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Oregon County Commissioner Jake Parker joins Alex Rutledge to discuss the critical tax base crisis facing southern Missouri counties with large National Forest holdings. Learn how 106,000 acres of federal land in Oregon County generates minimal tax revenue, threatening local schools and infrastructure. Jake explains the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) problem, salvage timber sales at $1,100/acre, and the grassroots resolution movement to increase federal contributions from 25% to 50%. Plus: Turkey season scouting tips, Mississippi hunting stories, and Jake's authentic Louisiana crawfish boil recipe.

Chapter Markers:

• Introduction & Local Sports Update (1:21)
• Meet Jake Parker - From Mississippi to Missouri (9:50)
• National Forest Tax Base Crisis (15:49)
• School Funding & PILT Payments (19:43)
• Impact on Communities & Resolution Movement (23:50)
• Turkey Hunting Season Preview (34:39)
• Cooking Crawfish Southern Style (42:07)

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:
https://www.mhhf.us/

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Join Alex Rutledge and Red Bone on American Roots Outdoors as they dive deep into the art of turkey hunting and vocalization techniques. In this comprehensive episode, you'll learn essential turkey calling methods including tree calls, clucks, purrs, cutting, and aggressive calling strategies. Alex shares expert tips on setting up for success, reading turkey behavior, understanding the pecking order, and communicating effectively with both gobblers and hens. Plus, hear exciting hunting stories, local sports updates, cooking recipes for wild turkey, and discussions about conservation efforts. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical knowledge to help you close the deal on your next gobbler. Featuring special segments on 12 Point Hunting Blinds, Eagle Seed food plots, and Wise Eye cameras

• 0:00 - Introduction & Tree Calling Basics
• 2:09 - Local Events & Sports Update
• 10:26 - Setting Up on a Roosted Turkey
• 10:48 - Aggressive Calling & Pecking Order
• 13:54 - Locating Turkeys & Reading Gobblers
• 19:11 - Controlling the Turkey & Finishing Techniques
• 24:31 - Diaphragm Calls & The M150
• 31:05 - Turkey Hunting Story - The Church Hunt
• 35:52 - Dealing with Fence-Hanging Turkeys
• 38:46 - Wild Turkey Recipes & Cooking Tips

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:
https://www.mhhf.us/

To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:
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To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:
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https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/

To follow Alex Rutledge:
https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/
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Join Alex Rutledge and Red Bone from American Roots Outdoors for an in-depth masterclass on turkey hunting. Learn essential turkey vocalizations including tree calls, fly-down cackles, clucks, yelps, and cutting techniques. Discover expert strategies for calling hung-up gobblers, handling multi-bird scenarios, and mastering diaphragm calls. Plus, hear Alex's unforgettable story of his first turkey at age 14, and get Red Bone's recipe for delicious turkey fajitas. Perfect for both beginners and experienced hunters looking to improve their calling skills before turkey season.

Chapter Markers Added:

• Introduction & Current Events (0:00)
• Turkey Vocalizations Overview (10:00)
• Hen Calls from the Roost (12:30)
• Tree Calls & Fly Down Cackles (14:00)
• Clucking, Yelping & Cutting (17:00)
• Advanced Calling Techniques (19:00)
• Hung-Up Gobblers Strategy (21:30)
• Multi-Bird Scenarios (24:30)
• Diaphragm Call Mastery (25:30)
• Memorable Turkey Hunts (28:00)
• Alex's First Turkey Story (30:00)
• Hunting Heritage & Conservation (33:30)
• Turkey Fajitas Recipe (39:00)

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:
https://www.mhhf.us/

To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413

To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:
https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/

To follow Alex Rutledge:
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Join Alex Rutledge and Red Bone for an in-depth guide to scouting turkeys for the 2026 season. Learn expert techniques from traditional listening methods to modern trail camera strategies using Wise Eye data cams. This episode covers everything from understanding turkey behavior patterns and strut zones to building your own scouting algorithm. Plus, get tips on landowner relations, hunting ethics, and a bonus meatloaf recipe. Featuring updates from the NWTF Convention and local sports coverage.

