Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends Podcast

Winter Deadsticking, Sporterized Military Hunting Rifles, Campfire Chat with Mr. Whitetail, & Filming Your Own Hunts!

Show Notes: Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton
Date: December 27, 2025 Hosts: Luke Clayton & Larry Weishuhn

Episode Summary In this final show of 2025, Luke and Larry Weishuhn (“Mr. Whitetail”) gather around the radio campfire to discuss late-season deer movement and high-tech optics. The show also features deep dives into vintage military rifles for modern hunting, winter fishing techniques on Lake Tawakoni, and the challenges of filming hunts through digital scopes.

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn
Topic: Late-season deer hunting and optics.

Discussion: Larry Weishuhn joins Luke to discuss the effectiveness of Stealth Vision optics and the growing popularity of thermal scopes for hog and predator hunting.

Field Notes: Larry shares observations from recent hunts, noting that while acorn crops were heavy early in the season, deer are now returning to feeders and food plots as natural forage depletes. They also discuss the upcoming DSC Convention in Atlanta in February.

Segment 2: Vintage Firepower with Dustin Warncke
Topic: Hunting with sporterized military rifles.

Discussion: Dustin Warncke discusses the history and value of “sporterized” military surplus rifles.

Featured Firearm: Dustin highlights his recent acquisition of a 1916 Spanish Mauser in 7mm, explaining how these affordable, historic rifles can still be highly effective and accurate hunting tools when paired with modern optics.

Segment 3: Winter Fishing on Lake Tawakoni with Brett Kilmer
Topic: "Deadsticking" for sand bass and hybrids.

Discussion: Guide Brett Kilmer explains the winter technique of deadsticking—holding a lure completely still in the water column to mimic stunned shad in cold water.

Technique: Brett details using heavy 1-ounce jigs (often white or chartreuse) and "thumping" the bottom of the boat to attract schools of fish under the boat in 25–40 feet of water.

Segment 4: Filming the Hunt with Jeff Rice
Topic: Videography and late-season buck behavior.

Discussion: Videographer and producer Jeff Rice talks about using digital scopes like the ATN X-Sight to film hunts directly from the rifle.

Field Notes: Jeff recounts a recent encounter with a massive, old buck that managed to evade the camera despite being within 40 yards, highlighting the challenges of capturing the perfect shot on film versus just harvesting the animal.

Sponsors & Mentions
Smokin Tex Electric Smokers: smokintex.com

Butcher Packer Supply: butcher-packer.com

Choctaw Hunting Lodge: choctawhuntinglodge.com

Pyramid Air: pyramydair.com

CVA Muzzleloaders: cva.com

Vineyard Max: vineyardmax.net

Dash for Cash Pawn: Seagoville, TX

Christmas Memories and Warm Holiday Campfire Moments

Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends

December 20th, 2025

Segment 1: Opening, Hunting Plans, and a Wild Pork Recipe
In this opening segment of the annual Christmas show, Luke Clayton and his regular guest Larry Weishuhn introduce the holiday theme and discuss upcoming hunts and cooking tips.

Sponsors & Support: Larry extends Christmas wishes and thanks sponsors, including DSC (Dallas Safari Club), Trijicon, Stealth Vision, Taurus, and Vineyard Max.

Upcoming Hunts: Larry shares his plans to visit the Choctaw Hunting Lodge to hunt a "broken horn" or non-trophy Oryx for meat, noting that he hopes for a cold day. Luke mentions plans to hunt management bucks and does at the Cotton family ranch with David and Edgar.

Wild Game Cooking: Luke provides a detailed method for preparing wild pork backstrap. His tip involves removing the strap, cutting it across the grain into 5-inch pieces, slicing those lengthwise into thin strips, and pounding them flat. He recommends seasoning the meat, placing it in a Ziploc bag with Louisiana hot sauce and vinegar overnight, and then frying it with a flour, egg, and milk wash.

Segment 2: Christmas Memories and Close Calls
Luke and Larry reminisce about their childhood Christmases in the 1950s and 60s, sharing stories about family traditions and rural life.

