Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Derek York, founder of the Hunt Fish Podcast Summit, host of the Impact Outdoors Podcast, and owner of Spot Stalker Guide Service along the Texas coast. Derek shares the story behind the Hunt Fish Podcast Summit, a unique gathering that brings together podcasters, filmmakers, conservation leaders, and outdoor storytellers from across North America. Over several days, guests collaborate, record podcasts, fish, shoot skeet, and showcase films during the Hunt Fish Podcast Film Festival, highlighting some of the most compelling conservation and outdoor stories being produced today.  The conversation explores how the summit has grown into a hub for outdoor media collaboration, featuring guests from organizations like Wild Sheep Foundation, Women Hunt, Heroes on the Water, and Texas coastal conservation groups. Filmmakers and conservation storytellers gather to share new documentaries, short films, and stories that highlight wildlife conservation, outdoor heritage, and the people working to protect natural resources.  Beyond podcasting and media, Derek also discusses his life as a Texas coastal fishing guide, running Spot Stalker Guide Service in the Galveston Bay complex. The episode dives into redfish fishing, speckled trout conservation, tarpon along the Texas coast, and the importance of responsible boating and habitat protection in fragile coastal ecosystems.  From outdoor storytelling and filmmaking to conservation issues and fishing adventures, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unique gatherings in the outdoor media world. Topics covered in this episode The origin of the Hunt Fish Podcast Summit Bringing outdoor podcasters and filmmakers together The Hunt Fish Podcast Film Festival Conservation storytelling and outdoor media collaboration Texas coastal conservation and oyster reef restoration Redfish, trout, tarpon, and nearshore fishing in the Gulf Life as a fishing guide on the Texas coast Why outdoor media matters for conservation awareness Whether you're a podcaster, angler, hunter, filmmaker, or conservationist, this episode highlights the power of storytelling, collaboration, and community in the outdoor industry.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Chad Waligura, founder of Able Outdoors, a television series and media platform dedicated to helping people with disabilities experience hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Chad's life changed dramatically in 1986 when a diving accident left him a quadriplegic, but rather than stepping away from the outdoors he loved, he found new ways to stay involved. Through determination, supportive friends and family, and adaptive equipment, Chad rediscovered how to hunt, fish, and continue living a life connected to nature.  Today, Chad shares that journey through Able Outdoors, a show streaming on CarbonTV and YouTube that highlights adaptive outdoor adventures and the inspiring stories of other hunters and anglers living with disabilities. The program demonstrates that with creativity, persistence, and the right mindset, the outdoors is accessible to everyone.  In this conversation, Chad shares stories from the field, including guiding and hunting with people facing a wide range of physical challenges, filming hunts with adaptive equipment, and even taking a blind hunter duck hunting—an experience that showed how different senses can transform the way someone experiences the outdoors.  The episode also dives into Chad's goals for the future of Able Outdoors, including expanding the show, mentoring other adaptive hunters, and documenting an ambitious wheelchair Grand Slam turkey hunt across North America. From duck hunting and fly fishing to adaptive equipment and inspiring stories of resilience, this episode highlights how the outdoors can change lives and bring people back to nature—no matter the obstacles. Topics covered in this episode Chad Waligura's journey after becoming a quadriplegic The mission behind the Able Outdoors TV series Adaptive hunting and fishing techniques Filming outdoor adventures for CarbonTV Hunting and fishing with disabilities A blind hunter's first duck hunt The adaptive Grand Slam turkey hunting goal Inspiring others to reconnect with nature Whether you are a hunter, angler, conservationist, or simply someone who believes in the power of perseverance, this episode shows how the outdoors can inspire resilience, purpose, and community.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features legendary Texas fly fishing guide Chuck Naiser, founder of the nonprofit conservation organization FlatsWorthy. Chuck has been fishing the Texas coast since the late 1960s and guiding anglers for decades out of Rockport, Texas, where he became known for pioneering shallow-water sight casting for redfish on fly rods. His work helped shape modern fly fishing along the Texas coast and earned him recognition in the Perry R. Bass Marine Fishing Hall of Fame at the Rockport Maritime Museum.  In this conversation, Chuck shares stories from the early days of coastal fly fishing—when anglers explored remote islands on foot, discovered untouched flats, and learned the behavior of redfish through experience rather than technology. But the discussion goes far beyond fishing. Chuck dives into the growing challenges facing Texas coastal ecosystems and explains why protecting habitat is critical to the future of fisheries. Through his nonprofit FlatsWorthy, Chuck has worked to address issues like habitat damage, fishing pressure, and oyster reef destruction in Texas bays. One of the most significant conservation victories discussed in the episode is the protection of the Mesquite Bay complex, where efforts led by Chuck and conservation partners helped establish a 75,000-acre oyster sanctuary designed to protect vital reef habitat that supports fish populations and stabilizes coastal ecosystems.  Chuck also shares his philosophy of "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," a simple way to think about conservation by asking what the ecosystem looked like in the past, what it looks like today, and what it will become if current trends continue. From fly fishing history and redfish on the flats to large-scale conservation battles along the Texas coast, this episode offers a powerful look at what it takes to protect the waters we love. Topics covered in this episode The early days of fly fishing for redfish in Texas Exploring untouched coastal flats before modern technology The impact of fishing pressure and habitat loss Oyster reef destruction and the Mesquite Bay conservation effort The mission of the FlatsWorthy nonprofit organization Why habitat protection is critical for the future of fisheries Chuck Naiser's conservation philosophy: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Whether you are a fly angler, saltwater fisherman, conservationist, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode highlights why protecting habitat today ensures that future generations will still have fish to chase tomorrow.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Dana Dykema of Vancouver, British Columbia, host of the Ignite Podcast for the Women Hunt program at the Wild Sheep Foundation. Dana shares her journey from a young mother learning to cook real food for her family to becoming deeply involved in the hunting and conservation community. What began with making homemade baby food and sourcing ingredients locally eventually led her to launch a business focused on connecting families with locally grown, seasonal food and regenerative agriculture.  Through that journey, Dana began exploring the deeper connection between food and the outdoors. Wanting to know exactly where her meat came from led her into hunting, where she discovered the value of wild food and the role hunters play in conservation. The conversation dives into the Women Hunt program, a unique initiative created by the Wild Sheep Foundation that introduces women to hunting through a field-to-fork educational experience in Texas. Participants receive hands-on training in firearms, hunting ethics, meat processing, and conservation, helping them build the confidence and knowledge needed to continue their journey in the outdoors.  Dana also discusses the realities of living and hunting in Canada, including bear hunting, salmon fishing regulations, and the challenges surrounding wildlife management and food sourcing. From regenerative agriculture and clean eating to hunting, conservation, and women in the outdoors, this episode explores how knowing where your food comes from can transform the way people think about hunting and conservation. Topics covered in this episode The Women Hunt program and the Wild Sheep Foundation Dana Dykema's Ignite Podcast and conservation storytelling The connection between farm-to-table food and hunting Regenerative farming and sourcing local food Bear hunting and wild game meat in Canada Salmon fishing regulations and conservation issues in British Columbia Why knowing where your food comes from matters Whether you're a hunter, angler, conservationist, or someone interested in sustainable food systems, this episode highlights the growing movement of people reconnecting with wild food, conservation, and the outdoors.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Troy Fowler, better known as the Ranch Fairy—a bowhunting researcher, YouTuber, and creator known for his deep dive into arrow lethality and heavy arrow systems. Troy explains the research behind his approach to bowhunting, inspired by the Ashby Bowhunting Study, one of the most detailed studies ever conducted on arrow lethality and penetration. Through years of experimentation and real-world hunting, Troy discovered that arrow weight, broadhead design, and structural integrity of the arrow system can dramatically impact penetration and overall effectiveness in the field.  The conversation explores Troy's journey from traditional bowhunting frustrations—losing animals due to poor penetration or equipment failure—to developing a system designed for maximum lethality and pass-through performance. His philosophy is simple: an arrow should pass completely through the animal and never remain inside it, maximizing blood trails and ethical harvests.  Beyond archery, the episode shifts into hunting strategy and fishing philosophy. Troy shares lessons learned from pursuing large feral hogs in Texas, explaining why mature boars behave very differently than younger pigs and how patience, scent control, and understanding animal behavior are key to success. The conversation also dives into fishing tactics, gear experimentation, and the mindset required to constantly improve as an outdoorsman. Troy discusses how anglers and hunters can benefit from testing equipment, questioning conventional wisdom, and focusing on systems that increase success rather than simply following trends. From bowhunting science and pig hunting strategies to bass fishing techniques and gear experimentation, this episode is packed with insights for hunters and anglers who want to take their craft to the next level. Topics covered in this episode The Ashby Study and arrow lethality research Why heavy arrows improve penetration in bowhunting Designing the ultimate arrow system for hogs and deer Hunting mature feral hogs in Texas Scent control and hunting strategy for pressured animals The Ranch Fairy YouTube channel and research approach Fishing techniques, rod design, and learning through experimentation Whether you're a bowhunter, hog hunter, bass angler, or outdoor gear enthusiast, this episode highlights how testing, experimentation, and curiosity lead to better results in the field.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Michael Scherer, Program Director for the nonprofit organization Fishing's Future and a newly inducted member of the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.  