Chapter Markers with Timestamps:

• 0:00
  • Introduction & NWTF Convention Recap
• 4:36
  • Local High School Sports Update
• 11:08
  • Traditional Scouting Methods
• 15:45
  • Understanding Turkey Behavior & Movement Patterns
• 26:15
  • Using Wise Eye Trail Cameras for Scouting
• 40:25
  • Landowner Relations & Hunting Ethics
• 43:58
  • Bonus: Red Bone's Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:
https://www.mhhf.us/

To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413

To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:
https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/

To follow Alex Rutledge:
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"Join Alex Rutledge and Mike "Redbone" Crase on American Roots Outdoors for an exciting conversation with Kenny Zuspan of First Class Whitetails, who's hosting an unprecedented turkey hunting competition in Ohio and West Virginia. With $50,000 on the line for first place and total payouts exceeding $120,000, this tag-team turkey hunt is changing the game for competitive hunting.

Kenny shares details about the 5-day competition where teams of two hunters chase six gobblers across 36 managed farms spanning over 16,000 acres. Learn about last year's incredible success with 58 turkeys harvested in just five days, the strict video verification process, and how to secure one of the six remaining spots for this year's event.

Plus: fishing reports, high school basketball rankings, and a heartfelt tribute to Danny Van Eaton. Whether you're a serious turkey hunter or just love outdoor competition, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration."

• 0:00 - Introduction & Sports Talk
• 1:50 - Fishing Reports & Super Bowl Recap
• 4:30 - High School Basketball Rankings
• 6:07 - Danny Van Eaton Tribute & Show Preview
• 8:47 - Kenny Zuspan Interview Begins
• 10:57 - Competition Format & Rules Explained
• 14:00 - Prize Money & Entry Details
• 19:20 - Last Year's Competition Results
• 26:29 - Property Management & Turkey Conservation
• 29:53 - Contact Information & How to Enter
• 31:17 - Future Plans & Predator Hunting Contest
• 35:11 - Bonus Segment: Turkey Recipes & Final Thoughts

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:
https://www.mhhf.us/

To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413

To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:
https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/

To follow Alex Rutledge:
https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/
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Join Alex Rutledge and special guest Cole Legnon from Wise Eye Technologies for an in-depth discussion on using trail cameras to maximize your turkey hunting success. Learn how Wise Eye's innovative camera technology and Hunt Control app can help weekend warriors and serious hunters alike pattern gobblers, save time and money, and close the deal on your next tom.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Wise Eye cameras use AI to automatically pattern turkey behavior and predict the best hunting times and locations
• The new Ranch Plus Plan starting at just $8 per camera
• Strategic camera placement tips for food plots, water sources, and strut zones
• Camera setup techniques specifically for turkey hunting
• How real-time notifications can guide you to active gobblers during your hunt
• Additional uses for conservation, trapping, and property security

Plus, stick around for the bonus segment where Cole shares his favorite Cajun-style wild turkey recipes, including turkey neck gumbo and fried turkey nuggets!

Whether you're a weekend warrior with limited scouting time or a dedicated turkey hunter looking for an edge, this episode will show you how modern trail camera technology can transform your spring season.

Chapter Markers:

1. Introduction & Current Events
   • 1:15
2. Cole Legnon Joins - Wise Eye Marketing Team
   • 10:37
3. Wise Eye Technology & Conservation
   • 13:57
4. Ranch Plus Plan Pricing
   • 18:52
5. Camera Placement for Turkey Hunting
   • 26:20
6. Camera Setup Tips & Techniques
   • 28:08
7. Additional Uses - Trapping & Security
   • 30:42
8. Bonus: Wild Turkey Recipes
   • 37:52

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:
https://www.mhhf.us/

To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413

To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:
https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/

To follow Alex Rutledge:
https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/
To follow Wayne Lach:
https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5
To follow Mike Crase:
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Join Alex Rutledge and trapper extraordinaire Terry Weaver (TW River Rat Pump Works) for part two of "So You Wanna Become a Trapper" on American Roots Outdoors. This in-depth episode covers everything you need to know about setting traps properly to catch predators like coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons.

Terry shares expert techniques for both live traps and steel foothold traps, including proper bedding, bait selection, and scent control. Learn about dirt hole sets, the importance of natural materials, and how to make predators put their foot exactly where you want it.

Beyond trapping, Terry opens up about overcoming devastating setbacks—losing his shop to fire in 2024 and a tornado in 2025—and how faith and perseverance kept him going. The episode also covers local sports, community updates, food plot strategies for attracting game, and wraps up with wild game recipes including rabbit stew and fried rabbit.

Topics Covered:

• Live trap setup for bobcats and coyotes
• Steel trap techniques and proper bedding
• Bait and lure strategies for different predators
• Scent control and natural materials
• Food plots and predator hunting connections
• Overcoming adversity through faith
• Wild game cooking tips

Sponsors: Eagle Seed, Wise Eye Cameras, 12 Point Hunting Blinds, Hornady Ammunition, Span Dial Arms

Chapter Markers Added:

1. Introduction & Community Updates (0:00)
2. Local Sports Recap (5:19)
3. Trapping Basics - Live Traps (11:48)
4. Steel Traps for Coyotes (17:22)
5. Proper Trap Setting Techniques (21:31)
6. Bait & Lure Strategies (32:47)
7. Terry's Story - Overcoming Adversity (12:48)
8. Food Plot Connection to Trapping (29:47)
9. Recipes & Cooking Wild Game (41:41)

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:
https://www.mhhf.us/

To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413

To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:
https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/

To follow Alex Rutledge:
https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/
To follow Wayne Lach:
https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5
To follow Mike Crase:
https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase

Send a text

Join Alex Rutledge and Red Bone for an in-depth exploration of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) - America's greatest conservation success story. In this special episode, we dive into the fascinating history of how one man's vision in 1972 transformed wild turkey populations from near extinction to thriving across all 50 states.

We discuss the upcoming NWTF National Convention in Nashville, featuring over 80,000 attendees, celebrity appearances including Craig Morgan, and the historic 50th anniversary exhibit. Plus, we share personal turkey hunting stories, discuss current weather impacts on wildlife, cover local sports updates, and wrap up with delicious wild turkey recipes you can try at home.

Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or just curious about conservation, this episode celebrates the heritage, community, and passion that makes turkey hunting a cherished American tradition.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] Introduction & Weather Update

• Snow and ice conditions in the Ozarks
• Safety reminders for winter weather
• MDC tree stand regulations and spring turkey hunt applications

[7:30] Current Events: Sports Roundup

• High school basketball updates (Liberty, Van Buren, Bunker Eagles)
• College basketball highlights and faith testimonies
• NFL playoff predictions and Super Bowl preview

[15:45] Craig Morgan Concert Announcement

• March 21st Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser at West Plains Civic Center
• Ticket information and Craig Morgan's military promotion

[18:20] NWTF National Convention Preview

• Nashville convention details (February)
• 80,000+ attendees expected
• Historic 50th anniversary exhibit
• Celebrity appearances and Grand National Turkey Calling Competition

[22:15] The Beginning: NWTF History (Part 1)

• Wild turkey population crisis (1.3 million birds in 1972)
• Federal legislation: Lacy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Pittman-Robertson Act
• Cannon net technology revolution
• Tom Rogers' vision for a national organization

[32:40] The Founding: NWTF History (Part 2)

• Tom Rogers meets key supporters (Frank Piper, Jerry Ones, John Lewis)
• March 28, 1973: NWTF chartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia
• Move to Edgefield, South Carolina with "$10,000 and a cigar box of membership cards"
• First headquarters established

[40:25] NWTF Impact & Mission

• Research and conservation efforts
• Disease prevention and wildlife management
• Importance of membership and chapter involvement
• Current River Callers chapter raises over $40,000

[48:50] Personal Stories & Convention Experience

• Alex's introduction to NWTF in 1981 by Glen Cade
• History of turkey calling evolution
• Why families should attend the Nashville convention
• Meeting celebrities and professional hunters

[56:30] Conservation Philosophy

• Getting kids involved in the outdoors
• Ethical hunting and land stewardship
• Supporting NRA, Sportsman's Alliance, and conservation organizations
• Passing heritage to future generations

[1:02:15] Bonus Segment: Wild Turkey Recipes

• Red Bone's smoked turkey breast technique (with moisture pan method)
• Alex's turkey nuggets with buttermilk marinade
• Turkey salad sandwich spread from dark meat
• Tips for using the entire bird

[1:08:30] Closing Thoughts

• Turkey hunting camp opportunities in Ohio, Missouri, and Alabama
• Final message: "Love one another, teach your boys to become men, teach your girls to become ladies"
• W