Field Notes With Rashad Podcast

Rashad Rollins

Field Notes with Rashad is an outdoors and lifestyle podcast rooted in the Ozarks, where hunting, fishing, conservation, and backcountry adventure take center stage. Hosted by Rashad Rollins, the show features authentic conversations with passionate outdoorsmen, industry voices, and everyday people living close to the land. From public land strategy and wild game cooking to gear talk and real stories from the field, Field Notes captures the lessons, challenges, and moments that shape a life outdoors.

  1. Aug 7

    Ep. XVIII - Brett Meldrum (Aussie Bowhunter)

    This episode takes a deep dive into bowhunting, hunting culture, wildlife management, and outdoor life in Australia with the Aussie Bow Hunter. We talk about how he got started in bowhunting, the inspiration behind building his brand, and the unique challenges hunters face in Australia. From strict firearm regulations and controversial bowhunting bans to public-land access and licensing requirements, the conversation offers a firsthand look at what it means to be a hunter in New South Wales and across Australia. We also explore the country's diverse hunting opportunities, including deer, feral pigs, waterfowl, and other introduced game species. The discussion covers predator and pest control, the growing problem of feral pigs, conservation efforts, and the important role hunters can play in managing wildlife populations and supporting rural communities. Beyond hunting regulations and conservation, we get into the practical side of bowhunting—bow setups, broadheads, hunting techniques, gear choices, and how equipment changes depending on the species and terrain being hunted. The conversation eventually expands beyond Australia into hunting and outdoor adventures in New Zealand, highlighting the extreme conditions, rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique experiences that make hunting in this part of the world so different from North America. We also discuss fishing, acquiring wild food, the rising cost of living in Australia, hunting ethics, online criticism, and the challenges facing hunters in today's economic and political climate. Key TakeawaysBowhunting bans in parts of Australia have created significant controversy within the hunting community.Victoria and New South Wales offer public-land hunting opportunities, although hunters must navigate specific regulations and licensing requirements.Feral pigs are a major ecological and agricultural problem, making effective population control increasingly important.Hunters play an important role in wildlife management, conservation, pest control, and rural communities.Australia offers incredibly diverse hunting opportunities across vastly different landscapes and climates.Bow setups, broadheads, and hunting techniques vary significantly depending on the species, terrain, and conditions.Hunting in Australia and New Zealand provides unique challenges and experiences unlike almost anywhere else in the world.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Bowhunting in Australia 00:42 – The Journey Into Bowhunting 01:47 – Creating the Aussie Bow Hunter Brand 02:24 – Influence of Born and Raised Outdoors 03:52 – Australian Culture and Attitudes Toward Hunting 06:29 – Gun Laws and Firearm Regulations 08:35 – Gun Violence and Government Policies 09:49 – Criminal Firearms and Hunting Equipment 14:05 – Bowhunting Bans and Their Implications 15:34 – Public-Land Hunting in Australia 23:07 – Predator Control and Feral Pigs 27:47 – Duck Hunting and Waterfowl Culture 30:23 – Deer Species in New South Wales 31:07 – The Roar and Hunting Season 32:16 – Private-Land Access and Conservation 36:10 – Hunting Across Australia 43:29 – History of Game Animals in Australia 46:00 – Hunting and Conservation Challenges 53:43 – Bowhunting Equipment and Setup 56:43 – Bowhunting Techniques 57:29 – Hunting Australia and New Zealand 58:23 – Hunting Gear and Broadheads 59:33 – Hunting Ethics and Wildlife Conservation 01:02:38 – Challenges and Rewards of Australian Hunting 01:12:19 – Fishing and Outdoor Adventures 01:17:26 – Online Criticism and Personal Experiences

    Ep. XVIII - Brett Meldrum (Aussie Bowhunter)
  2. Jul 31

    Ep. XVII - Frank Loncarich and Kyle Hedges (Upland Flush)

