Advertise on podcast: Call of the Outdoors

Are deer populations dwindling in Pennsylvania? Or are way too many whitetails running around?  Biologists Maureen Staats and David Stainbrook join host Matt Morrett to share insights from managing deer throughout the Keystone State. Learn which metrics actually matter for determining herd health, when to hit the woods for peak rut action, and why antlerless allocations change from year to year.  Episode Highlights: Why the Game Commission manages deer at the WMU level When the peak rut happens in Pennsylvania What deer aging tells us about the herd and harvest How antlerless allocation works Why hunters should fill their antlerless tags The impact of antler point restrictions Updates to CWD regulations Resources: Learn more about healthy forests and healthy deer. Check out the Landowner Resources Office. Review CWD regulations.

Every time you go into Penn’s Woods, you take home more than a harvest. So pay it forward and take someone hunting this fall.   Game Commissioner Bob Schwalm and R3 Program Coordinator Evan Mock join host Matt Morrett to discuss the responsibility hunters have to conservation by getting the next generation outdoors through mentorship.      Episode Highlights:  How mentorship builds hunters, creates lasting relationships, and strengthens the future of conservation   The opportunities Pennsylvania offers, from adult and youth permits to special events and seasons How to break down barriers for new hunters The importance of keeping mentees involved in every aspect of the hunt Ways to keep it fun, simple, and pressure-free   Why every harvest is worth celebrating and every “mistake” is a lesson learned Why it’s still a success, even if a mentee doesn’t become a hunter    Resources:   Attend Hunter-Trapper Education or become an instructor. Get your mentored hunting permit.   Sign up for upcoming mentored hunt events. Be on the lookout for upcoming Learn to Hunt programs. Bring archery to your school with NASP.

State Game Lands (SGL) 280 — known as Blue Marsh — isn’t just a haven for hunters. Its diverse habitat helps build a diverse food chain, making it a destination for birding, photography, hiking, dog training, and more. Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Mark Weiss and Land Management Group Supervisor Kevin Clouser join host Matt Morrett to discuss how management plans steer habitat strategies for each SGL, good hunting conditions are prioritized, and all species benefit from diversity.   Episode Highlights: How staff work together to create comprehensive management plans for SGL The unique history and makeup of SGL 280 Why creating habitat diversity helps all wildlife The biggest challenges in managing SGL How Blue Marsh’s healthy ecosystem fosters wildlife studies   Resources: Learn more about habitat management on SGL. Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL.

Did you know Pennsylvania is home to enough state game lands (SGL) that each hunter could have two acres to themselves? Public Lands Section Chief Curtis Noll and Land Management Group Supervisor Rodney Mee join host Matt Morrett to highlight 106 years of the SGL system, the habitat projects that make these lands primed for wildlife, and how we can all keep the 1.5 million acres of SGL wild.   Episode Highlights: History of Pennsylvania’s SGL system Differences between SGL, state forests, and state parks How the Game Commission manages wildlife habitat on SGL Breakdown of the SGL road system Updated regulations and signage on SGL   Resources: Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL near you. Review the latest SGL regulations.

Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss the 2026-27 license year, including guaranteed antlerless licenses for residents, expanded Sunday hunting, turkey season updates, elk applications, and more opportunities than ever to get out in Penn’s Woods.     Episode Highlights:   2026 hunting licenses go on sale June 22, and residents are guaranteed antlerless licenses More Sunday hunting opportunities  Spring gobbler wrap-up and turkey season future Elk application reminder and new changes  Do your part and take someone new into Penn’s Woods  Balancing opportunities with sustainability    Resources:  Log in to your HuntFishPA account. Learn more about antlerless license sales. Find state game lands and public shooting ranges near you. Apply now for an elk license. Become a mentor today!

Applying for the hunt of a lifetime just got easier.   Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield joins host Matt Morrett to provide an update on the Pennsylvania elk herd, explain all the changes to elk hunting for 2026-27, and share tips for getting a glimpse at bugling bulls in elk country.   Episode Highlights: Overview of the current status of PA’s elk population How the simplified elk application process will work Details on updated elk hunt zones and seasons Tips for safe elk viewing   Resources: Review changes to the elk application and seasons for 2026-27.  Learn how to be ELK SMART. Apply to hunt PA elk at huntfish.pa.gov.

Are we living in the golden era of the wild turkey? The godfather of turkey hunting thinks so.   Pennsylvania native and former NWTF CEO Rob Keck joins host Matt Morrett to discuss his role in the turkey hunting boom, from talking conservation with U.S. presidents to expanding opportunity to millions of new hunters.   Episode Highlights Rob’s PA roots and early days hunting Penn’s Woods History of turkey call technology and innovation Conservation successes under his leadership at NWTF His role in expanding the turkey range in the Keystone State How he became the first to complete the Canadian Super Slam Tips for a successful spring gobbler season   Resources Learn more about turkey hunting. Find places to hunt turkeys.

