Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast: Recent Episodes
Wingmen
Pull up a chair, crank up the volume, grab a beverage and get ready for a real world bird hunting podcast brought to you by Eastmans’. Here at the Wingmen podcast we eat, sleep and breathe ducks, geese, upland birds, turkeys, dogs, shotguns, gear and tactics, 24-7. The Wingmen Podcast is hosted by hunters, folks whose passion for all things winged is sewn into the flannel fabric of our souls. We love a good story, a deep laugh, a hot new tactic and all the latest gear from around the world of wingshooting. The Wingmen Podcast is brought to you by Eastmans’ Publishing
Wingmen Podcast host Todd Helms sits down again with his Wingman, Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers. The guys dive into summer dog training and conditioning. They also take discuss started dogs vs. puppies and why you should choose one over the other. They end up talking about the pros and cons of dew claws and whether or not dogs should have them. As summer heats up these guys have a plan to get the most from their dogs so they are well-oiled machines come hunting season. Our sponsors:Kryptek Gear: bit.ly/Kryptek-EastmansFederal Ammunition: bit.ly/FederalPremium-EastmansLeupold: bit.ly/Leupold-EastmansHi Mountain Seasonings: bit.ly/HiMountainSeasonings-Eastmans
In this episode of the Wingmen Podcast host Todd Helms gets honest about what the life of a hunting dog, that's also a pet, looks like this time of year. From morning walks and socialization to getting in training when and where you can, Todd breaks down his methods during the busy months, his plan for more intense summer training/conditioning and critiques the social media pressure to "always be grinding" with your dog and why that's not the best approach for getting the most from your canine companion. Our sponsors:Kryptek Gear: https://bit.ly/Kryptek-EastmansFederal Ammunition: https://bit.ly/FederalPremium-EastmansLeupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-EastmansHi Mountain Seasonings: https://bit.ly/HiMountainSeasonings-Eastmans
Wingmen Podcast Host Todd Helms sits down with Wingmen and Eastmans' staffer Scott Reekers to breakdown their recent turkey hunt in Montana with Circle S Outfitters. The fellas chat about scouting, hunting with an outfitter, turkey behavior and how they had to adjust their tactics to find success. The harvested four big toms in three days of hunting and Todd was able to help a first-time turkey hunter take his first gobbler. It was an epic hunt and this is a great episode of the Wingmen Podcast. Our sponsors:Kryptek Gear: bit.ly/Kryptek-EastmansFederal Ammunition: bit.ly/FederalPremium-EastmansLeupold: bit.ly/Leupold-EastmansHi Mountain Seasonings: bit.ly/HiMountainSeasonings-Eastmans
Want to harvest more turkeys? Wingmen Podcast host Todd Helms lines out his Top 5 skills to get more birds into your lap and onto your plate. From gear and calling to scouting and patience, Todd breaks down the skills that have made him a consistent turkey assassin for 35 years! There are some gems in the episode, don't miss out. Our sponsors:Kryptek Gear: https://bit.ly/Kryptek-EastmansFederal Ammunition: https://bit.ly/FederalPremium-EastmansLeupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-EastmansHi Mountain Seasonings: https://bit.ly/HiMountainSeasonings-Eastmans
Every once in a while you get to know someone you really gel with. Dan Compton from Federal Premium is one of those folks. Host Todd Helms sits down with Dan and the guys recap their time on a snow goose hunt, Federal's shotshell product line and perhaps most importantly, how Dan got his job with Federal. This podcast is pure gold if you're looking to break into the outdoor industry or wanting to change up your career in general. Dan is a great guest and his story is inspiring. Don't sleep on this episode. Show Sponsors:Kryptek Gear: https://bit.ly/Kryptek-EastmansFederal Ammunition: https://bit.ly/FederalPremium-EastmansLeupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-EastmansHi Mountain Seasonings: https://bit.ly/HiMountainSeasonings-Eastmans
Wingmen host Todd Helms sits down once again with Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers to recap Todd's recent snow goose hunt with Platte Basin Outdoors, discuss all things puppies; Josh has Labradors available, and chat about spring turkey plans. This is another great tag-team episode between Wingmen and Red Flats Retrievers. Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Live From The Blind! This episode features guest Tyler Grethen of Weatherby and host Todd Helms recording while on a snow goose hunt in Nebraska with Platte Basin Outdoors. They guys get interrupted by geese in this off the cuff episode of the Wingmen Podcast. It's full of laughs and insight as Todd and Tyler go over Weatherby's new Element II shotgun and discuss Tyler's journey to Weatherby as well. Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Wingmen Podcast host Todd Helms breaks down how to get the most from a spring snow goose hunt. Whether you hunt DIY or with an outfitter Todd's gear and expectations suggestions are pure gold. He's looking forward to an upcoming snow goose hunt and walks you through his preparation for success. Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Wingmen Podcast host Todd Helms sits down with Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers to discuss "wins" from the season. Winter is a great time for reflection and the guys go over what went right this season and what they need to continue working on with their dogs. It's a great end of the season episode that gets the wheels turning for next year. Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Duck hunting the late season can be a dangerous endeavor. Todd Helms and Josh Lancaster revisit the final day of duck season 2023/24 and walk you through how they made the hunt a smashing success. From breaking and cutting literal metric tons of ice to create a safe hole for the dogs to keeping both dogs and hunters functioning through the extreme conditions. This is a stellar recap of one of the best hunts Wingmen has ever had and it compliments the hunt video available on the Wingmen YouTube channel. Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Mackinaw is the dog that built the Wingmen brand. Sadly, he has passed on and Wingmen Podcast host, Todd Helms commemorates Mackinaw in this candid episode as he talks about Mack's life. It's a behind the curtain episode that every dog lover will understand. Gone but never forgotten, Mackinaw will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who hunted with and knew him.Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Wingmen host Todd Helms sits down, once again, with his Wingman, Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers to discuss correcting and mitigating dog issues while on a hunt. Todd's Labrador Hondo, is an excellent duck dog but proned to "breaking" when Todd shoots. The guys devise a plan for helping Hondo to be steadier and then they get into different dog breeds and applications for each as Todd is exploring the idea of getting a pointing dog to increase his upland bird hunting opportunities.Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
50 DUCKS is a website and App that follows waterfowl fitted with GPS telemetry devices across North and Central America, allowing real-time migration updates from specific birds across the entire range of flyways. The brainchild of Greer Smith, an avid waterfowler, 50 DUCKS was created as an educational tool for teachers, kids and of course hunters but its application is broader. Host Todd Helms sat down with Greer to take a deep dive into the program and a specific look at some individual birds amazing migrations. A Wigeon stopping in the high desert of Wyoming, a Northern Shoveler who migrated at 17,000 feet and of course theres the snow goose who has visited the Yucatan Peninsula and the Atlantic seaboard in the same year! 50 DUCKS houses fascinating information, you can access the website through this link. https://50ducks.com/ Use the code: WINGMEN for a discounted price.Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Wingmen host Todd Helms breaks down the Top 5 most important waterfowl hunting skills. From scouting and shooting to hides, decoy placement and calling, Todd uses his 30+ years of waterfowl hunting experience to help you hone your waterfowling skills in this episode of Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast.Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Wingmen host Todd Helms sits down for a solo podcast deep dive into shotgun chokes. He discusses what chokes are, how they work and which ones to use for different types of hunting. This episode was recorded in response to a YouTube question about shotgun chokes and Todd goes down the rabbit hole into everything related to shotgun chokes. Todd also wrote a blog about this topic which can be found at the link below where you can also sign up for the monthly Wingmen newsletter, Wingbeats so you'll never miss an episode of Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast plus you'll be entered to win tons of free gear! https://eastmans.com/wingmen/Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Todd Helms and Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers sit down for another laugh-filled, knowledge loaded podcast about dogs, hunting and life. Josh has had a busy fall of big game hunting and just took his first bull elk. The fellas chat about focused intensity leading to success in life; whether it's on hunts, at home or on the job. Josh dives into dog training during hunting season and how it's not about running big drills but doubling down on the little things like obedience and steadiness. In the end this episode is a fun listen, filled with insights and tips to get the most of your hunting season. Show Sponsors:Federal - www.federalpremium.comKryptek - www.kryptek.comLeupold -www.leupold.com
Devin Mellars of Platte Basin Outdoors and Host Todd Helms sit down to catch up since their last hunt together. They pair discuss the pros of hunting with an outfitter and breakdown the keys to success PBO has nailed down. Devin is a fireman by trade and he dives into what got him into that line of work and how well it melds with a hunt-driven lifestyle. Another great episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Todd Helms and new Wingmen Podcast cohost, Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers sit down to recap and analyze their first hunt of the season where Josh took his first sandhill crane and the guys put together a 13 bird pile of geese and ducks as well. They talk dog work, shooting, decoy strategy and Todd give his thoughts on the new Weatherby SORIX shotgun as well as announces the new Wingmen and Weatherby partnership.
