The True North Lifestyle Podcast

TTN
  • 4.9 (79)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join Joe Kruse, Rick Labbe, and Lee Libby as they discuss all aspects of The True North Lifestyle. The topics include hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, flying, and much more. We combine years of experience along with some humor as we interview the characters that live it every day.

  1. JAN 29

    Episode 19 | A Buck Worth Waiting For | 3-Year Hunt (Jackman, Maine) | Kode Paradise

    Some hunts become stories.Some stories become legends.In Episode 19, we sit down with Kode Paradise, a 19-year-old hunter from Jackman, Maine, who spent three seasons chasing the same buck. He missed him twice, learned hard lessons, and finally crossed paths with him again — running with a doe — making a shot that changed everything.This episode is about more than one buck.It’s about focus, patience, and the kind of hunting that only happens in the big woods.If you love true hunting stories — this one is for you.⚠️ Quick heads-up: From 7:45–18:00 the camera angle stays the same due to a switch issue. Audio never drops — and the story is too good to skip.⸻What You’ll Hear in This Episode:• The 3-year history of one Jackman giant• Missed shots and the lessons they taught• The final encounter and a running shot• Why Jackman bucks are different• Deer nutrition myths (and why feeding corn is a joke)• The truth about taxidermy and mounting• Maine deer genetics and how the herd has changed• Big-woods hunting in Maine• Why patience beats pressure every time• A taxidermy shop stealing a buck… and how it was recovered• The real cost of mounting a full moose• Why antlers are dropping early this season• What the future of hunting access could look like• How to track deer without obsessing over trail cameras⸻⏱️ Episode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome to the True North Lifestyle Podcast0:54 – Cody Paradise & the Jackman dream buck2:10 – Growing up in Jackman & learning the big woods early3:58 – Muzzleloader heartbreak: missing the same buck twice5:19 – Going all-in on one deer7:13 – Passing deer & the mindset to kill a true giant8:41 – The week before Thanksgiving: conditions line up11:15 – Spotting the buck from the truck11:45 – Close-range encounter in thick cover13:32 – The shot sequence & recovery16:01 – A 151″ Jackman giant & what it meant19:16 – Big Maine bucks: then vs. now25:03 – How weather instantly changes deer movement31:21 – The taxidermy disaster no hunter wants to experience49:40 – Chasing big racks out west51:45 – Spotting a buck over a mile away56:00 – 293-yard muzzleloader shot (and a surprise)57:20 – Why both antlers were already gone1:05:20 – Blake Shelton flies over the hunt 🤯1:10:30 – “We’re living the good old days right now”🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle **Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!🏠 Looking to Buy or Sell in Western Maine? Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide for land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle with Northeast TrollerGet fully geared up for trout and salmon fishing with spoons, flashers, dodgers, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more.👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?📧 Email: info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

    1h 12m

  2. JAN 16

    Episode 18 | Garnett “BIG G” | WILD Hunting Stories

    Kick back and hang out with Garnett—aka BIG G, the “Master of Disaster”—as he unleashes the wildest hunting stories of his life! Mike Stevens, Rick Labbe, and Joe Kruse join in, sharing laughs, reflections, and their own unforgettable moments as Garnett takes us through a full season of adventures.From sneaking out at midnight at age 10 with a flashlight and a 410, to tracking giant bucks in Saskatchewan and Alberta, BIG G shares the chaos, tricks, and laughs that made him a legend. This episode is a season recap of epic tales and timeless hunting lessons, including:* Epic childhood mischief: stealing root beer bottles to trade for shotgun shells.* Family, friends, and legacy: revisiting his dad’s grave, honoring hunting mentors like Clark Perkins, and passing on lessons to the next generation.* Old-school hunting wisdom: BIG G and Rick break down strategies for tracking smart, older bucks—even modern hunters will take notes.* School vs. deer: how “buck fever” got him excused from class, and the tenderloin deliveries that kept him out of trouble.* Seasoned adventures: epic encounters with “Ghost Bucks” in Saskatchewan, monster bucks in Alberta, and classic Maine hunting stories that span decades.* Camaraderie and chaos: moments of laughter, friendly bets, and the off-the-cuff brilliance only Garnett can deliver.* Whether you’re a hunter, outdoors fan, or just love larger-than-life storytelling, BIG G’s tales are equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and jaw-dropping. This episode is the perfect look back at a season full of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories.🎯 Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell to catch more legendary stories from The True North Lifestyle! **Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link: 🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made) 🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com 🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle: 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle 👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop 🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com 📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr 👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr 📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle 🦌 Preserve Your Trophy with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, long-lasting mounts that honor your hunt the right way. Trusted craftsmanship, built to last a lifetime. 🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207 🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle with Northeast TrollerGet fully geared up for trout and salmon fishing with spoons, flashers, dodgers, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more. 👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN 💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order. 🏠 Looking to Buy or Sell in Western Maine? Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide for land, homes, and camps across Western Maine. 📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com 🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video? 📧 Email: info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

