KEOTA OUTDOORS

Luke Long

Keota Outdoors is a podcast for the everyday outdoorsman — the guy who works hard, hunts harder, and finds peace in the wild. Hosted by Luke Long, this show explores everything from whitetail strategy and waterfowl tactics, to trail camera setups, shed hunting, turkey seasons, bow tuning, and bass fishing backwaters. Each biweekly episode dives into real conversations with fellow hunters, anglers, and land stewards — focused on honest experiences, lessons learned, and the pursuit of getting better in the field. In addition to structured episodes, Outdoor Drops brings you raw, in-the-field recordings — bonus episodes straight from the duck blind, deer stand, or roadside campfire. It's storytelling, reflection, and real-time hunting life, captured as it happens. Whether you’re a jack-of-all-trades or just love being out there — this podcast is for you. Subscribe, follow along, and align yourself with the outdoors.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 26: Creed Archery: Inside the Missouri Pro Shop

    Luke heads into the Mancave for a conversation with Jared Westfall, owner of Creed Archery Supply in Macon, Missouri, to talk about all things archery. Jared gives Luke the rundown on everything Creed Archery Supply has to offer, including their top-notch pro shop, experienced technicians, indoor archery range, online store, and their traveling pro shop trailer. Jared is also deeply involved in competition archery and shares his passion for growing the sport and getting more people involved in competitive archery across Missouri. The conversation then turns toward the bowhunter, with Luke and Jared sharing practical archery tips to help you get dialed in and ready for the fast-approaching fall archery season. They talk about what originally got each of them into archery, Luke shares some stories from his college days on the archery team, and the two compare experiences from years spent shooting and hunting with a bow. And, of course, Luke has to tell the story of a bowhunting adventure that took an unexpected turn when faulty equipment caused some serious problems—20 feet up in a tree! Whether you're a competitive archer, a weekend bowhunter, or just getting started with a bow, there's something in this episode for you. Check out Creed Archery Supply in Macon, Missouri, or visit CreedArchery.com to learn more about what they offer. If you love archery, bowhunting, and talking about all things bows, don't miss this one!   Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

    Ep. 26: Creed Archery: Inside the Missouri Pro Shop
  2. Aug 19

    Ep. 25: Dove Hunting: Overlooked Spots and the Key to a Successful Hunt

    Luke is back in the mancave for a special episode celebrating one year of Keota Outdoors! He reflects on the highs, the lows, the lessons learned, the successes, and even the failures that have come with starting and building the podcast over the past year. Most importantly, Luke takes time to thank everyone who has listened, supported the show, shared an episode, or tuned in along the way. He also gives a huge thank-you to all of the guests who have joined him and helped make the first year of Keota Outdoors so memorable. As he looks ahead, Luke shares his excitement for the future of Keota Outdoors and everything still to come. Then, Luke turns his attention to one of his favorite times of year—fall! Cooler evenings, earlier sunsets, and the start of hunting season are right around the corner. With September 1 marking the opening of dove season here in Missouri, Luke, his buddies, and his Labrador Timber are ready to get after it. Luke talks about some overlooked places to hunt doves that can produce great hunts without having to rely solely on traditional sunflower or wheat fields. He breaks down the types of areas that can attract doves and where hunters may be able to find accessible opportunities close to home. But a successful dove hunt isn't always measured by the number of birds in the game bag. Luke talks about what really makes a hunt successful: the memories and laughs shared with hunting buddies, getting valuable shotgun practice, watching a bird dog work and make retrieves, and simply getting outside and enjoying the outdoors. To wrap things up, Luke shares one of his favorite ways to cook dove: jalapeño dove poppers! If you're a Keota Outdoors fan and you're ready for the start of fall hunting season, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

