Apex Fireside

EP 135 - First Turkey Alert ! w/ Heath and Lyla Hancock

Happy Friday Folks ! On this weeks Fireside chat Heath tells the story of his daughter Lyla's first turkey that she killed this past weekend on the Kentucky Youth Hunt. This story will leave you on the edge of your seat as Heath and Lyla walk us through the exciting details of her first turkey!  Some of the topics we dove into included:  Weather leading up to the hunt Oversleeping and adapting on the fly  Setting up in the best location  Heartbreak in the turkey woods Why first tu...

EP 134 - The Kid w/ Gavin and Jason Bryan

On this weeks Fireside Chat I am running solo. I had the opportunity to chat with Gavin Bryan and his father Jason. Gavin is the 2023 Poults Division Grand National Calling Champion. Gavin shared with me the journey that led him to his first place finish, his practice regiment, and much more!  Some of the additional topics we covered included: Gavin's 2023 GNCC Poults Division Win Gavin's dedication to turkey calling and hunting Gavin's recent successful turkey hunts Tips for gettin...

EP 133 - Living Your Best Life Outdoors w/ Cuz Strickland

Heath and I are coming at you live from the 2023 NWTF Convention and Sportshow with a Fireside Chat with Cuz Strickland, of Mossy Oak. We had a conversation at the 2023 NWTF Convention about the benefits of living the outdoors lifestyle, the importance of mentoring new hunters, making it a family affair and much more!  Some of the topics we got into, included:    The value of someone’s time Living your best life outdoors The value of introducing “born again hunters” What’s old is ...

EP 132 - Building Confidence w/ Chip Davis

On this weeks Fireside Chat Heath and I are joined by Chip Davis, of Mississippi. Chip is an avid turkey hunter, trapper and a very knowledgable woodsman who has completed the U.S. Super Slam. We discussed      Chip's Turkey Hunting Journey Pre-Hunt Preperation  Reliving Memorable Hunts Balancing Time Between Family and Chasing Your Dreams Importance of Predator Management For The Turkey Population  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

EP 131 - Why We Do What We Do w/ Tetra Hearing

Welcome to this weeks Fireside Chat w/ Jake Stanisch and Heath Hancock. We sat down with the boys from Tetra Hearing, recapped all of our 2022 Spring Turkey Seasons and much more! Tetra is one of a few of the companies in the outdoor space who are truly "game changers". Doctor Bill and his team have drastically improved many folks lives since he founded Tetra.     Some other topics we covered include:  - Spring 2022 Recap - Land Management Series - Industrial Hearing Protection  ...

EP 130 - Dog Is God Spelled Backwards w/ Nicole Belke

Heath and I are joined by Nicole Belke on this weeks Fireside Chat. Nicole was fortunate to have had a very special waterfowl and upland dog in her life, named Zee. Zee has sadly passed away, but we wanted to pay tribute to such a wonderful dog in this podcast. Anyone who enjoys bird dogs, gun dogs or is a dog lover can relate to our conversation with Nicole.  Some of the topics covered in our conversation include:  - 2023 Waterfowl Season Update  - Benelli Veterans Clay Shoot - Trib...

EP 129 - 2022 Nomad Whitetail Hunting Line-Up

Welcome to this weeks Fireside Chat! This week I am joined by Mike Tussey of Nomad Outdoors and he shares with us all of the features of the new Whitetail line-up from Nomad Outdoor. Nomad makes clothing that is of the highest quality and priced for everyone to be able to afford.  Some of the other items we cover include:  Recap Mike’s fall 2022 hunting season  Nomad gear that kept Mike comfortable during his hunts  Layering  Fall 2022 Whitetail Line-up  Hurricane Ira Relief Funds...

