Advertise on podcast: DSC Campfires with Larry Weishuhn

Episode Summary: This episode of DSC's Campfires features a deep dive into whitetail deer behavior, drawing heavily from Larry’s decades of experience as a wildlife biologist, researcher, and hunter. Alongside a preview of an upcoming black bear hunt, Larry breaks down the science behind moon phases, the rut, spike buck management, and the importance of hunter unity. Key Segment Highlights: Upcoming Hunts & Bear Season: Larry opens by discussing his plans to hunt black bear at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge during the first couple weeks of October. He notes the rising black bear populations across the continent and praises their quality as game meat. Moon Phases & Deer Movement: Addressing questions inspired by Jeff Murray’s moon phase theories, Larry shares his own historical research charting deer movement against moon phases, temperature, and wind using clear plastic overlays. He notes that while the moon definitely influences deer, their movement is highly adaptable and heavily altered by human hunting pressure. Midday Buck Movement: Challenging conventional hunting wisdom, Larry explains that he has successfully hunted many of his largest mature bucks between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. He notes that older bucks (4.5 years and older) behave completely differently than younger deer and often move during the middle of the day. The Rut & Late Breeding: Larry explains that the primary rut is biologically timed so that fawns are born approximately 230 days later during the peak nutritional season. He also details the "secondary rut," where does that were missed in their first cycle re-enter estrus about 28 days later, and notes that six-month-old doe fawns can occasionally breed in January or February. Spike Bucks & Herd Management: Referencing comprehensive studies from the Kerr Wildlife Management area, Larry discusses how poor nutrition frequently results in yearling spikes. While an individual spike can grow into a large buck if given proper nutrition, heavily harvesting spikes on a property can drastically improve the overall herd genetics over time. Hunter Advocacy & Venison: Larry advocates strongly for unity among hunters, reminding listeners that "any legal deer is a good deer" and urging the community not to criticize others' lawful harvests. He emphasizes the fundamental value of harvesting healthy venison to feed family and friends. Digital Content Expansion: Listeners are directed to Larry's TikTok channel ("LW's Whitetails") for short-form storytelling, as well as his YouTube channel, CarbonTV, and Pursuit Up for bonus video content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of DSC's Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, host Larry Weishuhn is joined by Dr. Mike Arnold, a geneticist, conservationist, and author. The discussion focuses on the critical role that hunters have historically played in saving species from extinction by relocating them out of hostile native habitats. Dr. Arnold also explores the science of animal adaptations, environmental shifts over time, and the stark contrast between historical market hunting and modern regulated sport hunting. Key Topics Discussed Hunters Saving the "Merely Extinct": Dr. Arnold is writing a new book, tentatively titled Hunters and the Merely Extinct, which examines species rescued from extinction by hunters moving them outside their native habitats. Examples include the North American Elk, which was redistributed to eastern states by early conservationists like Teddy Roosevelt, and the Fallow Deer, which is critically endangered in its native Balkan range but thrives globally due to introductions by Romans and modern hunting estates. He also notes that 80% of the worldwide Chinese Water Deer population now lives on protected estates in England. Climate Change and Habitat Shifts: Dr. Arnold explains that climate change and habitat shifts are biological norms, citing historical events like the Little Ice Age of the 1840s. He argues that trying to preserve species strictly within their historical "native ranges" is often a flawed strategy because those environments continually change and can become hostile to the animals. Genetics vs. Environmental Impact: The conversation highlights how environmental quality and year-round nutrition often dictate physical development more than pure genetics. For example, Eastern elk populations achieve massive body and antler sizes due to milder winters, unlike the harsh conditions faced by Rocky Mountain elk. Similarly, black bears in milder climates avoid long hibernation cycles and grow larger due to consistent food availability, whereas northern bears hibernate primarily to avoid starvation. The Science of Zebra Stripes: Dr. Arnold breaks down the three leading scientific hypotheses for why zebras have stripes. Research indicates that the alternating black and white patterns act as a repellent against disease-carrying biting flies, assist in thermoregulation by creating micro-wind currents across the skin, and create a "dazzle effect" that confuses predators during a chase. Market Hunting vs. Regulated Sport Hunting: The episode draws a sharp distinction between unregulated market hunting and modern, regulated sport hunting. Dr. Arnold points out that historical figures like Daniel Boone were commercial market hunters driven by European demand for deerskins and bear fat, a practice that decimated local wildlife populations. It was ultimately modern sport hunters who self-imposed regulations and excise taxes to fund the repopulation and conservation of these species. Upcoming Hunts: Dr. Arnold shares his plans for a snowmobile-based Muskox hunt in the Arctic this coming April. He highlights how regulated hunting provides vital economic support and necessary meat to local Inuit communities. Guest Projects: Dr. Arnold's books include Bringing Back the Lions and Bringing Back the Wild, with Hunters and the Merely Extinct targeted for a mid-2027 release. He is also the host of the Bringing Back the Wild podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Interview with the legendary Sam Old Key Highlights: Sam Old discusses managing his new facility, Craig Creek Shady Rest, in Virginia amidst exceptionally dry and hot weather leading up to the hunting season. The acorn crop is remarkably sparse