Ep. 22: Inside the CWD Conversation: What I Learned from MDC

Ep. 22: Inside the CWD Conversation: What I Learned from MDC

On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down in the mancave to talk about what's keeping him busy this summer as deer season inches closer. Trail cameras are hitting the woods, mature bucks are starting to reveal themselves, and it's time to begin building this year's hit list. Luke shares his current trail camera strategy, what he's looking for this time of year, and how he's preparing for the upcoming whitetail season. The second half of the episode dives into one of the most controversial topics in Missouri hunting today—Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Luke recently had the opportunity to participate in a CWD discussion hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation alongside approximately 30 hunters, landowners, business owners, outdoor enthusiasts, and other stakeholders from across the state. The meeting provided an open forum to discuss CWD, MDC's management efforts, and the concerns and opinions of those directly impacted. Luke recaps what was discussed during the meeting, shares how the conversation changed his perspective on MDC's approach to managing CWD, and breaks down the new Missouri CWD regulations that will take effect beginning in 2026. Whether you agree with the changes or not, this episode aims to provide insight into the reasoning behind them and encourage an informed conversation about the future of deer hunting in Missouri.  Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

Ep. 21: Trail Camera Obsession: Strategies, Setups, and Iowa’s Proposed Ban

On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down in the mancave to talk about one of his biggest hunting obsessions—trail cameras.  Luke has been running trail cameras since he was a young boy and still loves the anticipation of letting a camera soak in the woods for weeks at a time. Whether it's a mature buck, a surprise visitor, or a target deer showing up for the first time, you never know what might walk in front of the lens.  Luke breaks down his trail camera strategy throughout the year, including summer setups on trails, food plots, and mineral sites before transitioning to scrapes, mock scrapes, and key travel corridors by October. He also discusses how he combines traditional SD card cameras with cellular trail cameras to gather information and hunt more effectively.  The conversation then shifts to one of the hottest topics in the hunting world right now: Iowa's proposed trail camera restrictions. The proposal would prohibit all trail cameras—both SD card and cellular models—on Iowa public land, and the Iowa DNR is even considering additional restrictions on cellular cameras used on private land.  If you're interested in trail camera brands, camera placement strategies, deer hunting tactics, or the future of trail camera regulations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.  Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

Ep. 20: A Colorado Merriam's and a Pile of Elk Sheds

On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke and Max sit down to recap Luke's recent Colorado Merriam’s turkey hunt—an unforgettable mountain adventure that ended with a pile of elk sheds and his very first Merriam’s gobbler. Luke shares the story of a camping trip to the Colorado mountains with his dad, where long days of hiking and covering country resulted in a great collection of elk sheds and plenty of memories. The turkey hunt started with an exciting first morning that featured a close encounter with a gobbler that never showed himself, leaving Luke wondering what could have been. Determined to find more birds, Luke made a move to a new area the following day. That decision proved to be the turning point of the hunt when he located a gobbler late that afternoon and managed to get him roosted for the next morning. What followed was one of the most intense turkey hunting experiences of his life. With more than 100 gobbles heard at 150 yards and closer, Luke finally made an aggressive move that paid off, ending with a beautiful Merriam’s gobbler standing just 15 yards away. The conversation then shifts to an important topic for sportsmen and women across Colorado. Max discusses a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution that would establish the right to hunt and fish, helping protect outdoor traditions, conserve wildlife resources for future generations, and ensure wildlife management remains rooted in sound conservation practices. Supporters are currently gathering signatures to place the amendment on the ballot, making public participation critical. If you're passionate about turkey hunting, shed hunting, mountain adventures, truck camping, conservation, or simply hearing a great hunting story, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

Ep. 19: 505 Yards in Bear Country | A Wyoming Backcountry Hunt

On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down with Max to talk about a recent Wyoming backcountry spring black bear hunt that turned into an unforgettable adventure. What began as a planned 10-day hunt quickly became a crash course in adapting to changing conditions, learning fresh country on the fly, and reacting to the sign they were seeing in real time. Max explains how he and his hunting buddy encountered multiple bears throughout the trip, including several sows with cubs that they chose to pass. After covering miles of rugged Wyoming backcountry and hunting several different areas, Max’s buddy finally located a lone bear that gave them the opportunity they had been waiting for. The hunt came together with a successful stalk and an impressive 505 yard shot to seal the deal. The guys dive into the lessons learned throughout the trip, including why staying open-minded and adaptable is critical during western hunts. While e-scouting can be incredibly valuable before a hunt, Max discusses how reality in the mountains can look completely different once boots hit the ground. Fresh sign, food sources, and current bear activity ultimately dictated where they focused their time. If you’re interested in DIY western hunting, backcountry adventures, spot-and-stalk bear hunting, and authentic hunting stories from the mountains, this is an episode you’ll enjoy. Great hunting podcasts thrive on authentic storytelling and real lessons learned in the field. Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.

Ep. 18: A Deeper Connection | Turkey Hunting with MoGobbles

On this episode of Keota Outdoors, Luke sits down in the mancave with new friend Truman Kinsey — better known to many as “MoGobbles.” Truman is an extremely passionate turkey hunter who carries a deep appreciation and connection for the wild turkey and the adventures that come with chasing them across the country.  Luke and Truman swap stories from this spring’s turkey season, including a couple successful hunts for big longbeards and the unforgettable moments that came with them. One hunt, in particular, took an unexpected turn when Truman found himself calling 911 just minutes after tagging his bird.  The conversation then shifts toward Truman’s upcoming turkey tour — a wild stretch of 4 states in 11 days — and the adventure, dedication, and passion it takes to live life around spring turkey season. Truman is also currently working on a turkey hunting book, and listeners will get to hear a small excerpt from the project during the episode.  If you love turkey hunting stories, chasing eastern gobblers, and hearing from people who truly live for the spring woods, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.  Thanks for listening to The Keota Outdoors Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube  Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @KeotaOutdoors    For bonus drops and raw in-the-field episodes, look for "The Outdoor Drop" releases. Questions, guest ideas, or feedback? Email outdooraligned@gmail.com   Remember, stay aligned with the outdoors.