Pro Talk Outdoors

Get ready for a nostalgic and candid conversation about turkey hunting, friendship, and lessons learned in the woods. Dan Johnson joins his longtime friend Brent Rich to reflect on their wild, memorable hunts, evolutions in their passion, and the importance of tradition and persistence. From their first turkey hunting trip in Iowa in 2002 to the makeshift camps and camaraderie that shaped their early experiences, this episode dives deep into the heart of what makes hunting more than just a sport. Listeners will discover how habitat changes and predator control impact turkey populations, the evolution of hunting technology and tactics, and the significance of passing on traditions to younger generations. Brent shares his future hunting goals, including achieving a Grand Slam and exploring western public lands. This episode is a heartfelt recount of hunting, friendship, and the lessons learned along the way—fuel for your own outdoor adventures! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for i

Most turkey hunters struggle with pressure and unpredictable wake-up calls—until now. Discover how seasoned hunters like Jimmy Smith master turkey hunting in crowded fields, stubborn gobblers, and tough conditions, turning pressure into opportunity.In this candid, down-to-earth episode, Dan Johnson sits down with turkey hunting expert Jimmy Smith to share real-world tactics for navigating pressure, dealing with other hunters, and adapting your strategy to the season’s changing green-up. You'll uncover proven approaches to hunt pressured birds on public land, how to respond when turkeys are bumped, and the secrets to staying patient when others have pushed the flock out of sight. Jimmy breaks down the importance of being respectful—knowing when to move, wait, or back out—and emphasizes the value of scouting and terrain awareness, especially in later season stages where foliage hinders visibility and sound.We break down: The high-pressure battles of turkey hunting and how to find success amidst aggressive hun

In this episode, expert turkey hunter Erik Barber shares his strategies for successful turkey hunting across multiple states, discussing logistics, weather considerations, gear choices, and tactical approaches to different terrains and conditions. Key Topics: Logistics of multi-state turkey hunting Adapting strategies to terrain and weather Gear choices and decoy selection Reading turkey behavior and calling techniques Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Dan Johnson and Scott Cronin as they discuss turkey hunting strategies, habitat impacts, and the importance of travel and gear in enhancing your hunting experience. Discover insights on turkey population trends, conservation efforts, and how to make the most of your spring season across different states. Key Topics: Turkey population trends in Kentucky over the last 10 years Impact of cicadas and insects on turkey populations Conservation efforts and wildlife management strategies Travel and gear tips for successful turkey hunting The importance of habitat management and land use Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this engaging episode, Dan Johnson and Parker McDonald dive into the intricacies of turkey hunting, sharing their personal experiences and expert insights. They explore the challenges and rewards of hunting in various weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic use of locator calls. Through humorous anecdotes and thoughtful discussions, they reveal how turkey hunting can be both a thrilling adventure and a test of endurance, offering listeners valuable tips on how to adapt and succeed in the field. The conversation also touches on the impact of hunting seasons on personal life, with Parker humorously debating whether turkey or deer season has ended more marriages. The duo highlights the benefits of turkey hunting, such as better weather and more family time, making it a less intrusive pursuit. With stories of hunting in unique locations like vineyards and the challenges of navigating dense woods, this episode is packed with practical advice and entertaining tales that will reso

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, Dan Johnson chats with John Mulligan about his journey into turkey hunting, his experiences with archery, and the challenges he faced while completing a Grand Slam. They discuss the importance of preparation, the thrill of hunting in different states, and the unique story behind John's turkey call company, Bourbon Barrel Calls. The conversation highlights the passion for hunting, the significance of conservation, and the joy of sharing these experiences with others. Takeaways: John started hunting at 23 after moving to Northern Kentucky. He transitioned from whitetail to turkey hunting to keep active year-round. John completed a Grand Slam in a single season, a unique achievement. The Black Hills hunt was memorable due to its scenery and turkey behavior. John's turkey call company uses reclaimed bourbon barrels for sustainability. He emphasizes the importance of research in developing effective turkey calls. John's calls are handmade, ensuring quality

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson speaks with Zach Haas, a land management expert, about the intricacies of creating and maintaining optimal habitats for turkeys. They discuss the importance of water sources, nesting sites, roosting trees, and the impact of predation on turkey populations. Zach shares insights on how to restore turkey populations in areas where they have diminished and emphasizes the need for proper habitat management to ensure the health and sustainability of turkey populations. The conversation also touches on hunting strategies and the significance of scouting for successful turkey hunting. Takeaways Wrestling teaches mental toughness applicable in life. Water is crucial for turkey health and habitat. Improving deer habitat also benefits turkey populations. Nesting sites are essential for turkey reproduction. Roosting trees should be prioritized for turkey safety. Creating diverse habitats increases wildlife sustainability. Predation control is vit

