Field Notes With Rashad Podcast

Ep XI: Justin Ertel & Tommy Whitman (Mad Goat Bowstrings) part 2

The conversation delves into the challenges and impact of the bow hunting industry, the evolution of bow hunting equipment, the experience of bow hunting, and the culture surrounding bow hunting. The conversation delves into the passion for archery, the art of building custom bowstrings, and the competitive archery scene. The speakers share insights and experiences related to these themes, providing valuable perspectives on the world of archery. The conversation covers topics related to bow weight and balance, innovation in bow design, and the similarities between archery and golf. The discussion delves into the impact of weight and balance on bow performance, the need for innovation in bow design, and the parallels between archery and golf in terms of focus and repeatability. Takeaways * Bow hunting industry challenges * The impact of bow hunting on the industry Passion for archery * Building custom bowstrings * Competitive archery scene Bow weight and balance * Innovation in bow design * Archery and golf similarities Chapters * 00:00 The State of the Bow Hunting Industry * 24:55 Passion for Archery * 32:01 Building Custom Bowstrings * 44:51 Competitive Archery Scene * 53:44 Bow Weight and Balance * 01:14:02 Archery and Golf Similarities

Ep X: Justin Ertel & Tommy Whitman

Part 1 of my conversation with Justin Ertel and Tommy Whitman from Mad Goat Custom Bowstrings is packed with archery talk, hunting stories, and plenty of laughs.   We recorded this episode inside the “Goat Lab” and covered a wide range of topics, including: The rise and decline of local 3D archery shoots Why competitive archery makes you a better bowhunter The true cost of building a 40-target 3D range The growing popularity of TAC vs. ASA tournaments How bow manufacturers and sponsors are changing Why expensive gear won’t make you a better shooter Public land hunting stories from Missouri, Kansas, and beyond The realities of modern hunting access and leasing Turkey hunting, Kansas whitetails, and much more   Justin and Tommy bring decades of experience in competitive archery and bowhunting, and this episode is full of honest insights about what it really takes to become a better archer. 🔗 Follow & Support 👉 Follow Rashad: https://www.instagram.com/rashrolli/ [https://www.instagram.com/rashrolli/] https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesrashad/ [https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesrashad/] 👉 Check out Mad Goat Bowstrings: ‪‪ https://www.instagram.com/mad_goat_custom_bowstrings/ [https://www.instagram.com/mad_goat_custom_bowstrings/] ‪https://madgoatcustombowstrings.com/

Ep IX: High Prairie Sportsmen

On this episode of Field Notes with Rashad, Rashad sits down with waterfowl content creator and passionate conservationist High Prairie Sportsmen for a deep dive into duck hunting, filmmaking, public lands, and the future of conservation in America. From cinematic decoy-cam shots and 28 gauge shotguns to prairie pothole droughts, CRP programs, snow goose addiction, and the realities of balancing hunting with a full-time job — this episode covers it all.

Ep VIII: Missouri Bear Foundation

In this episode of Field Notes with Rashad, we sit down with members of the Missouri Bear Foundation to talk all things black bears in the Ozarks. From the origins of the Missouri chapter to the future of bear conservation in the state, this conversation dives deep into what it really means to be “pro-bear.” We cover the rapid growth of Missouri’s black bear population, the impact of regulated hunting on human-wildlife conflict, and why education and awareness are at the center of it all. Levi Eubanks and Roger Cole share their firsthand experiences—from building the foundation from the ground up to boots-on-the-ground bear scouting across the Mark Twain National Forest. Levi also breaks down his unforgettable Missouri bear hunt, including the grind, the strategy, and the moment it all came together. 🔗 Follow & Support   👉 Follow Rashad: https://www.instagram.com/rashrolli/ [https://www.instagram.com/rashrolli/] https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesrashad/ [https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesrashad/]   👉 Check out American Bear Foundation: ‪‪ https://americanbearfoundation.org/page/missouri

Ep VII: Brad Gannaway (Pro Outfitters)

In this episode of Field Notes with Rashad, I sit down with a seasoned outfitter, guide, and entrepreneur whose story is as real as it gets. From humble beginnings guiding on public land to building a full-scale outfitting operation across multiple states, we dive into what it actually takes to make a life in the hunting industry. This is a conversation about grit, faith, risk, and betting on yourself when there’s no backup plan. We also get into the changing landscape of hunting—nonresident pressure, tag systems, public vs private land, and how social media has shifted the culture. Along the way, we talk about what hunting is really supposed to be about: the experience, the people, and the stories—not just the numbers. There are some powerful moments in this one—lessons on persistence, staying grounded in your purpose, and trusting the process even when things aren’t certain. 🔗 Follow & Support 👉 Follow Rashad: https://www.instagram.com/rashrolli/ [https://www.instagram.com/rashrolli/] https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesrashad/ [https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesrashad/] 👉 Check out Pro Outfitters: ‪‪https://www.instagram.com/huntprooutfitters/ https://huntprooutfitters.com/