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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

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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

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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)

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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"

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Chapter Markers

• Introduction & Weather Talk
• NFL & Sports Discussion
• Segment 2: Meet Terry Weaver
• Terry's Background & Business
• Segment 3: Introduction to Trapping
• Eagle Trapping Story
• Trap Preparation & Bait
• Segment 4: Types of Traps
• Getting Started with Trapping
• Preparing Traps (Black Walnut Method)
• Bonus Segment: Terry's Values & Recipes
• Cooking Suckers & Lebanese Salad
• Closing & Contact Info

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

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Join host Alex Rutledge for Part 2 of "So You Want to Become a Predator Hunter" featuring Eddie Owens, in loving memory of Jackie Owens. Broadcasting live from the 2026 ATA Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis, this episode delivers essential knowledge for anyone looking to start predator hunting.

What You'll Learn:

Equipment Essentials:

• Why your deer rifle is already perfect for coyote hunting
• Top electronic call brands: Ecotech, Fox Pro, Lucky Duck, Johnny Stewart, Western Rivers
• The advantages of handheld calls over electronic calls in cold weather
• Shotgun setup for fox hunting: 12 gauge with BB and #4 buck loads

Calling Techniques:

• How to avoid "booger barks" that alert coyotes
• The difference between challenge howls, lonesome howls, and invitational howls
• Why rabbit distress calls work for targeting bobcats without scaring them off
• Woodpecker distress as an effective alternative call

Hunting Strategies:

• Best times to hunt: first/last 2-3 stands of the day during twilight hours
• Stand duration: 15 minutes for coyotes, 30-40 minutes for bobcats
• How far to move between stands (quarter to half mile)
• Using MRI (Most Recent Information) from farmers and mail carriers to locate predators

Advanced Tips:

• Cold weather tactics and why early morning hunts are most productive
• Caliber selection for preserving pelts
• Scouting methods using tracks, scat, and trail cameras on road-kill bait sites
• Fox behavior and home range patterns

Plus: NFL playoff predictions, high school basketball updates, and a bonus venison recipe for slow-cooked shoulder meat!

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your predator hunting skills, Eddie breaks down complex techniques into simple, actionable steps. Remember: love not hate, teach your boys to become men, and when your roots run deep and strong, there's no reason to fear the wind.

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

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In Memory of Jackie Owens

Join host Alex Rutledge for a deeply moving and inspirational episode featuring predator hunting expert Eddie Owens. Recorded on January 1st, 2026, just weeks after the passing of Eddie's beloved wife Jackie, this powerful conversation goes far beyond hunting tactics to explore the profound impact of faith, love, and partnership.

Eddie shares the beautiful story of how he and Jackie met in seventh grade, their 27-year journey together, and how Jackie transformed from a novice into an accomplished predator hunter who could outshoot her husband. But this episode's heart lies in Jackie's courageous battle with ovarian cancer—how she worked the day after chemo treatments, continued hunting in Montana during her fight, and inspired hundreds with her unwavering faith.

Through tears and laughter, Eddie recounts memorable hunts, discusses their favorite rifles and cooking recipes, and delivers a powerful testimony about caregiving, legacy, and trusting God through life's darkest valleys. Jackie's story of strength, grace, and faith touched an estimated 500-800 people at her service and continues to inspire through this heartfelt tribute.

This episode is for anyone who:

• Values faith and family above all else
• Wants to understand the power of outdoor partnerships
• Needs encouragement during difficult times
• Loves authentic stories of courage and legacy

Part 1 of a 3-part series on predator hunting. Next week: Essential equipment for beginning predator hunters.

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 us a text

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