The Spring Legion Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Traveling for Turkeys: Part 1 - A Series of Wildly Unforeseen Events + Hunting the Heartland Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Of the many wild antics we encountered during spring turkey season, none compare to those Hunter experienced spending a week in the heartlands. Join us as we unravel our hunting tales, from the challenge of coaxing turkeys across roads to sleeping in trucks and the unexpected company of bees by the swarm and stray dogs. We're also throwing in some wisdom from our adventures, including why you can't always trust your gut on true north and what to do when faced with a seemingly carnivorous critter in the dead of night.
Ever had a swarm of bees turn your turkey hunt into a slapstick comedy? We've been there, dodging the buzz and missing chances at gobblers, all while juggling the demands of hunting the open fields of Nebraska's vast wilderness. But don't fret, we also talk about the triumphs, like the strategy behind nabbing a longbeard that strutted its way along an oddly deep cattle trail. Hear about the precision and patience required in these thrilling moments, and revel in the eccentricities that make each hunting trip an unpredictable journey.
To top it all off, we've got a gem of a story that's so dense with suspense and hilarity, we had to carve it into two parts—but don't worry, you won't be left hanging for long. The wilderness's peculiar challenges, like navigating entrenched cattle trails, add layers to our narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
We're grateful for your company on these escapades and invite you to visualize the chase through our video clips if you're tuning in on YouTube in the coming days to watch the hunts unfold for yourself.

LINK: Save 10% on your next North Mountain Gear Leafy Jacket with code LEGION26 at northmountaingear.com
LINK: SAVE 10% on the new 2026 Line of Turkey Hunting Gear at springlegion.com with code POD10

Follow us on Instagram:
@springlegion
@hunter.farrior
@chasefarrior
We'd like to thank the following sponsors for making this podcast possible:

Tough Turkeys to Hunt: Part 2 | Competitive Nature + The Loudest Drumming Longbeard We've Ever Heard Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

Picking up where we left off, we saved the best unique Alabama turkey for last - the loudest drumming bird we've ever hear, and one that happened to have solid white feet, weigh somewhere in the range of a quarter-ton, and had we not cleaned it, would still be stuck in strut.
We dissect the camaraderie that sustains us through the frustration and physical drain that hunting demands. There's also a recount of a particularly heavy turkey, complete with white feet and a penchant for strutting, that left us in awe of its unique characteristics and the sheer exhaustion of lugging it back home. This isn't just about the hunt; it's a testament to the indelible bond between hunters and the meticulous dance of outwitting a creature as wily as the turkey.
Wrapping up, we don't just relive the glory of a successful hunt. We share the very fabric of our passion—how even after days of fatigue, the obsession won't let our bodies call it quits. Our tales are a prelude to the excitement building up to the NWTF convention, where we can't wait to meet fellow enthusiasts and reveal what's new with Spring Legion. Booth #609
Remember, for all the latest hunts and stories that keep the heart of the hunt beating, follow us on YouTube and TikTok. Now, let's gear up for a season of storytelling that captures the essence of turkey hunting and the spirit of the community that loves it.

Tough Turkeys to Hunt: Part 1 | Creek Crossing Gobblers + Alabama Hammers Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

Our first multi-episode week of podcasts starts off with a couple stories of unique Alabama turkey hunts. This episode is packed with the kind of tales that make you lean in closer. Chase tells us about a whole flock of turkeys flying across a creek, landing in their lap. Sills has a beardless gobbler strut in to 14 steps in the big Alabama hills.
With the NWTF convention just around the corner, we're excited to share our latest project releases and shake hands with fellow turkey hunters at Booth #609 and invite you to join us, alongside our friends at OnX, at Rick's Cafe in Starkville, Mississippi, for a live recording of our 100th episode.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone who gets a thrill from outdoor escapades, this episode promises to take your mind to the spring turkey woods.

Hunting Early Season Easterns in the Hardwoods | Calling a Pair of Gobblers Downhill Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever sat in the stillness of an early season morning, as an eastern's gobble echoes through the hardwoods? It's a feeling that never grows old to turkey hunters. We're bringing that experience straight to your ears, sharing the tactics, laughs, and heart-pounding moments from one of our latest turkey hunting adventures in north Georgia.
Turkey hunting is much more than just a sport; it's a dance with nature where every step counts. In this conversation, we navigate the varied landscapes of private and public lands, illustrating how the subtlest decisions can tilt the odds in our favor—or send us home with only stories to tell.
Together, we dissect the intricacies of turkey behavior on hills and flatlands, the impact of weather on our feathered adversaries, and why setting up in the perfect spot sometimes means outsmarting hens and gobblers alike. And for those moments when the unexpected happens, like a wandering deer crashing the party, we share how we adapt and stay silent in the pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Wrapping up, we take a moment to reflect on the deep-rooted traditions and community spirit that make turkey hunting an enduring part of our heritage. This episode isn't just about the hunts; it's a tribute to the camaraderie, the anticipation of future outings, and how the legacy of turkey hunting is woven into our very fabric.
Chase and I invite you to join us as we prepare for the NWTF convention and plan our next excursions, including a hopeful jaunt to South Florida. Whether you're an experienced hunter or just love a good story from the great outdoors, we guarantee you'll walk away from this episode feeling part of something much bigger than yourself.