and spotty this year, forcing deer and squirrels to heavily rely on black walnuts and hickory nuts for sustenance. A local bear on the property has capitalized on available forage, gaining 75 pounds in a single month. Despite a dry spring, Sam successfully planted food plots that were initially eaten down to the ground by deer. Current plots feature a mix of fall panicum, buck forage oats, triticale, and an undergrowth of crimson clover that is ready to be exposed by brush hogging. Triticale is proving more drought-hardy than other forage options, making it a reliable food source during extended dry spells in multiple regions. A few persimmon trees on the property produced fruit this year, immediately becoming a primary food source for local animals. Wildlife heavily favors persimmons, drawing in deer, bears, turkeys, raccoons, possums, and squirrels as soon as the ripe fruit hits the ground. Antler development in the area is showing a trend toward wide main beams with short tines. Sam hypothesizes this antler structure may result from genetics or a stressed, high-doe population from the previous fall. Trail cameras show bucks are currently pushing and shoving, indicating that bachelor groups will likely break up within a week. Sam developed a proprietary scent attractant by isolating specific smells, like ammonia and uric acid, that he noticed while field-dressing deer. The scent avoids skunk-based cover scents and instead acts as a potent curiosity attractant. When applied to boots or surrounding foliage, the juice halts deer in their tracks by confusing them, freezing their attention without causing them to flee. The product, officially named "Close-Up Juice," will soon be available for commercial purchase through a dedicated website link. Sam recalled a 1972 hunt using an original Burnham Brothers record player call, where a coyote came in so aggressively he fired seven shots and had to back out of the woods with a knife drawn. He also recounted a humorous attempt to use a Burnham Brothers C3 long-range call from his house, which unexpectedly called a panic-stricken doe and a curious 8-point buck right to his back door. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview & Key Takeaways Larry Weishuhn centers this episode on the theme of campfire reflections, specifically focusing on a recent piece he wrote for Sporting Classics Daily detailing his "great misses" over the years. He emphasizes the importance of being honest about missing shots in the field, noting that adrenaline affects everyone. To avoid missing, he advises hunters to focus on a single, specific spot on the animal rather than looking at the antlers or the entire body. The Fogged Scope: Larry recalls missing a buck from the same tree stand where he had previously shot his first buck. He was using his father's Model 94 30-30, but the K4 Weaver scope had completely fogged up in the cold, wet weather. The Seven-Shot Coyote: After calling in a large coyote with a Burnham Brothers predator call, Larry missed the animal seven consecutive times with his 30-30. RealTree Monster Bucks: While filming with David Blanton, Larry missed a rattle-called 10-point buck using a Thompson Center Contender in .309 JDJ. Bill Jordan and Blanton included the miss in the television segment, which became highly rated among viewers. South Texas Six-Point: Hunting with Ron Davidson in South Texas, Larry was shaking so uncontrollably that he shot the ground 30 steps in front of a massive, lopsided six-point buck using a Thompson Center Encore in .30-06 pistol. Three Strikes: Larry rattled the same buck back three separate times for a law enforcement guest who missed every shot. Larry ultimately grabbed the hunter's rifle barrel and told him, "Sir, three strikes and you're out!". Mexico Boone & Crockett: He missed a 170-class Boone & Crockett buck in Mexico because he failed to test-fire his pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .264 Win Mag with a Zeiss scope, which was shooting 16 to 17 inches high at 100 yards. The Barbwire Buck: On that same Mexico trip, his hunting partner missed a large buck with three drop tines while the animal's antlers were tangled in a barbwire fence. Larry is currently preparing for an upcoming black bear hunt on the Choctaw. Bonus video episodes and hunting content are available on YouTube at Larry Weishuhn Campfires, as well as on CarbonTV and PursuitUP. Fans can also find his short-form videos on TikTok under the handle LWs Whitetails. This episode is brought to you in partnership with DSC (Conservation, Education, and Advocacy). BigGame.org, Hornady (Accurate, Deadly, Dependable), Taurus, Stealth Vision, Agara Cafe, Destination Hunts, Choctaw Hunting Lodge, and Double Nickel Taxidermy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview & Key Takeaways In this mid-September episode, Larry Weishuhn discusses the seasonal transition of whitetail bucks as they shed their velvet, break out of bachelor groups, and begin early pre-rut sparring. He shares personal updates on transitioning a family property located between Houston and Austin into a dedicated wildlife habitat rather than relying on it for agricultural livelihood. Weishuhn provides insights into the current screwworm situation in Texas, noting that over 100 consecutive days of extreme heat have fortunately forced the screwworm flies into dormancy. Weishuhn highlights the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA), an organization he co-founded in 1985 alongside Murphy Ray and Gary Machen. TWA now heavily influences outdoor education, supporting youth hunting programs that involve 40,000 to 50,000 children, and manages the Texas Big Game Awards. Addressing the recent screwworm cases crossing the border from Mexico, he points listeners to an informational booklet authored by Dr. Andrew Earl, which is available on the TWA website. For an upcoming hunt in Virginia with Samuel Old, Weishuhn is considering using a Taurus Raging Hunter handgun in .454 Casull, paired with Hornady 240-grain XTP custom ammunition. He emphasizes the unmatched durability of older long-eye-relief handgun scopes, specifically recommending vintage Thompson/Center scopes manufactured by Light Optical, as well as classic Burris models. To find these tough, older optics that can withstand heavy recoil, he advises handgun hunters to search local pawn shops and gun shows. Weishuhn is preparing for an upcoming baited black bear hunt at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in southeastern Oklahoma, where he plans to use a TenPoint crossbow. He shares daily short-form stories on his TikTok account under the handle LW's Whitetails. Fans can continue to find his bonus video episodes and hunting content on his YouTube channel, CarbonTV, and PursuitUP. This episode is brought to you in partnership with DSC (Conservation, Education, and Advocacy) as well as other wonderful sponsors that include Hornady, Taurus, Stealth Vision, Agara Cafe, Destination Hunts, Choctaw Hunting Lodge, and Double Nickel Taxidermy, The Crown Bar in La Grange Texas, Texas Wildlife Association, Habit, and Burnham Brothers Game Calls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview & Updates Larry’s friends Greg Simons, Brian Feenhold, and Rick Lambert are currently attending the Lander's One-Shot Antelope Hunt. Fellow hunter John Landgrath is out in the field hunting reindeer and European buffalo, also known as wisent. Larry is gearing up for an October 1st black bear bow hunt at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge. He is practicing with a 10-point crossbow and sever broadheads. His goal is to harvest a large bear for a full-body mount for the lodge. Larry shares a health update, noting he recovered from pericarditis last year. This required the removal of a liter of fluid from his heart sac. A new book collaboration is currently underway with Jim Zumbo, Rick Lambert, and Luke Clayton. Hunters should start rattling as soon as the first serious scrapes appear in the woods. Early rattling in October can successfully draw in bucks, even in regions where the peak breeding season isn't until December. Begin by gently rubbing antlers against trees or bushes to simulate a buck making a scrape. After this initial sequence, hunters should rattle periodically every hour. Hunters must remember that older, mature bucks are highly cautious. These big bucks will consistently approach from downwind. Wraith by Burnham Brothers: Larry highly recommends this spray formula. It is designed to eliminate human odor and mask your thermal imaging in the field. Stealth Vision Red Dot: This 3 MOA dot sight mounts easily on a Picatinny rail. Larry uses it on his Taurus handguns and achieves incredibly tight, one-and-a-half-inch groups at 100 yards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview Some of the best outdoor stories are not told from a script. They unfold naturally among old friends who have accumulated decades of hunts, road trips, close calls and unforgettable characters. In this episode of DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, Larry visits with legendary outdoor writer and hunter Jim Zumbo, while longtime friend and outdoorsman Rick Lambert remains an important part of the stories and adventures surrounding their close-knit group. Jim and Larry look back on the early days of the outdoor industry, when writers, hunters and emerging personalities gathered in rustic camps to exchange ideas, test equipment and create the relationships that helped shape modern outdoor media. The conversation moves from a once-in-a-lifetime Colorado moose hunt to the unpredictable realities of traveling across America on the NRA Great American Hunters Tour. Jim also shares the unlikely story of how a legendary Adirondack whitetail helped launch a writing career that would eventually include decades with Outdoor Life, numerous television appearances and more than 20 books. (Apple Podcasts) Jim Zumbo’s early years growing up and hunting in New York The whitetail buck known as “Old Joe” that inspired one of Jim’s first outdoor stories How a professor encouraged Jim to submit his writing to a national publication The ice-fishing article that helped open the door to Outdoor Life Jim’s transition from forestry and wildlife work into outdoor journalism Drawing a rare Colorado moose license Why Jim passed on an enormous bull standing near another hunting camp The difficult decision to harvest a smaller bull on the final day Discovering who eventually took the giant bull Jim allowed to walk Traveling with Larry on the NRA Great American Hunters Tour Speaking in unusual venues—including a bitterly cold ice-skating rink The exhausting and entertaining realities of a nationwide promotional tour The California parking-garage mystery involving a seemingly missing van Historic outdoor-writer camps and the personalities who attended them Early encounters with Bill Jordan, Jim Shockey and other future outdoor-industry leaders How outdoor communication and media have changed over the decades The friendships that remain after the hunts, assignments and miles traveled Jim, Larry and Rick Lambert’s upcoming participation in Wyoming’s One Shot Antelope Hunt Drawing a moose tag is a dream opportunity for many hunters, but the presence of a rare license does not guarantee a simple hunt. Jim recalls encountering an enormous bull—estimated at approximately 50 inches—early in his Colorado hunt. The bull was close to an active elk camp, and Jim chose not to shoot because of the people and activity nearby. As the hunt entered its final day, Jim faced a familiar conflict. He wanted to make the most of the license and bring home valuable wild meat, but the giant bull had not reappeared. Jim ultimately harvested a considerably smaller moose. The story gained one final twist when he learned that a chiropractor from Boulder later harvested the massive bull Jim had passed. The memory illustrates an important truth about hunting: every decision is made within a specific moment, using the circumstances and information available at the time. (Apple Podcasts) Larry and Jim also revisit their years traveling together as part of the NRA Great American Hunters Tour. The tour required long hours on the road, repeated public appearances and presentations in locations that were not always designed with outdoor speakers—or basic comfort—in mind. One memorable stop placed the speakers inside a freezing ice-skating rink in West Virginia. Another adventure unfolded in a California parking garage when Larry and Jim became convinced that their blue van had disappeared. After an increasingly frantic search, they realized the garage’s yellow lighting had created an optical illusion. The blue van appeared white beneath the lights. It was exactly the kind of