Shotgun Zones, Crossbows & Deer Numbers – What’s Changing in MN?

Forkhorn, POMA, and New Friends in the Outdoor Industry

In this episode of Down The Barrel Podcast, the guys dive into two outstanding organizations that are making a difference in the outdoor world. First, they discuss the MDHA Forkhorn Camps, one of Minnesota's premier youth outdoor education programs, and how these camps are helping pass our hunting heritage on to the next generation. They also recap their experience at the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) Summit held in Hugo, Minnesota, where they spent several days connecting with outdoor writers, content creators, manufacturers, and conservation organizations from across the country. From great conversations to new friendships and exciting opportunities, the POMA event showcased the best of the outdoor industry. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and join Jim, Dean, and Jared as they share stories from the week and highlight two great operations that are helping keep our outdoor traditions strong. Have a listen and learn more about the Forkhorn Program and POMA—two organizations doing great things for the future of the outdoors. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) First Call For Help 211 (www.firstcall211.net) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Updates, Opinions & Other Bad Decisions

Not gonna lie… this one’s a bit of a filler episode because things have been absolutely nuts lately. But sometimes those turn into the best conversations. Jim, Dean, and Jared sit down to catch up, crack a few drinks, and talk through everything that’s been happening lately with MDHA and beyond. We cover some big MDHA updates, talk about the newest chapter joining the organization, dive into the latest conversations around guns in Minnesota, and discuss the exciting partnership opportunities brewing with Arctic Cat. We also revisit the idea of putting together a Wild Game Cook Off with our good buddy Tony from. It’s laid back, unfiltered, and exactly the kind of episode you’d expect from a few guys trying to catch their breath during a busy season. Grab a drink, hang out with us for a while, and thanks for listening to the. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report) First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Turn In Poachers with Peter Lodermeier

In this episode of the Down The Barrel Podcast, we sit down with Peter Lodermeier to talk about Minnesota’s T.I.P. Program — Turn In Poachers. Peter shares the history behind the organization, how it started in Minnesota back in 1980, and how volunteers across the state continue working to protect wildlife and natural resources today. We discuss how the T.I.P. program works, how anonymous tips help conservation officers catch poachers, and the types of violations commonly reported — from overlimits of walleyes and illegal deer hunting to damage to public lands and protected species violations. Peter also explains how rewards are offered for information that leads to arrests and convictions, along with the importance of public involvement in protecting Minnesota’s outdoor heritage. The conversation also dives into the famous “Wall of Shame” displays seen at sports shows across the state, fundraising efforts that keep T.I.P. operating independently, and some unbelievable real-world poaching stories from over the years. If you’re passionate about hunting, fishing, conservation, and protecting the future of the outdoors, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Learn more or support the organization at: http://www.turninpoachers.org BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com) First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)

Episode 100 – Full Auto Fun. Celebrating with Off Grid Armory

Down The Barrel hits a huge milestone—Episode 100—and we’re celebrating the only way we know how… with some full-auto fun. We made a trip to Off Grid Armory to spend the day sending rounds downrange and catching up with our buddy Sam. Along the way, we dive into everything from Off Grid Suppressors and SHOT Show highlights to Sherps, gear, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. It’s loud, it’s unfiltered, and it’s exactly the kind of episode that got us here in the first place. Reaching 100 episodes puts Down The Barrel in the top 5% of podcasts globally by longevity—and honestly, that’s pretty wild to think about. We couldn’t have done it without all of you. Whether you’ve been listening since day one or just found us recently, thank you for the support, the laughs, and for riding along with us. Here’s to 100 episodes down… and 100 more ahead. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com)

Shotgun Zones, Crossbows & Deer Numbers – What’s Changing in MN?

Episode 99 is all about updates as the crew gears up for the big 100th episode. Jared joins remotely while sick, and the guys jump into key topics including the ongoing rifle vs. shotgun zone decisions, with counties approaching the May 15 deadline. They break down the crossbow bill passing unanimously in the Senate, expected to move through the House, and why these changes matter for the future of hunting—especially when it comes to recruiting and retaining hunters. The crew also reviews 2025 deer harvest numbers, showing an encouraging rebound thanks to mild winters and improved success rates. To wrap things up, it’s classic Down The Barrel talk—turkey season, fishing opener, gear chatter, and plenty of laughs—plus a reminder to support hunting legislation and tune in for Episode 100. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) MNBOW (www.mnbowhunters.com) First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report)