DSC Campfires with Larry Weishuhn

Larry Weishuhn

DSC's CAMPFIRES with Larry Weishuhn is a unique blend of hunting, fishing, conservation and the outdoor lifestyle. Learn from first hand stories told in an entertaining and informational fashion as only veteran outdoorsman Larry Weishuhn and his guests can do!

  1. hace 4 días

    EP 410 Beyond Scent Control: Brett Andrews Introduces WRAITH

    A mature animal does not have to see a hunter to know that danger is nearby. In this episode, we sit down with outdoor innovator and inventor Brett Andrews for a fascinating conversation about WRAITH—a new approach to hunter concealment designed to go far beyond ordinary scent-control sprays. Brett explains the ideas, experimentation and product-development journey behind what WRAITH calls its 4-Way “SENSE” Eliminator. Rather than concentrating exclusively on human odor, WRAITH is designed to help reduce four potential detection signals: scent and volatile organic compounds, ultraviolet reflectance, bioelectric fields, and thermal or infrared signatures. The conversation explores how animals experience their environment differently than humans, why hunters should think beyond what they can personally see or smell, and how chemistry may offer an additional layer of concealment in the field. Brett also shares the entrepreneurial side of bringing an unconventional outdoor product to market—the testing, skepticism, setbacks and persistence involved in turning an ambitious idea into a product hunters can evaluate for themselves. Brett’s background in hunting, outdoor-product development and scent-control technology The experiences that led to the creation of WRAITH Why controlling human odor remains important—but may be only one part of the concealment equation How UV brighteners in clothing and detergents may make hunting apparel more noticeable The concepts of bioelectric detection, thermal gradients and infrared signatures WRAITH’s four-part approach to scent, UV, bioelectric and thermal concealment Why the product is supplied as a concentrated powder rather than a conventional premixed spray How activated carbon, zeolite and other ingredients are intended to work together Applying WRAITH to outerwear, boots, packs, blinds and other hunting equipment The importance of field testing instead of relying solely on marketing claims What it takes to challenge long-established thinking within the hunting industry Brett’s vision for the future of full-spectrum hunter concealment WRAITH is designed to address odor through multiple processes rather than simply covering human scent with another fragrance. The company describes its approach as oxidizing, neutralizing, adsorbing and suppressing odor-producing compounds. Many common laundry products contain optical brighteners. Brett discusses why hunting clothes that appear normal to human eyes may look different within the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. Every living body produces a measurable electrical field. WRAITH’s formula is intended to reduce or alter the strength of that signal through a spray-on treatment that can be applied to existing clothing and equipment. The conversation examines thermal contrast, radiant heat and the possibility that animals may respond to temperature differences at close range. WRAITH is designed to reduce the strength of those signals rather than make a hunter literally invisible to thermal imaging. WRAITH is not presented as a replacement for woodsmanship. Hunters still need to understand the wind, plan their approach, control movement, remain quiet and make responsible decisions in the field. Instead, the product represents another potential layer within a complete concealment strategy. Whether you are a whitetail hunter, bowhunter, turkey hunter, predator hunter or simply interested in the science and innovation behind modern hunting equipment, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how much animals may perceive—and how much hunters still have to learn. Brett Andrews is an outdoor-product inventor associated with TRHP Outdoors and Hunt Lab Technologies. His work includes the development of WRAITH and other products intended to solve practical problems for hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen. Explore WRAITH’s official product information, application directions, testing explanations and four-way concealment technology through the official WRAITH Hunting website. Follow Brett Andrews on social media at @brettandrews87 for product demonstrations, field testing, hunting-industry appearances and updates from WRAITH and Hunt Lab Technologies. Listen to the complete episode to hear Brett explain the thinking behind WRAITH, the challenges of developing a new category of hunting technology and why he believes concealment should involve more than camouflage and scent control. Please subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with another hunter and leave a rating or review wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 19 ago

