The Final Howl

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach looks back on how turkey season played out — from early struggles to the moments that finally made it all come together.He breaks down the challenges leading up to Gage’s first turkey harvest and how persistence paid off after a tough start to the season.Zach also shares:Key takeaways from the season and what made the differenceLessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful huntsHis thoughts on running the Thompson/Center Encore chambered in .410How the Foxtrot 383 Stroker ammo performed in real hunting situationsBoth birds this season were taken with the Encore .410 setup, and Zach explains how it performed when it mattered most.If you’ve ever had a season that didn’t go as planned but stuck with it anyway, this episode is a real look at how things can turn around.

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Eric Locker, an Alaska fishing guide and avid outdoorsman, to talk about his journey from central Iowa to building a life in Alaska.Eric shares what it was like making the move and adapting to a completely different style of hunting and living in the North.They discuss:What hunting looks like in Alaska compared to the MidwestHis experiences chasing game in big, remote countryWhat it’s like guiding and spending time in some of the most rugged places in North AmericaEncounters with wildlife and lessons learned along the wayThis episode is a laid-back conversation filled with real stories from the field and an honest look at what it takes to live and hunt in Alaska.If you enjoy hearing how other hunters approach the outdoors in different parts of the country, this is one you’ll want to hear.

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Brice Hensley from Fox Trot Ammo to break down one of the biggest topics in hunting right now — TSS vs traditional lead shot.Brice explains what actually makes TSS different and why it’s become such a popular choice for both turkey and predator hunters.They dive into:The real advantages of TSS over lead in the fieldWhen TSS makes the biggest difference — and when it might notUsing TSS for both turkeys and coyotesThe current TSS shortages and what they could mean for hunters moving forwardThis isn’t a sales pitch — it’s a real conversation about performance, cost, and whether TSS is truly worth the hype.If you’ve been thinking about making the switch or wondering how current shortages could impact your season, this episode gives you the information you need to make the right call.https://foxtrotammo.com/

Can you actually control the coyote population—and does it even make a difference for turkeys?Dr. Mike Chamberlain joins The Final Howl Podcast to break down what works, what doesn’t, and what most hunters misunderstand.On this episode of The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by renowned turkey biologist Dr. Mike Chamberlain to tackle one of the most debated topics in the hunting world—coyote control and its real impact on turkey populations.Dr. Chamberlain shares research-backed insight on predator management, explaining when control efforts can be effective, where they fall short, and why coyotes are so difficult to manage long-term. The conversation dives into how predators affect turkey populations, separating myth from science and giving hunters a clearer understanding of what’s actually happening in the field.They also discuss the current state of wild turkeys across the country, the challenges they’re facing, and how predator pressure fits into the bigger picture. Dr. Chamberlain breaks down the research he’s actively involved in and how it’s shaping the future of turkey management.One of the most exciting parts of the episode is the new Wild Turkey DNA Project—a unique opportunity for hunters to directly contribute to conservation. By submitting samples, hunters can help researchers better understand turkey genetics, populations, and long-term sustainability.If you’ve ever wondered whether predator hunting and trapping truly make a difference, or how much impact coyotes really have on turkeys, this episode delivers real answers backed by science—not just opinion.This is a must-listen for turkey hunters, predator hunters, and anyone who cares about the future of wildlife management and conservation.https://austinsway.org/https://wildturkeylab.com/https://wildturkeydna.com/

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach breaks down how the past coyote season played out and shares what actually worked in the field.He dives into the gear, tactics, and decisions that made a difference, including his thoughts on the performance of the Lucky Duck Super Revolt 2.0 and the sounds that consistently produced responses.Zach also talks about making the switch from the Hornady V-Max to the 100gr ELD-VT, what he saw from that change, and how it impacted his results.The episode wraps up with a look into the tournament side of coyote hunting — how it’s changed, what guys are doing to win, and Zach’s honest thoughts on the current state of competition hunting.If you’re looking to improve your success and learn from a full season of real-world experience, this episode is packed with takeaways you can apply in the field.

Thinking about booking a guided coyote hunt?Before you spend the money, Zach and Brandon break down what you should really be looking for in an outfitter.Zach shares his past experience guiding and explains:What separates a legit operation from a red flagQuestions every hunter should ask before bookingWhat new hunters should expect from a guided tripWhat serious, experienced callers should demandWhether guided hunts are about learning, results, or just having a good timeWhether you’re brand new and looking to gain confidence, just want to enjoy a well-run hunt, or you’re a veteran coyote hunter wanting to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth — this episode gives you the inside perspective most outfitters won’t.If you’ve ever considered booking a guided predator hunt, this is one you don’t want to miss.

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Jordan Wagner to talk about his approach to consistently putting coyotes on the ground using thermal gear and proven calling strategy.Jordan shares how he first got into coyote hunting as a kid in Illinois and how that early passion grew into a serious pursuit of predator hunting.They discuss:The stand setups and calling approach Jordan uses when targeting coyotesHow thermal hunting has changed the way he reads terrain and works standsSound selection and strategies that consistently produce responsesHis approach to calling raccoons and targeting multiple predatorsJordan wraps things up by telling the story behind an absolute giant Illinois buck he harvested this past deer season.If you enjoy hearing how serious hunters approach predator hunting and what’s working in the field, this episode is packed with insight and real-world experience.

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Geoff Nemnich from Lucky Duck to talk about his recent trip south of the border calling coyotes in Mexico.Geoff shares what the experience was really like, from the excitement of calling in Mexican coyotes to some of the unexpected challenges along the way.They discuss:The highlights of hunting coyotes in a completely different environmentThe struggles of dealing with language barriers while on the huntThe challenges Geoff faced crossing back into the United States with hunting gearWhat makes hunting coyotes in Mexico different from hunting them in the U.S.Geoff also talks about what’s coming next for the upcoming season of The Last Stand and what predator hunters can look forward to.If you’ve ever wondered what predator hunting is like outside the U.S. or just want to hear some wild stories from the road, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Gregg Ritz of Thompson/Center Arms to talk about the return of one of the most iconic names in American firearms.Gregg shares the story behind the comeback of Thompson/Center and gives an inside look at the development of the new ICON rifle.They discuss:How the ICON was designed and what sets it apartWhy it could become a serious option for predator huntersUpdates and improvements coming to the Encore platform and the rest of the lineupWhat the future holds for Thompson/Center riflesGregg also talks about his recent hunting season and the story behind harvesting an incredible giant whitetail.If you're a predator hunter, rifle enthusiast, or longtime fan of Thompson/Center, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming next from the brand

Zach and Brandon break down their latest hunt where they called in and took five coyotes in a single outing.In this episode, they walk through:What sounds were producing the best responses during breeding seasonHow they adjusted their calling strategy as the night progressedWhat made certain stands work better than othersLessons learned from the huntThey also tease Brandon’s latest solo hunt and what he experienced in the field.If you’re hunting coyotes during breeding season and trying to dial in what’s actually working right now, this episode breaks it down stand by stand.

Zach is joined by Curt Geier of the Working Class Bowhunter Podcast for a real, unfiltered conversation about hunting today.They dive into:Where hunters stand when it comes to responsibility and public perceptionThe conversations that need to be happening inside the hunting communityCurt’s last couple of deer seasons and what he learned along the wayHow he handles coyote problems on his farms — and why predator control still mattersThis episode isn’t about headlines or hot takes — it’s about honest perspective from hunters who care about doing things the right way and protecting what we all love.If you’ve been thinking about where hunting is headed and what your role in it should be, this one’s worth your time.

On this episode of The Final Howl Podcast, Zach and Brandon open the show with a discussion about an issue that could affect coyote hunters and trappers nationwide. It’s something everyone in the predator hunting community should be paying attention to.After that, the guys break down how the calling has been over the past week — what sounds are working, what they’re seeing in the field, and how the season is shaping up.If you’re serious about predator hunting, this is one you don’t want to miss.New episodes drop weekly.

Zach and Brandon are back in the studio breaking down their latest coyote hunt and walking through exactly what worked in the field.After releasing the hunt video on YouTube, the guys sit down to explain:Why certain stands produced actionWhat calling sounds got responsesHow sound selection changed throughout the huntWhat they’d do differently next timeThis episode connects the dots between watching the hunt and understanding the decisions behind it, so you can apply the same strategies on your next stand.If you’re experimenting with sounds or trying to get more consistent responses, this one’s built to help you hunt smarter.

On this episode of The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Geoff Nemnich from Lucky Duck to talk all things coyote breeding season.Geoff breaks down his go-to strategies and calling tactics for breeding season, shares how his season has been going so far, and explains how coyote behavior changes this time of year. They also discuss what it really takes to film coyote hunts, from staying concealed to capturing authentic predator hunting footage.If you’re looking to improve your success during breeding season or want behind-the-scenes insight into predator hunting and filming, this episode is a must-listenClick the link and use code: finalhowl And get $75 off when you join The Last Stand Coyote Class. Offer good till 2/7/2026https://www.tlshunt.com/coyote-class

Zach and Brandon discuss Zach’s decision to switch from the Hornady 95gr V-MAX to the 100gr ELD-VT and why he’s making the change before putting them to use in the field. They recap their most recent coyote hunts and break down calling strategies and setups they’re planning to use for the upcoming coyote breeding season. This episode of The Final Howl Podcast dives into bullet selection, predator hunting tactics, and real-world coyote calling preparation.

What’s the best caliber for coyotes? In this episode of The Final Howl Podcast, Zach is joined by Seth Swerczek from Hornady Ammunition to break it all down. From the fast and efficient .22 ARC to the hard-hitting 6.5 Creedmoor, they dive into real-world performance, bullet selection, and ethical effectiveness on coyotes. The conversation also takes a deep look at Hornady’s ELD-VT bullet, how it performs on predators, and what hunters should consider when choosing a caliber for different setups and distances. If you’re serious about predator hunting, this episode delivers the insight you need.

On this episode of The Final Howl Podcast, Zach and Brandon break down hunting coyotes under a full moon and how they build effective stand setups when the night sky is lit up. The guys share the story of an unforgettable night when they called in 10 coyotes, what went right, and what they learned from it. They wrap things up by digging into Brandon’s ongoing thermal scope issues and what to consider when running thermal in real-world hunting situations.If you’re chasing coyotes after dark, this episode is packed with experience, lessons learned, and plenty of laughs.

In this episode, Zach breaks down the often-overlooked side of coyote hunting—the part that determines whether we keep access to land or lose it altogether. He dives into how to approach landowners for permission, what hunters should and should not do once access is granted, and why proper etiquette matters now more than ever.Zach also discusses coyote populations, common misconceptions, and how ethical hunting plays a role in long-term predator management. Whether you’re new to coyote hunting or have years of experience, this episode offers practical advice and real-world insight that every hunter needs to hear.If you care about hunting the right way, building trust with landowners, and protecting the future of predator hunting, this episode is a must-watch.

In this Q&A-style episode, Zach sits down to answer the most asked questions from followers and subscribers about his call and the sounds he uses. You’ll hear honest answers and helpful breakdowns. Whether you’re a seasoned caller, a curious newcomer, or just someone who loves predator hunting, this episode is packed with practical insights and helpful tips.Tune in as Zach breaks it all down, shares what inspires his sound choices, and gives you an inside look at how he brings each call to life.

In this episode of **The Final Howl Podcast**, Zach is joined by special guest **Geoff Nemnich** — professional coyote hunter, host of *The Last Stand Hunt Series*, and creator of the *The Last Stand Coyote Class*. 🐺🎧Together they dive into:🔥 The all-new **Lucky Duck 2.0 E-Call lineup** — what’s new and how it performs in the field🌙 The latest **Pulsar thermal optics** and why they’re a must-have for serious night hunters🎯 Inside look at **The Last Stand Hunt Series** and Geoff’s **Coyote Class**, packed with expert-level strategy and real-world insights If you’re passionate about predator hunting, calling coyotes, or upping your game with the right gear — you don’t want to miss this episode.👉 **Subscribe** for more gear talk, field stories, and expert hunting discussions every episode!

On this episode Zach and Brandon discuss what new equipment they are going to be using for the up coming coyote season.

This week Tim Kjellesvik, with DeerCast, joins us to talk about some new changes to DeerCast, including how it's built with the coyote hunter in mind. We also talk trail cams, turkey hunt stories and more!

Buying a thermal scope is one of the most expensive decisions a coyote hunter will make — and most guys get it wrong.In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes hunters make when choosing a thermal scope, what specs actually matter in the field, and how to avoid wasting thousands of dollars on the wrong setup.We cover:• What features truly matter for coyote hunting• Common thermal scope myths and marketing traps• How budget, terrain, and hunting style should guide your choice• What most first-time buyers overlookWhether you’re buying your first thermal or thinking about upgrading, this episode will help you make a smarter decision before spending the money.🎯 New episodes every week focused on real-world coyote tactics, gear, and strategy — follow the show so you don’t miss the next breakdown.

On this episode we are joined by Indiana conservation officer Tevin Tomlinson. We discuss some of the new regulation changes for the 2025-2026 Indiana Deer season, topics like the use of thermal drones for deer recovery and legal rifle cartridge sizes. The number for the Indiana Conservation Dispatch: 1-812-837-9536If you have any information of a game and fish violation you can call: 1-800-TIP-IDNR (1-800-847-4367)

On this episode JD discusses how he creates his sounds, the difference between 16-24 bit wav and Mp3 files.

On this episode we welcome back Indiana Conservation Officer Tevin Tomlinson. Officer Tomlinson sits down to discuss the upcoming 2025 Indiana spring turkey season. The number for the Indiana Conservation Dispatch: 1-812-837-9536If you have any information of a game and fish violation you can call: 1-800-TIP-IDNR (1-800-847-4367)

On this episode we are joined by Perry Battin. Perry talks about some of his tips for racoon trapping and thermal coyote hunting, and the effects it has on the Turkey and other game bird populations. Click the link to check out Perry's thermal coyote hunt or for more predator and habitat improvement videos, head over to the Drury Outdoors YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/eMOYH8Xhscs?si=_NycarGWIpjSBinD

2 –time World Champion Geoff Nemnich is regarded by most in the industry as a leading expert on modern coyote hunting tactics. On this episode Geoff talks about his new online coyote class. Even those of you who hunt coyotes at night with thermal in the east, midwest, or you're a daytime coyote hunter in the west, this class is for you. Click the Link below to check out The Last Stand Coyote Class and call more coyotes !!https://www.tlshunt.com/coyote-class

This week we are joined by Enrique, Host of the KI-YI Predator Podcast. We discuss the potential California coyote season and what You can do to help. Click the link below to check out the KI-YI Predator Podcast and also the Howl for Wildlife, to help California coyote hunters! KI-YI Predator Podcast :https://open.spotify.com/episode/0b4RKW4k1noZMSWyQgaF62?si=SSsTRudUQWyU0Cp8SGWnwwhttps://www.instagram.com/kiyipredatorpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Howl For Wildlife:https://www.howlforwildlife.org/https://www.instagram.com/p/DFl2szcyGHq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

On this episode Zach talks about what is going on with his thermal scanner, and what it will take to get it fixed. Also, we would like feedback from listeners on what thermal company they use and if they are satisfied with that company's service.

On this episode i speak with Indiana falconer Adam Brown. He explains the art of hunting with a hawk and what it takes to get involved with falconry. And also coyote hunting. Click the link and check out Adams awesome videos!https://www.instagram.com/adamb780/?hl=en#

On this episode Zach dives into what he does to get ready for a coyote tournament.

On this episode we explain what call sequences we like to use during the coyote breeding season. https://www.instagram.com/thefinalhowlpodcast/?hl=en https://youtu.be/su17w0jJ-Co

On this episode Indiana Conservation Officer Tevin Tomlinson sits down to discuss Indiana's thermal drone and coyote hunting regulations. The number for the Indiana Conservation Dispatch: 1-812-837-9536 If you have any information of a game and fish violation you can call: 1-800-TIP-IDNR (1-800-847-4367)

On this episode JD and I discuss his sounds from BFA and coyote behavior. Click on the link below to check out his sounds! https://bustinfur.com/

On this episode we talk about the last tournament we did, what happened to my call that night and about what you eat and drink and how it can affect you when your out calling coyotes all night! Click on one of the links below to check out the awesome products from 1st Phorm https://1stphorm.com/Mirannda https://1stphorm.com/products/protein-sticks/?a_aid=Mirannda

On this episode I'm joined by wife Mirannda Figert. We discuss how our 2024 hunting season went.

On this episode Zach goes into detail and shows on Deercast maps were he sets up and how he sets the call using the wind and map feature inside Deercast App to help out smart a coyotes nose.

On this episode we talk about the online tournament that we hunt in and what strategies we plan to use for the night. Then after the hunt we finish the podcast off with what all happened and what worked .

On this episode we are joined by Brandon Frank. In the past couple years Brandon has wanted to take his night time coyote calling game to the next level. He talks about how he has changed his scope set up from using red lights to night vision and now to thermal. Also what all he has learned about stand set ups and calling technique in the past couple years that has brought him consistent success!

On this episode we do a semi live hunt where we start off talking about what the plan was for the night. Then we finish off talking about what all happened along with the thermal videos from the night.

On this episode we discuss our last hunt and the cold temps that are on the way

On This Episode I Answer Some Listener Questions About Wind Direction Wind Speed And Scouting New Hunting Property.

On This Episode I Talk With Josh Nordsving. Josh runs PG Tournaments on Facebook. We Discuss How His Tournaments Run and How You Can Join! We Also Talk About How He Hunts Coyotes In Minnesota.