EP 128 - Learning From The Birds w/ Fred Zink

Happy Friday! On this weeks Fireside Chat, Heath and I had the privledge to catch up with Fred Zink of Zink Calls and Avian-X Decoys. Fred shared the story of how his upbringing helped pave the way for a successful career in the outdoor industry.  Some of the other topics we covered included:  - The "good ole days" of waterfowl hunting - How filming your hunts can help you hone your hunting skills - Memorable waterfowl hunts - The innovation of Zink calls and Avian-X Decoys - The...

EP 127 Spinning Wing Decoys w/ Terry Denmon

On this weeks Fireside Chat, we are joined by Terry Denmon (CEO of Mojo Outdoors, inductee to the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame and served a constitutionally limited 6-year term on the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission.). Terry shares with us how the spinning wing decoy (SWD) came to be and why Mojo started incorporating the technology into their decoys. Some of the other topics we get into include:  - History of spinning wing decoys - Mojo dove decoys for duck hunters?  ...

EP 126 - A Fireside Chat w/ The Guys From Field Proven Calls

On this weeks Fireside Chat Heath and I are joined by Field and Clay Hudnall, co-owners of Field Proven Calls. This is a very much anticipated podcast for both Heath and I, and were excited to finally bring it to you to enjoy. The Hudnall brothers share with us the story of how they got into hunting through building one of the most successful game call companies.   This episode is chock full of laughter and hunting memories from days gone by. Pour your favorite drink, sit down, relax and enj...

EP 125 - Talking Waterfowl w. 3x World Goose Calling Champion Kile Jones

On this weeks Fireside Chat Heath and I are joined by Kile Jones, Director of Marketing w/ Apex Ammunition and a 3x World Goose Calling Champion! Yes we said that right, 3x World Goose Calling Champion! Kile shares with us how he got into hunting, goose calling, his calling practice regiment and an amazing goose recipe you have to try! 

EP 124 - The Elusive Original Mossy Oak Remingtons w/ Dave Hawley

EP 123 Deepening The Turkey Playbook w/ Scott Ellis

On this weeks Fireside Chat I am joined by Scott Ellis and Scott shares with us his tried and true techniques for employing Gobbler talk. Scott shares with us different situations to deploy these tactics in and demonstrates how to replicate the different Gobbler vocalizations available.  We also discuss:  - Ninja Owl  - Scotts 2022 Spring Turkey Update - Gobbler vocalizations 

EP 122- Talking Turkey w/ Harold Knight

On this weeks Fireside Chat Heath and I are joined by the Legendary Harold Knight. Harold shares several turkey hunting nuggets with us. Several of which can help enlighten even the most experienced woodsman. Some of the topics we cover include:  - Introducing new hunters - Founding of Knight & Hale Game Calls - Harolds Spring 2022 Plans - Working a turkey  - Predator Trapping - Harolds current turkey gun set-up  ------------------------------------- Apex Ammunition Apex handl...

EP 121 - American Roots Outdoors w/ Alex Rutledge

On this weeks Fireside Chat Heath and I are talking turkey with Alex Rutledge, of American Roots Outdoors. Alex shares with us some of his proven turkey hunting and calling techniques to help make you more successful this spring!   American Roots Outdoors  AROTV depicts and captures the reality side of hunting, fishing,  and the cultures of friends, faith, and heritages, as well as our  Constitutional rights.  AROTV is about “US”, every true outdoorsman or  woman, and American Christian...

EP 120 - Pennsylvania Youth Turkey Calling Champion w/ Bo Bartlebaugh

On this weeks Fireside Chat I am joined by Bo Bartlebaugh of Pennsylvania. Bo shares with us the story of how he got into turkey calling,    and how to get more kids into turkey hunting and calling.      Apex Ammunition  Apex handloads the highest quality TSS ammunition on the market today. Their loads have you covered from 10 gauge to .410 for all of your turkey, predator, waterforl and upload hunting adventures.  www.apexmunition.com 

EP 119 - Hunting Turkeys In Inclement Weather w/ Walter Parrott

On this weeks Fireside Chat I am joined by a very accomplisehd turkey hunter and caller, Walter Parrott. Walter shares with us a wealth of knowledge he has gained throughout his turkey hunting career surrounding hunting turkeys on rainy days. Some of the topics we covered include which calls to use, hunting tactics and gear, turkey behavior, the importance of patterning your turkey gun and much more! 

