FFOD276 : Turkeys, Veterans and a Mission Bigger Than Me

This week on Fist Full of Dirt, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain.. wild turkey expert, lifelong hunter and the National Wild Turkey Federation Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia. With all the rain we’ve been seeing, we had to ask, how’s this weather affecting our turkeys?   Dr. Chamberlain breaks down what’s happening in the woods, what it means for young poults and what we can do to help. It’s science meets storytelling with one of the most respected voices in the field.     Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This week, I’m back from a quick trip to Georgia where I had the joy of taking my three grandsons on a guided fishing trip with Captain Mark Smith of Reel Time Guide Services out on Lake Oconee. If you’ve ever fished that lake, you know it runs DEEP in some spots. Turns out, so did our conversation.   Captain Mark shares stories about his life, guiding folks in and out of the water, and what it means to truly connect with the next generation.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

We asked and y’all delivered. This week on Fist Full of Dirt, we’re sharing some of the most powerful, funny and downright moving stories sent in by our listeners. From first birds to final hunts, quiet lessons to loud gobbles… these stories are what make turkey season special. They’re about family, faith, failure and finding something bigger than ourselves in the woods. Laureen helped pick a few that hit especially hard, and we’re reading them aloud for all to hear. Grab a seat (and maybe a tissue) … this one’s full of heart.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

I’m back from the mountains of West Virginia, and let me tell you… this one’s gonna stick with me. I had the honor of hunting with Marine SgtMaj Chris Singley and spending time with 3-Star General Randy West, combat pilot, ordained minister and one of the most incredible men I’ve ever met. We laughed, we hunted and I witnessed firsthand the life changing work being done through Patriots Four, a place where wounded Veterans find healing in the outdoors. This one’s about way more than turkeys, it’s about purpose, service and the power of showing up for others.     Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

We’re back in Fordyce, Arkansas, for Part Two with Sheriff Mike Knoedl and the stories just keep getting better. Before he was a Sheriff and recipient of the Medal of Freedom, Mike was a boots on the ground Game Warden. He admits that bending the rules early in his hunting life gave him an advantage. In part 2 of this episode you'll hear just how good he was.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

In Part One of this two part Fist Full of Dirt we sit down with Sheriff Mike Knoedl in Fordyce, Arkansas, to discuss his incredible 30 year career in wildlife law enforcement. From humble beginnings as a Game Warden to leading the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.. and eventually becoming Sheriff of Dallas County.. he’s worn more badges than most see in a lifetime, including a Medal of Freedom. Y'all are going to love this one.    Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This past week I hit the road and landed deep in the heart of Texas. I sat down with Kevin Burleson and his partner Mark Bradberry of Heart of Texas Bowhunting to dive into the gritty details of chasing whitetails on legendary Texas land. We’re covering DIY hunts and what makes Texas a bowhunter’s dream.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

We’re throwing it back to trapping season for this week’s episode, recorded right here in the Camo Cave with our good friend and trapping expert Alan Probst. Alan’s made the trip from Pennsylvania to the Deep South more times than we can count, and every visit brings real impact… on our land, our wildlife, and our understanding of both.   In this conversation, Alan shares valuable tips and techniques for managing predators and explains how effective trapping can directly improve your turkey flock. There’s no better teacher or ambassador for the trapping community, and if you care about land, legacy, and more birds… this one’s a must-listen.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This week, I’m fresh back from The Roost in Nebraska, where I took two of my grandsons on a trip we’ll never forget. Middle grandson Matt wrapped up his Grand Slam with a beautiful Merriam, and Cranky, true to form, grabbed a Rio because, in his words, he “came to kill a turkey!” After hearing the boys recap their hunts, I get a little sentimental. This trip marked the end of an era, as my longtime friend Jim Kuhn is retiring from outfitting and this was our last hunt together at The Roost. Tune in for a mix of hunting stories, Roost memories, and plenty of laughs, as we celebrate friendships, family, and the places that mean the most. It’s not just about the turkeys, it’s about the people you chase them with.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

We’re back in the Camo Cave with Andrew Maxwell and Jacob Myers of the Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast for Part 2 of our conversation… and if you thought last week was good, this one goes even deeper. In this episode, we swap more stories and dig into their early influences. Join us for a laid-back conversation with two guys who are walking the walk.    Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411