stressful moment that becomes increasingly funny with each retelling—and the kind of story that could only come from years spent traveling with close friends. (Apple Podcasts) The episode provides a glimpse into a formative period in outdoor-media history. Larry and Jim remember a large writers’ gathering at Tony Knight’s Illinois farmhouse, where approximately 30 people crowded together for an event filled with hunting personalities, emerging companies and future industry leaders. Among those discussed are Bill Jordan, who would become one of the most recognizable names in camouflage and outdoor television, and Jim Shockey, who made a memorable appearance dressed in an all-white hunting outfit. Today, many of the people from those camps are recognized as outdoor-industry icons. At the time, however, they were hunters, inventors, writers and entrepreneurs attempting to establish themselves and introduce new ideas. The stories serve as a reminder that major careers and companies frequently begin with small gatherings, shared opportunities and genuine relationships. (Apple Podcasts) Jim’s writing career began with a legendary Adirondack whitetail known locally as Old Joe. While attending forestry school, Jim harvested the buck and wrote about the experience for the student newspaper. A professor saw potential in his work and encouraged him to pursue a larger audience. Jim eventually submitted an ice-fishing story to Outdoor Life. That early opportunity helped launch a career that would make him one of the most recognizable outdoor writers of his generation. Jim went on to work in forestry and wildlife biology before becoming a major voice in outdoor journalism. His career has included decades of articles, books, speaking appearances and outdoor television. (My Site) The episode also reflects the longtime friendship shared by Larry, Jim and Rick Lambert. Rick is an accomplished outdoorsman, guitarist and songwriter whose friendship with Larry and Jim has led to numerous hunting trips, fishing adventures and evenings spent swapping stories around camp. The three friends are looking ahead to another memorable experience together as part of a team participating in the One Shot Antelope Hunt in Lander, Wyoming. (Apple Podcasts) Their friendship represents one of the episode’s strongest underlying messages: animals, destinations and accomplishments may bring people together, but the relationships created through the outdoor lifestyle are often what matter most. A great outdoor career is not built from one trophy, article, television appearance or successful hunt. It is built through curiosity, perseverance, friendships and a willingness to keep saying yes to the next adventure. Jim Zumbo’s journey—from writing about a legendary Adirondack buck to becoming one of America’s best-known outdoor communicators—shows what can happen when natural talent is combined with encouragement, opportunity and decades of hard work. The episode is also a celebration of outdoor friendships that have survived missed opportunities, exhausting road trips, changing technology and countless miles across hunting country. #DSCCampfires #LarryWeishuhn #JimZumbo #RickLambert #MrWhitetail #OutdoorLegends #HuntingStories #OutdoorWriting #HuntingHistory #ColoradoMoose #WhitetailHunting #OneShotAntelopeHunt #OutdoorPodcast #Conservation #OutdoorLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long before trail cameras, mapping apps and advanced hunting electronics, successful deer hunters learned to read the woods. In this episode of DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, Larry welcomes renowned Master Maine Guide Randy Flannery for an in-depth conversation about the traditional art of tracking and stalking mature whitetail bucks. Randy is the owner and operator of Wilderness Escape Outfitters in northern Maine and a lifelong student of big-woods whitetails. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains that successful tracking involves much more than simply finding hoofprints and following them through the snow. A tracker must learn to interpret the animal’s pace, direction, body language, habitat choices and likely destination. The conversation explores how hunters can judge whether a track belongs to a mature buck, recognize when a deer may be catchable, use changing wind and terrain to their advantage and avoid rushing into the very cover where a buck is likely to be waiting. At its heart, this episode is about preserving a form of woodsmanship that can only be developed through patience, observation and time spent in the field. How Randy was introduced to deer hunting and traditional woodsmanship Lessons passed down through generations of northern Maine hunters The difference between merely following a track and actually interpreting it How stride, track size and movement patterns can reveal clues about a buck Recognizing whether a track is fresh enough to pursue How to decide whether you are gaining ground or endlessly trailing a deer Why mature bucks frequently use terrain, cover and wind to protect themselves Reading feeding areas, bedding cover and natural travel corridors How snow conditions influence a tracking hunt The importance of slowing down as a hunter gets closer to the animal Why a tracker must constantly look ahead instead of staring only at the ground Using the wind without allowing it to dictate every decision How a buck may circle, pause or position itself to monitor what is following The role of patience, instinct and experience in closing the final distance Why map-and-compass knowledge remains an essential backcountry skill Making the first ethical shot opportunity count What modern hunters lose when technology replaces woodsmanship Randy’s efforts to teach tracking and stalking skills to a new generation A deer track is not simply a mark in the ground. It is part of a constantly unfolding story. A knowledgeable tracker studies how far apart the tracks are, how deeply they penetrate the snow or soil, whether the deer was walking, feeding or moving with purpose, and how the surrounding habitat may influence its next move. Randy explains that the objective is not to keep your eyes locked on the individual prints. The hunter must periodically stop, raise their head and search the woods ahead. The buck—not the track—is the ultimate destination. No single measurement provides a perfect answer, but several clues