EP 118 Southern Turkey Hunting Traditions w/ Daniel Haas

On this weeks Fireside Chat Heath and I are joined by Daniel Haas of Mossy Oak. Spring has sprung in Mississippi, and turkey season is in full swing. We chat about how turkey season is going in Mississippi for the Haas family, the NWTF Foundation Conservation Award presented to Toxey and Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox's Legacy and much more ! ---------------------------------------- Apex Ammunition I highly recommend Apex for all your hunting ammunition needs. Nothing hits harder and kills cleaner tha...

EP 117 - The Bull Lounger w/ Jason Hart

On this weeks Fireside Chat I caught up with my buddy, Jason Hart, of Nomad and Huk brands. Jason shares the story of his final leg of the U.S. Super Slam, that he completed in Mississippi in the spring of 2021. We also chat about our hunt plans for Spring 2022, and some fantastic new turkey hunting products that Nomad has released for Spring 2022. Some of which include, the Bull Lounger turkey vest, bio harness, mesh pants, and more! ---------------------------------------- Nomad Outdoo...

EP 116 - Fireside Chat With an NWTF Hall of Famer w/ Preston Pittman

On this weeks fireside chat Heath and I are  joined by recent NWTF Hall of Fame inductee and 5 time World Turkey Calling Champion, Preston Pittman. Preston shares with us how he got into turkey hunting and calling, the importance of sharing your passion for the outdoors with others and getting kids into the outdoors.    Pittman Game Calls Pittman Game Calls  Hand made, American made, high quality game calls from West Point, Mississippi.   www.pittmangamecalls.com  ----------------...

EP 115 - COUNTRY MUSIC AND MULTIPLE BEARDED GOBBLERS W/ MIKELE BUCK

On this weeks Fireside Chat I am joined by Mikele Buck, from the Mikele Buck Band. We cover everything from how he got into country music, his love for the outdoors and the story of an unbelievable multiple bearded gobbler he killed.  ----------------------------- Mikele Buck Band Mikele Buck was born in the hills of West Virginia, where his family was steeped in the traditional music of the Appalachians. He played drums in rock bands through most of his high school days and picked up g...

EP 114 - Outdoor Video Production - More Than Punching Record w/ Jeff Shelby

On this weeks Fireside Chat I am joined by Jeff Shelby, a producer at Mossy Oak. Jeff shares with us a "behind the scenes look" into outdoor video production. We get into how Jeff got into outdoor video production, tips for getting into this line of work and several stories of unbelieveable hunts he's had the privledge to capture.  ----------------------------- Apex Ammunition Loads the highest quality, hardest hitting and best patterning TSS ammunition on the market today. Place one of A...

EP 113 - Field To Plate w/ Matt Wettish and Van Hurd

On this weeks Fireside Chat, I am joined by Matt Wettish (Host of Real Outdoors TV) and Van Hurd (Hells Kitchen Master Chef). Van shares with us some of his tricks and tips of cooking wild game, while not over complicating the cooking process. Matt and Van will be working together to produce some very awesome wild game cooking videos in the near future. We also chat about what it means to be a hunter and the roots why we began hunting.  ----------------------------- Real Outdoors TV Dig...

EP 112- Backwoods Grind Coffee w/ Jonathan Wilson and Zack Kile

On this weeks episode I share the mic with the guys over at Backwoods Grind Coffee (Jonathan Wilson and Zack Kile). Jonathan and Zack share several hunting stories with us, and we have a great conversation about conservation, defining success in hunting and last but not least, coffee.    Jonathan and Zack also made a discount code for the listeners of this podcast over at www.backwoodsgrindcoffee.com  Listen to the podcast to locate the discount code!  ------------------------------...

