The 100% Wild Podcast

The Science of Saving the Wild Turkey with Mike Chamberlain | 100% WILD Podcast Ep. 467 In this episode of the 100% WILD Podcast, Matt Drury and Tim Kjellesvik sit down with Dr. Mike Chamberlain, the "Wild Turkey Doc" and NWTF distinguished professor, to address the alarming declines in wild turkey populations across North America. Dr. Chamberlain breaks down the mission of the Wild Turkey Lab, a comprehensive archive designed to turn complex research into actionable data for hunters and land managers. We dive deep into the biological impact of habitat fragmentation, explaining how modern land use has inadvertently created the perfect environment for nest predators like raccoons and opossums to decimate turkey productivity. The conversation takes a tactical turn as we discuss the "reproductive skew" of the wild turkey explaining why all gobblers are not created equal and how selective harvest can influence future poult production. Dr. Chamberlain also shares his personal shift from traditional beads to using red dots on shotguns after a high stakes miss, emphasizing the importance of vision and confidence. From debunking myths about windy days and barometric pressure to exploring the future of state agency regulations, this episode is an essential masterclass for anyone dedicated to the conservation and pursuit of the wild turkey. 00:00:00 – Dr. Mike Chamberlain: 30 years of wild turkey research 00:03:33 – The Wild Turkey Lab: A one-stop shop for turkey data 00:08:43 – Addressing the "call to arms" regarding population declines 00:13:16 – Combatting social media misinformation with peer-reviewed science 00:14:39 – Why predators are getting more efficient 00:20:38 – Balancing biology vs. politics 00:27:41 – The future of turkey hunting funding 00:33:00 – Why Dr. Chamberlain made the switch to use a red dot. 00:38:17 – How birds originally crossed state lines 00:41:52 – Why peak numbers are in the past 00:48:21 – Prioritizing early successional habitat 00:53:29 – Should you shoot the dominant tom? 01:05:08 – Rapid fire myth-busting with the Doc 01:13:38 – Where to follow Dr. Mike Chamberlain & Wild Turkey DNA Join the Rack Pack Facebook Group :/ n73gskjt7bfb2ngc Get ahead of your Game with DeerCast available on iOS and Android devices App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deerc... Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Don't forget to stock up for your next hunt! 1st Phorm has you covered! Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein... Level-1 Bars: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1... Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-pho... Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydrati... Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/100PercentW... For exciting updates on what's happening on the field and off, follow us on social Facebook: / @officialdruryoutdoors Instagram: @DruryOutdoors X: @DruryOutdoors Be sure to check out http://www.druryoutdoors.com for more information, hunts, and more! Music provided by Epidemic Sound http://player.epidemicsound.com/ #dodtv

Inside Leupold Optics with CEO Bruce Pettet | 100% Wild Podcast Ep. 466 In this episode of the 100% Wild Podcast, Matt Drury and Tim Kjellesvik sit down with Bruce Pettet, the President and CEO of Leupold & Stevens, to discuss the cutting edge of hunting optics and technical innovation. Bruce pulls back the curtain on Leupold's relentless product roadmap, highlighting the launch of the VX-4HD rifle scope, which offers top-tier glass and superior low-light performance for under $1,000. We dive into how these optics allow hunters to capitalize on the "moment of truth" during those final critical minutes of legal light. The conversation shifts to high-end observation gear with a deep dive into the BX-6 rangefinding binoculars, exploring their optically perfect glass and seamless DeerCast integration for pinning waypoints in real-time. Bruce also joins the crew for a round of Optics Mythbusting, debunking common misconceptions about objective lens size and the magnification required for long-range precision. Whether you are preparing for a Western elk hunt or looking for the best red dot for spring turkeys, this episode provides expert insights into maximizing your field efficiency through superior technology. 00:00:00 - Intro to the podcast 00:01:25 – Bruce Pettet, Leupold President/CEO, joins the show 00:03:00 – Inside Leupold: The innovation roadmap and engineering focus 00:04:00 – VX-4HD: Addressing the "white space" in hunting rifle scopes 00:05:40 – Low Light Performance: Gaining those critical final minutes of daylight 00:07:50 – Scope Features: Throw levers, CDS dials, and fire dots 00:11:50 – The Gold Ring: Why Leupold optics are family heirlooms for life 00:13:50 – Wild Tech Support: Taking calls while a hunter shoots a buck 00:17:00 – BX-6 Binos: Optically perfect glass for Western hunting 00:19:15 – DeerCast Integration: Pinning blood trails and waypoints in real-time 00:32:30 – Leupold Control App: Archery mode and custom ballistics simplicity 00:36:50 – Turkey Hunting Optics: Red dots vs. magnified scopes 00:39:40 – Optics Mythbusting: The truth about objective lenses and max power Join the Rack Pack Facebook Group :/ n73gskjt7bfb2ngc Get ahead of your Game with DeerCast available on iOS and Android devices App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deerc... Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Don't forget to stock up for your next hunt! 1st Phorm has you covered! Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein... Level-1 Bars: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1... Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-pho... Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydrati... Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/100PercentW... For exciting updates on what's happening on the field and off, follow us on social Facebook: / @officialdruryoutdoors Instagram: @DruryOutdoors X: @DruryOutdoors Be sure to check out http://www.druryoutdoors.com for more information, hunts, and more! Music provided by Epidemic Sound http://player.epidemicsound.com/ #dodtv

