The True North Lifestyle Podcast

#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

#22 - Maine Moose Lodge Tags L.D. 2054: Why We Must Act Now | The True North Lifestyle

🚨 Maine moose hunting is at a turning point and this conversation matters. This could be voted on Thursday (3/26) — action is needed NOW! In Episode 22 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe sits down with James Cody, Executive Director of the Maine Professional Guides Association, and Lee Schanz Jr of Big Woods Bucks to break down two major issues that could impact the future of moose hunting, guiding, and sporting camps in Maine. This episode focuses on L.D. 2054, the bill aimed at cleaning up Maine’s lodge tag program, protecting the integrity of the moose hunt, and making sure the system works the way it was originally intended. The conversation also covers the push for expanded September moose hunts in more zones across the state, and why that matters for guides, sporting camps, hunters, and the rural Maine economy. From the economics of nonresident moose permits and sporting camps, to fairness for guides and outfitters, to what listeners can do right now to support the bill, this is an important and timely discussion for anyone who cares about Maine’s outdoor heritage. If you care about Maine moose hunting, sporting camps, guiding, and protecting the future of the outdoors in Maine, this is an episode worth listening to and sharing. Timestamps / Chapters 0:00 Podcast intro 0:06 Special guests James Cody & Lee Schanz 1:32 What this emergency legislative update is about 2:23 Breaking down L.D. 2054 4:03 The original purpose of the lodge tag program 6:13 How lodge tags affect nonresident permits 8:01 How the current system works 11:20 Why this program needs to be cleaned up 12:38 Zone access and adjacency issues 16:03 Who should qualify for lodge tags 18:48 Lee Schanz’s perspective as a guide 22:12 Why the public should support this program 24:14 Key changes proposed in L.D. 2054 28:00 Why moose tags shouldn’t become currency 32:23 Stopping resale and flipping of tags 36:08 Preference for camps running their own hunts 38:01 Permit process issues being addressed 41:28 Why this matters to everyone 42:12 Where to read and follow the bill 44:31 The 12–1 committee vote explained 46:01 Attempted revote and what happened 48:30 Why you should contact legislators 51:16 September moose hunts explained 53:08 Greenville, Rangeley, and pushback 56:04 Why September hunts matter 58:55 Business and biological benefits 1:02:18 Final thoughts on the future of moose hunting 1:04:00 Call to support L.D. 2054 1:04:35 Closing thoughts 1:05:18 Shoot Straight Call to Action: If you support cleaning up the lodge tag program and protecting the integrity of Maine’s moose hunt, take a few minutes to contact your local representative and senator and ask them to support L.D. 2054. Every voice matters. Sponsors & Shoutouts Lake Parlin Lodge Weekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday & Friday night happy hour included. 🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.com STAGR Gear Save 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 Guide Land, homes, and camps across Western Maine. 📞 (207) 364-5326 🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson 🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com Walker Knife Co. Handcrafted knives & tools. 🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com ⸻ Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle 👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop 🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com 📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr 👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr 📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle ⸻ 🎯 Sponsorship Opportunities Interested in being featured in a future podcast episode or YouTube video? 📧 info@thetruenorthlifestyle.com