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Published by Kyle Veit & Kyle Plunkett
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our guests and the information they share are especially relevant to men and women in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and southeast Kansas.
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Welcome to the Old Ozarks with Dr. Brooks Blevins... This week, we're boiling down sap and tuning up the shape notes — from the vanishing rituals of Ozark sugar camps to the banks of Big Sugar Creek, birthplace of one of gospel music's biggest names. We'll start with the sweet, half-forgotten world of sugarin' off time: granny gourds, alder spiles, kittles of boiling sap, and the snow-day treat known as a waxin', plus a tour of the sugar-flavored place names still dotting the map. Then it's on to the long sweetenin', the life of Albert E. Brumley — sharecropper's son turned shape-note prodigy under mentor Eugene Bartlett, Hartford Music Company songwriter, and eventual owner of Powell, Missouri's own gospel publishing empire. We'll trace hits like "Turn Your Radio On" and "Jesus Hold My Hand," and dig into the surprising, decades-long journey of his most famous song of all, "I'll Fly Away" — from a cotton field daydream to one of the most recorded songs in American history, claimed by gospel, country, and just about everybody in between. It's a story of how a little creek in southwestern Missouri became the symbolic heart of Southern gospel music. Let's dive into this episode of The Old Ozarks... What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins (the leading authority on the region’s history), this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.
Data could change how Missouri manages its best smallmouth creeks. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get show notes and stories in our NEWSLETTER Ryan Walker is back for part two, and this time the conversation goes deep on conservation. For five years Ryan has been quietly logging every fish, every location, every date, building a citizen science dataset compelling enough to bring before Missouri's regs committee. He breaks down why current limits are too loose, why the spawn closure Missouri implemented is brilliant, and what he'd change tomorrow if given the keys to MDC. Whether you're 22 or 52, if you love these Ozark rivers, you need to understand what's at stake — and what one person with a notebook can actually do about it. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – 40 Years on the James River 5:00 – The Role of James River Basin Partnership 7:00 – Are Ozark Smallmouth Populations Actually Declining? 8:30 – What Citizen Science Actually Looks Like 13:00 – Why Ryan Hates Missouri's Current Smallmouth Regulations 16:00 – How to Approach MDC with Data 21:00 – The Keys to MDC Reg Changes 24:00 – Stream bank restoration What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
The best smallmouth guide in the Ozarks (voted on by YOU) just gave away his entire summer playbook (recorded from a raft on the river). → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Ryan Walker joins the guys mid-float on the James River for one of the most practical fishing episodes the show has ever done. From how to read braided water and find that magic 10% of the river that holds fish in August heat, to the counterintuitive topwater tip that changes everything, Ryan hands you a summer smallmouth framework you can use the very next time you hit the creek. Whether you're floating with a kid, learning fly fishing for the first time, or a seasoned angler who can't crack the late-summer code, this one's worth bookmarking before your next trip. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – The Ozarks' Best Smallmouth Guide 3:00 – What's Changed in the last 2 seasons 7:00 – Summer Water Conditions 10:00 – How to Find the 10% 15:30 – Early Morning Top Water 20:00 – The Afternoon Popper Surprise 23:00 – Top Water Mistakes 32:00 – Braided Water Is Your Best Friend in Summer 36:00 – Book a trip with Ryan What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to the Old Ozarks with Dr. Brooks Blevins... This week, we're talking milk gone bad, mythical giants, and one very "rurnt" 72 hours — a Confederate major's real-life brush with a firing squad that came down to a president's telegram and a matter of hours. We'll start with Blinky Blue John, the Ozarks' own giant of legend, whose curious name traces back to superstitions about witches souring milk, before landing on the region's favorite way to say something's gone completely to pieces: "rurnt." Then it's on to the long sweetenin', the harrowing true story of Major Enoch Wolf of Ford's Battalion, CSA — captured during Price's Raid, hauled to St. Louis's Gratiot Street Prison, and handed a death sentence to "atone" for a Union officer's murder he had nothing to do with. We'll trace the Civil War's grim system of official retaliation, the frantic 72-hour scramble by Masons, society ladies, and telegrams to the White House to save him, Abraham Lincoln's own last-minute reprieve, and the mysterious woman who showed up at the prison claiming to be his wife. It's a true Ozarks story stranger, and closer to the wire, than most fiction. Let's dive into this episode of The Old Ozarks... What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins (the leading authority on the region’s history), this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.
