A Story of Brush and Buckshot: Slade Johnston and Macy Watkins share their love for Art, Hunting, and Home in Sumter County

In this episode of Sumter Social, host Amanda Gilliland welcomes Slade Johnston — entrepreneur, realtor, and lifelong outdoorsman — for a conversation about one of Sumter County’s favorite pastimes: hunting. Slade shares insight into the county’s rich hunting opportunities, the beauty of the land, and why this area is a dream for those who love the great outdoors.

Joining him is his fiancée, Macy Watkins — a positive social media influencer, artist, and one of Sumter County’s newest residents. Macy opens up about how her faith, love for hunting, and creative passions have all found a home in her new neighborhood of Sumter County, Alabama. 

Together, they reflect on the deep traditions of hunting in the Blackbelt region and the unique charm of life in Sumter County.

Whether you’re in a stand before sunrise or just enjoy a good story from the woods, this episode is for you.

This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Key links: 

Check out Slade’s current land listings: https://tuttland.com/agents/sjohnston 

Learn about Macy and see her shop:  https://www.heyyallitsmacy.com/ 

Instagram: @sladejohnston and @macywatkins14

Macy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@macywatkinsoutdoors

Sponsors discussed: https://www.academy.com/, https://www.chevrolet.com/, https://turtleboxaudio.com/