In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we sit down with John Hanks, Large Carnivore Biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, to unpack the historic 2025 Louisiana black bear hunting season.

Not long ago, the Louisiana black bear was on the brink of disappearing. Today, thanks to decades of research, habitat work, and careful management, the population has rebounded enough to support a tightly regulated harvest. John walks us through how that recovery actually happened, what biologists are seeing across the state right now, and why this season marked such an important milestone for conservation.

We talk population numbers, habitat expansion, how bears are being monitored, what surprised biologists during the 2025 season, and what the future holds for both hunters and the species itself. This is a behind-the-scenes look at modern wildlife management and a reminder that conservation success stories don’t happen overnight.

Whether you’re a hunter, landowner, or someone who simply wants to understand how Louisiana’s wildlife is managed, this conversation gives real insight into one of the state’s greatest conservation comebacks.

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In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we dive into suppressors, firearms, and the ATF changes scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2026, including the federal tax stamp moving to zero dollars.

We talk through what suppressors actually do, common myths, how the current process works, and what these upcoming changes realistically mean for hunters, shooters, and responsible gun owners. This is a grounded conversation focused on facts, legality, and real-world use, not headlines or hype.

If you’ve been curious about suppressors or wondering how these changes may affect you next year, this episode will get you up to speed.

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This episode is a sit down with Spotted Dog Sporting Goods owners Michael and Richard, joined by Zach Pool of Rafter P Custom Knives. We dig into the latest Mathews and Hoyt hunting bows, talk real world hunting gear that actually matters, swap a few hunting stories, and look ahead to Christmas season.

More than anything, this episode is a thank you! Thank you for supporting the shop, supporting local business, and supporting The Spotted Dog Podcast. None of this works without the community around it, and we don’t take that for granted.

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Nolan sits down with Reaper Boats owner Zach Randall for a straight-shooting conversation about duck hunting, boat design, and what really matters on the water.

They talk about what duck hunters obsess over, new partnerships that you haven't heard of yet, and being a Jesus led person. If you run a boat or chase ducks, this one will get you thinking.

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Nick Joiner and Michael McVay drop in for a Holiday Special built for anyone tired of guessing what to buy the hunters in their life. We swap hunting stories, break down the season so far, and then build a Christmas list with gifts that won’t get returned on December 26th.

If you’re shopping for someone who’s impossible to buy for, or trying to make sure your own list doesn’t end up full of socks and scented candles, this episode has you covered. Tune in, laugh with us, and walk away with gift ideas that won’t miss the mark this Christmas!

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Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is one of the most divisive topics among whitetail hunters. In this episode, we sit down with Johnathan Bordelon, Deer Program Manager and Whitetail Deer Biologist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and John Hanks, LDWF’s Large Carnivore Biologist, to unpack the science, the rumors, and the regulations surrounding CWD. From management zones to testing, this conversation sheds light on what’s really happening behind the state’s decisions and what it means for us Louisiana deer hunters moving forward.

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In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with seasoned elk hunter Mr. Kenny to talk all things elk gear, scouting, and what the upcoming season could bring. Nolan also shares the exciting news about drawing a rare Navajo Nation archery elk tag and the plans, challenges, and dreams that come with it. Whether you’re an elk hunting veteran or gearing up for your first season, this episode is packed with insight and stories from the mountains.

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In this episode, LDWF’s own Large Carnivore Program Manager and Biologist, John Hanks, returns to the Spotted Dog Podcast Studio for a second time. Nolan and John dive into Louisiana’s expanding black bear population, the recent increase in tags, and what it means for hunters and conservation alike. John shares the latest insights on habitat growth, management strategies, and the science behind one of the most respected wildlife projects to ever exist in the state. Whether you’re in the woods this season or just curious about the return of Louisiana’s black bears, this episode is packed with info you don’t want to miss.

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