  3. Aug 5

    Ep. 24: Building Better Bird Dogs | Gun Dog Training with Bailey Small

    On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down in the mancave with Bailey Small, owner of Small Kennels, to talk all things gun dogs. As one group of dogs graduates from Bailey's four-month Basic Gun Dog Training Program and heads home to their owners, another group is just beginning the journey. Bailey breaks down exactly what owners can expect from the Basic Program, what skills their dogs will learn, and why building a solid foundation is so important. The conversation then shifts to the Advanced Gun Dog Training Program, where dogs are transformed into dependable hunting companions that are ready for the field. While they may not quite understand English, they're about as close as it gets! Luke and Bailey also discuss Bailey's recent experience stepping outside his comfort zone by entering hunt tests. As a trainer dedicated to constantly improving his craft, Bailey shares what he learned from the experience and how it helps him continue producing better gun dogs for his clients. To wrap things up, Bailey shares details about the upcoming Small Kennels Pre-Season Bash, where clients, friends, family, and fellow waterfowl fanatics are invited to enjoy live music, great food, cornhole, and kick off the upcoming waterfowl season together. Whether you're looking for your first gun dog, considering professional training, or simply love watching good dogs work, this is an episode you won't want to miss.  Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

    Ep. 24: Building Better Bird Dogs | Gun Dog Training with Bailey Small
  4. Jul 22

    Ep. 23: Food Plots & Whitetails | A Conversation with Patrick Tompson

    On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down in the mancave with Patrick Tompson, owner of Tompson Land and Whitetail, to dive deep into one of the most important aspects of whitetail habitat management—food plots. As summer food plot season reaches its peak, Patrick shares the knowledge he's gained from planting and managing food plots for clients across the Midwest. From clover and soybeans to corn, cereal grains, brassicas, and everything in between, Patrick explains what it takes to grow healthy, productive food plots that keep deer on your property throughout the year. Luke also brings plenty of questions from his own experiences, discussing the successes and struggles he and his dad have faced while planting food plots on their farm. The conversation begins with one of the most dependable food sources available—clover. Patrick explains why clover remains a favorite among land managers, how to establish it successfully, and why it can thrive even in less-than-ideal soil conditions with proper maintenance. The conversation then shifts to soybeans and corn, breaking down the role these high-energy food sources play during the late season when deer need them most. Finally, Luke and Patrick discuss the challenges of planting fall food plots in the Midwest, where August and September droughts can make establishing a successful stand difficult. Patrick shares practical strategies for maximizing moisture, improving germination, and increasing your chances of growing a productive fall plot. Whether you're planting your very first food plot or looking to improve your existing habitat, this episode is packed with practical advice that will help you create better deer habitat and set yourself up for a successful hunting season.  Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

    Ep. 23: Food Plots & Whitetails | A Conversation with Patrick Tompson
  5. Jul 8

    Ep. 22: Inside the CWD Conversation: What I Learned from MDC

    On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down in the mancave to talk about what's keeping him busy this summer as deer season inches closer. Trail cameras are hitting the woods, mature bucks are starting to reveal themselves, and it's time to begin building this year's hit list. Luke shares his current trail camera strategy, what he's looking for this time of year, and how he's preparing for the upcoming whitetail season. The second half of the episode dives into one of the most controversial topics in Missouri hunting today—Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Luke recently had the opportunity to participate in a CWD discussion hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation alongside approximately 30 hunters, landowners, business owners, outdoor enthusiasts, and other stakeholders from across the state. The meeting provided an open forum to discuss CWD, MDC's management efforts, and the concerns and opinions of those directly impacted. Luke recaps what was discussed during the meeting, shares how the conversation changed his perspective on MDC's approach to managing CWD, and breaks down the new Missouri CWD regulations that will take effect beginning in 2026. Whether you agree with the changes or not, this episode aims to provide insight into the reasoning behind them and encourage an informed conversation about the future of deer hunting in Missouri.  Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

    Ep. 22: Inside the CWD Conversation: What I Learned from MDC
  6. Jun 24

    Ep. 21: Trail Camera Obsession: Strategies, Setups, and Iowa’s Proposed Ban

    On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down in the mancave to talk about one of his biggest hunting obsessions—trail cameras.  Luke has been running trail cameras since he was a young boy and still loves the anticipation of letting a camera soak in the woods for weeks at a time. Whether it's a mature buck, a surprise visitor, or a target deer showing up for the first time, you never know what might walk in front of the lens.  Luke breaks down his trail camera strategy throughout the year, including summer setups on trails, food plots, and mineral sites before transitioning to scrapes, mock scrapes, and key travel corridors by October. He also discusses how he combines traditional SD card cameras with cellular trail cameras to gather information and hunt more effectively.  The conversation then shifts to one of the hottest topics in the hunting world right now: Iowa's proposed trail camera restrictions. The proposal would prohibit all trail cameras—both SD card and cellular models—on Iowa public land, and the Iowa DNR is even considering additional restrictions on cellular cameras used on private land.  If you're interested in trail camera brands, camera placement strategies, deer hunting tactics, or the future of trail camera regulations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.  Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

