Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends Podcast

International Hunts with Mr. Whitetail, Annual Rendezvous Event, Kayaks for White Bass, & Turkey Hunting Tips

Catfish Radio – March 7th Episode Summary

Host: Luke Clayton Guests: Larry Weishuhn, Pastor Charlie Nassar, and Brayden Castillo

Episode Overview: Join Luke Clayton for another action-packed episode covering everything from international big game to local honey holes. Whether you are gearing up for the spring turkey season, looking for a family-friendly outdoor event, or wanting to fill your cooler with Sabine River white bass, this episode has you covered.

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Segment Breakdown & Key Takeaways

Segment 1: Campfire Talk – International Hunts & Upcoming Events

• Hunting in England: Larry Weishuhn joins Luke to share the unique experience of hunting Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer around historic English castles.

• Hog Hunting Locally: Luke recaps a recent successful hog hunt at the Friendswood Ranch in Red River County using a CVA SR-80 scout rifle.

• DSC Foundation Gala: Mark your calendars for the upcoming DSC Foundation Gala happening July 23-25 in Grapevine, Texas.

Segment 2: The 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous * Community Gathering: Pastor Charlie Nassar from the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas, stops by to discuss the 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous happening on March 28th.

• Free Family Fun: This free event features vendor booths, Dutch oven cooking, hunting dogs, and live music from Marshall Allen Bailey and Cowgirl Janey.

Segment 3: Sabine River White Bass on Kayaks

• The Bite is On: Brayden Castillo of Stick and Scales Bowfishing details the incredible white bass action happening on the Sabine River north of Greenville.

• Tackle & Tactics: Brayden recommends launching a kayak and throwing a 1/8 oz Road Runner paired with a Bobby Garland Chartreuse paddle tail to land limits of 13-to-14-inch fish.

• Preparation: Luke and Brayden share practical advice on how to correctly trim the red meat off white bass fillets so they fry up tasting just as clean as crappie.

Segment 4: 45 Years of Spring Turkey Hunting

• Season Prep: With spring turkey season just around the corner, Luke reflects on 45 years of chasing gobblers.

• The Golden Rule: Luke shares his biggest piece of advice for new hunters: patience kills more turkeys than anything else.

• Classic Stories: Enjoy a nostalgic story about Luke’s time hunting and counting turkeys with legendary outdoor writer Bob Hood.

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Featured Sponsors: Support the brands that support the outdoors: Platinum Cadillac Chevrolet, Choctaw Hunting Lodge, Pyramid Air, Ultramatic Feeders, Smokin' Tex Electric Smokers, CVA, Stealth Vision, Hornady, and the Dash for Cash Pawn Shop.

Hunting Adventures, Spring Bass Strategies, Jug Line Catfishing, and Legendary Bluegrass Musical Guest. Larry Sparks

Catfish Radio – February 28th Show Notes

Join Luke Clayton and friends for an action-packed episode featuring hunting adventures, spring fishing strategies, and a legendary musical guest.

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Segment 1: Campfire Talk & International Hunting

Luke is joined by his long-time friend Larry Weishuhn for their weekly "Campfire Talk". Larry shares highlights from the Dallas Safari Club Convention and discusses his upcoming trip to England on March 1st to hunt unique species like the Chinese Water Deer (known for its long fangs instead of antlers) and Muntjac.

• The Rendezvous: Luke and Larry invite everyone to the 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous in Greenville, TX, on March 28th. Expect live music, campfire cooking, and plenty of storytelling.

Segment 2: Spring Bass Patterns on Lake Fork

Luke checks in with veteran guide Dennis Canada to discuss transition patterns as March approaches.

• Water Temps & Wind: Dennis emphasizes that even a 4-5 degree difference in water temperature can drastically change fish activity. He advises targeting the northern, shallower ends of the lake which warm up faster in the afternoon sun.

• Lure Selection: Early March is prime time for jerkbaits, glide baits, and chatterbaits on secondary points as big bass begin to move shallow.