Full Color Waterfowl was born from a love for waterfowl and capturing ducks and geese doing what they do through top notch photography and graphic design. Justin Adamski is a creative who also love to hunt and capture his passion to share with others for education and entertainment. A visit to Full Color Waterfowl's website, fullcolorwaterfowl.com or his social media pages reveals his top-level talent in his merchandise that makes great gifts for any die-hard duck hunter in your life. This is another awesome podcast episode and you just might walk away with some Christmas ideas.
Weatherby is famous for its rifles but the company has been offering shotguns for almost as long and they are some of the best you can buy. Host Todd Helms sit down with Weatherby front man, Adam Weatherby to chat about the history of the Weatherby brand, its shotguns. Todd and Adam are expecially excited about the new Weatherby SORIX autoloader. Weatherby built this intertia-driven duck slayer from the ground up to outperform expectations and Todd's experience shooting the SORIX proves it to be a homerun! This is a killer episode and one you don't want to miss.
Jeremiah Doughty is allergic to beef and it drove him to expand his knowledge of wild game processing and cooking. He is now an authority on cooking and eating all things wild! Host Todd Helms sat down with Jeremiah to get some pointers on elevating his waterfowl cooking and learned a thing or two; like eating "rice-breasted" ducks. Jeremiah's cannonball approach to life has opened up a world of hunting and teaching new and seasoned hunters how to approach meat as meat, wild or not. Jeremiah offers total immersion classes in hunting and cooking wild game that are worth looking into and the recipes on his website https://fromfieldtoplate.com/category/duck/# are without equal. He's also got a podcast you can listen to anywhere you get your podcasts. This is a killer episode and an eye-opening listen.
Michael McNeal lives every waterfowler's dream! He hunts virtually year round and pours everything he has into his diehard waterfowl lifestyle. Michael appeared in episode #85 and jumps back on to discuss a dream trailer build and his upcoming season with host Todd Helms. The guys talk dream hunts, dogs, shooting and of course getting registered to VOTE and then hitting the polls in our upcoming elections. You can get registered to VOTE at https://www.vote4america.org/ and you can check out all Michael's awesome videos here https://www.youtube.com/@michael__mcneal and on Social Media, specifically Instagram. Also, don't forget to sign up for the Wingmen & Kryptek Giveaway for your shot at winning some awesome Kryptek gear! Sign up at this link https://eastmans.com/giveaway-krptek-flyway-gear/
Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers sits down again with host Todd Helms but this time the guys talk about puppies! From picking a breeder to finding the right puppy, Josh and Todd leave no stone unturned. Josh was eagerly awaiting a litter which happened to be born just after this episode was recorded. Make sure you check out Red Flats Retrievers on Social Media to learn more about Josh's awesome dogs and training program.
In this episode of the Wingmen Podcast, Host Todd Helms sits down to give you a summer update and talk about the bad habits shooters can develop from shooting too much in the off-season. He gives a dog training update and also talks about why it's so important to get out and vote in our upcoming elections. If you're not registered to vote you can do it here https://www.vote4america.org/
Josh Lancaster of Red Flats Retrievers is a first rate dog man. Josh traces his roots to South Carolina and training dogs for hunting plantations/outfits. Host Todd Helms and Josh regularly train thier dogs together and take a few moments to discuss identifying weaknesses in both your dog's training and your training methods. It's another great episode of Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast, don't miss it!
Host Todd Helms sits down with Brian Tucker of Hi Mountain Seasonings to chat about the best ways to eat waterfowl. There are some rabbit trails in this episode but it's loaded with ideas for turning last year's leftover ducks and geese or any game into mouthwatering treats using Hi Mountain Seasonings and Jerky/Sausage kits. They guys also discuss policing our ranks as sportsmen and how we need to do better at having eachother's backs. This is a killer episosde of Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast.
Matthew Hicks is a true self-made man! From call making and photography to physical transformation (losing 80lbs and changing his lifestyle) there seems to be nothing he cannot do. Matthew and host Todd Helms sit down for a discussion on Matthew's incredible journey into building his dreams and the podcast turns into a tour of the Last Flight Call factory and even some good natured banter around the University of Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry. This is a can't miss episode of Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast as it has a little bit of everything.
Nick Mundt is a legend in the hunting world, and an integral part of the Bone Collector crew that has entertained and educated hunters for over 17 years. Nick and the guys at Bone Collector just set a new record for completing a "Turkey Slam" in just over 10 HOURS! Nick runs through how the hunt went down and then the guys work through some excellent hunting conversation before landing on how hunters can literally change the outcomes of elections if they would all vote! This is a killer, can't miss episode of Eastmans' Wingmen Podcast.
Todd tells about his oldest daughter's first turkey! He breaks down the preparation that went into her success from shooting and scouting to simply taking her along on hunts from a very young age. Scott and Todd chat about getting kids involved in hunting and what it takes for them to enjoy it. If you've got kids and want to get them into hunting this is a can't miss episode.
Host Todd Helms and Wingman Scott Reekers recap their wildly successful Montana turkey hunt. The hunt resulted in three big gobblers taken in dramtic fashion. Scott and Todd hunted private land with an emerging outfitter, Circle S Outfitters #406-853-8352. The hunt featured off the ricter action and they both highly recommend giving JD at Circle S a call if you're looking for a stellar turkey hunt! Todd breaks down what worked for the crew and why he chose the employ the tactics he did to capitalize on flocked up aggressive Toms. This is a can't miss episode!
The guys from Raised Hunting are as good as they come and turkey killing machines! Raised Hunting is a television, social media and podcast platform that celebrates the connection of family in the outdoors. Host Todd Helms asks some hard questions like: Is bowhunting turkeys ethical? The response and conversation on this episode is a can't miss!SIGN UP FOR OUR HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS GIVEAWAY -https://eastmans.com/wingmen-hi-mountain-seasonings-giveaway/
In this episode of the Wingmen Podcast, Scott Reekers and host Todd Helms sit down to answer your Turkey Hunting questions. From guns and ammunition for turkeys to calling and how close to get to a roost, the fellas dive deep into the topic of turkey hunting to help you become a better turkey hunter. Also, we have partnered with our friends at Hi Mountain Seasonings to bring you a killer giveaway. Just follow the link in this description to get signed up.SIGN UP FOR OUR HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS GIVEAWAY -https://eastmans.com/wingmen-hi-mountain-seasonings-giveaway/
Pat Shellady produces popular chukar hunting videos avid uplanders on YouTube right in our backyard of Wyoming. He is a passionate public land advocate who spends as much time as possible tromping through the windblasted uplands of Wyoming chasing wild birds behind his "Cheatgrass" Setters. Pat and host Todd Helms discuss upland bird hunting, habitat, a few tips and tricks for consistently getting into birds in the oceans of habitat across the West and a few of the problems and concerns facing western upland hunters. Pat also shares a few cautionary tales about livestock guardian dogs and rattlesnakes... This is a can't miss episode!