    Ep. 21: Trail Camera Obsession: Strategies, Setups, and Iowa’s Proposed Ban
  7. Jun 10

    Ep. 20: A Colorado Merriam's and a Pile of Elk Sheds

    On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke and Max sit down to recap Luke's recent Colorado Merriam’s turkey hunt—an unforgettable mountain adventure that ended with a pile of elk sheds and his very first Merriam’s gobbler. Luke shares the story of a camping trip to the Colorado mountains with his dad, where long days of hiking and covering country resulted in a great collection of elk sheds and plenty of memories. The turkey hunt started with an exciting first morning that featured a close encounter with a gobbler that never showed himself, leaving Luke wondering what could have been. Determined to find more birds, Luke made a move to a new area the following day. That decision proved to be the turning point of the hunt when he located a gobbler late that afternoon and managed to get him roosted for the next morning. What followed was one of the most intense turkey hunting experiences of his life. With more than 100 gobbles heard at 150 yards and closer, Luke finally made an aggressive move that paid off, ending with a beautiful Merriam’s gobbler standing just 15 yards away. The conversation then shifts to an important topic for sportsmen and women across Colorado. Max discusses a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution that would establish the right to hunt and fish, helping protect outdoor traditions, conserve wildlife resources for future generations, and ensure wildlife management remains rooted in sound conservation practices. Supporters are currently gathering signatures to place the amendment on the ballot, making public participation critical. If you're passionate about turkey hunting, shed hunting, mountain adventures, truck camping, conservation, or simply hearing a great hunting story, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

    Ep. 20: A Colorado Merriam's and a Pile of Elk Sheds
  8. May 27

    Ep. 19: 505 Yards in Bear Country | A Wyoming Backcountry Hunt

    On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down with Max to talk about a recent Wyoming backcountry spring black bear hunt that turned into an unforgettable adventure. What began as a planned 10-day hunt quickly became a crash course in adapting to changing conditions, learning fresh country on the fly, and reacting to the sign they were seeing in real time. Max explains how he and his hunting buddy encountered multiple bears throughout the trip, including several sows with cubs that they chose to pass. After covering miles of rugged Wyoming backcountry and hunting several different areas, Max’s buddy finally located a lone bear that gave them the opportunity they had been waiting for. The hunt came together with a successful stalk and an impressive 505 yard shot to seal the deal. The guys dive into the lessons learned throughout the trip, including why staying open-minded and adaptable is critical during western hunts. While e-scouting can be incredibly valuable before a hunt, Max discusses how reality in the mountains can look completely different once boots hit the ground. Fresh sign, food sources, and current bear activity ultimately dictated where they focused their time. If you’re interested in DIY western hunting, backcountry adventures, spot-and-stalk bear hunting, and authentic hunting stories from the mountains, this is an episode you’ll enjoy. Great hunting podcasts thrive on authentic storytelling and real lessons learned in the field. Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

    Ep. 19: 505 Yards in Bear Country | A Wyoming Backcountry Hunt

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Keota Outdoors is a podcast for the everyday outdoorsman — the guy who works hard, hunts harder, and finds peace in the wild. Hosted by Luke Long, this show explores everything from whitetail strategy and waterfowl tactics, to trail camera setups, shed hunting, turkey seasons, bow tuning, and bass fishing backwaters. Each biweekly episode dives into real conversations with fellow hunters, anglers, and land stewards — focused on honest experiences, lessons learned, and the pursuit of getting better in the field. In addition to structured episodes, Outdoor Drops brings you raw, in-the-field recordings — bonus episodes straight from the duck blind, deer stand, or roadside campfire. It's storytelling, reflection, and real-time hunting life, captured as it happens. Whether you’re a jack-of-all-trades or just love being out there — this podcast is for you. Subscribe, follow along, and align yourself with the outdoors.

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