Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts is gearing up for the 2026 Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show with Frank Smith, General Manager. Frank joins the show to break down everything fans can expect at this year's event and why it continues to be one of the premier outdoor expos in the region.

We discuss this year's featured attraction, Kenneth Lancaster from The Given Right, and why his appearance is creating so much excitement among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Frank also talks about the diversity of the show and how there's truly something for everyone - men, women, and kids alike - whether you love hunting, fishing, archery, outdoor gear, wildlife conservation, or family-friendly activities.

This episode also highlights the return of the popular 3D Fun Archery Shoot, plus the Virginia Peninsula Sportsmen's Association's Big Game Contest, where hunters can showcase some incredible Virginia trophies! We also dsicuss appearances from fan favorites like Eddie Salter and Tim Andrus.

To top it all off, the National Wild Turkey Federation is sponsoring the exciting "Battle of the Borders " turkey calling competition featuring callers from Virginia and West Virginia battling for bragging rights!

If you enjoy anything and everything outdoors, you do not want to miss this event!

https://www.sportsmanshow.com/

Get an inside look at the intersection of outdoor storytelling, competitive archery, and life behind the camera in Episode 56!

In this episode, Mike interviews Joshua Lawler - videographer for the hit TV show Carolina All Out and succesful competitive archer! Joshua shares his journey growing up in North Carolina and how a passion for the outdoors took root early in his life. That passion, along with an artistic nature, eventually led him to study videography in college and build a career capturing some of the most exciting hunting moments on film.

With nearly a decade of experience filming Carolina All Out, Joshua pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to tell a compelling story in the outdoor industry. We dive into the creative and artistic mindset behind the camera, how he approaches storytelling in the field, and what separates good footage from great content.

Joshua also breaks down the world of competitive archery - from indoor shoots to 3D competitions like ASA and IBO events. He shares valuable insight on improving your shooting, dialing in your equipment, and the discipline it takes to become a more consistent and confident archer.

We also discuss the challenges of balancing a professional filming career with his own personal hunting pursuits. When you're always behind the lens, finding time to be the hunter can be tougher than it sounds.

Whether you are a hunter, content creator, or someone who appreciates the outdoors, this episode is packed with insight, experience and inspriration.

Follow Joshua on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joshua_lawler/?hl=en

Get ready for another great episode of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts! In this episode, Mike sits down with Robert Bondurant of Limbshaker Custom Calls, proudly made in Mecklenburg County, VA.

Robert shares the story of how Limshaker Custom Calls got its start - from humble beginnings to crafting high-quality turkey calls that are gaining attention across the region. We also dive into an exciting new chapter for the brand, as Robert talks about their recent online distribution partnership with Cut 'Em Down Waterfowl and what it means for the future of the business.

Of course, it wouldn't be a VCDT episode without some serious turkey talk. Robert and Mike break down effective turkey hunting tips, calling strategies, and real world scenarios to help you be more succesful this season. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, Robert shares the story of a great buck that he harvested this past fall - one you won't want to miss!

As always, expect plenty of laughs, storytelling, and down-to-earth conversations from folks who live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, a turkey enthusiast, or just love a good hunting story, this episode has something for you.

https://cutemdownwaterfowl.com/

In Episode 54, Mike sits down with Justin Elliott of Lenhart's Handmade Calls, from Mecklenburg County, VA, who's built a reputation for producing high-quality, custom turkey calls.

Justin shares the story of how it all started, what inspired them to begin crafting calls, and how the business has grown along the way. The conversation dives into the different types of calls they produce, what makes each one unique, and how hunters can choose the right call to match their style and conditions in the woods.

Of course, it wouldn't be a VCDT episode without plenty of turkey hunting talk! Mike and Justin swap stories from the field, talk strategy for the upcoming season, and offer practical tips to help you become more effective this spring. From calling techniques to reading birds, there's something here for every turkey hunter.

Packed with knowledge, great stories, and plenty of laughs, this is an episode you won't want to miss - especially if you're gearing up for turkey season!

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts!

#turkeyhunting #turkeyseason #huntingpodcast #turkeycalls #turkeycalling #springturkey

In Episode 53 of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike is joined by returning guest Jamie Brady of the North Carolina Deer Hunters Association - this time recorded on site at the 2026 Dixie Deer Classic in Raleigh, NC!

Jamie shares what the NCBA is doing at the show, including scoring deer, hosting the popular photo contest, and promoting their mission. If you've ever attended the Dixie Deer Classic, you know it's one of the biggest gatherings of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the region - and the NCBA is right in the middle of it all.

The conversation also dives into the fast-growing sport of bowfishing - why it's so exciting, how it compares to traditional bowhunting in the fall, and why more hunters are getting hooked on it.

With Spring right around the corner, Mike and Jamie talk Turkey - specifically, strategies for harvesting a gobbler with a bow. From setup tips to shot placement, this is a must-listen for any bowhunter looking to take on the challenge this season.

They also discuss the upcoming annual NCBA banquet and how you can get involved in supporting bowhunting and conservation efforts across North Carolina.

Whether you are a seasoned bowhunter, new to the sport, or just love all things outdoors, this episode is packed with insight, stories and plenty of hunting talk.

https://www.ncbowhunter.com/

Mike sits down with Dwight Dean of Colonial Farm Credit to talk about one of the most important steps toward owning your own piece of land - Financing.

Whether you're dreaming of buying hunting land, recreational property, farmland, or a place to build your future home, Dwight breaks down the land loan process, what lenders look for, and how buyers can best prepare before making a purchase. They discuss loan programs available for rural land buyers, and practical tips that can help turn the dream of land ownership into reality.

Mike and Dwight also talk about how organizations like Colonial Farm Credit help support rural land owners and outdoor lifestyles across Virginia and the Carolinas.

And since turkey season is right around the corner, the conversation naturally shifts to chasing longbeards, spring scouting, and the excitement that comes with the start of another hunting season.

if you've ever thought about owning your own hunting property or rural land, this episode is packed with vauable insight to help get you started.

https://www.colonialfarmcredit.com/

https://www.southernpineoutdoors.com/

#huntingpodcast

In episode 51 of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike travels to Burlington, NC to sit down with Carson Koury of Final Draw TV for an in-depth conversation about chasing mature whitetails, producing outdoor television, and what it takes to be consistent in the deer woods.

Carson shares his journey into the hunting industry, how Final Draw TV was built, and the mindset required to target and harvest mature bucks year after year. We dive into scouting strategies, in-season adjustments, speaking deer language, and the lessons learned from both success and failure. If you're serious about improving your deer hunting game, this episode is packed with practical insight and real world experience.

Whether you're managing your own land, hunting public ground, or just dreaming about that next "final draw" moment - this episode will fire you up for next season!

#huntingpodcast #virginiacarolinadeertracts #finaldrawtv

https://thefinaldraw.com/

Mike is joined by a very special guest as Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts hits the big 50 episode mile stone! In this episode, Mike welcomes back Shawn Mills, original co-host, for a fun. laid back conversation packed with knowledge, reflection, and plenty of laughs.

With deer season in the rearview mirror, Mike and Shawn dive into what hunters should be doing right now. They break down key lessons learned from the past season, how to apply those takeaways to next year, and why the post-season is one of the most important times to set yourself up for success.

Of course, it wouldn't be a reunion episode without plenty of stories, camaraderie, and laughs, making this one a must for long time listeners and new fans alike.

Whether you are hanging up your gear for a bit or already thinking about next fall, this episode is packed with insight and good times. Thanks for being a part of the journey, here's to the next 50!