Wild Game Dynasty

Whether you're breaking ground on your first food plot or trying to figure out why your clover never took hold, this episode is exactly what you've been waiting for. We sat down with Tony Polk, owner and operator of The Food Plot Shop, for a deep-dive conversation that covers everything a hunter needs to know about growing, managing, and hunting over food plots.Tony doesn't hold back. He opens up about the single biggest mistake beginners make — and it's probably not what you think — then walks us through the full process of establishing a food plot from scratch, including an honest look at the pros and cons of tilling and herbicides, and whether you can pull it off without either one.From there, we tackle one of the most debated topics in the deer hunting community: what to plant. Clover, brassicas, cereal rye, oats, soybeans — Tony breaks down how to choose the right seed for your region, your hunting season, and your goals, so you stop guessing and start growing with purpose.We also dig into the difference between hunting food plots and managing for nutrition, and how to do both effectively on the same property. Tony demystifies soil testing and pH — two topics that intimidate a lot of hunters — and explains what you actually need to pay attention to in your results.Plot design and placement get their own spotlight, too. Tony explains what separates a food plot that merely attracts deer from one that actually holds mature bucks when the season rolls around. For hunters working with limited time, money, or acreage, he offers practical advice for maximizing your impact without breaking the bank.We also look at how food plot science and seed technology have evolved, highlight the game-changing products and techniques that are making a real difference today, and tackle the most common food plot failures — poor germination, deer pressure before plots can establish, and weed problems — with real solutions you can apply right now.And to close it out, Tony answers the question every food plot hunter wants answered: if you could only plant one mix for the entire season — something that attracts deer during hunting season and fuels nutrition year-round — what would it be?This is one of the most information-packed food plot conversations we've had. Don't miss it.The Food Plot Shop:  https://share.google/1QuM3fBf3UFdFJpWB🌱 Ready to put it all into practice? The Food Plot Shop has you covered beyond the podcast. Use their app to manage your food plots from your laptop — track what you planted and when, log field notes throughout the season, and get individualized soil insights and fertilization recommendations tailored specifically to your property. No more guesswork, no more wasted seed or money. Get started at whitetailedgeapp.com/subscribeTags: food plots, deer hunting, whitetail management, Tony Polk, The Food Plot Shop, soil testing, seed selection, plot placement, hunting strategy, wildlife nutrition, land management

What does it actually take to dedicate your life to Michigan's wild places — and land one of the most coveted jobs in conservation? In this episode, Ryan sits down with longtime friend and newly appointed Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Tim Riley for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the road less traveled.Tim pulls back the curtain on what a typical day in the field really looks like — from early morning surveys to late nights buried in data — and shares the winding, years-long journey it took to earn his place with the Michigan DNR. It's a story that every aspiring wildlife professional and lifelong outdoorsman needs to hear.But this episode isn't just about the career path. Tim and Ryan dive deep into four of Michigan's most fascinating and complex species:🐦 Kirtland's Warbler — one of North America's greatest conservation comeback stories, and the ongoing work to protect this rare songbird's jack pine habitat right here in Michigan.🐻 Black Bear — population trends, management challenges, and what increasing bear activity means for hunters and landowners across the Upper and Lower Peninsula.🐍 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake — Michigan's only venomous snake and a federally threatened species that most people never even knew existed in their own backyard.🦌 Whitetail Deer — the species closest to every Michigan hunter's heart, and Tim's professional perspective on herd health, habitat, and what the future looks like for deer management in the state.Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who's ever dreamed of turning a passion for the outdoors into a career, this episode is loaded with insight straight from someone living it every single day.If you have any questions, concerns, or want to get involved, reach out to Tim at (989) 370-7313. Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: ⁠https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

Jordan Hoover is back in the dynasty, and this one hits close to home.In this episode, we sit down with returning guest Jordan Hoover for a hard-hitting conversation about the state of hunting in America — and what's at stake right now for Michigan deer hunters. Jordan breaks down the three biggest issues facing hunters across the country, the threats flying under the radar, and why the hunting community can't afford to stay silent.Then we shift focus to what could be a defining moment for the future of deer hunting in the Great Lakes State — the upcoming NRC (Natural Resources Commission) meeting, where Michigan's newest proposed regulations are set to be on the table. We unpack what these changes could mean for hunters, wildlife management, and the traditions we've built our lives around. Make no mistake — this meeting isn't just policy talk. The decisions coming out of it have the potential to either protect Michigan's deer herd for generations or fundamentally change the game forever.Whether you're a Michigan hunter, a concerned sportsman, or just someone who cares about the future of wild game culture in America — this is an episode you can't afford to miss.Listen. Learn. Show up.NRC Meeting: April 8, 2026 at 9 am, Lansing Community CollegeHungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

What does it mean to dedicate a lifetime to the wild places of Michigan? In this landmark episode of Wild Game Dynasty, we sit down with Richard P. Smith — author, wildlife photographer, and the newest inductee into the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame — in a conversation that spans decades of tradition, controversy, and conservation.Joining the discussion are legends who have shaped the outdoor world as we know it: the great Fred Bear, the father of modern bowhunting; outdoor media icon Mort Neff, whose Michigan Outdoors brought the wilderness into living rooms across the state; beloved conservationist and writer Tom Huggler; multi-species hunting and storytelling phenomenon Steven Rinella; and bass fishing royalty Kevin VanDam.Together, they unpack the release of Richard's latest book, a must-read for any serious hunter or naturalist. The conversation turns candid as Richard shares his deeply researched perspective on why Michigan's deer herd has been in steady decline — pointing to habitat loss, predator pressure, and management decisions that have left hunters and biologists alike sounding the alarm.Then things get controversial. Richard takes on one of the most debated topics in whitetail history: the Mitch Rompola buck — the mysterious giant that some call the greatest deer ever taken and others call one of hunting's greatest hoaxes. Richard doesn't hold back.This is the kind of episode that reminds you why you fell in love with the outdoors in the first place.📖 Explore Richard's books, photography, and legacy at richardpsmith.comHungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: ⁠https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

What does it take to spend 50 years mastering the art of tracking whitetail deer in the rugged wilderness of Maine? This week on Wild Game Dynasty, we sit down with Randy Flannery — owner and operator of Wilderness Escape Outfitters — to find out.Randy is the kind of outdoorsman that legends are made of. With half a century of boots-on-the-ground experience in the Maine backcountry, he's forgotten more about whitetail behavior, outdoor survival, and wilderness hunting than most of us will ever know. In this conversation, Randy pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be a hunter, a tracker, and a steward of the wild.Don't miss this one. Hit play, take notes, and head over to Randy's website to learn more about booking your next adventure with Wilderness Escape Outfitters: https://wildernessescape.com/Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

What does it take to turn an ordinary piece of ground into a whitetail paradise? In this episode, we sit down with Greg Compeau, owner and operator of GMK Logging, a business dedicated to the creation and restoration of wildlife habitat with a special focus on whitetail deer.Greg weighs in on the controversial issues surrounding whitetail deer in Michigan, sharing his perspective as someone who works in the field every day. It's an honest, on-the-ground conversation that every Michigan deer hunter needs to hear.Hungry for more Wild Game Dynasty? Check out our blog: https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/

Wild Game Dynasty explores the complex history of wolves in Michigan and examines the heated debate surrounding their federal protections as Congress prepares to vote on a bill that would remove wolves from the endangered species list.Upper Peninsula of Michigan Predator Prey Relationship Study: https://straitsareasportsmensclub.net/u-p-predator-prey-study

Join WGD for an in-depth conversation with Dan Schmidt from Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine as they explore chronic wasting disease and what it means for the future of deer hunting. This episode tackles the tough questions: Is CWD being weaponized as a fear-mongering tool? What's the real impact on deer populations? Dan and WGD dig into these critical issues and much more, offering insights every deer hunter needs to hear.Hungry for More Wild Game Recipes and Tips?Don't miss out on expert hunting insights, mouthwatering game recipes, and outdoor cooking techniques delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to the Wild Game Dynasty newsletter today and join a community of passionate hunters and wild food enthusiasts.Subscribe now at https://wildgamedynasty.com/blog/From field to fork, we've got you covered.

Get ready for a truly wild and gourmet twist on classic chili! In this video, I'm showing you how to transform often-overlooked venison heart into an incredibly rich, flavorful chili that'll blow your mind. Combined with the earthy luxury of morel mushrooms, this isn't your average bowl of red.Venison heart is lean, tender when cooked right, and packed with deep, meaty flavor that makes it perfect for slow-simmered dishes.Whether you're a hunter looking to use more of your harvest, a forager who scored some morels, or just someone who loves adventurous cooking, this recipe will elevate your chili game to a whole new level.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell for more wild game recipes and cooking adventures!#VenisonRecipes #WildGame #MorelMushrooms #Chili #HunterCuisine #GameMeat #Foraging #FromFieldToTable

Join WGD for an in-depth conversation with Jordan Hoover, Upper Peninsula resident and chairman of the UP Deer Advisory Team. We dive into the ongoing debates surrounding whitetail deer management in the UP and explore how the Deer Advisory Team is working to address these challenges and represent the voices of local hunters and landowners.

Gary Morgan, founder and creator of Wild Game Dynasty Hunting Outfitter and Guide Services, joins new WGD podcast host Ryan Foguth for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of hunting and conservation. In this episode, Gary opens up about his inspiration behind launching the podcast, his vision for its future direction, and the dramatic shifts he's witnessed in conservation and wildlife management over the years.This marks an exciting new era for the Wild Game Dynasty Podcast. Follow along for compelling conversations about hunting, outfitting, and the conservation efforts shaping our outdoor future.

GMK logging owner, Greg Compeau, knows the formula for transforming marginal land into productive hunting land

Successful strategies are not accidental from John Eberhart..."the method for the madness".

When Greg Compeau of GMK Logging reviews clients' hunting property he see it like no one else.

Greg Compeau of GMK Logging explains what a transformation of your hunting property can develop into, both physically and financially.

Fellow Michigander Dan Wesolowski & his wife found themselves "right at home" during a lengthy trip to Alaska.

Jerry Everhardt's background as a mathematics guru carried him into his strong passion in the deer woods..."go figure!"

WGD reached out to Iron Paws Dog Training and learned they can teach an old dog new tricks.

Growing Deer.TV featuring Dr. Grant Woods Explains Why He Has Spent Most Of His Life Studying Whitetails & Other Wildlife.

Cody Norton offers a clear message about how important all of our efforts afford a better environment for everything

Kevin Lee and his family have embarked on an Ash Kickin' culinary endeavor with great success.

John McAdams, of Big Game Hunting Podcasts, offers practical insight as to why 42 states now allow for the purchase of suppression devices.

Bob Weller, a friend, seasoned hunter and contributing writer to WGD's blog, shares his craft and skill-set.

Brittany Behm trained her fifteen pound terrier to track wounded deer and bear in Michigan's vast wilderness.

Grandpa Ray Outdoors owner, John O'Brion, understands Food Plots through multiple generations of experts in the industry.

Steamboat Super Sharpeners have long since found their presence in many of local businesses...a 'spring-board' that the new owners, Jess and Rici, are quickly finding form a loyal following...from coast-to-coast!

WGD sat down with Nick Grillo of Michigan Brand, Inc. talking about the relationships that they have with the mid-Michigan community.

Michigander John Jones (with a North Carolina Accent) has a love affair with turkey hunting

Born and raised in The Yoop is a claim to fame for so many, including hunting extraordinaire David Derusha.

The knowledge of raising whitetail deer and elk led Don Walker away from the love of hunting in Michigan...until his introduction to bear guiding.

WGD met up with business owner, fellow environmentalist/outdoorsman Scott Ososki to talk "Michigan Bear Hunting".

M.R. James enjoys recalling the early days of Bowhunter Magazine and the eventual sale of his 'business start-up' providing him with the ability to 'live the dream.'

WGD met up with Tony & John of The Food Plot Shop to learn a 'New-To-Me' technique of Frost Seeding

Being a consummate environmentalist is a daily commitment,  whether harvesting firewood or whitetail deer, says Bret Cary.

Retired MiDNR biologist John Ozoga reflects on his past whitetail deer research and how today's efforts have fallen far short of adequate goals

GMK Logging has expanded their scope to include Whitetail Deer Habitat transformation for increased hunting success & land values.

WGD met up with World-Renowned Black Bear Biologist, Dr. Lynn Rogers explaining his journey and his finding...part II.

Dr. Lynn Rogers has a story-book career in the field of Wildlife Research...focusing on the wild black bear.

Jesse Says Bourbon Creek Gun Dog & Guides Is Home For Pheasant Shoots, Upland Dog Training and World Class GSP Breeding.

Bill Stacy, of Power Feed knows how to lead the way within the Whitetail Deer attractant feed business.

Melissa Ratajczak explains why it is very important to nurture her FeedMIbear.com #1 employee...the Stockboy...also known as Curt Ratajczak

WGD caught up with Chris Pierson, arguably one of the best Whitetail deer habitat experts, to share his 5 "must know" efforts to develop your land into a top-tier hunting experience.

Jacob Vanhouten met up with Wild Game Dynasty to book a bear hunt and arrange to bring his 'sidekick' along to keep the hunters' optimism highly elevated.

WGD met up with Wayward Trading Post's Tina Lewis who shared a "Made In America" journey she began after leaving her j-o-b behind.

WGD enjoys ballistics expert John McAdams expert and candid conversation in choosing our best caliber, bullet for the desired harvest.

John McAdams met up with Wild Game Dynasty to explain ways to minimize wild game meat losses while increasing the efforts to clean, humane animal harvests.

Brett Carey's year 'round efforts to harvest the best possible whitetail deer each year are always purpose-driven

Tony & John return to the studio to share the "Deer School's" headliners.  Don't Miss It!

Tony and John of The Food Plot Shop develops winning strategies for Whitetail Hunting Success Stories For Your Generations.

When Greg Compeau, owner of GMK Logging, paralleled his business with creating whitetail food plots it show-cased his passion.