The Salty Pine

Morgan Shackelford
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  • Wilderness

The Salty Pine Podcast explores the world of hunting and fishing across Eastern North Carolina. Our region offers an incredible variety of outdoor opportunities year-round — there’s always something in season. Each episode features conversations with local guests, guides, and friends who live this lifestyle every day. Whether it’s deer in November, drum in September, or turkey in April — Eastern NC stays salty all year long. Have questions or topics you’d like covered? Send them our way — we’d love to hear from you and may feature them in an upcoming episode. Stay tuned. Stay salty.

  1. Nov 7

    Coyote Hunting w/ Carolina Night Shift

    # Exploring the Thrills of Nighttime Coyote Hunting > Join us as we dive into the world of Carolina Night Shift's hunting adventures. Welcome back to the Salty Pine. In this issue, we explore the fascinating world of nighttime coyote hunting with Stephen Fletcher from Carolina Night Shift. If you've ever been curious about hunting after dark, this conversation sheds light on the challenges and excitement of the sport. ## The Rise of Coyote Hunting Stephen kicks things off by explaining the growing popularity of coyote hunting, especially in Eastern North Carolina. He mentions, "The cost of it has come down and there's more manufacturers in the game," making it more accessible to hunters. This rise in interest has led to events like the Onsley Predator Challenge, drawing hunters from across the East Coast. In just 48 hours, the tournament saw over 230 coyotes taken down, highlighting the effectiveness of night hunting. ## The Regulations and Challenges However, it's important to note that regulations vary by county. As Stephen explains, "You cannot coyote hunt at night in Beaufort County due to the Red Wolf rehabilitation program." This creates a unique challenge for local hunters, forcing them to travel outside their home counties to participate in nighttime hunts. The conversation touches on the complexities of hunting regulations and the impact they have on local wildlife management. ## The Coyote Conundrum Coyotes have become a significant concern for local wildlife, impacting populations of quail and turkeys. Stephen shares insights on their resilience, stating, "A coyote doesn't have a real natural predator," which complicates population control efforts. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between hunting practices and wildlife conservation, making for a thought-provoking dialogue. ## Getting Started in Coyote Hunting For those looking to dive into coyote hunting, Stephen offers some practical advice. He recounts how his friends initially ventured into coyote hunting using affordable gear, emphasizing the importance of having the right equipment. "You get what you pay for," he notes, hinting at the learning curve many new hunters face. The camaraderie and shared experiences among hunters are evident throughout the conversation. Stephen and his friends have cultivated a passion for night hunting, which is both a challenge and a thrilling adventure. As we wrap up this issue, consider the complexities of wildlife management and the role of hunters in maintaining ecological balance. Stephen's insights remind us that hunting is not just about the thrill; it's about understanding and respecting the environment we share. For those curious to learn more, tune into the full episode to hear more about Stephen's adventures and insights into the world of coyote hunting.

    Coyote Hunting w/ Carolina Night Shift

  2. Oct 22

    26' Drum Season Recap w/ Escape Plan Guides, Dark Water Outfitters, & Masons' Bait Co.

    Summary: In this episode, Morgan hosts a panel of seasoned anglers to discuss the recent fishing season, focusing on drum, mullet, and other species. They share insights on seasonal patterns, bait strategies, and how weather influences fishing success. In this episode, experienced anglers share insights on fishing techniques, bait preferences, moon phases, and tournament strategies in North Carolina's sound waters. They discuss how environmental factors influence fish behavior and share tips for both recreational and competitive fishing. Keywords: fishing, drum, mullet, bait, weather, season, tips, techniques, North Carolina, saltwater fishing fishing, North Carolina, drum, bait, moon phases, tournament, oyster beds, fish behavior, angling tips Key topics Seasonal patterns in saltwater fishingEffective bait strategies for mullet and drumImpact of weather and storms on fishingTechniques for catching big fishInsights into the mullet and croaker populations Environmental factors influencing fish behaviorBait preferences: mullet, croaker, spot, menhadenImpact of moon phases and tides on fishingTournament rules, categories, and strategiesFishing in oyster beds, rocks, and deeper watersLog keeping for fishing success and pattern recognitionEnvironmental changes and fish movement patternsCommunity and local guide insightsSound Bites "We handled the fish the best we could""Storms make the bite go off and on""Last year was unreal for drum fishing"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Season's Fishing Highlights 00:28 Introduction to North Carolina Sound Fishing 02:05 Meet the Guides and Their Specialties 02:34 Fishing in Rough Conditions and Catching Fish 03:04 Wrapping Up the Drum Season 05:01 Bait Preferences: Mullet, Croaker, Spot, Menhaden 07:07 Mullet Fishery Overview and Challenges 09:03 Tarpon and Other Species Highlights 09:59 Impact of Moon Phases and Brightness on Fish Activity 15:02 Environmental Changes and Fish Movement Patterns 20:10 Tournament Rules, Categories, and Strategies 21:07 Mullet and Menhaden Trends This Year 24:49 Using Technology and Log Books for Pattern Recognition 29:56 Community Insights and Local Knowledge 33:37 Weather and Storms Impact on Fish Behavior 35:06 Future Plans and Tournament Ideas 44:23 Bait Strategies and Future Plans

