Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

Deer on the powerline, blacktails in the rainforest, and salmon on the Columbia—this episode celebrates every corner of the outdoors. Uncle Steve joins Brandon and Shags to recap his Missouri success, the hospitality of great landowners, the beauty of Oregon’s rugged hunting country, and how a Midwest/Oregon bond keeps growing year after year. A nostalgic, hilarious, heartfelt celebration of what deer camp really means. Big bucks get shot, big meals get cooked, and big stories get told. From Oregon blacktails to Missouri monsters, this episode proves the best trophy in the woods is the time spent with the people who matter. Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

It felt more like summer than deer season. The crew unpacks Missouri’s low opening-weekend totals, crazy heat, and the moments that still made it special. Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod sit down with Unpaid Pro-staffers, Paddle Don, Joe Hawkins and Michael Collins. Emotions run high as Shags shares the story of harvesting a buck with his father’s rifle. While the rest of the crew break down the unusual opener and the odd weather that came with it. Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Chronic Wasting Disease, hunter recruitment, and outdoor education take center stage as Scott Cronin joins the Driftwood Outdoors crew to talk about the changing face of hunting and why sharing knowledge is key to the sport’s future. From the power of mentorship to lessons learned from wounded deer and missed shots, this conversation with Scott Cronin celebrates the honesty and heart that make hunting more than a hobby — it’s a way of life. For more info: Scott Cronin Bio Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week, Brandon and Shags welcome veteran outdoorsman and award-winning writer Dan Stefanich, who’s been sharing his passion for hunting, fishing, and conservation across the Midwest for over three decades. From tales of close calls in the woods to tried-and-true deer strategies, Dan brings both knowledge and laughs. Plus, Brandon learns a valuable lesson about what not to do for social media likes. For more info: Boneyard Fishing website Boneyard outfitters hunting website Boneyard outfitters fishing and lodge FB Dan Steff Outdoors Website Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Fresh off Big Rock Candy Mountain, Shags returns from wedding bliss — the “Forever Fiancé” is now the “Former Fiancé.” Brandon and Shags welcome back their good buddy Michael Collins from Misty Mountain Guiding Service to talk about the wedding weekend, fly-fishing the Ozarks, and a few deer that almost stole the show. The crew also dives into the dos and don’ts of public land hunting, including Michael’s recent run-in with a not-so-friendly neighbor in the woods. For more info: Misty Mountain FB Page Misty Mountain Instagram Misty Mountain Website Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

While Shags is off celebrating his wedding, we’re rolling back to one of our favorite conversations from the early days of the show. In this best-of episode, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Clay Newcomb — before he joined MeatEater and became a household name in the hunting world. Clay talks about building Bear Hunting Magazine and its podcast, managing bears, spot-and-stalk hunts, baiting, and how the Ouachita Mountains stack up against the Ozarks. Plus: traditional bows, the mystery bait bucket, and a gear review that takes us straight back to the roots of the show. New episodes return next week — but for now, enjoy this classic conversation. Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

While Shags is off tying the knot, we’re rewinding to one of our all-time favorite conversations. In this classic episode, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with fly-fishing legend Mark Van Patten for a wild and unforgettable ride. From Woodstock adventures and hitchhiking across the country to childhood street gangs, stream teams, the tying bench, mystery bait bucket, and gear talk — this is storytelling at its best. Episode 315 takes us back to where it all began: Episode 10. Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

What do alien encounters, Robin Hood arrows, and finely tuned bows have in common? They all collide in this wild episode as Brandon and Shags welcome Jared Westfall of Creed Archery Supply. From running a pro shop to prepping for prime Midwest whitetail season, this one hits the mark. From working inside a prison to owning one of Missouri’s premier archery shops, Jared Westfall built a dream around bows, bucks, and building a legacy. Brandon and Shags talk gear, passion, and hunting season in this can't-miss episode. For more info: Creed Archery Supply Website Creed Archery Supply Facebook Creed Archery Supply Instagram Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler flies solo in Wisconsin at Doug Duren’s legendary farm for a deep dive into fall in the Driftless. From glowing autumn hillsides to cold spring creeks full of browns and rainbows, this multi-part conversation explores why the Driftless is one of the Midwest’s most unique outdoor destinations. In Part One, Brandon sits down with Eric Johnson, Community Marketing Manager for Trout Routes, to talk about mapping tools, OnX Hunt and OnX Fish, and how technology is helping anglers find public water. They’re joined by conservationist Doug Duren of Share the Land and Kyle Zempel of Black Earth Angling Co. to cover everything from smallmouth fishing to the top five flies you need in your box, plus the history that shaped this one-of-a-kind landscape. Part Two features Doug again along with Tim and Sarah Landwehr, owners of Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company, as the conversation turns to muskie fishing, smallmouth trips, and the role of guides as not just teachers but counselors, educators, and storytellers. The crew also dives into destination angling—from the Amazon to Bolivia—and why hiring a guide on new water can change everything. Part Three brings in Lyndsey Braun along with Zach Heredia and Lucas to share tales of Alaska adventures, South American fisheries, cooking up great meals after long days on the water, and the shared responsibility of conservation. “It’s not ours—it’s just our time.” This episode is a celebration of trout fishing, public lands, and the people keeping the Driftless and beyond wild and welcoming for the next generation. For more info: Doug Duren Website Trout Routes Black Earth Angling Co Tight Lines Fishing Co Sharing The Land Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon and Nathan welcome Joel Nelson from OnX Fish for a conversation that starts with a hat swap in a Wisconsin boat and quickly dives deep into the future of fishing. From the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers conference to chasing smallmouth and crappie, the crew shares stories about conservation, outdoor media, and the power of technology on the water. Joel explains how OnX Fish is revolutionizing angling with data-driven maps, giving anglers confidence to explore new lakes and target trophy fish. Packed with laughs, live-scope frustrations, and Midwestern fishing tales, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves time on the water. For more info: OnX Fish Joel Nelson Instagram Joel Nelson Outdoors Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod welcome guest Keith Hannaman to talk all things bear hunting across the country and here in Missouri. What should’ve been a smooth conversation turned into one of the wildest recordings yet — Brandon’s iMac Pro took a nosedive, Missouri weather kept knocking Keith offline, and the whole thing quickly spiraled into a comical disaster. Still, amidst the chaos, the crew managed to cover bear hunting, Keith’s days playing football at Penn State, the kickoff of archery season, and of course, the Mystery Bait Bucket. It might be our most technically cursed episode yet, but it’s packed with good laughs and a little bit of outdoor wisdom. Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

In this episode of Drifting Outdoors, hosts Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Missouri farmer, rancher, realtor, and outdoorsman Bob Parker for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond Facebook debates. Together they dig into chronic wasting disease, habitat management, property rights, and the often messy relationship between conservation policy and life on the ground. Bob also shares the story of his viral canoe and metal wildlife art, his early start in land stewardship, and how growing up in Kansas shaped his love for the outdoors. At its heart, this episode is about finding common ground — even when disagreements run deep — and keeping conservation conversations rooted in respect, experience, and a shared passion for the natural world. For more info: Trophy Quest Outdoor Adventures Bob Parker Fine Art Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, the crew sits down with longtime friend and international fishing traveler, Bob Critser. From chasing whitetails in Indiana to hauling tuna off Mexico’s coast, Bob shares how his outdoor journey shifted from deer stands to the deep sea — and the adventures, challenges, and laughs along the way. To follow Bob's adventures: BC Instagram Page Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

In this episode of Drifting Outdoors, the crew dives into what it really means to be a hunter in today’s world. Brandon returns from Indiana after keynoting a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers event, reflecting on conservation, community, and the responsibility modern hunters carry. Jameson Hibbs — BHA regional coordinator — shares insights on the organization’s mission, growth, and the fight for public lands. From the infamous Missouri Four corner-crossing battle to the culture shift from tradition to trophy obsession, the conversation explores hunting’s past, present, and uncertain future. It’s a candid, passionate, and sometimes controversial look at why we hunt, what’s at stake, and how hunters can protect both their legacy and the wild places we all share. For more info: BHA Website BHA Facebook BHA Instagram Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

In this laid-back episode of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, Brandon, Shags, and Joe take a breather from the heavy topics of recent weeks to catch up on life, health experiments, and the outdoors. Shags shares the highs, lows, and surprising benefits of his 72-hour water fast—including euphoria, insomnia, and the ultimate reward: a bowl of sauerkraut. The crew also recaps Paddle Don’s wedding, digs into self-control and the challenges of modern eating, and debates everything from Missouri River canoe trips to outdoor policy, hunting culture, and even Ted Nugent’s controversial role in conservation conversations. Whether you’re curious about fasting, passionate about the outdoors, or just here for the banter, this episode is a blend of humor, honesty, and hard-hitting opinions. Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week, we pay tribute to one of Missouri’s greatest conservationists — Jerry Presley, former Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, who passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 94. Jerry dedicated nearly four decades to protecting and managing Missouri’s natural resources and inspired generations of outdoor lovers through his leadership, mentorship, and passion for the outdoors. From his humble roots in Low Wassie to the helm of MDC, Jerry lived a life defined by service, stewardship, and a deep love for the Missouri wilderness. In remembrance, we’re replaying Episode 60, one of our all-time favorite conversations. Recorded five years ago, Jerry joined us to talk about:It was a conversation full of wisdom, laughter, and timeless stories. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to Driftwood Outdoors, we invite you to sit back and enjoy this special episode that captures the spirit of a true conservation pioneer. Rest easy, Jerry — and thank you. In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy to be made in the form of donations to the Jerry J. Presley Conservation Endowed Scholarship at the University of Missouri. Link to make donations is HERE Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Shags heads north to the legendary Lake of the Woods for the Fishing with Shags Experience at Ballard’s Resort—recently ranked the #3 fishing lodge in the country by USA Today. From early morning casts to big-time catches, Shags and the crew teamed up with expert guide Brian for an unforgettable few days on the water. Hear the stories, the laughs, and the highlights from this epic summer trip to the Walleye Capital of the World. If you love fishing, this one’s for you. For more info: Ballard's Resort FB Ballard's Resort INSTA Ballard's Resort Website Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is more than just a wildlife issue—it's a crisis reshaping Missouri's deer hunting culture and threatening our landowners’ way of life. With confusion, controversy, and misinformation running rampant, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod of Driftwood Outdoors are hosting a powerful, event to cut through the noise and get to the truth. Recorded live at Runge Nature Center, this episode brings together some of the most respected voices in wildlife conservation: Kip Adams of the National Deer Association explains the science behind CWD. Doug Duren, land steward and Wisconsin conservationist, shares a cautionary tale from a state that stopped fighting back. Jason Sumners, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, outlines the state’s strategy to manage and contain the disease. Moderated by Brandon Butler, the evening wraps with an unfiltered panel discussion featuring questions from real hunters and landowners. If you care about Missouri deer hunting, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. ​ For more info: Missouri Dept of Conservation National Deer Association Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

We’re joined by Jeff Trigg, a seasoned smallmouth fishing guide and sales rep for MeatEater’s top brands like First Lite and FHF Gear. From Missouri’s scenic rivers to the shifting landscape of outdoor retail, we dive into everything: the proposed non-resident fishing license hike, the disappearing fly shops of the Midwest, stream pressure, life in the outdoor industry, and of course—our signature Mystery Bait Bucket question. A must-listen for anyone who loves the water and the gear that gets you there. For more info: Jeff Trigg Instagram jeff@3creeksgroup.com Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

In this episode of Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod sit down with Elsa Gallagher, Habitat Program Director at The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. Elsa shares how her work is helping pollinators thrive across the Midwest by creating diverse, high-quality habitats on public and private lands. From seed mixes to sustainable management strategies, learn how the NextGen Habitat Projects are changing the game for bees, butterflies, upland birds, and more. Whether you're a landowner, conservationist, or just love wild places, this episode is full of practical knowledge and outdoor inspiration. For more info: Bee and Butterfly Fund Website Bee and Butterfly Fund Facebook Bee and Butterfly Fund Instagram Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com