Early Hunting Memories: Larry recalls hunting squirrels and pecans with his maternal grandfather, AJ Ashenbeck, along Cummins Creek until he was about nine years old.

The Country Store: Luke describes the Dimple community north of Clarksville, remembering the old country store with a rock-base pot-bellied stove where the "old timers" would sit and talk.

The Christmas Tree Incident: Luke shares a story about cutting down a pine tree for Christmas with his father. While sawing the tree, an aggressive sow with her "hackles up" chased them, forcing his father to climb into the very tree they were cutting down.

Segment 3: Guns of Christmas Past
This segment focuses on the firearms and ammunition of their youth, alongside a specific hunting story from Luke's childhood.

Vintage Ammo: The hosts discuss the scarcity and variety of .22 ammunition in the past, specifically the differences between .22 Shorts, Longs, and Long Rifles. Luke mentions that the "Long Rifle Hollow Point" was his deer cartridge of choice back in the day.

Larry’s Camp House Memory: Larry recalls his family moving to a "camp house" in the woods for Christmas week, where they cooked stew and BBQ chicken on a wood stove.

Luke’s First Deer Hunt: Luke recounts his first deer hunt around 1959 (age 8 or 9) with his brother-in-law and a friend known as "Mountain Man". "Mountain Man" shot a deer using a Chinese military bolt-action rifle with "steel jacket" bullets. The deer ran off, so the group went home to eat a breakfast of home-cured ham and cathead biscuits prepared by "Ma" before returning with dogs to retrieve the deer.

Segment 4: Explosive Traditions and Holiday Wrap-Up
In the final segment, the hosts wrap up the show with stories about unique family traditions and their first guns.

German Christmas Traditions: Larry discusses his German heritage in Southeast Texas and a loud tradition his grandfather, a County Commissioner, practiced on Christmas Eve. The family would pack dynamite under stumps in the bottomland and blow them up to celebrate; Larry recalls one year when the blast broke windows in the house.

Construction Site Cooking: Luke remembers working for a "powder man" on a construction crew in Arkansas and seeing an operator heat cans of "Sweet Sue Chicken and Dumplings" on the manifold of an excavator for lunch.

First Guns: Larry remembers his first gun being a Red Ryder BB gun at age three, followed later by a single-barrel .410. Luke recalls receiving a J.C. Higgins single-shot .22 rifle at age eight.

Closing: The hosts conclude by wishing listeners a Merry Christmas and encouraging them to remember the Reason for the Season!

Big Winter Bass on Lake Fork, Deer Hunting Campfires, Mule Deer Hunts, and MORE!

CATFISH RADIO with Luke Clayton and Friends - Show Notes for December 13th

Segment 1: Campfire Talk (12:44)
Luke and his guest, Larry Weishuhn, share a "Campfire Talk" focusing on Larry's unique hunting experience in Far West Texas and a few outdoor announcements.

Carmen Mountain Whitetail Hunt: Larry is currently in the Big Bend country hunting the Carmen Mountain Whitetail, a small subspecies found only in the mountains of West Texas and Northern Mexico (4,500 feet elevation and above).

Subspecies Discussion: Larry explains that the Carmen Mountain Whitetail is arguably the smallest whitetail subspecies in North America, with bucks often field-dressed at only 45–60 lbs. and rarely scoring more than 80–100 Boone and Crockett points. The sheer size and remote habitat make the hunt unique.

Hunting Conditions: Larry describes glassing and hunting the mountain terrain with the aid of his Stealth Vision optics and rangefinders.

Announcements:

DSC Convention: Reminder that the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Convention is set for February 6th, 7th, and 8th in Atlanta.

Sponsors: Mentions sponsors Hornady and Stealth Vision Optics.

Future Hunt: Luke and Larry discuss their plans to hunt oryx at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in the near future.