EP 111 - New Turkey Research w/ Will Gulsby and Chase Grubbs

On this weeks episode I am joined by Dr. Will Gulsby (Professor at Auburn University) and Chase Grubbs (Turkeys For Tomorrow), and they fill us in on the wild turkey research being funded by Turkeys For Tomorrow. Turkeys For Tomorrow is a new conservation organization dedicated to funding research projects for the wild turkey to identify why there has been a decline in their population across the country.  Dr. Gulbsy shares an overview of the projects that are currently focused on gobbling...

Episode 110- Breaking Down The Ammo Shortage w/ Heath Hancock

I am joined by Heath Hancock (Procurement Director for Apex Ammunition) on this weeks episode to discuss the current ammunition shortage most of the world is facing. Heath and I discuss some of the factors that caused the ammo shortage, "the perfect storm" and some tips to not go without during this time.  Heath will be joining me as the new co-host of the Apex Fireside Radio Podcast as well, please give him a warm welcome! 

EP 109 - Trophyline Tree Saddles w/ Shawn Ferguson and Nick Betts

On this weeks episode I catch-up with Shawn Ferguson and Nick Betts from Trophyline Tree Saddles. Shawn and Nick talk about the new products Trophyline released over the past year; and also share some of their favorite saddle hunting techniques.  -------------------------------------------------------------- Trophyline Tree Saddles Trophyline created the original tree saddle, and has since developed a completely new line-up of hunting gear for the mobile hunter. https://www.trophyli...

EP 108 - Late Summer and Early Fall Coyote Hunting w/ Torry Cook

Join us on this weeks episode of Apex Fireside Radio as we talk coyote hunting and calling with Torry Cook.Torry shares with us some of his go to tips and tactics to be successful when hunting coyotes during the late summer and early fall timeframe. Torry is one of the most knowledgable and successful coyote callers in the country. Torry is the owner and founder of MFK Game calls.  ___________________________________________________________________ MFK Game Calls  A comprehensive line...

EP 107 - You've Been Bitten By A Venomous Snake, Now What? W/ Dr. Nick Brandehoff

Asclepius Snakebite Foundation ASF is an international group of doctors, paramedics and scientists who treat snakebite patients, establish clinics, donate medical supplies, train local providers, conduct clinical research and implement public health education initiatives at all levels to save lives and limbs.  To learn more about the Asclepius Snakebite Foundation or to donate, follow the link below:  https://www.snakebitefoundation.org ----------------------------------------------...

EP 106 - Lessons Learned From Collegiate Skeet Shooting w/ Santo Dragone

Apex Ammunition I completely switched all of my turkey guns over to Apex TSS. It has allowed me to ditch the 12 gauge, for a lighter 20; while not sacrificing performance. To learn more about Apex TSS ammunition follow the link below:  https://www.apexmunition.com/?rfsn=2712252.d26d21 --------------------------------------------------------------- If anyone has a clay target shooting question or wing shooting question for Santo, you can reach out to him through one of the below link...

EP 105 - Hearing The Hunt w/ Bill Dickinson

Tetra Hearing Hearing protection and enhancement company founded by Bill Dickinson Au.d., and David Gnewikow, Ph.D. These guys have created the most revolutionary products on the market today to help you enjoy your hunt, without damaging your hearing! Their running a Fathers Day special, combined with a give away you need to get in on! Follow the link below to learn more about Tetra or to purchase. https://tetrahearing.com/pages/why-tetra ______________________________________________...

EP 104 - Lessons Learned In The Spring Woods w/ Brian Johnson

Apex Ammunition  Apex hand loads the most reliable, consistent TSS hunting ammunition available to the consumer today. Whether you need a late season pheasant load or a turkey load, Apex has you covered. Follow the link below to learn more!  https://www.apexmunition.com/?rfsn=2712252.d26d21

EP 103 - Keeping A Positive Attitude During A Tough Season w/ Melinda Stanisch

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, thanks to the veterans for your service! Without your selfless sacrifices we would not be able to enjoy the great outdoors or chase our passions the way we can. On this weeks episode I am joined by my wife, Melinda, and she shares with us a story of a tough spring gobbler season. She explains how to keep a positive attitude when dealing with tough hunting conditions and a little bit of bad luck. 

