Call of the Outdoors

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 75 | Pennsylvania Deer Hunters: A Driving Conservation Force Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Are deer populations dwindling in Pennsylvania? Or are way too many whitetails running around?

Biologists Maureen Staats and David Stainbrook join host Matt Morrett to share insights from managing deer throughout the Keystone State. Learn which metrics actually matter for determining herd health, when to hit the woods for peak rut action, and why antlerless allocations change from year to year.

Episode Highlights:

Why the Game Commission manages deer at the WMU level
When the peak rut happens in Pennsylvania
What deer aging tells us about the herd and harvest
How antlerless allocation works
Why hunters should fill their antlerless tags
The impact of antler point restrictions
Updates to CWD regulations

Resources:

Learn more about healthy forests and healthy deer.

Check out the Landowner Resources Office.

Review CWD regulations.

Ep.74 | Ignite the Spark: It Takes a Hunter to Make a Hunter Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Every time you go into Penn’s Woods, you take home more than a harvest. So pay it forward and take someone hunting this fall.

Game Commissioner Bob Schwalm and R3 Program Coordinator Evan Mock join host Matt Morrett to discuss the responsibility hunters have to conservation by getting the next generation outdoors through mentorship.

Episode Highlights:

How mentorship builds hunters, creates lasting relationships, and strengthens the future of conservation
The opportunities Pennsylvania offers, from adult and youth permits to special events and seasons
How to break down barriers for new hunters
The importance of keeping mentees involved in every aspect of the hunt
Ways to keep it fun, simple, and pressure-free
Why every harvest is worth celebrating and every “mistake” is a lesson learned
Why it’s still a success, even if a mentee doesn’t become a hunter

Resources:

Attend Hunter-Trapper Education or become an instructor.

Get your mentored hunting permit.

Be on the lookout for upcoming Learn to Hunt programs.

Bring archery to your school with NASP.

Ep. 73 | Blue Marsh: A Model for Habitat Diversity Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

State Game Lands (SGL) 280 — known as Blue Marsh — isn’t just a haven for hunters. Its diverse habitat helps build a diverse food chain, making it a destination for birding, photography, hiking, dog training, and more.

Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Mark Weiss and Land Management Group Supervisor Kevin Clouser join host Matt Morrett to discuss how management plans steer habitat strategies for each SGL, good hunting conditions are prioritized, and all species benefit from diversity.

Episode Highlights:

How staff work together to create comprehensive management plans for SGL
The unique history and makeup of SGL 280
Why creating habitat diversity helps all wildlife
The biggest challenges in managing SGL
How Blue Marsh’s healthy ecosystem fosters wildlife studies

Resources:

Learn more about habitat management on SGL.

Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL.

Ep. 72 | Public Land on Mission: PA’s State Game Lands System Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Did you know Pennsylvania is home to enough state game lands (SGL) that each hunter could have two acres to themselves?

Public Lands Section Chief Curtis Noll and Land Management Group Supervisor Rodney Mee join host Matt Morrett to highlight 106 years of the SGL system, the habitat projects that make these lands primed for wildlife, and how we can all keep the 1.5 million acres of SGL wild.

Episode Highlights:

History of Pennsylvania’s SGL system
Differences between SGL, state forests, and state parks
How the Game Commission manages wildlife habitat on SGL
Breakdown of the SGL road system
Updated regulations and signage on SGL

Resources:

Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL near you.

Review the latest SGL regulations.

Ep. 71 | Celebrating the Hunt All Year Long: 2026-27 Seasons & License Sales Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss the 2026-27 license year, including guaranteed antlerless licenses for residents, expanded Sunday hunting, turkey season updates, elk applications, and more opportunities than ever to get out in Penn’s Woods.

Episode Highlights:

2026 hunting licenses go on sale June 22, and residents are guaranteed antlerless licenses
More Sunday hunting opportunities
Spring gobbler wrap-up and turkey season future
Elk application reminder and new changes
Do your part and take someone new into Penn’s Woods
Balancing opportunities with sustainability

Resources:

Log in to your HuntFishPA account.
Learn more about antlerless license sales.
Find state game lands and public shooting ranges near you.
Apply now for an elk license.
Become a mentor today!

Ep. 70 | Luck of the Draw: Elk Application & Hunting Updates May 13, 2026

Show notes

Applying for the hunt of a lifetime just got easier.

Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield joins host Matt Morrett to provide an update on the Pennsylvania elk herd, explain all the changes to elk hunting for 2026-27, and share tips for getting a glimpse at bugling bulls in elk country.

Episode Highlights:

Overview of the current status of PA’s elk population
How the simplified elk application process will work
Details on updated elk hunt zones and seasons
Tips for safe elk viewing

Resources:

Review changes to the elk application and seasons for 2026-27.

Learn how to be ELK SMART.

Apply to hunt PA elk at huntfish.pa.gov.

Ep. 69 | Spring Gobbler’s Golden Era: A Conservation Comeback May 06, 2026

Show notes

Are we living in the golden era of the wild turkey? The godfather of turkey hunting thinks so.

Pennsylvania native and former NWTF CEO Rob Keck joins host Matt Morrett to discuss his role in the turkey hunting boom, from talking conservation with U.S. presidents to expanding opportunity to millions of new hunters.

Episode Highlights

Rob’s PA roots and early days hunting Penn’s Woods
History of turkey call technology and innovation
Conservation successes under his leadership at NWTF
His role in expanding the turkey range in the Keystone State
How he became the first to complete the Canadian Super Slam
Tips for a successful spring gobbler season

Resources

Learn more about turkey hunting.

Find places to hunt turkeys.

Special Update: Changes for 2026-27 Hunting Seasons Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Following the Board of Game Commissioners April meeting, Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss expanded Sunday hunting opportunities, updates to big game seasons and bag limits, and the expansion of the Certified Hunter Program.

Episode Highlights:

Details on Sunday hunting dates for 2026-27
Why migratory game birds won’t be included in Sunday hunting opportunities
Changes coming to spring gobbler season
Elk hunting and application process highlights
Updates to CWD regulations
Certified Hunter Program statewide expansion after pilot year success

Resources:

Learn more about 2026-27 seasons and other updates from the April 2026 Board of Game Commissioners meeting.

Contact the Board of Game Commissioners with your comments.

Ep. 68 | Speaking Spring Gobbler: Turkey Man’s Calling Tips Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Turkey hunting icon and champion caller Eddie Salter joins longtime friend Matt Morrett to share stories chasing gobblers with the greats, calling strategies for fooling toms, and wisdom from decades of tagging longbeards.

Episode Highlights:

How Eddie got his start turkey hunting and building calls at 10
Insights from winning dozens of turkey calling contests
Tactics for success in the turkey woods
The truth behind common turkey hunting myths

Resources:

Learn more about turkey hunting.

Find places to hunt turkeys.

Ep. 67 | Forged by Fire: Prescribed Burns for Better Habitat Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Prescribed fire is a HOT topic in Pennsylvania!

Fire Program Manager Bryan Whitmore and Southcentral Assistant Regional Forester Brent McNeal join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of prescribed fire as the ultimate habitat management tool that directly benefits game species and how meticulous practices ensure safety and promote healthy native wildlife habitat.

Episode Highlights: