Episode #253 - Ice Fishing Safety and Strategy: Tip-Ups, Moving Fish, and Avoiding Disaster with Matthew Crawford

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Crawford, a passionate Wisconsin angler who has built a reputation for sharing real-world fishing knowledge, honest experiences, and practical ice fishing tactics.

Matthew walks me through how he went from casually fishing with family to becoming deeply committed to ice fishing during COVID, including the early mistakes that shaped how he fishes today. We talk about why movement is critical on the ice, how to use tip-ups more effectively, and how understanding fish behavior can turn slow days into successful ones.

We also dive into ice safety in a very real way. Matthew shares a firsthand experience of falling through early-season ice and what he learned from it. It's a powerful reminder that ice fishing requires not fear, but respect, preparation, and caution.

This episode is packed with Wisconsin-specific insight, tactical advice for ice anglers, and lessons that apply whether you're brand new to fishing or have been chasing fish for decades.

Links:

• Wisconsin Fishing Club
• Matthew Crawford on YouTube
• Matthew Crawford on Facebook

Timstamps:

00:00 Introduction to Matthew Crawford and His Fishing Journey
02:20 The Evolution of a Fishing Enthusiast
05:17 Exploring Wisconsin's Fishing Hotspots
08:09 The Importance of Movement in Ice Fishing
10:50 Ice Safety Lessons Learned from Experience
17:29 The Reality of Ice Fishing Risks and Precautions
19:56 Understanding Tip-Ups for Northern Pike Fishing
26:13 Choosing the Right Hole Size for Ice Fishing
28:23 Strategies for Fishing New Bodies of Water
32:32 Techniques to Trigger Fish Strikes
37:43 Learning from Experience and Observation

"Episode 252 - Walleye Fishing Tactics That Actually Work with Joe Henry | Reading Water, Finding Fish & Chicagoland Fishing Expo"

In this episode of the HuntFishTravel Podcast, I welcome back Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, to talk all things Chicagoland Fishing Expo and walleye fishing tactics that actually work. Joe breaks down the seminars he'll be presenting in Schaumburg, including how to read the water, where walleyes live and why, and how to apply the same tactics across different lakes and regions.

We get into practical strategies like doing your homework before you ever hit the water, identifying high-percentage spots, running a "milk run" on new lakes, and adjusting your approach based on wind, water color, light conditions, and fish behavior. Joe also shares real-world tips on efficiency, boat control, and small adjustments that can make a big difference whether you're fishing shallow or deep.

Along the way, we talk about learning from others, being willing to ask questions no matter your experience level, and how mentorship and community play a huge role in becoming a better angler. From personal fishing stories to the importance of giving back and helping others succeed, this episode is a reminder that fishing isn't just about catching fish, it's about growth, relationships, and time spent on the water.

00:00 Welcome and Expo Overview
01:22 Motivational Kickstart
05:09 Fishing Techniques and Learning Experiences
10:58 The Importance of Continuous Learning
15:37 Upcoming Seminars at the Expo
21:57 Fishing Conditions and Strategies
28:41 Fishing Memories and Family Bonds
29:34 The Importance of Veteran Organizations
31:29 Paid Forward: A Healing Fishing Event for Veterans
33:32 Understanding Veteran Experiences
38:01 The Chicagoland Fishing Expo: What to Expect
44:39 Building Community Through Fishing Events

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

Wisconsin deer hunters: big changes are coming in 2025. In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Pritzl - Deer Specialist of the Wisconsin DNR to unpack exactly what you need to know before the season starts.

We cover the evolution of deer management units, how biological data and social factors shape regulations, and the role advisory councils play in decision-making. You will see how the 2024 map compares to the 2025 map, why metro subunits exist, and what the latest archery vs firearm hunting trends reveal.

We dig into county-specific tags, differences between public and private land regulations, and how new rules can influence the way you hunt. We also break down herd population goals, how qualified people can actually get involved, and the challenges of managing deer numbers across the state.

If you want to understand the 2025 Wisconsin deer hunting regulations from the ground up and be ready for opening day, this episode is a must-listen.

Links:

• 2025 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Map
• 2024 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Map
• 2025 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations
• Paul Smith article "DNR begins process to modify deer management units, mostly in northern Wisconsin"
• WI DNR Atlas Map (Take your time, add the layers to see the deer layers)

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In this episode, I interview Captain Jay Withers, owner of Silverlining Charters. We discuss Captain Jay's journey from being a diamond dealer in Ohio to becoming a fishing guide in Florida. The conversation highlights the beauty of Punta Gorda, the excitement of fishing for the Florida inland slam, and the various activities available in the area. Captain Jay shares his passion for fishing and guiding, as well as upcoming adventures in...you're not going to believe this...Wisconsin of all places... and the Bahamas.

• 02:02 Introduction to Captain Jay Withers and Silverlining Charters
• 06:08 Captain Jay's Journey from Ohio to Florida
• 09:57 Guiding and Fishing Adventures in Florida
• 13:22 The Florida Inland Slam Experience
• 16:55 Exploring Punta Gorda and Englewood Area
• 20:13 The Resilience of Florida's Tourism
• 22:53 Upcoming Fishing Adventures and Future Plans

Links:

• Captain Jay's Website
• Guidelines TV YouTube Channel

In this episode of the Hunt Fish Travel Podcast, I sit down with author Ted Rulseh to talk about his latest book, You Should Have Been Here Last Week, a heartfelt collection of fishing stories from his life. Ted opens up about his journey as a writer and why storytelling matters so much in the outdoor community. We chat about the feedback he's gotten from readers, how living in Wisconsin has shaped his work, and his deep interest in the science of lakes. Ted also talks about the growing need for environmental awareness and highlights how vital community support is for writers. He encourages everyone to share their own stories, too.

• 02:45 Introduction to Ted Rulseh and His Book
• 04:45 The Journey of a Fisherman: Stories from an Angling Life
• 09:20 The Importance of Storytelling in Fishing and Hunting
• 14:13 Living in Wisconsin: A Fisherman's Perspective
• 19:31 Ripple Effects: Understanding Our Impact on Lakes
• 25:24 The Writing Process and the Role of Critique
• 28:47 Teasers from 'You Should Have Been Here Last Week'

Links:

• The Lake Guy Website
• Ted's book on Amazon