    1h 32m

  3. 12/25/2025

    Episode 17 | Say Yes to the Adventure | Elk Hunting, Flying & Tracking Bucks w/ Josh Tripp

    This episode is pure True North Lifestyle storytelling. Some opportunities only come once — and this conversation is all about having the courage to say yes when they do. The central theme of this episode is recognizing opportunity and taking action, even when the outcome is uncertain. Josh explains how the biggest adventures of his life: hunting, flying, traveling, and building an outdoor lifestyle which all started by stepping into moments most people hesitate to take.Joe, Rick, and Lee sit down with guest Josh Tripp for a wide-ranging, honest conversation that dives deep into what it really means to chase hard adventures, from tracking big Maine bucks, to solo archery elk hunting in Colorado, to bush flying, aviation mishaps, and the grit it takes to keep pushing forward.Josh shares unforgettable stories from his first experiences tracking deer in the Maine big woods with Rick, learning lessons the hard way and developing the patience and mindset required to consistently hunt mature bucks. The conversation then shifts west to a raw, boots-on-the-ground breakdown of solo elk hunting, including the mental grind, packing meat, hiring packers, and navigating the reality of doing it alone in the mountains.The episode also takes a wild turn into aviation stories — from wrecked planes and Super Cubs, to flying in harsh conditions, Hurricane Gloria, and a full-circle Saskatchewan story that sounds too crazy to be true (but is). Along the way, the guys connect the dots between hunting, flying, risk, experience, and why the most meaningful pursuits in life are rarely the easiest.This is a laid-back, hilarious, and thoughtful episode packed with real lessons, Northeast hunting culture, and the kind of stories that only come from years of getting after it.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:• Josh’s philosophy on saying yes when opportunity presents itself• Josh’s first experiences tracking deer with Rick in the Maine big woods• Lessons learned chasing mature bucks and choosing the right track• Solo archery elk hunting in Colorado — mental battles, pack-outs, and reality checks• Hiring packers and what it’s really like getting an elk out of the mountains• Why waiting for “the right time” often means missing the moment• Aviation stories: Super Cubs, wrecked planes, bush flying & Hurricane Gloria• The unbelievable Saskatchewan plane story that comes full circle years later• How risk, age, experience, and grit shape better hunters and outdoorsmen• Why big adventures demand patience, preparation, and humility• Laugh-out-loud camp banter and classic True North storytelling• A running joke revealing Rick’s “unique” taste in hotels (yes… mannequins 😆)If you love big woods deer hunting, elk hunting, tracking stories, aviation, and real conversations about pushing limits and learning the hard way — this episode is for you.**Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🦌 Preserve Your Trophy with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, mounts that honor your hunt the right way. 🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207🎣 Northeast Troller: 👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.