EP 102 - DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN OUTDOOR TV PRODUCER W/ JORDAN BLISSETT

EP 101 - Hunting North Eastern And South Eastern Gobblers w/ Matt Blue

Apex Ammunition Apex Ammunition has allowed hunters to carry smaller gauge turkey guns afield, and allows them to reduce weight without sacrificing performance. I have gone from a heavy 12 gauge to a light weight 20 gauge and have never felt under-gunned in any situation. Check them out to learn more! https://www.apexmunition.com/?rfsn=2712252.d26d21

EP 100 - Talkin' Turkey w/ The MAD Scientist Mark Drury

- Mark's 2021 turkey tour - How he got into turkey hunting and turkey calling - Weather trends for better gobbling days - Roosting turkeys - Situational Q&A - Who Mark would like to hunt with again - What draws you to the outdoors and what keeps you coming back for more.      Drury Outdoors  Brings you the wildest hunting footage available on the Sportsmans Channel, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/user/DruryOutdoors   ----------------------...

EP 99 - Roosting Turkeys w/ Dave Owens

- Intro - Dave's Spring 2021 plans - What roosting a gobbler means - How to determine the proper distance from a roosted gobbler - Getting inside a turkeys bubble - Calling  - Afternoon/Evening roosting tactics ------------------------------------------------------------- Pinhoti Project Day by day semi live video series show casing the hunting of the wild turkey in a DIY fashion without the use of guides, outfitters or decoys. Dave and his friends show the working man tha...

EP 98 - Rare Gobbler Vocalization w/ Matt Wettish

Real Outdoors TV YouTube Channel documenting hunting and fishing adventures of all kinds. This channel has some of the best quality content in the outdoor space, check it out! To listen to the gobbler vocalization we are talking about on this weeks podcast follow the link below:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6STgW_dOmo --------------------------------------------------------------- Apex Ammunition Apex hand loads the best patterning, hardest hitting and quickest killing TSS am...

EP 97 - Low Impact Turkey Hunting w/ Bob Walker

- SE United States turkeys  - Bob's intro to turkey hunting an guiding  - Taking a turkeys temperature  - Scouting tactics from a turkey guide - Low impact turkey hunting - Hearing enhancement devices for the turkey hunter - 5 must haves in Bob's turkey vest  ------------------------------------------------------------- Apex Ammunition:  Apex loads the best patterning TSS ammunition available to hunters. They've got a great group of guys calling the shots, and their custom...

EP 96 - Killin' Time w/ Jason Hart

Happy Easter! This week I caught up with my buddy Jason Hart, General Manager of Nomad and Huk brands. This turkey season Nomad has released some of the most innovative gear for the turkey hunter, in a Mossy Oak camo pattern exclusive to Nomad. Hart shares with us some of the features of the new turkey vests and other items on the 2021 turkey line up!    -------------------------------------------------------------- Nomad  Nomad produces some of the most innovative turkey gear avail...

EP 95 - Wild Turkey Doc w/ Mike Chamberlain

This week I am joined by Mike Chamberlain, Wild Turkey Biologist and Professor at the University of Georgia. Mike has studied the wild turkey for many years, and helps to shed some light on gobbling of the wild turkey on this weeks episode!    --------------------------------------------------------------- Mike Chamberlain  Accomplished wild turkey biologist and University of Georgia Wildlife Ecology Professor. To request digital copies of research papers Mike has published please c...

Episode 94 - Bioshield w/ Wes Sherouse

This week I am joined by Wes Sherouse, co-founder of Bio Shield. Bio Shield is an all natural tick and mosquito repellant. Wes shares with us how Bioshield was developed, educates us on several common tick borne illnesses and the effectiveness of Bio Shield. Wes also shares with listeners a discount code for Bio Shield at the end of the podcast. If you've been looking for a new insect repellant but don't like using chemicals, listen up!  ___________________________________________________...