can help a hunter make an educated judgment. A large track, wide stance, long stride and deliberate movement may suggest a mature animal. The way the deer navigates terrain, chooses cover and reacts to potential danger can provide additional information. Randy’s approach emphasizes putting several clues together rather than relying on one isolated sign. One of the most important decisions a tracker makes is whether to continue following a particular animal. Weather, snow conditions, the freshness of the track, the deer’s pace and the hunter’s ability all help determine whether the pursuit is realistic. A buck that is feeding or moving naturally may eventually offer an opportunity. A deer that has been seriously alarmed may continue putting distance between itself and the hunter. The tracker must continually evaluate the sign and be willing to adjust—or abandon—the pursuit when the evidence calls for it. Finding a track may be the easy part. Closing the final distance requires discipline. As the sign becomes fresher, the hunter must become increasingly careful. Every step, sound and shift in wind direction matters. Mature bucks often stop, circle or select bedding locations that allow them to detect approaching danger. Success comes from resisting the urge to hurry and carefully examining every opening, shadow and piece of cover ahead. Modern hunting technology can be useful, but Randy cautions against allowing equipment to replace foundational outdoor skills. Knowing how to navigate, understand terrain, interpret animal sign, anticipate behavior and remain safe in remote country creates a more capable and self-reliant hunter. Randy’s tracking and stalking schools at Wilderness Escape Outfitters are designed to preserve these traditional skills through practical, boots-on-the-ground instruction in the Maine woods. (Wilderness Escape) The best deer trackers do not simply follow where a buck has been. They study the evidence, anticipate where the animal is going and understand why it is making each move. Becoming that kind of hunter requires patience, humility and a willingness to learn something every time you enter the woods. Randy Flannery is a Master Maine Guide, seminar speaker, traditional whitetail tracker and owner of Wilderness Escape Outfitters near Danforth, Maine. Randy learned the fundamentals of tracking and stalking from his grandfather and uncles while growing up in the northern Maine woods. He has spent decades guiding hunters and teaching the practical woodsmanship required to pursue mature whitetails in remote wilderness country. (Springfield Sportsmen's Show) Wilderness Escape Outfitters is a four-season sporting camp located on Upper Hot Brook Lake. In addition to its tracking and stalking schools, the operation offers hunting, fishing, paddling, winter recreation, lodging and family wilderness experiences. (Wilderness Escape) Reading the Woods: Randy Flannery’s Big-Buck Tracking Secrets Track Smarter, Hunt Slower: Big-Woods Wisdom with Randy Flannery Beyond the Hoofprint: The Traditional Art of Tracking Mature Whitetails The Buck Is the Destination: Randy Flannery on Becoming a Better Tracker Finding a deer track is easy. Understanding the story it tells takes a lifetime. Master Maine Guide Randy Flannery joins Larry Weishuhn for an in-depth conversation about tracking and stalking mature big-woods whitetails. Learn how experienced trackers interpret tracks, wind, terrain and deer behavior—and why patience may be the most important piece of hunting equipment you carry. Can you tell the size of a buck from its track? How do you know whether you are closing the distance—or following a deer you will never catch? Master Maine Guide Randy Flannery joins Larry Weishuhn to share hard-earned lessons from a lifetime of tracking and stalking whitetails in the northern Maine wilderness. This episode is packed with traditional woodsmanship, practical deer-hunting knowledge and a powerful reminder that technology can never replace the ability to read the woods. Listen now and share it with a hunter who appreciates doing things the old-fashioned way. Listen to the complete episode for Randy’s hard-earned insights into tracking, stalking and understanding mature whitetails. Subscribe to DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, share the episode with your hunting partners and leave a rating or review wherever you listen. Hunting conditions, regulations and safety requirements vary by location. Hunters should follow all applicable laws, positively identify their target and what lies beyond it, carry appropriate navigation and emergency equipment, and make responsible, ethical shot decisions. #DSCCampfires #LarryWeishuhn #RandyFlannery #MrWhitetail #WhitetailHunting #DeerTracking #BigWoodsBucks #MaineHunting #DeerHunting #Woodsmanship #HuntingPodcast #TraditionalHunting #WildernessEscapeOutfitters #Conservation #OutdoorLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mature animal does not have to see a hunter to know that danger is nearby. In this episode, we sit down with outdoor innovator and inventor Brett Andrews for a fascinating conversation about WRAITH—a new approach to hunter concealment designed to go far beyond ordinary scent-control sprays. Brett explains the ideas, experimentation and product-development journey behind what WRAITH calls its 4-Way “SENSE” Eliminator. Rather than concentrating exclusively on human odor, WRAITH is designed to help reduce four potential detection signals: scent and volatile organic compounds, ultraviolet reflectance, bioelectric fields, and thermal or infrared signatures. The conversation explores how animals experience their environment differently than humans, why hunters should think beyond what they can personally see or smell, and how chemistry may offer an additional layer of concealment in the field. Brett also shares the entrepreneurial side of bringing an unconventional outdoor product to market—the testing, skepticism, setbacks and persistence involved in turning an ambitious idea into a product hunters can evaluate for themselves. Brett’s background in hunting, outdoor-product development and scent-control technology The experiences that led to the creation of WRAITH Why controlling human odor remains important—but may be only one part of the concealment equation How UV brighteners in clothing and detergents may make hunting apparel more