    1h 14m

  4. 12/12/2025

    Episode 16 | Legendary Lanny Benoit | Big Buck Tracking Stories

    In this episode, Joe Kruse and Rick Labbe sit down with Glenn Bombardier and the legendary Lanny Benoit, one of the greatest buck trackers to ever walk the big woods.From jaw-dropping deer stories across Maine, Vermont, and the Golden Road, to the brutal camps, school buses, wild adventures, and the early years of the Benoit brothers, this episode is packed with deep woods knowledge, humor, history and big buck stories!If you love tracking big bucks in snow, 200-lb Maine bucks, big woods adventures, and old-school deer camp storytelling, this episode is pure gold.Lanny covers everything from how he learned to read a track as a kid, to shooting giant bucks in the 70s and 80s, to the evolution of deer herds, coyotes, wolves, road systems, and why track selection and patience are the real keys to consistent success. He even dives into his days racing snowmobiles, the “veteran” pain tolerance he developed from it, and how that played into becoming a world-class buck tracker.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:• Lanny Benoit’s earliest days learning to track with his father and brothers • Stories from Maine’s Parlin Pond Road, Spencer Road, and the Golden Road • Why Lanny shot so many 240–260 lb bucks—and how he chose the right track • Aging a track, reading stride width, and how to judge a buck by his chest• The difference between long-bodied bucks vs. short-bodied bucks • Wild stories: school buses as hunting camps, wall tents blowing over, fires, storms & deep snow • The Ontario years—massive deer, sheds everywhere, and the story behind the big 300-lb ledge buck • Party hunting days in Vermont and crazy double-kill stories• How wolves and coyotes changed the big woods forever • Snowmobile racing, injuries, grit, and building the mental toughness needed for tracking giant whitetails This podcast that captures exactly what makes Northeastern big woods hunting so special: tradition, knowledge, camaraderie, storytelling, and the thrill of following a single buck track through miles of wild country.**Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🦌 Preserve Your Trophy with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, long-lasting mounts that honor your hunt the right way. Trusted craftsmanship, built to last a lifetime.🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle with Northeast TrollerGet fully geared up for trout and salmon fishing with spoons, flashers, dodgers, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more.👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.🏠 Looking to Buy or Sell in Western Maine?Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide for land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?📧 Email: info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

    1h 6m

  5. 11/18/2025

    Episode 15 | This is Your Day w/ Stephan White | 36 Years to Get His First Buck!

    This is a podcast you won’t forget. Stephan White joins Joe Kruse in the studio to relive the unforgettable hunting story where he finally tagged his first deer—after 36 years of hunting since 1987. Guided by Joe for two seasons with Big Woods Outfitters at Lake Parlin Lodge, this was Steve’s third year hunting on his own under the American Plan, and he finally connected with the buck he had been chasing for decades.From the emotional high of seeing that deer standing in front of him, to the drag, the fire-starting mishaps, and the reflective moments sitting alone beside his buck—this episode captures everything we all love about deer camp: camaraderie, adrenaline, frustration, laughs, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.Set in the snowy Maine woods and staying at Lake Parlin Lodge, this episode is pure Northeast hunting storytelling at its best—heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with wisdom from decades in the woods.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:• Steve’s once-in-a-lifetime buck after 36 years of hunting• How Joe tracked another buck, got Steve’s text, and rushed to celebrate and help get the deer out• Steve following a pamphlet word-for-word to gut his first deer ever• How Steve’s mother-in-law used to tell him every day: “This is your day”• The surreal moment every hunter dreams of—and how it matched his exact vision• Dragging the deer, smoke signals, frozen fingers & gear lessons learned the hard way• Why starting a fire in cold weather is harder than it looks—and what to pack next time• The emotion of doing it on your own, and why that made the hunt even better• Ben Allen of Epic Adventures sharing a funny story about a client NOT seeing a deer• Ben’s upcoming trip to the North Maine Woods to hunt deer• Rifle, snow, tracking conditions & how the hunt truly unfolded• Joe’s reflections on why this kind of hunt never gets old—no matter how many bucks you’ve taken• The community of deer camp: long-time friendships, shared stories, and why this lifestyle keeps us all coming back• Patriots vs. Dolphins banter (because it’s a tradition!)• Listener shoutouts & what your support means to the team⸻Sponsors & Shoutouts:Stagr GearSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with Stagr Gear using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount! Preserve your trophies with Peak Taxidermy🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Peak-Taxidermy-61572674926781/🔪 Check out handcrafted knives and tools made in Maine: ➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Reach out for sponsorship opportunities to be featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video at 📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

    1h 1m

  6. 10/29/2025

    Episode 14 | Stories w/ STAGR GEAR |Hunting Gear, Clothing & Tips

    The boys from STAGR GEAR, Adam Lamson and Greg Gove, join us for an action-packed podcast, we talk hunting in the Northeast, sharing epic stories, gear tips, and family hunting moments you won’t want to miss. From bow season thrills to crossbow game-changers, and from teaching a 3-year-old grandson to hunt, to a wife’s first moose —this episode has it all!🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:* The story behind Stagr Gear: Blaze Capes, Gloves, and the evolution of jackets & pants for Northeast conditions* Upcoming women’s & kids’ gear lines, plus new colors like snow camo and classic red & black* Hunting updates from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine—bow season, public land pheasant hunts, and more* Heartwarming family hunting moments and first-time experiences in the blind* Crossbow insights: extending range, boosting accuracy, and keeping older hunters in the game* Incredible moose, deer, and turkey hunts, including first kills and lessons in patience & confidence* Tracking tips: estrus scent, drag rags, and following blood trails for maximum success* Gear updates: Nor’Easter Grunt Calls, Stagr Gear custom hems, Walker knives, Peak Taxidermy, plus promo code TTN discounts* Behind-the-scenes hunting stories: town deer dynamics, Rangeley big bucks, Vermont tracking adventures, and snowmobile tales* Community, collaboration, and connecting with fellow hunters in the Northeast* How to support the podcast: subscribe, follow on social media, and leave a reviewWhether you’re a seasoned hunter, a family looking to get outdoors, or just love hunting stories, this episode is packed with laughs, tips, and unforgettable real-life adventures.Sponsors & Shoutouts:Stagr GearSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with Stagr Gear using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount! Preserve your trophies with Peak Taxidermy🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Peak-Taxidermy-61572674926781/🔪 Check out handcrafted knives and tools made in Maine: ➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities:Reach out for sponsorship opportunities to be featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video at 📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

    1h 9m

  7. 10/12/2025

    Episode 13: Maine, Alaska & Wyoming | Moose, Elk and Deer Hunting Adventures with Jason Delpalazzo

    This episode starts off with Jason Delpalazzo sharing stories from his Alaska moose hunt, from the long travel days and camp life to the challenges of filming in the backcountry. He talks about the scale of Alaska’s wilderness, the differences in calling moose compared to Maine, and the unforgettable moments that come when you finally connect after putting in the work.Then Rick dives into his Wyoming elk hunt, describing what it’s like to chase bugling bulls across the mountains. He breaks down how elk hunting tests your patience, calling, and endurance, and shares how those experiences compare to the thick, quiet woods of Maine.The guys also reflect on a multi-generational Maine moose hunt where a 13-year-old took center stage. It’s a story full of pride, tradition, and family, capturing what hunting is truly about: time together in the woods, passing on knowledge, and watching the next generation light up with excitement.Between laughs, storytelling, and a few good-natured jabs, this episode covers everything from cross-country hunting adventures to the local traditions that define Maine’s outdoor culture.🦌 Topics covered in this episode:🗺️ Jason’s Alaska moose hunt — travel, calling differences, and what makes the hunt so special🏔️ Rick’s Wyoming elk hunt — chasing bugles and adapting to the open country🎯 A 13-year-old’s first moose hunt and what it means for three generations of hunters🪵 Moose calling tactics and how hunting styles differ between regions🔥 Reflections on family, mentorship, and the shared passion that keeps hunters coming back💦True Estrus Doe Urine — Pre-Order Now!‼️https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shopOnly Available for One More Week! you want the ultimate edge for your fall hunts, don’t miss out on True Estrus — single-batch doe urine, harvested during peak estrus, shipped cold and fresh directly to you. Supplies are limited, and we’ll only be taking orders for another week until mid-October, so secure yours now! Perfect for pairing with your grunt tube, it’s a must-have for any serious hunter.This episode blends thrilling hunting stories, heritage, and actionable tips, perfect for anyone passionate about moose hunting, Alaska adventures, and the tools that make a hunt successful.🦌 Preserve your trophies with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy takes pride in creating high-quality mounts that honor your hunt and last a lifetime.🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Peak-Taxidermy-61572674926781/If you’re in the Winterport or Greater Bangor, Maine area, consider Jeff your go-to taxidermist. Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Facebook, and check out his site to see his incredible work!🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle by shopping with Northeast Troller!⸻🏠 Looking to buy or sell land, a home, or camp in Western Maine?Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide.📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com⸻🛠️ Shoutout to Taylor Walker!🎙️ Taylor continues to crush it behind the scenes, making this podcast possible.🔪 Check out his handcrafted knives and tools at Walker Knife Co:➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🔥 Built with pride. Ready for the woods.⸻🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle⸻🎯 Interested in sponsoring a future episode?Reach out at 📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