    The conversation begins with an introduction and background of the guests, followed by a discussion on hunting and turkey season. It then delves into the importance of grasslands and habitat conservation, highlighting the significance of grasslands and the challenges associated with their conservation. The conversation shifts to predators and predation, advocacy and conservation efforts, and the reasons for the decline of upland species. The conversation covers the decline of upland game hunting, the resurgence of upland game hunting out west, challenges and barriers to entry in upland hunting, the impact of eye worms on quail populations, the use of drones in upland bird studies, and tips for new upland hunters. Takeaways Importance of grasslands in habitat conservationChallenges associated with predators and predation Resurgence of upland game hunting out westChallenges and barriers to entry in upland hunting Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background02:08 Hunting Season and Turkey Season06:05 Grasslands and Habitat Conservation09:58 The Importance of Grasslands23:00 Predators and Predation30:32 Advocacy and Conservation Efforts32:38 Reasons for Upland Species Decline34:55 The Decline of Upland Game Hunting37:00 Resurgence of Upland Game Hunting Out West40:42 Challenges and Barriers to Entry in Upland Hunting55:39 Impact of Eye Worms on Quail Populations01:06:28 Use of Drones in Upland Bird Studies01:08:46 Tips for New Upland Hunters

    Ep. XVII - Frank Loncarich and Kyle Hedges (Upland Flush)
  3. Jul 23

    Ep. XVI - Colton Zirkle (Missouri Hunting Heritage Foundation)

    The conversation covers the mission and activities of the Missouri's Hunting Heritage Foundation, the importance of hunter education, the challenges of public land hunting, the value of mentorship, and the role of trapping in accessing private land for hunting. Colton Zirkle shares his personal hunting history and his journey to the MHF. The conversation also touches on policy, public opinion, and the impact of non-resident hunting on public land. The conversation covers the process of gaining access to private land for trapping, the importance of building relationships with landowners, and the focus on youth recruitment and mentorship in hunting and conservation. It also delves into the cultural and technological shifts in outdoor activities and the challenges of engaging parents in outdoor experiences. Takeaways Hunter education is crucial for safe and responsible hunting.Trapping can provide access to private land for hunting and is a valuable skill for hunters.Mentorship and positive experiences in the outdoors can shape a young person's passion for hunting and conservation. Land access for trapping involves building relationships with landowners and demonstrating responsibility.Youth recruitment and mentorship are essential for preserving hunting heritage and conservation efforts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mission of MHF01:24 The Importance of Hunter Education04:01 Challenges of Public Land Hunting10:54 The Value of Mentorship23:30 Trapping for Access to Private Land19:59 Policy and Non-Resident Hunting28:06 Gaining Access to Private Land30:37 Youth Recruitment and Mentorship41:09 Cultural and Technological Shifts in Outdoor Activities49:05 Challenges of Engaging Parents in Outdoor Experiences

    Ep. XVI - Colton Zirkle (Missouri Hunting Heritage Foundation)
  4. Jun 26

    Ep. XIV - Elliot Snider (Freelance Duck Hunting)

    The conversation covers topics such as training a duck dog, the role of Flatlander Kennels in dog training, Nebraska as a waterfowl destination, hunting in Kansas and Missouri, hunt test training and force fetch, e-collar training and dog behavior, and the Cornerstone program and training methods. The conversation covers the challenges of dog training, the impact of bloodlines on dog training, the importance of hunting experience in dog training, the unique qualities of American bred dogs, the influence of bloodlines in the hunting community, the passion for waterfowl hunting, and the evolution of YouTube and content creation. Takeaways Training a duck dog requires consistency and a well-structured program.Flatlander Kennels is known for its dog training expertise and the role of Chris Jobman in the industry.Nebraska offers diverse hunting opportunities and is a popular waterfowl destination.Hunt test training, force fetch, and e-collar training are essential for fine-tuning a dog's skills.The Cornerstone program is popular but may not be suitable for advanced training needs. The importance of bloodlines in dog trainingThe passion and challenges of waterfowl hunting Chapters 00:00 Training a Duck Dog08:17 Hunt Test Training and Force Fetch24:14 E-Collar Training and Dog Behavior33:02 Cornerstone Program and Training Methods38:25 The Challenges of Dog Training45:00 The Influence of Bloodlines in the Hunting Community51:27 The Passion for Waterfowl Hunting01:08:57 The Evolution of YouTube and Content Creation

