The Big Outdoors

The Hidden World of Freshwater Muscles

In Ohio, there's a fascinating but often overlooked world of freshwater muscles that are struggling to survive. These tiny creatures play a crucial role in the ecosystem, but their populations are dwindling due to habitat loss and other environmental factors. This episode of the show delves into the world of freshwater muscles, exploring their unique life cycle and the efforts being made to pr...

This episode is a must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in wildlife conservation. Join the speaker as they dive into a fascinating conversation with Karen Stewart Lankard, a seasoned trapper and member of the Ohio Wildlife Council, about the world of trapping and conservation.

Karen shares her expertise and experiences, from her early days as a trapper to her current involvement with the National Trappers Associa...

This episode of the Big Outdoors is a must-listen for any Ohio outdoors enthusiast. Join Chip Hart as he dives into the latest news and updates from the world of fishing and conservation. From the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of Ohio, this episode covers it all.

This week's episode is packed with exciting stories and updates, including a fascinating discussion about the walleye population on Lake Erie. Chip's guest, Mik...

This episode of the Big Outdoors s a must-listen for anyone concerned about the growing tick population in the Midwest. The speaker is joined by Kurt Avery, the CEO of Sawyer Products, a company that's been making waves with its innovative insect repellents and water filtration systems. As the summer months approach, the conversation turns to the importance of protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers of ticks and ot...

**Get Ready for a New Fishery on Lake Erie**

This episode is a game-changer for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The reintroduction of a native species to Lake Erie has the potential to create a whole new fishing experience. Join us as we talk to Travis Hartman, the Lake Erie Fisheries program manager, about the exciting project to bring back the sauger.

The sauger, a fish similar to walleye, was once abundant in Lake Erie but was ex...

This episode of the Big Outdoors is a must-listen for anyone who's ever been fascinated by the world of boating. Joining Chip s Michelle Burke, the president of the Ohio Marine Trades Association, who's on a mission to dispel the common misconception that boating is only for the wealthy.

The conversation delves into the world of boating, where Michelle shares her passion for the sport and her efforts to make it more accessible to e...

Wildfires are a growing concern for many communities, especially in the western United States. This episode of the podcast delves into the world of wildland firefighting and the importance of being prepared for these devastating events.

Nikolai Allen, a wildland firefighter from California, joins the show to share his expertise and discuss the latest tools and techniques for protecting homes and communities from wildfires. He explai...

Gary Fultz is back on the show, sharing his incredible experience on an Alberta bear hunt. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in bear hunting, as Gary takes us through the details of his recent trip to Alberta, Canada. From the preparation and setup to the actual hunt, Gary shares his expertise and insights on what makes a successful bear hunt.

Gary's passion for bear hunting is evident as he recounts his experience...

This episode of the Big Outdoors takes listeners on a thrilling journey to the Canadian wilderness, where the speaker shares an extraordinary experience of a bear hunt in Alberta. Joining the conversation is Gary Fultz, a seasoned hunter who's been on six bear hunts with Dale McKinnon, a renowned outfitter with over thirty years of experience. Listen as the speaker discusses the importance of baiting, the thrill of the hunt, a...

Ron Spomer, a renowned outdoorsman and author, joins the Big Outdoors to share his insights on the world of hunting and firearms. With a career spanning decades, Ron has written extensively on the subject and has a wealth of knowledge to share. In this episode, he discusses the latest trends and technologies in the industry, from the rise of synthetic stocks to the popularity of the 3.5-inch cartridge.

Ron talks about his own exper...

Join Chip Hart as he delves into the world of off-road adventures and conservation efforts with his guest, Jason Reeser, the executive director of the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance.

The Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance is a nonprofit organization that's been working tirelessly to create a world-class trail system in the greater Cincinnati area. With over 120 miles of biking trails, the organization is dedicated to making the region a be...

Chip Hart's guest on this episode is Travis Bauer, a skilled fisherman from Ohio. They dive into the world of fishing, discussing everything from the thrill of catching big fish on the Whitewater River to the challenges of navigating flooded waters. Travis shares his expertise on the best lures to use and the importance of understanding the habits of smallmouth bass and hybrid stripers. With a mix of humor and fishing tips, this co...

On this episode of the Big Outdoors, Chip chats with Nathan Stricker, a wildlife biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. They dive into the state of Ohio's bobwhite quail population, which has been declining since the devastating blizzard of 1977. Nathan shares his insights on the impact of habitat loss, urbanization, and climate change on the quail population. They discuss the importance of preserving natural habi...

Chip chats s with Vicky Mounts, a trailblazer in Ohio's outdoor world. Vicky shares her remarkable story of breaking barriers as the first female watercraft officer in Ohio and her journey to becoming a charter captain on Lake Erie. She opens up about her experiences with the Department of Natural Resources, from her early days as an Education and Enforcement officer to her later roles in communications and education. Vicky's passi...