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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