Many a hunter has grown up with the tradition of woodsmanship and hunting. A good number of those hunters are fortunate enough to keep an heirloom from their mentors. Some country songs include a passage about granddad’s gun. We can all relate to the attraction to the guns carried by our forefathers. I, however, am not one of those lucky hunters. I do not have any heirloom guns that my ancestors used to feed my family of a generation removed. I did not count the days until I would spend frosty mornings hunting with my father, uncles, or grandfather. While my father and I enjoy hunting together now, I took…
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Ole Betsy: the Building of a Muzzleloader
In April of last year when the Covid-19 pandemic was still relatively new, I decided I needed a project. I certainly could have painted the bathroom, or fixed the shelving in the garage, but I wanted one that would keep me entertained. As luck would have it, sportsman’s guide was having a sale on “You Finish” style muzzle loaders. I already had a healthy supply of powder, shot, and primers between gifts and horse trades I’d previously made. For less than half the cost of a complete rifle, I had an IKEA version of a 50 caliber Kentucky long rifle. Deciding I “needed” the black powder rifle was easy. With…
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An Open Letter to the FWC Commissioners
Greetings Commissioners, As you prepare for the upcoming February Commission Meeting, I wanted to take a moment and again submit the attached sign-on for your consideration regarding the Draft Rule Proposal for Restricted Hunting Areas. This is an opportunity for us to take steps to ensure a stronger future for public water waterfowling. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the extraordinary contributions waterfowl stamps have made and continue to make to public lands across our country. Personally, I only hunt public, non-quota waterfowl areas. I run programs for recruiting new hunters, programs for non-hunters, programs for teachers – all aimed at understanding how hunting fits into conservation and why…
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Trophy Hunting for Guns
One of my favorite hobbies when I can’t walk in the woods is walking into a gun shop. To add an air of sophistication to my window shopping, I’ve adopted a phrase from renowned gun writer Chuck Hawks— Trophy hunting for guns. There is always low-hanging fruit on the counter, but the real thrill comes from finding a hidden jewel. As with game animals, a true trophy gun is personal definition. Are you a collector of Belgian Brownings? I found a Browning SA-22 manufactured the same year my father was born. Sure, it was more than a 10-22, but getting a gorgeous .22 with a shared vintage brings a smile…
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#140: Hamilton, Nature Preserves, T-shirts, & Saddle Hunting
Sometimes, the episodes flow . . . and sometimes you have a list of things you want to talk about that are connected only in the ideal that you want to talk about them . . . This is that . . . We discuss Alexander Hamilton and the HamilFilm, Conservation Legislation in Florida, pellet grills, Saddle Hunting, and we spend a few minutes on the life and legacy of Jim Posewitz, a Conservation Legend gone too soon. Go to Patreon and become a friend of the show OFFICIALLY here! E-mail Fletcher with Hallett Insurance to get your quote! Check out Two Fish Creative for your software solutions Harrell Adjusting…
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#134: Historical Hunters
We all know the big names in hunting these days: Rinella. Remi Warren. Michael Waddell and Dr. Duck and Jeff Coates and Ron Boehme. But what about the guys that were THE GUYS before these guys? What about the historical hunters that built the foundation we stand on today? Join us as we’re joined by Bill Cooksey of Vanishing Paradise/National Wildlife Federation and Todd Waldron of Modern Carnivore’s Outdoor Feast . . . Together, we take a pass at names like Collier, Thomas, O’Connor, Kimble, Grinnel, Akeley, Patterson, Hill, Patterson, Corbett, Rawlings, and many more as we draft Historical Hunters. This is one you don’t want to miss! Go to…
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Conversations 2.8: Nicole Qualtieri
If you’ve listened to our podcast for any length of time, Tuesdays or Thursdays, you’ve heard us mention Nicole Qualtieri – she was the guest Editor of Volume 4 of Modern Huntsman, she created an all-women’s Deer Camp, she’s the hunting and fishing editor at Gear Junkie, a former employee of both Meateater AND BHA – and we have just the sort of meandering conversation you think we’d have – conservation funding, women in hunting, truth in reviews, the Office – you name it, we cover it in this, uhhh, unorthodox chat! Follow Nicole on Instagram – Twitter Find Nicole’s Writings at Gear Junkie Go to Patreon and become a…
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#128: Making the Best of it
This week, we’re talking about how to make the most out of the crappy situation of this pandemic – from shotgun cleaning to turkey hunting to exercising, gardening, reading, and more. Links: Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Last Train to Paradise by Les Standiford Floating Drink Holders for your pool LaCrosse Freezer Monitor and Alarm Go to Patreon and become a friend of the show OFFICIALLY here! E-mail Fletcher with Hallett Insurance to get your quote! Check out Two Fish Creative for your software solutions Follow Cast and Blast Florida: Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Website Want to experience a world class duck hunt or fishing…
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#127: Fair Chase
How do you define Fair Chase? What is it to you personally? Is it different in hunting vs. fishing? This week, we let our listeners take the lead on the Big Idea. Plus, Joe Exotic, Nate goes flyfishing, Keep and Release is back, and it’s a Great Day to Be Alive! Go to Patreon and become a friend of the show OFFICIALLY here! E-mail Fletcher with Hallett Insurance to get your quote! Follow Cast and Blast Florida: Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Website Want to experience a world class duck hunt or fishing charter? E-mail Travis to book today . . . Connect with the gang on social media: Travis Thompson – @travisthompson – Instagram – Twitter – Facebook Nathan Henderson –…
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#126: But We Feel Fine
All anyone wants to talk about is the Coronavirus and the end of the world as we know it, but we’re here for you guys! This week, we do dabble into our take(s) on the Covid-19 pandemic, but then we pivot to what’s coming in Conversations, a Turkey season update (with a former co-host), social distancing, tarpon season, and a look ahead to future discussions! Go to Patreon and become a friend of the show OFFICIALLY here! E-mail Fletcher with Hallett Insurance to get your quote! Follow Cast and Blast Florida: Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Website Want to experience a world class duck hunt or fishing charter? E-mail Travis to book today . . . Connect…
