Turkey Season Podcast Spotlight

Turkey Season is upon us! I’m not just talking about the literal spring turkey hunting season; I’m talking about the Turkey Season podcast, the only wild turkey specific podcast in the Okayest Podcast network. 

In the ever-expanding world of outdoor content, it is hard to find engaging, educational, and consistent shows to tune into. As a listener, I believe this podcast has delivered well. The Turkey Season podcast is hosted by Paul Campbell. Paul is the Executive Director of Development for the National Wild Turkey Federation, and even more important, he is a die-hard turkey hunter. Paul is able to bring a unique perspective to the table, considering he is a self-taught, adult-onset hunter. It doesn’t take very long listening to the podcast for Paul to paint his picture and tickle your turkey hunting fancy. He talks about turkey hunting as if it’s a religious experience and as a turkey hunter myself, I understand why!

Why You Should Listen

In the words of Paul in the first episode of the series, “This show is highly produced; a lot of work has gone into this project. They tell the story of turkey hunters, of the wild turkey, the history of who we are today, and the important archetypes of people in this culture.” The show is well produced and the planning and thinking behind each episode is to be marveled. Paul dives into the history of the wild turkey in this country and discusses the men who helped make this venture possible. He makes a point to talk with the likes of everyday turkey hunters to help drive home the importance of turkey hunting culture, while also spicing in a pile of turkey hunting legends including Cuz Strickland, Will Primos, and Dave Owens just to name a few. 

Paul has some unique projects in the works for the Turkey Season podcast including a series of episodes discussing a group of survivors of hurricane Helene and how the event has affected them and their community, and how turkey hunting is affecting their healing process. Along with fun hunting stories and history, these are the cultural discussions that the podcast is so good at introducing. 

When asked what he wanted the listeners to gain from the podcast Paul replied “I want them to develop deep respect for the wild turkey, the people who turkey hunt, and the old turkey hunters that came before us. I want to highlight the rich culture that is turkey hunting; it’s way more than just pulling a trigger.” Paul also wanted to leave a brief tip with new and old turkey hunters alike “You’ve got to be patient with the process, be patient with the wild turkey. Also, positivity is key, you have to have both in order to get the most out of this venture.” 

There are a ton of podcasts out there hitting you with all the best turkey hunting tips and tactics. There is a small element of that here as well, but the biggest takeaway from this podcast is the appreciation for wild turkey, hunting, and conservation. There aren’t many places to find a narrative style turkey hunting podcast such as this. I encourage every turkey hunter and outdoosman alike to give this podcast a listen. I promise you won’t regret it! 

Will Bowen, Okayest Hunter Contributor