The Final Howl

Turkey Season Recap | First Bird, Hard Lessons & the .410 Encore

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach looks back on how turkey season played out — from early struggles to the moments that finally made it all come together. He breaks down the challenges leading up to Gage’s first turkey harvest and how persistence paid off after a tough start to the season. Zach also shares: * Key takeaways from the season and what made the difference * Lessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful hunts * His thoughts on running the Thompson/Center Encore chambered in .410 * How the Foxtrot 383 Stroker ammo performed in real hunting situations Both birds this season were taken with the Encore .410 setup, and Zach explains how it performed when it mattered most. If you’ve ever had a season that didn’t go as planned but stuck with it anyway, this episode is a real look at how things can turn around.

Alaska Hunting Stories | Life, Hunting & Guiding w/ Eric Locker

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Eric Locker, an Alaska fishing guide and avid outdoorsman, to talk about his journey from central Iowa to building a life in Alaska. Eric shares what it was like making the move and adapting to a completely different style of hunting and living in the North. They discuss: * What hunting looks like in Alaska compared to the Midwest * His experiences chasing game in big, remote country * What it’s like guiding and spending time in some of the most rugged places in North America * Encounters with wildlife and lessons learned along the way This episode is a laid-back conversation filled with real stories from the field and an honest look at what it takes to live and hunt in Alaska. If you enjoy hearing how other hunters approach the outdoors in different parts of the country, this is one you’ll want to hear.

Is TSS Really Worth It? | Brice Hensley on Turkey & Coyote Loads

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Brice Hensley from Fox Trot Ammo to break down one of the biggest topics in hunting right now — TSS vs traditional lead shot. Brice explains what actually makes TSS different and why it’s become such a popular choice for both turkey and predator hunters. They dive into: * The real advantages of TSS over lead in the field * When TSS makes the biggest difference — and when it might not * Using TSS for both turkeys and coyotes * The current TSS shortages and what they could mean for hunters moving forward This isn’t a sales pitch — it’s a real conversation about performance, cost, and whether TSS is truly worth the hype. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch or wondering how current shortages could impact your season, this episode gives you the information you need to make the right call. https://foxtrotammo.com/ [https://foxtrotammo.com/]

Why Most Coyote Control Efforts FAIL (And What Actually Works) | Dr. Mike Chamberlain

Can you actually control the coyote population—and does it even make a difference for turkeys? Dr. Mike Chamberlain joins The Final Howl Podcast to break down what works, what doesn’t, and what most hunters misunderstand. On this episode of The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by renowned turkey biologist Dr. Mike Chamberlain to tackle one of the most debated topics in the hunting world—coyote control and its real impact on turkey populations. Dr. Chamberlain shares research-backed insight on predator management, explaining when control efforts can be effective, where they fall short, and why coyotes are so difficult to manage long-term. The conversation dives into how predators affect turkey populations, separating myth from science and giving hunters a clearer understanding of what’s actually happening in the field. They also discuss the current state of wild turkeys across the country, the challenges they’re facing, and how predator pressure fits into the bigger picture. Dr. Chamberlain breaks down the research he’s actively involved in and how it’s shaping the future of turkey management. One of the most exciting parts of the episode is the new Wild Turkey DNA Project—a unique opportunity for hunters to directly contribute to conservation. By submitting samples, hunters can help researchers better understand turkey genetics, populations, and long-term sustainability. If you’ve ever wondered whether predator hunting and trapping truly make a difference, or how much impact coyotes really have on turkeys, this episode delivers real answers backed by science—not just opinion. This is a must-listen for turkey hunters, predator hunters, and anyone who cares about the future of wildlife management and conservation. https://austinsway.org/ [https://austinsway.org/] https://wildturkeylab.com/ [https://wildturkeylab.com/] https://wildturkeydna.com/ [https://wildturkeydna.com/]

What Actually Worked This Coyote Season | Gear, Sounds & Hard Lessons

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach breaks down how the past coyote season played out and shares what actually worked in the field. He dives into the gear, tactics, and decisions that made a difference, including his thoughts on the performance of the Lucky Duck Super Revolt 2.0 and the sounds that consistently produced responses. Zach also talks about making the switch from the Hornady V-Max to the 100gr ELD-VT, what he saw from that change, and how it impacted his results. The episode wraps up with a look into the tournament side of coyote hunting — how it’s changed, what guys are doing to win, and Zach’s honest thoughts on the current state of competition hunting. If you’re looking to improve your success and learn from a full season of real-world experience, this episode is packed with takeaways you can apply in the field.