A breeding population of mountain lions just showed up 100 miles from the Arkansas border...that changes everything. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Arkansas' large carnivore coordinator Spencer Daniels drops one of the most jaw-dropping revelations in recent Ozark wildlife history and finally puts the "Game and Fish is hiding mountain lions" myth to rest for good. You'll hear exactly where these cats are coming from, what 58 confirmed sightings actually mean, and whether there's already a breeding pair hiding somewhere in Arkansas right now. Then the episode goes full Ozark folklore — black panthers, the screaming-into-a-hole myth, AI photo fakes, and the family stories every person who grew up in these hills has heard. This one's equal parts science and campfire story. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – Mountain Lions in Arkansas: What We Actually Know 3:00 – Where They're Coming From 4:30 – Breeding Population Confirmed 100 Miles from the Arkansas Border 9:00 – Could There Already Be a Breeding Pair in Arkansas? 14:00 – What the Sightings Data Actually Shows 19:00 – The Hot Springs Roadkill 25:00 – Spencer's Mountain Lion Encounter 27:00 – Myth Busting Rapid Fire 30:00 – Do Mountain Lions Actually Scream? 34:00 – Black Panthers in the Ozarks What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Arkansas Game & Fish Bear Program Coordinator Spencer Daniels sits down to address the two fatal black bear attacks that shocked the state last year (the first recorded fatalities in over 100 years) and what we've learned from them. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER He walks through both incidents with honesty and care, explains the brain lesion findings from the necropsy, and gives every hunter, hiker, and camper in bear country a clear safety playbook for what to do if things go sideways. Beyond the attacks, Spencer breaks down the 2026 season changes — including the earlier opener, what to expect from the population, and why bear hunting over bait is actually one of the most ethical conservation tools Arkansas has. Whether you're a seasoned bear hunter or just love being in the Ozark woods, this one's essential listening before you step into the timber. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – WARNING: Why We're Covering the Bear Attacks 2:30 – Arkansas Bear Population Update 6:00 – Why Bear Encounters Are Hard to Quantify (And What That Tells Us) 10:00 – 2025 Season Changes: Earlier Opener & What to Expect This Fall 17:00 – Bait Heavy, Bait Often: How to Get Started Bear Hunting in Arkansas 24:00 – The Conservation Case for Bear Hunting Over Bait 27:30 – The First Fatal Bear Attack 34:00 – The Second Fatal Attack 39:00 – Bear Safety 101: What to Do If a Bear Approaches You 42:00 – Bear Spray, Firearms & the Rule of Thumb for Safe Distance What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to the Old Ozarks with Dr. Brooks Blevins... This week, we head out looking for "ary" trace of the Great Depression left on the Ozark landscape — and it turns out, once you know what to look for, you can hardly go "nary" a mile without finding one. We'll start in Grandpa's hayfield with the hillside ribs known as Mangum terraces, tracing their spread from a North Carolina farm in the 1880s to the terracing craze that swept the Ozarks under FDR's New Deal. Along the way, our short sweetenin' digs up the backwoods twins "ary" and "nary," archaic descendants of "ever a" and "never a" that once peppered everyday Ozark speech. Then it's on to the long sweetenin': a whirlwind tour of just how much New Deal alphabet-soup labor — the CCC, WPA, PWA, CWA, and NYA — physically remade this region, from state park lodges and courthouses to WPA schoolhouses, Razorback Stadium's earliest bones, and post office murals still hanging in Berryville and Fredericktown ninety years later. Let's dive into this episode of The Old Ozarks... What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins (the leading authority on the region’s history), this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.
