The Wild South

Dave and Eddie go deep on one of their favorite species: brook trout. Their guest is Nathaniel “Than” Hitt, a researcher with the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Kearneysville, West Virginia. Hitt discusses threats to the fish (the only native trout of the southern Appalachians), as well as signs of hope—and ways in which anglers can provide important data to help ongoing studies. The Wild South is presented in partnership with Duck Camp.Sites mentioned in Episode 8:Hitt’s USGS ProfileEastern Ecological Wildlife CenterOn WaterFlow Pictures ExplorerTrout UnlimitedWild South credits:Producer and editor: Christine FennessyMusic: Woody Platt and Bennett SullivanArtwork: Lars LeetaruTranscripts editor: Katherine Jarvis

In this chat with Andrew Zimmern, renowned chef and wild game expert famed for his adventurous cuisine, expect a delicious exploration of cooking game and fish. Zimmern shares his unique cooking tips and favorite spices, alongside tales of his culinary journey from city life to outdoor cooking. He discusses the intricate techniques for preparing wild game and seafood, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and the importance of conservation. Plus, hear about his nostalgic visit to James Beard's home, connecting culinary history with contemporary food culture.

The Austin-based guide discusses fishing the rivers and lakes in and around the capital city, as well as throughout his home state of Texas. He also details the humble beginnings of what’s now known as the LoCo Trash Bash, an annual event focused on cleaning up the lower Colorado River; the unexpected origins of his eponymous Dedeaux popper; and his former life as frontman of the funk band Bad Mutha Goose and the Brothers Grimm. The Wild South is presented in partnership with Duck Camp.Editor’s note:This episode was recorded a few weeks before the passing of Lenée Dedeaux, Alvin’s wife. We send our condolences to the Dedeaux family and all those who knew Lenée. If you wish to help Alvin and his family financially during this time, please see this GoFundMe page.Sites mentioned in episode:“Be Somebody” by Bad Mutha Goose and the Brothers GrimmAlvin’s Instagram: @alvin_dedeaux_fly_fishingAlvin’s Youtube: @AlvinDedeauxFlyFishingAlvin’s Website: Alvin Dedeaux Fly FishingConservation organizations:All Water GuidesLoCo Trash BashAmerican Fly Fishing Trade AssociationOther:Hudspeth River RanchBlue Line FliesAction Hero: Alvin DedeauxWild South credits:Producer and editor: Christine FennessyMusic: Woody Platt and Bennett SullivanArtwork: Lars LeetaruTranscripts editor: Katherine Jarvis

This time, it’s all about Dave and Eddie and their efforts as dads to raise kids in the outdoors. They talk about successes, challenges, and where they’ve sometimes fallen short. As Eddie says, it’s “not all that easy to raise outdoor kids in the modern world.” They also discuss how as youngsters they learned the ins and outs of fishing and hunting—including, for Dave, one painful attempt to land a trophy bass. Even if you don’t have kids of your own, you might pick up a few things that could help influence a young person in your life. The Wild South is presented in partnership with Duck Camp.Also see:Garden & Gun articles by DaveGarden & Gun articles by EddieBooks by DaveBooks by EddieWild South credits:Producer and editor: Christine FennessyMusic: Woody Platt and Bennett SullivanArtwork: Lars LeetaruTranscripts editor: Katherine Jarvis

Dave and Eddie talk with Tom Rosenbauer, the renowned fly fisherman who has spent forty-eight years with Orvis, written more than thirty books, and hosts a popular podcast. Rosenbauer discusses getting his start at Orvis, why he’s obsessed with carp, his role in bringing the bead head fly to the United States, and the work being done to save the Everglades. The Wild South is presented in partnership with Duck Camp.Sites mentioned in Episode 4:Rosenbauer’s Instagram: @rosenbauertOrvis HomepageOrvis Bio of RosenbauerThe Orvis Fly Fishing Guide PodcastTrout UnlimitedWild South credits:Producer and editor: Christine FennessyMusic: Woody Platt and Bennett SullivanArtwork: Lars LeetaruTranscripts editor: Katherine Jarvis