    1h 46m

  8. 10/01/2025

    Episode 12 | Tales from a Maine Tagging Station & Hunting Stories with Ryan Cowper

    Ever wonder what it’s like to run a general store at the heart of Maine’s big woods hunting culture? In this episode, Joe, Lee, and Rick sit down with Ryan Cowper, owner of the Flagstaff General Store in the Stratton–Eustis region.Ryan and his family have built a true community hub, serving food, renting cabins, and operating one of the busiest deer tagging stations in western Maine. Last season alone, they tagged nearly 300 deer, along with countless bears and moose, making the store a crossroads for hunters, locals, and travelers alike.From tracking big-bodied bucks to the legendary stories that pass through the tagging station, Ryan shares his deep ties to the hunting culture of Maine’s western mountains. He also opens up about his own hunting journey, from shooting his first spike horn at 13, to chasing bulls with a coveted Zone 4 moose permit, to the hunt where everything went wrong.Topics covered in this episode:🏪 Running the Flagstaff General Store & its role in the community🦌 The stories (and characters) that walk through a busy tagging station👣 Maine’s tracking heritage and how Ryan approaches the woods🛶 Hunting, cabins, and life in the Stratton–Eustis area🎯 The big shed he found, and the big miss that still haunts him🍂 The passion, laughter, and traditions that make Maine’s hunting culture uniqueThis mix of hunting stories, heritage, and real-life community perspective is one you won’t want to miss!💦Don’t forget to pre-order a bottle of TRUE ESTRUS, grab your doe estrus for this season:🔗https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop/ols/products/true-estrus🦌 Preserve your trophies with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy takes pride in creating high-quality mounts that honor your hunt and last a lifetime.🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Peak-Taxidermy-61572674926781/If you’re in the Winterport or Greater Bangor, Maine area, consider Jeff your go-to taxidermist. Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Facebook, and check out his site to see his incredible work!🎣 Support The True North Lifestyle by shopping with Northeast Troller!👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your order.If you’re looking for trolling gear for trout and salmon — spoons, flashers, dodgers, downrigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered.⸻🏠 Looking to buy or sell land, a home, or camp in Western Maine?Gary Williamson is our trusted real estate guide.📞 Call/Text: (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com⸻🛠️ Shoutout to Taylor Walker!🎙️ Taylor continues to crush it behind the scenes, making this podcast possible.🔪 Check out his handcrafted knives and tools at Walker Knife Co:➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🔥 Built with pride. Ready for the woods.⸻🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle⸻🎯 Interested in sponsoring a future episode?Reach out at 📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

    1h 2m
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4.9
out of 5
79 Ratings

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Join Joe Kruse, Rick Labbe, and Lee Libby as they discuss all aspects of The True North Lifestyle. The topics include hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, flying, and much more. We combine years of experience along with some humor as we interview the characters that live it every day.

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