Backcountry Dreaming Podcast: Recent Episodes
Contact Outdoors Media
There are many wonderful people adding to the positive outlook of a backcountry and hunting lifestyle. Our goal is to join them in promoting that outlook. We share stories, tips and tactics of backcountry pursuits.
To those that think it’s impossible to ramp up the intensity without ever lifting a weight or turning on the elliptical machine, think again. Joe and Brian meet up with Land Tawney at quite a telling location to discuss the sweat equity they put into their passions. It’s time to turn up the heat!
Topics discussed:
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The most visited and successful wilderness in America
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It’s our job to use our voice
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The “Oh my god!” moment
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Losing a father at a young age
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The Land Legacy Effect: Teller Wildlife Refuge
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Raiding Retirement Homes
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A quick way to raise $60k and lose 20lbs
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Hiking in moon boots and platform shoes
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Hunting benefits and drawbacks after a scorched earth
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The ridiculousness of coming home to mow the lawn
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Solace of the wild
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When to embrace the grit and when to throw in the towel
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Long distance equestrian riders
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Sometimes it’s learning the story of being a Public Land Owner
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Democracy is driven by those that show up
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5 ways to turn up the heat as a Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) member
Join BHA: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/join
Follow BHA: @backcountryhunters
Follow Land Tawney: @landtawney
Mr. Western DIY, Ross Niebur, returns to the show with a Governor’s Tag story to tell. To all that may think it’s impossible, this one's for you. To all that want it to be their possible, grab a notepad and pen, this one is for the record books.
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The importance of marrying a woman that understands your passion
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A Governor’s tag’s blessing: open to all units
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A Governor’s tag’s curse: narrowing down the units, then the mountain
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Graduate Level Logistics
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Going about a DIY Governor’s Tag: 20 day scout, broken up in 3 trips
— Trip 1: (June) Feel out a mountain range - getting goat shape - climbing into the clouds
— Trip 2: (July) Participated in the Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance survey
— Trip 3: (August) +30 mile solo through hike
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Growth an inch a week
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Watching goats pee
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Hockey puck sized glands
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Amidst a 6k foot ceiling in 9-10k country
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The product of having a Plan B
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Bombing avalanche shoots in crampons
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Shooting a 2x2 alpine opening
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Connecting 3 months of glass to the real thing
Follow along with Ross on Instagram at @rniebur
Joe and Chad sit down with Jamie Carlson from Modern Carnivore to chat about cooking wild game right. The old fashioneds were flowing and Jamie’s smoked whitefish were whetting the appetite. Grab a chair and pour a stiff one with us – you’re bound to get heaping scoops of Jamie’s insight and dashes of humor along the way.
Topics discussed:
— Affinities for white suckers
— Becoming a market fisherman at 6 years old
— Why Grandma’s clothesline is perfect for hanging -squirrels
— Is duck the ultimate gateway game?
— Wet aging
— Garage geese
— Aging shark for 6 months
— Why the gun range is the number 1 reason for better tasting wild game
— Sean Brock’s ideal deer heart preparation
— Scouting for your kids success
— Suffering with age
Joe and Chad sit at the MN BHA table with their Chairman, Aaron Hebeisen (pronounced “hey-bison”). Despite the Minnesota focus, one can still glean insight to understanding how much their corresponding state chapters are bringing to the table.
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6 pack and refreshing for an hour and a half
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Warning: Don’t ever buy duck decoys
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BHA’s 2020 Focus: Engaging and empower Current Membership
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Your Voice is more important than your money and time (but we appreciate them all!)
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Public Grouse Film Tour
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Pheasant Fest
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The BHA Angle on angling
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Pint Night 2-4-1s: Beer and activity in one event
Tickets for Public Grouse Film Tour (chances are, it’s in your state)
Tickets for Pheasant Fest 2020 in Minneapolis
Join BHA
Follow BHA at @backcountryhunters
Follow the BHA Minnesota Chapter at @bha_mn
Follow Aaron at @aaron_hebeisen
Grab your coffee and join Jeff, Joe and groggy Chad as they sit down over morning brew reminiscing of this past waterfowl season’s successes, learning moments, and head scratchers. Topics discussed:
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Uncovering shipwrecks
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Recruitment going full swing
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Do geese jump ahead of the field spread?