The deer you harvest this fall are being won right now. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Arkansas Game & Fish State Deer Coordinator Ralph Meeker breaks down the summer checklist every small property hunter needs before season opens. From designating a sanctuary and hinge cutting the right trees, to understanding why deer remember your stand location down to 55 extra yards by season's end, Ralph gives you the science-backed playbook for holding more deer on limited ground. You'll also learn why summer is actually the most nutritionally stressful time for deer — and how that changes what you should be doing on your property today. This is the episode that turns a 22-acre hobby into a deer hunting system. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – Why You Should Be Thinking About Deer Right Now 3:00 – The Four Biological Needs That Keep Deer on a Small Property 7:00 – Urban vs. Rural Deer 13:00 – What to Look for When Walking Your Property 18:00 – Why Ozark Deer Don't Get as Big as Kansas & Texas Deer 24:00 – Hinge Cutting: Which Trees to Remove & Which to Keep for Deer 32:00 – Sanctuaries: How Much of Your Property to Lock Down & Why 36:00 – How Hunting Pressure Changes Deer Behavior (The 55-Yard Study) 40:00 – What to Do If You Find a Fawn This Summer What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
You're fishing the White River, but there's no hatch...Now what? → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Top White River guide Chad Johnson is back for part two — and this time it's all about bugs. He breaks down the three major hatches on the White River, what's actually changing about them year over year, and the simple seasonal framework that tells you exactly what to tie on from January through fall. More importantly, he reveals what to do on those in-between days when there's no obvious hatch — and why adjusting your depth six inches might be the only fix you need. If you've ever stood on the White River wondering why the fish won't eat your fly when you can literally watch them rising, this episode has your answer. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – The Three Major Hatches on the White River 5:00 – The Caddis Hatch 9:00 – The Sulfur Hatch 14:00 – The Dorito Rule: Why Fishing a Hatch Is a Completely Different Game 17:00 – Summer Fishing: Why You Flip from Fishing Bottom-Up to Top-Down 19:00 – What to Throw When There's No Hatch On (Browns vs. Rainbows) 26:00 – How to Read Fish Behavior When They Won't Eat Your Fly 30:00 – The Five Flies You Need to Fish the White River All Year 33:00 – Dave Whitlock's Lesson What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to The Old Ozarks with Dr. Brooks Blevins... This week, we start with a word that'll make any bush-hogger wince — "stob" — before hobbling our way into the true tale of a tiny Arkansas crossroads with a mighty title: the Walking Stick Capital of the World. We'll trace the Scots-Irish roots of "stob," pay tribute to Karl Childers and Sling Blade along the way, and then head to Fryatt, Arkansas — a wide spot in the road barely big enough to see both its highway signs at once — to meet Newt Blagg, the handle-maker turned cane man who founded a walking-stick dynasty out of a borrowed barn in 1931. We'll cover his unlikely brush with a stray bullet on a Kansas train, the steam barrels and drawknives that bent hickory into "Little Bo Peep" crooks, and how his craft passed down through generations of Berrys, Albrights, Flynns, and Marlers until Fryatt earned its unofficial crown as the cane-making capital of the world. It's a story of stobs, sticks, and the quiet Ozark ingenuity that turned scrap hickory into a national industry. Let's dive into this episode of The Old Ozarks... What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.
Most anglers sit and wait on the White River. The best guides are always moving. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Top White River guide Chad Johnson reveals one of the most overlooked tactics in Ozark fly fishing: chasing "the push." When rising water triggers a feeding frenzy, most anglers enjoy it for a few minutes and stay put. Chad explains why the smartest move is to run downstream and get ahead of it again, and again, and again. He also breaks down the full picture: how to read the generation schedule, what CFS numbers mean for your day, and the single rule that tells you exactly where brown trout are holding at any flow level. Whether you've never fished the White or you've been coming for years without cracking the code, this is the episode that changes how you think about tailwater fishing forever. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – Welcome to Diamond State Fly Co. 8:30 – Why You'll Never Fully Understand White River Flows 9:00 – How the Dam Actually Works 11:30 – How to Read the Generation Schedule (swpa.gov Walkthrough) 17:00 – Low Water vs. High Water 21:00 – Why Big Browns Are So Hard to Catch 29:00 – What Is "The Push" — And How to Chase It Down the River 34:00 – Ideal CFS Numbers for Every Type of Angler 37:00 – The #1 Rule for Finding Brown Trout at Any Flow Level What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
