FFOD309 :  Colonel Tom Kelly is my Dad - a conversation with Laura Bates

Send us a textColonel Tom Kelly never set out to write a classic. He set out to tell honest stories about the turkey woods, the people in them and the moments that stay with you long after the season ends. This week we’re joined by Kelly’s daughter, Laura Bates, for a conversation about the man behind the words and the unlikely path of Tenth Legion… a book that began as a self-published, (and later bootlegged) favorite passed hand to hand among hunters and became one of the most influential works in turkey hunting literature.Laura shares what it was like growing up alongside her father’s writing life, the humor and humility that shaped his work. We also talk about the upcoming Bootleg Revival Edition of Tenth Legion, why it’s a faithful recreation rather than a modern reprint, and what it means to carry these stories forward for the next generation.To Connect with Laura or Colonel Tom Kelly please visit : https://tomkellyinc.com/https://www.facebook.com/tom.kelly.18847?mibextid=wwXIfr

Send us a textThis week’s episode wasn’t planned. It happened the way the best things always do… at hunting camp, surrounded by old friends and stories that get better with time. I sat down with two of my best buddies.. Charlie O’Brien, former Major League Baseball catcher with 20 years in the big leagues and a World Series ring, and also a Mossy Oak Deer Thug; and Bubba Bruce (known to most folks as “Just Bubba”) a Mossy Oak Turkey Thug and my lifelong friend from back home who’s been there for it all. We weren’t chasing a topic or a message. We were swapping stories, laughing, remembering where we came from and enjoying the kind of fellowship that only comes from shared miles, hunts and history. The stories were too good to keep to ourselves, so we pulled out the podcast equipment and let it roll.Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textThis week I sit down with Keith Mark of Hunter Nation to talk about something every hunter should care about… protecting our way of life. We cover why hunting is facing more pressure than ever, how decisions made outside the woods affect what happens in them and why staying informed and engaged matters. Keith explains what Hunter Nation is doing to defend access, support science-based wildlife management and keep hunters at the table.This isn’t about politics, it’s about stewardship, responsibility and making sure the traditions we love don’t quietly slip away.Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textI threw a simple question out there, “what’s the best, funniest or most meaningful name you’ve ever given a deer stand or hunting spot?” and y’all absolutely showed up. For our final episode of the year, we’re reading some of your stories and getting reminded why these places mean so much to us. Behind every name is a memory, a person, a season or a lesson that sticks out. As we close out the year, I just want to say thank you for listening, sharing and being part of the Fist Full of Dirt family. Wishing you and yours a safe, blessed and Happy New Year. We’ll see you in 7 days!Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textThere’s only one deer in my office. It’s a small four point… my bride’s first deer. And it took her several seasons to get there. She passed deer. She waited. She had to walk her own path.When I shared that story online, the comments poured in. Stories. Memories. Gratitude. People defining what a “trophy” really means to them … first deer, hunts with parents who are gone now, kids in the stand.This episode is built entirely around those responses and if you’ve ever questioned whether your deer “counted,” or felt pressure to measure your hunt against someone else’s highlight reel.. this one’s for you. Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a text“Laureen” recently sat down with Walker, Matt and Cranky in the Camo Cave and put them all on the mic.  They swapped stories from all the years we’ve spent together outside, talked about what they’ve learned and opened up in a way they never would’ve with me in the room. I’m hearing this one fresh with all of you, and from what I’m told, there’s plenty of laughter mixed in with the nostalgia. This one’s full of memories, lessons, and a whole lot of heart from the boys who made me “Pop.” Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textThis week I’m visiting with Jason Thornton, better known as The Edible Outdoors Cook. Jason grew up hunting and fishing in the heart of south Louisiana and he lives the kind of lifestyle most folks dream about. Waterfowl, whitetails, crappie, redfish, shrimping… if it comes from the land or the water, his family is putting it on the table.We dig into how he handles wild game in the kitchen, the traditions he grew up with and how he feeds friends and family with the bounty he works hard to harvest. Jason’s a husband, a dad, a Marine veteran, and a man who takes pride in doing things the right way. This conversation is full of knowledge for anyone who wants to cook better, waste less and honor what they bring home.Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textEvery Thanksgiving I fire up the microphones for our annual tradition with the girls… and this year we talk family traditions, what we’re thankful for and the stories that only come out once everybody’s full of turkey (or ham if you’re Avery). It’s exactly what Thanksgiving with this crew always feels like. Thanks for listening! Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textThis week we’re sitting in the camo cave feeling mighty thankful. We just hit 300 episodes, so I asked listeners to tell me which moments meant the most to them… and the responses stopped me in my tracks. Your stories, your encouragement and your memories from three hundred shows reminded me exactly why we started this journey. We wrap things up with a rare visit from Yaya, who shares some of her Thanksgiving kitchen rules, dealbreakers and a few tips she swears by.This episode is simple on purpose. It’s about the folks who’ve supported us, grown with us and kept this campfire burning for over five years. I’m grateful for every download, every message and every one of you tuning in. Happy Thanksgiving! Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textWe’re back with Chuck Sykes, and this time the conversation goes even deeper. In Part II, we break down the realities, misconceptions and tough decisions facing today’s hunters, agencies and conservation organizations. Chuck shares what most people never hear … how data, funding, access, participation and public perception are shaping the future of hunting and shooting sports.You’ll hear insight on recruitment and retention, policy challenges, social media’s impact, why opinions don’t always match the science and what everyday hunters can do right now to protect the lifestyle we love. If you care about where this is headed.. this discussion matters.Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411