Free Castin'

Chris Watson

Where we talk about Hounds, Mules and Everything in Between!

  1. Aug 7

    Should we only harvest the big boys?

    Every houndsman dreams of turning loose on a giant mountain lion tom or a massive bear boar. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens after that dominant animal is removed from the landscape? In this episode of Free Castin, we take an honest look at one of the most debated topics in predator hunting and wildlife management. We discuss the role mature tom lions and boars play in maintaining territories, how younger predators respond when those dominant animals disappear, and whether harvesting the biggest predators has impacts beyond the individual animal. Drawing from years in the field with hounds, we compare firsthand observations with what wildlife managers and researchers have learned about predator populations. We also explore the balance between opportunity, conservation, and responsible hunting. This isn't an episode about telling hunters what they should or shouldn't do. It's about asking important questions, sharing experiences, and encouraging thoughtful discussion about the future of predator hunting. Whether you're a lifelong houndsman, a predator hunter, a guide, or simply interested in wildlife management, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Be sure to follow Free Castin, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow hunter. We'd love to hear your experiences—have you noticed changes after a big tom or dominant boar was harvested in your area? #FreeCastin #Houndsmen #MountainLion #BearHunting #PredatorManagement #WildlifeConservation #HoundHunting #WorkingDogs #Conservation #Podcast

    Should we only harvest the big boys?
  2. Aug 4

    Who's really trying to save the dogs!

    Who's Fighting for Hound Hunting? We all enjoy turning our hounds loose, listening to a race, and making memories in the woods—but how many of us are actively helping protect the future of hound hunting? In this episode of Free Castin, we dive into one of the most important conversations facing the hunting community today. Who represents houndsmen when regulations are proposed? Who speaks up at wildlife commission meetings? Who pushes back against anti-hunting campaigns? And why aren't more hunters, guides, and outfitters involved in supporting the organizations working to protect our way of life? We discuss the role conservation organizations play, why participation matters, and what every hunter can do—regardless of time or budget—to help ensure future generations have the same opportunities we enjoy today. This isn't about promoting one organization over another or criticizing those who aren't involved. It's about starting an honest conversation about personal responsibility, community, and the future of hound hunting. Whether you're a bear hunter, lion hunter, coon hunter, competition hunter, guide, or simply someone who loves listening to a pack of hounds work, this episode is for you. Join the conversation and let us know: Should guides be expected to support conservation organizations?What's keeping more hunters from getting involved?How can we strengthen the hound hunting community?If you enjoy the episode, be sure to follow Free Castin, leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow houndsman. Every conversation helps keep our traditions alive. Free Castin—where real houndsmen have real conversations about hounds, hunting, mules, conservation, and preserving the traditions we all love.

    Who's really trying to save the dogs!
  3. Jul 17

    To CULL or not to CULL! That is the question!

    Every houndsman has faced it sooner or later—the difficult decision of what to do with a dog that just isn't making the cut. In this episode of Free Castin', we tackle one of the most controversial topics in the hound world: When is it time to cull a hound? We discuss what culling really means, the importance of being honest about a dog's ability, and how these decisions impact breeding programs, hunting success, and the future of hound hunting. We also dive into questions every serious houndsman has wrestled with: How long should you give a young dog to prove itself?What faults are deal breakers?Are we keeping too many average dogs?Does emotion get in the way of making the right decision?Have modern breeding practices lowered our standards?Whether you're a lifelong houndsman or just getting started, this episode is packed with honest conversation, real-world experience, and plenty of opinions that are sure to spark discussion. We don't claim to have all the answers—but we believe these are conversations worth having if we want to preserve and improve the future of our sport. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Free Castin', leave a review, and share it with a fellow houndsman. Free Castin' – Hounds, Mules, and Everything in Between. Arizona Working Dog Alliance https://azwda.com Where we talk a lot of politics that effects the American Sportsman https://www.youtube.com/@awda24 Mountain Daily Star mountaindailystar.com https://mountaindailystar.com/free-roaming-arizona-horses-series-episode-1-heber-horses/ Cold Strike Gear https://coldstrikegear.com Arizona Hound Hunters Rendezvous http://azhhr,com CMW Investigations, LLC http://cmwpi.com "Anecdote of a Houndsman" live podcast "Free Castin" https://www.youtube.com/@AnecdoteofaHoundsman Watch these podcast live every Thursday night at 6PM MST!

    To CULL or not to CULL! That is the question!
  4. Jul 10

    Myths and Legends of hound hunting!

