In this episode of the HuntFishTravel Podcast, I sit down with Amy Siewe, better known as The Python Huntress.

Amy is a professional python hunter working on the front lines of conservation in Florida, helping remove one of the most destructive invasive species in North America. We talk about how she went from real estate broker to full-time python hunter, what it's actually like to hunt massive snakes in the wild, and why this work is so critical to protecting native wildlife in the Everglades.

We dive deep into how Burmese pythons ended up in Florida in the first place, the impact they've had on native mammals and ecosystems, what a real python hunt looks like, from spotlighting roads at night to catching snakes by hand, the largest python Amy has ever caught and a wild story to go with it, and how python hunting ties directly into scientific research and conservation.

This episode is fascinating, intense, occasionally jaw-dropping (I probably said "bananas" way too many times to count), and deeply rooted in responsible conservation. Amy's respect for wildlife and the Everglades comes through loud and clear and I walked away with a whole new understanding of just how serious the python problem really is.

Whether you're a hunter, angler, conservationist, or just someone who loves wild stories from the field, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Learn more or book a hunt: pythonhuntress.com
Follow Amy's adventures: @thepythonhuntress on Instagram and @pythonhuntress on Facebook.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:24 – Opening intro & setting the Everglades scene

01:24 – 02:37 – Meet Amy Siewe, The Python Huntress

02:37 – 04:05 – How Amy became a professional python hunter

04:05 – 05:48 – From thrill-seeking to conservation mission

05:48 – 07:16 – How Burmese pythons invaded Florida

07:16 – 08:47 – Population explosion & lack of predators

08:47 – 10:22 – How big pythons get (and how dangerous they could be)

10:22 – 12:18 – What pythons eat & ecosystem collapse

12:18 – 14:17 – Why the Everglades are the perfect python habitat

14:17 – 15:55 – How python hunts actually work

15:55 – 16:18 – Catching pythons by hand

16:18 – 17:30 – Spotting snakes at night

17:30 – 24:46 – The 17-foot, 110-pound python story

24:46 – 26:39 – Why live capture is necessary

26:39 – 29:07 – Research, data, and working with biologists

29:07 – 30:44 – Hair-raising moments in the field

30:44 – 31:39 – Licensing, legality, and invasive species rules

31:39 – 33:29 – Ethics, conservation, and respecting wildlife

33:29 – 35:25 – Booking a hunt & following Amy online

35:25 – 36:03 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

In this episode of the HuntFishTravel Podcast, I'm on location at Devil's Lake, North Dakota, for a media trip hosted this past spring by the Devil's Lake Tourism Bureau in conjunction with the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. While there, I had the chance to sit down with Jared Pokrzywinski, an experienced fishing guide and Pro Staff Team member, to talk all things Devil's Lake.

Jared shares his story of turning his passion into a career and offers practical tips for both beginners and seasoned anglers. We cover everything from seasonal targets - why walleye are king in summer and perch rule in winter - to the thrill of chasing northern pike with tip-ups. Jared even lets us in on his favorite bait, frozen smelt, and explains why electronics are non-negotiable for anyone fishing Devil's Lake.

What I found especially fascinating is how the lake's ever-changing water levels create a constantly evolving fishery. Jared describes Devil's Lake as a giant aquarium, full of underwater structures and community spots that consistently hold fish. He also makes a strong case for hiring a guide if it's your first time on the water here, not just to find fish, but to safely navigate this massive lake.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Jared's dream job of getting paid to fish

• Seasonal favorites: walleye in summer, perch in winter

• Northern pike and the excitement of tip-up fishing

• Frozen smelt as the go-to winter bait

• Why Devil's Lake is like a giant aquarium

• The importance of hiring a guide your first time

• Electronics as the secret to finding fish

• Challenges created by fluctuating water levels

• Why community spots always draw anglers

• Trusting your electronics and scouting before dropping lines

A huge thank-you to Devil's Lake Tourism for the amazing hosting experience. This truly is a fisherman's dream destination, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it.

👉 Plan your own trip to Devil's Lake at https://devilslakend.com.

In this episode I sit down with Kevin Paulson to talk about his passion for mule deer hunting and why Nebraska deserves more attention as a hunting destination. We cover the challenges of the Nebraska draw system, the importance of prioritizing safety in the field, and how quality hunting gear and education have improved over the years. I share my experience attending the Aglow conference and how networking with other outdoor writers and content creators opens doors for collaboration, media trips, and exciting new opportunities. If you are interested in mule deer, hunting in Nebraska, or learning more about the outdoor writing community, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mule Deer Hunting in Nebraska

02:53 Kevin Paulson's Journey and Connection to Nebraska

05:27 Understanding Nebraska's Mule Deer Hunting Regulations

08:18 The Hidden Gems of Nebraska for Hunters

10:59 Public Land Access and Hunting Strategies

13:46 The Evolution of Turkey Hunting Gear and Techniques

16:28 Safety in Hunting: A Critical Discussion

23:37 Conscious Hunting Practices

25:25 The Importance of Aglow Conference

27:04 Membership Benefits of Aglow

29:51 Networking Opportunities at Aglow

33:53 Speed Marketing and Collaboration

36:34 Engaging Events and Activities at Aglow

40:42 Media Trips and Content Creation

44:30 Corporate Membership Advantages

47:22 The Value of AGLOW Membership

Links:

• HuntingLife.com