DSC Campfires with Larry Weishuhn

Larry Weishuhn
  • 4.9 (19)
  • Wilderness
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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!

  1. 2h ago

    EP 413 Africa, Conservation and Classic Safari Rifles with Phil Massaro

    Around this week’s campfire, Larry Weishuhn welcomes respected outdoor writer, firearms authority and veteran international hunter Phil Massaro for a lively conversation about Africa, dangerous game, wildlife conservation and the classic rifles that have defined the safari tradition. Phil serves as editor of the Gun Digest annual, contributes to the NRA’s publications and has written extensively about firearms, ammunition and hunting. He and Larry have shared hunts, contributed forewords to one another’s books and developed the kind of friendship that makes this episode feel less like an interview and more like two experienced hunters swapping stories beside the fire. (Podscan) The conversation begins with some good-natured teasing about the One Shot Antelope Hunt in Lander, Wyoming, where Phil cleanly took his antelope while Larry jokingly recalls making an excellent shot on a mound of grass and dirt. From there, the discussion quickly travels to the wild country of southern Africa. Phil recounts a recent safari in the Sango Conservancy, located within Zimbabwe’s vast Save Valley Conservancy. Having completed approximately 13 or 14 African safaris across countries including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania, Phil has experienced many remarkable hunting areas. Even so, he describes Sango and the greater Save Valley as one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse places he has ever visited. The conservancy encompasses an enormous landscape that was transformed from former cattle country into productive wildlife habitat. During the safari, Phil encountered an extraordinary range of wildlife, including black and white rhinoceros, painted dogs, bateleur eagles, lions, leopards, elephants, honey badgers and large herds of Cape buffalo. Phil and Larry agree that Zimbabwe deserves greater recognition as a safari destination. Its buffalo, elephants, cats and plains game offer hunters a complete African experience, often at a more accessible cost than some of the continent’s better-known destinations. (Podscan) The rifle at the center of Phil’s Sango adventure was the Griffin & Howe Criterion, a beautifully crafted dangerous-game rifle built around a double-square-bridge Mauser-style action. Chambered in Phil’s favorite African cartridge, the .404 Jeffery, the rifle reportedly carries a price approaching $70,000. That figure inspires some humorous concern from Phil, who jokes about the pressure of carrying such an expensive firearm through the African bush. The rifle was put to proper use on both a bull and a cow Cape buffalo. Although professional hunter Mark Jansen initially promised shots inside 50 meters, both opportunities ultimately came at distances beyond 100 meters. Phil nevertheless made the shots count. The discussion becomes a celebration of the classic cartridges designed for the world’s largest and most formidable game. Phil explains his affection for the .404 Jeffery, while Larry recalls having a Thompson/Center Encore built in .416 Rigby for an earlier African hunt. They also discuss the enduring reputation of the .375 Holland & Holland, widely respected as one of the most versatile all-around cartridges for African hunting. (Podscan) One of the episode’s most meaningful stories comes from Phil’s participation in a management elephant hunt. After the elephant was taken, government representatives carefully weighed portions of the meat and recorded each amount before it was delivered to a nearby village. The system ensured that the village received the full quantity allocated to it and that the meat was distributed responsibly rather than disappearing before reaching local families. For Phil and Larry, this is conservation in its most practical form. A properly managed hunt can provide food, employment and revenue for rural communities while also funding habitat management and anti-poaching work. When local people receive a tangible benefit from wildlife, they have a strong reason to protect both the animals and the land that supports them. The story demonstrates that the results of a safari