Green Top Outdoors

Green Top Sporting Goods

Green Top Sporting Goods has been helping generations access the outdoors in Richmond, Va since 1947. Now, we're bringing the expertise of our Green Top Pros and vendors right to you with the Green Top Podcast. From hunting to fishing, boating to cooking, let's find your way outdoors.

  1. 7h ago

    Virginia Gun Laws Explained: Second Amendment Rights & What's Next

    What’s next for Virginia gun laws, and how could upcoming legislation impact hunters, firearm owners, and Second Amendment rights? In this episode of the Green Top Outdoor Podcast, host Hunter Brooks sits down with Philip Van Cleave, President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), for an in-depth discussion about Virginia firearm legislation, constitutional rights, and the future of gun ownership in the Commonwealth. With more than 25 years of experience leading VCDL, Philip shares his perspective on the changing political landscape in Virginia, recent legislative developments, and ongoing legal challenges surrounding firearm regulations. Hunter and Philip explore proposed assault firearm bans, magazine capacity restrictions, concealed carry laws, firearm purchase permit requirements, and the potential impact of new legislation on Virginia residents. They also discuss how Supreme Court decisions, constitutional protections, and state-level court challenges influence firearm policy. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How the Virginia Citizens Defense League became involved in protecting Second Amendment rightsWhat proposed Virginia firearm restrictions could mean for gun ownersThe differences between concealed carry permits and proposed firearm purchase permitsHow constitutional challenges to firearm legislation workWhy Supreme Court decisions matter for Virginia gun lawsHow firearm industry liability laws could affect businesses and manufacturersThe role of the Virginia General Assembly in shaping firearm regulationsWhy civic education, voter participation, and understanding the legislative process matter The conversation also examines how citizens can stay informed about proposed laws, understand their constitutional rights, and participate in discussions about public policy. Whether you're a hunter, recreational shooter, firearm owner, or simply interested in Virginia politics and constitutional law, this episode provides an educational look at the legal and legislative issues shaping the future of firearm ownership in Virginia. About Our Guest Philip Van Cleave has served as President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League since 2001. VCDL is a grassroots organization focused on Second Amendment advocacy, legislative monitoring, and constitutional litigation in Virginia. Stay Connected Subscribe to the Green Top Outdoor Podcast for more conversations about hunting, fishing, conservation, outdoor traditions, and issues affecting Virginia's outdoor community. Disclaimer: This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws and pending legislation are subject to change. Topics: Virginia Gun Laws | Second Amendment | VCDL | Philip Van Cleave | Virginia Legislation | Constitutional Rights | Firearm Regulations | Concealed Carry | Virginia Politics

  2. 3d ago

    Florida Fishing Products: The Reel Company Doing Things Differently

    What does it take to build a fishing reel company that stands out in a competitive industry? For Florida Fishing Products, it starts with a passion for fishing, quality equipment, and a commitment to taking care of customers long after the sale. In this episode of the Green Top Outdoors Podcast, Hunter Brooks and Todd sit down with Cael Wilson, National Sales Manager for Florida Fishing Products, during the Green Top Outdoor Expo. Cael shares the story behind the company, from developing its first Osprey spinning reel to becoming a trusted name among freshwater and saltwater anglers. The conversation covers the challenges of designing fishing reels, testing products with professional fishing guides, and why Florida Fishing Products focuses on delivering dependable performance without breaking the bank. They also dive into the company's unique $50 reel rebuild program, the evolution of the Osprey and Osprey V2 spinning reels, and the importance of building lasting relationships with customers and retailers. Of course, it wouldn't be the Green Top Outdoors Podcast without a few great stories. Cael talks about chasing tarpon in Florida, discovering Virginia's incredible fishing opportunities, and his hilarious first experience duck hunting in Virginia. From fishing gear and industry insights to hunting adventures and plenty of laughs, this episode is all about the people, products, and traditions that make the outdoors special. Visit greentop.com to explore fishing equipment, hunting gear, and everything outdoors. Subscribe to the Green Top Outdoors Podcast for more conversations with outdoor industry professionals, fishing experts, hunters, and the people who share our passion for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors. Experience the tradition!

