Call of the Outdoors

Pennsylvania Game Commission
  • 4.7 (108)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Imagine sitting around a campfire listening to a group of friends share their passions, stories and connections to the great outdoors. At the Pennsylvania Game Commission, our passion is WILD, and “Call of the Outdoors,” the agency’s podcast, is all about wildlife, hunting, habitat and conservation efforts in the Keystone State. Each episode includes a unique look into a Pennsylvania wildlife-related subject, a few laughs, and is sure to leave listeners with a renewed sense of knowledge and pride in the work being done on behalf of wildlife. Join the campfire and explore lots of ways to promote and enhance Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources for current and future generations!

  1. Special Update: Proposed Change to Firearms Deer Season

    JAN 15

    Special Update: Proposed Change to Firearms Deer Season

    Proposed Change to Firearms Deer Season At its meeting next week, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will consider a proposal that could change opening day for hundreds of thousands of deer hunters. Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to explain details of the potential change, how it could affect other hunting seasons, and ways to share feedback with the board.   Episode Highlights: How seasons and bag limits are set Details on the proposals related to firearms deer season Why the board is considering a change The other seasons this proposed change would impact How hunters can make their voices heard and tune in to the meeting   Resources: Contact the Board of Game Commissioners with your questions, comments, or concerns.

    13 min
  2. Ep. 65 | Trapline to Tree Stand: Tom Miranda’s Outdoor Adventures

    JAN 7

    Ep. 65 | Trapline to Tree Stand: Tom Miranda’s Outdoor Adventures

    Hall of Fame trapper and award-winning bowhunter Tom Miranda joins host Matt Morrett to share insights from over 40 years in outdoor television and a lifetime in the woods. Learn what it takes to be a wilderness trapper, how he achieved the highest honor in conservation, and who he credits with influencing his hunting success.   Episode Highlights: What trapping taught Tom about the woods How he got his start in outdoor media Why trappers make the best bowhunters How he completed the archery Super Slam Tom’s tips for trapping and bowhunting   Resources: Get started trapping. Visit Tom Miranda’s website. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Trappers Association Rendezvous.

    36 min
  3. Ep. 64 | Game Chat: Answering Your Wild Questions

    12/03/2025

    Ep. 64 | Game Chat: Answering Your Wild Questions

    Drone recovery, shortened bear seasons, tree stand snacks — we’re tackling the tough topics! Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to answer YOUR questions, straight from social media. From what to do if you find a roadkill deer to why Sundays weren’t included for spring gobbler, they explain current regulations and the latest updates.    Episode Highlights: How changes to regulations, seasons, and bag limits are made What Sunday hunting opportunities will be available in the future Tips for legally packing a deer out of the woods How to get started with a career in conservation Details on junior and mentored hunting programs   Resources: Check current seasons and bag limits. Review regulations in the Hunting & Trapping Digest. Follow us on social media for updates. Contact the Game Commission.

    44 min
  4. Ep. 63 | Protect & Serve: Game Wardens in the Wild

    11/05/2025

    Ep. 63 | Protect & Serve: Game Wardens in the Wild

    Pennsylvania state game wardens don’t just check hunting licenses in the field — they wear many hats to protect people, wildlife, and habitats.   Col. Rod Danley, the new director of the Bureau of Wildlife Protection, joins host Matt Morrett to share the history of game wardens in Pennsylvania, the passion they share for wildlife, and how hunters can have a great interaction with a warden in the woods.   Episode Highlights: The role of Pennsylvania state game wardens  Tips for trapping coyotes and hunting the rut What to do if a game warden approaches you Why game laws are in place and common regulation questions Col. Danley’s vision leading law enforcement for the agency    Resources: Review the Hunting & Trapping Digest. Find tips for safe hunting. Learn more about Operation Game Thief.

    1 hr
  5. Ep. 62 | Deer Camp Kinship: A Hunting Legacy of Giving Back

    10/01/2025

    Ep. 62 | Deer Camp Kinship: A Hunting Legacy of Giving Back

    Deer Camp Kinship: A Hunting Legacy of Giving Back We hit the road for every hunter's favorite place — deer camp! Host Matt Morrett is joined by Dan Smoker of United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania (UBP) and Game Commissioner Bob Schwalm to discuss the powerful sense of community behind our Pennsylvania hunting heritage. From mentoring new hunters to partnering with farmers to helping feed families in need, we dive into all the ways hunting unites Pennsylvanians for a greater purpose.   Episode Highlights: Details on the UBP annual hunt event and how bowhunters can participate The importance of building mutually beneficial relationships between hunters and farmers Why mentoring children and adults is critical to the future of hunting How to give back via Hunters Sharing the Harvest The value of deer camp comradery   Resources: Get involved with United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania. Consider donating to Hunters Sharing the Harvest. Purchase a mentored hunting permit. Review deer hunting regulations.

    36 min
  6. Ep. 61 | Firing for the Future: Conservation Starts at the Range

    09/03/2025

    Ep. 61 | Firing for the Future: Conservation Starts at the Range

    Conservation funding is going off with a bang! Shooting Sports Division Chief Todd Holmes and Range Management Coordinator Luke Johnson join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of the Pittman-Robertson Act to conservation, successful shooting range improvement projects, the new features drawing people to shooting sports, and the goals the Game Commission is aiming for in the near future.   Episode Highlights: · How the Pittman-Robertson Act plays a crucial role in conservation · The Game Commission’s public shooting range diversity, design, safety, and accessibility · Updates from the Shooting Range Improvement Program’s successful pilot year · Partnerships with sportsmen clubs and municipalities · Future plans for public shooting ranges · Tips when using the range and improving your shot   Resources: Find a shooting range near you Learn more about the Shooting Range Improvement Program Learn how the Pittman-Robertson Act benefits wildlife conservation Buy a shooting range permit

    48 min
  7. Ep. 60 | Keep Your Weekends Wild: Sunday Hunting is History in the Making

    08/06/2025

    Ep. 60 | Keep Your Weekends Wild: Sunday Hunting is History in the Making

    Pennsylvania is making momentous strides in shaping the future of conservation with Act 36 of 2025, which fully repeals Pennsylvania’s prohibition on Sunday hunting and authorizes the Game Commission to regulate opportunities.        Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to commemorate the event that is going down in conservation history. They go on to discuss the behind‑the‑scenes legislative process that made this possible, provide a detailed recap of the thoughtful science-based decisions made during the Board of Game Commissioners meeting, and highlight exciting new opportunities for the 2025–26 seasons as a result of the executive order. A cumulative team effort dedicated to doing what's best for wildlife, Pennsylvania, and future generations!       Episode Highlights:     Where we started vs what we have accomplished in Pennsylvania.    Explanation behind the legislative process that led to Act 36.    Why the Game Commission used an executive order.    New opportunities available for 2025-26.    A glimpse into what hunting seasons may look like in the future.          Resources:     Watch recorded Board of Game Commissioner Meeting     Review the approved Sunday hunting dates for the 2025-26 seasons     For more details reference PGC Newsroom    Follow us on social media for timely updates

    33 min
  8. Ep.59 | Tree Trailblazers: Forest Stewardship & Wildlife Strategy

    07/02/2025

    Ep.59 | Tree Trailblazers: Forest Stewardship & Wildlife Strategy

    Tree Trailblazers: Forest Stewardship & Wildlife Strategy   Managing over 1.5 million acres of land may seem daunting — but not for Pennsylvania Game Commission’s habitat management staff.     Northwest Regional Forester Scott Wolbert, Northcentral Regional Forester Dan Heggenstaller, and Forestry Division Chief Paul Weiss join host Matt Morrett to discuss how the agency uses sustainable forestry to create diverse ecosystems for better wildlife habitat.     Episode Highlights:   What is habitat?   The Game Commission’s role in forestry   The relationship between deer management goals and forest health   The role of deer exclosures and why the agency uses deer fencing   Tips for hunting inside deer fences   What hunters should look for to improve their season      Resources:   Learn more about the balance of healthy forests and healthy deer.   Find state game lands near you.  Learn more about habitat management in Pennsylvania.

    1h 10m
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4.7
out of 5
108 Ratings

About

Imagine sitting around a campfire listening to a group of friends share their passions, stories and connections to the great outdoors. At the Pennsylvania Game Commission, our passion is WILD, and “Call of the Outdoors,” the agency’s podcast, is all about wildlife, hunting, habitat and conservation efforts in the Keystone State. Each episode includes a unique look into a Pennsylvania wildlife-related subject, a few laughs, and is sure to leave listeners with a renewed sense of knowledge and pride in the work being done on behalf of wildlife. Join the campfire and explore lots of ways to promote and enhance Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources for current and future generations!

Information

  • Creator
    Pennsylvania Game Commission
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 Call of the Outdoors Podcast
  • Show Website
    Call of the Outdoors

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