extend far beyond the hunter, the animal or the trophy. (Podscan) A central theme of this episode is the important difference between conservation and strict preservation. Conservation recognizes that wildlife populations and habitats must be actively managed. That management may include habitat restoration, anti-poaching programs, scientific population surveys and the selective harvest of animals when numbers exceed what the land can sustainably support. Preservation often promotes a completely hands-off approach, regardless of population size or ecological conditions. Phil and Larry discuss areas where unchecked elephant populations have severely damaged vegetation and reduced the land’s ability to support elephants and many other species. Protecting every individual animal without considering habitat limitations may sound compassionate, but it can eventually create greater suffering and ecological decline. Their message is clear: responsible, science-based hunting is not separate from conservation. In many parts of the world, it is one of conservation’s most effective funding and management tools. (Listen Notes) Phil’s fascination with Africa began long before his first safari. In 1996, he made the unusual decision to skip the opening day of deer season so he could see the film The Ghost and the Darkness. The story, setting and imagery awakened a fascination with Africa that he could not shake. That interest eventually led to his first plains-game safari in South Africa in 2004. Once Phil experienced Africa for himself, the fascination became a lifelong passion. Of all the game he has pursued, Cape buffalo remains his favorite. For Phil, buffalo hunting represents the complete safari experience: tracking on foot, reading sign, moving carefully through dangerous country and approaching an animal that demands both respect and complete concentration. (Listen Notes) Despite his international travels, Phil remains deeply connected to the hunting traditions of his native New York. He grew up pursuing deer and turkey in upstate New York and continues to appreciate the challenge of traditional North American hunting. As the conversation closes, Phil shares his enthusiasm for an upcoming deer hunt in the rugged Adirondack Mountains. That contrast captures Phil’s outlook perfectly. He may dream about African buffalo and classic safari rifles, but he can still become just as excited about carrying a deer rifle through the autumn woods close to home. (Listen Notes) Phil Massaro’s background as an outdoor writer and firearms authority Larry and Phil’s friendship and shared hunting history The One Shot Antelope Hunt in Lander, Wyoming Phil’s safari in Zimbabwe’s Sango Conservancy The remarkable wildlife diversity of the Save Valley Hunting bull and cow Cape buffalo The Griffin & Howe Criterion dangerous-game rifle Why the .404 Jeffery is Phil’s favorite safari cartridge Larry’s Thompson/Center Encore in .416 Rigby The versatility of the .375 Holland & Holland How management hunting supplies meat to African villages The difference between conservation and preservation Elephant populations, habitat limits and responsible management How The Ghost and the Darkness inspired Phil’s African dream Phil’s first South African plains-game safari Why Cape buffalo remains his favorite African game Returning home for a traditional Adirondack deer hunt This episode is about much more than rifles, cartridges and African game. It is a conversation about the places that call hunters back, the responsibilities that come with using wildlife resources and the friendships created through shared adventures. Phil Massaro brings both technical expertise and genuine enthusiasm to the campfire, while Larry adds decades of wildlife experience and his own memorable stories from Africa. For hunters who appreciate classic firearms, African safari history, dangerous game and the real-world connection between hunting and conservation, this is an episode not to miss. Subscribe to DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, share this episode with another hunter and support the conservation, education and advocacy work of the Dallas Safari Club. This version is ready for the podcast website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Outdoor Action and social promotion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 6d ago