noticeable The concepts of bioelectric detection, thermal gradients and infrared signatures WRAITH’s four-part approach to scent, UV, bioelectric and thermal concealment Why the product is supplied as a concentrated powder rather than a conventional premixed spray How activated carbon, zeolite and other ingredients are intended to work together Applying WRAITH to outerwear, boots, packs, blinds and other hunting equipment The importance of field testing instead of relying solely on marketing claims What it takes to challenge long-established thinking within the hunting industry Brett’s vision for the future of full-spectrum hunter concealment WRAITH is designed to address odor through multiple processes rather than simply covering human scent with another fragrance. The company describes its approach as oxidizing, neutralizing, adsorbing and suppressing odor-producing compounds. Many common laundry products contain optical brighteners. Brett discusses why hunting clothes that appear normal to human eyes may look different within the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. Every living body produces a measurable electrical field. WRAITH’s formula is intended to reduce or alter the strength of that signal through a spray-on treatment that can be applied to existing clothing and equipment. The conversation examines thermal contrast, radiant heat and the possibility that animals may respond to temperature differences at close range. WRAITH is designed to reduce the strength of those signals rather than make a hunter literally invisible to thermal imaging. WRAITH is not presented as a replacement for woodsmanship. Hunters still need to understand the wind, plan their approach, control movement, remain quiet and make responsible decisions in the field. Instead, the product represents another potential layer within a complete concealment strategy. Whether you are a whitetail hunter, bowhunter, turkey hunter, predator hunter or simply interested in the science and innovation behind modern hunting equipment, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how much animals may perceive—and how much hunters still have to learn. Brett Andrews is an outdoor-product inventor associated with TRHP Outdoors and Hunt Lab Technologies. His work includes the development of WRAITH and other products intended to solve practical problems for hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen. Explore WRAITH’s official product information, application directions, testing explanations and four-way concealment technology through the official WRAITH Hunting website. Follow Brett Andrews on social media at @brettandrews87 for product demonstrations, field testing, hunting-industry appearances and updates from WRAITH and Hunt Lab Technologies. Listen to the complete episode to hear Brett explain the thinking behind WRAITH, the challenges of developing a new category of hunting technology and why he believes concealment should involve more than camouflage and scent control. Please subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with another hunter and leave a rating or review wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview In this nostalgic episode, host Larry Weishuhn sits down around the mic with his longtime friend Jim Zumbo. Zumbo is a legendary outdoorsman, author, and the former long-time hunting editor for Outdoor Life magazine. The two swap stories from decades of shared adventures, reflecting on the evolution of the outdoor industry, memorable hunts, and the chaotic fun of their early promotional tours. The Colorado Moose Hunt: Jim recounts drawing a rare, once-in-a-lifetime moose tag in Colorado. Early in the hunt, he passed on a massive 50-inch bull because it was standing too close to an active camp of elk hunters. On the final day, wanting to bring home the meat, Jim ended up shooting a much smaller bull. Ironically, he later found out that a chiropractor from Boulder harvested the exact same giant bull he had walked away from. NRA Great American Hunters Tour: Larry and Jim reminisce about traveling across the country together in a van for the NRA. They recall the grueling yet hilarious realities of the tour, which included speaking at unconventional venues like a freezing ice-skating rink in West Virginia. They also share a comical incident in California where they thought their blue van was stolen, only to eventually realize the parking garage's yellow lighting had created an optical illusion, making the van look white. Historic Writer's Camps: The pair discusses the wild, early days of outdoor media gatherings, specifically a 30-person camp at Tony Knight's farmhouse in Illinois. This event featured outdoor industry pioneers like Bill Jordan and marked the first major industry appearance of Jim Shockey, who famously showed up in a solid white hunting suit. The Genesis of a Writing Career: Jim shares the origin of his prolific career, which includes authoring over 20 books. While attending forestry school in the Adirondacks, he shot a legendary local buck named "Old Joe" and wrote about it for the student newspaper. Encouraged by a professor to write for a wider audience, he pitched an ice-fishing story to Outdoor Life, launching a massive career in outdoor journalism. Upcoming Adventures: Wrapping up the episode, Jim talks about his upcoming participation in the prestigious One Shot Antelope Hunt in Lander, Wyoming. He will be hunting on a team alongside close friends, including Rick Lambert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boone and Crockett Club: History & Mission Tony Schoonen shares the rich history of the Boone and Crockett Club, which was founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell. The organization was formed by sportsmen after Roosevelt witnessed the severe decimation of wildlife and natural resources in the West, particularly in the Yellowstone region. In its first two decades, the club was instrumental in passing the Yellowstone Preservation Act (1892) and the Lacey Act (1900), and helped establish the National Forest Reserves, the National Park Service, and the National Wildlife Refuge System. The founders effectively shifted wildlife management away from unregulated market hunting to the sustainable, state-managed model we rely on today. Tony and Larry discuss the vital distinction between conservation (the active, wise use and management of natural