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Episode 260 - Patrick Flanigan Returns. A Decade Later and Ready to Reload Almost ten years ago, world famous trick shooter Patrick Flanigan joined me on the HuntFishTravel Podcast after one of my favorite turkey hunts in South Dakota's Black Hills. We swapped hunting stories, talked about life in the outdoor industry, and had one of those conversations that still makes me laugh every time I listen to it. Then... he disappeared. Patrick stepped away from the outdoor industry, left behind a career that included nine world records, television shows, sold-out exhibition shooting performances, and years on the road. Like many people, he reached a point where the constant travel and pressure outweighed the passion that had driven him for nearly two decades. Rather than burn out completely, he chose to step away and focus on what mattered most, his family and rediscovering himself. Now he's back. In this episode, Patrick shares why the timing finally felt right to launch his 2026 Reloaded Tour, what fans can expect from his live exhibition shooting shows, and why he's approaching this next chapter very differently than the first. Instead of trying to fit into someone else's mold, he's building shows around entertainment, authenticity, and bringing new people into the shooting sports, whether they've ever picked up a shotgun or not. We also catch up on everything that's changed over the past decade, from raising four daughters who love the outdoors, to moving back to Wisconsin, to the role AI and social media now play in entertainment and outdoor content. Along the way, we revisit some of our old podcast memories, and laugh about just how much has changed... and how much hasn't. If you listened to the newly republished Episode 259, you'll appreciate hearing where Patrick's journey has taken him nearly a decade later. And if you're new to Patrick Flanigan, this is the perfect introduction to one of the most accomplished exhibition shooters in the world, and someone who's rediscovering why he fell in love with the shooting sports in the first place. Follow Patrick on Facebook, YouTube, and his social channels for announcements about upcoming 2026 Reloaded Tour dates and appearances. As public events are announced, I'll update the links here so you can catch one of his live shows.

Originally Published: March 9, 2016 Every once in a while, I come across an old episode that deserves another listen. Back in March of 2016, shortly after attending the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Cast & Blast in Deadwood, South Dakota, I sat down with world-record exhibition shooter Patrick Flanigan to talk turkey hunting, hunting property management, outdoor media, and the unforgettable adventures we shared in the Black Hills. That turkey hunt remains one of my favorite hunts to this day. The weather was unpredictable, the birds were stubborn, and while nobody tagged a turkey during our hunt, the memories made with Patrick and fellow outdoor writer Mike McGrew have lasted far longer than any harvest ever could. Listening back nearly ten years later, what struck me most was how relevant so much of this conversation still feels today. Patrick and I discussed authenticity in outdoor media, the growing influence of social media, hunting culture, mentorship, and the importance of staying true to yourself in an industry that was already beginning to change. I wanted to revisit this episode for a very special reason. On Wednesday, June 10, I'll be releasing Episode 260, where I sit down with Patrick again, almost ten years to the day after this original interview. In that conversation, we talk about his return to the outdoor industry, his renewed passion for hunting and shooting sports, and his upcoming 2026 Reloaded Tour. It's fascinating to hear where Patrick was in 2016 and compare it to where he is today. This episode serves as a snapshot in time and a reminder that while a lot can change in a decade, some things, like a passion for the outdoors and a good turkey hunting story, never really do. So before Episode 260 drops, I invite you to take a trip back to the Black Hills with us. In this episode, we discuss: • Turkey hunting in South Dakota's Black Hills • Hunting property management and trail camera strategies • Quality deer management practices • Outdoor media and authenticity in the hunting industry • Mentoring youth in the shooting sports • Women in the outdoor industry • The evolution of hunting television and outdoor content • Memories from the AGLOW Cast & Blast in Deadwood • Legendary turkey hunter Mike McGrew and the stories that still make us laugh today Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Episode 260, where Patrick and I reconnect nearly a decade later to discuss his return to the outdoor industry and the launch of his 2026 Reloaded Tour.

Chris Avena, editor of American Outdoor News stopped by during the Professional Outdoor Media Association Summit to tell us all about his magazine and his podcast. He shares his top two episodes and why you as a hunter or fisherman need to tell the world your story. Links: Website

I had a chance to sit down with Evan from Zero Trace Baits here at the Professional Outdoor Media Association Summit in Minnesota. This young entrepreneur has come up with a genius biodegradable bait system and he's sharing how it started, how it's going and how he's making a difference in the fishing world. Links: Website

What makes a perfect fish fry? That is exactly what I set out to explore in this episode of the Hunt Fish Travel Podcast with Sheila Pederson, president of Chef Robert's Gourmet Breading Mix. We dive into what really matters when it comes to cooking fish, wild game, and the meals that come after the hunt or the catch. I have always believed that the moment you sit down to eat what you harvested is just as important as the time spent in the field or on the water. In this conversation, we talk about why that meal sticks with you, how to keep the focus on the fish instead of the breading, and simple ways to elevate your wild game cooking without overcomplicating it. Sheila shares the 40 year history behind Chef Robert's, how it started in a Minnesota restaurant, and how it has grown into a go to option for anglers, hunters, and families who want an easy, consistent, and flavorful way to cook walleye, perch, pheasant, venison, and more. We also get into real world fishing stories, including guides cooking fresh catches right on the pontoon, and why those experiences turn into the kind of memories you never forget. From shore lunch staples to quick weeknight meals, this episode is all about making the most of what you harvest. If you have ever been disappointed by a fish fry that tasted more like breading than fish, or you are looking for a better way to cook your wild game, this episode is for you. Links: Chef Robert's Gourmet Breading Mix Website Chef Robert's Gourmet Breading Mix Facebook

Discover how Manasota Key Resort in Florida has rebounded from hurricanes and turned adversity into a story of resilience and beauty. Join Shelly Quirrenbach and I as we explore the island's transformation, community spirit, and the endless appeal of its natural scenery. In this episode: Shelly shares the history of Manasota Key Resort and its evolution since the 1960s The impact of Hurricane Ian, Helene, and Milton, and the community's rebuilding journey How natural erosion and storms have reshaped the iconic Stump Pass and surrounding areas The unique ocean and bay wildlife, beaches—cleaned and restored after the storms The resort's amenities including private beaches, kayaking, bocce, and more How tourists and visitors have responded, with stories of gratitude and community support Tips for visiting, dining, and staying at the resort with current amenities The demographic shift towards younger travelers post-pandemic and Florida's appeal for all ages How the community's resilience can inspire other coastal destinations Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Manasota Key Resort and episode overview 00:28 - Shelly discusses the resort's history and hurricanes' impact 01:05 - The destruction caused by recent hurricanes and the community's determination 02:20 - The natural transformation of Stump Pass and local ecosystems 03:16 - Rebuilding efforts and surviving hurricanes in Florida 04:25 - Photos and drone footage showing area changes over time 05:38 - The evolving demographics of Manasota Key and Florida's appeal 06:41 - The community-first response and visitor support during recovery 07:55 - Amenities now available at Manasota Key Resort 09:11 - Local dining options and accommodations 10:15 - The future of the area's natural environment and conservation efforts 11:20 - Why Florida's resilience makes it a compelling destination 12:30 - How visitors can help and support the local community  Links Manasota Key Resort SpyPoint Trail Cameras Hunt Fish Travel Facebook Stump Pass State Park   Connect with Shelly Quirrenbach: LinkedIn Facebook

"HuntFishTravel Episode 254 - Jim Crowley, host of Hook and Hunt TV at the All Canada Show" Jim Crowley stops to chat about how the All Canada Show got started, why you should attend and how he got started in the outdoor industry. Check out his show Hook and Hunt TV!