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The 3 generation hunt
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Folly of guided hunts
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Jacked up by a trailer jack
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Sea duck hunting in the land-locked Midwest
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Learning curve hunting out of a layout boat
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An 8 month old pup in the field
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Blaze orange in the duck blind??
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A 12 Month hunting dog vs a 2 month hunting dog
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The idiotic epiphany with a duck dog in their prime
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Reactivation after 15 years
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The power of giving back to the disabled
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Do you have any success stories, learning moments, or head scratchers? We want to share it! Please submit to contactoutdoors.com
What could an economics graduate do to change the entire knife industry? Give them a doctor’s scalpel and a dream. Hear how Luke Johnson, the owner and developer of Tyto Knives, is living the dream.
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Why recording at a coffee shop isn’t always the best option
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How to successfully miss 7 antelope and kill 7 deer in one season
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No fear with a fixed blade
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The name behind Tyto
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Taking client feedback with open arms
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Why philanthropy in conservation organizations pays more than just dividends
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The economics behind a doctor’s scalpel
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The greatest caping tool
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Precision - let the blade do the work
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Benefits of quartering vs dragging out a whole animal from the woods/backcountry
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The effectiveness behind the Tyto knife system
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The 75 yard challenge
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Mule deer in velvet
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Distance dichotomy between mule deer and whitetail
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Preseason and pre-hunt scouting
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Website: https://tytoknives.com/shop/
Instagram: @tytoknives
Subjects discussed:
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The 90% success state
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No need to debate various archery methods
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In 100 years a herd of 2,000 to 4MM
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Impacts of Record Precipitation and Record Drought in the same year
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Hunting as a family
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Attaining Hipster status with a Vortex and 6.5mm Creedmoor
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Pros of challenging oneself
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Irony of close proximity
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Squirrel gymnastics
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Self-preservation of wise deer and fate of the foolish ones
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When the wind is almost bad
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Reverse patterning tactics
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We want to hear your story and tactics. Submit it via contactoutdoors.com
They say the best couples travel well, great teams never have “I”s, and lasting marriages remove self. There isn’t a better example of these that we’ve seen in the outdoors than our friends Alli and Andrew who have put on some serious miles together. Listen and laugh along with this engaging conversation that covers the following:
The silver lining of getting cut from the playbook
Husband/wife mentoring dynamics
“Yeah, but I’m strong”
70 arguments become 70 lessons
Death March Doom
Why “the why” is always the answer
Couple dynamics in backcountry groups
Healthy redundancy versus over-packing
The unquestionable, untouchable ukulele
Follow this dynamic duo on Instagram: @allirunswild & @ajvavra
| State of Our Union | No, were not getting political here; rather we’re excited to share some updates with some additions to the Contact Outdoors team, film projects, and podcasts that’ll highlight subjects near and dear to our hearts: conservation and apprenticeship.
Bonus content: Brian is a ”leaker”, volunteering with Capable Partners, hunting safety, bushcraft and field dressing knives from Uinta Knives & Tyto Knives, and guiding/hunting updates from Jeff and Brian.
Plugs:
Capable Partners: capablepartners.org
Uinta Knife Co: @uinta_knife_co
Tyto Knives: @tytoknives
Topics Discussed:
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Outcomes of being a pier bum
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John’s first contact with the outdoors
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The heart and beauty of duck hunting
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80 pine blinds
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Southern Flyway Outfitters origin story
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What is a Decoy Raft and how is it used?
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America’s bird and tactic diversity
Mentions:
southernflywayoutfitters.com/decoyraft
Instagram: @southernflywayoutfitters
Facebook: facebook.com/southernflywayoutfitters/
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCw0IbqFdFLTaXyhzcr_K73g
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
When you know someone that manages the string building crew at Vapor Trail Archery and has extensive archery success in the whitetail woods and muley hills of the Dakotas, it's only a matter of time for a friend to knock on your door with an invitation to chase elk further west. This is the story of how Joe came knocking on Ricky Brule's door and how they tackle their elk trip.
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Planning a western hunt
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Choosing a hunting partner
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Choosing a state
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Picking a unit
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Who shoots when?
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E-scouting
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Prep work (shooting, exercise and mental preparation)
Guest Bio:
Ricky Brule lives in Ham Lake, MN and manages Vapor Trail Archery where he uses his astute archery acumen to help grow the business and raise the success bar for bow hunters.
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Life has tried its best to slow Paul down – as you’re grossly aware of from Chapter 1 with him. Hear out what Paul has done to mentor his son with the same mentality, prepping for the life in the wilderness and so much more.
When Paul talks you listen. When he tells you a story, you best be sitting down. This one brings out all the feels in a harrowing, backcountry experience where fatherly and brotherly love take the forefront during a disaster that would cripple anyone. Anyone, that is, aside from Paul, his son and his friend.
This didn’t make the headlines for any site, paper, or station – it should have, though.
Maybe it’s just telling of who Paul is – a badass that flies under the radar, but shouldn’t. It’s why we’re proud to share his story in this first episode of a two part series.
This is truly what Contact Outdoors is all about: to promote wonderful people that add a positive outlook of a backcountry (and hunting) lifestyle and, in turn, inspire others to connect with the outdoors. You have a story to tell as well. We want to hear it.
Topics discussed:
Cody’s first contact with the outdoors
Brian goes to Alaska!
Cody interviews Brian
How these annual Alaska trips got started
Getting in to shape
Daylight in Alaska
Gear!
Connecting with nature
And much, much more!
Read the blog post about Alaska - contactoutdoorsmedia.com/blog/2018/12/19/big-game-big-country
Mentions in this episode:
Beyond The Lens Productions - beyondthelens.tv
First Lite - firstlite.com
Kifaru - kifaru.net
Vortex - vortexoptics.com
Crispi - crispius.com
Schnee’s - schnees.com
Leki - Leki.com
Tyto Knives - tytoknives.com
Garmin - garmin.com
Enlightened Equipment - enlightenedequipment.com
Smith & Wesson - smith-wesson.com
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
The growth of the show
Spring recaps from Brian, Chad and Joe
Joe’s new dog and his training
Brian details his big lake trout fishing trip
Chad got married!
Chad’s trip to the Boundary Waters
Meal planning for long outdoors trips
How Chad became an outdoors mom
When to not pull the trigger
Cats and dogs
Brian’s eternal packing routine
The meaning of hunting
True and honest self evaluation
And much, much more!
Mentions in this episode:
Nekoda Renken - instagram.com/nekoda
Backpacker’s Pantry - backpackerspantry.com
Heather’s Choice - heatherschoice.com
Mountain House - mountainhouse.com
Read the blog post Brian talks about at the end of the episode - contactoutdoorsmedia.com/blog/2019/6/10/unpredict-ability
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
Happy Father’s Day!
Tom’s backstory with the outdoors
Duck Feet
Family hunting history
Introducing kids to hunting and fishing
Sharing your hunting dog with your child
The experience of hunting vs the act
Which gun to get for a young hunter
How to put your kids in a position to succeed in the outdoors
Ethics and etiquette of hunting with other people
How to be a good parent and mentor in the outdoors
And much, much more!
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
Matt Wright’s outdoors origin story
Remembering first Boundary Waters trips
Brian explains how he planned this trip
Fishing
The Canoe Country Slam! (Grand Slam)
Destinations and locations of the trip
Respecting the wilderness and one another
Cooking in the Boundary Waters
Onion Rings and other recipes
How to plan your own trip
And much more!
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
The Chris Daniels Origin Story
Intro to Mushrooms
Integrating foraging with hunting
Where most mushrooms we eat come from
How to properly cook mushrooms
Gentleman Forager
Forest to Fork
Variations to forage in Minnesota
Medicinal uses
What to look for on the ground
Different types of mushrooms and where to find them
Flora knowledge
Deadly mushrooms
How to tell what mushrooms NOT to eat!
FAQs
And much more!
Referenced in the show:
The Gentleman Forager
Forest to Fork forest-fork.com
Keg and Case Market kegandcase.com
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
Getting to know Ross
Ross’ hunting origin story
Spring bear hunting
Bear hunting states
Planning a trip
Expecting the unexpected
Maps
Where to look for bears in different seasons
How to judge which bear to hunt
Gear choices
Prince of Wales Island hunt
And much more!
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
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A brief history of turkey hunting
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Trap and transplant
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The legend of Boss Tom
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Turkey population through the years
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How to get the best line of sight on a turkey
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When you should and shouldn’t call
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How to direct your call
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Levi offers tips on dating
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Decoys and blinds
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How to deal with hens
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Preferred arrows for bow hunting turkeys
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Preparation for the table
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Passing on hunting to the next generation
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And much, much more!
