The True North Lifestyle Podcast

#27 - Rick Labbe & His Dad Mike Share Hunting & Fishing Stories | Giant Saskatchewan Bucks & Remote Fly-In Fishing Trips

After 35 years of chasing giant Saskatchewan whitetails, Rick and Mike Labbe have stories most hunters will never experience. From once-in-a-lifetime bucks to remote fly-in fishing trips, close calls, and unbelievable adventures, this episode is packed with stories you'll remember long after it's over. If you love deer hunting, big bucks, fly-in fishing, brook trout, lake trout, and authentic hunting camp stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the new podcast studio 00:42 Meet Mike Labbe 01:10 STAGR's new wool hunting gear 03:10 Lanny Benoit's deer hunting clinics 04:10 Lanny's handmade knives 05:55 Podcast updates 07:30 Spring fishing season 08:20 Canada's incredible fly-in fishing 10:00 Family adventures in remote wilderness 12:45 Giant brook trout & lake trout stories 15:45 Labrador, Ontario & Alaska fishing adventures 19:10 How Rick discovered Saskatchewan hunting 20:40 Their unforgettable first Saskatchewan trip 22:00 The giant buck Rick still thinks about 23:20 Rick announces the 2026 Buck Bash 24:15 Bring your biggest buck to display 25:00 FREE official deer scoring 26:30 Knife making & giveaways 27:50 Live taxidermy demonstrations 28:40 Food trucks, music & family activities 30:00 Buck Bash details & ticket information 31:10 Mike's incredible 193-inch Saskatchewan buck 34:30 Why Saskatchewan produces giant whitetails 38:45 The giant 8-pointer Mike passed 43:45 Returning to Alberta after 20 years 44:10 Alberta outfitter horror stories 49:00 One of the wildest hunting stories you'll ever hear 🦌 Rick Labbe's 2026 Buck Bash 📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026 📍 Clinton Fairgrounds • Clinton, Maine ✔ Bring your favorite buck to display ✔ FREE official scoring by Northeast Big Bucks ✔ Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club scorers ✔ Live taxidermy demonstrations ✔ Knife making demonstrations ✔ Free knife sharpening ✔ Huge raffles & giveaways ✔ Live music ✔ Food trucks ✔ Kids activities 🎟️ Buy tickets early to receive bonus raffle tickets! 🎟️ Tickets: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop/ols/products/2026-buck-bash-tickets 🤝 Partners & Sponsors: 🎟 HuntstockGet 10% OFF your tickets with promo code TTN. https://huntstockevents.com/buy-tickets [https://huntstockevents.com/buy-tickets] 🧥 STAGR GearPremium hunting apparel built for serious hunters. Save 10% OFF with promo code TTN. https://stagrgear.com [https://stagrgear.com/] 🔪 Walker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives made in Maine. Built for hunters, guides, and outdoorsmen. https://walkerknifeco.com [https://walkerknifeco.com] 🏕 Lake Parlin LodgeNow booking weekly deer season cabin rentals and unforgettable Maine outdoor adventures. https://lakeparlinlodge.com [https://lakeparlinlodge.com/] 🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities Interested in featuring your business in future podcast episodes and YouTube videos? 📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com Stay Connected 📺 YouTube https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle [https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle] 👕 https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop] 🌐 Website https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/] 📖 Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr] 👍 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr] 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthlifestyle [https://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthlifestyle] If you enjoy whitetail deer hunting, big woods bucks, Saskatchewan hunting, Canadian whitetails, fly-in fishing, brook trout, lake trout, moose hunting, outdoor adventures, and hunting camp stories, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE. New videos and podcasts are released every week!