Nathaniel Kohfield is the head of marketing at Tanglefree. We had the pleasure of sharing a couple of days in the blind shooting snow geese with him and talking hunting. Nathaniel is a diehard waterfowler who eats, sleeps and breathes the game! His insight into product development and what it takes for products to perform in the field is enlightening and we enjoyed this podcast very much. Give this one a close listen and then go check out Tanglefree's full line of waterfowl products.
Brandon Moss aka "Upland 406" is a diehard upland bird hunter and dog trainer in Montana. His passion is for wild, prairie birds and he's deeply involved in the conservation and management of Montana's uplands. Brandon and host Todd Helms discuss dog training and hunting of course but also dive into Montana's recent delaying of the nonresident bird season opener to give resident hunters a head start. There's a lot to unpack in this episode and it's sure to ruffle some feathers out there. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.
Mallard Bay and GuideTech are the brainchild of Logan Meaux. Logan is a driven young mastermind whose aim is to bridge the gap between outfitters and clients making each one's life easier and better. With Mallard Bay hunters and outfitters are seamlessly connected and the headache's of booking hunts and managing expectations are eliminated. Logan's idea is so solid that host Todd Helms kicks himself for not thinking of it first. The fellas have an in-depth conversation about this revolutionary new business and of course the chat turns to hunting and what Spring has in store.
The Gundog Doc - Dr. Joe Spoo sits down with host Todd Helms and answers some Social Media questions about hunting dog care. Dr. Spoo goes into details about common gundog injuries and prevention, spaying and/or nuetering your gundog and other topics. This is a can't miss podcast if you're a gundog owner or prospective owner. The guys already have plans to record another episode diving into even more listener questions.
Platte Basin Outdoors is a premier waterfowl and turkey hunting outfitter on Colorado's Front Range and Wingmen host Todd Helms just had the opportunity to spend a few days smashing geese and ducks with them. He sits down for a killer conversation with guides John Brunelli and Devin Mellars. The guys chat about how they got into guiding, what the daily grind is like, their advice for incoming clients and finally Todd gets them to divulge some of their goose hunting secrets. This is a can't miss episode of The Wingmen Podcast.
On this episode of the Wingmen podcast host Todd Helms sits down with Andrew McKean. Andrew is currently the optics editor of Outdoor Life The guys swap stories about the struggles of this slow season, hunter recruitment, conservation funding and more
Podcast host Todd Helms sits down to recap the 2023-2024 duck season here in Wyoming. Warm weather made for slow hunting for much of the season, but Todd breaks down his strateby for hunting the stale birds. The end of the season brought colder temperatures and a big push of new birds in the area. Todd and the Wingmen crew took full advantage and made the most of the last week. He also breaks down the gear the team ran this season.
Michael Tracy is the "big cheese" at Platte Basin Outdoors, a waterfowl guide service on the front range of Colorado. Michael walks host Todd Helms through the paradigm shift his life took after surviving cancer and how it made him refocus on what he is truly passionate about; hunting waterfowl, namely geese! Platte Basin Outdoors guarantees their hunts; it is guaranteed that you'll have a blast or you'll keep hunting until you do! This is a fresh take in the world of guided waterfowl hunts and it has helped Platte Basin Outdoors build an impressive client list and reputation. The fellas also go into detail about Kryptek's new waterfowl camo, Flyway Deadzone, and Michael breaks down Kryptek's soon to be released Waterfowl jacket and bibs. This is a banger of an episode and one you simply can't miss.
One of our favorite guests of all time is back! Michael McNeal joins host Todd Helms once again for a quick hunt update. Michael has been grinding since August and loving every minute of it. Todd asks Michael a listener question about how he gets to hunt so much and the answer is pure gold! The guys get into what it takes to succesfully film waterfowl hunts, what it's really like and what they strive for when producing content. Michael lives the kind of life that a lot of guys think they want. If that's you don't sleep on this episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Host of the Eastmans' Journals Podcast and Eastmans' President/Owner Ike Eastman and Todd Helms sit down to rehash a waterfowl hunt they did with thier daughters last year on New Year's Eve Day. The hunt was a banger and everyone had a great time. The conversation travels from reliving that hunt to how to manage your waterfowl hunting spots, the importance of hunter recruitment and even into the question of "Have we recruited too many new hunters?" This episode is a romp through the fields of modern hunting and what it will take to keep things headed in the right direction. Lots of laughs mixed with some serious conversation make this episode a can't miss!
Wingmen host Todd Helms takes time for a solo podcast to answer listener questions and give a duck season update. He dives deep into Kryptek clothing, Federal Premium shotshells and of course, dog training! Be sure to ask questions on our episodes and social media for Todd to answer and give you a shoutout!
Jared Wicklund is an upland bird hunting machine! Jared and host Todd Helms have an indepth conversation about Jared's work with Pheasants Forever and what the organization does for birds and hunters. Hint - there's way more than just bird habitiat... from public access projects to making sure as many roosters as possible are available to hunters, Pheasants Forever is a top notch conservation organization that puts its money where its mouth is!
It's round two with Wade Skeen, he is covered up in ducks at the moment and loving life! The guys anwer some questions from podcast listeners and chat about duck hunting tactics, dog training and the guide life. It's another killer episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Ryan Bassham lives the life most wingshooters dream about and his stories never fail to educate and entertain. Ryan's new video series The Road To 100 takes viewers around the world telling the stories of people and places from the exotic to the everyday. Host Todd Helms and Ryan chat about this new series and the hunts coming up on it. The guys also answer a question in the new Q&A section featuring questions and comments from Wingmen social media, YouTube and podcast enjoyers. Leave us a question on any of those formats for a shoutout in the next episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Host Todd Helms sits down for a very special recording with his best guest yet, his dad, Jake Helms. The pair revisit a family duck hunt last fall where they were able to get together with Todd’s younger brother, Scott for an action packed hunt that turned out to be a feature film for Wingmen. Todd and Jake take a stroll down memory lane as Jake walks them through how he got started in wingshooting as a boy. The guys also relive hunts from Todd’s childhood including a unique glimpse into “Goose Camp.” This is truly a one-of-a-kind Wingmen Podcast episode and you can’t miss it!
On this episode of the Wingmen podcast, you've got questions and host Todd Helms has answers! Todd sits down for a solo questions and answers podcast. He gathered up the most common questions from Wingmen fans. Get insight into ideal layering systems for any weather conditions, selecting the best ammunition for the hunt, how to find the "X" and so much more! Send in your questions for Todd to digitalmedia@eastmans.com for the next Q&A podcast.
Sam Soholt is a rare bird... he's a man who followed his dreams of making a living in the hunting industry and has been wildly successful. Sam isn't just about Sam though, he's left his mark by advocating for public lands and conservation with his latest endeavor being the Duck Ruck: 100 mile walk wearing a heavy backpack in three days to raise money for waterfowl conservation. This was a fun conversation as Todd and Sam are connected via the Eastmans' brand and shared partnerships, including Savage Arms, and the guys were able talk about some of that history. Don't sleep on this one folks.
Ed Arnett of the Wildlife Society is back on the podcast and he and Todd Helms take a detailed look at the real world of Conservation Funding. This one will make some folks uncomfortable but it's an incredible conversation that runs hard into reality of wildlife funding. Todd and Ed don't pull punches and get into a seriously tough topic to tackle. If you care about wildlife and wild places this is one episode you can't miss!
Butch Whiting w/Kryptek Outdoor Group: Butch Whiting is very possibly the model for the iconic "most interesting man in the world" ad campaign. He is the cofounder of Kryptek and still operates the brand with a hands on leadership mantra. Butch and host Todd Helms dive into the history of the Kryptek brand, the mad-scientist genius behind the military tested and proven camouflage and what's on the horizon in the Kryptek waterfowl world! Butch shares his passion for waterfowl and the guys get into the nitty gritty of the art of concealment.
Jeff Jones is the co-founder of Chêne Gear, our wader partner and a rising star in the waterfowl world. Chêne's ethos of producing gear that's everything you need and nothing you don't that'll keep you in the field and on the hunt is piloted by Jones who has spent his entire working life building waterfowl gear of some sort or another. You'll be hard pressed to find someone with more expertise than Jeff. Host Todd Helms and Jeff talk gear, ducks, and being a dad in this can't miss episode.
Wade and Todd have been acquainted for a long time but have never had the opportunity to visit in depth until this podcast episode. They waste no time diving into hunting, dogs, and the difference between real world hunting dogs and HRC trial expectations and realities. This is a killer episode with two very like-minded, hardcore waterfowlers.
In this episode host Todd Helms sits down with world traveler Michael McNeal to talk about all things waterfowl hunting. He’s been around the globe and has experienced some unbelievable hunts. The guys swap stories about hunting the great North and tips for international travel.
Episode 84 is all about getting the most from your onX Hunt App as host Todd Helms sits down with Ben Brettingen of onX. The guys dig into some of the everyday uses for the App and some hidden tricks for taking it to the next level. Along the way they chat about birds, predator management and the importance of having a large network. Don't sleep on this one.
Superior Upland is an outfitter, dog trainer, shooting preserve owned and operated by Jake Perry in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Host Todd Helms sits down and talks dogs, ruffed grouse/woodcock and the state of habitat in da UP. The guys share a common love for upland bird hunting since Jake live and hunts where Todd went to college. It's another great episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Host Todd Helms is solo on this one and as usual he has lots on his mind! He breaks down why it’s vitally important to practice shotgun skills, dog training and physical fitness over the summer months. Todd is passionate about all three of these topics and shares his insights from 30+ years of doing all three. Todd also dives into the latest Wingmen film – The Sage Grouse Project. . . this film is the story of what’s at stake if Sage Grouse are listed on the Endangered Species List: public land closures and loss of civil liberties being at the forefront of the issue. The Sage Grouse Project drops later this month and is a can’t miss, just like this episode!
Rhys Haugen is perhaps one of the most interesting people we’ve had on the podcast. Host Todd Helms and Rhys sit down and record a face to face episode discussing Rhys’ budding upland hunting gear company, High Plains Gear. Rhys drew on his time in the Marine Corp to create next level performance gear for the uplands. When he isn’t working on his company, he also trains dogs. This led to a discussion about training bird dogs and goes into Rhys’ time in Germany where he got started on German dog breeds. It’s another can’t miss episode of the Wingmen Podcast!
Host Todd Helms sits down with fellow Wingmen and Eastmans’ staffers Dan Pickar and Luke Washington for what begins as a recap of the spring’s turkey season. However, the conversation quickly takes a left turn as the guys dive into the hotly debated topic of comparing turkey hunting to elk hunting. Tactics are contrasted and opinions begin to fly as the guys drag the 800 lb gorilla into the center of the room and start wailing away! The conversation eventually turns to getting kids addicted to hunting and why being successful in the field is crucial to hooking them and keeping their attention on hunting instead of the trash the world throws at them. This is a killer episode of the WIngmen Podcast and one you can’t miss!
If 5,000 widgeon tornadoing a sheet water field sounds like a good time then this episode is a must listen! Mike and his partner started Rainout Outdoors about two years ago and are crushing it out in Washington state. Mike and host Todd Helms dive deep into what it takes to be consistently successful in the late season. From realistic calling and decoy placement to natural hides vs. blinds, the guys talk about it all. They even discuss how the future of hunting is in danger thanks to anti-hunting groups and legislators running game and fish commissions. If you’re a passionate hunter you can't miss this killer episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Host Todd Helms goes solo on this one to discuss Wingmen’s new partnership with Kryptek. Todd has put virtually the entire line of clothing from this Pro 2A, veteran owned brand through the paces and is stoked about the performance and the ethos surrounding this partnership. The Kryptek crew are hunters and patriots and make zero apologies for either. When you’re done listening to this episode you’ll know exactly what Kryptek items you’ll need to create a complete system that will perform under the worst weather conditions while keeping you concealed and in the hunt.
Brian Kelvington’s official title is Director, Media at Vista Outdoor Inc. We know him as one of the best guys in the industry, who works tirelessly to advance ammunition development to provide hunters and shooters with the best possible ammo. Brian’s a devoted wingshooter and we were blessed to spend a few days in Montana this past fall putting some new products from Federal Premium through the paces under some incredibly brutal conditions while hunting for Canada geese and upland birds. Host Todd Helms and Brian chat about hunting and what’s new on the ammunition side for Vista Outdoor. It’s another can’t miss episode of The Wingmen Podcast.
Host Todd Helms sits down with “Stormin’ Norman” for a one on one conversation down at Hunt Expo in SLC. The guys chat about the world class waterfowl hunting offered by Wingmaster Outfitting, and how the firm’s waterfowl/black bear combo hunts in September are an experience every avid hunter needs to partake of. Norm is a real character and this episode doesn’t varnish any opinions as the fellas dive into more than just hunting. It’s another killer episode of The Wingmen Podcast.
Recorded at the Western Hunting Expo, Federal Premium’s Jon Zinnel sits down with host Todd Helms. They talk about this year's expo turnout, rehash their past fall seasons, and dissect different Federal Premium shotshells and their performance. They also discuss conservation and their passion for hunting. You don’t want to miss this episode of the Wingman podcast!
Bruce Pettet joins the Eastmans' Crew at the Western Hunting Expo in Salt Lake City where he sits down with host Todd Helms. They talk about the history behind various Leupold products, Bruce's recent "Macnab" hunt and the film resulting from that journey, dog training, the upcoming turkey season, and more. It's a fun episode you don't want to miss!
Colton Thompson is living the dream. He walked away from a successful career to pursue his passion of duck calling, building duck calls and training British Labradors. Host Todd Helms and Colton wade into the deep end of Colton’s story and find a “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” story that pure American Dream. The guys talk ducks, duck calls, dogs and even what they look for in a duck call. Be sure not to miss this episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Host Todd Helms and freelance photographer/videographer Harrison Creed breakdown their hunt with The Outfit Oklahoma. The fellas go through the ups and downs, how to deal with crappy clients, stale birds and managing expectations. Harrison also dives into what it takes to be a freelance photographer and a bit of his daily grind in the waterfowl world. It’s another can’t miss episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Cody McCarthy is a former World Champion Elk Caller but his passion extends well beyond wapiti. Besides being a strength and conditioning trainer Cody works for Slayer Calls where he is integral in developing cutting edge game calls, especially elk and waterfowl to help hunters of all stripes the most from their time afield. Cody’s passion is obvious and this is a can’t miss episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Host Todd Helms goes into detail about how to get the most out of your duck hunting spots over the course of a season. Todd also walks you through how he set up Hondo for success on his first blind retrieve. Finally, Todd offers up a quick review of the new Federal Premium Hevi-Bismuth shotshell. It’s all things waterfowl on this episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Wingmen host Todd Helms sits down to review the gear he and crew have been using this fall and give a quick update on Hondo and his first hunt! Hondo is crushing it and Todd explains the journey to get to this point and why he waited to hunt Hondo until he was two. With Christmas right around the corner Todd dives into the gear he and crew have been using and why any waterfowl or upland hunter would be stoked to unwrap it. From hunts and gear to dogs and birds, this episode is loaded with top notch information.
Host Todd Helms wanted to know more about how these fellas got started in the waterfowl/big game outfitting business and to learn exactly what they offer besides world class goose and black bear combination hunts. The conversation spans everything from origins and services to arctic wolf hunting adventures that border on the unbelievable. Adventure is a part of daily life in and around La Crete, Alberta, Canada and these fellas fully embrace it. Grab a beverage, sit back and prepare to be amazed listening to this episode!
Recorded on location in La Crete, Alberta, this episode features two of the hardest working guides in the business, Curt and Rod Friesen of Wingmaster Outfitting. These guys busted their butts for us during our week of hunting and Todd sits down to pick their brains and get some Canadian perspective on waterfowl hunting, especially along the famous Peace River in Alberta. This is a must listen for anyone looking for a once in a lifetime waterfowling experience.
Todd Helms and Brandon Mason sit down to discuss their upcoming hunt for waterfowl and black bears in northern Alberta. The guys are taking Brandon’s son Hunter to help film but there’s sure to be some golden father & son moments along the way. The guys are stoked for their trip and discuss everything that’s gone into this adventure and what they are expecting. It’s yet another can’t miss episode of The Wingmen Podcast.
Fellow Eastmans’ employee and Wingman, Scott Reekers sits down with host Todd Helms for a preview of their 2022 hunting seasons but the conversation quickly turns to the trials of training dogs and balancing family life with a hunting addiction. The guys delved into some big game conversation and extolled the virtues of Wyoming’s season structures that allow wingshooters a very long and very liberal hunting season. This is another solid episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
Ike Eastman is the owner & CEO of Eastmans’ Publishing, aka The Boss but he hates that title and is honestly one of the most visionary leaders we’ve had the pleasure to work with. Ike and host Todd Helms try to keep the conversation focused on an incredible hunt with Ike and and his oldest daughter last winter but they wander down a maze of rabbit trails along the way and discuss everything from shotguns and shooting to getting kids hooked on hunting and their road trip to pickup Hondo, Todd’s new Labrador, from Southern Oak Kennels. This one is as entertaining as it is long and it’s well worth the listen.
Ed was on the podcast last year prior to our Sage Grouse hunt together in late September and has become a good friend. In this episode Ed and Todd talk Sage Grouse hunting, cooking, habitat and of course the tenuous status of the big birds themselves. Eventually the chit chat turns to dogs and dog training as Ed is a former trial circuit judge and trainer. One thing is for certain, when Ed and Todd get to visiting there isn’t much oxygen left for bystanders.
Every now and then we have the pleasure of having a guest on the podcast whom we feel like we’ve known for a long time and we instantly connect with as the conversation flows naturally as the time slips away. Marty is one of those guests. Host Todd Helms and Marty talk Labradors, dog training and of course duck hunting in this longer than normal episode and the hits just keep on coming. If you like dogs, hunting, good stories and laughter then this episode is a true can’t miss!
Throwing it back to host Todd Helms’ roots with episode 61… Ruffed grouse in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Kyle Warren of Paint River Llewellins in Ironwood, Michigan. Kyle breeds and trains Llewellin setters and is a wealth of information on dogs in general. We’ve never heard scenting and scent cones described in as much detail or understood them better than after our chat with Kyle. We also 100% agree with Kyle’s take on owning the “right” dog and how breeders can help make that decision easier. Todd did that with Hondo and it was a very good decision. If you’re an upland hunter or a dog person this is a can’t miss episode.
We decided to ask Chad to come back on the podcast to give us a life update since he and his wife are new parents. We wound up making endless connections between dog training and parenting. Chad and host Todd Helms also discuss the difference between a “meat dog” and “field trial dog” and how the best retrievers can do both. This episode is full of laughs and insights and the 90 minutes goes super fast! Don’t sleep on this one.
The number one threat to all hunting in North America is the rabid 5% of the anti-hunting fringe. Host Todd Helms and guest Jim Huntsman sit down to talk about the lunacy of that fringe group and how the messaging that hunters portray via social media can provide ammunition for groups like the Humane Society of the United States. This is not a tutorial on what to post and what to not post but a passionate conversation about how we fight the war against hunting and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. This is a can’t miss episode.
Do you like tongue in cheek hunting apparel? The lighter side of waterfowl hunting? Then you need to check out Combat Waterfowl… they have staked a claim to the fun side of hunting with shirts like “Cooticus Maximus”. Owner and operator Robert Brewer is a U.S. Army veteran, avid waterfowler and all around good old American dude! Host Todd Helms and Robert talk about Combat Waterfowl, dog training, hunting and along the way share quite a few laughs over the course of this two hour episode of The Wingmen Podcast.
If you’ve been around hunting social media very long you’ve probably stumbled onto Ryan Off The Grid. He’s equal parts combat marine, avid hunter and unique character wrapped up in a tatted, viking looking, duck slaying package. Make no mistake though, Ryan is polished in his approach to hunting advocacy and he and host Todd Helms dive deep into what it means to be an actively engaged hunter in today’s social media world. Ryan shares some fresh perspectives and the guys talk all things hunting from unruly turkeys to legally blind duck hunters. You can’t miss this one!
Duck Gun Chronicles is a popular and growing YouTube channel started by waterfowl junkie Jordan Fromer from northern Indiana. Jordan learned the game of waterfowling from scratch and shares some awesome stories on this episode. Including one about asking some other duck hunters at the boat launch how far away he could kill a passing duck… zero ego! Todd and Jordan also dive into Jordan’s Duck Bus project that Duck Gun Chronicles bases many of their adventures out of. Be sure to tune into this episode.
In this episode of Wingmen, Todd sits down for a solo podcast to give an update on Hondo's training. He discusses the triumphs and tribulations experienced in training a successful bird hunting dog as well as the expectations as a dog owner and how knowing your dogs' potential, as well as limitations, are key elements. He hits on the importance of patience and hard work, and the rewarding results those two disciplines bring. This episode has many helpful insights you don’t want to miss!
Chuck Belmore is a man of many talents but talking and DIY-ing turkey hunts may just be his best ones. This conversation covers lots of topics from how he got his start filming Bowfishing TV shows to generational turkey hunting. The guys get into the decline of the wild turkey and other bird species too. However, the conversation revolves around turkey hunting and the relationships each man has built around the pursuit of the wild turkey. It’s another can’t miss episode of The Wingmen Podcast.
Host Todd Helms shares the skills, triumphs, and tactics surrounding turkey hunting without the use of Decoys. He shares his opinions on how a decoy can be a hindrance on a hunt, and breaks down the different strategies required for a successful harvest using this hunting style. The information is insightful and full of first hand experience. If you’ve ever been curious about how your Turkey hunting game would have to change if you left the decoys in the truck, then this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Beau Brooks is a walking wildlife jukebox! We’ve never heard so many animal and bird sounds produced by the human voice and when he throws in a mouth reed the results are astounding. Beau and host Todd Helms talk turkey hunting, calling, decoying and setup strategies that will work from Florida to Beau’s home in Washington state. The guys also cover what it takes to be successful in the hunting industry as Beau’s job description with Higdon Outdoors is “jack of all trades.” Don’t sleep on this episode of the Wingmen Podcast or you’ll miss out on some of the best turkey knowledge available.
If you don’t know about Hi Mountain Seasonings and their incredible line of DIY jerky and sausage kits and rubs, marinades and spices then you’re missing out! Brian Tucker and host Todd Helms talk about all things Hi Mountain Seasonings, turkey hunting, family, the ethos of the hunt itself and where the field to fork movement falls short in the big picture of hunting. This episode is simply a great conversation between two friends who share a passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors.
Ryan Bassham is who we want to be when we grow up, if we grow up. Ryan has chased birds across the globe and has taken not one, but two ocellated turkeys, and recounts the details of those hunts… we now want to go! Ryan and Todd’s conversation spans everything from turkey hunting and turkey plans for 2022 to rice breast prevalence in ducks. This is another great episode of the Wingmen podcast, and you won’t want to miss it.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned when chatting with Black Rifle Coffee’s Baker Leavitt it’s that you’re going to get unvarnished opinions and some excellent stories. Baker is one of the most interesting people we’ve had the pleasure of hosting on the podcast, his extensive experience and travel schedule means that he’s incredibly knowledgeable about a wide range of topics and this episode goes from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to turkey hunting in Texas. The guys chat about bowhunting vs. shotgunning for turkeys and even take a look at ocellated turkeys.
Host Todd Helms sits down with guides Gage Biggers and Dillon Potson of The Outfit Oklahoma on his recent hunt for cranes and little geese in Okie-land. Gage and Dillon are salt of the earth fellas and share their “why” for guiding waterfowl hunters. The talk explores the guy’s stories, birds, hunting, habitat, dogs, conservation and what it takes to be a hunting guide. This is an excellent episode and if you’re thinking about becoming a waterfowl guide this is a must listen!
Wingmen Podcast host Todd Helms sits down with Shane Lewellen, owner and operator of The Outfit Oklahoma and partner in The Outfit 306. Shane runs two first class wingshooting operations; one in Oklahoma featuring cranes, ducks and little geese and one in Saskatchewan offering all the province has to offer. Shane is a wealth of knowledge, especially about Sandhill Cranes and their unique habitat needs. The guys have a great time recording this episode and it shows. This is a great listen, don’t miss it.
Sara Heady came highly recommended as a guest by Hugh Clark of Alaska Waterfowl Association after her successful hunt for the prized Emperor Goose in Alaska. Sara walks host Todd Helms through the entire story from start to finish; the ups and downs, the changes of plans and ultimately the unexpected camaraderie and support she experienced from fellow hunters the day it all came together and she took her bird. Sara and Todd talk about the bond of waterfowling and hunting that pulls folks together in spite of gender, ideologies and worldviews. Sara may be the first female guest on the Wingmen podcast but she won’t be the last. This episode is solid gold from start to finish.
Bill Embacher is the man who carved the black duck decoy that Ramsey Russell is traveling with this year. Bill is a hunter who loves waterfowling for all the same reasons we do. The history, the culture, the stories and the birds. All of this is stitched into the fabric of his soul and it was an honor to sit down and visit for a while with him. Host Todd Helms will be having Bill carve a decoy for him so the two remain connected by more than just a podcast and some text messages. It is this connection that makes wingshooting special. No matter whether we live in Connecticut or California, the pursuit of birds and the culture of our sport binds us together as brothers and sisters. This episode is all about that bond and one you don’t want to miss.
We had the pleasure of meeting Corey this summer when we picked up Hondo from Southern Oak Kennels. Corey whelped Hondo and we almost had to wrestle him away to be able to take Hondo home with us. Corey is a first rate dog trainer and our conversation revolved around dogs, dogs and more dogs with a bit of hunting thrown in. If you like Labradors, dog training, waterfowl hunting and the art of balancing all of those with a busy family then this episode is right up your alley!
Host Todd Helms takes the time to break down his top picks from both Leupold Optics and Sitka Gear for the wingshooter. He explains why his particular picks are perfect for the hunter on your list this Christmas. Todd also gives a brief hunting season update and update on what’s coming down the pipe here at Wingmen.
We were first introduced to Hugh Clark on the TV series Alaska Outdoors Television as they showcased his unique hunts in the Last Frontier. Hugh is a wealth of knowledge and lives to pass on the waterfowling heritage. If you’ve ever wanted to hunt waterfowl in Alaska you need to contact Hugh and he’ll help you figure out logistics and find the right experience for you. This episode runs almost two hours but felt like 30 minutes to record. Another can’t miss episode of the Wingmen Podcast.
On this episode Todd Helms sits down with fellow Wingman Scott Reekers to talk about expectations for the upcoming waterfowl season. They guys venture down several rabbit holes and this makes for a podcast about everything from dogs and training to breeding, potential, and ultimately consistent success due to lessons learned afield. Anyway you slice it this is a fun episode and one you don’t want to miss.
Host Todd Helms sits down and clears the air about why you’re not killing ducks in the same places you used to. Todd feels strongly that how often you hunt a particular spot drastically affects the quality of the hunting. In this episode he goes into detail about how to manage the pressure on limited access or private hunting spots.
This past weekend, host Todd Helms took his 6 month old Labrador, Hondo, on his first waterfowl hunt. In this episode Todd breaks down what went well, what didn’t and expectations for a young dog in the field. Todd is battling a bad cold in this episode so you’ll have to bear with him but the information he provides and the insight into working with young dogs is priceless.
Kevin VanDam is not only a world-renowned pro fisherman, he loves to get after waterfowl as well. Host Todd Helms sits down with Kevin and talks about how he got into the sport just a couple of years ago. Don’t let this fool you. His passion for waterfowl has become just as strong as it is for chasing giant largemouth. It was an honor to finally get to sit down and have a conversation with Kevin. Enjoy!
Ed Arnett is the lead scientist for TRCP and is also an avid bird hunter. Upland, waterfowl, it doesn’t matter Ed likes it all. Host Todd Helms sits down with Ed and they talk Sage Grouse conservation, hunting and dogs. The guys have a Sage Grouse hunt coming up and the stoke is high in this extremely informative episode but the guys laugh a lot along the way as well.
Host Todd Helms takes a seat in front of the microphone and records a solo podcast talking about Hondo’s training progress setback due to cyanobacterial poisoning and making the right decisions with your dog. This was a scary incident that could have cost Todd and Hondo dearly. Don’t miss a minute of this one!
Dale Bordelon is a true renaissance man. He is keeping the old waterfowling heritage of southern Louisiana alive with his love for and exclusive use of traditional equipment and his unique, hand-crafted cane duck calls. Dale is a master storyteller and he regails host Todd Helms with numerous stories of the old days of market hunting and selling ducks that he has learned from folks now passed on. Personally, it’s nice to know someone like Dale is out there keeping the history of waterfowling alive.
Barton Ramsey of Southern Oak Kennels and host Todd Helms finally get to actually meet and they dive down the rabbit hole of how Barton got started, why British Labradors and Cornerstone Gundog Academy, among other things. This episode is a little different, we got to record at SOK headquarters the day we picked up our puppy, Hondo! It was very cool experience that led to an excellent conversation.
Ryan Reynolds is a man with vision, a man who has turned that vision into a world class waterfowling operation in Saskatchewan and Ontario. He has built a team of top tier guides and staff to make sure his clients take home more than just birds, they take home memories and stories because at the end of the day that’s what wingshooting is truly about, the people and places that shape the adventure and make it an eternal event in the lives of those who lived it. Ryan and host Todd Helms talk about the gear, dogs, birds and of course, people who help Ryan control the controllables on his hunts to make a trip with Apex Waterfowling the best waterfowl hunt of a lifetime.
In episode 32 Todd Helms and Luke Washington sit down to recap the epic road trip to pick up Hondo! They laugh about the perils of driving through rural America in a bus sized RV, the flexibility required of traveling with a puppy and of course veer off onto plenty of rabbit trails about dogs, hunting and everything that goes with them. This is a killer little episode that the guys had a ton of fun recording.
If you’ve not heard of Ramsey Russell and you’re a duck hunter you’re missing out. Ramsey owns and operates https://www.getducks.com/ a premier source for “The Best Duck Hunting Adventures On Earth”. Having the opportunity to sit down and record a podcast with Ramsey was an absolute pleasure. His down to earth personality coupled with his masterful storytelling and deep knowledge of all things ducks make this a can’t miss episode. Ramsey has a passion for the history and traditions of duck hunting and his experiences, that span the globe, give him a unique perspective on what duck hunting is truly about. At the end of the day duck hunting is about the people and places that make up the sport and Todd and Ramsey dive down that rabbit hole to uncover often overlooked truths about our shared passion as duck hunters.
If there’s a man with more personality than “Rooster” we’ve never met him. Dan “Rooster” Leavens is a walking story and this is a must listen podcast. Rooster and host Todd Helms dive down the upland bird rabbit hole and talk dogs, techniques and getting kids involved. Rooster even shares the harrowing story of having a heart attack and not knowing it until he was on the verge of having a second one. In his words he made the ambulance stop at his fly shop (Stonefly Outfitters) so he could say goodbye to his oldest daughter and remind her to “feed the dogs.” Well, needless to say not even heart attacks could slow Rooster down for long and within a few days he was walking the uplands with his buddies, daughter and dogs reveling in the time he’d been given. It’s an understatement to say that this episode is loaded with laughter, wisdom and good old fashioned fun, do not miss this one!
Wingshooters, waterfowlers in particular can be terrible when it comes to preparing for disaster. However, Upland guys, goose hunters and turkey hunters all have a tendency to grab some ammo, whistle up the dog, load up the truck or boat and go hunting, often never thinking of what could happen. In this episode, Kevin Estela of Fieldcraft Survival sits down and walks us through some things we all should be thinking about before we head afield. From first aid and trauma kits to extra base layers stashed in a ziplock bag, Kevin breaks down why we should all be thinking about preparedness a little more carefully and weighing what is probably against what is possible before every hunt. This is a killer podcast that definitely has us thinking about our ability to survive an accident or disaster on a hunt.
J.J. Gustafson came very highly recommended as a podcast guest from several previous guests, including Cory Loeffler and I must say, he didn’t disappoint! A former offensive tackle for Texas A&M, J.J. 's personality is as large as his stature and he can tell a story with the best of 'em. Covering everything from Lifetime’s line of decoys and rigging, including the brand’s business philosophy, product lines and details, even a couple hints as to what they’ve got coming down the pipe. Lifetime’s innovation decoys have taken the market by storm and if you’re a public land, DIY duck junkie you should be looking hard at this ultralight, super durable option. J.J. also recaps his version of the “backcountry duck hunt” he did with Cory Loffller last fall. This is another excellent episode and well worth the listen, don’t miss out.
GunDog Outdoors is a company that all wingshooters should be paying attention to and using their products. Why? Because if you’ve never needed a first aid kit for your dog, it’s only a matter of time until you do! Alex Langbell is a riot to talk to and this conversation runs the gamut from the 2020 hunting season and hunter ethics to his hard charging daughter Sierra and how he introduced her to hunting. The guys honestly laugh about as much as they talk in the episode, in spite of some “technical difficulties” that ended the Zoom meeting twice! Alex is the kind of dude who makes a room light up and electrifies the folks around him with his good humor and hearty laugh. One thing is for sure, this episode goes fast! Don’t miss it.
Jake Latendresse is a man on the go with a thirst for adventure and a passion for working with like minded outdoors folks in every venue possible. His media company, Latendresse Media and his outfitting service, Prairie Rock Outfitters keep him more than busy but he still finds time to be a great dad and even finds time to save old taverns like the famous Town Pump in Fort Collins, CO. From ducks and turkeys to big game and bass this episode is one of kind and is a must listen. Host Todd Helms and Jake talk about passion, creativity and relationships to strange duck behaviors and even take a trip down memory lane to a chance encounter with the Bassmaster himself, KVD! The Wingmen Podcast Episode 26 is a cannot miss!
Jason and Nathan are semi-local fellas, anything under four hours is local in the West, who have a passion for hunting retrievers and have started a new HRC club in Casper, Wyoming. Host Todd Helms had the pleasure of sitting down with the guys and picking their brains about HRC and why they dove in head first. They may even have convinced Todd to bring down Mackinaw and his new pup to run a test this summer. One thing is for sure and certain, these are great dudes whose passion for dogs and competition rings true. If you’re interested in hunting retrievers and the world of “field trials” this is a must listen episode. Dr. Mike Chamberlain is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of Georgia. Mike, as he asked to be called, has forgotten more about wild turkeys than most of us will ever learn. The best part is that he’s as tore up with hunting these amazing birds as he is studying them and yes, he still gets his butt handed to him once in a while by a big old wise gobbler. He sat down with host Todd Helms and the pair talked turkey about everything from habitat and behavior to how to use knowledge of turkey biology and behavior to your advantage.
Dr. Mike Chamberlain is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of Georgia. Mike, as he asked to be called, has forgotten more about wild turkeys than most of us will ever learn. The best part is that he’s as tore up with hunting these amazing birds as he is studying them and yes, he still gets his butt handed to him once in a while by a big old wise gobbler. He sat down with host Todd Helms and the pair talked turkey about everything from habitat and behavior to how to use knowledge of turkey biology and behavior to your advantage as a hunter. If you’re a turkey hunter this is a cannot miss episode and it’s full of “AHA” moments. One thing is certain, after talking with Mike, we will be approaching this spring’s turkey season a bit differently.
We feel like we’ve known Brennan Schuette for a long time but we’ve never actually had the chance to share blind, well at the same time anyway. Brennan is a good buddy of Noah Miller of Western Waterfowlers and comes out to Wyoming to hunt every year and every year we seem to pass like ships in the night. So, we felt like it was time to sit down and do the next best thing to sharing a blind, record a podcast and talk hunting! Brennan is a straight killer and we trade stories from this fall and winter’s hunts; talking flooded corn and wood ducks to late season honkers and spring turkeys. Maybe in 2021 we will be able to actually hook up and knock down some birds but until then we will have to settle for this killer episode!
In this episode we sat down with Cory Loeffler, owner/operator of DRC Calls and the conversation ran wild! Cory is a true renaissance man whose passions have shaped his life and forged his stories. We talk about his backcountry survival based duck hunt from last fall, duck, goose and crane calls (you have to hear the crane call to believe it), his involvement with the rollout of Sitka’s NoDak whites, harvesting fat from snow geese for cooking and the importance of learning how to utilize your birds in the kitchen. Cory was an incredible guest and we know you’ll want to listen to this episode more than once.
Quack Rack is one of the most innovative companies we’ve seen in a long time. They produce a spate of products to make getting you and your gear to and from your hunting spot easier, more organized and more enjoyable. Besides, their gear just looks badass too! Garrett Walker, the founder and owner of Quack Rack, took some time to sit down with host Todd Helms and explore the beginnings of the company, what prompted the startup, how it’s going so far and a little about where it’s headed. This is another kick in the pants episode that was ball to record and is fun to listen to.
Chad Carman works for the RMEF, that’s right, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. So why are we having him as a guest on The Wingmen Podcast? Because he’s a fellow wingnut who’s as obsessed with dogs and birds as we are. In this episode Chad and host Todd Helms hash out why guys shoot goldeneyes, how Chad got hooked on HRC and how our labs run our lives. This is another great episode that’s sure to get some laughs and make you question whether or not you and your dog should be doing HRC and just what a hunting retriever actually needs to be able to do.
Noah Miller is the owner of Western Waterfowlers, a Wyoming based duck and goose outfit. We’ve had the good fortune to hunt with Noah the past couple of seasons. He’s a youngblood with the wisdom of a seasoned vet. Noah’s tricks put his clients on limits consistently and his down to earth personality makes him a joy to visit with. In this episode host Todd Helms and guest Noah Miller talk duck and goose hunting strategies. Everything from blinds and decoy setups to calling and shooting. The guys really dive deep and this is a can’t miss episode if you want to put some more tricks in your waterfowl bag.
