Zach Maddox shares his journey from firefighter to Ironman competitor and how outdoor pursuits saved his mental health while inspiring his mission to help fellow first responders and veterans heal through nature and community support.

• Former firefighter/paramedic who found healing through hunting and fishing after mental health struggles
• Currently training for Ironman triathlon to raise $500,000 for mental health treatment
• Lost 50 pounds through training while gaining mental clarity and purpose
• Created Healing Heroes guide company to take first responders/veterans hunting and fishing for free
• Works with Combat Vets to Careers helping military transition to civilian life
• Motivated by colleague's suicide to become more active in suicide prevention
• Emphasizes that outdoor activities provide therapeutic escape from daily stressors
• Connected with Eco Outfitters, a veteran-owned company focused on quality coolers at accessible prices
• Passionate about helping others find the same peace and healing he discovered in nature

Visit HookaHero.com/projectironmind to support Zach's mission to fund mental health therapy for first responders and veterans.

Companies we LOVE | Ways to Support the Podcast ↓

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Williamson Outfitters (Coastal Florida Waterfowl Hunts, Fishing, Gator Hunts and Much more!)

https://floridaducks.com/

Looking to waterfowl hunt in Arkansas? Give our good friend Kade Weatherford, Owner of Delta Thunder Outfitters a call at (870)-926-7944

We sit down with Ryan Burnett, founder of Pattern Pros, who's revolutionizing waterfowl hunting with innovative shotgun shell variety packs that help hunters find their perfect ammunition match for improved accuracy and fewer wounded birds.

• Pattern Pros creates variety packs containing multiple shotgun shell brands in one box
• Their waterfowl box includes 8 different shells with 3 of each in a 24-shell box
• Turkey edition offers 5 different shells in one box
• Helps hunters identify which shells pattern best with their specific gun and choke combination
• Proper patterning reduces crippled birds and improves hunting efficiency
• Pattern Pros experienced 50% business growth at this year's Delta Waterfowl Expo
• Company now receives orders nationwide with overwhelmingly positive customer feedback
• New products include upland boxes for pheasant and dove hunting
• Innovative choke tube rental program coming soon, allowing hunters to test before buying
• Patterning shotguns reduces overall shooting, creating less pressure in hunting areas
• Conservation impact through improved harvesting efficiency and fewer wounded birds
• Ryan emphasizes that effective patterning doesn't necessarily require expensive shells

If you're tired of wasting money on shells that don't perform with your gun or missing shots on birds, check out Pattern Pros at patternpros.com and take the guesswork out of your shotgun ammunition.

Companies we LOVE | Ways to Support the Podcast ↓

Code onehellofalife15 for 15 percent off https://dirtyduckcoffee.com/

Williamson Outfitters (Coastal Florida Waterfowl Hunts, Fishing, Gator Hunts and Much more!)

https://floridaducks.com/

Looking to waterfowl hunt in Arkansas? Give our good friend Kade Weatherford, Owner of Delta Thunder Outfitters a call at (870)-926-7944

Travis Thompson shares his journey as a fifth-generation Floridian dedicated to conservation through All Florida, his duck guiding business, and his work with the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt. His passion for protecting wild spaces while respecting private property rights shapes his approach to Florida's conservation challenges.

• Working in conservation through three roles: All Florida organization, Duck Ranching guide service, and the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt
• Securing Florida's constitutional right to hunt and fish as the 24th state to have this protection
• Navigating the balance between responsible development and conservation in Florida's growing landscape
• Explaining how the Florida Wildlife Corridor protects 10 million acres with a goal of 18 million acres
• Creating partnerships between landowners, hunters, and conservationists to keep land wild while generating revenue
• Celebrating the restoration of Florida's black bear hunt as a conservation success story
• Managing land for duck hunting that unexpectedly provided habitat for 10% of North America's endangered Snail Kites
• Encouraging everyone to find their personal "conservation ethic" beyond social media activism
• Supporting complementary organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl for their unique conservation roles

Check out All Florida at allflaorg to learn more about conservation initiatives in the Sunshine State and follow Travis Thompson's work protecting Florida's natural resources.

Dawson Yates shares his journey from basketball player to waterfowl guide, showcasing how hunting became his passion and led to his viral TikTok videos including the famous duck coaching pool clip.

• Started duck hunting as a young boy but became serious about it in high school
• Transitioned from basketball to hunting as his main passion and focus
• Built an impressive man cave in his garage that serves as a hangout spot for friends
• Began guiding two years ago, finding joy in helping clients shoot their first duck
• Gained TikTok following by sharing authentic hunting stories rather than just success
• Believes the best guides are entertainers who can make even slow days enjoyable
• Created the Talking Timber brand with apparel and an upcoming podcast

Follow Dawson at TheDawsonYates on Instagram and TikTok, and check out Talking Timber for new hats coming soon.

Dawson Peak shares his journey from growing up on a family-owned sporting clay range and quail hunting preserve to becoming a college shooting champion and avid waterfowl hunter.

• Growing up in a family business managing sporting clay courses, rifle/pistol ranges, and quail hunting in Quitman, Georgia
• Managing 26 hunting dogs of various breeds and the challenges of keeping them healthy in Georgia heat
• Competing in sporting clays from age 12 and eventually winning national championships with Georgia Southern University
• Finding success in college shooting competitions and the financial challenges of the sport
• Using a Lab as both a waterfowl retriever and quail flush dog
• Tips for better wingshooting: keep both eyes open and focus on the target, not the barrel
• Hunting diver ducks along the Florida-Georgia coast and dealing with saltwater challenges
• Story of an epic public land teal hunt where 16 hunters joined forces and nearly everyone limited out
• The importance of being honest with game wardens and respecting wildlife conservation

To book a quail hunt or visit the sporting clay courses at Dawson's family business, contact him at 229-415-6028 or find him on Instagram @dtpeak2016.

Dennis Loosier and Billy Campbell from Dr. Duck join us to discuss the challenges facing public land hunters and the importance of mutual respect in preserving hunting opportunities for future generations.

• The increasing regulations on public land hunting are making it harder for hunters to enjoy the sport
• Dennis and Billy emphasize that success in duck hunting isn't measured by numbers but by the opportunity to hunt on your own terms
• The "same team" philosophy encourages hunters to treat each other with respect and sportsmanship
• One regulation typically leads to another, creating a domino effect across states that restricts hunting access
• Designated hunting days and draw systems disproportionately affect young hunters with limited time
• Social media can either promote poor behavior or positive examples of respectful hunting
• Both guests share stories of helping fellow hunters, demonstrating how community builds better experiences
• The conversation includes a fun "This or That" segment revealing preferences on everything from shotgun gauge to favorite snacks

If you enjoy the outdoors and care about preserving access to public lands, share this episode and help spread the message of respect and community in hunting.

Companies we LOVE | Ways to Support the Podcast ↓

Code onehellofalife15 for 15 percent off https://dirtyduckcoffee.com/

Williamson Outfitters (Coastal Florida Waterfowl Hunts, Fishing, Gator Hunts and Much more!)

https://floridaducks.com/

Looking to waterfowl hunt in Arkansas? Give our good friend Kade Weatherford, Owner of Delta Thunder Outfitters a call at (870)-926-7944

We sit down with duck hunting guide Kade Weatherford at the Ducks Expo 2025 to discuss the realities of waterfowl hunting and what to expect for the upcoming season. Cade shares his firsthand experience of managing expectations and creating memorable experiences for hunters regardless of conditions.

• The importance of not judging an outfitter based on a single hunt experience
• Why worked-up dirt can sometimes produce better hunting than planted fields
• How hundreds of thousands of unplanted acres in Arkansas might affect the upcoming season
• Insight into duck feeding patterns and lesser-known food sources like smartweeds and invertebrates
• Why hunting multiple days significantly increases your chances of success
• Discussion of hunting pressure theory and when to rest versus hunt your property
• Detailed breakdown of available dates for the upcoming season
• Affordable rates of $250 per day with $100 deposit and optional $40 lodging

To book a hunt with Kade Weatherford, call 870-926-7944. Available dates are limited and filling fast.

Companies we LOVE | Ways to Support the Podcast ↓

Code onehellofalife15 for 15 percent off https://dirtyduckcoffee.com/

Williamson Outfitters (Coastal Florida Waterfowl Hunts, Fishing, Gator Hunts and Much more!)

https://floridaducks.com/

Looking to waterfowl hunt in Arkansas? Give our good friend Kade Weatherford, Owner of Delta Thunder Outfitters a call at (870)-926-7944

Lucas Haygood shares his journey to become a passionate duck hunter and social media presence, highlighting the importance of mentorship in the outdoors. He explains how his uncle Kyle gave him purpose through hunting after losing his father at age three and dealing with his mother's addiction.

• Growing up hunting private land before venturing into Arkansas public land
• Finding his voice on social media after struggling to gain traction initially
• Advocating for sportsmanship and cooperation on crowded public hunting areas
• Emphasizing the need for proper scouting and homework before hunting unfamiliar areas
• Discussing gear preferences including surface drives over outboards, 12 gauge over 20, and Bush Light (not apple) for refreshment

Follow Lucas on Instagram and TikTok @HeyGood84 to keep up with his waterfowl adventures and insights.