• Pro Tip: Don’t fear the wind! Wind stirs up plankton and pushes baitfish toward the banks, creating ideal feeding conditions for lunkers.

Segment 3: The Art of Jug Line Fishing

Luke and Jeff Rice recap a successful trip to Donnie Rice’s private lake, where they caught a haul of blue catfish using modern "jug lines".

• Modern Gear: Instead of old glass milk jugs, they use swimming pool noodles with PVC pipe cores.

• Strategy: They use cut bait and set lines to drift with the wind across the lake. Jeff notes the importance of checking lines frequently, as big catfish can often pull the noodles completely underwater.

• Where to Watch: You can see the footage of this trip on A Sportsman’s Life on YouTube or CarbonTV.com.

Segment 4: Bluegrass Legend Larry Sparks

In this special segment, Luke interviews the iconic Larry Sparks, a pioneer in Bluegrass music.

• Musical Journey: Larry reflects on his 63-year career, starting at age six when he earned five dollars for singing in church. He discusses his time playing lead guitar for the Stanley Brothers in the mid-60s before launching his own solo career.

• Philosophy: Larry credits his success to keeping his music natural and "becoming the song". He maintains a hands-on approach to his business, managing his own bookings and social media.

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Sponsors mentioned in this episode:

• Pyramid Air

• Smokin Tex Electric Smokers

• Stealth Vision Optics

• Ultramatic Feeders

• CVA Muzzleloaders

• Choctaw Hunting Lodge

Hooked on Pocket Crappie, Hunting Coyotes, and Mr. Whitetails Adventures with DSC!

Show Notes: Outdoors with Luke Clayton and Friends
In this episode, Luke is joined by legendary outdoorsman Larry Weishuhn, guide Chris Webb, and wildlife management expert Samuel Old. They cover everything from high-end hunting gear and predator behavior to the current crappie "run" in Texas creeks.

Segment 1: Conventions and Conservation
Luke catches up with Larry Weishuhn following his trip to the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) convention in Atlanta.

Event Highlights: Larry discusses the success of the DSC convention and invites listeners to the upcoming DSC Foundation Gala in Grapevine, Texas (July 23-25).

Industry Partners: Shoutouts to Hornady Ammunition, Stealth Vision hunting optics, and Taurus/Rossi firearms.

Deer Management: With the MLDP (Managed Lands Deer Permit) season ending in late February, Larry explains the importance of supplemental nutrition (protein and energy) and controlled burns to rejuvenate habitat for deer and other wildlife.

Segment 2 & 3: Predator Control and Wildlife Behavior
Samuel Old joins from Virginia to discuss the vital role of predator management in maintaining healthy turkey and deer populations.

Raccoon Pressures: Samuel highlights how hungry raccoons are major threats to turkey nests, especially as they emerge from the winter cold.

Coyote Tactics: Samuel and Luke share observations of coyotes working in teams to pick off feral piglets from sounders.

Bobcat Stealth: Samuel recounts trail cam footage of bobcats successfully hunting turkeys in the snow, noting they are the "magnum" of predators.

Craig’s Creek Shady Rest: Samuel mentions his Airbnb property in Virginia, which offers a serene getaway for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Segment 4: Hooked on Creek Crappie
Guide Chris Webb provides a red-hot fishing report for Cedar Creek Lake.

The Creek Run: Crappie are currently moving into shallow creeks to spawn. Many fish caught recently are already 90% spawned out.

Strategic Location: Look for clean, sandy bottoms in the big "S" turns of the creeks, specifically in pockets of water 3 to 4 feet deep.

Technique: Chris recommends a 3-inch Redneck Rubber jig (Bone Meal/White and Chartreuse) fished under a float. Cast it out, let it sit for 10-20 seconds, and use a "bump and move" retrieve.

Contact: Reach Chris Webb at 903-275-3253 or find Chris Webb’s Guide Service on Facebook.

Featured Sponsors
Stealth Vision: High-end hunting optics featuring 34mm tubes for superior light transmission.

Pyramid Air: Your one-stop shop for everything airgun related, plus archery and outdoor gear.

CVA: Makers of top-tier muzzleloaders and centerfire rifles.

Dash for Cash Pawn Shop: Located in Seagoville, TX, offering great prices on a variety of gear.

Cotton Gin Restaurant: A must-visit in Crandall, TX, for the best chicken fried steak in East Texas.

Squirrel Hunting, White Bass Run on the Trinity, Worldwide Hunting Adventures, and COY DOGS!

Show Highlights
1. DSC Convention and Squirrel Hunting

DSC Convention: Luke and Larry kicked off the show discussing the recent Dallas Safari Club (DSC) convention in Atlanta, noting it was a massive success that raised significant funds for wildlife conservation.

Cotton Ranch Hunt: The duo recounted a recent squirrel hunt at the Cotton Ranch in Kaufman County with Donnie Lynch and his prize-winning squirrel dog, "Stubby" (a mountain feist/rat terrier mix).

Weather Conditions: The hunt took place right after an ice storm; the weather was cold and windy, keeping the squirrels in their dens, so the hunting was tough.

Campfire Cooking: Larry shared his technique for grilling crispy chicken thighs over red-hot coals. Luke shared a humorous story about improvising a breading for fried chicken using crushed Triscuits, saltines, and Doritos because they had no flour at the camp.

2. The Truth About "Coydogs"

Guest: Steven Ziggler from The Hunting News.

The Myth: Steven discussed the controversial topic of "Coydogs" (coyote-dog hybrids). He explained that while they can breed in captivity, there is zero documented proof of F1 (first-generation) hybrids occurring in the wild, despite a standing $1,500 reward for such proof.

The Science: The lack of wild hybrids is likely due to breeding cycles; dogs breed twice a year, while coyotes only breed once, and their mating rituals differ significantly. Most animals identified as "coydogs" are usually just color phases of coyotes or dogs.

3. Hunting Consulting

Guest: Wade Derby of Crosshair Consulting.

Services: Wade explained his role as a consultant who vets outfitters personally to help clients book hunting trips worldwide, from Africa to Saskatchewan.

Advice: He advised hunters to plan ahead, noting that tags for species like antelope in Wyoming and New Mexico often require entering draws early in the year.

4. Trinity River Fishing Report

Guest: David Cox of Palmetto Guide Service.

White Bass Run: David reported excellent fishing on the Trinity River above Lake Livingston. Despite recent weather, the river is currently low, clear, and lacking strong current.

The Catch: They are catching "magnum" white bass (sand bass) in the 2lb range. David recommends trolling deep (25–30 feet) with larger baits like 3/4 oz Rat-L-Traps to target these bigger spawning fish.

5. Sponsors and Mentions

Stealth Vision: Dr. John McCall’s optics.

Ultramatic Feeders: Hunting blinds and feeders.

Smokin' Tex: Electric smokers.

Pyramid Air: Air guns and accessories.

Choctaw Hunting Lodge: Southeast Oklahoma hunting destination.
Here is the summary of each segment for the February 14, 2026, show notes:

Segment 1: Campfire Talk & Squirrel Hunting
DSC Convention: Luke Clayton and Larry Weishuhn discuss the recent Dallas Safari Club convention in Atlanta, noting the large crowds and successful fundraising for wildlife conservation.

Cotton Ranch Squirrel Hunt: The hosts recount a squirrel hunt at the Cotton Ranch in Kaufman County with Donnie Lynch and his champion dog, "Stubby." Luke notes that despite the dog's skill, the squirrels stayed denned up due to the freezing weather following a recent ice storm.

Campfire Cooking: Larry shares his technique for grilling crispy chicken thighs over hot coals. Luke shares a story about improvising a breading for fried chicken using crushed Triscuits, Saltines, and Doritos because they forgot the flour.

Segment 2: The Myth of the "Coydog"
Guest: Steven Ziggler from The Hunting News.

F1 Hybrids in the Wild: Steven discusses the lack of scientific evidence for first-generation (F1) coyote-dog hybrids in the wild. He mentions a standing $1,500 reward for genetic proof of a wild F1 hybrid that has never been claimed.

Breeding Cycles: The absence of wild hybrids is largely due to mismatched breeding cycles (dogs breed twice a year, coyotes once) and behavioral differences, as coyotes typically view dogs as threats or food rather than mates.

Misidentification: Steven explains that most animals identified as "coydogs" are actually color phases of coyotes or domestic dog mixes like German Shepherds or Huskies.

Segment 3: Hunting Consulting with Wade Derby
Guest: Wade Derby of Crosshair Consulting.

Consulting Services: Wade explains his role as a consultant who connects hunters with vetted outfitters worldwide. He emphasizes that he personally visits locations—from Africa to Saskatchewan—to ensure quality experiences.

Booking Advice: Wade advises hunters to plan trips well in advance, particularly for species like antelope in Wyoming and New Mexico, where tag draws occur early in the year. He notes that now is the time to finalize plans for fall hunts.

Segment 4: Trinity River White Bass Report
Guest: David Cox of Palmetto Guide Service.

River Conditions: David reports that the Trinity River above Lake Livingston is currently low, clear, and lacking strong current due to recent freezing weather and low rainfall.

Magnum Sand Bass: Despite the slow current, they are catching large "magnum" white bass (sand bass) in the 2-pound range. These fish are staging in deep holes.

Trolling Tactics: To target these deep fish, David recommends trolling slowly with heavy lures like 3/4 oz Rat-L-Traps in 25–30 feet of water.

 

20 Years of Campfire Talk!, Hunting the Sonoran Desert, Trophy Blue Cats, & Sausage Making at Home!

Segment 1: Campfire Talk — A 20-Year Milestone
Luke is joined by legendary outdoorsman Larry Weishuhn ("Mr. Whitetail") to celebrate a significant anniversary.

Celebrating 20 Years: The duo reflects on their two decades of doing the radio show together.

DSC Convention Recap: Larry shares highlights from the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Convention held in Atlanta.

The Energy of the Community: They discuss the "family reunion" atmosphere of the convention, where hunters and outfitters from around the world gathered to reconnect.

Segment 2: Hunting the Sonoran Desert with Larry Weishuhn
Larry returns to dive deeper into late-season hunting opportunities and international adventures.

Mule Deer in Mexico: The discussion shifts to hunting giant Mule Deer and Coues Deer in Sonora, Mexico.

The "Gentleman's Hunt": They describe the "high-racking" style of hunting—spotting game from high seats on trucks before proceeding with a stalk on foot.

Travel and Safety: Larry addresses common misconceptions about hunting in Mexico, emphasizing that rural hunting areas are professionally managed and safe for US travelers.

Segment 3: Trophy Blue Catfish with Tony Pennebaker
Professional guide Tony Pennebaker joins the show to share expert insights on the "Catfish Capital of Texas," Lake Tawakoni.

Prime Trophy Season: Tony notes that while big blue catfish can be caught year-round, the peak season for 60-plus pound "trophy" fish is currently underway (running October through March).

Techniques for Success:

Drifting with Shad: The most effective winter method involves making long drifts using freshly caught shad as bait.

Shallow Water Shifts: They discuss how eater-size blues are often found in shallower water as the weather begins to transition.

Tony P's Punch Bait: The conversation highlights Tony’s own effective punch bait, which is a staple for both guides and bank fishermen on Tawakoni.

Segment 4: The Art of Home Sausage Making
Luke wraps up the show by turning the focus to processing game meat and filling the freezer.

Bulk Sausage Basics: Luke explains that making high-quality sausage at home is "not rocket science" but requires the right fat-to-lean ratio (recommending an 80/20 mix).

Essential Gear: For those starting out, Luke suggests simple tools like a hand-crank grinder and a large mixing bowl.

Variety and Blends:

Beyond Breakfast Sausage: Luke shares how he creates specialized blends for chorizo, Italian sausage for spaghetti, and bratwurst.

Winter Comfort Food: The segment concludes with tips for using venison trimmings to ensure nothing goes to waste while keeping the family well-fed during the cold months.

Mr. Whitetail's Hunting Adventures, Jeff Rice Braves Fishing the Northern Waters, Winter Stripers on Texoma, And Camp Chili Cooking!

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn

Luke is joined by his long-time hunting companion, Larry Weishuhn, for their weekly "Campfire Talk."

• Upcoming Events: Larry shares that he is heading to the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Convention in Atlanta, Georgia (February 6–8).

• Winter Fishing Plans: The duo discusses the upcoming White Bass run in the Sabine River and the 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous in Greenville, TX.

• Cormorant "Splattin" for Catfish: Luke recounts a recent trip to Lake Ray Hubbard with guide Brandon Sargeant. They used a technique called "splatting" near cormorant roosts, where the natural chum from the birds attracts large blue catfish.

• Success on the Water: Luke successfully filleted 37 blue catfish, ranging from 2 to 10 pounds, resulting in five gallons of fresh fish.

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Segment 2: Winter Striper Fishing with Bill Carey

Luke welcomes Bill Carey from Striper Express to discuss the peak of the big fish season on Lake Texoma.

• Prime Season: January and February are the best months for targeting trophy-sized Stripers before they begin grouping up to run upriver in March.

• Techniques & Lures:

  • The Roadrunner Jig: A staple for 40 years, typically a 1/2 oz white head tipped with a 7-inch white curl-tail worm.

  • Subtle Action: Carey emphasizes using curl-tails or flukes rather than high-vibration paddle-tails, as the fish's metabolism slows down in cold water.

  • The "Time Release" Hookset: In winter, the bite is subtle—often just a one-inch twitch of the rod tip as the fish "sucks in" the bait.

• Nature’s Cues: While birds are great fish-finders, they can be "liars" in mid-January as they dip for bait pushed to the surface by cold water rather than active feeding frenzies.

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Segment 3: Ice Fishing and Pike Spearing with Jeff Rice

Jeff Rice calls in to report on a brutal but successful trip to the frozen north.

• Extreme Conditions: Jeff faced temperatures of 12°F below zero with a wind chill reaching -45°F.

• Walleye Fishing: Fishing in an "ice shanty," the team used live sonar (LiveScope) to watch Walleyes react to tiny jigging spoons in about 7 feet of water.

• Spearing Northern Pike: Jeff checked a major item off his bucket list by spearing a 39-inch Northern Pike.

  • The process involves waiting over a rectangular hole in the ice and using a decoy to lure the fish in.

  • The heavy 7-barbed spear must be tethered to the hunter's arm and aimed precisely behind the gill plates.

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Segment 4: Luke’s Smoked Winter Chili Recipe

Luke closes the show with his signature method for making winter chili, stressing that the secret is in the smoke.

• The Meat: You can use ground meat or cubed roasts (venison, pork, or wild hog).

• The Smoking Process: * Sizzle the meat on a propane burner until gray, then move it to an electric smoker (like a Smokin-Tex).

  • Smoke the meat uncovered in a cast-iron Dutch oven for about an hour using hickory or pecan wood.

• Ingredients: Add tomatoes, finely chopped onions, jalapeños, and the Wicks Fowler seasoning kit (or a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika).

• The Finish: Luke adds kidney beans and a touch of sugar, then lets the chili slow-cook at 225°F to allow the flavors to blend.

A Deep Dive into Deer Hunting, Tracking, Reading the Woods, & Hunting with Military Rifles, and More!

Cumulative Production Summary

The January 24th edition of Catfish Radio is a celebration of tradition and technique. The episode is anchored by the chemistry between Luke Clayton and Larry Weishuhn as they celebrate two decades of broadcasting, using the time to promote conservation via the Dallas Safari Club and share practical tips on home-processing venison.

The middle section of the show serves as a masterclass in "The Big Woods" hunting style. Guest Randy Flannery provides a fascinating contrast to the typical Texas tree-stand hunting often discussed on the show, teaching listeners how to aggressively track bucks in the snows of Maine and why a fast-handling lever action is superior to a long-range scope in that terrain.

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn

Guest: Larry Weishuhn ("Mr. Whitetail") Topic: 20th Anniversary, DSC Convention, and Sausage Making

This segment kicks off a milestone celebration as Luke and Larry mark their 20th anniversary of doing the radio show together. The conversation is a mix of nostalgia and current events.

• Milestones & Events: They discuss the upcoming Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Convention in Atlanta, Georgia (Feb 6-8), highlighting it as a premier conservation and hunting event.

• Recent Hunts: Larry shares details about a successful buffalo hunt in Texas and a recent trip to the El Durangueño Ranch in Durango, Mexico.

• Sausage Making: With freezers full of venison, the duo shifts to a "foodie" discussion. They reminisce about "old school" sausage making—grinding meat by hand and using simple seasonings versus modern electric grinders. Luke recommends Butcher Packer Supply for casings and spices, encouraging listeners that making summer sausage and bratwurst at home is easier than it seems.

Segment 2: Tracking Deer in the North Woods

Guest: Randy Flannery (Master Guide, North Woods of Maine) Topic: The Art of Tracking vs. Blood Trailing

Luke travels (virtually) to the North Woods of Maine to speak with legendary tracker Randy Flannery. This segment focuses on the technical skills required to track live deer in snow.

• Tracking Defined: Randy distinguishes between "blood trailing" (finding a wounded animal) and true "tracking" (pursuing a healthy, moving buck to jump-shoot him).

• Buck vs. Doe Tracks: Randy explains a key physiological difference: Does are built narrower in the front, creating a track pattern that looks like a straight line. Bucks have a wider chest, causing their front tracks to be "staggered" or wider than their rear tracks.

• Aging a Track: He shares a "fist test" method for aging tracks in the snow. By making a fist print next to the deer track and comparing how the snow crystals degrade or freeze over time, a tracker can estimate how fresh the sign is.

Segment 3: Reading the Woods & Fast Shooting

Guest: Randy Flannery (Continued) Topic: Deer Behavior, Spotting Game, and Lever Action Rifles

Continuing the conversation with Randy Flannery, this segment dives into the behavior of a pressured buck and the equipment needed in the thick Maine woods.

• Reading Behavior: Randy explains that when a buck starts "zigzagging" or meandering, he is looking for a place to bed down. This is the moment for the hunter to slow down.

• The Horizontal Line: A pro-tip for spotting deer in dense forests: Don't look for the whole deer. Look for the "horizontal line" of a deer's back, which stands out against the vertical lines of the trees.

• Firearms: The discussion turns to guns. Randy prefers open-sight lever actions (specifically the Winchester Model 94 or 1886) for their speed in brushy country. He notes that in Maine, hunters brag about the weight of the dressed deer (200+ lbs) rather than the antler score.

Segment 4: Sporterizing Military Rifles

Guest: Dustin Warncke (Show Producer & Host of Dustin’s Projects) Topic: Hunting with Surplus Military Rifles

Producer Dustin Warncke joins Luke to discuss the hobby of collecting and modifying ("sporterizing") vintage military rifles for modern hunting.

• The Rifles: They discuss classic platforms like the Mosin Nagant, Mauser, and Enfield. Dustin notes that while some collectors are purists, modifying a damaged or common-stock military rifle is a budget-friendly way to get a reliable high-power hunting rig.

• Modern Optics on Old Guns: Dustin explains the challenge of mounting scopes on top-ejecting rifles. He recommends "scout mounts" (like those from Bad Ace Tactical) that replace the rear sight leaf, allowing for a long-eye-relief scope without the need to drill and tap the receiver.

• Sourcing Ammo: They touch on the availability of ammo for obscure calibers, recommending SGAmmo for finding rounds like 7.62x54R or 8mm Mauser.

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Mule Deer Hunting in Old Mexico, Late Season Deer Hunting, and Luke's Outdoor Cooking Tips

Cumulative Summary

The January 17th edition of Catfish Radio offers a blend of local Texas flavor and international hunting adventure. The episode begins with the familiar camaraderie of Luke Clayton and Larry Weishuhn, grounding the show in the local hunting community's recent gathering at the Dallas Safari Club. This sets a tone of connection and shared passion for the outdoors.

The core of the episode (Segments 2 and 3) transports the listener to the Sonoran Desert of Mexico. Guest Wade Derby provides an expert's perspective on destination hunting, breaking down the allure of giant Mule Deer and the elusive Coues Deer. Crucially, he dismantles common fears regarding travel and safety in Mexico, framing it as an accessible and professionally managed adventure for US hunters.

The show concludes in Segment 4 with a return to "home base," as Luke provides actionable tips for local winter fishing and comfort food cooking. The production moves smoothly from high-adventure dream hunts to practical, everyday outdoor living, catering to a wide range of sportsmen—from the trophy hunter to the weekend angler and camp cook.

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn

Guest: Larry Weishuhn ("Mr. Whitetail") Topic: DSC Convention Recap & Late Season Hunting

Luke and Larry kick off the show catching up after the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Convention.

• Convention Recap: They discuss the energy of the DSC convention, highlighting how great it is to reconnect with old friends and outfitters from around the world. Larry notes that despite the crowds, it felt like a family reunion for the hunting community.

• Late Season Opportunities: The conversation shifts to the field. Larry reminds listeners that even though mid-January marks the end of general deer season for many, there is still plenty of hunting to be done. He mentions upcoming opportunities for exotics and hogs, emphasizing that the hunting season in Texas never truly ends.

• Weather Talk: They touch on the bitterly cold weather sweeping through, discussing how it affects game movement and the hardiness required for late-season hunts.

Segment 2: Mule Deer Hunting in Sonora, Mexico

Guest: Wade Derby (Hunt Consultant, Crosshair Consulting) Topic: Giant Mule Deer of the Sonoran Desert

Luke introduces Wade Derby, a veteran hunt consultant, to discuss one of the holy grails of North American hunting: Sonoran Mule Deer.

• The Attraction: Wade explains why Sonora is legendary—it produces mule deer with massive antlers, often exceeding 30 inches wide. He describes the unique desert terrain which allows for spot-and-stalk hunting.

• The Experience: They discuss the style of hunting, which involves "high-racking" (riding in high seats on trucks to spot game) and then stalking on foot. Wade emphasizes that this is a "gentleman's hunt" where you see lots of game, but patience is key to finding a trophy buck.

• Genetics & Management: Wade touches on how the ranches in Sonora manage their herds to allow bucks to reach full maturity, contributing to the region's reputation for record-book deer.

Segment 3: Logistics and Mixed Bag in Mexico

Guest: Wade Derby (Continued) Topic: Coues Deer, Safety, and Travel

Continuing the discussion on Mexico, Luke and Wade dig into the logistics and other species available south of the border.

• Coues Deer: Beyond the giant mule deer, Wade highlights the Coues Whitetail, known as the "Grey Ghost." He describes the challenge of hunting these small, elusive deer in the higher elevations of the desert mountains.

• Safety Perception vs. Reality: Wade addresses the common concern about safety in Mexico. He reassures listeners that the hunting areas in Sonora are rural, peaceful, and heavily managed by outfitters who prioritize client safety. He states that the trouble spots often seen in the news are far removed from the hunting grounds.

• Travel Logistics: They discuss the ease of flying into Hermosillo and the professionalism of the outfitters in handling gun permits and transportation, making the trip relatively stress-free for American hunters.

Segment 4: Wrap Up & Outdoor Cooking

Guest: Luke Clayton (Solo/Wrap-up) Topic: Winter Fishing & Comfort Food

Luke wraps up the show by shifting gears from international travel to local outdoor activities and cooking.

• Winter Fishing: Luke gives a brief report on the local fishing scene. He mentions that despite the cold, catfish and crappie bites can be excellent if you brave the elements, specifically targeting deep water structure.

• Cooking Tip: Closing on a culinary note, Luke shares a simple, hearty idea for venison stew or chili to warm up after a cold day outdoors. He emphasizes slow cooking to tenderize the meat and using basic root vegetables.