Christian Outdoors Podcast

J. R. Lucas founder and designer of Aspen Grove Outdoors joins me to discuss the science behind his camouflage patterns, and how God is using him in his designs. There is a lot that goes into these designs that most hunters do not recognize. J. R. shares much of his knowledge and how he comes up with his designs.

2020 has been a stressful year, and as it is winding down, we are searching for hope for 2021 to be better. Where does our hope come from? It comes from God. Today we look back at 2020 and look ahead to 2021 and use some scripture from John chapter 1 to help us get the hope we need for a better tomorrow.

The scripture tells us over 80 times not to be afraid. But in today's world, with all of the uncertainty of politics, pandemics and more it is hard not to be afraid. Jobs being lost, whole cities and states being shut down, fear and crime are rampant. The whole country is covered under a blanket of fear. How are Christians to respond to this fear? What are we supposed to do? Where do we find comfort?

A.J. Howard co-founder of Unbounded Pursuit joins me today to talk about balancing work, family, faith and the outdoors. We have a candid discussion of the struggle to keep all of these balls in the air at the same time. We discuss setting priorities and making sure God is first. Learn more about Unbounded Pursuit from their facebook page and on YouTube here; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cPxWzGwMKcPA_7Rh9DXHA

Saddle hunting seems to be all the rage nowadays. So I brought on one of the few people I know personally who uses one to get their perspective on why he transitioned from a conventional treestand to a saddle. Dr. Philip Hunt is a dentist and an avid deer hunter and fly fisherman. He enjoys hunting out of a saddle and explains to us how it works and why he chooses it over a traditional stand.

Greg Braselton has some exciting stories of some of his hunts and how his faith has played a major role in his success. He shares with us his journey into deer hunting, and his faith along the way. Inspired by some articles in Deer and Deer Hunting magazine and a colleague to focus more on God than killing deer while hunting, changed his entire approach to hunting.

Today we talk with head baseball coach at Clemson University Monte Lee. not only is Monte an excellent baseball coach, but he is a great hunter also. In this conversation we dive into hunting and baseball and how they are similar. Monte also shares his knowledge of baseball and some of the science behind the modern game. It is a great conversation and one I know you will love. https://clemsontigers.com/sports/baseball/

Dan Kibler is editor of three monthly magazines and has been in outdoor journalism for nearly 40 years. Dan joins me today as we discuss a topic requested by the listeners. How do you get published in outdoor media? Dan and I talk about how to get a publisher/editor to take a chance on you as a new writer. Avenues to explore, opportunities that are available and more. If you want Dan to look at some of your writing, email him at; [email protected] and give him a shout.

Today's episode is recorded at our annual deer camp with two of my closest friends. Chad Simpson and Myron Williams join me as we reminisce about how our camp has changed through the years. we talk about how we have moved from a 6 man dome tent to a cabin and some of the stories that led to that transition. In addition, each of us share a story of our favorite hunts at deer camp. join us as we relive some of our most treasured moments of deer camp. I am sure those of you who have a deer camp tradition can relate to our stories, and if you don't have a tradition of deer camp, start one.

This week, we recap my trip to western Kentucky with Ironman outdoors. A bow hunt for whitetails with the men's ministry. We talk here with Rev. Chris Taylor who led the retreat. A hardcore hunter, passionate follower of Jesus and pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Chris shares his passion for hunting, and for Jesus as we recap our hunt together. Chris has a podcast where he records his sermons they are found at; https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mt-carmel-baptist-church/id1472026909 Also, if you are interested in attending one of these men's weekends go to www.ironmanoutdoors.org and sign up for one of these amazing weekends. Episode 32 we had with us the founder of Ironman Outdoors Patrick Tyndall.

Have you dreamed of hunting a different state but were overwhelmed at the task? This episode is taken directly from my book; Planning an Out of State Hunt: 20 Steps to Success. We discuss everything you need to know to make your dream hunt a success. From setting a budget, to selecting your crew, meal plans, cyber scouting, getting tags and licenses and more. These 20 steps can make your next trip truly memorable.

As we begin our second year of podcasts, I asked myself, 'Now What?' and with that question came a lot of answers. What direction are we going? Where is our country going in this new election year? What are the choices we have? Where is God in all of this? Our country has never been so divided ideologically or theologically. Now what? Our lives are in turmoil with COVID and the choices we must make. Now what? and the list goes on and on. Let's dive into God's word and see where it leads us as we face the question of Now what?

3030 Ministries is a passion for my guest Brad Dill. Began in 2011, 3030 Ministries uses the outdoors to bring the youth together to hunt, fish and share the gospel. Brad Dill and other volunteers work to host weekend camps at various locations across the country and world and share hunting and fishing but also the gospel with these youth and their parents. www.3030ministries.org Brad is also editor of Georgia Outdoor News, a monthly magazine that focuses its material on the great state of Georgia.

