In this episode, Mike sits down with Jon Cooper, a proud Virginia native who was named the 2024 Deer Manager of the Year by the National Deer Association (NDA). Jon shares his expertise on land and deer management, offering practical tips for improving habitat, enhancing herd health, and setting up your property for long term success.

With Archery season right around the corner, we also spend some time discussing early season strategies - from scouting to morning hunts vs afternoon hunts - so you can make the most of those crucial first weeks of deer season. Whether you manage larger tracts of land or hunt smaller acreage, Jon's proven methods and real-world experience provide valuable insights for hunters and landowners alike.

Tune in to learn from one of the best in the field and elevate your own hunting and management game!

In this episode, Mike sits down with Glen Mayhew, the founding president of the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation (TSSA). Glen shares the story behind TSSA's mission to promote hunter safety, reduce tree stand accidents, and save lives through education and awareness.

Along with his work in tree stand safety, Glen is also a team member of MDE Outdoors and co-host of the Star City Outdoors Podcast. From the ABC's of tree stand safety to hunting culture, conservation, and outdoor media, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for every hunter.

https://treestandsafety.org/

https://www.mdeoutdoors.com/

In this episode, Mike sits down with Corey Lett & Ed Lynn of Southside Virginia Quail Forever to talk about the mission, impact, and passion behind their organization. From habitat management to wildlife conservation, Corey and Ed share how Quail Forever is making a difference in Virginia's outdoors.

They also highlight their upcoming local event on September 19th in South Hill, VA - an opportunity for sportsmen, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts to come together, learn, and get involved!

https://quailforever.org/

In this episode, Mike sits down with Tim Andrus, host of Rush Outdoors TV and longtime Realtree Ambassodor, live at the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show. Tim shares his upcoming western hunting schedule, refelcts on his many years with Realtree, and delivers practical, common-sense hunting tips that every hunter can use as we head into the upcoming season.

Whether you're a whitetail hunter in the East, or planning your next big game adventure out West, this episode has something for everyone. From stories from the field to season preperation advice, Tim brings decades of experience and Realtree tradition to the mic.

In this episode of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike welcomes David Hennaman, the R3 (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate) Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR).

We dive deep into the R3 initiative - what it is, how it works, and why it's essential for the future of hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation. David explains how the R3 programs recruit new outdoorsmen and women, retin current participants, and reactiviate those who've stepped away from the field.

You'll also learn how the Virginia DWR partners with non-profit organizations, NGOs, and conservation groups to expand outreach, provide education, and preserve our outdoor heritage. From hunter education courses to community events and wildlife habitat projects, R3 is building a stronger, more connected outdoor community. Check out the VA DWR website to learn more or how you can get involved:

https://dwr.virginia.gov/

In this episode, Mike talks with two passionate leaders in deer conservation and habitat management.

Megan Postal - Northeast Regional Director of the National Deer Association.

Ray Carter - President of the newly formed Virginia Branch of the NDA

We dive into the mission and impact of the NDA, what the new Virginia branch means for local hunters and landowners, and how science-based deer management is shaping the future of whitetail populations across the commonwealth. Megan shares her insights on regional initiatives and opportunities, while Ray outlines his vision for uniting Virginia's deer stewards under one powerful community.

Whether you're a lifelong hunter, new land manager, or simply passionate about wildlife conservation, this episode is packed with valuable insight.

https://deerassociation.com/

We're back with Show Manager Frank Smith, bringing you the latest updates on the upcoming Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show! Frank gives us the inside scoop on what outdoor enthusiasts can expect this year - including the addition of a 3D Archery Shoot, put on by the Virginia Bowhunters Association, that promises to challenge and entertain! It will be a fun shoot and kids shoot for FREE!

Plus, Pre-Registration is open for the Big Game Contest, sponsored by the Virginia Peninsula Sportsmen's Association (VPSA), so you won't miss your chance to compete and show off your trophy deer, bear, and turkey!

Whether you're a seasoned hunter, fisher, or just love the outdoors, this episode is packed with info that you do NOT want to miss! Tune in and get ready for one of Virginia's largest outdoor events of the year!

https://www.sportsmanshow.com/

Join us as we sit down with Meredith Powroznik, a passionate traditional bowhunter from Virginia and a guest panelist on the upcoming Whitetail Roadshow! Meredith shares her journey into the world of traditional archery, her experiences hunting whitetail deer, and how staying rooted in the basics has shaped her approach to conservation, ethics and the hunting lifestyle. Plus we talk about the Whitetail Roadshow coming up in August (in Virginia)!

Follow Meredith on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/meredith_powroznik/?hl=en

Follow the Whitetail Roadshow on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/whitetailroadshow/?hl=en