Episode #253 - Ice Fishing Safety and Strategy: Tip-Ups, Moving Fish, and Avoiding Disaster with Matthew Crawford In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Crawford, a passionate Wisconsin angler who has built a reputation for sharing real-world fishing knowledge, honest experiences, and practical ice fishing tactics. Matthew walks me through how he went from casually fishing with family to becoming deeply committed to ice fishing during COVID, including the early mistakes that shaped how he fishes today. We talk about why movement is critical on the ice, how to use tip-ups more effectively, and how understanding fish behavior can turn slow days into successful ones. We also dive into ice safety in a very real way. Matthew shares a firsthand experience of falling through early-season ice and what he learned from it. It's a powerful reminder that ice fishing requires not fear, but respect, preparation, and caution. This episode is packed with Wisconsin-specific insight, tactical advice for ice anglers, and lessons that apply whether you're brand new to fishing or have been chasing fish for decades. Links: Wisconsin Fishing Club Matthew Crawford on YouTube Matthew Crawford on Facebook Timstamps: 00:00 Introduction to Matthew Crawford and His Fishing Journey 02:20 The Evolution of a Fishing Enthusiast 05:17 Exploring Wisconsin's Fishing Hotspots 08:09 The Importance of Movement in Ice Fishing 10:50 Ice Safety Lessons Learned from Experience 17:29 The Reality of Ice Fishing Risks and Precautions 19:56 Understanding Tip-Ups for Northern Pike Fishing 26:13 Choosing the Right Hole Size for Ice Fishing 28:23 Strategies for Fishing New Bodies of Water 32:32 Techniques to Trigger Fish Strikes 37:43 Learning from Experience and Observation

"Episode 252 - Walleye Fishing Tactics That Actually Work with Joe Henry | Reading Water, Finding Fish & Chicagoland Fishing Expo" In this episode of the HuntFishTravel Podcast, I welcome back Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, to talk all things Chicagoland Fishing Expo and walleye fishing tactics that actually work. Joe breaks down the seminars he'll be presenting in Schaumburg, including how to read the water, where walleyes live and why, and how to apply the same tactics across different lakes and regions. We get into practical strategies like doing your homework before you ever hit the water, identifying high-percentage spots, running a "milk run" on new lakes, and adjusting your approach based on wind, water color, light conditions, and fish behavior. Joe also shares real-world tips on efficiency, boat control, and small adjustments that can make a big difference whether you're fishing shallow or deep. Along the way, we talk about learning from others, being willing to ask questions no matter your experience level, and how mentorship and community play a huge role in becoming a better angler. From personal fishing stories to the importance of giving back and helping others succeed, this episode is a reminder that fishing isn't just about catching fish, it's about growth, relationships, and time spent on the water.   00:00 Welcome and Expo Overview 01:22 Motivational Kickstart 05:09 Fishing Techniques and Learning Experiences 10:58 The Importance of Continuous Learning 15:37 Upcoming Seminars at the Expo 21:57 Fishing Conditions and Strategies 28:41 Fishing Memories and Family Bonds 29:34 The Importance of Veteran Organizations 31:29 Paid Forward: A Healing Fishing Event for Veterans 33:32 Understanding Veteran Experiences 38:01 The Chicagoland Fishing Expo: What to Expect 44:39 Building Community Through Fishing Events

In this episode of the HuntFishTravel Podcast, I sit down with Amy Siewe, better known as The Python Huntress. Amy is a professional python hunter working on the front lines of conservation in Florida, helping remove one of the most destructive invasive species in North America. We talk about how she went from real estate broker to full-time python hunter, what it's actually like to hunt massive snakes in the wild, and why this work is so critical to protecting native wildlife in the Everglades. We dive deep into how Burmese pythons ended up in Florida in the first place, the impact they've had on native mammals and ecosystems, what a real python hunt looks like, from spotlighting roads at night to catching snakes by hand, the largest python Amy has ever caught and a wild story to go with it, and how python hunting ties directly into scientific research and conservation. This episode is fascinating, intense, occasionally jaw-dropping (I probably said "bananas" way too many times to count), and deeply rooted in responsible conservation. Amy's respect for wildlife and the Everglades comes through loud and clear and I walked away with a whole new understanding of just how serious the python problem really is. Whether you're a hunter, angler, conservationist, or just someone who loves wild stories from the field, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Learn more or book a hunt: pythonhuntress.com Follow Amy's adventures: @thepythonhuntress on Instagram and @pythonhuntress on Facebook. Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:24 – Opening intro & setting the Everglades scene 01:24 – 02:37 – Meet Amy Siewe, The Python Huntress 02:37 – 04:05 – How Amy became a professional python hunter 04:05 – 05:48 – From thrill-seeking to conservation mission 05:48 – 07:16 – How Burmese pythons invaded Florida 07:16 – 08:47 – Population explosion & lack of predators 08:47 – 10:22 – How big pythons get (and how dangerous they could be) 10:22 – 12:18 – What pythons eat & ecosystem collapse 12:18 – 14:17 – Why the Everglades are the perfect python habitat 14:17 – 15:55 – How python hunts actually work 15:55 – 16:18 – Catching pythons by hand 16:18 – 17:30 – Spotting snakes at night 17:30 – 24:46 – The 17-foot, 110-pound python story 24:46 – 26:39 – Why live capture is necessary 26:39 – 29:07 – Research, data, and working with biologists 29:07 – 30:44 – Hair-raising moments in the field 30:44 – 31:39 – Licensing, legality, and invasive species rules 31:39 – 33:29 – Ethics, conservation, and respecting wildlife 33:29 – 35:25 – Booking a hunt & following Amy online 35:25 – 36:03 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

In this episode of the HuntFishTravel Podcast, I'm on location at Devil's Lake, North Dakota, for a media trip hosted this past spring by the Devil's Lake Tourism Bureau in conjunction with the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. While there, I had the chance to sit down with Jared Pokrzywinski, an experienced fishing guide and Pro Staff Team member, to talk all things Devil's Lake. Jared shares his story of turning his passion into a career and offers practical tips for both beginners and seasoned anglers. We cover everything from seasonal targets - why walleye are king in summer and perch rule in winter - to the thrill of chasing northern pike with tip-ups. Jared even lets us in on his favorite bait, frozen smelt, and explains why electronics are non-negotiable for anyone fishing Devil's Lake. What I found especially fascinating is how the lake's ever-changing water levels create a constantly evolving fishery. Jared describes Devil's Lake as a giant aquarium, full of underwater structures and community spots that consistently hold fish. He also makes a strong case for hiring a guide if it's your first time on the water here, not just to find fish, but to safely navigate this massive lake. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Jared's dream job of getting paid to fish Seasonal favorites: walleye in summer, perch in winter Northern pike and the excitement of tip-up fishing Frozen smelt as the go-to winter bait Why Devil's Lake is like a giant aquarium The importance of hiring a guide your first time Electronics as the secret to finding fish Challenges created by fluctuating water levels Why community spots always draw anglers Trusting your electronics and scouting before dropping lines A huge thank-you to Devil's Lake Tourism for the amazing hosting experience. This truly is a fisherman's dream destination, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it. 👉 Plan your own trip to Devil's Lake at https://devilslakend.com.

In this episode I sit down with Kevin Paulson to talk about his passion for mule deer hunting and why Nebraska deserves more attention as a hunting destination. We cover the challenges of the Nebraska draw system, the importance of prioritizing safety in the field, and how quality hunting gear and education have improved over the years. I share my experience attending the Aglow conference and how networking with other outdoor writers and content creators opens doors for collaboration, media trips, and exciting new opportunities. If you are interested in mule deer, hunting in Nebraska, or learning more about the outdoor writing community, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mule Deer Hunting in Nebraska 02:53 Kevin Paulson's Journey and Connection to Nebraska 05:27 Understanding Nebraska's Mule Deer Hunting Regulations 08:18 The Hidden Gems of Nebraska for Hunters 10:59 Public Land Access and Hunting Strategies 13:46 The Evolution of Turkey Hunting Gear and Techniques 16:28 Safety in Hunting: A Critical Discussion 23:37 Conscious Hunting Practices 25:25 The Importance of Aglow Conference 27:04 Membership Benefits of Aglow 29:51 Networking Opportunities at Aglow 33:53 Speed Marketing and Collaboration 36:34 Engaging Events and Activities at Aglow 40:42 Media Trips and Content Creation 44:30 Corporate Membership Advantages 47:22 The Value of AGLOW Membership   Links: HuntingLife.com

Wisconsin deer hunters: big changes are coming in 2025. In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Pritzl - Deer Specialist of the Wisconsin DNR to unpack exactly what you need to know before the season starts. We cover the evolution of deer management units, how biological data and social factors shape regulations, and the role advisory councils play in decision-making. You will see how the 2024 map compares to the 2025 map, why metro subunits exist, and what the latest archery vs firearm hunting trends reveal. We dig into county-specific tags, differences between public and private land regulations, and how new rules can influence the way you hunt. We also break down herd population goals, how qualified people can actually get involved, and the challenges of managing deer numbers across the state. If you want to understand the 2025 Wisconsin deer hunting regulations from the ground up and be ready for opening day, this episode is a must-listen. Links: 2025 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Map 2024 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Map 2025 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations Paul Smith article "DNR begins process to modify deer management units, mostly in northern Wisconsin" WI DNR Atlas Map (Take your time, add the layers to see the deer layers)   Subscribe to the show - and don't forget to leave a 5 star review! Spotify - Subscribe Here Apple Podcasts - Subscribe Here Watch on YouTube! Subscribe here! Amazon Music - Subscribe Here iHeart Radio - Subscribe Here Audible - Subscribe Here

In this episode, I interview Captain Jay Withers, owner of Silverlining Charters. We discuss Captain Jay's journey from being a diamond dealer in Ohio to becoming a fishing guide in Florida. The conversation highlights the beauty of Punta Gorda, the excitement of fishing for the Florida inland slam, and the various activities available in the area. Captain Jay shares his passion for fishing and guiding, as well as upcoming adventures in...you're not going to believe this...Wisconsin of all places... and the Bahamas. 02:02 Introduction to Captain Jay Withers and Silverlining Charters 06:08 Captain Jay's Journey from Ohio to Florida 09:57 Guiding and Fishing Adventures in Florida 13:22 The Florida Inland Slam Experience 16:55 Exploring Punta Gorda and Englewood Area 20:13 The Resilience of Florida's Tourism 22:53 Upcoming Fishing Adventures and Future Plans Links: Captain Jay's Website Guidelines TV YouTube Channel

In this episode of the Hunt Fish Travel Podcast, I sit down with author Ted Rulseh to talk about his latest book, You Should Have Been Here Last Week, a heartfelt collection of fishing stories from his life. Ted opens up about his journey as a writer and why storytelling matters so much in the outdoor community. We chat about the feedback he's gotten from readers, how living in Wisconsin has shaped his work, and his deep interest in the science of lakes. Ted also talks about the growing need for environmental awareness and highlights how vital community support is for writers. He encourages everyone to share their own stories, too. 02:45 Introduction to Ted Rulseh and His Book 04:45 The Journey of a Fisherman: Stories from an Angling Life 09:20 The Importance of Storytelling in Fishing and Hunting 14:13 Living in Wisconsin: A Fisherman's Perspective 19:31 Ripple Effects: Understanding Our Impact on Lakes  25:24 The Writing Process and the Role of Critique 28:47 Teasers from 'You Should Have Been Here Last Week' Links: The Lake Guy Website Ted's book on Amazon