How hard is it to trust God when things are not going your way? When things seem to be as bad as they have ever been, finding the strength to trust God can make your life so much better and easier. In today's lesson, we learn that even when facing the flames, because they would not bow down to the king. Their belief that God would prevail made all of the difference. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were facing a furnace so hot, the men who took them to it were killed from the heat. But they believed God would save them from the fire.....but even if he does not, we will still not ...we will still honor our God. Staying strong in tough times and trusting God is what today's episode is about.

Frank Melloni appeared on History Channel's Top Shot season four and is one of the nations foremost shooting instructors. With over 100,000 students having gone through his courses. Frank specializes in gun safety, first time gun owners, and long range shooting. Teaching students about the firearms, proper techniques, and gun safety. Frank is also widely published in many firearm related magazines. He is widely regarded as one of the few "go-to" sources in gun reviews, tactics and training. You can follow him at; www.renaissancefirearminstruction.com and on IG and FB under the same name. His videos on YouTube are acclaimed and found here - https://www.youtube.com/user/fmelloni1982

Frank Melloni appeared on History Channel's Top Shot season four and is one of the nations foremost shooting instructors. With over 100,000 students having gone through his courses. Frank specializes in gun safety, first time gun owners, and long range shooting. Teaching students about the firearms, proper techniques, and gun safety. Frank is also widely published in many firearm related magazines. He is widely regarded as one of the few "go-to" sources in gun reviews, tactics and training. You can follow him at; www.renaissancefirearminstruction.com and on IG and FB under the same name. His videos on YouTube are acclaimed and found here - https://www.youtube.com/user/fmelloni1982

Today, we have a fellow podcaster Tyler Pruitt - Tyler is the host of Rise. Kill. Eat Podcast. His podcast is so similar to Christian Outdoors - Tyler is a passionate Christian and a hunter and outdoorsman. We discuss his entry into the podcast world, hunting and his faith journey.

Matt Lindler is the Director of Conservation Communication at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). He has been there for 22 years and began as a staff writer and photographer, moved up the editor of Turkey Country magazine, and then to VP of communications. Matt knows all of the in's and out's of the NWTF. As the Conservation Communications director, Matt is tasked with helping the hunting heritage and helping to keep the hunting heritage alive and well. In this episode we discuss, the NWTF, where it has been, where it is going and along the way, we discuss Matt's faith journey and how God has helped him in his life and work.

The Quality Deer Management Association's Director of Communications Mr. Lindsay Thomas Jr. joins us today to talk about his foray into the world of hunting as well as all things about the QDMA. The leader in whitetail deer management for over 30 years, the QDMA is always in the forefront of what is happening with the world of the whitetail. Lindsay spends time discussing some of the great programs of the QDMA and we share how you can become a part.

With the majority of today's population living in urban and suburban areas, finding places to hunt can be challenging. Today we have with us, Trent Eskew who has developed a way of finding access to small properties in urban areas and uses that to get some big bucks. Trent will share with us some of his techniques for securing access to properties and methods of taking bucks off of these properties.

Human Trafficking affects 16 million people annually. Each year 5 million people in the USA alone are trafficked for labor and sex. Today we discuss what the Christian response to this crisis and how we can become more aware and make an impact. Psalm 62 provides a guide for us in this discussion.

Tony Smotherman is one of the most respected gentlemen in the hunting industry. For over 25 years he has carved a living out of the hunting lifestyle. From early beginnings as a writer, to then buying Tennessee Outdoor news and turning it into the most read publication in Tennessee, to television host and more. Tony is also one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Today as head of Influencer Relations for BPI Outdoors. Tony manages the network of prostaff, influencers and outdoor media for the CVA brand. A true southern gentleman who shares his passion openly.

Life often kicks us down, and then stomps on us when we are down. How can we find a way to enjoy God during these hard times? Today, I discuss how we can keep our eyes on God during these times and know that He is right there with us and that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

December 2018 Matt Branch's life changed when a freak hunting accident caused him to lose his left leg at the hip. Matt played football at LSU from 2008-2012, and was on one of the best teams to ever play college football. He was big, strong and loved the outdoors. That all changed with the accident that cost him his leg. Matt shares his story with us of how the accident affected him and how his faith in God was tested and how it is growing.