Dave and Eddie talk with wild turkey biologist Mike Chamberlain about threats to the birds’ populations and the ways regulators, conservationists, and sportsmen and sportswomen are working to keep their numbers healthy. They also discuss ethical quandaries they and others face as turkey hunters. The episode is an edited version of a conversation held before a live audience at the G&G offices as part of the 2023 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. The Wild South is presented in partnership with Duck Camp.Sites mentioned in Episode 3:Chamberlain’s Instagram: @wildturkeydocChamberlain’s website: Wild Turkey LabWild Turkey Lab on YouTube: @wildturkeylabWild Turkey Lab on Instagram: @wildturkeylabChamberlain’s Foundation:  The Austin Hunter Chamberlain Memorial FoundationYoutube videos featuring Chamberlain:Inside the Mind of the Wild Turkey DocNational Wild Turkey Federation: Cocktails and ConservationMentioned organizations/sites:National Wild Turkey FederationSoutheastern Wildlife ExpositionWarnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPittman-Robertson ActNatural Resource Conservation ServiceWoodhaven Custom CallsTom Kelly, Inc.Primos HuntingWild South credits:Producer and editor: Christine FennessyMusic: Woody Platt and Bennett SullivanArtwork: Lars LeetaruTranscripts editor: Katherine Jarvis

Dave and Eddie talk with guide and environmental advocate Hilary Hutcheson, who grew up on the rivers of her home state of Montana, continues to guide there, and is a leading voice in raising awareness of how climate change is affecting North America’s fishing heritage. The mother of three grown children has fished all over the world (with a soft spot for the South), has testified before a Senate committee about the state of fisheries across the country, and is an ambassador for several of the biggest names in the sporting world. But there’s one dream she’s not been able to make come true: noodling a catfish. Presented in partnership with Duck Camp.Sites mentioned in Episode 2:Hilary Hutcheson’s Instagram: @outsidehilaryConservation organizations: Backcountry Hunters and AnglersCasting for RecoveryProtect Our WintersGuiding for the FutureFishing Outfitters Association of MontanaCaptains for Clean WaterFish for ChangeClimate Solution CaucusForest/wildernesses:Sian Ka’an Biosphere ReserveCrown of the ContinentWild and Scenic RiversWild and Scenic RiversGlacier National ParkFlathead National ForestBob Marshall Wilderness ComplexGreat Bear WildernessWild South credits:Producer and editor: Christine FennessyMusic: Woody Platt and Bennett SullivanArtwork: Lars LeetaruTranscripts editor: Katherine Jarvis

In the inaugural episode, Dave and Eddie talk with world-renowned outdoorsman Flip Pallot about his time as a young boy growing up in a small, wild town called Miami, his breakthrough TV show, how he casts with a fly rod differently than most anglers, and why watching as many sunrises and sunsets in a single lifetime is a pursuit worth beginning at any age. Presented in partnership with Duck Camp.Sites mentioned in Episode 1:Flip Pallot’s InstagramFlip Pallot’s Youtube ChannelFlip PallotHell’s Bay BoatsAlso see: The Wild Zen Flip PallotFollow Dave and Eddie on InstagramWild South credits:Producer and editor: Christine FennessyMusic: Woody Platt and Bennett SullivanArtwork: Lars LeetaruTranscripts editor: Katherine Jarvis

The Wild South comes to you from Garden & Gun magazine, featuring conversations with legends of the sporting world–from fishing and hunting guides to artists and wild game chefs–and dives deep into conservation issues as well as entertaining stories–of success and failure–from the field. Hosted by editor in chief David DiBenedetto and contributing editor T. Edward Nickens, The Wild South leaves no kudzu leaf unturned to bring you fresh perspectives and insights about the land we love.