    EP 412 Campfire Time with Legends: Jim Zumbo, Rick Lambert and a Lifetime of Outdoor Adventures

    Episode Overview Some of the best outdoor stories are not told from a script. They unfold naturally among old friends who have accumulated decades of hunts, road trips, close calls and unforgettable characters. In this episode of DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, Larry visits with legendary outdoor writer and hunter Jim Zumbo, while longtime friend and outdoorsman Rick Lambert remains an important part of the stories and adventures surrounding their close-knit group. Jim and Larry look back on the early days of the outdoor industry, when writers, hunters and emerging personalities gathered in rustic camps to exchange ideas, test equipment and create the relationships that helped shape modern outdoor media. The conversation moves from a once-in-a-lifetime Colorado moose hunt to the unpredictable realities of traveling across America on the NRA Great American Hunters Tour. Jim also shares the unlikely story of how a legendary Adirondack whitetail helped launch a writing career that would eventually include decades with Outdoor Life, numerous television appearances and more than 20 books. (Apple Podcasts) Jim Zumbo’s early years growing up and hunting in New York The whitetail buck known as “Old Joe” that inspired one of Jim’s first outdoor stories How a professor encouraged Jim to submit his writing to a national publication The ice-fishing article that helped open the door to Outdoor Life Jim’s transition from forestry and wildlife work into outdoor journalism Drawing a rare Colorado moose license Why Jim passed on an enormous bull standing near another hunting camp The difficult decision to harvest a smaller bull on the final day Discovering who eventually took the giant bull Jim allowed to walk Traveling with Larry on the NRA Great American Hunters Tour Speaking in unusual venues—including a bitterly cold ice-skating rink The exhausting and entertaining realities of a nationwide promotional tour The California parking-garage mystery involving a seemingly missing van Historic outdoor-writer camps and the personalities who attended them Early encounters with Bill Jordan, Jim Shockey and other future outdoor-industry leaders How outdoor communication and media have changed over the decades The friendships that remain after the hunts, assignments and miles traveled Jim, Larry and Rick Lambert’s upcoming participation in Wyoming’s One Shot Antelope Hunt Drawing a moose tag is a dream opportunity for many hunters, but the presence of a rare license does not guarantee a simple hunt. Jim recalls encountering an enormous bull—estimated at approximately 50 inches—early in his Colorado hunt. The bull was close to an active elk camp, and Jim chose not to shoot because of the people and activity nearby. As the hunt entered its final day, Jim faced a familiar conflict. He wanted to make the most of the license and bring home valuable wild meat, but the giant bull had not reappeared. Jim ultimately harvested a considerably smaller moose. The story gained one final twist when he learned that a chiropractor from Boulder later harvested the massive bull Jim had passed. The memory illustrates an important truth about hunting: every decision is made within a specific moment, using the circumstances and information available at the time. (Apple Podcasts) Larry and Jim also revisit their years traveling together as part of the NRA Great American Hunters Tour. The tour required long hours on the road, repeated public appearances and presentations in locations that were not always designed with outdoor speakers—or basic comfort—in mind. One memorable stop placed the speakers inside a freezing ice-skating rink in West Virginia. Another adventure unfolded in a California parking garage when Larry and Jim became convinced that their blue van had disappeared. After an increasingly frantic search, they realized the garage’s yellow lighting had created an optical illusion. The blue van appeared white beneath the lights. It was exactly the kind of stressful moment that becomes increasingly funny with each retelling—and the kind of story that could only come from years spent traveling with close friends. (Apple Podcasts) The episode provides a glimpse into a formative period in outdoor-media history. Larry and Jim remember a large writers’ gathering at Tony Knight’s Illinois farmhouse, where approximately 30 people crowded together for an event filled with hunting personalities, emerging companies and future industry leaders. Among those discussed are Bill Jordan, who would become one of the most recognizable names in camouflage and outdoor television, and Jim Shockey, who made a memorable appearance dressed in an all-white hunting outfit. Today, many of the people from those camps are recognized as outdoor-industry icons. At the time, however, they were hunters, inventors, writers and entrepreneurs attempting to establish themselves and introduce new ideas. The stories serve as a reminder that major careers and companies frequently begin with small gatherings, shared opportunities and genuine relationships. (Apple Podcasts) Jim’s writing career began with a legendary Adirondack whitetail known locally as Old Joe. While attending forestry school, Jim harvested the buck and wrote about the experience for the student newspaper. A professor saw potential in his work and encouraged him to pursue a larger audience. Jim eventually submitted an ice-fishing story to Outdoor Life. That early opportunity helped launch a career that would make him one of the most recognizable outdoor writers of his generation. Jim went on to work in forestry and wildlife biology before becoming a major voice in outdoor journalism. His career has included decades of articles, books, speaking appearances and outdoor television. (My Site) The episode also reflects the longtime friendship shared by Larry, Jim and Rick Lambert. Rick is an accomplished outdoorsman, guitarist and songwriter whose friendship with Larry and Jim has led to numerous hunting trips, fishing adventures and evenings spent swapping stories around camp. The three friends are looking ahead to another memorable experience together as part of a team participating in the One Shot Antelope Hunt in Lander, Wyoming. (Apple Podcasts) Their friendship represents one of the episode’s strongest underlying messages: animals, destinations and accomplishments may bring people together, but the relationships created through the outdoor lifestyle are often what matter most. A great outdoor career is not built from one trophy, article, television appearance or successful hunt. It is built through curiosity, perseverance, friendships and a willingness to keep saying yes to the next adventure. Jim Zumbo’s journey—from writing about a legendary Adirondack buck to becoming one of America’s best-known outdoor communicators—shows what can happen when natural talent is combined with encouragement, opportunity and decades of hard work. The episode is also a celebration of outdoor friendships that have survived missed opportunities, exhausting road trips, changing technology and countless miles across hunting country. #DSCCampfires #LarryWeishuhn #JimZumbo #RickLambert #MrWhitetail #OutdoorLegends #HuntingStories #OutdoorWriting #HuntingHistory #ColoradoMoose #WhitetailHunting #OneShotAntelopeHunt #OutdoorPodcast #Conservation #OutdoorLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Sep 2

