Down The Barrel

10/08/2025

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

We recently sat down with Chance Adams from the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for a great conversation about all things deer, conservation, and a few good laughs along the way.

We cover CWD and BHA’s CWD Pint Nights, chat about the upcoming Icebreaker event this winter, and of course… go off on a few classic tangents like only we can.

If you care about Minnesota’s wild places, public lands, and good company — this one’s for you. 🍻

https://youtu.be/Q4gTIwvdaJU

In this episode, we sit down with Chance Adams from the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for a great conversation about conservation, camar...

10/01/2025

🦃 New Episode! 🎙️
Fall turkey season is here 🍂 and we’re talking tactics with Eugene Crandall from NWTF.

✅ What turkeys are up to right now
✅ Tricks to boost your odds
✅ Why we even have a fall season
✅ Hunting stories from the field

On this episode, we sit down with Eugene Crandall from the Minnesota Chapter of the NWTF to dive into the world of fall turkey hunting. Eugene shares practic...

10/01/2025

A morning buck montage from VWP. Thanks for sharing Tom.

09/24/2025

Great post from our good friend Sam!

Our hunting culture really needs to change.

I remember those first few years that I hunted it didn't matter what anyone shot. Regardless of the size of the animal, we'd all sit around that tailgate and congratulate the hunter and excitedly hear about the hunt. That animal was a blessing and we treated it as such.

Times have sure changed. Now when someone shoots a buck you often hear someone say "he needed another year" or "why'd you shoot that" or "I woulda passed um", etc. etc. etc. As a means of getting ahead of that garbage, some folks will start out the conversation about their harvest by saying "well, he's not the biggest, but" trying to justify their kill to meet someone else's standards.

I'm here to say it does not matter one bit what other people think about the animal that you chose to legally and ethically harvest. Social media has created a platform where folks think they always "need" to share their opinion on other people's lives. Please, don't listen to the folks that like to sit on the sideline and spew their own nonsense in your direction. Set your hunting goals based on what your desires are, not someone else's.

I say all this as one who has been on the wrong side of the fence with this. There was a time where I'd get really worked up about what other people would shoot. But as you mature, you realize that 1) They're not YOUR deer and 2) It's not your place to put your standards on someone else. The only time I believe you have the right to set someone else's standards is if you're the landowner. In that circumstance you can absolutely set harvest goals for everyone hunting on your ground.

I absolutely love chasing mature bucks. My hunting goals ebb and flow each year, but I'm always trying to chase the biggest deer we have running on the family farm. But just because I have a goal for myself doesn't mean that I should have the right to apply that goal to anyone else. As Steve Bartylla has said "Godbless the meat hunters."

So, if you're standing over someone else's harvest this year (or you see a photo online) and that particular harvest isn't something you would have chosen to shoot, just keep that opinion to yourself. We owe it to these animals to enjoy them for the blessing that they are. There will be a point that we'll all have to hang up our weapons. Let's enjoy each harvest because we never know which one of these harvests may be our last.

09/19/2025

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

We had an absolute blast visiting with Juliet from Stern Game Recovery. From licking arrows 🤯 to some downright crazy recovery stories, this one is packed with laughs and good info every hunter can appreciate.

Take a break from your day and give it a listen—you won’t regret it.
👉 Check out Stern Game Recovery on Facebook too!

https://youtu.be/Pf74KwM8L-8

Stern Game Recovery

We had an absolute blast chatting with Juliet from Stern Game Recovery! From licking arrows (yes, you read that right) to some truly wild recovery stories, t...

09/13/2025

The latest and greatest from DTB and our good friends.

On this episode, we welcome back one of our favorites, Tony Roettger from the Minnesota Chapter of Safari Club International. Tony takes us through his lates...

09/08/2025

🎙️ Exciting episodes ahead on the podcast!

This week we’re sitting down with good friend Tony Roettger, President of the Minnesota Chapter of Safari Club International. Tony is always a great guest, and we’re looking forward to hearing about his recent trip to South Africa with his family. 🌍🦌

Next week, we’ll be joined by Juliet from Stern Game Recovery. Her dog tracking service has been in high demand this bear season, and we’re sure she’ll have some wild tales from the woods to share. 🐾🎯

Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss these conversations with some of Minnesota’s most passionate outdoorsmen and women!

08/27/2025

🚨 New Podcast Alert! 🚨

Is MDHA really out to shut down deer farms? Or is that just the latest tall tale from the woods? 🦌🎙️

We sat down with Jared Mazurek, Executive Director of MDHA, to talk about what’s really going on with chronic wasting disease, double fences, and why protecting wild deer matters more than drama.

Think of it as deer camp storytelling—except with fewer cold hot dogs and more facts (and maybe a few laughs).

In this episode, we chat with Jared Mazurek, Executive Director of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, about one of the hottest topics in the deer world:...

08/21/2025

🎧 New Podcast Episode!

We sat down with Marine Sgt. Zach Johnson, founder of Roger Up, to talk about his time in the Marines, the struggles he faced as a combat veteran, and how he’s turning those experiences into a mission to help other veterans and first responders.

Through Roger Up, Zach is opening doors to the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and adventure opportunities designed to support mental health and healing. His story is powerful, real, and inspiring.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of combat trauma, suicidal thoughts, and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A58I5wWnjM

Roger Up Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Off Grid Armory First Call For Help

In this episode, we sit down with Marine Zach Johnson, founder of Roger Up. Zach shares his journey through the Marines, the challenges he faced as a combat ...

08/14/2025

🎙 New Podcast Episode – August Filler 🎙

This fall we’re hunting everything but spare time — and possibly our marriages.

In our latest “August Filler” episode, we give you the rundown on what MDHA’s been up to: Wolf Report updates, the Full Draw Film Tour with MNBOW, and fresh news from the MDHA Game Fair booth.

Then we dive into our slightly overbooked fall hunting plans — Camp Ripley, bear, deer, duck, grouse, and turkey. If it runs, flies, or gobbles, it’s on our list. Plus, we explore the fine line between hunting season excitement and spousal eviction notices.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/19K4m9wDhXk

In this “August Filler” episode, we dish out updates on what’s new with MDHA — fWolf Report to the Full Draw Film Tour with MNBOW — and share the latest stra...

07/30/2025

🎧 New Podcast Episode is LIVE! 🎯

Catch up with us as we talk all things MNBOW — from the appropriately named Rapids Archery Summer Sizzler 3D Shoot with Minnesota SCI, to our upcoming showing of the Full Draw Film Tour in Grand Rapids (you don’t want to miss it)!

We talk about African safaris, sharing thoughts on the newly released 2025 Minnesota hunting regulations, and talking about why now’s a great time to join MNBOW and be part of Minnesota’s bowhunting future.

🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and help us spread the word by liking, sharing, and tagging your hunting buddies!

🦌🏹

In this episode, we catch up on all things MNBOW! We break down recent events, including the awesome Rapids Archery Summer Sizzler 3D Shoot co-hosted by Minn...

07/20/2025

Big weekend ahead for archery fans! 🎯

Tony Roettger, President of the Minnesota Chapter of Safari Club International, is back to share all the details about the Summer Sizzler 3D Archery Shoot with Rapids Archery Club happening this weekend! 🎯

📅 Date: July 27th

🎁 One reason to attend: Win a Mathews Bow! 🚀

But that’s not all! Tune in to hear Tony talk about his upcoming crocodile hunt, exciting collaborations with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, DrivenTV, and more!

We had some internet hiccups, but this conversation is worth a listen. Tony always brings amazing insights and stories to the table.
Hit the link to check it out, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for a weekend filled with archery adventures! ⬇️🎯
https://youtu.be/MTYYQyf9xb4

We’re thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite guests, MNSCI President Tony Roettger! In this episode, we dive into the exciting details of the upcoming ...