sam Leatherman, to try and answer an almost impossible question - What makes a good hunter? We discuss the following topics: Does killing animals necessarily make you a good hunter? Can you not kill animals but still be considered a good hunter? How being respectful, passionate, and ethical makes you a good hunter. How do we measure good hunters? The role social media plays in how we view good hunters. Who is the best hunter ...

Ep. 29: Summer Update: Food Plots, Velvet Bucks and Dog Training

June 22, 2020 14:16 - 1 hour - 82.9 MB

In today's episode, we provide an update on the hunting and wildlife management projects we've been working on so far this summer!  - Erich provides an update on his bird dog, Waylon - Cody gives an update on his hunting property, Rockin' Chair Ridge - We talk about Vol.2 to our Guide to Wildlife and Whitetail Management - We share updates on how our food plots are looking on our properties, both successes and failures - How Covid-19 has impacted us personally - And much more!

Ep. 28: Are We Using the Word Conservation Correctly?

June 15, 2020 14:48 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MB

It today's episode, we examine how we as hunters use the word conservation, and whether or not we're using correctly. We discuss: Is buying a hunting license enough to call yourself a conservationist? Conservation vs. restoration vs. stewardship How hunters can contribute more to conservation beyond just buying a hunting license.  Do we use conservation as a crutch to justify hunting? How we as hunters can better communicate our role in conservation How to explain to nonhunters ho...

Ep. 27: Crossbows, Baiting, and Other Hunting "Gray Areas"

June 08, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MB

In today's episode of the Dear Hunter Podcast, we offer up our stance and thoughts on some of the controversial and often debated topics in the hunting world. We give our opinions and perspectives on:   - The pros and cons of hunting over bait - Does hunting over bait lessen the experience? - The ethics of long-distance shooting - How our ethics should evolve along with technology - Whether or not crossbows should be allowed  - If hunting with dogs should be legal or not   ...

Ep. 26: Good Old Fashioned Hunting Stories

June 01, 2020 11:53 - 1 hour - 55.8 MB

Today's episode is all about sharing good old fashioned hunting stories! We sit down and share some of our personal favorite hunting stories, both good and bad. We hear stories about: Cody's first 8 point buck. Erich's brother pulling him up a treestand. Cody scaring a doe Erich missing 3 turkeys And many more This episode is full of laughs and good times!

Ep. 25: The Evolution of QDM with Lindsay Thomas Jr., QDMA

May 25, 2020 12:57 - 1 hour - 101 MB

Today on the show, we're joined by Lindsay Thomas Jr., the Director of Communications for the Quality Deer Management Association and editor of Quality Whitetails magazine. As a follow up to our previous episode, "Has QDM Been Hijacked?" we chat with Lindsay about the following topics: The evolution of QDM How to combat misinformation in QDM Controlling what you can control in wildlife management Why it's important to communicate the right information on QDM Using science-based facts t...

Ep. 24: Has the Hunting Industry Hijacked QDM?

May 18, 2020 13:38 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

In today's episode, we discuss whether or not the hunting industry has hijacked Quality Deer Management (QDM), and how the philosophy has evolved over the last 15 years.  We discuss: How has QDM changed? How to measure QDM success The difference between QDM and trophy deer management Is QDM necessary to be a successful hunter Should we redefine what QDM means? Remember what QDM is truly about and what it stands for

Ep. 23: The Ethics of Coyote Trapping with Casey Shoopman

May 11, 2020 14:13 - 1 hour - 68.6 MB

In today's episode, we talk with professional trapper Casey Shoopman about the ethics of trapping coyotes and other predators.  In this episode we discuss: Respecting coyotes and other predators, while also wanting to remove as many as possible off of the landscape. Understanding the value and role predators play in an ecosystem.  The role trapping plays in wildlife management  How to portray trapping positively on social media Mentoring new trappers How to communicate the posit...

Ep. 22: Recruiting and Mentoring New Hunters With Pheasant Forever's Colby Kerber

May 04, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 81.3 MB

In today's episode, we chat with Colby Kerber, Pheasant Forever's Hunting Heritage Program Manager, about arguably the number one issue to wildlife and hunting - recruiting and mentoring new hunters. Colby shares with us his insights and experiences on recruiting new hunters to the outdoors and why it's crucial to our hunting heritage that we pass along our tradition. Colby also offers up solutions on how to introduce people to the hunting and outdoor lifestyle in a way that ensures they'll ...

Ep. 21: Do We Confuse Wildlife Management with Whitetail Management?

April 27, 2020 14:07 - 1 hour - 56.8 MB

In today's show, we discuss whether or not we confuse the phrase Wildlife Management with Whitetail Management. Should be whitetails the metric by which we measure our success as wildlife managers? We answer this question and go into great detail about what it means to a true steward of wildlife in this episode!

Ep. 20: Redefining the Word Conservation with Jason Snavely

April 20, 2020 22:09 - 1 hour - 91.5 MB

Today's episode of the Dear Hunter Podcast features wildlife biologist and researcher, Jason Snavely. We talk about the role the private sector plays in conservation, conservation vs. restoration, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Jason also challenges us to open our minds and ask the difficult questions when in nature and the outdoors and encourages us to slow down, observe, and become students of nature again.

Ep. 19: Trophy Hunting and Conservation with World Hunting and Conservation Award Winner, Matt Ward

April 13, 2020 13:04 - 1 hour - 88.2 MB

Today's episode of the Dear Hunter Podcast features Matt Ward, Safari Club International's (SCI) 2020 World Hunting and Conservation Award Winner. Matt has traveled to 52 different countries all over the world during his hunting career and has successfully hunted 273 different species. He brings a tremendous perspective on the role that hunting, specifically trophy hunting, plays in wildlife conservation on a global scale. We discuss how the funds generated by a trophy hunt benefit the local...

Ep. 18: The Fragile Future of the Ruffed Grouse with Dr. Ben Jones

April 06, 2020 15:47 - 1 hour - 63.3 MB

In this episode of the Dear Hunter Podcast, we're joined by the President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Dr. Ben Jones. We discuss the fragile future of the Ruffed Grouse, and what steps we can take to conserve the species and help improve its habitat. Ben also shares with us details about the Ruffed Grouse Society's new Model of Working Forests, and how he envisions this new, big picture approach to conservation and habitat management will impact sustainable forest use, conservation,...

Ep. 17: A Non-Hunter's Take On Hunting With Billy Offland

April 01, 2020 23:40 - 1 hour - 69.6 MB

On today's episode of the Dear Hunter Podcast, we're joined by conservationist, environmentalist, and world traveler, Billy Offland. At just 22 years of age, Billy has traveled to 119 countries across the world, studying conservation, biodiversity, sustainable use practices, and environmental issues such as climate change and deforestation. We get Billy's take on those critical topics, as well as wildlife conservation on a global scale. Billy was also just recently exposed to hunting for the...

Ep. 16: Rockin' Chair Ridge Property Update

March 25, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 73.8 MB

In today's show of the Dear Hunter Podcast, we get an update on Cody's new hunting property, Rockin' Chair Ridge. We talk about the Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) projects he and his family completed on the property during the winter, such as basal spraying nonnative invasive tree species like Tree of Heaven, as well as how they used a chainsaw to increase the carrying capacity of the property by cutting less desirable trees to create more cover that equals food. Cody also gives a quick shed...

Ep. 15: Hunting Himalayan Ibex in the Himalayas in Pakistan

March 23, 2020 15:25 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MB

Two weeks ago, Cody spent 14 days in the Himalayas in Pakistan documenting a hunt for Himalayan Ibex and Punjab Urial. In today's show, Cody recaps the entire experience, and it was like hunting in that remote part of the world. We discuss the physically challenging nature of the hunt, from hiking through 1 foot of snow, hunting at high elevations, to sleeping in a shepherd's hut at night. We also highlight the conservation benefits the hunt had on the local economy and villages, as well as ...

Ep. 14: Corona Virus and It's Impact on Hunting and Wildlife Conservation

March 23, 2020 00:01 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MB

In today's show, we talk about the potential impacts the Corona Virus might have on hunting and wildlife conservation. We talk about the issues the Corona Virus might have on conservation organizations and habitat management, but mainly the financial and economic impacts it might have that could threaten our hunting lifestyle.

Ep. 13: The Truth About Hinge Cutting and Other Wildlife Management Fads

March 03, 2020 17:10 - 1 hour - 76.5 MB

In today's show, we have an in-depth conversation about the pros and cons of hinge cutting while practicing Timber Stand Improvement. We discuss situations where it may be beneficial but also highlight circumstances where it can be detrimental to the landscape and we provide better alternatives such as hack and squirting, basal spraying, and cutting trees for mineral stumps. However, the common theme in this episode is having intentionality and a reason why while practicing wildlife manageme...

Ep. 12: Rebuilding Relationships with State Wildlife and Hunting Agencies

February 25, 2020 15:58 - 1 hour - 56 MB

In today's show, we talk about the disconnect between today's hunter and their state wildlife agency. It seems that hunters are quick to blame their state agency for their wildlife and hunting issues; everything from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) to lack of deer numbers. But, at the same time, state agencies don't always listen to the feedback and concerns voiced by hunters. We talk about how hunters and state agencies can rebuild those lost relationships, how to have beneficial conversation...

Ep. 11: Wildlife and Whitetail Management with Jeff Sturgis

February 10, 2020 16:38 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MB

In today's show, we chat with whitetail deer and deer hunting guru, Jeff Sturgis, about a wide array of topics in the deer hunting world. We get Jeff's insight on how the deer hunting industry has changed in the last 20 years for the better, as well as areas in which we can improve. We also get Erich and Jeff to share their experience as whitetail and wildlife consultants, as well as what it takes to become a good communicator and educator about wildlife management.

Wildlife and Whitetail Management with Jeff Sturgis

February 10, 2020 16:38 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MB

In today's show, we chat with whitetail deer and deer hunting guru, Jeff Sturgis, about a wide array of topics in the deer hunting world. We get Jeff's insight on how the deer hunting industry has changed in the last 20 years for the better, as well as areas in which we can improve. We also get Erich and Jeff to share their experience as whitetail and wildlife consultants, as well as what it takes to become a good communicator and educator about wildlife management.

Episode 10 - Hunting and Wildlife Stewardship with Sam Leatherman

February 03, 2020 19:40 - 1 hour - 74.8 MB

In today's show, we chat with hunting guide, outfitter, conservationist, and professional wildlife manager, Sam Leatherman. We talk about our most fulfilling moments in the outdoors that did not involve killing an animal. Sam shares a story of guiding a client on his last ever hunt, Erich talks about what it was like fighting forest fires in the American West, and Cody shares a rhino conservation success story. We also get Sam's advice on how we can become better hunting and wildlife steward...

Twitter Mentions

@rgs_aws 1 Episode
@billy_offland 1 Episode