Spotted Dog Podcast

Ep 54: Hunt Smarter, Kill Bigger Bucks | Scrapes, Scent, & Whitetail Strategy

Deer season is here, and Dan DeWitt is back at the Spotted Dog Podcast table with Nolan, Cory Bahr, and Zach Poole for a deep dive into whitetail hunting. Dan shares decades of hunting experience and breaks down how he uses mock scrapes, scent, trail cameras, terrain, thermals, feeding schedules, and hunting pressure to pattern mature bucks. The guys get into early-season and velvet tactics, why the first big October cold front can be so productive, using topo maps to find saddles and travel corridors, conditioning deer around feeders and cameras, and some unconventional tactics that might make you rethink the way you hunt. They also recap the Idaho spring bear hunt, talk 7mm Backcountry rifles and mountain hunting gear, debate Louisiana deer management and “earn-a-buck” regulations, and hear some incredible stories from Dan’s hunts across Africa. From chasing bears in the Idaho mountains to figuring out a mature whitetail in your own backyard, this one is packed with hunting stories, laughs, and tactics you can put to work this season. Plus, Tax Free Weekend is happening September 4–6 at Spotted Dog Sporting Goods in Columbia, Louisiana. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep 53: North La Sportsman's Expo

In this episode, Nolan is joined by the main cat putting together the North Louisiana Sportsman's Expo the last weekend in August. Also joining the podcast are the two Title Sponsors, Zack Randall of Reaper Boats and Michael McVay of Duck Commander. They talk all the details of the event and the great things they are bringing to our area! https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep 52: Louisiana's First Velvet Whitetail Season

History is being made with Louisiana's BRAND NEW archery early season hunt that that will start this fall! Nolan is joined by LDWF Brad Kennon and Rafter P's own Zach Poole and these boys talk it all out. All the details and what this actually means for the state of Louisiana. Check it out and let us know your thoughts on this new season! https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep 51: Update on Suppressors and No More ATF Form 4?

In this episode of the Spotted Dog podcast, the guys have a discussion and share some of the details of the breaking news regarding no more form 4 when buying a suppressor. There is still a lot of information to come in several unknowns, but it is looking promising and we share what we know so far. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep 50: La's New Recreational Alligator Season

Louisiana has a brand new recreational alligator season, and if you're wondering what changed, how to apply, where you can hunt, and what the new rules mean for hunters, this episode has you covered. On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan West sits down with Jeb Linscomb, Fur and Alligator Program Manager with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, to explain everything you need to know about Louisiana's new recreational alligator season. They discuss why the new season was created, how the lottery system works, application fees, hunting zones, where you're allowed to hunt, reporting requirements, and the biggest differences between the traditional alligator lottery and the new recreational opportunity. They also dive into alligator biology, management, habitat, hunting strategies, and some incredible stories from Jeb's nearly three decades managing Louisiana's alligator program. Whether you're hoping to draw your first tag or you've hunted alligators for years, this conversation is packed with valuable information that will help you prepare for the upcoming season. If you enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation, and everything outdoors, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep 49: Biggest Reaper Fest Yet

The weekend so many people have been waiting for is finally here! Reaper Boats is back with its 5th Annual Reaper Fest, and this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever. On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with Jay Stone and Michael McVay from Duck Commander along with Zack Randall and Dustin Ballance from Reaper Boats to break down everything you need to know about the weekend. From event details and what to expect to behind the scenes stories that only this group could tell, this is an episode you won't want to miss. We hope to see you this weekend at the new beach in Monroe, Louisiana for an incredible time with great people, some of the top industry names, and plenty of fun! https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep 48: How the Best Anglers Find Giants

The Majestic Bass Tournament is over, and some of the top finishers are sitting down to break it all down. Connor Nimrod, Jolyn Nimrod, Kade Hilstead, and Allen Anders join us to talk about what actually happened during one of North Louisiana's biggest bass tournaments. We cover everything from summer patterns and LiveScope to new dice style baits, electronics, tournament mindset, and what separates consistently successful anglers from everyone else. If you've ever wondered how tournament fishermen find big bass, make decisions under pressure, or use today's technology to their advantage, this episode is packed with insight. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep #47 - The Majestic | Biggest Bass Tournament in La

The biggest bass tournament of the year is almost here. On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with the crew behind the Majestic Bass Tournament on Lake D’Arbonne to talk about what’s shaping up to be one of the wildest tournaments the lake has ever seen. Big weights are expected, giant bags are already being talked about, and conditions are lining up for an unforgettable event. The guys dive into tournament strategy, D’Arbonne bass fishing stories, current patterns, favorite gear setups, and a few fishing secrets that probably weren’t supposed to make it onto the podcast. If you love bass fishing, tournament season, and hearing real fishermen talk shop, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep #46 - The ShareLunker King | Josh Jones on Giant Bass & Gigantic Bucks

Josh Jones joins the Spotted Dog Podcast to talk about his rise in the fishing world, chasing giant bass, and becoming known as one of the top forward facing sonar anglers in the country. In this episode, we dive deep into how forward facing sonar changed modern fishing, how Josh approaches targeting giant fish, and the mindset behind consistently catching big bass. We also switch gears into a different side of Josh and talk hunting stories, outdoor adventures, and plenty of real conversations from life on the water and in the woods. If you love bass fishing, electronics, giant fish, deer hunting, and hearing how top outdoorsmen think, this episode is packed with it. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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#45 - Bryce Acreman on Winning Big, Reading LiveScope, and Competing at 21

On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, host Nolan West sits down with young professional crappie angler Bryce Acreman to talk about an incredible year on the water, including Bryce’s run of tournament success and what it meant to win the Louisiana State Crappie Championship on Lake D’Arbonne. Bryce breaks down how he approaches tournament fishing, why covering water fast has become such a big part of his strategy, how he uses LiveScope to target better fish, and what separates good anglers from great ones. He also shares thoughts on boat setup, electronics, power brakes, tournament mindset, pre-fishing mistakes, fishing with his dad, and the mental side of competing at a high level at only 21 years old. This one is packed with crappie fishing insight, real tournament talk, and a look at the mindset of one of the most impressive young anglers around. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep #44 - LDWF Turkey Biologist Cody Cedotal

In this episode of the Spotted Dog Podcast, we sit down with Cody Sedotal of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the state’s Small Game and Wild Turkey Program Manager, for a deep dive into Louisiana turkey hunting and turkey management. We talk turkey numbers, habitat, nesting success, gobbling activity, why some parts of the state are thriving more than others, and what the data actually says about recent season changes. Cody breaks down Louisiana’s 2025 reported harvest, the impact of the new Jake rule, why dry spring weather matters so much for reproduction, and why hearing a gobbler doing it right may be what turkey hunters love most. We also get into common misconceptions from hunters, how turkeys shift from winter to spring patterns, and what it really takes to grow more birds on the landscape. If you care about turkey hunting in Louisiana, this is one you need to hear. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep #43 - Tone 29 Custom Turkey Calls on Building a Legend

On this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we sit down with the two brothers behind Tone 29 Custom Turkey Calls. These Arkansas boys may be young, but their passion, knowledge, and stories say otherwise. From chasing longbeards to building custom calls with purpose, they carry the kind of wisdom, grit, and campfire storytelling you usually only hear from the old-timers. We talk turkey hunting, the craft behind great calls, lessons learned in the woods, and why these two are on track to become serious names in the hunting industry. This one feels like sitting around camp with guys who were born for it. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

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Ep #42 - 2025 Louisiana Black Bear Season Update

In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we sit down with John Hanks, Large Carnivore Biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, to unpack the historic 2025 Louisiana black bear hunting season. Not long ago, the Louisiana black bear was on the brink of disappearing. Today, thanks to decades of research, habitat work, and careful management, the population has rebounded enough to support a tightly regulated harvest. John walks us through how that recovery actually happened, what biologists are seeing across the state right now, and why this season marked such an important milestone for conservation. We talk population numbers, habitat expansion, how bears are being monitored, what surprised biologists during the 2025 season, and what the future holds for both hunters and the species itself. This is a behind-the-scenes look at modern wildlife management and a reminder that conservation success stories don’t happen overnight. Whether you’re a hunter, landowner, or someone who simply wants to understand how Louisiana’s wildlife is managed, this conversation gives real insight into one of the state’s greatest conservation comebacks. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Ep #41 - The $0 Tax Stamp: What the ATF’s 2026 Changes Mean for Suppressors

In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, we dive into suppressors, firearms, and the ATF changes scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2026, including the federal tax stamp moving to zero dollars. We talk through what suppressors actually do, common myths, how the current process works, and what these upcoming changes realistically mean for hunters, shooters, and responsible gun owners. This is a grounded conversation focused on facts, legality, and real-world use, not headlines or hype. If you’ve been curious about suppressors or wondering how these changes may affect you next year, this episode will get you up to speed. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Ep #40 - The 2026 Mathews and Hoyt Bows

This episode is a sit down with Spotted Dog Sporting Goods owners Michael and Richard, joined by Zach Pool of Rafter P Custom Knives. We dig into the latest Mathews and Hoyt hunting bows, talk real world hunting gear that actually matters, swap a few hunting stories, and look ahead to Christmas season. More than anything, this episode is a thank you! Thank you for supporting the shop, supporting local business, and supporting The Spotted Dog Podcast. None of this works without the community around it, and we don’t take that for granted. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Ep #39: Reaper Boats

Nolan sits down with Reaper Boats owner Zach Randall for a straight-shooting conversation about duck hunting, boat design, and what really matters on the water. They talk about what duck hunters obsess over, new partnerships that you haven't heard of yet, and being a Jesus led person. If you run a boat or chase ducks, this one will get you thinking. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Ep #38 - The Hunter’s Christmas List: Help for Hard-to-Buy Folks

Nick Joiner and Michael McVay drop in for a Holiday Special built for anyone tired of guessing what to buy the hunters in their life. We swap hunting stories, break down the season so far, and then build a Christmas list with gifts that won’t get returned on December 26th. If you’re shopping for someone who’s impossible to buy for, or trying to make sure your own list doesn’t end up full of socks and scented candles, this episode has you covered. Tune in, laugh with us, and walk away with gift ideas that won’t miss the mark this Christmas! https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Ep #37 - CWD in Louisiana: Facts, Frustrations, and the Future of Deer Hunting

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is one of the most divisive topics among whitetail hunters. In this episode, we sit down with Johnathan Bordelon, Deer Program Manager and Whitetail Deer Biologist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and John Hanks, LDWF’s Large Carnivore Biologist, to unpack the science, the rumors, and the regulations surrounding CWD. From management zones to testing, this conversation sheds light on what’s really happening behind the state’s decisions and what it means for us Louisiana deer hunters moving forward. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Ep #36 - Chasing Bugles: Elk Gear, Season Outlook, and a Navajo Nation Tag

In this episode of The Spotted Dog Podcast, Nolan sits down with seasoned elk hunter Mr. Kenny to talk all things elk gear, scouting, and what the upcoming season could bring. Nolan also shares the exciting news about drawing a rare Navajo Nation archery elk tag and the plans, challenges, and dreams that come with it. Whether you’re an elk hunting veteran or gearing up for your first season, this episode is packed with insight and stories from the mountains. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/

Ep #35 - Louisiana Black Bears: Growth, Tags, and Conservation

In this episode, LDWF’s own Large Carnivore Program Manager and Biologist, John Hanks, returns to the Spotted Dog Podcast Studio for a second time. Nolan and John dive into Louisiana’s expanding black bear population, the recent increase in tags, and what it means for hunters and conservation alike. John shares the latest insights on habitat growth, management strategies, and the science behind one of the most respected wildlife projects to ever exist in the state. Whether you’re in the woods this season or just curious about the return of Louisiana’s black bears, this episode is packed with info you don’t want to miss. https://www.spotteddogsportinggoods.com/