  3. Sep 21

    Virginia DWR: License Fees, Deer Management & Conservation

    This educational episode of the Green Top Outdoors Podcast features David Hennaman of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for an in-depth discussion about wildlife conservation, hunting license fees, hunter education, deer management, and outdoor recreation in Virginia. The conversation explains the role of DWR's R3 program, which focuses on recruiting, retaining, and reactivating participants in outdoor activities. David discusses education and outreach efforts involving hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and other outdoor programs, as well as cooperation between wildlife agencies across different states. A major portion of the discussion focuses on how wildlife conservation programs are funded. The episode examines hunting and fishing license revenue, federal Pittman-Robertson funding, matching and reimbursement structures, and Virginia's House Bill 38 funding. The discussion provides context for how these funding sources relate to wildlife management, conservation programs, education, fisheries, and other DWR responsibilities. The episode also examines changes in hunting participation and access to hunting land in Virginia. Topics include the decline of large hunting clubs in some areas, changes in private-land access, increased use of online licensing, hunter education participation, and trends observed following the COVID-19 period. The final portion focuses on Virginia deer management. David discusses antlerless deer harvest objectives, extended opportunities in certain areas, deer population management, biological and cultural carrying capacity, and the relationship between deer numbers and available habitat resources. The discussion also addresses the role hunters can play in providing harvested deer to charitable food programs when they have more venison than they personally need. This episode is presented for educational and informational purposes and reflects a discussion of wildlife management, conservation funding, hunter education, and outdoor-resource management in Virginia.

  4. Aug 13

    Used Gun Market Update: What’s Hot & What’s Not | Q3 2026

    Patrick Holmes and Andrew Napier join the Green Top Outdoors Podcast for a deep dive into the world of used guns, firearm collections, estates, and the constantly changing secondary firearms market. Patrick shares what it’s like traveling throughout Virginia and neighboring states to evaluate and purchase gun collections of all sizes—from just a handful of firearms to large estates involving dozens or even hundreds of guns. The conversation covers why people decide to sell collections, including downsizing, moving, settling an estate, or simply deciding it’s time to turn a longtime collection into cash. The crew also talks about what happens when evaluating a collection, how unusual or rare firearms are researched, and why accessories can have value too. Ammo, scopes, knives, gun slings, reloading equipment, and other firearm-related items may all be part of a collection. Along the way, they dig into what’s hot—and what has cooled off—in the used gun market. The discussion includes Winchester lever guns, Remington rifles, Smith & Wesson revolvers, Marlin lever actions and rimfires, early Colt ARs, Ruger No. 1 rifles, Browning shotguns, Sako rifles, Franchi shotguns, Thompson/Center firearms, Beretta 92s, and plenty of other collectible guns. There are also some great stories from years of buying collections: unexpected finds, massive amounts of ammunition and reloading equipment, rare guns, forgotten firearms, and collections where the family had no idea just how much was there. If you own a gun collection—or you're responsible for an inherited collection and aren't sure where to start—this episode offers an inside look at how the process works and what can make older firearms valuable in today's market. Hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors. Experience the tradition with the Green Top Outdoors Podcast.

  5. Aug 10

    Hunters for the Hungry: Turning Virginia’s Deer Harvest Into Meals for Families in Need

    Hunters for the Hungry: Turning Virginia’s Deer Harvest Into Meals for Families in NeedGary Arrington of Hunters for the Hungry returns to the Green Top Outdoors Podcast to talk about the incredible impact Virginia hunters are making in communities across the Commonwealth. Joined by Hunter Brooks and Todd Sadler, Gary shares how Hunters for the Hungry takes donated deer and turns that valuable source of protein into meals for men, women, children, veterans, and families facing food insecurity. Last year was another phenomenal year for the organization, with more than 205,000 pounds of venison donated and processed, providing more than 820,000 quarter-pound servings. Since 1991, Hunters for the Hungry has distributed more than 8.3 million pounds of venison, representing over 33.4 million quarter-pound servings throughout Virginia. But keeping the program moving takes more than donated deer. As Gary explains, Hunters for the Hungry needs both “deer and dollars.” Processing costs continue to rise, and the organization is also facing a shortage of participating deer processors. At the same time, demand from food banks, church pantries, feeding programs, and other organizations continues to grow. Gary also discusses new ways Hunters for the Hungry is putting donated venison to work, including shelf-stable venison chili, stew, soup, and spaghetti sauce. These products can reach families and feeding programs that may have limited freezer or refrigeration capacity. In this episode, you'll hear about: How donated deer become meals for Virginians in needWhy deer processors are the program’s “unsung heroes”Rising processing costs and why financial donations matterThe need for additional processors and volunteersHunters for the Hungry’s statewide impactNew canned venison initiativesHow hunters can donate while purchasing a Virginia hunting licenseThe importance of hunters serving their local communitiesThe Hunters for the Hungry Sporting Clays Benefit ShootHow just $1 can help provide three quarter-pound servings Gary also talks about the future of Hunters for the Hungry and the need to find passionate people who can help carry the organization’s mission forward. Whether you donate a deer, contribute a few dollars, volunteer your time, help spread the word, or support a Hunters for the Hungry event, every contribution can make an impact. Learn more about Hunters for the Hungry, find donation information, locate participating processors, and discover ways to support the program at h4hungry.org. Hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors. Experience the tradition with the Green Top Outdoors Podcast.