Inside Leupold Optics with CEO Bruce Pettet | 100% Wild Podcast Ep. 466 In this episode of the 100% Wild Podcast, Matt Drury and Tim Kjellesvik sit down with Bruce Pettet, the President and CEO of Leupold & Stevens, to discuss the cutting edge of hunting optics and technical innovation. Bruce pulls back the curtain on Leupold's relentless product roadmap, highlighting the launch of the VX-4HD rifle scope, which offers top-tier glass and superior low-light performance for under $1,000. We dive into how these optics allow hunters to capitalize on the "moment of truth" during those final critical minutes of legal light. The conversation shifts to high-end observation gear with a deep dive into the BX-6 rangefinding binoculars, exploring their optically perfect glass and seamless DeerCast integration for pinning waypoints in real-time. Bruce also joins the crew for a round of Optics Mythbusting, debunking common misconceptions about objective lens size and the magnification required for long-range precision. Whether you are preparing for a Western elk hunt or looking for the best red dot for spring turkeys, this episode provides expert insights into maximizing your field efficiency through superior technology. 00:00:00 - Intro to the podcast 00:01:25 – Bruce Pettet, Leupold President/CEO, joins the show 00:03:00 – Inside Leupold: The innovation roadmap and engineering focus 00:04:00 – VX-4HD: Addressing the "white space" in hunting rifle scopes 00:05:40 – Low Light Performance: Gaining those critical final minutes of daylight 00:07:50 – Scope Features: Throw levers, CDS dials, and fire dots 00:11:50 – The Gold Ring: Why Leupold optics are family heirlooms for life 00:13:50 – Wild Tech Support: Taking calls while a hunter shoots a buck 00:17:00 – BX-6 Binos: Optically perfect glass for Western hunting 00:19:15 – DeerCast Integration: Pinning blood trails and waypoints in real-time 00:32:30 – Leupold Control App: Archery mode and custom ballistics simplicity 00:36:50 – Turkey Hunting Optics: Red dots vs. magnified scopes 00:39:40 – Optics Mythbusting: The truth about objective lenses and max power Join the Rack Pack Facebook Group :/ n73gskjt7bfb2ngc Get ahead of your Game with DeerCast available on iOS and Android devices App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deerc... Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Don't forget to stock up for your next hunt! 1st Phorm has you covered! Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein... Level-1 Bars: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1... Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-pho... Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydrati... Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/100PercentW... For exciting updates on what's happening on the field and off, follow us on social Facebook: / @officialdruryoutdoors Instagram: @DruryOutdoors X: @DruryOutdoors Be sure to check out http://www.druryoutdoors.com for more information, hunts, and more! Music provided by Epidemic Sound http://player.epidemicsound.com/ #dodtv

Team Radical Secrets for Professional Coyote Management | 100% Wild Podcast Ep 465 In this episode of the 100% Wild Podcast, Matt Drury and Tim Kjellesvik sit down with the elite predator hunters from Team Radical, Justin Roepke and Nate Standerfer. After a successful run clearing out nuisance critters on Terry Drury's Illinois lease, the guys dive into the tactical world of predator management. They discuss why high coyote densities are the #1 roadblock to expanding your deer herd and wild turkey populations, and how Team Radical managed to go viral by recording their high-stakes night hunts. You'll learn about the evolution of the gear from red lights and night vision to modern high-end thermal optics. The conversation goes beyond just gear as we explore the intense world of competitive coyote hunting. Nate and Justin break down their strategy for running "long lines," covering 50,000+ acres in a single weekend. We also tackle the realities of permission and land access, explaining how helping a farmer clear out livestock-killing predators is the ultimate "in" for gaining hunting ground. Whether you are looking to save your fawns or simply want to learn the art of the aggression-based coyote call, this episode is a masterclass in modern predator control. 00:00:50 – Intro: Why predator management is critical for land managers 00:03:20 – Why coyote hunting gets millions of views on social media 00:05:45 – The History of Team Radical: From fans to elite content creators 00:08:40 – The "Cheat Code" Setup: .243 AI Custom Rifles and Thermal Scopes 00:11:45 – Effective Range: Why 300 yards is the sweet spot for night hunting 00:15:15 – Tournament Strategy: Running 50,000+ acres for big numbers 00:18:40 – Gaining Permission: How to build credibility with local farmers 00:23:45 – Property Line Disputes: The reality of trespassing dog hunters 00:28:45 – Neighbor Relations: Communicating before the shots start after dark 00:33:30 – The 3-Man Kill: Communication and simultaneous shooting in the dark 00:41:00 – Calling Secrets: Vocalizations vs. standard rabbit distress sounds 00:43:55 – 18 Coyotes in 6 Hours: A legendary night on the Higgins farm. 00:52:10 – The Evolution: Moving from red lights to thermal imaging Join the Rack Pack Facebook Group :/ n73gskjt7bfb2ngc Get ahead of your Game with DeerCast available on iOS and Android devices App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deerc... Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Don't forget to stock up for your next hunt! 1st Phorm has you covered! Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein... Level-1 Bars: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1... Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-pho... Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydrati... Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/100PercentW... For exciting updates on what's happening on the field and off, follow us on social Facebook: / @officialdruryoutdoors Instagram: @DruryOutdoors X: @DruryOutdoors Be sure to check out http://www.druryoutdoors.com for more information, hunts, and more! Music provided by Epidemic Sound http://player.epidemicsound.com/ #dodtv

How to Grow Your Turkey Population by Trapping Predators with Jared Lurk | 100% Wild Podcast Ep. 464 In this episode of the 100% Wild Podcast, Matt Drury and Tim Kjellsvik are joined by Jared Lurk and Cody West to dive into the essential, yet often overlooked, world of nest predator management. While high-level habitat work is crucial, many landowners are finding that high numbers of raccoons, opossums, and skunks are the primary roadblocks to a thriving wild turkey population. The crew discusses why trapping is a "lost art" that needs to return to the modern hunter's repertoire, sharing how they managed to trap over 140 predators on a single farm to save their food plots. We break down the practical "how-to" of running a long-line trap system, from selecting the right traps to choosing the best baits like tuna, and cat food to outsmart these nest predators. The conversation also covers the tactical shift from trapping to thermal hunting for coyotes, explaining why modern technology makes predator control more efficient than ever. Whether you're trying to protect your corn yield from coons or looking to hear more gobbles this spring, this episode provides the ultimate field guide for creating a greater ecosystem. 00:00:00 – Intro: Getting rid of nuisance critters 00:02:10 – Why trapping is a "lost art" for the modern generation 00:05:30 – Identifying the Problem: High predator counts and zero turkeys 00:07:15 – Baiting Strategy: Using tuna, cat food, and fish oil 00:09:00 – Protecting Food Plots: How coons destroy your corn yield 00:10:40 – The Long Line: Managing 50+ traps on a busy schedule 00:12:40 – Trapping Hotspots: Field edges, hollow trees, and water structures 00:14:45 – Thermal Hunting: Why it out-performs trapping for coyotes 00:16:35 – Dog-Proof Traps: Why they are the best tool for the job 00:32:15 – Skunk Problems: Dealing with the spray after the shot 00:35:10 – Tick Myth-Busting: Do opossums actually eat more ticks than turkeys? 00:40:30 – Snapping Turtle Management: Cleaning out the farm pond Join the Rack Pack Facebook Group :/ n73gskjt7bfb2ngc Get ahead of your Game with DeerCast available on iOS and Android devices App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deerc... Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Don't forget to stock up for your next hunt! 1st Phorm has you covered! Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein... Level-1 Bars: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1... Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-pho... Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydrati... Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/100PercentW... For exciting updates on what's happening on the field and off, follow us on social Facebook: / @officialdruryoutdoors Instagram: @DruryOutdoors X: @DruryOutdoors Be sure to check out http://www.druryoutdoors.com for more information, hunts, and more! Music provided by Epidemic Sound http://player.epidemicsound.com/ #dodtv