From 30-Inch Walleyes to 50-Inch Muskies | Minnesota Fishing Talk

From 30-Inch Walleyes to 50-Inch Muskies | Minnesota Fishing Talk

This week on Down the Barrel, Jimmy, Deno, and Jared welcome back Craig Niemi of Minnesota Fishing Encounters Guide Service for an entertaining conversation packed with fishing knowledge, guide stories, and plenty of laughs. Craig shares decades of experience guiding on Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish, including where to find trophy walleyes, muskies, crappies, pike, and panfish throughout the season. The crew discusses why northern pike deserve more respect at the dinner table, favorite fish recipes, fishing after dark for giant walleyes, introducing kids to fishing, and how today's technology—especially forward-facing sonar—is changing the future of the sport. Along the way, they swap stories about memorable catches, local resorts, conservation, hunting, and, as always, wander off into a few hilarious rabbit holes. Whether you're chasing your first muskie, looking for better walleye tactics, or just enjoy hanging out with a few outdoorsmen around the microphone, this episode is full of practical tips, honest opinions, and classic Down the Barrel banter. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

July Campfire BS: Arctic Cat, .50 BMG & What's Next

The guys are back after a busy start to summer with another July BS Session, catching everyone up on what's happening across MDHA, MNBOW, and Down the Barrel. This episode covers the launch of MDHA's brand-new Huntin' & Haulin' Sweepstakes, featuring a new Arctic Cat Prowler XT paired with a Floe trailer, plus the limited-edition HM Defense .50 BMG Sweepstakes celebrating America's 250th birthday. The conversation also dives into preparations for the upcoming Roger Up Veterans Hunts, including new food plots, Mossberg rifle donations, plans for permanent elevated hunting blinds, and ways listeners can help support the program. The crew previews several upcoming events including: Game Fair The Full Draw Film Tour at Rapids Brewing The new MNBOW Hunting League Fall chapter banquets and county fairs They also discuss why fundraising is critical to supporting habitat projects, hunter education, advocacy, and protecting Minnesota's hunting heritage. If you're wondering what's coming over the next few months, this episode is packed with updates, upcoming events, and plenty of the usual Down the Barrel banter. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) First Call For Help 211 (www.firstcall211.net) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

New Minnesota DNR Licensing App: What Every Hunter Needs to Know

Minnesota's hunting and fishing license system is changing in a big way. In this episode of Down the Barrel Podcast, we break down the new Minnesota DNR Licensing App, digital harvest validation, electronic trail passes, and what these changes mean for hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor recreation users. We discuss the benefits, possible concerns, and what you should do now before deer season arrives. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com) First Call For Help 211 (www.firstcall211.net) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Forkhorn, POMA, and New Friends in the Outdoor Industry

In this episode of Down The Barrel Podcast, the guys dive into two outstanding organizations that are making a difference in the outdoor world. First, they discuss the MDHA Forkhorn Camps, one of Minnesota's premier youth outdoor education programs, and how these camps are helping pass our hunting heritage on to the next generation. They also recap their experience at the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) Summit held in Hugo, Minnesota, where they spent several days connecting with outdoor writers, content creators, manufacturers, and conservation organizations from across the country. From great conversations to new friendships and exciting opportunities, the POMA event showcased the best of the outdoor industry. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and join Jim, Dean, and Jared as they share stories from the week and highlight two great operations that are helping keep our outdoor traditions strong. Have a listen and learn more about the Forkhorn Program and POMA—two organizations doing great things for the future of the outdoors. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) First Call For Help 211 (www.firstcall211.net) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Updates, Opinions & Other Bad Decisions

Not gonna lie… this one’s a bit of a filler episode because things have been absolutely nuts lately. But sometimes those turn into the best conversations. Jim, Dean, and Jared sit down to catch up, crack a few drinks, and talk through everything that’s been happening lately with MDHA and beyond. We cover some big MDHA updates, talk about the newest chapter joining the organization, dive into the latest conversations around guns in Minnesota, and discuss the exciting partnership opportunities brewing with Arctic Cat. We also revisit the idea of putting together a Wild Game Cook Off with our good buddy Tony from. It’s laid back, unfiltered, and exactly the kind of episode you’d expect from a few guys trying to catch their breath during a busy season. Grab a drink, hang out with us for a while, and thanks for listening to the. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report) First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)