? Segment 2: Harry Wood NM Mule Deer Hunts (14:14)
Luke interviews Harry Wood, a seasoned guide and outfitter who has been running hunts in New Mexico for almost 40 years. This segment focuses on an affordable and exciting archery-only mule deer hunt during the rut.

The Hunt: Discussion of a five-day, archery-only mule deer hunt in southeastern New Mexico (between Artesia and Mayhill) during the rut (January 1st–15th).

Pricing and Location: The hunt is presented as an exceptional value at $1,800 per person, with an over-the-counter license fee of $340. The ranch is over 9,000 acres in the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains.

Drop Camp Details: The hunt is a drop camp setup, providing a heated tent, cots, lights, and gear—hunters bring their own food and handle their own cooking. Hunters are advised to bring a 4x4 vehicle.

Hunting Methods: Harry explains the primary techniques used: spot and stalk, setting up at water sources (dirt tanks and troughs) during midday, and the effectiveness of calling and rattling (even using a predator call) to bring deer in, often resulting in close-range shots (20–30 yards) from brush or ground blinds.

Contact Information: Harry provides his contact details for booking: 903-536-7130 (home) or 512-968-4430 (cell).

? Segment 3: Winter Bass Fishing (10:44)
Luke talks with Dennis Canada, a longtime fishing guide on Lake Fork, about techniques for catching trophy bass during the cold winter months.

Trophy Season: Dennis confirms that winter is a prime time for serious trophy hunters as female bass are at their heaviest weight of the year.

Weather Sensitivity: He stresses that Lake Fork bass are highly sensitive to consistent weather. Once the weather stabilizes—whether it's consistently cold or warm—the fish will start to pattern. Sudden temperature drops will often shut down the bite.

Recommended Techniques:

Jigs: Dennis's main bait is a jig, which he fishes in a wide range of depths, sometimes as shallow as four to six feet in heavy cover.

Carolina Rig: He considers the Carolina rig a year-round finesse option.

Carolina Rig Setup: Dennis provides specifics on his preferred setup:

Weight: 1-ounce bullet or barrel weight.

Swivel/Keeper: Uses Carolina Keepers instead of a traditional knot and swivel.

Leader: A leader of 36 inches up to four feet.

Hook: A smaller hook to allow the bait to "free float".

Action: A slow, bottom-dragging retrieve, often inch-worming the bait with the rod tip. The bite is often a subtle pressure change, not a sharp strike.

Contact Information: Dennis Canada can be reached at 903-335-6524 for booking.

Segment 4: Luke Shares a Great Winter Catfish Technique (6:34)
Luke shares a unique and effective winter catfishing technique known as "Splating." This method gets its name from the sound of bait hitting the water, mimicking the droppings of cormorants (a migratory bird protected under federal law) that roost in trees over the water. This segment covers:

The Origin of Splatting: How cormorants feeding habits create a specific feeding pattern for catfish.

The Technique: Using a heavy cork/float (like a popping cork) and a piece of cut bait (such as shad or bream) to create a loud "splat" when cast near cormorant roost trees.

Best Conditions: Explains that this technique works best on calm days near visible "cormorant trees" (trees whitewashed by droppings) in the upper ends of lakes.

Tips and Caution: Advises on using cut bait and warns listeners to keep a safe distance from dead timber to avoid falling limbs. This technique is highly effective for catching blue and channel catfish in cold weather.

Learn more about our radio show and companion podcast at CatfishRadio.org

The Call of Fall Hunting Campfires, Remember December Striper Fishing, & Night Hunts with Night Vision and Thermals

CATFISH RADIO with Luke Clayton and Friends - December 6th Show Notes

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Luke & Larry Weishuhn

Mr. Whitetail, Larry Weishuhn, joins Luke to discuss his deer hunt on Matthew Brown's land near the Red River, complimenting the landowner on his knowledge of the country.

• The Kill: Larry successfully killed a six-year-old buck that weighed 187 pounds on the hook.

• Hunting Time: The buck was taken at 12:03 PM in the middle of the day, confirming that mature bucks can move all day, especially during the rut, and emphasizing that hunters shouldn't be afraid to hunt during midday hours.

• Buck Behavior: The buck had a strong, musky odor associated with the rut. It was rattled in, initially turned to leave, and then stopped and came back toward Larry after he grunted at him.

 

🎯 Hunting Gear and Optics

 

Larry discusses the specialized gear he used for the hunt:

• Rifle: A 7mm PRC rifle.

• Barrel: The rifle was fitted with an Aviant heat-releasing barrel.

• Optics: The rifle was topped with a Stealth Vision scope, which is manufactured in Crockett, Texas.

  • Stealth Vision scopes use 34-millimeter tubes and feature an optional lighted reticle.

  • These scopes have a little green light that indicates when the scope is level, which is the ideal time to pull the trigger.

• Bullet: He used a Hornady ELD-X 175-grain bullet, which he placed through about a "two-inch window" to hit the deer.

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Segment 2: Lake Texoma Striper Update (with Bill Carey)

 

• Prime Fishing Season: Bill Carey calls December "Remember December" and "the best of both worlds" for size and number of fish.

• Weather Conditions: He notes that December is the "peak of the fall" and that overall, the weather is getting warmer and milder than in previous years, making it a great time to fish, especially during Christmas break.

• Fishing Techniques & Gear:

  • Under the Birds: Stripers are being caught "under the birds," which is impressive because they're catching 10-pound fish using this technique. The fish push the bait balls to the surface where birds spot them, and the anglers cast their jigs into the resulting feeding frenzy.

  • Lures: The current top bait is jigs, using flukes that have a fork-tail or straight-tail (less vibration) on a three-quarter to one-ounce jig head.

  • Retrieval: A simple medium retrieve works well, although the hosts admit to the old habit of shaking the jig. Strikes often occur on the pause.

  • The Thumper: The use of an automated, motorized thumper (a rubber mallet in a box) is confirmed to work by sending sound waves that attract schooling stripers. This technique will be in its prime at the end of the month into January and February, alongside dead sticking.

  • Striper Aggression: Stripers are very aggressive and curious, often resulting in multiple hookups or other stripers following the hooked fish right to the boat.

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Segment 3: Digital Night Vision (with Shane Kessler of ATN)

 

• Guest and Company: The segment features Shane Kessler, a pro-staffer with ATN Corporation, discussing night hunting optics.

• Digital Night Vision (ATN X-Site):

  • Function: Digital scopes use a digital image that requires an external IR light to enhance visibility once the sun sets. It allows hunters to use one scope for both day and night hunting.

  • Benefits: Features like video recording allow hunters to review shots, which helps locate game if no blood trail is found. The scope can stream live to an iPad or phone, enabling a coach to ensure a shooter's crosshairs are correctly placed.

  • Limitations: Digital scopes are not good in heavy cover/brush because the IR light will refract off leaves and distort the image.

  • Tips: Shane notes that the one-shot zero feature is very easy to use, and it is essential to properly align the IR beam to the scope's view.

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Segment 4: Thermal Scopes and Hunting Recap

 

• Thermal Scopes (ATN Thor LT):

  • Function: Thermal scopes detect an animal's heat signature, allowing the user to "look through" brush and heavy cover, as the heat signature is unaffected by foliage.

  • Affordability: Thermal scopes are now affordable (e.g., the Thor LTV at roughly $1,600) and are no longer out of the average person's price range.

  • Models: The 320 resolution is sufficient for most hog hunters shooting out to 125 yards. High-end models (Thor 5) are available with built-in laser rangefinders and ballistic calculators for technical shooters.

  • Visuals: Animals like turkeys appear "weird" or "prehistoric" through the thermal lens.

  • Drawbacks: The main issue is judging distance without a laser rangefinder.

•  The show concludes by reinforcing that it is still a great time for deer hunting and encourages listeners to visit the show's weekly TV program, "A Sportsman's Life," on YouTube or Carbon TV. 

Deer Hunting and Winter Catfish Tips, Camp Cook Recipes, and More Outdoor Adventure Family-Friendly Fun!

🎣 Catfish Radio – November 29th Episode Show Notes

This week on Catfish Radio, Luke Clayton and Friends bring you another fun, information-packed lineup from the great outdoors. From campfire wisdom to expert catfishing tactics, this episode delivers a full helping of stories, tips, and down-home conversation.

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🔥 Segment 1 – Campfire Talk with Luke Clayton

Luke kicks off the show with classic campfire conversation — stories from the woods, recent outings, and the rhythms of late-fall hunting season. He shares reflections from time spent outdoors and updates listeners on what’s happening across Texas’ lakes and ranch country. A warm, easygoing opener that feels like sitting around a real fire with old friends.

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🦌 Segment 2 – "Mr. Whitetail" Returns for More Deer Hunting Talk

“Mr. Whitetail” himself, Larry Weishuhn, joins Luke once again for a lively discussion. Larry shares insights from his recent travels, hunting adventures, and observations from the field. The two longtime friends trade stories, expert tips, and plenty of laughs — the kind of segment that reminds listeners why these two are legends in the outdoor world.

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🐟 Segment 3 – Lake Tawakoni Guide David Hanson on Winter Catfishing

Professional Tawakoni guide David Hanson stops by to talk all things catfishing as temperatures drop. David breaks down:

• Where big blue cats are staging now

• Best baits and presentations for late November

• Why cold-weather conditions can produce trophy-class fish

• What clients can expect on a guided trip this time of year

A must-listen for anyone wanting to put more catfish in the boat this winter.

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🍲 Segment 4 – Luke’s Camp Recipe of the Week

Luke closes the episode by sharing a hearty camp recipe perfect for chilly nights outdoors. With simple ingredients and Luke’s signature practical style, this dish is easy to prepare whether you're on the campfire or in your home kitchen. A fitting finale to a show dedicated to good living in the outdoors.

Deer Season Hunting Tips, Fall Stripers on Texoma, Fajita Cooking Tips, Campfire Stories, and More!

🎣 Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends
Full Episode – 4-Segment Combined Podcast
🟫 Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Luke Clayton

Luke kicks things off around the campfire with his signature storytelling and easygoing humor. In this opening segment, he shares updates from the outdoors, seasonal observations, and a few personal tales that set the tone for the show. Whether you're a seasoned woodsman or just love good conversation, the campfire chat brings listeners right into Luke’s world of friendship, outdoorsmanship, and down-home wisdom.

🎣 Segment 2: Bill Carey – Texoma Striper Report

Captain Bill Carey joins Luke with a fresh, detailed report straight from Lake Texoma — the Striper Capital of the World. Bill covers:

Current striper patterns

Best depths and presentations

Bait selection for this part of the season

Weather and water conditions

What anglers can expect in the coming weeks

This segment is packed with practical fishing tips and local knowledge for anyone planning a trip to Texoma.

🦌 Segment 3: Jeff Rice – Late Season Deer Strategies

Outdoor writer and hunter Jeff Rice checks in with Luke to talk late-season deer hunting. Topics include:

How deer behavior shifts as the season winds down

Food sources and movement patterns to key in on

Stand strategy during post-rut

Gear and tactics Jeff is relying on this time of year

Insights from recent hunts on his home property

A must-listen for hunters trying to punch a last-minute tag.

🍳 Segment 4: Luke’s Outdoor Cooking Tips

Luke wraps the show with one of his listener-favorite features—his outdoor cooking insights. In this week’s tip, he shares simple, field-tested methods for preparing wild game and campfire meals, along with a few tricks to elevate flavor even when cooking with basic gear. Expect a blend of old-school recipes, cowboy-style technique, and Luke’s trademark humor.