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson speaks with turkey hunting expert Matt Morett about his lifelong passion for turkey hunting, the importance of conservation, and the experiences at the NWTF convention. They discuss the evolution of turkey calling competitions, the significance of patience and strategy in hunting, and the growing role of women in the sport. Matt shares insights from his journey in the turkey hunting industry and emphasizes the need for community and mentorship in preserving hunting culture. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of turkey hunting regulations and the importance of leaving natural resources better than we found them.Takeaways:The NWTF convention is a hub for turkey hunters.Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining turkey populations.Patience is key in turkey hunting success.Understanding turkey language enhances calling effectiveness.Women are becoming significant contributors to turkey hunting.Learning from failures is e

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson engages with Scott Ellis, a seasoned turkey hunter and competitive caller. They discuss Scott's extensive experience in turkey hunting, the nuances of competitive calling, and the strategies for hunting pressured birds. Scott shares insights on the importance of realism in calling, the techniques for engaging with both hens and gobblers, and the significance of patience and adaptability in the field. The conversation also touches on the use of decoys, roosting strategies, and tips for weekend warriors looking to improve their turkey hunting skills.Takeaways:Scott Ellis has been turkey hunting for 40 years.Realism in calling is crucial for success.Patience is key when hunting pressured birds.Understanding turkey behavior can improve hunting strategies.Using decoys effectively can enhance hunting success.Hiding the hen is a valuable tactic in turkey hunting.Engaging with hens requires a civil approach.Different calls can provoke different respo

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Jimmy Smith delve into the world of turkey hunting, exploring its passion, techniques, and the community surrounding it. They discuss the significance of the first gobble, the journey into competition calling, and the strategies for hunting different turkey subspecies. The conversation also touches on the importance of scouting, the dynamics of turkey behavior, and the goals for the upcoming season, emphasizing the need for more hunters to get involved in this rewarding sport.Takeaways:Turkey hunting is a passion that many hunters share.The first gobble can be a life-changing experience for hunters.Competition calling can enhance hunting skills but is not necessary for success.Scouting and understanding turkey behavior are crucial for successful hunts.Different subspecies of turkeys require different hunting strategies.Timing and patience are key factors in turkey hunting success.Over-calling can push turkeys away instead of attract

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, Dan Johnson and Graham Cronin discuss the excitement surrounding turkey season, the application process for turkey tags in Wisconsin, and the balance between work and hunting. They share insights on post-hunt meals, youth hunting opportunities, and strategies for planning multi-state turkey hunts. The conversation delves into hunting techniques, including calling strategies, the importance of roosting turkeys, and final approaches to closing the distance. They also touch on gear and equipment preferences, along with personal hunting stories and experiences.Takeaways:Graham rates his excitement for turkey season as a 7 to 8.The NWTF convention in Nashville ramps up excitement for turkey hunting.Wisconsin has a unique turkey tag application process.Hunters can buy multiple tags in Wisconsin if available.Balancing work and hunting is crucial during turkey season.Post-hunt meals often include quick and hearty options.Youth turkey hunting opportunities allow kids

In this episode, Dan Johnson interviews Josh Dahlke, a passionate turkey hunter who shares his obsession with the sport. They discuss the psychological aspects of turkey hunting, the preparation involved, and the various challenges faced in different states. Josh explains the concept of the Super Slam and the different types of turkey slams, as well as his favorite species to hunt. The conversation also covers strategies for hunting turkeys, the impact of weather, and valuable tips for new hunters.Josh Dahlke is a passionate turkey hunter, often hunting multiple states each season.Turkey hunting offers a unique engagement with nature compared to other forms of hunting.Preparation for turkey season begins long before the actual hunting starts, involving e-scouting and planning.The Super Slam is a personal goal for many turkey hunters, including Josh.Different states present unique challenges and cultural differences in turkey hunting.The Eastern wild turkey is often considered the hardest to hunt due to high p

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Aaron Warbritton discuss their experiences and insights into turkey hunting. They share personal stories about their early days in the field, the challenges of learning the craft, and the social aspects of hunting. The conversation delves into the differences between turkey and deer hunting, the importance of observation, and effective strategies for using decoys. They also touch on the culture of turkey hunting in Missouri and the significance of roosting birds for successful hunts. Overall, the episode provides valuable tips and reflections for both novice and experienced turkey hunters.takeawaysTurkey hunting requires patience and skill.Learning from experienced hunters is invaluable.Observation is key to understanding turkey behavior.Decoys can be effective but require strategic placement.The social aspect of hunting enhances the experience.Roosting birds can significantly improve success rates.Understanding turkey senses is crucial for effective hunting.Practice calling i

