The Great Lakes Outdoors Podcast

In this episode of the Great Lakes Outdoors Podcast, hosts Chris Niemi and Travis discuss the intricacies of turkey hunting, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the challenges of overthinking hunting tactics, the impact of small mistakes like using a flashlight, and the importance of understanding turkey behavior. The conversation delves into the use of decoys, the significance of bird body language, and the role of curiosity in successful hunting. They also touch on the unpredictability of turkey movements and the importance of adapting strategies based on the environment and bird behavior. The episode concludes with reflections on the current hunting season and a light-hearted acknowledgment of the challenges faced

Join Kyle and Travis as they dive into the world of hunting and outdoor adventures. This episode covers the excitement and challenges of turkey hunting, including humorous mishaps and insightful discussions on hunting regulations. Discover the passion behind the hunt, the camaraderie among hunters, and the thrill of the chase. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just curious about the outdoors, this episode offers a blend of storytelling, expert tips, and a touch of humor that will keep you engaged from start to finish.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and updates on being a day late02:17 - Introduction to Hunt Michigan Collab and its mission03:21 - Regulations for deer and turkey seasons, potential rule changes04:49 - Challenges of Waterfowl and Waterfall hunting05:03 - How to get involved with Hunt Michigan Collab06:21 - Travis’ role as Kalamazoo area hunt leader07:14 - Season timing for deer and turkey hunts08:04 - Impact of new regulations like the APR and one buck rule09:15 - Debating trophy hunting versus meat hunting10:08 - State land management and hunter density11:31 - Managing expectations for turkey hunting success12:53 - Season timing and weather implications14:09 - Hunting strategies, no decoy setups15:00 - Rethinking the use of rifles and muzzleloaders16:17 - Youth hunting regulations and mentorship strategies18:07 - The importance of hunting mature bucks19:45 - Storytelling about opening day turkey hunt mistakes22:18 - Social media’s influence on perceptions of size and trophy hunting25:41 - The frustration with online hunting communities26:28 - Spring weather patterns and their impact on bird behavior27:23 - Personal hunting stories: missed birds and near misses30:45 - Strategy for calling and setup for turkey hunting34:55 - Close calls with turkey shots and how birds react37:23 - The significance of respect and show in turkey hunting42:49 - The impact of no decoy hunts and initial bird responses44:54 - Balancing hunting pressure, weather, and bird movement48:19 - The future of turkey seasons and regulations in Michigan50:07 - Personal preferences for hunting showmanship and challenge54:00 - The cultural and spiritual connection to turkey hunting56:57 - Reflecting on the value of the hunt versus the trophy58:07 - Plans for the upcoming hunt and season expectations59:45 - Funny stories of missed birds and misfires60:49 - Spring fishing plans and upcoming tournamentsThank you for tuning in! Keep your spirits high and enjoy the season, whether in the woods or on the water. Don't forget to follow Kyle and Travis for more hunting tales and Michigan outdoor updates.

This episode features a lively conversation between Travis and Kyle, co-hosts of the Great Lakes Outdoors podcast. They discuss Kyle's recent trip to Mexico, where he enjoyed surfing and interacting with locals and tourists. The conversation shifts to their preparations for the upcoming turkey hunting season, including scouting properties and maintaining relationships with landowners. They emphasize the importance of communication and building personal connections with farmers to secure hunting permissions. The hosts also touch on the challenges of managing turkey populations and the impact of predators on wildlife. Additionally, they discuss their plans for future hunting trips and the camaraderie that comes with shared outdoor experiences. The episode concludes with mentions of sponsors and promotions for hunting gear and accessories.

In this episode, Kyle, Travis, and Ryan Burnett of Pattern Pros dive deep into the importance of patterning guns for turkey, waterfowl, and rifle hunts. Ryan shares insights on how detailed gun patterning can significantly improve hunting accuracy and confidence, and discusses upcoming product innovations.00:00 - Introduction and the importance of gun patterning in hunting success02:07 - Turkey and waterfowl seasons: reflections and challenges04:00 - How Pattern Pros started: innovating with multi-shell pattern packs05:42 - The evolution of turkey loads and TSS shot technology08:45 - How manufacturers support pattern testing and product development09:25 - The process of testing and choosing shells for optimal patterns12:31 - Challenges of expensive shells and the value of pattern testing16:38 - How firearm manufacturing differences affect patterns19:19 - The importance of patterning rifles for ethical hunting22:26 - The influence of ammo components like powder and primers on accuracy27:19 - Patterning tips for beginners: starting close and understanding impact points40:43 - Using steadiness and proper technique for pattern testing44:52 - The planned expansion of Pattern Pros’ product offerings55:33 - Future concepts like arrows, broadheads, and muzzleloaders61:10 - The wild ride of hunting shows, challenges, and growth plans64:40 - The upcoming presence in retail stores and target expos68:16 - How to connect with Pattern Pros for pattern testing and products69:22 - The value of patterning in turkey and waterfowl hunting70:45 - Planning hunts, testing gear, and the importance of preparedness72:29 - Wrap-up and gratitude for the support and future outlook

Key TopicsThe recent Michigan House bill on deer baiting and its implicationsPros and cons of one buck versus APR (Antler Point Restrictions) systemsThe impact of hunting regulations on deer herd health and geneticsThe role of social media in shaping hunting law opinionsWildlife conservation efforts, including turkey and dove regulation changesPractical tips for shed hunting and scouting techniquesTimestamps00:01 - Introduction to Michigan hunting laws and recent legislative updates00:24 - Michigan House bill passing to lift deer baiting across the lower peninsula00:52 - Different hunter types: habitat-focused vs. baiting advocates01:17 - Concerns around CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) and baiting regulations02:24 - Impact of bait restrictions and the debate over natural vs. baited food sources02:53 - The economics of hunting: tags, tags costs, and management strategies03:38 - Managing hunting succession and exploring riskier management options04:36 - The potential benefits of a one buck system and its effect on buck genetics05:10 - The debate on whether to maintain or switch hunting policies, emphasizing herd health06:12 - The importance of herd ratios and genetic diversity in deer populations07:07 - The influence of antler restrictions and the discussion about shooting or waiting for bigger bucks08:09 - The concept of injured deer and ethical decisions during hunting with a one buck limit09:36 - The reality of social media influence and differing opinions among hunters10:05 - Hunting variety: managing deer seasons and exploring cross-state hunting opportunities11:20 - The challenges in changing hunting laws and the power of community advocacy12:53 - The significance of record-keeping and technological advances in scouting14:13 - The future of turkey hunting research and habitat management in Michigan15:57 - The politics of hunting regulations: funding, lobbying, and public opinion17:53 - The potential of new research projects, including geo-tracking and banding efforts20:40 - Engaging the hunting community for feedback and continuous improvement22:17 - Upcoming spring activities: shed hunting, turkey loads, and gear preparations23:09 - Personal experiences with bow hunting and gear investments24:08 - Ethical considerations: hunting with calls and respecting wildlife25:28 - The controversy over crane and dove hunting laws in Michigan30:40 - The economics of out-of-state hunting trips and their impact on local economies35:08 - Strategies for shed hunting and scouting during winter and early spring37:21 - Sharing shed photos and the importance of age estimation and genetics41:53 - Managing deer populations and understanding herd dynamics45:04 - The importance of strategic hunting pressure and habitat management48:14 - Final thoughts on proper hunting techniques and wildlife stewardship

On this weeks episode the guys sit down and talk about, ice fishing, late Deer season, late goose season and much much more!What do you want to see more content of?Let us know in the comments below!

On This weeks episode Kyle and Chris Sit down with the guys from Hodag Outdoors. We talk industry and deer hunting! Check out Hodag Products in your local Hunting Stores.

We sit down with our buddy Luke and Dylan after a morning hunt and talk about the struggles of public land birds and private land

In this weeks podcast we have the crew in! We talk about the season, favorite hunts, and things we need to improve on!

Trav and I sit down and discuss and recap on some of the hunting lately. Maybe some tips, tricks or other ways that can help you punch the tag this spring.

Troy and I sit down in the studio and talk to Michigan Native Robby Lefere. We talked about his upcoming in the fishing industry, with tournaments coming up in the future. We also talk about high school, and college fishing and how much it has changed over the years.

Aly and I sat down and talk to Hawk about his turkey season and off season goals with the lodge and creating habitat for turkeys, deer and waterfowl.

On this weeks podcast Alyx and I sit down and talk to Eric with Fire Bolt Game Calls, and boy did we talk about it all!