In episode 67 of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike speaks with Justin Folks, Deer Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR), to discuss a topic that has been getting the attention of Virginia deer hunters - Hemorrhagic Disease (HD).

HD is a naturally occurring viral disease that affects white-tailed deer. The viruses responsible for HD, including Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Bluetongue, are transmitted through the bites of tiny biting midges.

Justin explains how HD occurs regularly in Virginia, why certain conditions can lead to outbreaks, and what hunters and landowners should know when they encounter sick or dead deer. We also discuss some of the most common questions surrounding HD.

Whether you're a deer hunter, landowner, wildlife enthusiast, or simply concernced about the health of Virginia's deer herds, this episode provides valuable information directly from one of Virginia's wildlife professionals.

#virginiacarolinadeertracts #huntingpodcast #hunting #EHD #bluetongue #whitetaildeer #deermanagement

In this episode of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike sits down with John and Summer Dunavant of Dundas Taxidermy for a conversation about one of the most important things we can do as outdoorsmen and women - pass our outdoor heritage on to the next generation!

Dundas Taxidermy's motto is "Take a Child in the Wild", and John and Summer aren't just talking about it - they're putting that philosophy into action. They share the story behind the 1st Annual "Take a Child in the Wild" National Fishing Tournament, an exciting event designed to introduce young people to the outdoors and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Mike, John, and Summer discuss why getting kids involved in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities is so important for the future of our outdoor traditions. From teaching kids where their food comes from to creating lifelong memories in the woods and on the water, getting the next generation outdoors is critical to preserving our hunting and fishing heritage.

And there's some BREAKING NEWS during this episode! Dundas Taxidermy is stepping up in a big way by sponsoring the brand-new Youth Division of this year's Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts Big Buck Contest!

It's a great partnership with an even greater purpose - giving young hunters their own opportunity to compete, be recognized, and celebrate their accomplishments in the outdoors.

If you believe in Taking a Child in the Wild, you're not going to want to miss this episode!

#youthhunting #virginiahunting #northcarolinahunting #huntingpodcast #fishing

The Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show has officially wrapped up, and on the final day of the show, Mike sat down for an impromptu conversation with special guest Frank Smith, General Manager of the show.

This episode is a hearfelt thank you from Frank to the sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this year's show a tremendous success. Events like this don't happen without a lot of hard work and the support of an incredible outdoor community.

Of course, Mike couldn't let Frank leave without revisiting the first annual Mike vs. Frank 3D Archery Challenge (with special guest Kenneth Lancaster)! After plenty of smack talk leading up to the competition, Frank finally has to admit it on camera....Mike was the better archer!!

But the rivalry isn't over. If anything, this year's challenge has already planted the seeds for another round!

Join us as we look back on another great Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, celebrate the people who make it possible, and start looking ahead to next year's show - and the next Mike vs. Frank archery showdown!

#virginiacarolinadeertracts #virginiaoutdoorsportsmanshow #FrankSmith #hunting #whitetaildeer #3DArchery #archery #virginiahunting #Virginiaoutdoors #huntingpodcast