Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends Podcast

Spring Turkeys, Lake Whitney Catfish, and Youth Hunting in Canada

Show Summary: On this May 2nd episode of Outdoors with Luke Clayton and Friends, Luke is broadcasting right from the turkey woods! He's joined by Bill Carey of Striper Express for a mid-day turkey hunt update and to look ahead to the thrilling topwater striper season on Lake Texoma. Around the campfire, Larry Weishuhn discusses fawning season and the severe impact black vultures are having on newborn fawns. Later, Gage Souder shares his secrets for suspending baits to catch blue catfish on Lake Whitney, and Canadian hunting guide Michelle Wohlburg tells an inspiring story about getting her son off his screens and into the woods for a successful buck harvest.

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Segment 1: Campfire Talk, Fawning Season & Black Vultures

• The episode kicks off with Luke and Larry Weishuhn catching up around the campfire.

• Larry notes that fawning season is officially beginning, with the first fawns typically dropping around May 5th in their part of Texas.

• The guys discuss the serious issue of predators—while coyotes and raccoons are a threat, aggressive black vultures are increasingly taking a heavy toll on newborn fawns and lambs.

• Larry and Luke remind listeners about the upcoming DSC Summer Expo at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine (July 23-26) and the Saturday night DSC Foundation Gala.

Segment 2: Lake Whitney Catfish with Gage Souder

• Luke introduces Gage Souder, the owner of Chok'em Guide Service, to talk about the excellent fishing on Lake Whitney.

• Gage shares his current tactics for blue catfish, which involves drifting in 15 to 25 feet of water.

• He explains his method of using peg floats and slip corks to suspend baits midway up the water column, targeting aggressive blue cats that are actively chasing shad.

• The guys have a great debate on hook choices, discussing the benefits of the traditional 8/0 circle hook versus the Kahle (Eagle Claw) hook for a better hook-up ratio.

Segment 3: Canadian Deer Hunts with Michelle Wohlburg

• Luke is joined by Michelle Wohlburg, an experienced big game guide who works in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

• Michelle discusses the modern challenge of getting youth off their devices and shares the steps she took to get her son, Lars, engaged in the outdoors.

• She tells the story of Lars's recent hunt, where patience paid off with a massive, 300-pound northern buck.

• Michelle details the process of teaching him tracking and anatomy, and the creative way they had to use their truck to drag the heavy deer out of the woods.

Segment 4: The Turkey Woods & Topwater Stripers

• Luke is hanging out in the turkey woods with his good buddy Bill Carey of Striper Express.

• Despite a quiet mid-day hunt with no gobbling, they discuss the thrill of having hens up close and Luke's setup: an old double-barrel .410 shotgun loaded with modern, high-density Tungsten #9 pellets.

• Bill gets listeners ready for Lake Texoma's topwater striper season, a thrilling seven-month window that kicks off in May where anglers cast big surface plugs to the banks.

• Luke wraps the show by making everyone hungry with his "Camp Cook Clayton" recipe: a massive pot of camp gumbo made with smoked venison, wild pork sausage, and slow-cooked spring turkey drumsticks.

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Episode Sponsors & Links

• Dallas Safari Club (DSC): Learn more about the upcoming Summer Expo and Foundation Gala at biggame.org or dscf.org.

• Chok'em Guide Service: Reach out to Gage Souder at 817-615-0364 or find him on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for a guided trip on Lake Whitney.

• Stealth Vision: High-quality hunting optics headquartered in Crockett, Texas (stealthvision.com).

• Ultramatic Feeders: A one-stop shop for hunting blinds and game feeders (ultramaticfeeders.com).

• Smokin' Tex: Heavy-duty electric smokers built to last (smokintex.com).

• CVA: Makers of top-tier muzzleloaders and centerfire rifles (cva.com).

• Platinum Cadillac and Chevrolet: Stop by and see Justin Rudd in Terrell, Texas.

• Dash for Cash Pawn Shop: Located at 133 Hall St. in Seagoville, Texas (972-287-3121). Known for fair prices and friendly service.

Predator Management, Creek Fishing, Crossbows and Rifles with Luke, Larry & Jeff

Episode Summary: This week on Catfish Radio, Luke Clayton celebrates his 20th year of doing the show by sitting around the campfire with his good friends Larry Weishuhn and Jeff Rice. The group dives into a packed spring season, covering everything from the nuances of crossbow and handgun hunting to spring creek fishing for sand bass and the serious business of predator management.

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Segment 1 & 2: Catching up with Larry Weishuhn & Range Talk

• Luke and Larry catch up on a busy spring, recapping successful events like the Oklahoma DSC chapter gathering and the NRA convention in Houston.