Fishing's Future is dedicated to reconnecting families with the outdoors by using fishing as the gateway to conservation, education, and family time on the water. Through family fish camps, school programs, and community events, the organization has helped introduce hundreds of thousands of people to fishing, encouraging families to learn and experience the outdoors together.  In this conversation, Michael shares the story behind the mission of Fishing's Future, how he became involved with angler education through Texas Parks and Wildlife, and how a simple idea—getting families fishing together—has grown into a nationwide movement with chapters across the United States.  The discussion also covers the importance of volunteers, outdoor education programs in schools, and initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of conservation-minded anglers. Michael explains how programs like family fish camps, youth ambassador programs, and interactive education events help ensure that kids not only catch their first fish—but continue fishing with their families for years to come.  Michael also reflects on the honor of being inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, recognizing decades of dedication to fishing education and community outreach. From mentoring young anglers to building programs that reach thousands of families, this episode highlights how fishing can bring people together and inspire lifelong connections to the outdoors. Topics covered in this episode The mission of Fishing's Future Introducing families and kids to fishing Angler education through Texas Parks and Wildlife Family fish camps and youth fishing programs The role of volunteers in outdoor education Fishing as a tool for conservation and mentorship Being inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Whether you're an angler, parent, educator, or conservationist, this episode is a reminder that teaching someone to fish can change their life—and the future of the outdoors.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Captain Martha "Marty" Spencer, a Louisiana charter captain who built a career in offshore and inshore fishing after leaving a successful job as a broadcast meteorologist.  Martha shares how her path into the outdoors began later in life when she moved to Louisiana and discovered the world of hunting and fishing. That passion eventually led her to help create the outdoor television show Bayou Wild, which spent ten seasons highlighting Louisiana's unique wildlife, culture, conservation stories, and outdoor traditions.  The conversation dives deep into the realities of life as a charter captain. Martha discusses the long days, the high cost of offshore boats, and the demanding work required to guide anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. From catching live bait and running offshore boats to managing clients and navigating weather, she explains what it really takes to succeed in the charter fishing industry.  One of the highlights of the discussion is Martha's passion for swordfishing, one of the most challenging forms of offshore fishing. Targeting swordfish can require dropping bait more than 1,000 feet deep and waiting patiently for a single bite, often resulting in multi-hour fights with massive fish.  The episode also explores Louisiana marsh fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, the role of conservation regulations in fisheries management, and how Martha is helping introduce more women to fishing through educational trips and outdoor experiences. From swordfish and tuna offshore to redfish in the Louisiana marsh, this episode is packed with stories, fishing knowledge, and insight into what it takes to build a life on the water. Topics covered in this episode Becoming a charter fishing captain in Louisiana Swordfishing in the Gulf of Mexico Redfish, speckled trout, and marsh fishing tactics Life working as an offshore deckhand and captain Catching live bait and offshore fishing strategy The realities of running a fishing charter business Encouraging more women to get involved in fishing and the outdoors If you enjoy offshore fishing, charter fishing stories, conservation, and life on the water, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Camille Null from Heroes on the Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and their families heal through kayak fishing and outdoor experiences. Heroes on the Water provides therapeutic kayak fishing programs across the United States, using time on the water to support individuals dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and the stresses of military and first responder service. The organization operates 55 volunteer-led chapters in 27 states and serves thousands of veterans each year, giving them a chance to reconnect with nature and build a supportive community. In this conversation, Camille explains how kayak fishing creates a powerful combination of peace, adrenaline, camaraderie, and outdoor therapy that helps participants reset and recharge. The discussion also covers kayak safety, choosing the right kayak, and how outdoor recreation can make a real difference in mental health and recovery. The episode highlights the importance of giving veterans and first responders a place where they can reconnect with nature, find community with others who understand their experiences, and rediscover the simple joy of fishing. Topics covered in this episode: How kayak fishing helps veterans and first responders heal The mission of Heroes on the Water nonprofit Outdoor therapy for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries Volunteer chapters supporting veterans across the U.S. Kayak safety tips and choosing the right fishing kayak The mental health benefits of fishing and being on the water Building community through outdoor recreation Whether you're a kayaker, angler, veteran, or someone who simply believes in the healing power of the outdoors, this episode highlights how fishing and nature can change lives.

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast features Matt Rice, Southwest Regional Director for American Rivers, one of the leading nonprofit organizations in the United States focused on protecting and restoring rivers and clean water. Matt shares how healthy rivers are essential not only for fishing and wildlife, but also for drinking water, agriculture, and the future of communities across the country. With nearly 70% of Americans relying on rivers for drinking water, the health of these waterways directly impacts people, wildlife, and entire regional economies. The conversation dives into the growing challenges facing water resources across the American Southwest, including prolonged drought, rising temperatures, increasing demand from growing cities, and the need for smarter water management and infrastructure. Matt explains how organizations like American Rivers work with farmers, communities, policymakers, and conservation partners to find collaborative solutions that protect rivers while supporting agriculture and economic growth. Beyond policy and conservation, the discussion also explores Matt's background as a former Montana fly fishing guide, how fishing inspired his career in river conservation, and why connecting people to rivers through outdoor experiences is one of the most powerful ways to inspire long-term stewardship. From water infrastructure and drought in the Southwest to fly fishing adventures and the future of river conservation, this episode highlights why clean water and healthy rivers are critical for wildlife, outdoor recreation, and future generations. Topics covered in this episode: Why healthy rivers are critical for drinking water and wildlife Water challenges across Texas and the American Southwest The Colorado River drought and long-term water scarcity Water reuse, desalination, and future infrastructure solutions The connection between fly fishing and conservation How organizations like American Rivers protect waterways Why education and outdoor experiences inspire conservation Whether you are a hunter, angler, conservationist, or simply someone who depends on clean water, this episode offers a fascinating look into the future of America's rivers and water resources.  

Recorded at the 2026 Hunt Fish Podcast Summit at Pintail Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas, this episode of the Mudfish Adventures Podcast brings together conservation storyteller Paul Fuzinski of Aptitude Outdoors and award-winning wildlife journalist Chester Moore of Higher Calling Wildlife and Dark Outdoors for a wide-ranging conversation about wildlife, filmmaking, conservation, and adventure. The discussion dives deep into the making of their documentary on the return of great white sharks to the Gulf of Mexico, exploring the science behind shark recovery, the importance of conservation funding, and how storytelling can inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates. Chester shares the decades-long investigative journey that led to documenting great whites returning to the Gulf, while Paul explains the filmmaking process behind capturing these powerful animals on camera. Along the way, the conversation moves from sharks to storytelling, covering the realities of wildlife journalism, independent filmmaking, and how modern technology has made it possible for anyone with a camera to tell meaningful conservation stories. The episode also ventures into Texas Hill Country adventures, including fly fishing for Guadalupe bass, chasing wild hogs at night, and the unexpected moments that come with spending time outdoors. It's a mix of humor, hard-earned field experience, and a shared passion for wildlife and conservation. From great white sharks and ocean research to fly rods and hog hunts, this episode captures the spirit of the outdoors and the people dedicated to telling its stories. Topics in this episode include: The return of great white sharks to the Gulf of Mexico Behind the scenes of wildlife documentary filmmaking Conservation funding through hunting and fishing licenses Shark research and tracking technology Fly fishing adventures in Texas Hog hunting in the Texas Hill Country Inspiring the next generation of conservationists If you love wildlife, conservation, fishing, hunting, and outdoor storytelling, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.