EP 123 How Bowhunting Changed His Life | Derek McMaster

EP 123 How Bowhunting Changed His Life | Derek McMaster

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217992/fan_mail/new] Overcoming addiction through bowhunting and finding a real community in the outdoors. Derek McMaster shares his raw journey on Tracks & Tackle. Derek, a 36-year-old York, Pennsylvania native, grew up rifle hunting as a kid but lost everything to drug addiction. After years away from the woods, he picked up a bow and discovered a supportive bowhunting community that helped him reclaim his life, his passion, and his peace. In this episode we talk: • Derek’s early hunting days and how addiction took his hobbies • The turning point that led him back to the outdoors • His experience at the Goat Rodeo Archery Challenge this past weekend • The power of community, perseverance, and hunting your own hunt • Advice for anyone struggling who wants to get back outside This is more than a hunting story — it’s about redemption, brotherhood, and why Nature is our Playground. If you’re into bowhunting, addiction recovery, Pennsylvania outdoors, or just real conversations around the campfire, this one’s for you. ✅ Subscribe & turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 👉 Follow Derek https://www.instagram.com/thederekmcmaster/ Tracks & Tackle is all about real outdoorsmen, real stories, and keeping traditions alive. No gatekeeping — just good people who love to hunt, fish, and get outside. #GetOutdoors #HuntYourHunt --- Tracks & Tackle Podcast | Nature is our Playground Co-hosted by Ron Mentzer & Kris Buchman Mentzer Outdoors | 3B Outdoor Club | Tracks & Tackle Collaborative Shop Merch: https://tracksandtackle.com/ Submit a guest or story: https://tracksandtackle.com/pages/contact  @MentzerOutdoors [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCYIbW70AuCHkkllB0gJgdUQ] |  @TracksandTackle [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCBY5dZGhpM-HDdAx_j5_7gg] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/tracksandtackle] Merchandise [https://tracksandtackle.com/] YouTube: @tracksandtackle [http://www.youtube.com/@TracksandTackle]  @mentzeroutdoors [http://www.youtube.com/@MentzerOutdoors] Email: mentzeroutdoors@gmail.com Rumble:  @MentzerOutdoors [https://rumble.com/c/c-1627315] Instagram: @MentzerOutdoors [https://www.instagram.com/mentzeroutdoors/] @TracksandTackle [https://www.instagram.com/tracksandtackle/]

Episode 122 Roundtable with Buck Mentzer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217992/fan_mail/new] Join us for another Roundtable Session on the Tracks & Tackle Podcast! Tonight Ron Mentzer is joined by co-host Josh Buchman and returning guest Matt "Buck" Mentzer  for real talk around the campfire. Buck shares the exciting news of joining the Field Staff for The Outdoor Group, and the guys dive deep into what it means to grow up in rural America. They explore the question: What does "home" really mean to you? Plus, stories about the mentors and influential figures who shaped them as young outdoorsmen. This is classic guy stuff — authentic conversation, camaraderie, and the values that come from rural roots. No egos, just good stories and perspective. Nature is Our Playground 🏹 🎯 Topics Covered: • Buck joining The Outdoor Group Field Staff • Growing up in rural America • What “home” means to each of us • Influential mentors who weren’t parents or grandparents • Competitive archery, coaching, and range camaraderie If you love hunting, archery, rural lifestyle stories, and real conversations, this episode is for you! ✅ Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Roundtable Session or hunting story! Follow the Conversation: • Ron Mentzer & Mentzer Outdoors:  @MentzerOutdoors [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCYIbW70AuCHkkllB0gJgdUQ] |  @TracksandTackle [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCBY5dZGhpM-HDdAx_j5_7gg]  @ron_mentzer on X • Josh Buchman: @thecookbuch3b  @TheCookBuch [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCWjHH6lHIoLovWJziFb0f1A] • Buck Mentzer: @buckm1983 • Tracks & Tackle Collaborative: Check the Linktree Shop Tracks & Tackle Gear & Merch: https://tracksandtackle.com/ Other Links: https://linktr.ee/mentzeroutdoors https://elitearchery.com/ http://togllc.com Listen on  @Spotify [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCRMqQWxCWE0VMvtUElm-rEA]  @amazonmusic [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCPqftlDSXpl3V4u044KT88w]  @iHeartRadio [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCoBMK97ZfZmRCqIwMQYdicA]   #TracksAndTackle #RoundtableSessions #RuralLife #Archery #OutdoorLifestyle #GrowingUpRural #WhatIsHome #HuntingCommunity #MentzerOutdoors #3BOutdoorClub #CampfireTalks #PennsylvaniaOutdoors Nature is Our Playground – Get Outdoors and keep the traditions alive! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/tracksandtackle] Merchandise [https://tracksandtackle.com/] YouTube: @tracksandtackle [http://www.youtube.com/@TracksandTackle]  @mentzeroutdoors [http://www.youtube.com/@MentzerOutdoors] Email: mentzeroutdoors@gmail.com Rumble:  @MentzerOutdoors [https://rumble.com/c/c-1627315] Instagram: @MentzerOutdoors [https://www.instagram.com/mentzeroutdoors/] @TracksandTackle [https://www.instagram.com/tracksandtackle/]

EP 121: Aaron Hepler – InCamp Podcast | Backcountry Hunting, Scouting & Ethical Deer Hunting in Pennsylvania

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217992/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Tracks & Tackle, Ron Mentzer and Kris Buchman talk with Aaron Hepler — outdoor writer, hunter, and host of the InCamp Podcast.  Aaron shares his passion for backcountry hunting, scouting, ethical deer hunting, and conservation in Pennsylvania. We discuss what it takes to hunt smarter, hunt ethically, and stay connected to the outdoors in today’s world. A thoughtful and relatable conversation for any serious whitetail hunter or backcountry enthusiast. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/tracksandtackle] Merchandise [https://tracksandtackle.com/] YouTube: @tracksandtackle [http://www.youtube.com/@TracksandTackle]  @mentzeroutdoors [http://www.youtube.com/@MentzerOutdoors] Email: mentzeroutdoors@gmail.com Rumble:  @MentzerOutdoors [https://rumble.com/c/c-1627315] Instagram: @MentzerOutdoors [https://www.instagram.com/mentzeroutdoors/] @TracksandTackle [https://www.instagram.com/tracksandtackle/]

Ep 120 Caleb Strunk – Duck & Dog Apparel | Faith-Based Hunting Gear & Building an Outdoor Brand

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217992/fan_mail/new] Join Ron & Kris for a great conversation with Caleb Strunk, founder of Duck & Dog Apparel — a faith-based hunting apparel brand. Caleb opens up about the brand’s origins, how faith drives everything they do, the realities of starting and growing an outdoor clothing company, and the deep passion for waterfowl hunting and our loyal hunting dogs. A genuine and inspiring episode for any hunter who values faith, family, and the outdoors. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/tracksandtackle] Merchandise [https://tracksandtackle.com/] YouTube: @tracksandtackle [http://www.youtube.com/@TracksandTackle]  @mentzeroutdoors [http://www.youtube.com/@MentzerOutdoors] Email: mentzeroutdoors@gmail.com Rumble:  @MentzerOutdoors [https://rumble.com/c/c-1627315] Instagram: @MentzerOutdoors [https://www.instagram.com/mentzeroutdoors/] @TracksandTackle [https://www.instagram.com/tracksandtackle/]

EP 119 Tracks & Tackle | Susquehanna Fishing Guide Matt Webb Big Rock Fishing Charters

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217992/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Tracks & Tackle Podcast | Episode 119: Captain Matt Webb – Big Rock Fishing Charters | Susquehanna River Smallmouth Bass & Flathead Catfish Ron Mentzer and Josh Buchman sit down with Captain Matt Webb, owner of Big Rock Fishing Charters, to talk all things river fishing in Pennsylvania. From the unique fishery of the Susquehanna River to practical tips for catching smallmouth bass and monster flathead catfish, this episode is packed with actionable advice for both beginners and experienced anglers. We cover: - Matt’s journey starting Big Rock Fishing Charters and what it takes to build a successful fishing guide business - What makes the Susquehanna River such a special and productive fishery - Smallmouth bass and flathead catfish tactics, seasonal patterns, and pro tips - Differences in river fishing between Pennsylvania and Maryland - What to expect on a guided trip with Big Rock Fishing Charters Whether you’re looking to book a charter, improve your river fishing game, or learn how to turn your passion for fishing into a business, this episode delivers real value. 👉 Book a Trip with Big Rock Fishing Charters: https://www.bigrockfishingcharters.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572859744865 👉 Follow Tracks & Tackle / Mentzer Outdoors: Instagram: @tracksandtackle | @mentzeroutdoors YouTube:  @TracksandTackle [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCBY5dZGhpM-HDdAx_j5_7gg]  |  @MentzerOutdoors [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCYIbW70AuCHkkllB0gJgdUQ]  Podcast: "Tracks & Tackle: Nature is our Playground" Email: mentzeroutdoors@gmail.com Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Captain Matt Webb and His Journey 04:39 The Unique Fishing Experience in Pennsylvania 08:14 Fishing Techniques and Species Targeted 09:49 The Joy of Guiding Fishing Trips 11:38 The Importance of Catch and Release 13:19 Transitioning to a Charter Business 13:41 Memorable Experiences with Young Anglers 15:43 The Passion for Fishing and Sharing It 16:40 The Right Equipment for the River 18:41 Daily Operations of Big Rock Fishing Charters 21:10 Fishing Techniques and Patterns 22:09 The Thrill of the Catch 22:50 Big Flathead Adventures 25:32 Booking a Fishing Trip 27:07 Essential Gear and Preparation 28:17 Memorable Fishing Stories 31:08 The Journey to Becoming a Guide 36:29 Tips for River Fishing 40:41 Common Misconceptions in Fishing 43:26 Creating a Fun Fishing Experience #RiverFishing #SusquehannaRiver #SmallmouthBass #FlatheadCatfish #PennsylvaniaFishing #FishingGuide #FishingCharters #BigRockFishingCharters #SusquehannaFishing #OutdoorPodcast #TracksAndTackle #FishingTips #KeystoneStateFishing Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/tracksandtackle] Merchandise [https://tracksandtackle.com/] YouTube: @tracksandtackle [http://www.youtube.com/@TracksandTackle]  @mentzeroutdoors [http://www.youtube.com/@MentzerOutdoors] Email: mentzeroutdoors@gmail.com Rumble:  @MentzerOutdoors [https://rumble.com/c/c-1627315] Instagram: @MentzerOutdoors [https://www.instagram.com/mentzeroutdoors/] @TracksandTackle [https://www.instagram.com/tracksandtackle/]