This math will change how you think about the outdoors (especially if you're a hunter). → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER The Kyles break down exactly where conservation funding comes from in Arkansas and Missouri, and what happens when fewer people hunt and fish. With a whiteboard and real numbers pulled straight from AGFC and MDC budgets, they map out the full picture: $141 million vs. $283 million, the 1/8-cent sales tax, Pittman-Robertson, license revenue, and who's really footing the bill. Then they run the scenario nobody wants to talk about — a 20% decline in sportsmen — and the number needed to replace it will stop you cold. This is the conservation funding episode every Ozark outdoorsman needs to watch. No agenda, just the numbers and a question worth asking. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars 0:00 – Why We're Standing at a Whiteboard 3:30 – Breaking News: Arkansas Just Announced a New WMA Permit 6:30 – Arkansas Game & Fish Budget Breakdown: $141 Million 11:30 – Missouri MDC Budget Breakdown: $283 Million 19:00 – Who Actually Pays for Conservation> 27:00 – The 20% Decline Scenario 33:00 – Current Conservation Gaps 38:00 – WMA Permits, Biking Fees, Sales Tax Increases & Voluntary Stamps 42:00 – Raising Out-of-State License Prices? What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to The Old Ozarks with Dr. Brooks Blevins... This week for the first episode of season 2, we're playing a road-trip counting game older than the interstate itself: Zip Horse. And using it as our launchpad into the vanishing world of Ozark mules, the surprisingly Celtic backstory of a "muley" cow, and why nobody wanted anything to do with a "poll tax." No, not that poll tax...well, sort of. Let's dive into this episode of The Old Ozarks... What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.
Hunters, hikers, and mountain bikers are all fighting for the same land, and someone has to figure it out. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Part 2 with the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation gets into the hard stuff. We tackle the real tension between user groups head-on — cyclists vs. hunters, growth vs. conservation, loving a place to death vs. sharing it with the next generation. You'll hear why the Mena Bike Park won't hurt hunters, how gateway activities like fishing could save the conservation funding model, and what it's going to take to keep the Ozarks from turning into the next Moab. This is the most honest conversation about the future of the Ozarks we've had on this show, and it's one every outdoorsman needs to hear. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars 0:00 – Recap of Part 1 4:00 – Are We Loving the Ozarks to Death? 7:00 – Manufacturing Drives Arkansas' Outdoor Economy 13:00 – The Real Cost of Growth: Wastewater 22:00 – How the State Decides Who Gets Trails, Boat Ramps & Grant Money 32:00 – The Cycling vs. Hunting Tension 43:00 – How Hiking & Biking Could Save Hunting & Fishing 50:00 – How Do You Fund Conservation When Fewer People Buy Licenses? 57:00 – What Does Success Look Like for the Office of Outdoor Recreation? What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Arkansas just set a goal to double its outdoor economy to $7 billion — and the people making it happen just sat down with us. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Katherine Andrews and Becky Flynn, Director and Deputy Director of Arkansas' Office of Outdoor Recreation, break down what it actually looks like to build an outdoor economy from scratch. From a $6.5 million grant program funding trails, boat ramps, and shooting ranges, to a first-of-its-kind guide verification program, to the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the country coming to Mena — this episode is a masterclass in why Arkansas is quietly becoming one of the best outdoor destinations in the country. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars 0:00 – Kyle Plunkett's Back 2:00 – What Is the Office of Outdoor Recreation? 7:00 – The Goal: $7 Billion by 2032 13:00 – How the Office Connects Communities & State Agencies 25:00 – Why People Are Now Moving for Outdoor Recreation 33:00 – Guide ARK 45:00 – Holler Question 51:00 – Who Should Fund Conservation's Future? What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Trout fisheries are in crisis, and for the first time ever emergency regulations are the new normal. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Arkansas Game & Fish trout coordinator Christy Graham returns to break down one of the wildest 14 months in the history of Ozark trout fishing. A historic Spring River flood wiped out 50% of the state hatchery's fish. Then the Norfork National Fish Hatchery — which stocks 40% of all trout in Arkansas — lost millions of fish to catastrophic water quality failures inside their own tanks. The result: permanent reduced limits, catch-and-release-only sections, and a two-year road to recovery. This is the inside story most anglers never hear. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a guide, or a dad planning your son's first trout trip — this episode explains what happened, why the fishery is still worth fishing, and what it'll take to fix it for good. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – How the Ozark Trout Program Works 4:00 – How Game & Fish Sets the Stocking Schedule 8:30 – Spring River Hatchery Flood Wipes Out 50% of Fish 11:30 – Norfork Hatchery Catastrophe 14:45 – Why It Takes 18-22 Months to Grow a Stocking-Size Trout 24:00 – The Emergency Regulations 32:00 – The Management Triangle 37:00 – Communication Failures During the Crisis 43:00 – Is the Fishery Still Worth Fishing? 48:00 – 90% of Stocked Rainbows Don't Survive a Year What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Trout weren't always in the Ozarks...and the story of how they got here is wilder than you'd expect. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Arkansas Game & Fish trout program coordinator Christy Graham joins Kyle to trace the full arc of Ozark trout fishing: from rail cars delivering the first rainbows in the 1890s, to the Corps of Engineers dams that replaced legendary smallmouth fisheries with cold water tailwaters, to the $230 million-a-year economy now built around a non-native fish. Along the way you'll learn why the Little Red River is the most magical (and most self-sustaining) trout fishery in the state, and why catching more fish might actually mean worse fishing. Whether you're new to fly fishing or a lifelong angler, this is the episode that gives you the full picture of what you're standing in when you wade into an Ozark tailwater. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Trout Aren't Native to the Ozarks 4:15 – History of Trout in the Ozarks: Rail Cars, Dams & Mitigation 6:25 – What Happened to the Smallmouth? 12:35 – Why Were the Dams Built? 17:00 – When Did Trout Fishing Really Take Off? 22:50 – More Fish vs. Bigger Fish? 24:30 – How Important Is Trout Fishing to Arkansas? 31:00 – Natural Reproduction vs. Stocking 38:00 – Who Runs What? What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
We're back with part 2. Part 1 was history, now let's dive into the burning question... → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Quail biologists from both Arkansas Game & Fish (Clint Johnson) and Quail Forever Missouri (Dylan Jacobs), join us to unpack one of the most fascinating and heartbreaking conservation stories in the region. This is the kind of episode that makes you wonder if we're too far gone to make a difference for quail. The easy answer? No way. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Last episode recap: History of Quail 6:00 – Can we bring quail Back? 9:00 – How to assess quail viability on your property 16:00 – Habitat needs for quail 23:00 – Quail success stories 37:00 – Does trampling improve land? 50:30 – The cultural shift that needs to take place 55:30 – Word of advice to land owners What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Quail used to be EVERYWHERE. Now they're almost nowhere...what happened? → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Quail biologists from both Arkansas Game & Fish (Clint Johnson) and Quail Forever Missouri (Dylan Jacobs), join us to unpack one of the most fascinating and heartbreaking conservation stories in the region. We discuss what the Ozarks actually looked like 200 years ago — open savannas so vast that early explorers couldn't find firewood — and exactly how fire suppression, post-war farming, and even Bambi systematically erased quail from a landscape they once dominated. This is the kind of episode that makes you look at the woods differently the next time you walk outside. Whether you're a young hunter just getting started, a longtime outdoorsman, or a dad wanting to pass down something real, this is history worth knowing. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Intro: Why We're Talking About Quail in the Ozarks 3:00 – The Northern Bobwhite Conservation Stamp 6:30 – What the Ozarks Looked Like 200 Years Ago 11:00 – When Did the Decline Start? Tracing Quail Populations Back to 1900 13:00 – How the American Farm Changed Everything for Quail 16:00 – The Anti-Fire Propaganda Campaign 25:00 – What Quail Actually Need to Survive 38:00 – Where Quail Still Exist in Arkansas & Missouri Today 42:00 – S.C. Turnbo's Story What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
The fish are still out there. You just have to think differently to find them. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Expert White River guide Ben Levin breaks down his 3 keys for catching trout during the toughest conditions of the summer: low water, clear water, and fishing pressure that pushes fish out of their usual spots. Whether you've never set foot on the White River or you've been fishing it for years, this episode hands you a practical, no-fluff playbook you can apply the next time you hit the water. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Why This Summer Could Be a Tough One on the White River 7:00 – Key #1: Downsize Everything 23:00 – Key #2: Fish Shallower 36:00 – Key #3: Adjust Your Expectations 44:00 – This Might Be Your Best Summer to Get Off the Boat What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
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