EP 320 Bowhunting, Woodsmanship, and the Second Amendment with Fred Eichler

In this episode, recorded in the rugged beauty of West Texas, Larry Weishuhn is joined by a true icon of the outdoor industry: Fred Eichler. Known for his boundless energy and his show Everything Eichler, Fred sits down at the campfire to discuss the evolution of hunting, from traditional archery to the rise of technology. The two legends swap compliments and stories, discussing the art of getting close to game—whether with a recurve bow or a handgun—and the vital importance of "woodsmanship" in the modern era. The conversation concludes with a strong message about unity among hunters, the importance of firearms safety education, and the necessity of the NRA. [00:00] Intro & Sponsors: Larry welcomes listeners back to camp in West Texas. [01:15] Legends Collide: Fred and Larry discuss their mutual respect. Fred shares how Larry’s writing and TV presence influenced him growing up, viewing Larry as the "Whitetail Guru." [03:30] The Evolution of a Hunter: Fred talks about starting with shotguns and .22s under his father's guidance before gravitating toward bowhunting for the challenge. [05:45] Handguns vs. Bows: A comparison of short-range hunting methods. Fred expresses his admiration for Larry’s proficiency with a handgun, noting that it requires the same stalking skills as archery. [08:00] Woodsmanship: Larry laments the shift from relying on instinct ("what's between the ears") to relying on technology ("fingertips"), and the importance of knowing how to navigate the wild without GPS. [12:20] The Africa Connection: How Larry inspired Fred’s dreams of hunting Africa. They share a laugh about the "weird stuff" they’ve eaten in bush camps, from snakes to "little dickey birds." [14:45] The Second Amendment: A serious look at the role of the NRA. Fred emphasizes that the NRA is the most significant organization protecting gun rights and stresses the importance of safety education for children. [18:00] Unity in the Field: The need for all gun owners—whether they hunt with bows, rifles, or handguns—to belong to the NRA to protect the future of the lifestyle. "I hate to say 'growing up,' but watching you handle yourself on TV, your articles, your books... you backed it with knowledge." — Fred Eichler to Larry Weishuhn "Years ago, we took what you had between this ear and this ear, and that's what you used. Now... we've put it at fingertips. Somewhere down the way, those buttons are not going to work." — Larry Weishuhn on modern technology vs. woodsmanship "A firearm has never hurt anybody... until it gets into somebody's hands and they determine what they're going to do with it." — Fred Eichler "The finest people in the world are out there, those who love the outdoors." — Larry Weishuhn This episode is brought to you by: DSC (Dallas Safari Club): Conservation, Education, and Advocacy. Hornady: Accurate, Deadly, Dependable. Taurus: Award-winning revolvers and pistols. Stealth Vision: High-tech, precision-driven eyewear and optics for the modern hunter. Red 55 Winery: Signature wines from country artist Miranda Lambert. Choctaw Hunting Lodge: Home of some of the finest hunting in North America. The Crown Bar: La Grange, Texas. Texas Wildlife Association Double Nickel Taxidermy Burnham Brothers Game Calls Follow Fred Eichler: Everything Eichler Join the DSC: www.biggame.org Join the NRA: nra.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices