Sitka Southeast Podcast

Ep. 07 - Rupert Medford | Why You’re Not Finding Mature Bucks (And How To Change That)

In Episode 7 of the Sitka Southeast Podcast, we're joined by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission District 6 Wildlife Biologist, Rupert Medford.Rupert brings years of experience studying deer behavior and habitat management as he sits down with Jake and Landon to discuss what truly makes prime mature buck habitat and how hunters can learn to recognize it in the field. We dive into effective trail camera strategies, understanding deer movement, and practical ways to reduce human pressure on the properties we hunt.Whether you're managing your own hunting property, scouting public land, or simply trying to better understand mature whitetail behavior and habitat, this episode is packed with valuable insights from a professional wildlife biologist.As always come into the store and mention the podcast to receive 15% off your next purchase.Host: Jacob Norris (@jnorri15)Co-Host: Landon Pearson (@brutemodecollective)Special Guest: Rupert Medford (@ncwildlife)(@rupertmedford)

Ep. 06 - Corey Oakley | What’s Really Happening Under Lake Norman? | Bass, Grass & Fisheries Management

Jacob, Jay, and Landon sit down with Corey Oakley, Chief of Inland Fisheries for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, for an in-depth conversation about the science and strategy behind managing North Carolina’s fisheries. In this episode, we dive into bass management (F1 Bass Program and Alabama Bass), the role of aquatic vegetation and plant life beneath Lake Norman, and how habitat impacts fish populations and angler success. Corey shares insight into fisheries management decisions, conservation efforts, and what anglers should know about the future of one of North Carolina’s most talked-about lakes. Whether you're a hardcore bass fisherman, conservation enthusiast, or just curious about what’s happening beneath the surface, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always come into the store and mention the podcast to receive 15% off your next purchase. Also, be sure to check out Corey's Podcast "Better Fishing with Two Bald Biologists" to learn how to apply sound science to more fishing success. Host: Jacob Norris (@jnorri15) Co-Host: Landon Pearson (@brutemodecollective) Fishing Wizard: Jay Stevens (@quackwhackpack) Special Guest: Corey Oakley (@ncwildlife) Stay tuned for the next episode where we dive into all things regarding whitetail habitat as well as iuman Interferance and deer behavior with NC Wild Life's very own District 6 Wild Life Biologist, Rupert Medford. Deer hunters... you don't want to miss this one.

Ep. 05 - Jeff Cordero | Your Archery Practice Is Probably Wrong... Here's Why

In this episode, Jacob, Landon, OT, and Jeff Cordero sit down to cover everything from Jeff’s career in NASCAR to balancing a demanding schedule with a passion for hunting. The crew dives into how Jeff makes time for the outdoors, early season archery preparation, practical bow practice tips, and advice on dialing in your archery setup before the season kicks off. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your shooting, fine-tune your gear, or hear how a NASCAR professional stays connected to hunting, this episode has something for every bowhunter. As always, come into the store and mention the podcast to recieve 15% off your next purhcase. Host: Jacob Norris (@jnorri15) Co-Host: Landon Pearson (@brutemodecollective) Gear Wizard: OT Mitchell (@owentatemitchell) Special Guest: Jeff Cordero (@jeffcordero_)Location: Stika Gear Charlotte (@sitkacharlotte) Stay tuned for the next episode where we discuss Lake Norman's F1 Bass Program, Lake Norman Drought Conditions, and much more with NC Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Corey Oakley.

Ep. 04 - How We Prepare for Whitetail Season | Trail Cameras, Stand Locations & Sitka Gear

The shift to whitetail season is officially underway for the Sitka Charlotte Crew. In Episode 4, Landon, OT, and Jake dive into our full whitetail prep process — from getting our properties ready for the upcoming season to dialing in our early scouting plans on both public and private land.We’re talking trail cameras, moving stand locations, habitat and land prep, and the gear that lives in our trucks all season long. We also break down the Sitka gear setups we’ll be running while scouting, covering miles, and preparing for opening day.If you’re already thinking about deer season, this episode is packed with practical prep, gear talk, and behind-the-scenes insight into how we approach the transition from spring to fall.As always, come into the store and mention the podcast to recieve 15% off your next purhcase.Host: Jacob Norris (@jnorri15)Co-Host: Landon Pearson (@brutemodecollective)Gear Wizard: OT Mitchell (@owentatemitchell)Location: Stika Gear Charlotte (@sitkacharlotte)Stay tuned for the next episode where we discuss summer archery practice, maintenance, and set ups. Time Line:03:14 - Episode Intro — The Shift to Whitetail Prep07:04 - Summer Camera Placement & Deer Patterning13:58 - Tracking Deer Data16:38 - Wind Direction, Thermals & Hunting Hill Country22:22 - Old Stands, Farm History & Hidden Hotspots26:24 - Saddle Hunting Setup & Tree Stand Mishaps32:14 - Why Saddle Hunting Changes the Game36:15 - Essential Gear Kept in the Truck All Season40:51 - Upcoming Hunts & Future Plans53:51 - Summer Scouting Gear Recommendations1:02:22 - Scrapes vs Rubs Debate1:16:11 - Upcoming Events & Future Guests

Ep. 03 - Tater Hog Talks Pro Fishing, Custom Baits & Post-Spawn Tactics

Episode 3 is here, and this one is all about fishing. We officially introduce Jay Stevens as our fishing co-host and sit down with special guest Tater Hog — professional fisherman and owner of his own freshwater bait company (Tater Hog Custom Lures).We dive into Tater’s background, how he got started in competitive fishing, and what led him into designing and making his own custom baits. We also break down post-spawn fishing tactics, seasonal patterns, bait selection, and strategies that can help you put more fish in the boat this time of year.Whether you’re a hardcore angler or just getting into fishing, this episode is packed with stories, insight, and practical tips from guys who live it every day.Check out Tater Hog's Custom Baits Here: https://taterhogcustomlures.com/Come in the store, mention the podcast, and recieve 15% off your purchase at check out.Make sure to follow/subscribe so you don't miss upcoming episodes.Host: Jacob Norris (@jnorri15)Co-Host: Landon Pearson (@brutemodecollective)Fishing Wizard: Jay Stevens (@quackwhackpack)Special Guest: Tater Hog (@tater_hog)Location: Sitka Gear Charlotte (@sitkacharlotte)Stay tuned for the next episode as we make the transition to Whitetail Season.Time Line:00:48 Introducing Jay Stevens & Tater Hog01:19 What This Episode Covers01:41 Where the Name “Tater Hog” Came From05:23 Why Lake Norman Produces Elite Anglers09:47 Breaking Down the Spawn & Post-Spawn Phase12:04 Why Post-Spawn Is Tater Hog’s Favorite Time to Fish14:12 Tater Hog’s Custom Baits Explained20:07 How Tater Hog Got Into Bait Making24:15 Transition Into Designing Custom Baits29:56 Strike King Partnership & Mass Production35:45 Breaking Down Post-Spawn Tournament Tactics45:40 – Moon Phases & Nighttime Shad Spawn Behavior50:10 – How Technology Changed Fishing53:35 – “Norman Has a Bait Problem, Not a Fish Problem”1:00:02 – Learning Lure Cadence in Real Time1:12:27 – Upcoming Sitka Charlotte Events