    26' Drum Season Recap w/ Escape Plan Guides, Dark Water Outfitters, & Masons' Bait Co.

  3. Sep 27

    The Salty Pine S1, E10. Eastern Carolina Inshore Club with Tim Askew

    # The Bellhaven Trout Tournament: A Community Celebration > Join us for a weekend of fishing, fun, and fundraising! In the heart of Eastern North Carolina, the Bellhaven Trout Tournament and Festival is more than just a fishing event; it's a testament to community spirit and support for local education. This year marks the fourth edition of the festival, taking place on **October 23rd and 24th**. The decision to move the event to late October was made after three consecutive years of weather-related challenges at the beginning of the month. Tim Askew, one of the festival's key organizers, shares his enthusiasm for the change, emphasizing that the end of October offers a better fishing experience. ## A Cause Worth Supporting The primary goal of the Bellhaven Trout Tournament is to raise funds for scholarships at Beaufort Community College. Over the past three years, the festival has successfully raised **$100,000**, providing **168 scholarships** with a remarkable **90% success rate**. Tim highlights the stories of scholarship recipients, like two young boys from Hyde County who graduated at the top of their class and are now working full-time in local boat building. "We're all about giving a hand up, not a handout," Tim explains, underscoring the festival's mission to empower local youth. ## Festival Highlights This year's festival promises an exciting lineup: - **Fishing Tournament:** Kicking off on Friday morning, participants can fish until weigh-in at 3 PM. - **Car Show:** A new addition this year, showcasing classic trucks and cars with prizes for top entries. - **Live Music and Entertainment:** Local gospel artist **Van Mitchell Jr.** will perform, along with other community favorites. - **Food and Craft Vendors:** From barbecue to funnel cakes, there's something for everyone! Tim expresses his gratitude for the local businesses and community members who have come together to support the festival. "It's incredible to see how everyone has jumped on board to make this event a success," he says, praising the collaborative spirit that defines Bellhaven. ## Join Us! As the festival approaches, Tim invites everyone to participate in this vibrant community event. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast, a food lover, or just looking for a fun day out, the Bellhaven Trout Tournament and Festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy good company while supporting a worthy cause. For more details, check out [Bellhaven Troutfest](http://bellhaventroufest.com) and mark your calendars for a weekend filled with excitement! **Fishing starts at first light on Friday, October 23rd.** We look forward to seeing you there!

    The Salty Pine S1, E10. Eastern Carolina Inshore Club with Tim Askew

  4. Jul 13

    Belhaven Masonic Red Drum Classic

    The Bellhaven Drum Fishing Tournament: Everything You Need to Know The Bellhaven Drum Fishing Tournament has garnered much excitement in the local fishing community, and with the event date approaching, it’s essential to understand the rules and logistics. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about participating in this year's tournament, including registration details, fishing guidelines, and important logistical information.