Episode 92 - Wildlife Photography w/ Lance Krueger

This week I am joined by professional photographer, Lance Krueger and we dive into what it takes to shoot high quality photos that we see in magazines. Lance also shares with us tips on how to turn your passion into your career!    ---------------------------------------------------------- Lance Krueger Photography Lance is one of the most skilled photographers I've had the opportunity to get to know. He specializes in photographing the whitetail deer, wild turkey and bass fishing. C...

Episode 93 - Conserving Our Greatest Resource w/ Mark Hatfield

This week I am joined by Mark Hatfield, Director of Conservation Services for the National Wild Turkey Federation. Mark and I talk about a variety of topics including:  - Covid impact on the NWTF  - Founding of the NWTF - Current turkey studies being done  - Impact of predator management (trapping) on turkey populations  - Recruiting new hunters - Pittman Robertson Act  ------------------------------------------------------------ National Wild Turkey Federation  The mission...

Episode 92 - Wildlife Photography w/ Lance Krueger

This week I am joined by professional photographer, Lance Krueger and we dive into what it takes to shoot high quality photos that we see in magazines. Lance also shares with us tips on how to turn your passion into your career!    ---------------------------------------------------------- Lance Krueger Photography Lance is one of the most skilled photographers I've had the opportunity to get to know. He specializes in photographing the whitetail deer, wild turkey and bass fishing. C...

Episode 91 - Hunting Challenging Turkeys w/ Steve Stoltz

This week we're talking turkey with a 3x World Champion turkey caller, Steve Stoltz from Iowa. Steve shares with us the details that went into the creation of his new signature series mouth call, the Modified Cutter, from Woodhaven Custom Calls. He also shares with us tips and tactics to help make you more successful when hunting tough turkeys that don't gobble much.    ------------------------------------------------------- Woodhaven Custom Calls  Facebook and Instagram @woodhavencu...

Episode 59 - Chasing 49 w/ Keith Ott

  Turkey season is starting soon in many states across the country, and I know I am getting fired up! This week I am joined by Keith Ott of Virginia. Keith is in pursuit of the US Super Slam of the wild turkey. We discuss a wide variety of turkey hunting strategies employed by Keith to be successful in his hunts each year. If you are a traveling turkey hunter this is a podcast you don't want to miss! Keith shares with us some of his proven tips and tactics for efficiently finding workable ...

Episode 90 - All In Or All Out Duck Hunting w/ Freddy King

This week I am joined by the one and the only Freddy King of Arkansas. He is a passionate duck hunter, videographer and retriever trainer. On this episode Freddy shares with us what makes duck hunting such a unique experience and why he chose to make duck hunting his career.  --------------------------------------------------------------- The Retriever Trainer Freddy King has developed the most comprehensive video library for training a waterfowl dog. Whether this is your first waterf...

Episode 89 - Turkey Caller Turned Turkey Calling Judge w/ Rob Prowell

This is the week the NWTF Grand National Calling Contest normally would be held, but it was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. On todays episode I am joined by Rob Prowell from Kentucky and we talk about turkey contest calling and why Rob decided to put his calls down to judge.  ------------------------------------------------------------- Apex Ammunition  Nothing hits harder and kills quicker than Apex's TSS rounds. Their customer service is top notch, and they have a great group o...

Episode 88 - Trebark Camouflage w/ Jim Crumley

- Jim's introduction to hunting - Early camo patterns - How Jim developed his first Trebark camo pattern - Launching Trebark in Bowhunter Magazine - Defending Trebark camo against copyright infringement - Marketing Trebark camo before the days of the internet and social media  -------------------------------------------------- Apex Ammunition: Apex hand loads the finest TSS ammunition available to the consumer today. Their attention to detail provides repeatable success.   To...