    EP 409 Campfire Time with Legendary Jim Zumbo

    Episode Overview In this nostalgic episode, host Larry Weishuhn sits down around the mic with his longtime friend Jim Zumbo. Zumbo is a legendary outdoorsman, author, and the former long-time hunting editor for Outdoor Life magazine. The two swap stories from decades of shared adventures, reflecting on the evolution of the outdoor industry, memorable hunts, and the chaotic fun of their early promotional tours. The Colorado Moose Hunt: Jim recounts drawing a rare, once-in-a-lifetime moose tag in Colorado. Early in the hunt, he passed on a massive 50-inch bull because it was standing too close to an active camp of elk hunters. On the final day, wanting to bring home the meat, Jim ended up shooting a much smaller bull. Ironically, he later found out that a chiropractor from Boulder harvested the exact same giant bull he had walked away from. NRA Great American Hunters Tour: Larry and Jim reminisce about traveling across the country together in a van for the NRA. They recall the grueling yet hilarious realities of the tour, which included speaking at unconventional venues like a freezing ice-skating rink in West Virginia. They also share a comical incident in California where they thought their blue van was stolen, only to eventually realize the parking garage's yellow lighting had created an optical illusion, making the van look white. Historic Writer's Camps: The pair discusses the wild, early days of outdoor media gatherings, specifically a 30-person camp at Tony Knight's farmhouse in Illinois. This event featured outdoor industry pioneers like Bill Jordan and marked the first major industry appearance of Jim Shockey, who famously showed up in a solid white hunting suit. The Genesis of a Writing Career: Jim shares the origin of his prolific career, which includes authoring over 20 books. While attending forestry school in the Adirondacks, he shot a legendary local buck named "Old Joe" and wrote about it for the student newspaper. Encouraged by a professor to write for a wider audience, he pitched an ice-fishing story to Outdoor Life, launching a massive career in outdoor journalism. Upcoming Adventures: Wrapping up the episode, Jim talks about his upcoming participation in the prestigious One Shot Antelope Hunt in Lander, Wyoming. He will be hunting on a team alongside close friends, including Rick Lambert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 12 ago

    EP 408 Boone & Crockett with Tony Shoonen

    Boone and Crockett Club: History & Mission Tony Schoonen shares the rich history of the Boone and Crockett Club, which was founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell. The organization was formed by sportsmen after Roosevelt witnessed the severe decimation of wildlife and natural resources in the West, particularly in the Yellowstone region. In its first two decades, the club was instrumental in passing the Yellowstone Preservation Act (1892) and the Lacey Act (1900), and helped establish the National Forest Reserves, the National Park Service, and the National Wildlife Refuge System. The founders effectively shifted wildlife management away from unregulated market hunting to the sustainable, state-managed model we rely on today. Tony and Larry discuss the vital distinction between conservation (the active, wise use and management of natural resources) and preservation (a "no-touch" approach that can negatively impact ecosystems). The club's iconic records program was established in the 1930s. It was not created as a hunting contest, but as a scientific tool to measure the success of conservation efforts over the previous 30 years. The records program uses the presence of mature male specimens (measured by antler and horn size) as an indicator of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. Today, wildlife managers across North America actively use this database to monitor habitat health. Fair Chase ethics remain a cornerstone of the organization; only free-ranging animals legally harvested under fair chase conditions are eligible for the record books. Tony highlights a major new initiative aimed at combating poaching, a crime that historically suffers from low detection (under 4%) and low prosecution rates. Following a five-year research project funded by the Leopold Foundation, the club realized the massive financial loss the public trust bears due to wildlife theft. The club developed a formula to calculate the true replacement cost of illegally harvested animals and is actively working to implement this into state legislation. The Poach & Pay legislation has already passed in 8 pilot states. The initiative also aims to elevate severe poaching crimes from misdemeanors to felonies. To further empower citizens, the club is developing a smartphone app that will allow individuals to instantly drop a pin and report suspected poaching directly to law enforcement. The core of the Boone and Crockett Club consists of 100 Regular Members (problem-solving business leaders mirroring the original founders) and approximately 167 Professional Members (wildlife scientists, academics, and agency heads). The club also offers an Associate Membership base, which is open to the public and currently boasts around 4,000 grassroots members, an impressive 25% of whom are Lifetime Associates. Hunters and conservationists interested in supporting the club's ongoing legislative, ethical, and habitat-management efforts can join by visiting their website at boone-crockett.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 5 ago

    EP 407 Brian Fienhold with Dallas Safari Club

    Episode Overview Larry and Brian reflect on the massive success of the second annual DSC Summer Expo and Foundation Gala. The event featured a diverse, international presence, with exhibitors and dignitaries attending from Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and Africa. Steve Hornady and his family were honored with a Legacy Award from the DSC Foundation in recognition of their steadfast support for hunting, conservation, and the organization. A major highlight of the weekend was the strong family and youth turnout. The DSC Foundation hosted an all-day hunter education class for participants of all ages. Youth attendees enjoyed collecting stamps in their "passports" from participating exhibitor booths to earn prizes and a youth membership to DSC. The Life Member Appreciation breakfast and evening banquets were packed to capacity, reinforcing the familiar "family reunion" atmosphere that defines DSC events. Attendees celebrated the surprise presentation of a birthday cake to Larry Weishuhn by the DSC staff. Atlanta (2027): The next annual convention is scheduled for January 7–10, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, continuing the effort to reach hunters and conservationists in the Southeast. Houston (2028): The convention will make its return to Texas in 2028, taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. Dallas (Future): Once the ongoing reconstruction of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is completed, DSC fully intends to bring the convention back to its traditional home base in Dallas. Brian shares his excitement for an upcoming fishing trip to Belize, where he plans to target near-shore species like tarpon, permit, and bonefish, as well as offshore catches like dorado, wahoo, and tuna. He is preparing for a pronghorn antelope hunt in Wyoming, returning to the area where he experienced his very first Western hunt alongside his father. In late September to early October, Brian will join a melting pot of friends from Louisiana, Illinois, and Texas for a highly anticipated moose hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 28 jul

    EP 406 Dr. Mike Arnold's African Hunting Adventure

    Host Larry Weishuhn welcomes Dr. Mike Arnold, a geneticist and well seasoned outdoorsman, to discuss his recent hunting adventures in Africa. Mike shares that he maximizes his transatlantic flights by booking mini-safaris to hunt multiple species across diverse terrains. Mike began his trip in Johannesburg before heading to the Great Karoo, a high-desert region sitting at 6,000 to 6,500 feet in elevation. He hunted on a newly organized 50,000-acre property divided into a 28,000-acre low-fenced area and a 20,000-acre high-fenced area used to protect white rhinos from poachers. His targets were the Bontebok and its closely related subspecies, the Blessbok, both of which were historically driven to near extinction by farmers but saved through agricultural game-farming systems. Mike noted that both species were highly flighty and challenging to stalk, comparing their behavior to North American Pronghorn antelope. He successfully harvested a beautiful Bontebok ram at 250 yards, and after missing two initial shots, harvested a Blessbok at the same distance. The high-elevation terrain was unseasonably cold, and the hunters were snowed on while pursuing game in the higher mountain property. Mike traveled higher into the Stormberg area for a bird hunt commissioned by Diana Rupp for Sports Afield magazine. Using a Fausti shotgun, he targeted Greywing partridge, Guineafowl, and Snipe. The Greywing population was surprisingly sparse, which locals attributed to a recent fungal infection. The wild Guineafowl proved to be incredibly fast runners, requiring a spot-and-stalk hunting approach to flush them out. Snipe hunting in the marshes was extremely difficult because the birds fly only a few feet off the ground, though Mike eventually harvested a female after two missed shots. Despite his wife Frances initially forbidding more taxidermy in the house, they agreed to commission a full-body mount of the snipe. The couple then flew to Coutada 11 in Mozambique, an area characterized by massive conservation successes, including hyena reintroductions and a lion population that grew from 24 to 100 individuals. At Frances's request, Mike embarked on a "community buffalo" hunt to provide meat for a local village. This was a "reverse trophy hunt" where hunters pay to harvest an old, non-exportable Cape buffalo bull solely to feed the community. After a grueling 10-hour track through woods and crocodile-infested marshes, Mike successfully shot the buffalo at 178 yards using a .416 Rigby CZ bolt-action rifle. Mike also hunted a Crawshay's zebra, a unique plains zebra noted for having stripes that go all the way down to its hooves and an asymmetrical backline. He harvested the zebra at 65 yards using his guide's custom .338-06 rifle loaded with Hornady ELD-X bullets. Frances requested the zebra be made into a flat skin rather than a traditional rug with a felt backing to avoid tripping on it in their bedroom. Mike is gathering material for his upcoming book focusing on hunters who have helped bring species back from the brink of extinction. He has two remaining hunts for the book: an Arctic snowmobile hunt for muskox and a hunt for chamois in Spain. Listeners can find Mike's current books and his podcast, Bringing Back the Wild, at mikearnoldoutdoors.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 22 jul

    EP 405 TWA's Legacy: How 50 Landowners Changed Texas Wildlife Forever

    The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) Larry records this episode from the JW Marriott in San Antonio during the 41st annual Texas Wildlife Association convention. He shares the founding story of the TWA from 1985, which began after he received a call from David Palmer, an assistant director of law enforcement. Larry, along with Gary Machen and Murphy Ray, initially met in a broom closet (room 232) in Austin before moving to Jim's Restaurant to draft a list of 50 key landowners. Today, the organization's youth hunting program has introduced nearly 100,000 children to hunting. In 2025 alone, their legacy programs provided wildlife education to 1.2 million school children. Larry promotes the upcoming DSC Summer Expo, taking place July 23-26 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, featuring over 400 booths. The DSC Foundation Gala will be held on the evening of July 25th to raise funds for wildlife conservation and education. The gala will feature the presentation of the Legacy Award to Steve Hornady. Larry is auctioning off two personal items at the gala: a custom laser-engraved Savage Model 99 and his heavily traveled signature brown hat. He notes that the DSC Foundation recently distributed $1.2 million in grants to highly vetted conservation projects. Larry, approaching 80 years old, outlines his philosophy on wildlife management, distinguishing between conservation and preservation. He defines conservation as a practice that promotes life and carefully considers the habitat for all species. Conversely, he views preservation as having "tunnel vision" that ignores how protecting one specific species impacts the broader ecosystem. In a humorous critique of predator reintroduction advocates, he suggests that grizzly bears should be released into major California cities like Los Angeles and Sacramento so their supporters can live alongside them. Larry is expanding his digital footprint by releasing new 10-to-30-minute bonus video podcasts filmed directly from the field. These new video podcasts will be available on YouTube and CarbonTV. He also invites listeners to follow his new TikTok channel, @LWsWhitetails, where he shares periodic short hunting stories. He continues to co-host "A Sportsman's Life" with Jeff Rice and Luke Clayton, as well as his ongoing audio podcast work. DSC Summer Expo & Foundation GalaConservation vs. PreservationNew Media Projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 15 jul

    EP 404 Conservation Initiatives & Protecting Landowner Rights: TWA’s 41st Anniversary & DSC Foundation Updates

    Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) Recap Larry dedicates a significant portion of the episode to the history, founding, and impact of the Texas Wildlife Association: Recent Event: Larry recently returned from the 41st anniversary TWA convention, which was held at the JW Marriott in San Antonio. Founding History: TWA was established back in 1985. Larry started the organization alongside his friends Murphy Ray and Gary Machen. The Catalyst: The group was formed after David Palmer, an assistant director of law enforcement, warned them about proposed Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) changes that would adversely affect private landowners. Land Ownership: The founders recognized a critical need to protect landowner rights because 95% to 99% of Texas land is privately owned. The "Broom Closet" Meeting: Initially, TPWD officials dismissed their concerns. The officials sent them to meet in Room 232, which turned out to be a broom closet. Official Formation: In response to being dismissed, they called a meeting at the Y.O. Hilton in Kerrville. Out of 50 people invited, 49 attended to form the "Wildlife Association of Texas" (later TWA). McLean Bowman was elected as the organization's first president. Conservation Impact: TWA has driven successful conservation initiatives, including the Texas Big Game Awards program. They also created the Texas Youth Hunting organization, which has introduced roughly 50,000 children to hunting. Auction Items: During the recent convention's auction, Larry sold one of his Savage Model 99 rifles and a brown western hat. Larry also outlines the history of DSC and details several upcoming events for the organization: DSC History: Larry explains that the Dallas Safari Club split from Safari Club International (SCI) around 1982. Summer Expo Location: Due to space limitations at the K Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the expo previously moved to Atlanta and will eventually move to Houston. However, this year's summer show is being hosted at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. Event Dates: The DSC Summer Expo will take place on July 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th. DSC Foundation Gala: The gala is scheduled for the Saturday night of the expo, July 25th. Awards: The DSC Legacy Award is going to Steve Hornady. Additionally, Dr. Mike Arnold is being recognized as the DSC Foundation Educator of the Year. Leadership: Larry highlights the work of Russell Stacy, Mary Edith, and Kaylee. He directs listeners to DSCF.org for more information. Bonus Content: Larry announces a new bonus video podcast that will focus on real-world field content. Auctions: He also mentions online hunting auctions as an additional platform for listeners to engage with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    EP 404 Conservation Initiatives & Protecting Landowner Rights: TWA’s 41st Anniversary & DSC Foundation Updates
  8. 8 jul