#26 - Lanny Benoit on the Origins of Benoit Bucks | Timmy Bolduc & Glenn Bombardier

What creates a legendary deer hunter?In Episode #26 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, the crew sits down with the legendary Lanny Benoit alongside Timmy Bolduc and Glenn Bombardier for one of the most personal and in-depth conversations yet about the origins of the Benoit Bucks legacy, growing up in the Vermont woods, learning to track deer, competitive shooting, snowmobile racing, and the mindset that helped shape one of the greatest big woods buck hunters of all time.From stories about carrying a .22 at 7 years old, shooting bucks around the house as a kid, learning without modern technology, and eventually helping revolutionize big woods deer tracking through books, VHS tapes, seminars, and deer schools… this episode dives deep into the history behind the Benoit family and the culture of Northeast deer hunting.The conversation also covers:The beginnings of the Benoit Bucks DVDs and seminarsHow tracking schools are helping modern huntersWhy confidence and experience matter in deer huntingThe reality of learning through mistakesShooting, mechanics, geometry, and competitionThe mentality required to consistently track mature bucks, this is one you don’t want to miss.📌 Timestamps0:00 – Intro0:45 – Timmy Bolduc & Glenn Bombardier join the podcast1:40 – Fishing Moosehead Lake with Lanny2:15 – Supporting the podcast & sponsors3:10 – Huntstock Wisconsin & Massachusetts4:15 – Rick Labbe’s Buck Bash announcement5:30 – Walker Knife Co. & handmade knives6:45 – The origins of Lanny Benoit’s hunting passion7:40 – Growing up hunting in Vermont as a kid8:30 – Carrying a .22 at 7 years old9:15 – Life before TVs, phones & paved roads10:30 – Fishing and hunting alone as a child11:40 – Lanny’s obsession with becoming a great deer hunter12:30 – Shooting bucks around the house at 9 years old13:10 – Competition, mindset & passion14:20 – Snowmobile racing & designing carburetors15:10 – Why school bored Lanny16:00 – Understanding mechanics & geometry17:20 – Early deer tracking lessons18:20 – Hunting Maine & the big woods19:30 – Lanny’s first 200-pound buck20:40 – Legendary shooting ability & skeet shooting23:00 – Coaching shooters & fixing bad habits24:50 – Advice for becoming successful at anything25:50 – The growth of the Benoit deer tracking schools27:30 – Hands-on shooting drills at deer school29:00 – How to sign up for deer school30:30 – The influence of Benoit books & DVDs31:10 – Tom Blaise/filming discussions & early hunting films33:30 – Ontario hunts & filming giant bucks35:40 – The first Benoit DVDs & VHS tapes36:40 – Why hunting with a cameraman can help38:00 – The origins of hunting seminars & videos40:40 – The first Benoit Bucks book & its impact42:00 – Competition between the Benoit brothers43:20 – Tips for tracking mature bucks44:30 – Confidence, experience & learning from mistakes46:30 – Lake Parlin Lodge deer camp openings48:30 – Timmy & Glenn discuss how Benoit Bucks changed their hunting🌲 Featured GuestsLanny BenoitTimmy BolducGlenn BombardierJoe KruseRick Labbe🦌 Mentioned In This Episode🏹 Benoit Deer Tracking Schools📍 Pine Grove Lodge – Moscow, Maine🎣 Northeast Troller👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN for 10% OFF🧥 STAGR Gear👉 Use code TTN for 10% OFF🔪 Walker Knife Co.👉 Handcrafted knives made in Maine🏕 Lake Parlin Lodge👉 Weekly deer season cabin rentals available now🎟 Huntstock👉 Use promo code TTN for discounted tickets💬 Comment BelowWhat’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned while deer hunting?And what’s your favorite Benoit Bucks memory — the books, VHS tapes, DVDs, seminars, or tracking stories?👇 Let us know in the comments.🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle📺 YouTube: @TrueNorthLifestyle📘 Facebook: The True North Lifestyle📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🌐 Website: TheTrueNorthLifestyle.com

#25 – What Makes Fish Bite? Lure Design, Trolling Strategy & Northeast Troller with Christian Carlson

What actually makes fish bite? Why do fish hit one lure… and completely ignore another? If you’ve ever wondered why one lure works one day and not the next… this conversation will change how you think about fishing. In this episode, Christian Carlson of Northeast Troller https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN [https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN] breaks down the real factors behind what triggers fish to strike—from lure design and color patterns to trolling speed, presentation, and instinct. If you’re looking for trolling gear for trout and salmon — spoons, flashers, dodgers, down-rigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered. What does it take to turn a passion for fishing into a full-blown business? Joe Kruse, Rick Labbe, and Lee Libby sit down with Christian Carlson of Northeast Troller to talk about everything from growing up fishing across the country to building a successful lure company from the ground up. This one is packed with insight, laughs, and real-world experience—from selling night crawlers as a kid to designing and testing trolling spoons that are now catching fish all over the Northeast. If you’re into fishing, lure design, or just appreciate the grind of building something from nothing… this episode delivers. 🎣 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How Christian got his start selling nightcrawlers as a kid • The story behind building Northeast Troller • What actually goes into designing a fishing lure • The science behind spoon shapes, colors, and action • Why some lures work one day… and not the next • The truth about “hot” patterns and industry trends • How small tweaks in speed and presentation change everything • The process of hand-painting and building lures • Why quality hooks and materials matter more than you think • Real fishing stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments 📌 Timestamps 0:00 Intro + welcome to the podcast 0:45 Supporting the channel + subscribe 2:30 Sponsors, merch & updates 4:40 Meet Christian Carlson (Northeast Troller) 6:30 Growing up fishing + early influences 8:00 Selling nightcrawlers as a kid 10:00 From aquaculture to lure building 12:00 How trolling spoons are made 14:30 Testing lure shapes & action 18:00 Color patterns & why they matter 22:00 Naming lures + industry trends 26:00 Patents, designs & competition 30:00 Custom lures & what actually works 33:00 Boat speed, presentation & fishing strategy 36:00 Behind the scenes of lure production 40:00 Hooks, materials & durability 44:00 What happens to lost lures? 46:00 Old-school lure origins & fishing history End: Final thoughts & wrap up 💬 Let’s Hear From You What’s your go-to lure or pattern that always produces? Have you ever found something that just “works” no matter what? Drop it below 👇 🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle [https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle] Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop] Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B [https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B] Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle 🤝 Sponsors & Partners Northeast Troller 👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN 💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your order. If you’re looking for trolling gear for trout and salmon — spoons, flashers, dodgers, down-rigger releases, live bait rigs, and more — Northeast Troller has you covered. STAGR Gear Save 10% with code TTN https://stagrgear.com [https://stagrgear.com/] Walker Knife Co. https://walkerknifeco.com [https://walkerknifeco.com/] 🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities Interested in working with us? 📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

#24 - HOT BUTTON HUNTING ISSUES | The True North Lifestyle Podcast

What happens when you stop avoiding the tough topics… and finally say what everyone’s thinking? In this episode, Joe, Rick, Lee Libby, and “Old Guide Mike” dive headfirst into some of the biggest hot button issues in the hunting and outdoor community right now—from Maine legislation to hound hunting, Sunday hunting, and the future of our traditions. This one gets real. From celebrating the passing of LD 2054 to breaking down controversial topics like anti-hound legislation, fly fishing-only waters, and Sunday hunting laws… this is a raw, honest conversation about what’s happening right now and what it means for sportsmen everywhere. If you care about hunting, fishing, and protecting the future of the outdoors… this is a must-listen. 📌 Timestamps 0:00 Intro + why this episode is different 0:45 Subscribe + supporting the channel 2:30 Sponsors, merch & upcoming guests 4:50 Introducing hot button topics 5:45 LD 2054 passes – what it means 8:00 How sportsmen made a difference 10:00 Lodge tag system explained 14:30 Non-resident hunters discussion 20:30 Anti-hound hunting legislation 24:00 Why hounds matter for conservation 31:00 Fly fishing-only waters debate 35:00 Maine trout fisheries & access 43:30 Sunday hunting discussion 47:30 Old stories + real perspectives End: Final thoughts on the future of hunting 🔥 In This Episode • The truth behind LD 2054 and why it matters • How sportsmen actually made a difference through calls and emails • Corruption, loopholes, and fixing the lodge tag system • The real impact of non-resident hunters on local economies • Anti-hound hunting legislation quietly added to federal bills • Why hound hunting is critical for wildlife management • The controversy around fly fishing-only waters in Maine • Wild vs native brook trout and protecting fisheries • Sunday hunting debate and how it affects everyday hunters • Real stories, opinions, and unfiltered takes from the crew 🧠 Why This Episode Matters This isn’t just another podcast—the guys speak freely and say what’s on their minds. This conversation is about: • Protecting hunting traditions • Standing up for what’s right • Understanding how legislation actually affects sportsmen • Making sure future generations can enjoy the outdoors As discussed in the episode, sportsmen speaking up made a real impact—proving that voices, calls, and emails truly matter. 💬 Let’s Hear From You Where do YOU stand on these issues? • Should Maine allow Sunday hunting? • What are your thoughts on hound hunting? • Did LD 2054 go far enough? 🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle [https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle] Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop] Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/] Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7 [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7]... Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597W [https://www.facebook.com/share/16597W]... Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle STAGR Gear Save 10% using our link: https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=979730 [https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=979730]... Use promo code TTN at checkout Walker Knife Co. https://walkerknifeco.com [https://walkerknifeco.com/] Lake Parlin Lodge https://lakeparlinlodge.com [https://lakeparlinlodge.com/] 🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities Interested in being featured in a future podcast or video? info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com

#23 - Ice, and BONFIRE… WILD STORIES: Moosehead Lake Ice Fishing Trip | The True North Lifestyle Podcast

Ever had one of those trips where everything turns into chaos… in the best way possible? 13 guys. Moosehead Lake. Ice fishing. A massive bonfire. And a podcast recorded right in the middle of it all. But this trip wasn’t just fun—it got real. This episode of The True North Lifestyle Podcast is different than anything we’ve done before. We brought the mics to camp, rotated guys in and out (musical chairs style), and captured real, unfiltered conversations from one of the best—and most eventful—weekends we’ve had. You’ll hear from familiar voices and new faces including Oscar, Phil, Greg, and Griffin—each bringing their own stories, perspective, and energy to the table. From sketchy ice conditions and pressure ridges to helping pull a machine out of the lake… and even hearing about a truck going through the ice near the Kineo docks—this weekend was a reminder of how quickly things can change out there. At one point, the crew even talks about it straight up: 👉 they’d take the risk for a big buck… but not for a fish. And that mindset showed when Rick made the call to keep the group from crossing the lake in tough conditions, avoiding a situation that could’ve gone sideways fast. And for the first time ever… Neil steps in and takes over hosting duties in the second half of the podcast, switching roles with Joe and running the show. 👉 How do you think Neil did? Would you want to see another episode with Neil hosting? Let us know in the comments. 🧊 What Went Down This Weekend * Ice fishing on Moosehead Lake * A 13-man crew at camp * A legendary lake bonfire 🔥 * Helping rescue a machine through a pressure ridge * Reports of a truck going through the ice near Kineo * Rick making the call to avoid a risky lake crossing * “Risk it for a buck… not for a fish” conversation * Garmin LiveScope debate (game changer or cheating?) * Kids, mentorship, and growing up in the outdoors * Behind-the-scenes with our film crew * Griffin’s brutal first experience trying to keep up with Rick tracking 😅 📌 Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to camp (13 guys, Moosehead trip begins)1:30 Ice conditions & bonfire tradition3:30 Fish caught + recap5:00 LiveScope discussion10:00 Camp chaos & stories 😅14:30 Oscar joins the podcast28:00 Machine through the ice rescue story31:00 Dangerous ice & pressure ridge discussion34:00 Meet Phil & Griffin (film crew)46:00 Tracking story (Griffin vs Rick)52:00 Neil takes over hostingEnd: Wrap up + what’s next 📍 Locations Moosehead Lake, MaineLake Parlin Lodge 🎯 Coming Up We filmed this entire trip—full video dropping soon 🎥Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it. 💬 Comment Below Have you ever had a sketchy moment on the ice? And seriously… 👉 Should Neil host another episode? 🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle [https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle] 👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop] 🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com [https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/] 📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr] 👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr] 📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle Lake Parlin LodgeWeekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday & Friday night happy hour included.🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.comSTAGR GearSave 10% and gear up for hunting season using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check it’s applied.Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate GuideLand, homes, and camps across Western Maine.📞 (207) 364-5326🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.comWalker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives & tools.🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com🎯 Sponsorship OpportunitiesInterested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video?📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com