DSC Campfires with Larry Weishuhn

In this episode of DSC's Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, host Larry Weishuhn is joined by Dr. Mike Arnold, a geneticist, conservationist, and author. The discussion focuses on the critical role that hunters have historically played in saving species from extinction by relocating them out of hostile native habitats. Dr. Arnold also explores the science of animal adaptations, environmental shifts over time, and the stark contrast between historical market hunting and modern regulated sport hunting. Key Topics Discussed Hunters Saving the "Merely Extinct": Dr. Arnold is writing a new book, tentatively titled Hunters and the Merely Extinct, which examines species rescued from extinction by hunters moving them outside their native habitats. Examples include the North American Elk, which was redistributed to eastern states by early conservationists like Teddy Roosevelt, and the Fallow Deer, which is critically endangered in its native Balkan range but thrives globally due to introductions by Romans and modern hunting estates. He also notes that 80% of the worldwide Chinese Water Deer population now lives on protected estates in England. Climate Change and Habitat Shifts: Dr. Arnold explains that climate change and habitat shifts are biological norms, citing historical events like the Little Ice Age of the 1840s. He argues that trying to preserve species strictly within their historical "native ranges" is often a flawed strategy because those environments continually change and can become hostile to the animals. Genetics vs. Environmental Impact: The conversation highlights how environmental quality and year-round nutrition often dictate physical development more than pure genetics. For example, Eastern elk populations achieve massive body and antler sizes due to milder winters, unlike the harsh conditions faced by Rocky Mountain elk. Similarly, black bears in milder climates avoid long hibernation cycles and grow larger due to consistent food availability, whereas northern bears hibernate primarily to avoid starvation. The Science of Zebra Stripes: Dr. Arnold breaks down the three leading scientific hypotheses for why zebras have stripes. Research indicates that the alternating black and white patterns act as a repellent against disease-carrying biting flies, assist in thermoregulation by creating micro-wind currents across the skin, and create a "dazzle effect" that confuses predators during a chase. Market Hunting vs. Regulated Sport Hunting: The episode draws a sharp distinction between unregulated market hunting and modern, regulated sport hunting. Dr. Arnold points out that historical figures like Daniel Boone were commercial market hunters driven by European demand for deerskins and bear fat, a practice that decimated local wildlife populations. It was ultimately modern sport hunters who self-imposed regulations and excise taxes to fund the repopulation and conservation of these species. Upcoming Hunts: Dr. Arnold shares his plans for a snowmobile-based Muskox hunt in the Arctic this coming April. He highlights how regulated hunting provides vital economic support and necessary meat to local Inuit communities. Guest Projects: Dr. Arnold's books include Bringing Back the Lions and Bringing Back the Wild, with Hunters and the Merely Extinct targeted for a mid-2027 release. He is also the host of the Bringing Back the Wild podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview & Key Takeaways Larry Weishuhn centers this episode on the theme of campfire reflections, specifically focusing on a recent piece he wrote for Sporting Classics Daily detailing his "great misses" over the years. He emphasizes the importance of being honest about missing shots in the field, noting that adrenaline affects everyone. To avoid missing, he advises hunters to focus on a single, specific spot on the animal rather than looking at the antlers or the entire body. The Fogged Scope: Larry recalls missing a buck from the same tree stand where he had previously shot his first buck. He was using his father's Model 94 30-30, but the K4 Weaver scope had completely fogged up in the cold, wet weather. The Seven-Shot Coyote: After calling in a large coyote with a Burnham Brothers predator call, Larry missed the animal seven consecutive times with his 30-30. RealTree Monster Bucks: While filming with David Blanton, Larry missed a rattle-called 10-point buck using a Thompson Center Contender in .309 JDJ. Bill Jordan and Blanton included the miss in the television segment, which became highly rated among viewers. South Texas Six-Point: Hunting with Ron Davidson in South Texas, Larry was shaking so uncontrollably that he shot the ground 30 steps in front of a massive, lopsided six-point buck using a Thompson Center Encore in .30-06 pistol. Three Strikes: Larry rattled the same buck back three separate times for a law enforcement guest who missed every shot. Larry ultimately grabbed the hunter's rifle barrel and told him, "Sir, three strikes and you're out!". Mexico Boone & Crockett: He missed a 170-class Boone & Crockett buck in Mexico because he failed to test-fire his pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .264 Win Mag with a Zeiss scope, which was shooting 16 to 17 inches high at 100 yards. The Barbwire Buck: On that same Mexico trip, his hunting partner missed a large buck with three drop tines while the animal's antlers were tangled in a barbwire fence. Larry is currently preparing for an upcoming black bear hunt on the Choctaw. Bonus video episodes and hunting content are available on YouTube at Larry Weishuhn Campfires, as well as on CarbonTV and PursuitUP. Fans can also find his short-form videos on TikTok under the handle LWs Whitetails. This episode is brought to you in partnership with DSC (Conservation, Education, and Advocacy). BigGame.org, Hornady (Accurate, Deadly, Dependable), Taurus, Stealth Vision, Agara Cafe, Destination Hunts, Choctaw Hunting Lodge, and Double Nickel Taxidermy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Overview & Updates Larry’s friends Greg Simons, Brian Feenhold, and Rick Lambert are currently attending the Lander's One-Shot Antelope Hunt. Fellow hunter John Landgrath is out in the field hunting reindeer and European buffalo, also known as wisent. Larry is gearing up for an October 1st black bear bow hunt at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge. He is practicing with a 10-point crossbow and sever broadheads. His goal is to harvest a large bear for a full-body mount for the lodge. Larry shares a health update, noting he recovered from pericarditis last year. This required the removal of a liter of fluid from his heart sac. A new book collaboration is currently underway with Jim Zumbo, Rick Lambert, and Luke Clayton. Hunters should start rattling as soon as the first serious scrapes appear in the woods. Early rattling in October can successfully draw in bucks, even in regions where the peak breeding season isn't until December. Begin by gently rubbing antlers against trees or bushes to simulate a buck making a scrape. After this initial sequence, hunters should rattle periodically every hour. Hunters must remember that older, mature bucks are highly cautious. These big bucks will consistently approach from downwind. Wraith by Burnham Brothers: Larry highly recommends this spray formula. It is designed to eliminate human odor and mask your thermal imaging in the field. Stealth Vision Red Dot: This 3 MOA dot sight mounts easily on a Picatinny rail. Larry uses it on his Taurus handguns and achieves incredibly tight, one-and-a-half-inch groups at 100 yards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices