Tracks & Tackle: Nature is our Playground

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In this episode we discuss the evolving role of trail cameras in hunting, the ethics involved, and the impact of technology on fair chase principles. We share personal stories, insights on regulations, and debate the future of hunting technology. In this episode, the panel shares humorous and insightful trail camera stories, discusses the impact of technology on hunting, and explores the importance of traditional skills and challenges in the field.

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Ryan Burnett shares the story behind Pattern Pros, a company revolutionizing hunting with innovative shotgun shell patterning and testing solutions. Discover how patterning your gun can improve success, reduce waste, and help conserve wildlife by minimizing crippled ducks.

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This week Kris takes the microphone and hosts  @Masondixonadventures and Derek McMaster in a bow hunting fireside chat.

key  topics

What got Dan and Derek hooked on bow hunting
Training routines and practice distances
Gear setups and equipment choices
Handling challenges like blood tracking and color blindness
Building camaraderie and brotherhood in hunting
Preparing for competitions and tournaments
Storytelling: Dream hunts and memorable moments
Advice for new bow hunters and beginners
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Welcome to the Community Scrape, a segment of the  @TracksandTackle Podcast. In this episode, the panel discusses the recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on warrantless searches on private land, exploring both sides of the debate and its implications for hunters and law enforcement.

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In this episode, Mountain Man, Rob Warwick, from  The Keystone Experience Podcast, shares his lifelong passion for hunting, trapping, and outdoor conservation in Pennsylvania. We discuss traditional hunting methods, trapping, animal management, and the importance of conservation efforts.

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 @MentzerOutdoors   @TracksandTackle   @TheCookBuch 

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Join us as Mitchell Shirk from the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast shares his expertise on land management, habitat improvement, and strategic hunting techniques. Learn how to read terrain, manipulate habitat, and maximize your deer hunting success.

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Ron Mentzer shares the journey of the Tracks and Tackle community, recent milestones, and future plans for supporting outdoor enthusiasts and small brands.

Key Topics:
The origin of Tracks and Tackle in 2023
Building a supportive outdoor community
Launching the Tracks and Tackle Media and Supply store
Collaborating with other outdoor creators and brands
Upcoming projects: cookbook, new segments, and merchandise
The importance of supporting small brands and creators

 @MentzerOutdoors  @TracksandTackle  @TheCookBuch

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Dave from Lemon River Outdoors joins Ron Mentzer on the Tracks & Tackle Podcast! We talk wild game butchering and cooking to custom rod building, family camping, backpacking, and canoe adventures — this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories for the everyday outdoorsman.

Dave shares how he introduces his family to the outdoors and why embracing a little bit of everything keeps the passion strong.

If you love hunting, fishing, wild game recipes, DIY outdoor projects, or family adventures, hit play!

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Overcoming addiction through bowhunting and finding a real community in the outdoors. Derek McMaster shares his raw journey on Tracks & Tackle.

Derek, a 36-year-old York, Pennsylvania native, grew up rifle hunting as a kid but lost everything to drug addiction. After years away from the woods, he picked up a bow and discovered a supportive bowhunting community that helped him reclaim his life, his passion, and his peace.

In this episode we talk:
• Derek’s early hunting days and how addiction took his hobbies
• The turning point that l...

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Join us for another Roundtable Session on the Tracks & Tackle Podcast! Tonight Ron Mentzer is joined by co-host Josh Buchman and returning guest Matt "Buck" Mentzer  for real talk around the campfire.

Buck shares the exciting news of joining the Field Staff for The Outdoor Group, and the guys dive deep into what it means to grow up in rural America. They explore the question: What does "home" really mean to you? Plus, stories about the mentors and influential figures who shaped them as young outdoorsmen.

This is classic g...

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In this episode of Tracks & Tackle, Ron Mentzer and Kris Buchman talk with Aaron Hepler — outdoor writer, hunter, and host of the InCamp Podcast. 

Aaron shares his passion for backcountry hunting, scouting, ethical deer hunting, and conservation in Pennsylvania. We discuss what it takes to hunt smarter, hunt ethically, and stay connected to the outdoors in today’s world.

A thoughtful and relatable conversation for any serious whitetail hunter or backcountry enthusiast.

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Join Ron & Kris for a great conversation with Caleb Strunk, founder of Duck & Dog Apparel — a faith-based hunting apparel brand.

Caleb opens up about the brand’s origins, how faith drives everything they do, the realities of starting and growing an outdoor clothing company, and the deep passion for waterfowl hunting and our loyal hunting dogs.

A genuine and inspiring episode for any hunter who values faith, family, and the outdoors.

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🎙️ Tracks & Tackle Podcast | Episode 119: Captain Matt Webb – Big Rock Fishing Charters | Susquehanna River Smallmouth Bass & Flathead Catfish

Ron Mentzer and Josh Buchman sit down with Captain Matt Webb, owner of Big Rock Fishing Charters, to talk all things river fishing in Pennsylvania. From the unique fishery of the Susquehanna River to practical tips for catching smallmouth bass and monster flathead catfish, this episode is packed with actionable advice for both beginners and experienced anglers.

We cover:
- Matt’s journey starting Big Rock Fishing Charters and what it takes to...

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In this no-filter guy-talk episode, Ron, Kris, and returning guest Brian Kritzer pull up chairs for a laid-back conversation covering everything from epic hunting stories to music debates and the future of the outdoors. 

We break down:
- Our personal “Mount Rushmore” of the Top 5 Songs of All Time (the debate gets heated!)
- How to get kids and youth excited and passionate about hunting, fishing & the outdoors
- Favorite hunting memories that still give us chills

Real talk, big laughs, and plenty of relatable guy stuff...

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Ron Mentzer is joined by turkey specialist Justin Barrick and his hunting partner Chris Lightner for a timely conversation about Pennsylvania turkey season. With the season now in its second half and running through the end of May, the guys break down what late-season gobblers are doing and how the hunting has evolved in the Keystone State.

In this episode we cover:
- How turkey hunting in Pennsylvania has changed over the years
- The newly approved Sunday hunting rule coming next year and what it means for hunters<...

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Join Ron and Kris as they explore outdoor adventures, family connections, and the importance of disconnecting to reconnect with nature and loved ones. This episode highlights recent wins, favorite destinations, and the value of shared experiences in the outdoors.

Thanks for tuning in.

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This week we sit down with Hunter Carr from  @BlueHenOutdoors We talk about Hunter's passion for hunting and storytelling, as we get insights into his podcast and  @YouTube channel. Thanks for watching. #natureisourplayground #podcast

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Ron & Kris sit down with Alex Gosso, host of the Buck Down Deer Hunting Podcast, for a practical and motivating conversation about whitetail hunting. Alex brings a straightforward approach to deer hunting — focusing on real hunter experiences, scouting tips, season strategies, success stories, and tactics that actually help you put more bucks on the ground.

In this episode we cover:
- How Alex started the Buck Down Deer Hunting Podcast and what drives him to share knowledge with other hunters
- Memorable hunts, lessons learned from tough seasons, and th...

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Ron and Kris sit down with Austin Schweitzer and Charlie Hedland, the hosts of the   @TheWhitetailDistractionPodcast    These avid bowhunters from Northwest Pennsylvania bring that authentic hunting-camp energy with campfire-style storytelling, season recaps, local tactics, and plenty of real talk about chasing whitetails in the Keystone State.

In this fun crossover episode, we dive into:
- How Austin and Chuck started the Whitetail Distraction Podcast and what keeps the “hunting camp” vibe alive after 200+ episodes
- What makes whitetail hunting in Northwest PA unique — public land pressure, terrain, deer behavior, and favori...

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Ron and Josh sit down with Buck Mentzer, Kara Mentzer, and Erica Mentzer for a heartfelt family conversation about their shared love of archery. Joined at the end by Mason Mentzer, this episode dives deep into what drives the Mentzer family in the sport—from youth competition and coaching to podium finishes and big dreams.

We talk about:
- The passion that keeps Buck shooting and coaching the Dillsburg Archers S3DA youth team
- Erica’s impressive podium finishes in her age bracket and her pursuit of a spot...

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Spring is knocking on the door in Pennsylvania, and Ron Mentzer & Kris Buchman are feeling the excitement! In this laid-back, freestyle conversation, we talk about the weather finally warming up, longer days, green-up in the woods, and getting ready for the transition from late winter to spring turkey, early fishing, and pre-season scouting. Nature is our Playground, and it's time to shake off the cabin fever!

We also give big shoutouts and promotions to some awesome members of the Tracks & Tackle Collaborative who offer killer products and services for hunters and...

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Ron & Kris sit down this week with Derek Demun, the inspiring T8 paraplegic outdoorsman and host of the T8 Outdoors Podcast (@t8_outdoorsman). After a devastating construction accident at age 21 left him paralyzed from the chest down (T8 level), Derek refused to let limits define him. Instead, he turned his story into a mission: proving that adventure, hunting, fishing, 3D archery, and life itself have no boundaries when fueled by grit, perseverance, and deep faith in God.

In this powerful episode, Derek opens up about:
- The accident that changed...

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Join hosts Ron Mentzer and Justin Barrick as we sit down with Owen Hutchinson, a passionate Pennsylvania turkey hunter and craftsman behind Triple Beard Custom Calls. 
Owen makes his own high-quality mouth calls (like his signature bat wing designs) and recently competed in the NWTF Grand National Turkey Calling Championships at the national convention—delivering a strong top-tier finish! 
We dive deep into his love for turkey hunting, the art of custom call making, advanced calling techniques, competition nerves and highlights, and a couple of his favorite gobbler stories from the Keys...

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In this episode, Ron Mentzer introduces Chad Bowser and Chris Martin from Goat Rodeo Archery, discussing their mission to build a stronger archery community through fun and challenging events. They explore the concept of the Goat Rodeo, emphasizing accessibility, camaraderie, and ethical hunting practices. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, storytelling, and shared experiences in fostering connections among archers. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Goat Rodeo event, which promises to be an epic adventure filled with competition and community building.

Takeaways

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Pull up a chair by the virtual fire pit! In this laid-back roundtable episode of Tracks & Tackle Podcast, Ron Mentzer and Kris Buchman hang out with three core members of the Tracks & Tackle Collaborative: Lee Bolner (@lee_3boutdoors from 3B Outdoors), Dan Sauble (@masondixonadventures), and Brian Kritzer (@brian.kritzer).

No script, no pressure—just good old guy talk about the things we care about most:  In this engaging round table discussion, the guys share personal stories and insights about their hunting experiences, the essence of camaraderie among men, and the influence of...

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Heading south to the heart of the Mississippi Flyway! We sit down with Wyatt Fox from Stack N Waterfowl (@stackn_waterfowl), based in Scranton, Arkansas. Wyatt lives for those epic stacks—flooded timber mallards, rice field honkers, snow geese, and big limits in the Natural State. With his motto "A bad day in the woods beats any day at work" and "Feet down beat down," he shares raw hunt recaps, dog work, and the pure thrill of Arkansas water-fowling through stunning photography and videos on Instagram.

Special Co-Host this week is Co...

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In this episode of the Tracks and Tackle podcast, hosts Ron Mentzer & Kris Buchman welcome Mitchell Shirk, the host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast. They discuss Mitchell's journey into podcasting, his background in hunting, and the importance of community and mentorship in the outdoor world. The conversation covers various hunting strategies, including whitetail and bear hunting, as well as tips for managing food plots. Mitchell shares memorable experiences with guests on his podcast and emphasizes the significance of enjoying nature and building traditions with family.

Mitchell Shirk's journey into podcasting began...

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In this episode of Tracks and Tackle, hosts Ron Mentzer and Kris Buchman lead a lively roundtable discussion with guests Josh Buchman from  @TheCookBuch   and Jere Preston from the  @FINALSTANDHUNT   crew. The conversation kicks off with light banter about the cold weather and quickly transitions into sharing personal hunting tips and experiences. Each participant reflects on valuable lessons learned from mentors, emphasizing the importance of patience, scent control, and the need to put in time in the field. The group shares memorable highlights from the past hunting season, including personal milestones and the joy...

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In this episode of the Tracks and Tackle Podcast, host Ron Mentzer and co-hosts Kris and Josh Buchman welcome Brian Kritzer, a passionate outdoorsman from Pennsylvania.

The conversation explores Brian's journey in hunting and fishing, the importance of traditions in outdoor activities, and his connection with the  @youngandwildoutdoors   community. 

They discuss strategies for hunting on public and private lands, the camaraderie found in the hunting community, and the significance of mentoring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. 

Brian shares his experiences with kayaking and fishing, emphasizing the joy...

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In this engaging conversation, Ron Mentzer and Kris 3B welcome Dan Sauble from Mason Dixon Adventures to share his journey into bow hunting. Dan recounts his initial reluctance to hunt, his eventual passion for bow hunting, and the thrill of close encounters with deer. The discussion highlights the importance of community in hunting, the physical fitness required for successful hunts, and the memorable stories that come from these experiences. Dan emphasizes the joy of teaching others and building a supportive network among hunters, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for newcomers.
<...

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When life gets busy and friends drift apart, the outdoors has a way of bringing people back together. In this episode, Chase Morris from The Yackers shares how a COVID-era fishing group grew into a tight-knit Pennsylvania hunting and fishing crew. From college schedules and post-grad reunions in the woods to an unforgettable opening morning where a buck, a doe, and a bear were tagged in just 45 minutes, Chase explains why the outdoors is the glue that keeps people connected.

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Episode 100 of Tracks & Tackle celebrates the journey from Ron’s poolside brainstorm with a $15 mic in June 2023 to a multi-state hunting collaborative with listeners across every continent except Antarctica, starting with a corny first episode featuring a nephew as his co-host, pushing through torrential downpour truck recordings and front-porch duck-call conversations, bringing in Kris through Camo Space after recognizing the same blue-collar deer-camp roots, then adding Josh after a catfishing episode and a church potluck meeting, and slowly building an online hunt camp stretching from Illinois to Arkansas where trail-cam pics get texted, ki...

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Pennsylvania and Maryland rifle season exploded into action as the Tracks & Tackle crew turned opening weekend into a family legend, Ron and Kris doubled up at dawn, Easton dropped his first buck with seconds of shooting light left, and 11-year-old Peyton tagged a doe with veteran-level calm. From frozen 24-degree mornings and stuck bolts to hot-chocolate hacks, baiting advantages, uphill heart-shot miracles, and three-generation hunting knives, this episode is packed with rifles, real emotion, and the chaotic, unforgettable magic that makes opening weekend the best weekend of the year.

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TONIGHT on Tracks & Tackle! Ron sits down with two absolute killers: 🦌 Justin Barrick finally arrows the GIANT whitetail he’s been chasing all years– trail-cam history, close calls, and the shot that sealed the deal. Full breakdown + pics/video coming! 🪶 Cody Griffith (Triple B Outdoors) is on an unreal hot streak – limits of geese, doves flying, and bucks hitting the ground. Hear the play-by-play on his banner 2025 season. If you love big-buck stories and non-stop action, you don’t want to miss this one! 

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Join Ron and Kris on Tracks & Tackle as they welcome guests Josh Buchman and Lee Bolner for a rowdy roundup of hunt camp stories straight from the heart of this year's hunting season. From close calls and epic harvests to hilarious mishaps in the blind, these seasoned hunters dish on the laughs, lessons, and unforgettable moments that make the outdoors legendary. Grab your coffee (or something stronger) and settle in for pure campfire vibes!

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In this episode, Ron and Kris sit down to catch up on the season so far — sharing camp stories, near misses, and a few moments that remind us why we love being in the woods. From early season hunts to lessons learned along the way, it’s a raw and honest reset as we gear up for what’s next in this year’s adventure.

Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and join the Tracks & Tackle crew for another real conversation about hunting, family, and the outdoor life we live...

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This Week on Tracks and Tackle... we caught up with Buck Mentzer, one of the most passionate voices around when it comes to youth archery. Buck's been coaching with S3DA (Scholastic 3-D Archery) and shared some amazing stories from the past season — and what’s ahead for young archers in our area.

If you've got a young one who's curious about archery, or you're just wondering how to get them started in something that builds confidence, focus, and responsibility, this episode’s for you. Buck explains how S3DA is more t...

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This week on the Tracks & Tackle Podcast, we welcome back Ted Polanowski, host of Off the Hook Outdoors! We’ll showcase his channel and dive into hunting stories from both Ohio and Pennsylvania—sharing laughs, lessons, and the unique experiences of whitetail, turkey, and outdoor adventures in our neighboring states.

As part of the Tracks & Tackle Collaborative, this conversation celebrates the hunting family, content creators, and the passion that unites outdoorsmen across state lines.

📌 Follow Ted: Off the Hook Outdoors on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@OfftheHookOutdoors99

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Join us for an epic crossover on Tracks & Tackle Podcast with Johnny, Chris, and Mike from Average Joe's Hunting Podcast! Fresh off hosting Ron Mentzer and Kris Buchman, these guys bring their passion for real, everyday hunters’ stories—no celebrity egos here. We dive into unforgettable hunting and fishing tales, share tips for the average joe, and celebrate the authentic vibe of both shows. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a nod to the hunting life! #HuntingStories #AverageJoesHunting #TracksAndTackle #OutdoorPodcast #MentzerOutdoors

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Get ready for an exciting episode of Tracks & Tackle Podcast! We're joined by Tom Fleisher, founder of The Scrape Rope Company, a Pennsylvania-based innovator bringing big bucks to your hunting grounds with custom scrape ropes for mock scrapes. 
Learn how these durable, easy-to-use ropes enhance deer hunting, perfect for bowhunters and habitat managers. Tom shares his journey, tips for attracting trophy bucks, and stories from the Philly Burbs Bowhunters community. Tune in for hunting insights, gear talk, and PA pride! 

#HuntingGear #ScrapeRope #DeerHunting #BowHunting #MockScrape #TheScrapeRopeCompany #PhillyBurbsBowhunters #HuntingTips #PennsylvaniaHunting #OutdoorPodcast #Tr...