    EP 403: Samuel Old: Whitetail Habitat Management

    Episode Overview In this episode of DSC's Campfires, host Larry Weishuhn ("Mr. Whitetail") catches up with property manager and avid outdoorsman Sam Old. With Sam finally taking his first summer off from cutting hay, he is fully immersed in his true passions: wildlife habitat improvement, monitoring herd health, and simply enjoying the abundance of game on his property. Thanks to abundant rainfall making for a wet and vibrant summer, Sam's property is seeing one of its most prolific years for wildlife reproduction. High Survival Rates: Sam has counted at least 22 whitetail fawns on his trail cameras, alongside a booming population of ducklings, goslings, and bear cubs. Buck-to-Doe Ratio: The property maintains an excellent ratio; historically, Sam notes that 65% to 70% of the late-season fawns they spot turn out to be bucks. Bachelor Herds: The bucks are congregating in distinct age classes. Yearlings and two-year-olds form one group, three- and four-year-olds form another, while the fully mature five- to seven-year-olds stick together in their own exclusive bachelor groups. A major talking point is the science behind what drives exceptional antler growth. Sam is already tracking a massive buck on his property nicknamed "Twisty Two," who is shaping up to be a heavy 13-pointer. Larry and Sam discuss research from Texas A&M that highlights the absolute necessity of micronutrients for antler mass. Sam details his evolution from planting single-crop monocultures to utilizing highly diverse, multi-seed food plots. This advanced strategy feeds the wildlife year-round, regenerates the soil, and takes heavy grazing pressure off native browse like greenbrier (Smilax). "A cow has got a big old square muzzle... but a deer's got a pointed muzzle so that it can reach in and find the most nutritious part of any plant." — Paraphrased concept discussed on selective browsing To cater to the deer's selective browsing habits, Sam's incredibly diverse food plot mix includes: Buckwheat and Sunflowers (often mowed down quickly by the deer) Winter Peas and Forage Peas Rye and Triticale Turnips and Crimson/Balansa Clovers Sam shares updates on Craig's Creek Shady Rest, his property’s Airbnb and hunting lodge. The three-bedroom cabin features a full kitchen and offers guests a front-row seat to nature—recently, visitors enjoyed watching 21 deer feeding in the blackberry bushes right outside. Sam notes he is planning to refurbish the upstairs soon to accommodate even more guests. Wrapping up the chat, Sam outlines his upcoming plans, which include hosting a meet-and-greet ticket event at a local Baptist church in early July, and preparing for an exciting traditional bear hunt in the Choctaw region this October. Shed Antlers (Calcium/Phosphorus) Rodents, cattle, and even the deer themselves aggressively chew on shed antlers to reclaim vital minerals, often completely devouring the tines. Sulfur Salt Blocks Sam utilizes these blocks to provide necessary dietary minerals while simultaneously helping the animals ward off ticks and flies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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DSC's CAMPFIRES with Larry Weishuhn is a unique blend of hunting, fishing, conservation and the outdoor lifestyle. Learn from first hand stories told in an entertaining and informational fashion as only veteran outdoorsman Larry Weishuhn and his guests can do!

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