In the world of TV hunting shows, some shows stand out above the rest. This is one of those shows. The stories they tell, and the videography are on a different level. Raised Hunting is not your ordinary hunting show, it resonates with non-hunters, as well as hunters. Founder, David Holder weaves a masterful story through his narratives and videography that is some of the best in the industry. www.raisedhunting.com

Deer hunters are creatures of habit, so too are Christians, we seldom deviate from our comfort zones - unless it suits us. Today I explore the 5 biggest mistakes deer hunters make, and then at about the 26 minute mark, I jump into the 5 biggest mistakes of Christians

Davy Hite and I go back nearly 40 years and we spend some time discussing our history, people who have meant a lot to us, and some of the accomplishments in Davy's career. We discuss his challenges along the way, his success as a fisherman and as a dad. Much of the conversation also revolves around how he has handled the success as one of the best to ever cast a rod in professional bass fishing. With 45 top 10 finishes, two time angler of the year, 1998 FLW champion and 1999 Bass Masters Classic Champion. Davy is one of the best to ever fish professionally and in 2019 it was culminated with his selection into Bass Fishing hall of fame. Other than fishing, Davy is passionate about being a dad, and he spends some of his time on the board of trustees of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. To learn more about this organization and how you can help, visit their website here. https://www.scfathersandfamilies.com/

Feral hogs are an issue in many places, Sims Wingard spends much of his free time, chasing hogs with his well trained Leopard hounds in Lower Alabama. Today we hear his stories of hog hunting and how he shares his love of his dogs and his love for Jesus through Patsburg Hoggers. You can reach him at; Patsburg Hoggers on YouTube Sims Wingard on IG, FB and Twitter and [email protected]

Daren Bulow of Casper, Wyoming joins me today to discuss how he has taken his comedy business and turned it into a way to help nonprofit companies and businesses. By managing his performances to generate funds for struggling nonprofits, he has built a reputation in the west. Daren is also a passionate upland bird hunter and follows his German Shorthair pointers through the prairie of Wyoming chasing grouse, pheasants, chuckers and Hungarian partridge.

The Creation Speaks is a ministry by my guest this week Pat Mingareli. A professional photographer, Pat uses his talents and gifts to minister through his pictures. He shares with us his passion for creation and sharing creation with others. Pat also emphasizes that we all have gifts from God that we can use for his good. His daily verse of the day blog is very popular and share insight and encouragement to readers. Find him at: http://www.thecreationspeaks.com/, and his daily verse at https://visualverse.thecreationspeaks.com/

Hunters are always trying to improve their properties for better deer. Wildlife Biologist Steve Shea joins me today to discuss how to prepare your property for the greatest benefit for your deer herd. He also shares with us his passion for Christ and how his relationship with Christ has helped him to enjoy life, his family and all things outdoors better.

Patrick Tyndall is one of the founders of Ironman Outdoors a men's ministry that works to connect men to Christ through the outdoors. Focusing on hunting and fishing retreats, Ironman Outdoors is a place to unite men and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Patrick shares with us the ministry, and how it came into being and some of the attributes of the ministry. With hunting and fishing retreats in Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, Indiana and other places, they have an opportunity for you to join them. Find them at www.ironmanoutdoors.org

We are picking up where we left off last week with Ms. Meredith McCord. Entrepreneur, professional fly angler, trip host and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. We continue the conversation of her life as an angler and how she has been able to incorporate her love for Jesus in her adventures.

Meredith McCord is a professional fly angler, holder of over 190 IGFA world records, entrepreneur, trip host and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. In this two part interview we discuss her passion for fly fishing, and her passion for Christ that has taken her all over the world sharing the good news and landing record fish. Meredith is candid, honest and pure joy to have on the show. I am sure you will gain a lot of insight into her faith, family and life as one of the worlds most renown fly anglers.

In today's episode, we are talking with Christian Tetsch. A gentleman who began his hunting career at age 50. Hunting is often a tradition passed down within families. But as we learn today, it was a neighbor who invited Christian to his first hunt. Since then, Christian says; "I have found a home here." and he explains in detail his progression into the hunting lifestyle. But also, Christian shares with us his faith journey, which much like his hunting journey, came later in life. While it was not quite as late, he shares with us his personal journey into a life with Christ and how that has impacted his life. This is truly an interview I believe all listeners can relate to as someone who is frank, deliberate and honest with his journey.

After an accident as a child, Ken Byers could have thrown in the towel. instead he used it to motivate himself and his family. In today's episode, Ken shares how he overcame the accident, and how God used it to bring his family to Christ. Ken Byers is one of the best known and respected men in his field. He is an entrepreneur, outdoorsman, hunter, and Christian. Ken has a great story of faith, family and the outdoors and how he excels in every arena. Ken is also an owner of L-AV8 company. An ION infused apparel company whose science proves that life can be lived in motion - pain free. www.L-AV8.com for more information.

In the middle of the Corona Virus is the truth that He is Risen! Jesus is alive, and your sins are forgiven. This episode we look at scripture, and read about the Last supper, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus and what that means for us. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, we can take comfort that Jesus is still on the throne and nothing can stop that.

In today's episode we are talking with outdoor writer, renowned crappie angler and leukemia survivor as he shares with us his journey into the world of outdoor writing. Philip also shares with us his passion for crappie fishing and how his diagnosis a few years ago of Leukemia has strengthened his relationship with Jesus Christ.

