Raptorazor Giveaway on Facebook!

We're giving away a Raptorazor Combo Set on Facebook!  Click the image below to get in on this giveaway!

                


      

Welcome LB Atkins to the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Prostaff!

We're excited to announce LB Atkins of Dyersburg, TN has joined the Willowpine Outdoors Prostaff! 

Name: LB Atkins

Location: Dyersburg, TN

Position: Willowpine Outdoors Pro-Staff 

Favorite Critter to Hunt: Waterfowl

Favorite Fish to Catch: Largemouth Bass & Crappie

What is your favorite thing about hunting and fishing? 

Making memories and making new friends.

What was your best day in the field hunting or fishing?

My best day in the the field was my first day duck hunting.  I went out with my cousin, shot my first duck, and that led the way for many more waterfowl hunts.

Tell us about how you started in the outdoors, and why do you maintain the lifestyle... 

If it wasn't for my cousin, I probably wouldn't be waterfowl hunting.  They always asked me to go, and one day I decided to tag along. That day changed everything as duck hunting has become a big part of my life. I now guide with Purple Hays Guide Service, which allows me an opportunity to share and create memories with clients. I enjoy it so much.

 Connect with LB on Facebook!

Also check out the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Facebook page for updates from LB and other WPO prostaff members! 

Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Company is excited to welcome LB Atkins to the team!  We wish him many successes in the field and on the water!

If you love hunting and fishing as much as we do, and have an interest in being part of a fast growing company committed to outdoor sports, take a minute to fill out an application to join our prostaff.  We're always looking for motivated people who want to share their hunting and fishing knowledge, stories, pictures, and videos with the world.   Email us today at willowpineoutdoors@gmail.com or shoot us a message on Facebook to receive an application.

Welcome Cody Lane Lawrence to the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Prostaff!

We're excited to announce Cody Lane Lawrence of Drummonds, TN has joined the Willowpine Outdoors Prostaff! 

Name: Cody Lane Lawrence

Location: West Tennessee

Position: Willowpine Outdoors Pro-Staff 

Favorite Critter to Hunt: Waterfowl

Favorite Fish to Catch: Crappie & Bass

What is your favorite thing about hunting and fishing? 

The heightening of every sense, and the absolute blessing of them also.

What was your best day in the field hunting or fishing?

My first turkey hunt would be my favorite, my grandfather called the bird from the limb to our lap. I can almost still feel the ground rumble from him gobbling, and the sharp sit and drum that sounds like nothing else. It's a million wonders that I even killed the bird from the absolute aww I was in from his display. I don't know how he didn't hear my heart almost beating out of my chest. Truly a memory I will cherish forever.

Tell us about how you started in the outdoors, and why do you maintain the lifestyle... 

I started hunting waterfowl early on when I was 8 years old. An older gentleman told me once that when you start waterfowl hunting, it's like an addiction. This has proven true over the years, but addiction is frowned upon in today's world.  I see it in myself as something that has been woven into my soul. It's my heritage, it's every single piece of who I am.

 Connect with Cody on Facebook!

Also check out the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Facebook page for updates from Cody and other WPO prostaff members! 


Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Company is excited to welcome Cody Lane Lawrence to the team!  We wish him many successes in the field and on the water!

If you love hunting and fishing as much as we do, and have an interest in being part of a fast growing company committed to outdoor sports, take a minute to fill out an application to join our prostaff.  We're always looking for motivated people who want to share their hunting and fishing knowledge, stories, pictures, and videos with the world.   Email us today at willowpineoutdoors@gmail.com or shoot us a message on Facebook to receive an application.

Welcome Martin Tindle to the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Prostaff!

We're excited to announce Martin Tindle of Shelbyville, KY has joined the Willowpine Outdoors Prostaff! 

Name: Martin Tindle

Location: Shelbyville, KY

Position: Willowpine Outdoors Pro-Staff 

Favorite Critter to Hunt: Whitetail Deer

Favorite Fish to Catch: Blue and Flathead Catfish

What is your favorite thing about hunting and fishing? 

The challenge that comes with hunting is a huge part of why I am so passionate about the sport. I also love the experiences. I've had the opportunity to see things that a good majority of the population has not because of my time spent in the field.

What was your best day in the field hunting or fishing?

September 25, 2014, I was bow hunting for a deer that I had seen the previous gun season. That season ended, and a new season began. Spring scouting: April, I had my first trail camera picture of him. I continued to watch him grow all through the summer months, with pictures of every stage of his growth. I moved my set up in hopes of catching him during daylight hours. 