Taxidermy Tips, Colorado Elk Hunt, Fall White Bass Fishing, & Campfire Chat on Hunting History

CATFISH RADIO WITH LUKE CLAYTON AND FRIENDS: November 15th Show Summary

Segment 1: Larry Weishuhn – Hunting History and The Old Oak Tree

Luke and regular co-host Larry Weishuhn discuss the history of hunting seasons in Texas, noting that November 16th was traditionally the original opening day for the regular whitetail deer rifle season. They reflect on the old process of obtaining hunting permits from the courthouse. Luke shares a feature he wrote about a massive, ancient oak tree on a friend's property and reflects mystically on the centuries of history the tree has witnessed, potentially including Civil War soldiers and Native Americans.

Segment 2: Omar Carter – Fall Fishing and Nilgai

Guest Omar Carter of Luck O’ the Irish Guide Service talks about the excellent fall white bass (sand bass) and hybrid striper fishing on Lake Tawakoni. He shares successful trolling techniques using a Hellbender plug paired with a small pet spoon, noting that fish are actively feeding hard to prepare for winter, requiring a fast trolling speed (around 2.9 to 3.4 mph). Omar also shares the story of his wife's successful free-range Nilgai bull hunt in South Texas and how much they enjoy the quality of the Nilgai meat.

Segment 3: Joe Parker – Taxidermy and Hunting Logistics

Joe Parker of All American Taxidermy and Next Trip Whitetails provides essential tips for hunters on how to properly handle a deer killed during warm weather to ensure the hide is preserved for mounting. He stresses that the worst enemy of a mountable hide is heat and recommends skinning the deer immediately and packing the hide on ice in a plastic tote. The discussion also covers different types of mounts and hunting opportunities at his high-fence facility, Next Trip Whitetails, in Paris, Texas.

Segment 4: David Cotton – Colorado Elk Hunt

David Cotton joins Luke to share the exciting story of his 85-year-old father, Edgar Cotton, successfully harvesting a bull elk in Colorado during the second rifle season. The father-son duo credits their Stealth Vision binoculars and scope, which allowed them to quickly range and dial in the shot at 365 yards with extreme precision. They also discuss David’s unique trophy—a mule-foot hog—that Joe Parker is preparing for mounting.
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Fall Striper and Crappie Secrets, Deer Hunting Tips, Bowhunting Fall Turkey's and Campfire Talk!

🎣 Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton and Friends

November 8, 2025

This week on Catfish Radio, Luke Clayton and his outdoor friends bring you another lineup of stories, laughs, and expert tips from the woods and waters of Texas and beyond!

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Segment 1 – Campfire Talk: Luke Clayton & Larry Weishuhn

Luke Clayton and “Mr. Whitetail” Larry Weishuhn gather around the campfire for a lively conversation about fall hunting adventures and the traditions that make this time of year special. From cool mornings in deer country to storytelling that warms the heart, the two share insight into outdoor life, wildlife behavior, and good old-fashioned fellowship among hunting buddies.

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Segment 2 – Striper Express: Bill Carey on Fall Striper Action at Lake Texoma

Legendary Texoma guide Bill Carey joins the show to talk about the outstanding striper bite happening right now on Lake Texoma. Bill shares his latest fishing patterns, lure choices, and how cooler temperatures have fired up the big fish. Tune in to hear firsthand what makes November one of the best times of year to catch trophy stripers with Striper Express!

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Segment 3 – Crappie Secrets with Guide Chris Webb

Professional fishing guide Chris Webb checks in to talk all things fall crappie fishing — from water temperatures and depth patterns to jig color and presentation tips. Luke and Chris discuss how crappie are stacking up this season and the simple strategies that can help any angler find success on their home lake.

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Segment 4 – Luke Arrows a Fall Gobbler

In this exciting wrap-up segment, Luke shares a personal hunting story about arrowing a fall gobbler with his bow. Listeners get a front-row seat to his setup, calling techniques, and the thrill of the hunt. It’s a classic Luke Clayton storytelling moment — blending humor, skill, and a love for the outdoors.

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🎧 Tune In & Stay Connected

Catch Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton and Friends weekly on your favorite podcast platform or local radio affiliate. For more outdoor content, visit CatfishRadio.org and follow Luke and Larry’s adventures across Texas’ great outdoors.