We are in trying times. The COVID-19 Pandemic has the world scared, worried and confused. This episode, I try and make sense of this mess and look at what we as Christians can do to handle the disruption in our lives due to this virus.

This is part 2 and we pick up at the conclusion of last week where we are talking with Zach Tatum and here we get to hear as he shares his story of his son Landon and his wife Taylor. Landon was born with some severe challenges, and Zach shares with us their journey, how God has helped them and about his son Landon. This is a great story and one where you will hear the faith of God carry a family through some trying times. It was my honor to hear and share this story. if you want to help Zach and his family, go to their GoFundMe page at: www.gofundme.com/f/landonhalltatum

This is part 1 of a 2 part podcast. Zach Tatum is a Game Warden, husband and dad. His story is one that will pull your heart strings as he shares his experiences as a Game Warden, and as a dad to Landon. In part 1 we are focusing on the Game Warden side of things and Zach and I discuss some of the laws some of the violation of laws, and some of the mistakes sportsmen and women make while afield. This is an enlightening discussion and one that will help clarify a lot of issues for sportsmen and women. To support the Tatums visit their GoFundMe page at: www.gofundme.com/f/landonhalltatum

In this discussion, we are tackling a sensitive subject that is affecting the church we love. The United Methodist Church will decide in May of this year to split into two different denominations. Those who support the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals and those who do not. It is a difficult subject that affects many people, and is effecting the church in a way that is dominating the conversation rather than focusing on making disciples of Jesus Christ. My guest is well versed on this subject and brings understanding of what is going to happen and how it will occur.

The Fallen Outdoors is an organization of veterans who love the outdoors and want to help other veterans or active duty enjoy the outdoors also. Joel Campbell is the director of the North Dakota branch and a lover of Jesus. We spend about an hour learning about him and The Fallen Outdoors where we are "Living Our Dreams, Because They Gave Up Theirs". We discuss how to get involved as a volunteer. How veterans and active duty personnel can get involved and also Joel shares how his walk with Jesus came about and where it is today.

Protestants have long debated the differences between these two schools of thought and theology. Which is right? Are we predestined for salvation or not? Do we have any input in our own salvation? Dr. Philip Hunt joins me as we discuss this and our understanding of these two views.

Dr. Philip Hunt joins me today to discuss fly fishing, and missions. This conversation began in a duck blind a few months ago when we began discussing what the church sees as missions in the modern world. We wandered all over the place and came to an understanding of what we feel it is today. In this episode, Philip and I discuss what we see missions today, and while we are at it, we also discuss the nuances of fly fishing and places to do it and even some tips on how to fly fish. This is a great episode with a lot of great information.

Miracles are everywhere. Sometimes we don't recognize them, other times they are obvious. In today's episode, i share some observations of when miracles occur. And I share some personal experiences of realizing miracles in my life. I hope it will help you.

I have the honor of having with me a guest that is working hard to encourage and help women get more involved in the outdoors. MacKenzie Kroll owner of Her Wilderness (www.herwilderness.co) shares with us the vision behind Her Wilderness, some of the events they are participating in and how you can get involved. Along the way, MacKenzie also shares with us her faith journey and how Jesus is a part of her life and her business. During one portion, she shares about an upcoming ice fishing trip where 40 women will gather on the ice in Minnesota for a three day ice fishing adventure in Ice Castle fishing houses. (www.icecastlefh.com) This is an episode you will not want to miss.

Kristy Barnes Parker is the Sr. Licensing Manager at Realtree. But she is much more than that. A wonderful lady of God and a gentle spirit. Kristy shares with us her passion for the outdoors and her passion for Jesus. She shares with us her journey as the child of a Pastor, to her current place with Realtree, one of the iconic brands in the industry. Kristy has solidified her place with the outdoor industry and is a true blessing to all who know her. Her story is truly inspiring and up-lifting. We are honored she took the tine to join us on this podcast

Discovering your Gifts can be one of the more difficult things for Christians. Here we look at some of the ways you can discover your gifts and how you can use them for God's purpose for your life. Before we get into that, I spend some time sharing my deer season of 2019. Some of the highs and lows. I will also share some of the things that are coming in 2020 for Christian Outdoors Podcast.

Whitney Philips is one of the finest people I have the pleasure of knowing. She and her husband, Trey, own and operate one of the premier waterfowl and deer hunting destination in the Southeast. In today's episode we discuss the history of the Clarendon Club, and what they have to offer. We also discuss Whitney's faith journey and how she is able to incorporate her faith into her business. If you are a business woman and a christian, you will not want to miss this episode as she shares her experiences and her journey with us. You can contact them at: 803-460-9379 or follow them on Facebook at; https://www.facebook.com/clarendonclubsc/