Merry Christmas from Wingmen. In this episode host Todd Helms goes solo and talks about the Christmas Season; what it means, his plans and his hopes for all of you this Holiday.
In spite of being stricken with Covid 19, Lucky Duck’s Ricky Hart took the time to visit with Wingmen This is a fun filled episode that runs the gamut of Covid’s impact on hunting, duck tactics and of course… some of Lucky Duck’s key products. Be sure not to miss the racoon hunting conversation and be prepared to see this spawn a hunt for the Wingmen crew. Ricky is a great podcast guest and our chat flowed freely and is a great listen, especially if you're wanting some insight into Lucky Duck products, this is a can’t miss episode! There’s even a small reveal for 2021… teaser alert.
Josh Miller is literally living his dream, breeding and training hunting dogs at his very own kennel. Josh spent years “apprenticing” for some of the top dog names in the industry and his philosophy is unique because of that experience. A super down to earth dude, we are stoked to bring you this podcast that runs the gamut from humble beginnings to top performing dogs and stories in Outdoor Life. You cannot miss Josh telling about his Grandpa’s lab, Warden. This is a can’t miss episode of Eastmans’ Wingmen Podcast.
Clay Hudnall is not only the President and Co-Owner of Field Proven Calls he is an all around stellar guy. This podcast spanned over an hour and felt like 15 minutes. We chatted about how being flexible with your schedule is quite often a key to success in waterfowling as the birds can often be here today, gone tomorrow. Clay’s perspective on making calls and serving customers is top tier and Field Proven Calls is known for its customer service. One thing is for sure, you’ll have just as much fun listening to this episode as we did recording it.
Kelley Powers is a man of many talents, winning the World Goose Calling Champion of Champions is just one title that verifies this but at heart he is a down home good guy who loves hunting and his community. In this episode we run through his start and rise to being a champion, his time with the legendary Tim Grounds, the transition to creating revolutionary duck and goose calls with Power Calls and even discuss why the traditional migration patterns for Canada Geese have changed in the last 20 years. This episode may run long but it sure doesn’t feel like it so crank it up and enjoy.
Rig ‘Em Right is one of those companies that it seems like has been around forever but that’s not the case. Owner Mathew Cagle sat down with us and related how the company was built from the ground up and got a huge boost from Duck Commander. Mathew was awesome to talk with and this episode explores everything from ducks in the salt to surfing and of course several of the products from the company’s lineup. We even got off on a rabbit trail about clear vs coated decoy lines and whether or not ducks can see them. This one is a must listen as Mathew is a fount of knowledge and the time flies by.
It feels like we’ve known Shawn Stahl for a long time because we both cut our teeth on Michigan waterfowl, geese in particular. Shawn is a Co-Host and assistant producer of RNT-V, a World Goose Calling Champion and an all around hardcore goose slayer. Thanks to shared places and experiences, not to mention our mutual love for waterfowl, this podcast with Shawn Stahl gallops along covering everything from the evolution of waterfowl hunting, goose decoying and calling tactics and of course, a touch of elk talk too. Shawn’s easy demeanor and wealth of knowledge make this one podcast you cannot miss.
Co-Host & Producer of RNTV, 2006 World Champion Duck Caller and all around great guy, Jim Ronquest is a wealth of duck hunting information but if you ask him he’s game to hunt just about anything. It’s not everyday you get to chat hunting with someone of Jim’s renown and we were blown away by his downhome personality. The conversation did drift a tad into big game as that’s a shared passion but in the end it was waterfowl, waterfowl and more waterfowl and we walked away from this one with a couple new sayings from the field and a headful of ideas for this fall. From tactics to comparing notes on flyways and duck behavior this episode was a homerun.
It’s hard not to talk dogs with the one and only Barton Ramsey, the owner of Southern Oak Kennels and Cornerstone Gundog Academy. We did talk ducks and how Barton got hooked on hunting but it seems our shared love of the Lab Life kept the conversation rolling. Barton is a blast to visit with and his super-chill personality kept the conversation rolling and the time flew by, we know you’ll love this episode. Oh, he too opines about just what exactly flooded timber truly is.
Ryan Bassham is a man of many talents and one who truly follows his passions. The owner/operator of Trophy Expeditions https://trophyexpeditions.com/ Ryan hunts across the globe but waterfowl is dear to his heart. We talk destinations and what drives us to chase the migration every fall. Our conversation also covered how rolling with the punches in the field and in life is vital to success. If it flies and comes to calling and decoys Ryan has probably hunted it and is a wealth of information. We definitely added a few things to our bucket list after this episode, don’t miss it!
The one and only Brandon Trentham has been a Wingmen contributor for a long time and our blog features several of his killer posts. We sat down to talk about duck hunting and what fuels his fire. Brandon has a unique take on the role of social media in hunting and it’s one we find refreshing. His passion for photography and writing and his advice on how to get started doing each are golden nuggets. We also dove into his involvement with More Than A Calling. This is a must listen episode and one we know you’ll love.
After chatting with Wade Shoemaker you feel like you have to wring the personality out of your clothing. Wade’s enthusiasm for all he does is infectious. He has been a Wingmen contributor since the beginning and his blogs are insightful and entertaining. We chatted about photography (his big passion), what makes a waterfowler vs. a duck or goose hunter and just exactly what “flooded timber is.” One thing is for sure, this one didn’t feel like an hour and half… don’t miss it.
In today's podcast, I sit down with Jim Saubier. Jim is the Waterfowl product manager at Sitka Gear. Jim and I talk about the awesome and amazing gear we look forward to testing in the 2020 season. We were fortunate enough to create some amazing memorize in the blind this past goose season. Check out this frigid hunt at the link below! https://www.wingmen.us/single-post/2020/03/10/Speared-By-A-Cornstalk-A-Late-Season-Goose-Hunt
Host Todd Helms sits down with Guy Eastman, Brandon Mason and Scott Reekers from Eastmans' Hunting Journals and relives the best hunt from last season, a Dad's & Kid's goose hunt that broke the mold of expectation and cemented a love for hunting in four kids. First geese were taken, an epic retrieve was made and more fun than should be legal was had. This is a must listen!
Happy Father's Day to all you dad out there and remember, there's no better place than the out of doors to spend time with our kids!
Links: Epic Retrieve - https://www.wingmen.us/single-post/2020/06/04/The-Goodest-Boy onX Hunt Blind Scouting Video - https://www.wingmen.us/single-post/2019/12/19/Use-OnX-Hunt-To-Find-Your-Next-Blind
We've all known that one special dog, the one we measure all others against, fair or not. Host Todd Helms reads a blog about his most special lab, Josie and how he lost her. Warning... this one is emotional! Helms also talks about the bond between hunter and dog and how his current lab, Mackinaw is one a kind in his own right. If you love hunting dogs or dogs in general you won't want to miss this special episode.
Wingmen Todd Helms and Luke Washington sit down for a candid look at how Wingmen got started. From a humble idea born in a Wyoming duck blind to where we are today the guys wander through the past, present and future of Wingmen. Sometimes when you don't know where to start, go back to the beginning! This one is good old fashioned fun and you won't want to miss it.
In this episode of the Wingmen hunting podcast, host Todd Helms sits down and talks upland bird hunting traditions with Brandon Mason. Both of the guys grew hunting the uplands, Helms in Michigan and Mason in North Dakota, however, the talk get interesting when Brandon tells a story about hunting ringnecks with a traditional bow. Don't miss this one of a kind episode.
A handful of the Wingmen crew sit down and rehash some memorable moments from last season. They had a rookie cameraman who learned alongside seasoned vet Dan Pickar. Tune in to see why filming waterfowl hunts is harder than filming big game. The guys also talk about recruiting new hunters and watching dogs do amazing things in the field, especially an incredible retrieve caught on camera that's gone viral on social media. You don't want to miss Episode 1 of The Wingmen Podcast.