El Halcon Lodge - halconoutfitters.net
The National Wild Turkey Federation - nwtf.org
Project Upland - projectupland.com
Morning Thunder - morningthunderhunt.com
Contact Levi Glines on Instagram @ljglines
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
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Hunting dogs and different breeds
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How to determine what hunting dogs are right for you
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Living with a hunting dog
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Training and understanding your dog
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Introducing gunfire and birds
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Strengths and weaknesses of hunting dogs
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Understanding your dog’s needs
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Time saving training routines
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Soccer moms for dogs
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics Discussed:
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Brian and Jeff reunite!
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Hunting dogs
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Dog breeding
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State to state hunting regulations
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Practicing calls
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Plans for the future of the podcast and Contact Outdoors
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And much more!
In this episode Jeff mentions Bad Grammar. You can check out their website here:
badgrammaracademy.com
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed:
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Alli’s background, Iowa, Minnesota and deer
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Ultramarathons
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River trips
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Calorie and liquid intake balance
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How proper and improper diets in the outdoors can impact your energy levels and brain function
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Everyone shares what specific foods and minerals help with different areas of your body when you’re on your own
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How and why altitude can change the effects of your diet in the wilderness
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And much, much more!
Follow Alli Carolan on Instagram:
@allirunswild
Joe mentioned a book called ‘Relentless Forward Progress’ by Bryon Powell. You can find it anywhere that sells books. Here’s a link to Amazon to get your search started:
amazon.com/dp/1891369903/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.ryBCbX89J0K4
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Topics discussed in this episode:
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Aaron’s backstory and hunting preferences
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Hunting styles - Old vs New
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Trends
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BHA and the Minnesota Chapter
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Public Lands Day
Follow Aaron on Instagram!
@aaron_hebeisen
BHA website:
backcountryhunters.org
BHA Minnesota Chapter:
minnesota@backcountryhunters.org
Check out Project Upland and The Bird Hunting Epic Podcast
projectupland.com
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
The duo reminisce about what happened in 2018. They think back on some successes, failures and interesting adventures. Both of them discuss many types of hunting trips and even share some thoughts on things they’ve learned throughout their year.
Stick around after the credits at the end of the episode for a fun surprise!
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Brian and Joe talk about Joe’s recent elk hunting experiences as well as shoes, bows and how to properly insulate your pants (and house!) when it’s cold outside!
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or email.
contactoutdoorsmedia.com
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
twitter.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Subjects Discussed:
-Being in the Boundary Waters wilderness
-Lake trout fishing
-How to plan a trip to the Boundary Waters
-Fish recipes!
-A brief history of Contact Outdoors
-The purpose and direction of this podcast
Do you have a story about how you connected with the outdoors? We would love to hear it! Contact us via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or email.
facebook.com/contactoutdoors
instagram.com/contactoutdoors
twitter.com/contactoutdoors
contactoutdoorsmedia@gmail.com
Get more information about the Boundary Waters:
bwca.com
boundarywatersjournal.com
Subjects Discussed:
-Chad’s origin story
-Hunting as a kid
-Shotguns
-Teaching youth about hunting
-The world of waterfowl
-Waterfowl feet!
-Book recommendation
-Teaching the disabled to hunt
-Much more!
The book recommended by Chad Fix is ‘Stories of the Old Duck Hunters and Other Drivel’ by Gordon MacQuarrie.
You can find Chad Fix and ‘Sota Boy Adventures online at sotaboyadventures.com and on Instagram @cfixer
Subjects Discussed
-Ricky’s buck
-Bow strings and materials
-Vapor Trail’s new archery rest
-Much more!
Subjects Discussed:
-John’s Name
-Lake Superior
-The aura Superior gives off
-Fish species
-All things looper fishing
-The end of looper fishing in Superior
-Eating and cooking fish
-Much more!
John Yankowiak referenced North Shore Guide Service in this episode. Visit their website at northshoreguideservice.com
Subjects Discussed:
-BDP Round 2!
-About Joe and Brian
-Backcountry Dreaming
-Contact Outdoors
-Why everyone is a nerd
-What to expect
-What we are all about