  6. Jul 24

    Why Trail Cameras Are Important

    Why Trail Cameras Are Important | Cellular vs. Traditional Trail Cameras for Better Hunting SuccessTrail cameras have transformed modern hunting, giving hunters more information than ever before without disturbing the woods. In this episode, we discuss why many experienced hunters believe hunting season actually begins in July—not on opening day. Summer is the time to start scouting deer, monitoring antler growth, preparing food plots, and collecting valuable trail camera data that can make all the difference once the season opens. The conversation explores how trail camera technology has evolved from the early days of 35mm film and SD cards to today's advanced cellular trail cameras that instantly deliver photos and videos directly to your smartphone. We discuss how these cameras allow hunters to monitor wildlife activity remotely, reduce scent intrusion, identify travel patterns, and make more informed decisions throughout the hunting season. You'll also hear a comparison of traditional trail cameras and cellular trail cameras, along with discussions about popular brands including Tactacam, Moultrie, Browning, Cuddeback, SpyPoint, Bushnell, Stealth Cam, and others. The episode covers affordable cellular data plans, battery life improvements, lithium battery packs, solar charging options, trigger speeds, video recording, image quality, and the latest technology that has made trail cameras more accessible than ever. Beyond deer hunting, the hosts explain how trail cameras are being used for waterfowl scouting, turkey hunting, trapping, wildlife observation, property security, construction site monitoring, and catching trespassers. These cameras have become valuable tools for hunters, landowners, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to monitor activity on their property year-round. Whether you're buying your first trail camera or looking to upgrade your current setup, this episode offers practical advice on selecting the right camera, understanding today's features, and preparing for a successful hunting season. In This EpisodeWhy hunting season starts long before opening dayBenefits of cellular trail camerasCellular vs. traditional trail camerasTrail camera placement and scouting strategiesBattery life, lithium packs, and solar powerTrail cameras for deer, turkey, and waterfowl huntingProperty security and wildlife monitoringChoosing the best trail camera for your budget If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another hunter who's getting ready for the season.

  7. May 19

    Virginia Gun Law Breakdown

    Virginia’s new firearm laws are officially signed, and major changes are coming for gun owners across the Commonwealth beginning July 1st. In this episode of the Green Top Outdoors Podcast, the crew sits down to break down the new assault firearm definitions, magazine capacity restrictions, and how these laws could impact everyday Virginians. The discussion covers AR-15s, threaded-barrel pistols, semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, PCCs, SBRs, suppressors, magazine limits, lowers, and the confusion surrounding enforcement and transportation. The team also talks about how these laws affect hunters, competitive shooters, concealed carriers, and first-time firearm buyers. Beyond the legislation itself, the conversation shifts into responsible gun ownership, firearm safety, training, optics, and why education matters now more than ever. The guys share practical advice for new shooters, discuss the culture of firearm ownership in Virginia, and explain why many people are preparing before the July 1st deadline. Whether you’re a longtime gun owner or simply trying to understand the latest Virginia firearm laws, this episode provides a grounded, real-world discussion about what’s changing and what it could mean moving forward. Topics Covered: • Virginia assault firearm laws • Magazine capacity restrictions • AR-15 and semi-auto rifle regulations • Threaded barrel handgun rules • Semi-auto shotgun restrictions • PCCs, SBRs, and lowers • Suppressor legality in Virginia • Firearm safety and training • Concealed carry discussions • Virginia gun culture and community response Follow Green Top Outdoors for more hunting, shooting, fishing, and outdoor content.

4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Green Top Sporting Goods has been helping generations access the outdoors in Richmond, Va since 1947. Now, we're bringing the expertise of our Green Top Pros and vendors right to you with the Green Top Podcast. From hunting to fishing, boating to cooking, let's find your way outdoors.

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