    Every houndsman has heard the stories. The dog that never missed. The old-timer who could strike a track where no one else could. The bear dog that never quit. The lion hound that could trail across bare rock. But are these stories history... or have they grown into legends over the years? In this episode of Free Castin', we dive into the campfire stories that have shaped hound hunting for generations. We discuss the legendary houndsmen, unforgettable dogs, and the myths that continue to be passed down today. We also ask some tough questions: Would the legendary houndsmen of the past still be successful in today's world?Were the dogs really better back then?How much of what we've been told is fact, and how much is folklore?Who are the forgotten houndsmen that deserve to be remembered?This episode is packed with stories, opinions, laughs, and a healthy debate about the history of hound hunting and the people who built the sport we love. Whether you've been following hounds for 50 years or you're just getting started, pull up a chair and join us around the virtual campfire. If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another houndsman. Free Castin' — Hounds, Mules, and Everything In Between. Arizona Working Dog Alliance https://azwda.com Where we talk a lot of politics that effects the American Sportsman https://www.youtube.com/@awda24 Mountain Daily Star mountaindailystar.com https://mountaindailystar.com/free-roaming-arizona-horses-series-episode-1-heber-horses/ Cold Strike Gear https://coldstrikegear.com Arizona Hound Hunters Rendezvous http://azhhr,com CMW Investigations, LLC http://cmwpi.com "Anecdote of a Houndsman" live podcast "Free Castin" https://www.youtube.com/@AnecdoteofaHoundsman Watch these podcast live every Thursday night at 6PM MST!

    Myths and Legends of hound hunting!
  5. Jul 3

    Keep you and your hounds READY!

    Summer doesn't mean houndsmen stop learning. In this episode of Free Castin', we dive into what it takes to keep your hounds healthy, conditioned, and mentally sharp during the off-season. From roading, free running, and nutrition to foot care, kennel management, and preparing for the next hunting season, we share practical tips to help your pack stay ready year-round. We also shift gears into a discussion on bear hunting and the role of hazing with hounds. We talk about how hounds are used as a wildlife management tool, the importance of responsible dog handling, and why these conversations matter for the future of hunting and conservation. Whether you're spending your summer working dogs, fixing equipment, or counting down the days until the next season opens, this episode is packed with conversation every houndsman can appreciate. Thanks for listening to Free Castin'—where we talk Hounds, Mules, and Everything in Between. Arizona Working Dog Alliance https://azwda.com Where we talk a lot of politics that effects the American Sportsman https://www.youtube.com/@awda24 Mountain Daily Star mountaindailystar.com https://mountaindailystar.com/free-roaming-arizona-horses-series-episode-1-heber-horses/ Cold Strike Gear https://coldstrikegear.com Arizona Hound Hunters Rendezvous http://azhhr,com CMW Investigations, LLC http://cmwpi.com "Anecdote of a Houndsman" live podcast "Free Castin" https://www.youtube.com/@AnecdoteofaHoundsman Watch these podcast live every Thursday night at 6PM MST!

    Keep you and your hounds READY!
  6. Jun 26

    How do we keep kids interested in hounds!

    The future of hound hunting isn't just about great dogs—it's about the people who will be turning them loose for years to come. In this episode of Free Castin, we dive into one of the most important conversations in the hunting community: how do we get the next generation involved? We discuss the role of parents, grandparents, mentors, and hunting buddies in introducing young people to running hounds and building a lifelong passion for the outdoors. From youth hunting organizations and community events to simple ways you can mentor a young hunter, this episode is packed with ideas and personal stories about preserving the traditions we all love. We also share what got us started, the people who made an impact on our lives, and why every houndsman has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to help pass the torch. Whether you've been hunting with hounds for decades or you're just getting started, this conversation is about ensuring that our sport, our dogs, and our traditions continue for generations to come. If this episode inspires you, share it with another hunter, invite a young person to the woods, and help keep the future of hound hunting alive. Topics Covered: Why youth involvement mattersMentoring young huntersYouth hunting organizations and opportunitiesIntroducing kids to hounds and the outdoorsChallenges facing the next generationPractical ways to grow the hunting communityFollow Free Castin for more conversations about hounds, mules, hunting, and the outdoor lifestyle. "The future of hound hunting isn't waiting—it's riding in the truck with us today." Arizona Working Dog Alliance https://azwda.com Where we talk a lot of politics that effects the American Sportsman https://www.youtube.com/@awda24 Mountain Daily Star mountaindailystar.com https://mountaindailystar.com/free-roaming-arizona-horses-series-episode-1-heber-horses/ Cold Strike Gear https://coldstrikegear.com Arizona Hound Hunters Rendezvous http://azhhr,com CMW Investigations, LLC http://cmwpi.com "Anecdote of a Houndsman" live podcast "Free Castin" https://www.youtube.com/@AnecdoteofaHoundsman Watch these podcast live every Thursday night at 6PM MST!

    How do we keep kids interested in hounds!

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Where we talk about Hounds, Mules and Everything in Between!

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