    EP 411 Following the Sign: Randy Flannery on Tracking and Stalking Big-Woods Whitetails

    Long before trail cameras, mapping apps and advanced hunting electronics, successful deer hunters learned to read the woods. In this episode of DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, Larry welcomes renowned Master Maine Guide Randy Flannery for an in-depth conversation about the traditional art of tracking and stalking mature whitetail bucks. Randy is the owner and operator of Wilderness Escape Outfitters in northern Maine and a lifelong student of big-woods whitetails. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains that successful tracking involves much more than simply finding hoofprints and following them through the snow. A tracker must learn to interpret the animal’s pace, direction, body language, habitat choices and likely destination. The conversation explores how hunters can judge whether a track belongs to a mature buck, recognize when a deer may be catchable, use changing wind and terrain to their advantage and avoid rushing into the very cover where a buck is likely to be waiting. At its heart, this episode is about preserving a form of woodsmanship that can only be developed through patience, observation and time spent in the field. How Randy was introduced to deer hunting and traditional woodsmanship Lessons passed down through generations of northern Maine hunters The difference between merely following a track and actually interpreting it How stride, track size and movement patterns can reveal clues about a buck Recognizing whether a track is fresh enough to pursue How to decide whether you are gaining ground or endlessly trailing a deer Why mature bucks frequently use terrain, cover and wind to protect themselves Reading feeding areas, bedding cover and natural travel corridors How snow conditions influence a tracking hunt The importance of slowing down as a hunter gets closer to the animal Why a tracker must constantly look ahead instead of staring only at the ground Using the wind without allowing it to dictate every decision How a buck may circle, pause or position itself to monitor what is following The role of patience, instinct and experience in closing the final distance Why map-and-compass knowledge remains an essential backcountry skill Making the first ethical shot opportunity count What modern hunters lose when technology replaces woodsmanship Randy’s efforts to teach tracking and stalking skills to a new generation A deer track is not simply a mark in the ground. It is part of a constantly unfolding story. A knowledgeable tracker studies how far apart the tracks are, how deeply they penetrate the snow or soil, whether the deer was walking, feeding or moving with purpose, and how the surrounding habitat may influence its next move. Randy explains that the objective is not to keep your eyes locked on the individual prints. The hunter must periodically stop, raise their head and search the woods ahead. The buck—not the track—is the ultimate destination. No single measurement provides a perfect answer, but several clues can help a hunter make an educated judgment. A large track, wide stance, long stride and deliberate movement may suggest a mature animal. The way the deer navigates terrain, chooses cover and reacts to potential danger can provide additional information. Randy’s approach emphasizes putting several clues together rather than relying on one isolated sign. One of the most important decisions a tracker makes is whether to continue following a particular animal. Weather, snow conditions, the freshness of the track, the deer’s pace and the hunter’s ability all help determine whether the pursuit is realistic. A buck that is feeding or moving naturally may eventually offer an opportunity. A deer that has been seriously alarmed may continue putting distance between itself and the hunter. The tracker must continually evaluate the sign and be willing to adjust—or abandon—the pursuit when the evidence calls for it. Finding a track may be the easy part. Closing the final distance requires discipline. As the sign becomes fresher, the hunter must become increasingly careful. Every step, sound and shift in wind direction matters. Mature bucks often stop, circle or select bedding locations that allow them to detect approaching danger. Success comes from resisting the urge to hurry and carefully examining every opening, shadow and piece of cover ahead. Modern hunting technology can be useful, but Randy cautions against allowing equipment to replace foundational outdoor skills. Knowing how to navigate, understand terrain, interpret animal sign, anticipate behavior and remain safe in remote country creates a more capable and self-reliant hunter. Randy’s tracking and stalking schools at Wilderness Escape Outfitters are designed to preserve these traditional skills through practical, boots-on-the-ground instruction in the Maine woods. (Wilderness Escape) The best deer trackers do not simply follow where a buck has been. They study the evidence, anticipate where the animal is going and understand why it is making each move. Becoming that kind of hunter requires patience, humility and a willingness to learn something every time you enter the woods. Randy Flannery is a Master Maine Guide, seminar speaker, traditional whitetail tracker and owner of Wilderness Escape Outfitters near Danforth, Maine. Randy learned the fundamentals of tracking and stalking from his grandfather and uncles while growing up in the northern Maine woods. He has spent decades guiding hunters and teaching the practical woodsmanship required to pursue mature whitetails in remote wilderness country. (Springfield Sportsmen's Show) Wilderness Escape Outfitters is a four-season sporting camp located on Upper Hot Brook Lake. In addition to its tracking and stalking schools, the operation offers hunting, fishing, paddling, winter recreation, lodging and family wilderness experiences. (Wilderness Escape) Reading the Woods: Randy Flannery’s Big-Buck Tracking Secrets Track Smarter, Hunt Slower: Big-Woods Wisdom with Randy Flannery Beyond the Hoofprint: The Traditional Art of Tracking Mature Whitetails The Buck Is the Destination: Randy Flannery on Becoming a Better Tracker Finding a deer track is easy. Understanding the story it tells takes a lifetime. Master Maine Guide Randy Flannery joins Larry Weishuhn for an in-depth conversation about tracking and stalking mature big-woods whitetails. Learn how experienced trackers interpret tracks, wind, terrain and deer behavior—and why patience may be the most important piece of hunting equipment you carry. Can you tell the size of a buck from its track? How do you know whether you are closing the distance—or following a deer you will never catch? Master Maine Guide Randy Flannery joins Larry Weishuhn to share hard-earned lessons from a lifetime of tracking and stalking whitetails in the northern Maine wilderness. This episode is packed with traditional woodsmanship, practical deer-hunting knowledge and a powerful reminder that technology can never replace the ability to read the woods. Listen now and share it with a hunter who appreciates doing things the old-fashioned way. Listen to the complete episode for Randy’s hard-earned insights into tracking, stalking and understanding mature whitetails. Subscribe to DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn, share the episode with your hunting partners and leave a rating or review wherever you listen. Hunting conditions, regulations and safety requirements vary by location. Hunters should follow all applicable laws, positively identify their target and what lies beyond it, carry appropriate navigation and emergency equipment, and make responsible, ethical shot decisions. #DSCCampfires #LarryWeishuhn #RandyFlannery #MrWhitetail #WhitetailHunting #DeerTracking #BigWoodsBucks #MaineHunting #DeerHunting #Woodsmanship #HuntingPodcast #TraditionalHunting #WildernessEscapeOutfitters #Conservation #OutdoorLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Aug 26

    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

  5. Aug 19

    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

  6. Aug 12

    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

  7. Aug 5

    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

  8. Jul 28

    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

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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

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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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