Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends Podcast

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.

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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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.

Cumulative Summary
The January 10th edition of Catfish Radio provides a comprehensive look at winter outdoor opportunities in Texas and beyond. The show balances the serious aspects of conservation and commerce with the pure enjoyment of the sport.

It begins with the camaraderie of Segment 1, grounding the listener in the current season's deer hunting context and the industry excitement surrounding the DSC Convention. Segment 2 shifts to the water, offering actionable, technical advice from Bill Carey on winter striper fishing, proving that fishing season doesn't end when the temperature drops.

Segment 3 introduces a fascinating economic angle to wildlife management, explaining how the commercial hog market works and how it aids in controlling the invasive population. Finally, Segment 4 lightens the mood with Luke's storytelling, ending the hour on a high note that celebrates the fun and often funny reality of spending time in the wild. The episode successfully covers land, water, business, and humor, appealing to a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts.

Here is the summary for the Catfish Radio broadcast from January 10th, featuring host Luke Clayton, co-host Larry Weishuhn, and guests Bill Carey and Mark Lumus.

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn
Guest: Larry Weishuhn ("Mr. Whitetail") Topic: Late Season Deer and the DSC Convention

Luke and Larry open the show with their signature "Campfire Talk," focusing on the transition into the new year and late-season hunting opportunities.

Weather and Deer Movement: They discuss the colder winter weather and how it impacts deer behavior, noting that while the rut is winding down, food sources are now the primary driver for deer movement.

Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Convention: Larry provides a preview (or recap, depending on timing) of the DSC Convention. They emphasize the importance of this massive gathering for hunters, conservationists, and outfitters, describing it as a "must-attend" event for anyone passionate about the outdoors.

Reflections: The duo shares thoughts on the past season, grateful for the memories made, and look forward to the spring hunting seasons approaching.

Segment 2: Winter Striper Fishing on Lake Texoma
Guest: Bill Carey (Guide, Striper Express) Topic: Deadsticking and Winter Tactics

Luke welcomes veteran fishing guide Bill Carey from Lake Texoma to discuss the specialized techniques required for catching Striped Bass in the dead of winter.

The "Deadsticking" Technique: Bill explains the art of "deadsticking," a popular winter method where lures are suspended motionless (or with very subtle movement) in the water column to mimic stunned or lethargic shad in cold water.

The Bite: He describes the winter bite as subtle but rewarding. The fish are often schooled up tight, and once you find them, the action can be fast.

Conditions: Bill notes that despite the cold, winter fishing on Texoma can be incredibly productive because the fish are concentrated. He advises anglers to trust their electronics to locate the bait balls, as the stripers will be close by.

Segment 3: The Business of Wild Hogs
Guest: Mark Lumus (Wild Hog Buyer) Topic: Trapping and Selling Feral Hogs

In this segment, Luke interviews Mark Lumus to shed light on the commercial side of feral hog management—buying live hogs from trappers.

Market Dynamics: Mark explains the process of buying wild hogs from landowners and trappers. He discusses the current demand and how prices fluctuate based on the weight and condition of the animals.

Logistics & Regulations: They touch on the specific regulations regarding the transport of live feral hogs in Texas. Mark clarifies that hogs must be taken to approved holding facilities and cannot be released elsewhere, highlighting the role this industry plays in population control.

Economic Incentive: The conversation illustrates how selling trapped hogs can help landowners offset the cost of feed and damage caused by these invasive animals, turning a pest problem into a small revenue stream.

Segment 4: A Funny Hog Hunting Story
Guest: Luke Clayton (Storytelling) Topic: The Lighter Side of Hog Hunting

Luke closes the show by recounting a humorous personal experience from a past hog hunt, illustrating that things don't always go as planned in the woods.

The Setup: Luke sets the scene of a hog hunt involving a night vision setup or a specific blind location where he expected an easy harvest.

The Mishap: He details the comedic turn of events—likely involving equipment malfunction, a spooked sounder of hogs, or a case of mistaken identity in the dark—that resulted in a memorable "failure" rather than a full freezer.

The Lesson: The story serves as a reminder to not take oneself too seriously and to enjoy the unpredictability of nature. Luke wraps up the episode encouraging listeners to get outdoors, whether fishing for stripers or chasing hogs.

Show Notes: Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton
Date: January 3, 2026

Episode Summary To kick off the new year, Luke and Larry Weishuhn discuss the onset of the deer breeding season in South Texas. The show then welcomes Wade Derby from Crosshair Consulting for a two-part discussion on booking bucket-list adventures, ranging from Alaska to Africa. Finally, Luke wraps up the hour with a solo segment on the growing world of big-bore airgun hunting, sharing tips on getting within range of game.

Segment 1: Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn
Topic: The Rut in South Texas & Late Season Strategies.

Discussion: Larry "Mr. Whitetail" Weishuhn joins Luke to report on the "second rut" occurring in North Texas and the primary rut just kicking off in the brush country of South Texas.

Field Notes: Larry shares a story about rattling in a buck recently and emphasizes that despite the calendar turning to January, the hunting season is far from over. He notes that scrapes are being freshened up again and bucks are actively responding to rattling horns.

Segment 2: Crosshair Consulting with Wade Derby
Topic: Planning and Booking Hunts.

Discussion: Wade Derby of Crosshair Consulting joins the show to explain the role of a hunting consultant. He discusses how he helps clients navigate the complex logistics of tags, travel, and outfitter selection.

Featured Hunts: The conversation touches on accessible hunts for the "working man," such as black bear hunting, which Wade notes is a fantastic and affordable adventure compared to high-dollar sheep hunts.

Segment 3: Worldwide Hunting with Wade Derby
Topic: International Adventures & The "Bucket List".

Discussion: Wade continues the conversation by shifting focus to international destinations. They discuss the appeal of African safaris, particularly for plains game like kudu and impala, which remain a high-value option for hunters.

Insight: Wade advises listeners to stop putting off their dream hunts ("someday I'll go"), encouraging them to book now while health and opportunity align, rather than waiting for a perfect moment that might never come.

Segment 4: Airgun Hunting with Luke Clayton
Topic: The Challenge of Big Bore Airguns.

Discussion: Luke closes the show discussing his passion for hunting with big bore air rifles (specifically .45 and .50 caliber). He explains that unlike long-range centerfire rifles, airguns require getting close—typically within 75 to 100 yards.

Technique: Luke describes the satisfaction of the stalk and the necessity of getting "bow range" close, which brings the excitement of the hunt back to the basics of woodsmanship.

Sponsors & Mentions
Smokin Tex Electric Smokers: smokintex.com

Butcher Packer Supply: butcher-packer.com

Catfish Radio: catfishradio.org

Crosshair Consulting: crosshairconsulting.com

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

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!

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