The second time I hunted him from the tree, at around 7pm, I turned and saw him coming from a standing corn field. While he was approaching I stood up, turned around, and got ready. As he walked behind me I drew my bow and settled my pin the way I had done so many times before, but this was different; I had watched this deer grow, knew where he slept and even what he liked to eat. My heart raced and pounded so loudly I thought he would surly hear it, but it didn't matter because for him it was too late. This buck and my story unfolded as I released my arrow and watched it hit its mark. He bolted into the brush and suddenly a loud crash, and I knew that that this chapter was over. 

This was my first Pope and Young deer, and one of the most memorable moments of my life. This moment meant so much to me because it was a deer that I had actually gotten to know over the year. I had the opportunity to watch him grow, and to end harvesting him was a feeling that is almost impossible to describe. 

Tell us about how you started in the outdoors, and why do you maintain the lifestyle... 

I started hunting when I was 9 years old.  My Great Uncle took me out for the first time on the fall squirrel opener many years ago. I had woke up ready to go and excited for my first hunt ever. Before I left with my Uncle, my Dad handed me a .22 rifle that I had been practicing with, I was ready. My uncle picked me up and off we went to a farm that was his honey hole for years. As I sat with him waiting for the sun to come up, I remember I started hearing birds chirping and sounds of the woods, suddenly I heard a noise I wasn't familiar with at the time, and it was a squirrel barking! My uncle said calmly "that's where we're headed," as he nudged me to move in that direction. We walked down a trail for a while staring into the trees looking for anything out of place, but we found nothing. I left that morning without firing a single shot, but I was enthralled with the idea of getting to go again. I learned a lesson that morning without knowing at the time, but this lesson has stuck with me for all these years, a hunt measured only in trophies falls short of what the actual purpose should be. 

As the years went on I started deer hunting with my Dad, and I was fortunate enough to take a doe with an old side-hammer style muzzleloader. The spring to follow I was able to take my first turkey. My father may not have been the first to take me hunting, but he has always been a huge part of my desire to hunt. He instilled in me a passion to chase big whitetails, and we actually started turkey hunting at the same time, so learning together has had its ups and downs. One example is the time we both figured out that once the tom answers and goes silent, he's coming, and that you should by no means get up and go toward him! Those types of experiences have created great memories and lessons learned, they brought us together and gave me a love and passion for hunting and fishing.

Connect with Martin on Facebook!

Also check out the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Facebook page for updates from Martin and other WPO prostaff members! 


Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Company is excited to welcome Martin Tindle to the team!  We wish him many successes in the field and on the water!

If you love hunting and fishing as much as we do, and have an interest in being part of a fast growing company committed to outdoor sports, take a minute to fill out an application to join our prostaff.  We're always looking for motivated people who want to share their hunting and fishing knowledge, stories, pictures, and videos with the world.   Email us today at willowpineoutdoors@gmail.com or shoot us a message on Facebook to receive an application.

Welcome Andy Sutcliffe to the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Prostaff!

We're excited to announce Andy Sutcliffe of Freeman, Missouri has joined the Willowpine Outdoors Prostaff! 

Name: Andy Sutcliffe

Location: Freeman, MO

Position: Willowpine Outdoors Pro-Staff 

Favorite Critter to Hunt: Snow Geese

Favorite Fish to Catch: White Bass

What is your favorite thing about hunting and fishing? 

Enjoying God's creations, and spending time with friends and family in the outdoors.

What was your best day in the field hunting or fishing?

When I was real young I hunted with both of my grandpas. One grandpa was big into turkey and deer hunting, while the other was big into small game hunting and fishing. I can remember early mornings with both of them, and I always knew our success was never measured by the size of our bag but by the time spent together in the outdoors. My best days were all of the days spent with them. 

Tell us about how you started in the outdoors, and why do you maintain the lifestyle... 

I've been raised in the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and camping have been a commonplace for me growing up. My family has taught me a lot about preserving the land, and the practice of conservation for what we have. We practice practical conservation efforts to reduce stresses on the wildlife on our farm.

      This year a fellow hunter and I are starting our own guide service for the spring conservation order snow goose season. I've been hunting snow geese for the last few years, this seemed like a way for me to spend more time in the field doing my part in the conservation of the tundra, and relieving stress on farmers fields in the area.

Connect with Andy on Facebook!

Also check out the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Facebook page for updates from Andy and other WPO prostaff members! 


Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Company is excited to welcome Andy Sutcliffe to the team!  We wish him many successes in the field and on the water!

If you love hunting and fishing as much as we do, and have an interest in being part of a fast growing company committed to outdoor sports, take a minute to fill out an application to join our prostaff.  We're always looking for motivated people who want to share their hunting and fishing knowledge, stories, pictures, and videos with the world.   Email us today at willowpineoutdoors@gmail.com or shoot us a message on Facebook to receive an application.

Welcome Keith Johnson to the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Prostaff!

We're excited to announce Keith Johnson of Brownsburg, IN has joined the Willowpine Outdoors Prostaff! 

Name: Keith Johnson

Location: Brownsburg, IN

Position: Willowpine Outdoors Pro-Staff 

Favorite Critter to Hunt: Walleye

Favorite Fish to Catch: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

What is your favorite thing about hunting and fishing? 

I really enjoy fishing because it allows me to get away from the daily grind. I find it absolutely the most relaxing and almost therapeutic time I could have. The adrenaline rush of hooking into a nice fish compares to nothing else for me.   

What was your best day in the field hunting or fishing?

The best day on the water would have to be back in high school. I had the itch to get out, so I headed for a private lake that I had grown up fishing. I was working a scum frog around the spillway. I ran through a patch of thick algae, and BAM, the biggest blow up I'd ever seen. I pulled it in along with a pound of algae and there sat a 4lb largemouth that had inhaled my frog. A mind etching day with a personal best for me at that time growing up. 

Tell us about how you started in the outdoors, and why do you maintain the lifestyle... 

I grew up fishing with my Dad and Grandpa.  I learned most everything I know about the sport of fishing from them. I had a rod in my hand from time I was about 3 years old and have been "hooked" ever since. My Dad always stressed the quality and value of time spent fishing and placed little emphasis on the number and size of the fish caught.

I believe fishing played a big part of my childhood, and it taught me many life lessons along the way. With kids of my own, I'm always looking to share my passion with them, and give them a reason to put electronics down, and pick up a rod and reel.

Connect with Keith on Facebook!

Also check out the Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Co. Facebook page for updates from Keith and other WPO prostaff members! 


Willowpine Outdoors & Tackle Company is excited to welcome Keith Johnson to the team!  We wish him many successes in the field and on the water!

If you love hunting and fishing as much as we do, and have an interest in being part of a fast growing company committed to outdoor sports, take a minute to fill out an application to join our prostaff.  We're always looking for motivated people who want to share their hunting and fishing knowledge, stories, pictures, and videos with the world.   Email us today at willowpineoutdoors@gmail.com or shoot us a message on Facebook to receive an application.

WillowpineTV #3 - Complete Scent Control Using Upwind by Willowpine Outdoors

In this episode Joey shows you the steps he takes to lower his scent identity in the whitetail woods using Upwind products.  From preseason to during season it's step by step odor containment system.  Check it out!

       

GrowingDeer.TV

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.

       

          

       

       

GrowingDeer.TV

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.

      

WillowpineTV #2 - How to Build a Hidey Hole Food Plot by Willowpine Outdoors

In this episode of WillowpineTV, Joey shows how he built a small ¼ acre food plot on a low budget. Many people call these shot plots, throw and grows, hidey holes, poor man plots, etc, and they're all right, they also can be very important on small and large acre properties. Learn the way Joey put in his hidey hole food plot. 


           

GrowingDeer.TV

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.

      

      

      

Brodie Bend Calls

        

Visit the Brodie Bend website to check out their line of duck calls. 

You can also follow Brodie Bend Calls on Facebook

Raptorazor!

        

Visit the Raptorazor Website for all of their killer products. 

For more instructional videos go to the Raptorazor YouTube channel and subscribe! 

You can also follow Raptorazor on Facebook.

GrowingDeer.TV

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.


      

      

GrowingDeer.TV

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.

      

      

GrowingDeer.TV

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.


                                      Amazing Antlers! Keys to Age Bucks and Food Plot Facts (#348)

     

GrowingDeer.TV

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.


                                      Deer Hunting Strategies: Finding The Limited Resource 

       

The Outdoor Radio Show by Willowpine Outdoors - Season 2 - Episode 20

The Outdoor Radio Show by Willowpine Outdoors is our new podcast brought to you for free every month.  We'll discuss things going on in the outdoors in and around Indiana and the Midwest. We'll tell stories about our recent fishing and hunting trips. We focus on walleye, crappie, bass, pike, musky, and other panfish fishing. We'll also cover duck, deer, turkey, and mushroom hunting. We'll interview professionals and amateur hunters, guides, and even industry leaders. WPO Prostaff members will join us often to discuss what they're doing in the outdoors. Whether you're new to the outdoors or a seasoned veteran, give us a listen, I think you'll like what we have to say!

The Outdoor Radio Show by Willowpine Outdoors - Season 2 - Episode 20

During this episode we talk with FLW Pro Bill McDonald about fishing in Indiana and around the country. We also talk about our recent trips to Brookville, Monroe, and Waveland Lake! 





CLICK FOR EPISODE DOWNLOAD or listen to the show right here on Willowpine.net.

Check back next month for our 21st episode of the Outdoor Radio Show!  We out out at least one podcast each month, and sometimes we'll have them twice a month. All episodes are also available for download on Itunes, Google Play, Podbean, and most podcasting apps on all smart phones. 

Make sure to stop by Willowpine.net and also give Willowpine Outdoors a like on Facebook!

GrowingDeer.TV - June 30, 2016

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.

                                      Explaining the Difference in Deer Deseases: EHD and CWD 

     


                          Tips for Deer Hunting and Improving a 90 Acre Deer Hunting Property (343)
     

GrowingDeer.TV - June 17, 2016

Each week Dr. Grant Woods and crew put out a 10-15 minute video called  GrowingDeer.TV.  The videos are all about land management, herd management, hunting, predator control, trapping, and all other aspects of managing deer land. Constantly I hear other hunters say that they wish hunting shows would actually teach us something, if that's you, or if you're just as obsessed as I am, then GrowingDeer.TV is for you.

                     From Fawn and Food Plot Robbers to Aging Bucks In Velvet Antlers (#342)

Long Live the Gin & Tonic Horn, and Other Family Traditions!

Family traditions, they’re the one thing that only your family and you understand, that others may not. They often stand the test of time. As I’m sure your family does, my family has several traditions that have lasted longer than the people who created them. My absolute favorite family tradition is our yearly trip to Hamlin Lake in Ludington, MI every July. My Grandpa first started going some 50 or 60 years ago with his family, and he carried on the tradition with his kids, my parents continued it with us, and now my sister and I with our kids. I hope that my boy Archer “Hamlin” will too continue this trip with his family one day. 

Me in 1985 and My Son Archer in 2014

I can’t think of any other place on Earth that I love more than Hamlin Lake. Over Memorial Day weekend, my wife asked me,“What are your 3 favorite places on Earth?” I told her “Hamlin Lake, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Brookvil……I mean Home is #3, with you, dear!” She was not surprised on my #1 pick, but she also knows that my blood runs deep in that sandy MI soil, and for good reason: all the memories. I can remember cool mornings untying and pushing off the dock with Dad and Grandpa. The smell of 2-cycle outboard exhaust mixed with the cool, wet smell of dew on fresh cut grass. I can still see Grandma and Grandpa on their porch in the late afternoon sun, reading books and watching the lake. I can hear my cousins and sister swinging on the giant swing set, and me, well I’m on the dock with a Zebco 33 Rhino just trying to catch anything I can.   

There were 5 cottages we occupied as a family. My Aunt Jody, Uncle Brian, and cousins stayed in the cabin named Birch; My Great Aunt Vivian, Uncle Wayne, and Uncle Raymond (the greatest bluegill fisherman to ever live, like seriously) stayed in Pine; we stayed in Hemlock; Aunt Marcia and Uncle Jeff stayed in Beech; and Grandma and Grandpa were closest to the water in the cottage called Oak. The cottages at the time (and still to this day) are older, white painted pine board siding fashions the exterior walls. The roofs are covered in forest green shingles, but they’re tattered with light green moss and reddish brown pine needles. Front and side porches on each cottage were usually fairly unkempt with coolers, tackle boxes, lawn chairs, and fishing rods, with towels & swimsuits laid out to dry.  As a kid, I remember wondering why Grandpa needed the 20 or so rods he had laid on his back deck - who would need more than just a couple!? I think he’d be surprised to see my spread of 30 or 35 now.

Dad Coming Down the Hill, 1997

Each morning, Dad and I would get up at 5:30 to the smell of coffee already in the pot.  He’d usually have to get ready, but for me it was throwing on a hoodie and heading out the door. As he geared up, I’d take tackle boxes, rods, and coolers to the boat and wait for him to come down. I always felt like I was waiting a lifetime for Dad to get to the boat, but it was probably only 5 or 10 minutes at most. Finally, I’d see him headed down the hill, coffee cup and thermos in hand; he’d usually tell me he forgot something and I needed to run back up the hill to the cottage, I hated that.  Eventually we were headed out, but we had one more stop: Barnhart’s Bait & Tackle, aka the Michigan Chocolate Milk Store.

Barnhart's is another place I’ll never forget, it was my first experience with a boat-in convenience store. Dock your boat and run in to get snacks, bait, newspaper, and even ice cream. I usually would get a chocolate milk, a Cherry Coke, a bag of Cheetos, and maybe a new bobber, hooks, or a lure if I could sneak it into the stack of things we were buying.  We’d then of course reload on beemoths, crickets, and any other bait we planned to use that day. The clerk at Barnhart's in the mornings was an older gentleman who was always willing to share info about the fishing and lake; early in the week we often listened to his advice, but by Tuesday…. We had it figured out. I really liked stopping there in the afternoons because they usually had some pretty girls in bikinis working the gas pumps, and to 9 year old me, I was just fine with that!

Cousin Jamie, 2014

Once we left Barnhart's, we’d be off to our favorite weed bed edge to throw bobbers for panfish. Dad was a good teacher and was patient with my 100 questions. I’m sure he taught me a hundred thousand times how to tie a bobber stop knot…. I finally figured it out at 27 years old, but with a little help and practice, he had me tying my own hook before the age of 6. Hamlin Lake for a long time was very well known for their panfish. It was nothing to bring in bluegills, sunfish, and rock bass that you couldn’t get your hands around. We’d often leave the week with 10-20 bags of panfish filets for the freezer, and we always had a fish fry one night with the entire family. As I got older, we spent more time bass and pike fishing, and less time chasing panfish. It’s funny now to see history repeat itself as my kid, nephew, and cousins want to panfish.

Me with a Stringer of Dockside Gills, 1990

Once it got to be around 12pm, we’d usually head in for breakfast. Pulling into the boat dock was fun because everyone would come down to see how we did. We’d show our live well of fish off to the people who cared to see, I loved when I had a big pike or bass to show off. Dad would head up to the cottage, and it was often my job to carry the gear back up to the porch. Most of the time I would just continue to fish right there from the docks, that is until Mom made me come to eat and clean up. The rest of the day was spent going out on my Uncle's ski boat, swimming at the beach, going to Lake Michigan, or going into town to go shopping. Dad would often go to the beach with the rest of the family, or he’d just want to relax and enjoy the History Channel in the cottage while everyone else was at the beach. Grandpa and I would often hang back so that we could fish in the evenings together. Kind of like me, he wasn’t a big beach guy.

Grandpa, 198?

The afternoons with Grandpa were always fun. We’d usually start in the early afternoon bluegill fishing, and as it got later in the evening we’d switch to bass. We always caught fish, and I’m sure I learned many things from him, things that I may not even know I learned from him now.

However, there is one family tradition etched in my memory forever. The cottages we stayed in were nestled in the back of Indian Pete Bayou, which was an idle zone cove for about 300 yards, so the slow roll in was always a good time to chat. Grandpa would often dip his stainless steel coffee mug into the clear lake water and have a sip; that grossed me out, but when I tried it…. It was delicious. Neither of us died from the brain-eating parasites they warn you about living in lakes and streams. The thing I remember the most about coming through that idle zone with Grandpa was the Gin & Tonic Horn. Most people have air horns on their boat in case of accident or emergency; not our family, the horn is to alert Grandma that we’re coming in, and a gin & tonic is needed at the dock. I loved blowing the gin & tonic horn as it was highly obnoxious, and what 9-year-old doesn’t love obnoxious. From the moment we hit the idle zone, the horn was in hand and ready. I’d blow it once, twice, three times, and maybe a fourth for good measure. Right on cue when we were pulling up to the dock, Grandma would be there with a bourbon glass of pale white liquid, condensation dripping off the sides, and lime on top. The gin & tonic horn soon became a staple in Dad’s boat as well, although Mom was not quite as receptive as Grandma. I too carry the horn in my boat now, but my wife has not once ever brought me the refreshing beverage when I pull into the docks. We blow that horn every time though, if not for a drink, for a memory of those days long past.     - Joey W. Buttram