resources) and preservation (a "no-touch" approach that can negatively impact ecosystems). The club's iconic records program was established in the 1930s. It was not created as a hunting contest, but as a scientific tool to measure the success of conservation efforts over the previous 30 years. The records program uses the presence of mature male specimens (measured by antler and horn size) as an indicator of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. Today, wildlife managers across North America actively use this database to monitor habitat health. Fair Chase ethics remain a cornerstone of the organization; only free-ranging animals legally harvested under fair chase conditions are eligible for the record books. Tony highlights a major new initiative aimed at combating poaching, a crime that historically suffers from low detection (under 4%) and low prosecution rates. Following a five-year research project funded by the Leopold Foundation, the club realized the massive financial loss the public trust bears due to wildlife theft. The club developed a formula to calculate the true replacement cost of illegally harvested animals and is actively working to implement this into state legislation. The Poach & Pay legislation has already passed in 8 pilot states. The initiative also aims to elevate severe poaching crimes from misdemeanors to felonies. To further empower citizens, the club is developing a smartphone app that will allow individuals to instantly drop a pin and report suspected poaching directly to law enforcement. The core of the Boone and Crockett Club consists of 100 Regular Members (problem-solving business leaders mirroring the original founders) and approximately 167 Professional Members (wildlife scientists, academics, and agency heads). The club also offers an Associate Membership base, which is open to the public and currently boasts around 4,000 grassroots members, an impressive 25% of whom are Lifetime Associates. Hunters and conservationists interested in supporting the club's ongoing legislative, ethical, and habitat-management efforts can join by visiting their website at boone-crockett.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview Larry and Brian reflect on the massive success of the second annual DSC Summer Expo and Foundation Gala. The event featured a diverse, international presence, with exhibitors and dignitaries attending from Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and Africa. Steve Hornady and his family were honored with a Legacy Award from the DSC Foundation in recognition of their steadfast support for hunting, conservation, and the organization. A major highlight of the weekend was the strong family and youth turnout. The DSC Foundation hosted an all-day hunter education class for participants of all ages. Youth attendees enjoyed collecting stamps in their "passports" from participating exhibitor booths to earn prizes and a youth membership to DSC. The Life Member Appreciation breakfast and evening banquets were packed to capacity, reinforcing the familiar "family reunion" atmosphere that defines DSC events. Attendees celebrated the surprise presentation of a birthday cake to Larry Weishuhn by the DSC staff. Atlanta (2027): The next annual convention is scheduled for January 7–10, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, continuing the effort to reach hunters and conservationists in the Southeast. Houston (2028): The convention will make its return to Texas in 2028, taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. Dallas (Future): Once the ongoing reconstruction of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is completed, DSC fully intends to bring the convention back to its traditional home base in Dallas. Brian shares his excitement for an upcoming fishing trip to Belize, where he plans to target near-shore species like tarpon, permit, and bonefish, as well as offshore catches like dorado, wahoo, and tuna. He is preparing for a pronghorn antelope hunt in Wyoming, returning to the area where he experienced his very first Western hunt alongside his father. In late September to early October, Brian will join a melting pot of friends from Louisiana, Illinois, and Texas for a highly anticipated moose hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Larry Weishuhn welcomes Dr. Mike Arnold, a geneticist and well seasoned outdoorsman, to discuss his recent hunting adventures in Africa. Mike shares that he maximizes his transatlantic flights by booking mini-safaris to hunt multiple species across diverse terrains. Mike began his trip in Johannesburg before heading to the Great Karoo, a high-desert region sitting at 6,000 to 6,500 feet in elevation. He hunted on a newly organized 50,000-acre property divided into a 28,000-acre low-fenced area and a 20,000-acre high-fenced area used to protect white rhinos from poachers. His targets were the Bontebok and its closely related subspecies, the Blessbok, both of which were historically driven to near extinction by farmers but saved through agricultural game-farming systems. Mike noted that both species were highly flighty and challenging to stalk, comparing their behavior to North American Pronghorn antelope. He successfully harvested a beautiful Bontebok ram at 250 yards, and after missing two initial shots, harvested a Blessbok at the same distance. The high-elevation terrain was unseasonably cold, and the hunters were snowed on while pursuing game in the higher mountain property. Mike traveled higher into the Stormberg area for a bird hunt commissioned by Diana Rupp for Sports Afield magazine. Using a Fausti shotgun, he targeted Greywing partridge, Guineafowl, and Snipe. The Greywing population was surprisingly sparse, which locals attributed to a recent fungal infection. The wild Guineafowl proved to be incredibly fast runners, requiring a spot-and-stalk hunting approach to flush them out. Snipe hunting in the marshes was extremely difficult because the birds fly only a few feet off the ground, though Mike eventually harvested a female after two missed shots. Despite his wife Frances initially forbidding more taxidermy in the house, they agreed to commission a full-body mount of the snipe. The couple then flew to Coutada 11 in Mozambique, an area characterized by massive conservation successes, including hyena reintroductions and a lion population that grew from 24 to 100 