In this episode, Paul Campbell and Dan Johnson dive into the world of turkey hunting, discussing the cultural differences between turkey and deer hunting, the passion for turkey hunting in the South, and personal stories of how turkey hunting has impacted their lives. They explore the challenges and joys of turkey hunting, the community around it, and the life-changing power of the outdoors.TakeawaysTurkey hunting offers a unique cultural experience compared to deer hunting.The South has a deep-rooted passion for turkey hunting.Turkey hunting is more about the experience than the trophy.Paul Campbell shares how turkey hunting changed his life.Dan Johnson discusses the accessibility of turkey hunting.The community around turkey hunting is supportive and ego-free.Turkey hunting allows for a more interactive and mobile experience.The outdoors can be a healing and transformative space.Turkey hunting is accessible and engaging for new hunters.The episode emphasizes the importance of enjoying the hunt. Hosted by Si

In this episode, we dive into the must-have gear for turkey hunting—whether you’re just getting started or want to fine-tune your setup. From picking the right shotgun to using decoys effectively, this episode covers all the essentials to help you gear up with confidence.You’ll learn:What to look for in a turkey hunting shotgunWhy binoculars are more useful than you thinkThe role of decoys in turkey huntingDifferent types of turkey calls (mouth, slate, box, and more) and how to choose what suits youWhether you're in the woods at daybreak or prepping from home, this episode will help you build a kit that gets results.

On this episode I discuss the things getting me through to next turkey season. From boat breakdowns to bigheads and from roadside jeep troubles to car conundrums I talk about a little bit of everything in this podcast. I even dive into strategies on brownie points with the family.

In this episode, we dive into one trait that separates successful turkey hunters from the rest: commitment. From waking up before dawn to hiking into unfamiliar territory, to pushing through the tough mornings when gobblers go silent — it all comes back to how much you're willing to put in because of how much you love it.We talk about:Why committing to hunting new places sharpens your skills and opens new doorsThe value of early mornings and late nights in the woodsHow consistency and dedication to calling pays off in the long runPushing through the hard parts of the season when others give upThe mindset of a hunter who’s not just interested — but truly committed to the pursuitWhether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or still figuring it out, this episode is a reminder that the more heart you put in, the more the woods give back. You’re not doing it because it’s easy — you’re doing it because you love it.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most underrated but critical skills for successful turkey hunting: patience. Whether you're sitting in the woods waiting for that gobbler to come into range or navigating life’s challenges, patience can make all the difference.I share how my early days of fishing helped me build patience and how those lessons carried over into the turkey woods. We'll also talk about why confidence in your setup is just as important—because if you believe in the spot you're hunting, you're much more likely to stay put long enough for success to happen.This episode is part hunting tactics, part life wisdom, and 100% real talk from the field.What You'll Learn:Why patience can make or break your turkey huntHow fishing taught me to slow down and wait with purposeThe connection between patience and confidence in your hunting spotHow practicing patience in the outdoors can spill over into everyday lifeMindset tips for staying focused, calm, and committed in the woods

On this week's episode of the How To Hunt Turkey podcast I dive into the details of changing your Turkey Hunting tactics to find success. I talk about letting the Turkeys tell you what they want and what you might need to change or do differently to find success. I also share some practical examples from my own turkey season where changing something either worked or didn't and what helped me have better turkey hunts, as well as the things that cost me opportunities. So whether you had great success in the turkey woods this year or whether you struggled, I hope this episode helps you to think about different things to try and look for next turkey season.

In this conversation, Jase Greer and Conner Mobley discuss the intricacies of filming hunts, particularly focusing on turkey hunting. They explore the urgency of capturing footage during the short turkey season, the challenges of balancing filming with hunting, and the gear setups that work best for capturing high-quality video. The discussion also touches on audio considerations and tips for simplifying the filming process to enhance the hunting experience. They also highlight the challenges of capturing the unpredictable nature of turkeys, especially when trying to film in low light conditions. They delve into the importance of choosing the right camera gear, focusing techniques, and the significance of capturing detail shots to tell a compelling story. The discussion emphasizes the need for experience and creativity in outdoor videography, as well as practical tips for beginners looking to film their hunts effectively. They also emphasize the importance of starting with accessible equipment, the learning c