Hunting Turkeys After a Rain - When and Where You Should Be | Scratching vs. Calling + 2 Untold Hunt Stories from Last Spring Jan 28, 2024

Show notes

This week, hosts Hunter Farrior and Austin Sills are recollecting multiple hunts from this past turkey season, with some in depth theory on woodsmanship, scratching, and timing the rain just right.
We share insights on how a spring thunderstorm can be your secret ally, revealing why those post-storm moments are prime time for calling in a lone gobbler. We also unpack the nuanced tactics of hunting on various terrains, be it the familiarity of family-owned private land or the unpredictability of public land. Plus, we delve into the tactical dance of hunting while respecting boundaries and avoiding overharvesting, ensuring the future of the sport and the land we cherish.
Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or a curious listener, join us for a conversation that's all about learning the woods, a burning passion for the pursuit, and an overall respect for the game we s dearly love to play this time of year.
Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out all that's new for Spring 2024 Turkey Season at springlegion.com!

Death, Taxes, and Missing Turkeys - Why it Happens and How to Fix it Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

TFT x SPRING LEGION HUNT RAFFLE: Come Hunt with the Spring Legion crew this April! Deadline to enter ends 12:00 AM 1/30/24 - Click Here to Learn More
Ever found yourself lining up the perfect turkey shot only to come up empty-handed? You're not alone. Join Hunter Farrior and Austin Sills, as they unravel the head-scratching moments behind those frustrating misses and turn them into teachable triumphs. This isn't just about recounting tales of the one(s) that got away; it's an exploration of strategies to make sure your future hunts end with the gobbler in your hands.
Strap in as we dissect the unpredictable nature of these unpredictable birds through candid stories from the field, including a humbling hunt in Nebraska that still has me shaking my head. In essence, we're peeling back the layers on preparation, decision-making, and staying nimble in the face of an animal that seems born to make fools of us all. We're also getting into the nitty-gritty of shotgun technique, the psychology of shooting, and why a tight cheek-to-stock connection could be the linchpin in your next successful turkey takedown.
But it's not all about the misses. We're here to celebrate the wins, too, especially the community you've helped us build. Your enthusiasm echoes through the woods and into the microphone, inspiring us to keep sharing our adventures and misadventures alike. So whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting your camouflage dirty for the first time, grab your headphones and join us—we've got stories, tips, and a whole lot of gratitude to share.

Public Land Turkeys - Scouting, Hunting, and Understanding Them + 1 Very Wild MS Opener Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Today, we weave through the shared excitement and anxiety that comes with hunting turkeys on public land. We recount the careful preparations required, and the significance of being able to adapt strategies on the fly. Plus, we detail a scenario in which we have all found ourselves, at some point - when a wise old gobbler sneaks in silently, 35 yards behind your left shoulder, and shakes the bark off the trees with a prominent gobble.
There's a unique tension and decision-making process when another hunter's presence forces a change in plans, or when a turkey approaches silently, demanding the utmost patience and composure.
Our conversation touches on the moments of unexpected luck, like finding other hunters in your spot before daybreak, only to realize that it could turn into an advantage.
The podcast episode concludes by highlighting the intricacies of Hunter's strategy for finding hard-to-reach turkeys on public land. We share the importance of scouting, preparation, and understanding turkey behavior, which can often seem counterintuitive.
The narratives shared in this episode encapsulate the ethos of public land turkey hunting: the satisfaction of a successful hunt, months after the real effort took place.

How One Last Call Resulted in Chase's First Osceola - A Florida Roadtrip Story Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Whether it's the ups and downs of travel or the thrill of the hunt, we invite you to laugh along and maybe even learn a thing or two about the spirit of perseverance that defines this spring turkey hunting trip to the Florida turkey woods. Austin, Chase, and Hunter can't wait to take you along for the ride.
There's something about the suspense of a turkey's gobble that sets a hunter's heart racing, and that's precisely the rollercoaster of emotions we unpack in this episode. Austin and Chase explore the strategy, all lows and highs included, behind their every move as we recount the day we pursued those long-bearded beauties with shimmering green-tinted backs. The camaraderie we share is palpable as we reflect on the seasoned wisdom of the chase, the decisions made in the heat of the moment, and the patience required when the hunt tests our mettle.
Finally, what's a hunting story without its share of road trip mayhem? The episode wraps with a hearty dose of humor as we relive the fatigue-laden drive across Southern states, the challenges of getting our hands on Chase's hunting tags, and the unexpected joys of a successful last-minute Hail Mary.

Calling Turkeys with Purpose and Timing - Mississippi River Bottom Longbeards Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, we recount the heart-pounding excitement of spring's early season turkey woods and the most gobbles we have ever heard within them. Hosts Hunter Farrior, Sills, and Chase dive into each of their different points of view, reliving a special hunt from last spring. Plus why Hunter waited so long to call to a group of fired-up longboards, and what each of them could and could not see as the morning unfolded.
Join us as we share the twist and turns of our hunting tales, where the unexpected is often what leads to the most memorable experiences. Buchanan, whom we have welcomed into our fold through a shared love for the outdoors, quickly became part of the Spring Legion's narrative, etching his role in the stories we'll tell for years to come.
As the morning wraps, it's not just about the turkeys killed—it's about the pulse they provide, the timing and patience, and the laughter that follows a well-played hunt with good friends both old and new. So, gear up, listeners, and get ready for a wild ride through the Mississippi Delta turkey woods with the Spring Legion podcast.

It Won't Be Long Now - Turkey Season 2024 Preview + A Quick Henned Up Gobbler Story from Last Spring Dec 31, 2023

Show notes

Turkey hunting is a practice steeped in tradition and skill, a blend of patience, knowledge, and a deep respect for the natural world. The latest episode of our podcast brings to light the rich experiences of Hunter Farrior and his buddy/brother, Austin Sills and Chase Farrior, as they navigate the spring woods in pursuit of the ever elusive wild turkey.
The thrill of the hunt is palpable as Hunter recounts his recent move back to Mississippi, a decision that has brought new life to the podcast with a newly dedicated video studio and enhanced equipment. The trio's excitement for the upcoming turkey season is contagious, as they reminisce about recent sightings and the unique challenges they face while hunting these intelligent birds.
As they delve into their turkey hunting escapades, it becomes clear that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. From the loss of a camera filled with valuable footage to the intimate dance with a turkey in West Virginia, the hunters share their authentic experiences, both the highs and the lows. The discussion reveals the emotional toll of difficult hunts, the mental fortitude required to persevere, and the importance of remaining true to the sport, camera or no camera.
One of the most engaging aspects of the episode is the detailed observation of turkey behavior. Hunter's personal experience on a rainy ridge, using his ol faithful Greenleaf jacket as a shield against the elements, provides listeners with a front-row seat to the social dynamics of these birds, and how hunter mentally illustrates the insight he received of a henned up mountain gobbler. The strategic patience required to avoid overcalling and the subsequent appearance of a longbeard turkey with his hens encapsulates the essence of turkey hunting—a dance of strategy and serendipity.
The podcast doesn't just stop at recounting tales; it provides invaluable insights into turkey calling techniques. The hosts discuss the subtleties of using a scratch box, the restraint needed to let the turkey come into range, and the importance of understanding the bird's "temperature." These techniques are not merely stories; they are lessons in the art of turkey hunting, advice that listeners can take with them into the field.
In a reflection on the unpredictability of turkey hunting, the conversation shifts to a hunt in Alabama that made it to YouTube, albeit briefly. The hosts emphasize that experience and persistence are key to successful hunting, more so than perfect calling skills. They also consider the value of recording hunts, not just for personal memories but to share these experiences with a broader audience.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on turkey hunting gear, emphasizing the importance of listening to gobbles and interpreting their meanings. The hosts share their preference for using sound over sight in locating turkeys and the strategies they employ on public lands.
As the podcast comes to a close, Hunter Farrier expresses gratitude for the community that has formed around Spring Legion, both through the podcast and the brand. He invites listeners to join in the shared passion for turkey hunting, to learn and grow together, and to anticipate the thrill of the next spring turkey season.
This episode is not just a collection of stories; it is an invitation to be part of a community that values tradition, respects wildlife, and cherishes the experience of the hunt. So, subscribe and join us on this wild, feather-filled odyssey. It's a journey that promises to be as unpredictable and rewarding as the hunt itself.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected