Call of the Outdoors

Ep. 70 | Luck of the Draw: Elk Application & Hunting Updates

Applying for the hunt of a lifetime just got easier.   Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield joins host Matt Morrett to provide an update on the Pennsylvania elk herd, explain all the changes to elk hunting for 2026-27, and share tips for getting a glimpse at bugling bulls in elk country.   Episode Highlights: * Overview of the current status of PA’s elk population * How the simplified elk application process will work * Details on updated elk hunt zones and seasons * Tips for safe elk viewing   Resources: Review changes to the elk application and seasons for 2026-27.  Learn how to be ELK SMART [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/wildlife/wildlife-viewing/elk-viewing-in-pennsylvania]. Apply to hunt PA elk at huntfish.pa.gov [https://www.huntfish.pa.gov/].

Ep. 69 | Spring Gobbler’s Golden Era: A Conservation Comeback

Are we living in the golden era of the wild turkey? The godfather of turkey hunting thinks so.   Pennsylvania native and former NWTF CEO Rob Keck joins host Matt Morrett to discuss his role in the turkey hunting boom, from talking conservation with U.S. presidents to expanding opportunity to millions of new hunters.   Episode Highlights * Rob’s PA roots and early days hunting Penn’s Woods * History of turkey call technology and innovation * Conservation successes under his leadership at NWTF * His role in expanding the turkey range in the Keystone State * How he became the first to complete the Canadian Super Slam * Tips for a successful spring gobbler season   Resources Learn more about turkey hunting [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/get-started-hunting/turkey-hunting]. Find places to hunt turkeys [https://pagame.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c9c7c8912356450fa77fc34d30b131fb].

Special Update: Changes for 2026-27 Hunting Seasons

Following the Board of Game Commissioners April meeting, Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss expanded Sunday hunting opportunities, updates to big game seasons and bag limits, and the expansion of the Certified Hunter Program. Episode Highlights: * Details on Sunday hunting dates for 2026-27 * Why migratory game birds won’t be included in Sunday hunting opportunities * Changes coming to spring gobbler season * Elk hunting and application process highlights * Updates to CWD regulations * Certified Hunter Program statewide expansion after pilot year success Resources: Learn more about 2026-27 seasons [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/newsroom/final-2026-27-hunting-seasons-approved] and other updates [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/newsroom/highlights-from-today-s-commissioners-meeting5] from the April 2026 Board of Game Commissioners meeting. Contact the Board of Game Commissioners [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/about-us/contact-information] with your comments.

Ep. 68 | Speaking Spring Gobbler: Turkey Man’s Calling Tips

Turkey hunting icon and champion caller Eddie Salter joins longtime friend Matt Morrett to share stories chasing gobblers with the greats, calling strategies for fooling toms, and wisdom from decades of tagging longbeards.   Episode Highlights: * How Eddie got his start turkey hunting and building calls at 10 * Insights from winning dozens of turkey calling contests * Tactics for success in the turkey woods * The truth behind common turkey hunting myths Resources: Learn more about turkey hunting [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/get-started-hunting/turkey-hunting]. Find places to hunt turkeys [https://pagame.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c9c7c8912356450fa77fc34d30b131fb].

Ep. 67 | Forged by Fire: Prescribed Burns for Better Habitat

Prescribed fire is a HOT topic in Pennsylvania!  Fire Program Manager Bryan Whitmore and Southcentral Assistant Regional Forester Brent McNeal join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of prescribed fire as the ultimate habitat management tool that directly benefits game species and how meticulous practices ensure safety and promote healthy native wildlife habitat.     Episode Highlights:  * Current status of the 15-year PGC fire program * What an ideal burn day looks like * What a burn plan is and why it’s so important * Why prescribed fire is an effective habitat management tool  * The difference between prescribed fire and wildfire * Driving the future of the fire program through refinement   Resources:  Learn more about the PGC prescribed fire program [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/habitat-management/prescribedfire].  View our online mapping system [https://pagame.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d7ab50bde980460fab22de6316ec73ca] for upcoming prescribed fires.  Sign up for prescribed fire notifications [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/PAGC/signup/20166] in your area. Check out the Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council [https://paprescribedfire.org/].