    Ep. XIV - Elliot Snider (Freelance Duck Hunting)
  5. Jun 12

    Ep. XIII - Lennon Bright

    The conversation covers a range of topics related to hunting, public land access, wildlife management, and cultural perspectives on hunting. It delves into the diversity of hunting experiences, the impact of introduced species, and the importance of supporting public lands. The discussion also explores personal hunting experiences, wilderness adventures, and childhood experiences in the bush. Throughout the conversation, there is a focus on dispelling myths about hunting and promoting a deeper understanding of hunting culture and traditions. The conversation covers the speaker's early life and education, the decision to move back to New Zealand, the cost of living and economic comparison between New Zealand and Australia, the transition to full-time hunting and filming, conservation and wildlife management, and the Huntmate app and community building. The conversation covers various aspects of hunting and fishing in New Zealand, including the hunting guide business, public land and hunting huts, fishing, the roar and red stag hunting, fallow deer hunting, geographical diversity of hunting, and white tail deer in New Zealand. The discussion provides insights into the unique hunting and fishing experiences available in New Zealand, highlighting the diverse species and environments that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The conversation covers the conservation of tahr, the impact of hunting on the economy, the value of hunting and conservation, favorite species and hunting adventures, and hunting in New Zealand and beyond. The discussion emphasizes the importance of responsible hunting, the economic benefits of hunting, and the unique hunting experiences in New Zealand and other countries. Takeaways Diverse hunting opportunities in New ZealandSupport for public lands and conservation efforts Transitioning to full-time hunting and filming in New Zealand was a significant decision for the speaker, driven by a passion for hunting and a desire to encourage others to experience it.The conversation highlights the importance of conservation efforts and wildlife management in New Zealand, as well as the challenges and controversies surrounding these initiatives. Diverse hunting and fishing experiences in New ZealandThe significance of public land and hunting huts for hunting enthusiasts Conservation efforts for tahr are crucial for maintaining the population and preserving the species.Hunting contributes significantly to the economy and provides valuable resources for the local community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Field Notes with Rashad09:13 Hunting Culture and Perspectives14:48 Hunting Regulations and Wildlife Management21:09 Cultural Perspectives on Hunting38:03 Early Life and Education45:07 Cost of Living and Economic Comparison54:41 Conservation and Wildlife Management01:19:45 Huntmate App and Community Building01:25:01 The Hunting Guide Business01:33:33 Fishing in New Zealand01:48:11 The Roar and Red Stag Hunting01:54:00 Fallow Deer Hunting02:00:13 White Tail Deer in New Zealand02:06:37 The Value of Hunting and Conservation02:12:06 Favorite Species and Hunting Adventures02:23:23 Hunting in New Zealand and Beyond

    Ep. XIII - Lennon Bright
  6. May 29

    Ep XII: Midwest Maniac

    On this episode of Field Notes with Rashad, I sit down with the guys from Midwest Maniacs to talk about deer management, hunting culture, veteran outreach, and what it means to build a community around the outdoors. We discuss how technology has changed the way we hunt, the responsibility that comes with managing wildlife, and why getting veterans involved in hunting can have a lasting impact far beyond the field. Whether you're a hardcore whitetail hunter, a land manager, or someone who simply cares about conservation and the future of hunting, there's a lot to take away from this one. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:28 – The Midwest Maniacs' hunting journey 01:50 – The impact of technology on hunting 03:24 – Engaging with veterans through hunting 05:21 – Ethical hunting practices 07:57 – Community support and hunting 10:20 – Tips for effective deer management What are you seeing in your area when it comes to deer management and hunting culture? Let me know in the comments. Follow Midwest Maniacs: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestmaniacoutdoors Follow Field Notes with Rashad: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesrashad Follow Rashad: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashrolli Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rashrolli Subscribe for more conversations about hunting, fishing, conservation, public lands, and the people who live this lifestyle every day. #FieldNotesWithRashad #MidwestManiacs #WhitetailHunting #DeerManagement #Conservation #VeteranOutreach #HuntingPodcast #PublicLand #HuntingCulture #Outdoors

    Ep XII: Midwest Maniac

About

Field Notes with Rashad is an outdoors and lifestyle podcast rooted in the Ozarks, where hunting, fishing, conservation, and backcountry adventure take center stage. Hosted by Rashad Rollins, the show features authentic conversations with passionate outdoorsmen, industry voices, and everyday people living close to the land. From public land strategy and wild game cooking to gear talk and real stories from the field, Field Notes captures the lessons, challenges, and moments that shape a life outdoors.