The Fowl Life

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E564 - Wisconsin Turkey Hunt | Jeff Tarsi's First Wisconsin Bird Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Chad promised a Wisconsin turkey hunt recap, and here it is. Jeff Tarsi from Nutrien Ag Solutions came to camp, not just as a sponsor but as a hunter. Joel Kleefisch had boots on the ground, Chef Ellie was throwing down in camp (hear all about that in our Eat Wild Series), Jay Wando from Wando's Bar in Madison joined the crew, and the Dodgers-Brewers game at American Family Field was in the mix, too. But this episode is about the hunt. Running and gunning, finding birds, getting permission, calling them in close. Chad's favorite. No blinds, no ambushing, just calling, patience, and reading the bird. A tom in full strut at close range, tail fanned out, looking right at them. Jeff Tarsi squeezed the trigger. Federal TSS out of a Benelli, Rob Roberts R2 Raptor choke, HiViz sights dropped the birds instantly. It was the first Wisconsin turkey for Jeff Tarsi, and Chad couldn't be prouder of it. Farming, conservation, camaraderie, wild birds, great food. That's the Fowl Life. This episode is presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions, and brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Mickey Thompson Tires, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Ammunition, HiViz Sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, ESP Hearing Protection, Corning Ford, Bodyguard Bumpers, and LEER Camper Shells

E563 - Axis Deer in Texas | The Rut is in June - Solo With Chad Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Chad just got back from Wisconsin, and he's not slowing down. Next stop is Texas for an axis deer hunt during the rut with Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of the Kinetic Group. When you think Federal, Remington, Speer, CCI, Heavy Shot, Black Cloud — this is the man behind all of it, and he's invited Chad down to the San Antonio hill country for a spot and stalk during one of the most exciting times of the year to be in the field. Chad's shooting a Benelli Lupo with Federal Premium Ammunition, and he is ready. The trip also includes Hayes Carl at Green Hall in New Braunfels, one of Chad's favorite venues and one of his favorite songwriters. Compadre's Tacos in Bertram. Jason's game room, and something personal Chad's keeping close to the heart. It's all happening! Season 18 of Benelli's The Fowl Life premieres on the Outdoor Channel in July before moving to MoTV, and Chad hasn't shot a big game animal in a while. He's an all-ducks, all-geese guy at heart, but axis deer during the rut in the Texas hill country? That'll do it! This episode is brought to you by Corning Ford, The Nashville Palace, Banded Brands, Avery Outdoors, Benelli, and Realtree camo.

E562 - Duck Tongue Stir Fry - The Provider Eat Wild Series Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

When you thought you’ve heard it all, you need to check out this Fowl Life Eat Wild Series. Award winning Chef Ellie Lawton teams up with Sous Chef Salazar and TFL Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch for Duck Tongue Stir fry. You won’t believe how delicious. To feed the whole camp, you’ll need to watch your bag limits! This episode is brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Camospace, and Banded Brands!

E561 - Deconstructed Spring Rolls with Wild Turkey - The Provider Eat Wild Series Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Just when you thought The Fowl Life Eat Wild series couldn’t get any better, TFL host Chad Belding and Nutrien Ag Solutions Jeff Tarsi joined Joel Kleefisch in the studio. Between Chef Lawton’s awesome Wild Turkey recipes and Turkey camp dinners, the crew hammered out strategies for Thunder chicken success and ag management importance that will make you look differently at wild game conservation. You’ll be yelling for more. This episode is presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions, and brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Camospace, Oakley Sunglasses, The Provider Culinary, Mojo Outdoor, Napa Valley Olive Oil, and Gator coolers!

E560 - Banded Drake Ranch Part 1 | Inside the Most Exciting Duck Club in Texas May 26, 2026

Show notes

Chad's been a part of something big in Texas, and he's ready to pull the curtain back and dive into the details. Banded Drake Ranch. 750 acres just north of Paris, Texas — 90 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth, right on the edge of the Oklahoma panhandle. Flooded corn, natural marsh, flooded timber, rice, millet, and the Red River. This is part one of a series, and Chad starts from the ground up. From the huntable areas (All 14 of them) to the main marsh, the LP, the Triangle, the Super Slew, the Timber, the Crescent, the Park, the Wood Duck Hole, the Inner Band, the Outer Band, and more. Every inch of this property has been thought through by Matt Roseman. The blinds, the water levels, the food sources, the roosts, the loafing areas. Nothing is ever wasted, and nothing is ever random. There are 19 total memberships, and a few are left. Hunt Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, storm days, and holidays. Bring a guest. Pass it down to your kids. This is a duck club built for the long haul. This episode is presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions; the team keeping BDR's soil, crops, and water management dialed in from the ground up. We will have more episodes coming on the amenities, the lodging, corporate events, and what's on the horizon. But for now, go to TheBandedDrakeRanch.com and get your questions answered! this episode is presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions, and brought to you by Banded Drake Ranch, Federal Black Cloud Ammunition, Benelli Shotguns, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Corning Ford, Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels, and Hi-Viz Sights.

E559 - Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Turkey - The Provier Eat Wild Podcast May 22, 2026

Show notes

It’s turkey time, but don’t be afraid to turn that wild bird into a delicacy. Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and TFL award-winning Chef extraordinaire Ellie Lawton bring the world’s best Whiskey into the mix. You gotta try this easy, knock your socks off recipe that will have your turkey camp yelping for more. This episode is brought to you by Travel Wisconsin, Camospace, and The Provider Culinary

E558 - Duck Blind Business | A Tribute to John Lamonico May 20, 2026

Show notes

Chad's still on location at Premier Prairie in Kansas with Randy Young and Lynn McDonald when the conversation turns to someone who meant a great deal to all of them. John Lamonico passed away at 95. Safari Club International world records. Hunted in nearly 40 countries. Black and blue from his knuckles to his navel at 91 from trying to shoot 1000 doves. Rigged to the side of a cliff at 90 just to make the climb. Still jumping in and out of airboats at 92 like it was nothing. But none of that is really what the heart of this episode is about. It's about the man in the blind. The patience he had. The way he'd watch a flock and call exactly where they'd go. The way he made every person around him feel like they were the best hunter he'd ever been with. The way he showed up for photo shoots at 90, held poses as long as you needed, and never once made it about himself. The duck blind is the great equalizer. The place where business gets done on a handshake, friendships get built, and the best people in your life somehow find their way to you. Rest in peace, John Lamonico. He's up there in the duck blind with the best of them. This episode is brought to you by Premier Prairie Adventures, Temple Bay Lodge, Benelli, Federal Premium Ammunition, and Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Realtree Camo, Jack Link’s Protein snacks, Banded Brands, MickeyThompson Tires and Wheels, and LEER toppers

E557 - Setting The Standard of the Sport, with Brad Arington - The Eukanuba Duck Dogs Series May 14, 2026

Show notes

Brad Arington is back to talk everything dogs! Brad owns and operates Mossy Pond Retrievers out of South Georgia, and there is no other operation in this country doing it at the level he is. The pedigrees, the training, the lodge, the employees... It is truly the new standard. Chad's had Brad hand-pick his new pup, Slash, and this conversation is a long time coming. They get into everything from how to evaluate a puppy's natural ability, what pedigree actually means, and why it matters more than most people think, the difference between a field trial dog and a hunting dog, and why that distinction is worth understanding. What makes a dog mentally tough? The balance between accountability and affection, and why the dogs that have the clearest boundaries are actually the happiest ones. Brad also breaks down what Slash's next chapter looks like when he goes back to Mossy Pond and hearing him lay it out, you realize exactly what kind of operation you're dealing with. This one's for the dog people! This episode is brought to you by Eukanuba Premium Performance dog food, Mossy Pond Retrievers, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Realtree Camo, Banded Brands, Mojo Outdoors, Leer Toppers, and Avery Outdoors.

E556 - Turkey Hunting, Fish Talk, and Camp Stories May 07, 2026

Show notes

Recorded in Kansas after a turkey hunt, Chad, Lyn from Temple Bay Lodge, and Randy from Premiere Prairie Adventures sit down and let the conversation flow, like old friends at turkey camp do. One minute they’re talking giant musky, walleye, perch, fish recipes, and cooking at camp… the next it’s aggressive turkey calling, gobblers getting worked up, Hunter Macklemore staying on a call, and birds hanging just close enough to keep everybody on their toes. They also get into Federal Premium, Rob Roberts choke tubes, turkey setups, hunts they’ve shared together, and Chad’s upcoming trip to Wisconsin, which sounds pretty epic.. It's a real conversation after a few days in the turkey woods, and it's a good one. This episode is brought to you by Premier Prairie Adventures, Temple Bay Lodge, Benelli, Federal Premium Ammunition, and Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Realtree Camo, Jack Link’s Protein snacks, Banded Brands, MickeyThompson Tires and Wheels, and LEER toppers

E555 - 18 Seasons Deep, And The Best Is Still Ahead Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

Chad's solo this week, and he's got a lot on his mind. 18 seasons of The Fowl Life. That doesn't happen by chance. It's years of work ethic, tenacity, and the kind of people who show up for you along the way. Chad takes a minute to recognize that. From the friendships, the partnerships, the relationships that have made this thing what it is, to one of his mentors, John Lomonaco. John was someone who left a real mark on this industry and on Chad personally. It is worth knowing who he was and what he built. Season 19 is coming. Chad's got some updates on what's ahead, and if the first 18 are any indication, you're not going to want to miss what's next. This episode is brought to you by Hi Viz Sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Banded Brands, Realtree Camouflage, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Almost Heaven Saunas, TKO Vitality, and Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels!

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