Driftwood Outdoors Podcast Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod interview newly appointed Jason Sumners, the new Director of MDC, for a casual, informational discussion about the future of Missouri conservation.

“I am excited and humbled by this opportunity the Commission has entrusted me with and the conservation team I get to work with across the state and country.  The Missouri outdoors have defined my personal and professional life, so getting to serve in this capacity and continue to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in conservation is an exciting endeavor.”  Jason Sumner

Topics Discussed:  His career progression, the interview process of becoming the new director, technology in hunting, turkey hunting, bats, world records, harvest rates of paddlefish, Conservation Q & A's, the future of the department, state conservation next steps, mystery bait bucket and more.

For More Information:
MDC Press Release

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

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Brandon Butler and Lauren "Big Fish" Plunkett interview Kevin Morlock, owner and operator of Indigo Guide Service.

Indigo Guide Service has offered guided fishing trips on West Michigan’s rivers for over twenty years.

These rivers include the Pere Marquette River, Manistee, White, and Muskegon, where they target trout, steelhead, and salmon.  They've also guided the flats of Beaver Island in the summer for over fifteen years, fishing for carp, smallmouth bass, and pike.

Topics Discussed:  Pere Marquette, chuck-n-duck fishing, Steelhead trout, walking across Spain with his wife, Spanish cuisine, culture, topography, and wildlife, building a lifestyle of no regrets, taking chances, unplugging from the news, upcoming adventures, mystery bait bucket and more.

For More Information:
Indigo Guide Service

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
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Email:
info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler interviews Captain Frank Campbell, Niagara Region Charter Service guide.

Frank is a full time guide with over 25 years of guiding experience on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Niagara River.  He has been featured on numerous television shows including In-Fisherman, Keith Warren Outdoors, O’Neil’s Outside, Bob Redfern Outdoors, Mid-West Outdoors, and Angling the Great Lakes along with the CBS Morning Show.  He has also been featured in media print for several magazines including In-Fisherman, Outdoor Life, Fishing Facts, Salmon Trout & Steelheader Magazine, Great Lakes Angler, New York Outdoors, Lake Ontario Outdoors as well as ESPN Outdoors.com.

Topics Discussed:  New Director of Missouri Department of Conservation, first afternoon turkey in Missouri, guiding and tourism in Niagara, AGLOW Conference, Freshwater Fishery in Niagara, The Great Lakes, regional smallmouth fishing advice, keeper regulations and etiquette, guiding perks and challenges, rod setups, mystery bait bucket and more.

For More Information:
Niagara Region Charter Service

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram

Email:
info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod interview Jason Smith, Spoonbill World Record Holder and owner of Smiths Fishing Adventures.

Jason has dedicated most of his time to learning and testing several techniques with fishing for Spoonbill on Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake using the most up-to-date electronics.  "Going beyond the old school ways of fishing has brought more fish into my boat than I could have ever imagined. These techniques better allow me to put my guests on fish."

Topics Discussed:  Spoonbill world record details, live scoping, dipsy divers, blue catfish, walleye in the Ozarks, how to find catfish, ways to clean and eat a spoonbill, paddlefish facts, snagging and trolling off a catfish boat, how he got into guiding from Chicago to Stockton, Mid Mo Youth Outdoors, mystery bait bucket and more.

For More Information:
MO Fishing Guide
Smiths Fishing Adventures
Jason's Cell:  573-268-4082

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
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Instagram

Email:
info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler interviews several special guests during the 2024 Conservation Day at the Capitol.

Conservation Day was created by Brandon Butler, Nathan "Shags" McLeod, Trevor Morgan, and David Calandro.  It is an annual event held at the Missouri Capitol, promoting and supporting our natural resources and outdoor heritage.  Citizens and legislators learn about the diverse outdoor passions of Missourians, and recognize our Legislators of the Year for their work protecting our outdoors during legislative session.

Interviews: 
Tyler Schwartz - Executive Director of Conservation Federation of Missouri
Kyna Iman - Jefferson City Lobbyist
Rolla Middle School Choir Members
Jacob Buxton - Legislative Liaison of Missouri Department of Conservation
Andrea Smith - Associate Director of Development of Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
Steve Jones - Vice President of Conservation Federation of Missouri
Colton Zirkle - Executive Director of Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation

For More Information:
Share the Harvest
Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
Legislative Action Center
Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation
Misty Mountains Guiding Service
Capital City Fly Fishers

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
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Instagram

Email:
info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod interview Gavin West, Marine Veteran, successful entrepreneur, Naval Academy graduate, Johns Hopkins graduate, and board member of Retrieving Freedom.

Topics Discussed: Time in the service, Beaver Island, upper peninsula Michigan, smallmouth bass, carp, sight fishing redfish in the south, favorite fishing spots in Texas and Louisiana, Retrieving Freedom, Grouse habitat and conservation, favorite places traveled, mystery bait bucket and more.

For More Information:
Retrieving Freedom

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram

Email:
info@driftwoodoutdoors.com