    Belhaven Masonic Red Drum Classic

  5. Apr 14

    The Salty Pine: S1, E9. Racks with Riley, with Riley Cutler

    In this engaging interview, Riley Cutler shares her journey into taxidermy, her passion for deer hunting, and her efforts to bring taxidermy back to Beaufort County. Discover insights on hunting, deer management, quail rearing, and the art of feather mounts, along with practical tips for beginners. keywords taxidermy, deer hunting, Beaufort County, quail hunting, feather mounts, hunting tips, wildlife management, outdoor life, women in hunting, hunting gear key topics Riley's background in hunting and farming Her journey into taxidermy and opening her shop Deer management and habitat improvement in Beaufort County Quail hunting and habitat restoration efforts The art and process of feather mounts and art projects Tips for women interested in hunting and outdoor activities guest name Riley Cutler key frameworks Deer Management Strategies Habitat Restoration for Wildlife action items Drop off your deer or turkey at Riley’s shop in Pantego, NC Follow Riley on Instagram for updates and art projects Consider starting with basic hunting gear and ask experienced hunters for guidance Titles Bringing Taxidermy Back to Beaufort County: Riley Cutler's Journey Mastering Deer and Feather Mounts: Tips from Riley Cutler sound bites "There's nothing like killing a deer with your rifle" "I wish more women were into hunting" "Turkey hunting is like the new duck hunting" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Taxidermy and Background 01:26 Early Hunting Experiences and Passion for Deer 07:07 Journey into Taxidermy School 08:06 Establishing Racks with Riley 09:32 Deer Management and Hunting Strategies 16:42 Exploring Quail Hunting 26:33 Innovative Feather Mounts and Artistic Approaches 30:04 Exploring Taxidermy and Hunting Experiences 33:31 The Future of Farming and Family Legacy 35:56 Women in Agriculture and Unique Perspectives 38:21 Navigating Life Choices and Career Paths 42:26 Encouraging Women to Hunt and Fish 48:08 The Social Aspect of Outdoor Activities 50:33 Controversies in Hunting Practices 56:57 The Challenges of Wildlife Management 59:55 Promoting Taxidermy and Social Media Engagement 01:02:47 NEWCHAPTER 01:02:52 NEWCHAPTER_2 01:02:57 NEWCHAPTER_3 01:03:02 NEWCHAPTER_4 01:03:07 NEWCHAPTER_5 resources Racks with Riley (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/racks_with_riley/ Lone Star State School of Taxidermy (Texas) - https://lonestarstatetaxidermy.com/ guest links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/racks_with_riley/

    The Salty Pine: S1, E9. Racks with Riley, with Riley Cutler

  6. Feb 26

    The Salty Pine: S1, E8. Belhaven Oyster Company with Nathan Van Nortwick

    Summary In this conversation, Morgan Shackelford interviews Nathan Van Nortwick, the only oyster grower in Beaufort County. They discuss Nathan's journey from crabbing to oyster farming, the challenges he faced, and the environmental factors affecting oyster growth. Nathan emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and community support in the oyster farming industry. He shares insights on the oyster lifecycle, the impact of salinity and temperature on growth, and his future plans for Belhaven Oyster Company. The conversation highlights the balance between nature and human intervention in aquaculture, as well as the benefits of consuming locally sourced seafood.

    The Salty Pine: S1, E8. Belhaven Oyster Company with Nathan Van Nortwick

  7. Jan 19

    The Salty Pine S1, E7. ENC Delta Waterfowl with Chris Toppings

    Summary In this engaging episode, Morgan Shackelford sits down with Chris Toppins from Delta Waterfowl to discuss the organization's mission and recent successes in Eastern North Carolina. They reflect on a record-setting banquet that raised significant funds for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of hunter recruitment and habitat restoration. Chris shares his journey into Delta Waterfowl, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving waterfowl habitats and engaging new hunters in the sport. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by conservationists, including fluctuating weather patterns and the need for effective management of hunting grounds.

    The Salty Pine S1, E7. ENC Delta Waterfowl with Chris Toppings

  8. Jan 5

    The Salty Pine: S1, E6. Blackland Guide Service. Swan Hunting

    In this episode of the Salty Pine Podcast, Morgan Shackelford interviews Tyler O'Dell from Blackland Guide Service, discussing the intricacies of swan hunting in North Carolina. They delve into the history of the guide service, the evolution of hunting techniques, and the challenges faced by hunters, including regulations and scouting. Tyler shares memorable stories from his experiences and offers insights into the logistics of guiding hunts, including lodging options for out-of-state guests. The conversation highlights the camaraderie and excitement of hunting, as well as the importance of preparation and adaptability in the field. In this engaging conversation, Tyler O'Dell shares a wealth of hunting stories, from the excitement of a child's first turkey and deer to the friendships formed through shared outdoor experiences. The discussion delves into the challenges of swan hunting, the importance of local hunting grounds, and the evolution of hunting techniques over time. With humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Morgan highlights the significance of community and family in the hunting culture, making it clear that every hunt is not just about the game, but the memories created along the way.

    The Salty Pine: S1, E6. Blackland Guide Service. Swan Hunting
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About

The Salty Pine Podcast explores the world of hunting and fishing across Eastern North Carolina. Our region offers an incredible variety of outdoor opportunities year-round — there’s always something in season. Each episode features conversations with local guests, guides, and friends who live this lifestyle every day. Whether it’s deer in November, drum in September, or turkey in April — Eastern NC stays salty all year long. Have questions or topics you’d like covered? Send them our way — we’d love to hear from you and may feature them in an upcoming episode. Stay tuned. Stay salty.

Information

  • Creator
    Morgan Shackelford
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Morgan Shackelford
  • Show Website
    The Salty Pine