individuals. At Frances's request, Mike embarked on a "community buffalo" hunt to provide meat for a local village. This was a "reverse trophy hunt" where hunters pay to harvest an old, non-exportable Cape buffalo bull solely to feed the community. After a grueling 10-hour track through woods and crocodile-infested marshes, Mike successfully shot the buffalo at 178 yards using a .416 Rigby CZ bolt-action rifle. Mike also hunted a Crawshay's zebra, a unique plains zebra noted for having stripes that go all the way down to its hooves and an asymmetrical backline. He harvested the zebra at 65 yards using his guide's custom .338-06 rifle loaded with Hornady ELD-X bullets. Frances requested the zebra be made into a flat skin rather than a traditional rug with a felt backing to avoid tripping on it in their bedroom. Mike is gathering material for his upcoming book focusing on hunters who have helped bring species back from the brink of extinction. He has two remaining hunts for the book: an Arctic snowmobile hunt for muskox and a hunt for chamois in Spain. Listeners can find Mike's current books and his podcast, Bringing Back the Wild, at mikearnoldoutdoors.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) Larry records this episode from the JW Marriott in San Antonio during the 41st annual Texas Wildlife Association convention. He shares the founding story of the TWA from 1985, which began after he received a call from David Palmer, an assistant director of law enforcement. Larry, along with Gary Machen and Murphy Ray, initially met in a broom closet (room 232) in Austin before moving to Jim's Restaurant to draft a list of 50 key landowners. Today, the organization's youth hunting program has introduced nearly 100,000 children to hunting. In 2025 alone, their legacy programs provided wildlife education to 1.2 million school children. Larry promotes the upcoming DSC Summer Expo, taking place July 23-26 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, featuring over 400 booths. The DSC Foundation Gala will be held on the evening of July 25th to raise funds for wildlife conservation and education. The gala will feature the presentation of the Legacy Award to Steve Hornady. Larry is auctioning off two personal items at the gala: a custom laser-engraved Savage Model 99 and his heavily traveled signature brown hat. He notes that the DSC Foundation recently distributed $1.2 million in grants to highly vetted conservation projects. Larry, approaching 80 years old, outlines his philosophy on wildlife management, distinguishing between conservation and preservation. He defines conservation as a practice that promotes life and carefully considers the habitat for all species. Conversely, he views preservation as having "tunnel vision" that ignores how protecting one specific species impacts the broader ecosystem. In a humorous critique of predator reintroduction advocates, he suggests that grizzly bears should be released into major California cities like Los Angeles and Sacramento so their supporters can live alongside them. Larry is expanding his digital footprint by releasing new 10-to-30-minute bonus video podcasts filmed directly from the field. These new video podcasts will be available on YouTube and CarbonTV. He also invites listeners to follow his new TikTok channel, @LWsWhitetails, where he shares periodic short hunting stories. He continues to co-host "A Sportsman's Life" with Jeff Rice and Luke Clayton, as well as his ongoing audio podcast work. DSC Summer Expo & Foundation GalaConservation vs. PreservationNew Media Projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) Recap Larry dedicates a significant portion of the episode to the history, founding, and impact of the Texas Wildlife Association: Recent Event: Larry recently returned from the 41st anniversary TWA convention, which was held at the JW Marriott in San Antonio. Founding History: TWA was established back in 1985. Larry started the organization alongside his friends Murphy Ray and Gary Machen. The Catalyst: The group was formed after David Palmer, an assistant director of law enforcement, warned them about proposed Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) changes that would adversely affect private landowners. Land Ownership: The founders recognized a critical need to protect landowner rights because 95% to 99% of Texas land is privately owned. The "Broom Closet" Meeting: Initially, TPWD officials dismissed their concerns. The officials sent them to meet in Room 232, which turned out to be a broom closet. Official Formation: In response to being dismissed, they called a meeting at the Y.O. Hilton in Kerrville. Out of 50 people invited, 49 attended to form the "Wildlife Association of Texas" (later TWA). McLean Bowman was elected as the organization's first president. Conservation Impact: TWA has driven successful conservation initiatives, including the Texas Big Game Awards program. They also created the Texas Youth Hunting organization, which has introduced roughly 50,000 children to hunting. Auction Items: During the recent convention's auction, Larry sold one of his Savage Model 99 rifles and a brown western hat. Larry also outlines the history of DSC and details several upcoming events for the organization: DSC History: Larry explains that the Dallas Safari Club split from Safari Club International (SCI) around 1982. Summer Expo Location: Due to space limitations at the K Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the expo previously moved to Atlanta and will eventually move to Houston. However, this year's summer show is being hosted at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. Event Dates: The DSC Summer Expo will take place on July 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th. DSC Foundation Gala: The gala is scheduled for the Saturday night of the expo, July 25th. Awards: The DSC Legacy Award is going to Steve Hornady. Additionally, Dr. Mike Arnold is being recognized as the DSC Foundation Educator of the Year. Leadership: Larry highlights the work of Russell Stacy, Mary Edith, and Kaylee. He directs listeners to DSCF.org for more information. Bonus Content: Larry announces a new bonus video podcast that will focus on real-world field content. Auctions: He also mentions online hunting auctions as an additional platform for listeners to engage with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices