Wild Game Dynasty

Ryan and Nicole Foguth

Welcome to Wild Game Dynasty, a Michigan-based professional Guide and Outfitting service by Gary Morgan, where passion for the outdoors meets purpose-driven hunting. Join your new WDG Podcast hosts Ryan and Nicole as we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and sustainability practices that define today's hunting community. WDG strives to preserve Michigan’s abundant natural resources through conservation for future generations to come. This podcast delivers authentic conversations about the hunting lifestyle and our role as stewards of the land. Subscribe now and join the dynasty.

  1. MAR 24

    #146. Richard P. Smith - Michigan's Controversial Deer Management and a New Book Release

    What does it mean to dedicate a lifetime to the wild places of Michigan? In this landmark episode of Wild Game Dynasty, we sit down with Richard P. Smith — author, wildlife photographer, and the newest inductee into the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame — in a conversation that spans decades of tradition, controversy, and conservation. Joining the discussion are legends who have shaped the outdoor world as we know it: the great Fred Bear, the father of modern bowhunting; outdoor media icon Mort Neff, whose Michigan Outdoors brought the wilderness into living rooms across the state; beloved conservationist and writer Tom Huggler; multi-species hunting and storytelling phenomenon Steven Rinella; and bass fishing royalty Kevin VanDam. Together, they unpack the release of Richard's latest book, a must-read for any serious hunter or naturalist. The conversation turns candid as Richard shares his deeply researched perspective on why Michigan's deer herd has been in steady decline — pointing to habitat loss, predator pressure, and management decisions that have left hunters and biologists alike sounding the alarm. Then things get controversial. Richard takes on one of the most debated topics in whitetail history: the Mitch Rompola buck — the mysterious giant that some call the greatest deer ever taken and others call one of hunting's greatest hoaxes. Richard doesn't hold back. This is the kind of episode that reminds you why you fell in love with the outdoors in the first place. 📖 Explore Richard's books, photography, and legacy at richardpsmith.com Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: ⁠https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

    1h 22m
4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Wild Game Dynasty, a Michigan-based professional Guide and Outfitting service by Gary Morgan, where passion for the outdoors meets purpose-driven hunting. Join your new WDG Podcast hosts Ryan and Nicole as we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and sustainability practices that define today's hunting community. WDG strives to preserve Michigan’s abundant natural resources through conservation for future generations to come. This podcast delivers authentic conversations about the hunting lifestyle and our role as stewards of the land. Subscribe now and join the dynasty.

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