Following the Board of Game Commissioners April meeting, Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss expanded Sunday hunting opportunities, updates to big game seasons and bag limits, and the expansion of the Certified Hunter Program. Episode Highlights: Details on Sunday hunting dates for 2026-27 Why migratory game birds won’t be included in Sunday hunting opportunities Changes coming to spring gobbler season Elk hunting and application process highlights Updates to CWD regulations Certified Hunter Program statewide expansion after pilot year success Resources: Learn more about 2026-27 seasons and other updates from the April 2026 Board of Game Commissioners meeting. Contact the Board of Game Commissioners with your comments.

Turkey hunting icon and champion caller Eddie Salter joins longtime friend Matt Morrett to share stories chasing gobblers with the greats, calling strategies for fooling toms, and wisdom from decades of tagging longbeards.   Episode Highlights: How Eddie got his start turkey hunting and building calls at 10 Insights from winning dozens of turkey calling contests Tactics for success in the turkey woods The truth behind common turkey hunting myths Resources: Learn more about turkey hunting. Find places to hunt turkeys.

Prescribed fire is a HOT topic in Pennsylvania!  Fire Program Manager Bryan Whitmore and Southcentral Assistant Regional Forester Brent McNeal join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of prescribed fire as the ultimate habitat management tool that directly benefits game species and how meticulous practices ensure safety and promote healthy native wildlife habitat.     Episode Highlights:  Current status of the 15-year PGC fire program What an ideal burn day looks like What a burn plan is and why it’s so important Why prescribed fire is an effective habitat management tool  The difference between prescribed fire and wildfire Driving the future of the fire program through refinement   Resources:  Learn more about the PGC prescribed fire program.  View our online mapping system for upcoming prescribed fires.  Sign up for prescribed fire notifications in your area. Check out the Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council.

Growing up with Yellowstone as your backyard gives you a unique appreciation for the great outdoors — just ask Senator James Malone.   The minority chair of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee joins host Matt Morrett and Executive Director Steve Smith to discuss his journey from subsistence hunting in Wyoming to serving Pennsylvania’s top county for hunting licenses sold. He also shares details on a new bill that could boost hunter recruitment and how outdoorsmen can get involved with the legislative process.   Episode Highlights: Senator Malone’s background in the outdoors and how he got into politics Why he believes hunting is critical to conservation How the legislative process works with input from the public Details on his new initiative to promote hunting for future generations When and how to contact senators to make your voice heard   Resources: Learn more about Senator Malone’s first-time hunter deer tag initiative. Donate to Hunters Sharing the Harvest.

Proposed Change to Firearms Deer Season At its meeting next week, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will consider a proposal that could change opening day for hundreds of thousands of deer hunters. Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to explain details of the potential change, how it could affect other hunting seasons, and ways to share feedback with the board.   Episode Highlights: How seasons and bag limits are set Details on the proposals related to firearms deer season Why the board is considering a change The other seasons this proposed change would impact How hunters can make their voices heard and tune in to the meeting   Resources: Contact the Board of Game Commissioners with your questions, comments, or concerns.

Hall of Fame trapper and award-winning bowhunter Tom Miranda joins host Matt Morrett to share insights from over 40 years in outdoor television and a lifetime in the woods. Learn what it takes to be a wilderness trapper, how he achieved the highest honor in conservation, and who he credits with influencing his hunting success.   Episode Highlights: What trapping taught Tom about the woods How he got his start in outdoor media Why trappers make the best bowhunters How he completed the archery Super Slam Tom’s tips for trapping and bowhunting   Resources: Get started trapping. Visit Tom Miranda’s website. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Trappers Association Rendezvous.

Drone recovery, shortened bear seasons, tree stand snacks — we’re tackling the tough topics! Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to answer YOUR questions, straight from social media. From what to do if you find a roadkill deer to why Sundays weren’t included for spring gobbler, they explain current regulations and the latest updates.    Episode Highlights: How changes to regulations, seasons, and bag limits are made What Sunday hunting opportunities will be available in the future Tips for legally packing a deer out of the woods How to get started with a career in conservation Details on junior and mentored hunting programs   Resources: Check current seasons and bag limits. Review regulations in the Hunting & Trapping Digest. Follow us on social media for updates. Contact the Game Commission.

Pennsylvania state game wardens don’t just check hunting licenses in the field — they wear many hats to protect people, wildlife, and habitats.   Col. Rod Danley, the new director of the Bureau of Wildlife Protection, joins host Matt Morrett to share the history of game wardens in Pennsylvania, the passion they share for wildlife, and how hunters can have a great interaction with a warden in the woods.   Episode Highlights: The role of Pennsylvania state game wardens  Tips for trapping coyotes and hunting the rut What to do if a game warden approaches you Why game laws are in place and common regulation questions Col. Danley’s vision leading law enforcement for the agency    Resources: Review the Hunting & Trapping Digest. Find tips for safe hunting. Learn more about Operation Game Thief.