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

Episode 64: In this episode, Mike sits down with one of the biggest names in outdoor television, Kenneth Lancaster of The Given Right while at the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show. Kenneth is the headliner at this year's show and one of the many seminar speakers - but before the conversation gets too serious, Kenneth makes sure that Mike and Frank Smith hear about his recent victory over them in a 3D archery competition.

From there, the conversation covers some of Kenneth's biggest hunting adventures and goals. We get an update on Kenneth's incredible Chasing 49 journey - a goal of harvesting a wild turkey in all of the lower 48 states plus Hawaii. Kenneth also talks about his recent completion of the Caribou Slam plus several adventures on episodes of The Given Right.

Mike and Kenneth talk about the importance of hunting, the experiences that come with it, and the God-given opportunity we have to enjoy the outdoors and pursue wild game.

Of course, Mike couldn't let Kenneth leave without signing off with one of the most recognizable tag lines in hunting television:

"Never apologize for your God given right to hunt!"

If you're a fan of Kenneth Lancaster, The Given Right TV or hunting in general, you won't want to miss this episode.

Be sure to Follow the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast for more hunting conversations, outdoor adventures, land management, deer hunting, bowhunting, turkey hunting and interviews with outdoor personalities from Virgina, North Carolina and beyond!

#neverapologize #huntingpodcast #chasing49 #turkeyhunting #deerhunting #caribouhunting #bowhunting #kennethlancaster #thegivenright #virginiaoutdoorsportsmanshow

In this special episode, Mike is joined by his son, Casey, as they record live from the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show.

Fresh home from deployment, Casey shares what it's like to finally attend Virginia's premier outdoor show for the very first time. Together, Mike and Casey talk about the excitement of being surrounded by fellow hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, exhibitors, and everything that makes the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman show one of the region's can't-miss events.

This conversation also takes a nostalgic turn as Casey tell's one of his favorite hunting stories from his childhood - a memorable experience that helped shape his passion for the outdoors and created lasting memories with his dad. It's a heartfelt reminder of why hunting is about so much more than harvesting game - it's about family, tradition, and passing our outdoor heritage from one generation to the next.

Whether you're a lifelong hunter, enjoy hearing family hunting stories, or are planning to attend next year's Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, this episode is for you!

#hunting #huntingpodcast #deerhunting #whitetailhunting #huntingstories #whitetaildeer #huntinglife #outdoorpodcast #familytraditions

Get ready for the biggest outdoor event in Virginia! In this episode Mike is joined by Frank Smith, the general manager of the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, for a preview of everything happening at this year's event.

Frank shares the latest updates leading into show week, highlights can't-miss attractions, and breaks down the exciting lineups of seminars and special events. Whether you're a deer hunter, turkey hunter, angler, or outdoor enthusiast, there's something for everyone!

Join us for another great episode of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast as we sit down with Britton White, host of MDE Outdoors, to talk about the story behind one of Virginia's favorite hunting shows.

Britton shares how MDE Outdoors got its start, the meaning behind the show's name, and why their content has connected with so many hunters across Virginia and beyond. MDE Outdoors showcases the real experiences, challenges, successes, and failures that everyday hunters can relate to.

We also look back on some of the biggest highlights from last season, including Britton's biggest buck, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs from the field. If you've ever wondered what goes into producing a hunting television show while balancing work, family, and a passion for the outdoors, this episode is for you!

The conversation also turns to the upcoming Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, where MDE Outdoors has become a fan favorite by bringing energy, entertainment, and exciting giveaways to attendees each year. If you're planning to attend the show, you'll hear why their booth should be one of your first stops.

Whether you're a lifelong Virginia Hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and insight into what makes hunting in the Commonwealth so special.

On this episode of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike is joined by one of the biggest names in the turkey hunting world - "The Turkey Man" Eddie Salter.

Known around the world for his championship turkey calling, decades of hunting success, television appearances, and passion for sharing the outdoors, Eddie has helped educate and inspire generations of turkey hunters. Whether you're a seasoned spring gobbler hunter or just getting started, you'll enjoy hearing the stories, wisdom and laughs from one of the sport's true legends.

They also preview the upcoming Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, where Eddie Salter will be appearing all weekend with his own booth, meeting fans, talking hunting, and presenting live seminars packed with turkey hunting tips and calling techniques. If you're planning to attend the show, this episode gives you a great preview of what you can expect from one of the event's featured guests.

Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast so that you'll never miss an episode!