FFOD090 : Nice Guys Finish First with Bill Epeards

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

Send us a textFrom a guide at Bent Creek Lodge to head of Alabama Game and Fish … and today CEO of the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports, Chuck Sykes has a very unique perspective on what’s actually going on in the hunting world. He has the education and experience, access to tons of good data, along with a country boy’s take on changes and opinions in today’s environment. This one is fascinating and maybe a bit alarming. Either way you need to listen and hear some cold hard facts and how you can help keep  the trajectory of our hunting and shooting heritage headed in the right direction.Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textI’ve known Gerald Swindle a long time, and I’ll tell you right now … this ain’t your average fishing interview. We didn’t talk techniques or tackle, we talked life. From grit and hard knocks to faith and second chances.. this one’s about how a poor country boy fought his way to the top and never lost his humor along the way. Oh, we talk a little hunting too because that’s where his heart really is.Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textWe’re semi-live from the creepy camo cave for our annual Halloween special and this one will make the hair stand up on your neck…  in a family friendly way of course. Every hunter’s felt it, that moment when the woods just… go silent. No wind, no birds, no reason. In this year’s spooky special I’m sharing my own story of that eerie quiet, plus some listener tales of strange things that go bump in the backwoods. Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411

Send us a textI’ve known Ted Nugent a long time and every time we talk.. I walk away inspired all over again. Nobody loves bowhunting (or lives it out loud) like Ted does. We got into everything from his early hunting days to the passion and discipline that still drive him after all these years. It’s vintage Uncle Ted.. fired up, full of wisdom and *always* rooted in respect for the hunt.Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt: Instagram: @ffodpodcastInstagram: @moplandforsaleTwitter: @FistDirtTikTok: @originalturkeythugInstagram : @CuzStricklandTwitter: @CuzStricklandFacebook: @CuzStricklandYouTube: Cuz411