• Larry shares his recent success hunting with handguns, specifically using a Taurus Raging Hunter alongside Hornady Handgun Hunter ammo.

• The guys recount a great crossbow hunt at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge using 10Point Crossbows, where Larry harvested an eater sow and a three-legged fallow doe.

• Larry takes a nostalgic trip to Gibson's Outpost and Shooting Range in Mesquite, Texas—a range he first visited in his 30s—to site in a CVA Cascade rifle in .308.

• A deep dive into the technical side of firearms, including the importance of proper scope leveling and the pitfalls of using Picatinny rails on rifles without magazine clips.

• Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for the DSC East Texas Chapter event in Nacogdoches on June 6th, and the DSC Summer Expo in Grapevine, Texas, running July 23rd–26th.

Segment 3: Creek Fishing with Jeff Rice

• Jeff Rice joins Luke to talk about the joys of spring creek fishing on an East Texas ranch near Lake Fork.

• They discuss the timing of the sand bass and crappie runs, noting how crucial water conditions and timing are for a good catch.

• The guys plan a creek-side fish fry using a wood-fired rocket stove, celebrating the unbeatable taste of fresh fish cooked right on the bank.

• Luke and Jeff share their strategy for setting trotlines for catfish, relying on cubed pork liver as a highly effective bait.

• You can watch their video adventures by searching for "A Sportsman's Life" on YouTube or CarbonTV.

Segment 4: Predator Management with Larry Weishuhn

• Larry returns to discuss the critical role of predator management, specifically focusing on coyote populations.

• They highlight how an overabundance of coyotes can heavily impact the survival rates of fawns among deer, antelope, and elk populations.

• The conversation emphasizes that true conservation requires year-round predator and feral hog control to maintain a healthy wildlife balance.

• Luke wraps up the show by reflecting on his 20-year milestone hosting Catfish Radio.

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Sponsors & Links Mentioned in this Episode

• Stealth Vision Scopes: stealthvision.com

• Ultramatic Feeders: ultramaticfeeders.com

• Smokin Tex Electric Smokers: smokintex.com

• Green Lending (Jack Hammel): greenlending.com or call 440-223-2086

• Platinum Cadillac and Chevrolet: Located in Terrell, TX (See Justin Rudd)

• Choctaw Hunting Lodge: choctawhuntinglodge.com

• CVA Muzzleloaders and Centerfire Rifles: cva.com

• Dash for Cash Pawn Shop: Located in Seagoville, TX. Call 972-287-3121

Capt. Bill Carey and Luke Talk Turkey, Hunting Africa, and the DSC Summer Gala

Catfish Radio Podcast Show Notes: April 18th

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn

• Host Luke Clayton is joined by hunting legend Larry Weishuhn to discuss the growth and mission of the DSC (Dallas Safari Club).

• Larry highlights the expansion of the organization, noting new chapters forming in East Texas and the Texas Gulf Coast.

• Listeners get the details on the upcoming DSC Summer Gala and Expo, which will be held July 23-26 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.

• The conversation underscores the critical role that hunters play in funding conservation efforts and properly managing wildlife habitat.

Segment 2: Hunting Africa with Wade Derby (Part 1)

• Wade Derby from Crosshair Consulting returns from a family hunting trip to South Africa and breaks down the travel logistics.

• Wade details the extensive travel required, including a 17-hour flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, followed by a short flight into East London.

• The family stayed at a fully catered lodge called "Maweni," enjoying highly comfortable accommodations rather than roughing it in tents.

• The hunting concession consisted of 11 different farms covering many square miles, where they saw an impressive eight different species on their first evening out.

• The segment wraps up with Wade discussing a client taking a waterbuck and emphasizing the importance of proper shot placement on African game.

Segment 3: Hunting Africa with Wade Derby (Part 2)

• Wade continues his African hunting recap, sharing the success of his son's hunts for impala, springbuck, and a "blessing buck" (blesbuck).

• They discuss the unique challenge of hunting the elusive bush pig, which Wade's son successfully harvested on the second night of the trip over bait.

• The conversation shifts to the dangers and adrenaline of hunting Cape Buffalo.

• Wade's son successfully took a Cape Buffalo using a .375 H&H rifle, shooting a combination of 300-grain soft points and solid rounds.

• Wade advises hunters traveling to Africa to bring a rifle they are completely comfortable shooting, recommending calibers like the .300 Win Mag for general plains game.

• Hunters are reminded that ideal shot placement on African game is typically further back on the shoulder compared to North American animals.

Segment 4: Spring Turkey Hunting & Camp Cooking

• Luke Clayton and guest Bill Carey swap stories from a recent spring turkey hunt up near the Red River.

• Bill talks about setting up a simple camp under an oak tree and successfully shooting a gobbler with an 11-inch beard right out of the box using his hen decoy, Henrietta.

• Luke recounts returning to the exact same spot a couple of days later and experiencing a nearly identical successful hunt, which inspired him to write a newspaper article titled "Deja Vu Turkey Hunting".

• Luke, acting as "Camp Cook," shares his recipe for venison fajitas.

• The fajita recipe features marinated venison cooked in a cast-iron skillet with bacon, garlic, onion, jalapeno, bell pepper, and barbecue sauce.

• The camp meal was finished off with some affordable canned baked beans and premium smoked sausage links from Kuby's.

Fishing in Saskatchewan, Spring Crappie Fishing, and Wild Game Cooking Tips

Catfish Radio Podcast Show Notes: April 11th

Segment 1: Campfire Talk and Outdoor Rendezvous

• Host Luke Clayton and his co-hosts recap their recent successful outdoor rendezvous at the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas.

• The crew shares details of a fantastic camp cookout featuring snow-white blue catfish, which was expertly filleted by "Mr. Whitetail" using his signature skinning knife and fried alongside thin-sliced potato chips.

• The gathering felt like a family reunion with plenty of live entertainment from musical guests, including Samuel Old, Marshall Allen Bailey, Cowgirl Janie, and Philip Farmer's blues band.

• Luke shares a fascinating story about Jeff Rice crafting a functional turkey friction call out of a giant freshwater mussel shell and a piece of hardwood.

• The segment wraps up with a reminder about the upcoming DSC Oklahoma chapter event in Oklahoma City and the DSC Foundation Gala in the summer.

Segment 2: Fishing Adventures in Saskatchewan

• Luke shifts the focus to fly-in fishing adventures in the pristine waters of Northern Saskatchewan, Canada.

• He recommends the Tourism Saskatchewan website as a perfect starting point for anyone looking to plan a trip, offering resources for everything from do-it-yourself camps to full-service lodges.

• A DIY trip for five days can be very affordable, providing a cabin, boat, and motor, while allowing anglers to do their own cooking and fish cleaning.

• Luke recounts the thrill of catching massive northern pike, including a memorable 51-inch pike that hammered a flashing spoon in about three feet of water.

• The segment also highlights the deep indigenous hunting culture of the region, featuring a story about a First Nations gentleman who hunted moose and caribou with a traditional bow.

Segment 3: Crappie Fishing with Chris Webb

• Cedar Creek Lake crappie guide Chris Webb joins the show to discuss the spring crappie spawn.

• Chris explains that the fish are currently in various stages, meaning anglers can find them anywhere from 15 feet deep on brush piles to just a foot of water in the creeks.

• Wind conditions heavily dictate the fishing strategy; on calmer days, Chris prefers shooting docks, while windy days are better spent picking fish off deeper brush tops.

• When it comes to bait, Chris uses jigs for about 80 to 85 percent of the year, reserving live minnows primarily for the heat of the summer when the crappie become more finicky.

• Listeners looking to book a trip can reach out to Chris Webb's Guide Service to get in on the excellent spring crappie, sand bass, and hybrid action.

Segment 4: Wild Game Cooking Tips

• In the final segment, Luke puts on his camp cook hat to share his top tips for preparing wild pork and wild turkey.

• For wild hogs, Luke suggests passing on the smelly older boars and targeting younger, fatter hogs for the best tasting meat.

• He details his method for slow-smoking wild pork backstraps injected with butter and spices, wrapping them in foil, and finishing them in a crockpot for incredibly tender pulled pork.

• Luke then addresses wild turkey, urging hunters not to throw away the legs and thighs, which are often discarded due to their tough feather bones.

• By heavily seasoning the dark turkey meat, wrapping it tightly in foil with bacon and olive oil, and steaming it in a smoker for a few hours, the meat falls right off the bone and makes fantastic wild turkey fajitas.

Campfire Talk, Outdoor Rendezvous, DSC Summer Expo, Fishing Fun, Texas Fishing Reports

Show Summary: Join Luke Clayton and his good friend Larry Weishuhn around the campfire for a packed April 4th episode of Outdoors with Luke Clayton and Friends! This week, the guys recap the massively successful 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous, share a wild story about a 200-pound boar hunt, and discuss upcoming events like the DSC Summer Expo. Later in the show, Luke sits down with Mike Colarusso to highlight the exciting renovations and fishing tournaments happening at the newly named Crockett Lakefront RV Resort and Marina on Houston County Lake.

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Segment 1: Campfire Talk & The Outdoor Rendezvous

• The episode kicks off with introductions from Larry Weishuhn and David Fox.

• Luke and Larry recap the 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous in Greenville, noting that a surprisingly cool 70-degree day made for perfect campfire weather instead of the predicted 80-85 degree heat.

• The gathering brought together 300-400 people for live music, fried fish, and Luke's slow-cooked smoked barbecue.

• The hosts discuss their TV show A Sportsman's Life (available on YouTube and CarbonTV), mentioning Larry's recent hunt in England for fanged "vampire deer".

• Luke teases a story about a recent hog hunt with his CVA .223 and ATN Thor Mini 6 thermal scope, where excitement led to him backing his truck into a tree and losing a mirror.

Segment 2: Slow-Cooked Wild Hog & The DSC Summer Expo

• Luke finishes his hunting story, detailing the harvest of a mature, 200-pound wild boar with razor-sharp tusks.

• To ensure the meat was tender, Luke slow-cooked the backstraps and hams overnight in a crockpot with jalapeños and garlic, serving the pulled pork at the rendezvous.

• The conversation shifts to the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Summer Expo, taking place July 23-26 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas.

• Larry and Luke encourage listeners to attend the massive four-day conservation and hunter advocacy event, which will feature over 400 booths.

Segment 3: Houston County Lake with Mike Colarusso

• Luke welcomes Mike Colarusso, owner of the former Crockett Family Resort on Houston County Lake.

• Mike details the property's transition to the Crockett Lakefront RV Resort and Marina, highlighting major renovations like a brand-new event center, upgraded pools, and Wi-Fi.

• The resort is leaning heavily into kayak fishing tournaments, with a $10,000 prize up for grabs for catching a state record white bass.

• Mike shares the exciting news that a massive, potential state-record white bass was recently caught right off their dock.

Segment 4: Thank You's & Texas Fishing Reports

• Luke uses the extra time in the final segment to thank long-time show partners, including Larry Weishuhn and the rural land refinancing team at Green Lending.

• Special appreciation is given to the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas, for hosting the Outdoor Rendezvous and putting on an excellent fish fry.

• Luke provides a quick fishing report, noting that the channel catfish are currently biting hard on soured grain and punch bait at Lake Tawakoni.

• The episode wraps up with a reminder about the excellent crappie fishing at Houston County Lake and a shoutout to the growing popularity of airguns.

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Episode Sponsors & Links

• Stealth Vision: High-quality, 34mm tube hunting optics headquartered in Crockett, Texas (stealthvision.com).

• Dallas Safari Club (DSC): Learn more about the upcoming Summer Expo at biggame.org.

• Ultramatic Feeders: A one-stop shop for hunting blinds and game feeders (ultramaticfeeders.com).

• Smokin' Tex: Heavy-duty electric smokers built to last (https://www.google.com/search?q=smokingtex.com).

• Platinum Cadillac and Chevrolet: Check them out in Terrell, Texas.

• CVA: Makers of top-tier muzzleloaders and centerfire rifles (cva.com).

• Dash for Cash Pawn Shop: Located at 133 Hall St. in Seagoville, Texas, known for fair prices and friendly service.

• Green Lending: Contact Jack and Corey for rural land and home refinancing (greenlending.com).

• Pyramyd Air: The leading source for all things airgun related (pyramydair.com).

Bill Dance Blast from the Past, Spring Blue Catfish, and International Big Game Hunts

Segment 1: Outdoor Rendezvous and Choctaw Hunting Lodge

• Host Luke Clayton and guest Larry Weishuhn discuss the annual Outdoor Rendezvous taking place on March 28th at the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas.

• The event features live music, chuckwagons, booths, a Dallas Safari Club presentation, and a fish fry utilizing freshly caught blue catfish.

• They also discuss Larry's recent experiences at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge, including using Stealth Vision optics and the lodge's expansive 40,000-acre property.

Segment 2: Blast from the Past with Bill Dance

• This segment features a classic interview with legendary angler Bill Dance recorded at a boat ramp.

• Dance explains the science behind using slow-moving baits for big bass, emphasizing "selective feeding" where fish weigh the energy required to catch prey against its nutritional value.

• They also discuss the importance of establishing a proper rhythm and utilizing extended pauses when topwater fishing to trigger strikes from mature fish.

Segment 3: Catfishing on Lake Tawakoni with Tony Pennebaker

• Luke speaks with guide Tony Pennebaker about the transition from trophy blue catfish season to "eater" catfish season on Lake Tawakoni.

• Pennebaker notes that fish are currently being caught in six to nine feet of water, though they will soon move to shallower depths of two to three feet.

• He shares his current setup, which includes using six to seven rods, 6/0 or 7/0 hooks on Santee rigs, and fresh cut shad or perch for bait.

Segment 4: International Big Game Hunting with Matt Burgess

• International hunting guide Matt Burgess recounts his recent trips, including a combination hunt for Marco Polo sheep and Ibex at 15,000 feet on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.

• Burgess describes witnessing camel caravans on the historic Silk Road and discusses the use of Toyota Land Cruisers in Tajikistan versus horseback in Kazakhstan.

• He also previews an upcoming polar bear hunt where hunters will travel by dog sled and camp on the ice to pursue mature bears weighing up to 1,500 pounds.

Mr. Whitetail Recounts His England Hunting Excursion, Spring Striper Fishing, and Spotlight on Dallas Safari Club

Segment 1: Campfire Talk & Hunting in England

• Host Luke Clayton and guest Larry Weishuhn discuss Larry's recent hunting trip to Suffolk County, England.

• Larry details his experience hunting two unique, primitive deer species: the Chinese water deer and the Muntjac.

• He explains that the Chinese water deer lacks antlers entirely but features elongated upper canines, or fangs, that protrude heavily.

• The Muntjac is described as a small, prehistoric-looking invasive species that weighs about 30 pounds and possesses tall pedicles, short antlers, and fangs.

Segment 2: Historic English Estates & Deer with Fangs

• Larry shares details about their lodging at the Waveney House Hotel in Beccles, a historic structure built in 1540.

• They discuss the history of fallow deer in Europe, noting that the Romans historically introduced herds of them to new areas to provide a food source for their soldiers and settlers.

• The segment highlights the profound contrast between modern hunting and the deep history embedded in hunting on 500-year-old English estates that feature centuries-old castles.

Segment 3: Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

• Larry discusses his deep involvement with the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) and the DSC Foundation, detailing their dedication to wildlife conservation.

• He explains the rapid growth of the DSC chapter system, which currently includes around 30 chapters globally.

• Larry outlines the organization's fundraising model, explaining that 75% of funds raised stay with the local chapter, 20% goes to the DSC Foundation, and 5% supports the primary DSC organization.

Segment 4: Striper Fishing with Bill Carey

• Luke speaks with Bill Carey of Striper Express about the current fishing conditions on Lake Texoma.

• Bill highlights a recent trend of catching "Magnum" white bass (sand bass), with many of the fish weighing up to three pounds.

• He shares his highly successful technique of using three-inch sea shad lures on half-ounce jigs in shallow, five-foot water to "match the hatch" of the current baitfish.

Hunting Chinese Water Deer, Spring Fishing, Funny Campfire Stories, Crappie Fishing on the Creeks, and More Outdoor Fun!

Segment 1 – Campfire Talk

Luke Clayton opens the show with his familiar “Campfire Talk” with Mr. Whitetail, Larry Weishuhn, talking about hunting in England, the upcoming annual outdoor event in late March and more great outdoor fun talk about hunting and wildlife! 

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Segment 2 – Guide Chris Webb of Creek Crappie

In this segment, Luke visits with fishing guide Chris Webb of Creek Crappie, who specializes in crappie fishing in the creeks and tributaries feeding major reservoirs. Chris explains how rising spring temperatures push crappie into shallow creek systems where they stage before spawning. He shares techniques for locating active fish, including using electronics to identify structure and focusing on brush piles, timber, and creek bends. Chris also discusses productive bait presentations and how anglers can take advantage of these predictable seasonal movements to enjoy some excellent crappie fishing.

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Segment 3 – Chris Webb Continued

Luke continues the conversation with Chris Webb, diving deeper into crappie tactics and seasonal patterns. Chris talks about how water clarity, current flow, and baitfish activity influence where crappie hold in creek systems. He offers practical advice on selecting jigs, adjusting colors based on water conditions, and working cover methodically to find active fish. Chris also shares stories from guiding trips and explains how anglers of all experience levels can enjoy success during the spring crappie run by focusing on the right locations and maintaining a patient approach.

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Segment 4 – Luke’s Funny Campfire Stories

To wrap up the show, Luke shares a few humorous and memorable stories from his years in the outdoors. From unexpected mishaps on fishing trips to funny moments involving fellow anglers and guides, Luke reminds listeners that the outdoor lifestyle is about more than just catching fish—it’s about the experiences and memories made along the way. His lighthearted storytelling brings the show to a close with a reminder that sometimes the best part of a day on the water is simply the laughter shared with friends.