The Best of the Outdoors with Dustin Vaughn Warncke

Recorded LIVE at the Hunt Fish Podcast Summit event!

What happens when a cancer survivor transforms his personal journey into an extraordinary mission to help children fighting cancer?

Captain Scott "Red" Flowers has taken on one of boating's most demanding adventures, the Great Loop, to raise awareness and funding for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

After battling stage-four cancer, Captain Red was deeply moved by the courage of children undergoing cancer treatment. That experience inspired an ambitious mission: tackle a remarkable boating challenge while raising $1 million to support research into safer, more effective treatments for childhood cancer.

In 2024, Captain Red completed approximately 6,000 miles around the Great Loop in a record-setting 19 days and 19 hours. In August 2026, he returned for an expanded challenge covering more than 7,300 nautical miles.

The Great Loop follows a remarkable network of waterways through eastern North America, including the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Great Lakes, inland rivers, and the Gulf Coast.

But this adventure is about far more than boats, endurance, and records. It's about turning personal adversity into purpose, bringing communities together, and giving children battling cancer a greater chance at a healthy future.

The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is dedicated to supporting research that can lead to better treatments and ultimately eliminate childhood cancer.

Support the mission

Learn about Captain Red's journey, follow the Great Loop Challenge, and help support pediatric cancer research.

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation:
https://nationalpcf.org/

The Great Loop Challenge:
https://nationalpcf.org/the-great-loop-challenge/

Every donation, every share, and every act of support can help move this mission forward.

 

Episode Sponsors and Honorable Mentions!

• Grim Reaper Broadheads: grimreaperbroadheads.com - High-penetration broadheads for when you need to "watch 'em drop".

• Gold Tip Arrows: goldtip.com - "The toughest arrow you'll ever shoot".

• Striper Express: striperexpress.com - Top-tier artificial lure guided striper trips on Lake Texoma with Bill and Chris Carey.

• Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton: catfishradio.org - Your custom-built web platform bringing Luke Clayton's stories to the masses.

• DSC's Campfires with Larry Weishuhn: Listen to more from "Mr. Whitetail" on the dedicated podcast that you produce.

• The Lost Rider Podcast with Herman Brune: thelostriderpodcast.com - Tackling hunting, history, and kitchen table conservation issues.

• A Sportsman's Life on CarbonTV: carbontv.com - The digital outdoor lifestyle series featuring Luke Clayton, Larry Weishuhn, and Jeff Rice.

• Chester Moore: Kingdom Zoo & Wild Wishes - Acknowledging Chester's ongoing conservation work, wildlife education, and his legacy at Texas Fish & Game.

• Ghillie Monster / Vapor Trail Outdoors: Outdoor industry colleagues making waves in the hunting community.

Host Dustin Vaughn Warncke takes the mic for a powerful solo episode of The Best of the Outdoors Podcast, proving that his storytelling, audio engineering expertise, and genuine passion for the wild can easily carry the show. Blending his deep-rooted connection to nature with gritty hunting camp stories, Dustin explores what it truly means to be a modern outdoorsman and conservationist in Central Texas.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways

• The Empath's Connection to Nature: Dustin shares the spiritual clarity of his transition to country living, explaining how tuning into the ecosystem as an empath deepens his appreciation for the wild without crossing over into the mystical realm. Dustin sees the outdoors as communion with All That Is, or God as we sometimes call by Name.

• Boots-on-the-Ground Conservation: True conservation goes far beyond funding; Dustin emphasizes actionable stewardship like picking up shoreline litter, managing feral hogs and coyotes, balancing deer populations, and donating harvested meat to those in need.

• Echoes of the Ancients: Reflecting on the 10,000-year-old "Leanderthal Lady," Dustin explores the primal connection modern outdoorsmen feel when fishing the exact same Central Texas waters—like Brushy Creek—that prehistoric hunter-gatherers once relied on.

• Lake Texoma’s Unique Ecosystem: Leveraging insights from Bill Carey, Dustin breaks down how the Red River’s natural salt deposits create a rare, self-sustaining spawning ground for striped bass.

• Grit and the Mazda Tribute: Proving that hunters push their gear to the absolute limit, Dustin shares the classic hunting camp story of muscling a front-wheel-drive Mazda Tribute through deep mud at the Windful Life Ranch in the Texas Hill Country.

• Mentorship and the Outdoor Legacy: Emphasizing the duty to pass down outdoor heritage, Dustin shares powerful stories of teaching a military father and son how to fillet catfish with an electric knife at a Fort Hood event, and assisting a fellow angler with a European carp rig on a local community lake.

• Warncke Enterprises Updates: Listeners get a look behind the curtain at Dustin's digital media empire, including the launch of CatfishRadio.org, upcoming winter topwater trips, and his ongoing audio production work for outdoor industry veterans.

• Grim Reaper Broadheads: grimreaperbroadheads.com - High-penetration broadheads for when you need to "watch 'em drop".

• Gold Tip Arrows: goldtip.com - "The toughest arrow you'll ever shoot".

• Striper Express: striperexpress.com - Top-tier artificial lure guided striper trips on Lake Texoma with Bill and Chris Carey.

• Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton: catfishradio.org - Your custom-built web platform bringing Luke Clayton's stories to the masses.

• DSC's Campfires with Larry Weishuhn: Listen to more from "Mr. Whitetail" on the dedicated podcast that you produce.

• The Lost Rider Podcast with Herman Brune: thelostriderpodcast.com - Tackling hunting, history, and kitchen table conservation issues.

• A Sportsman's Life on CarbonTV: carbontv.com - The digital outdoor lifestyle series featuring Luke Clayton, Larry Weishuhn, and Jeff Rice.

• Chester Moore: Kingdom Zoo & Wild Wishes - Acknowledging Chester's ongoing conservation work, wildlife education, and his legacy at Texas Fish & Game.

• Ghillie Monster / Vapor Trail Outdoors: Outdoor industry colleagues making waves in the hunting community.

• Vineyard Max Deer Products: Trusted attractants and nutritional feeds for whitetail management.

Host Dustin Vaughn Warncke sits down with Chef Josh of Gastronomy Outdoors for a deep dive into the intersection of culinary arts, hunting heritage, and the unifying power of a shared meal. Recorded LIVE at from a past the Hunt Fish Podcast Summit event, this episode explores how modern convenience has shifted American food culture and why outdoorsmen have a unique responsibility to bring respect, sustainability, and fundamental cooking skills back to the dinner table.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways

• The Anthropology of American Food: Chef Josh breaks down how major historical events—from World War II rationing to the rise of dual-income households and the COVID-19 pandemic—fundastically shifted American eating habits away from home-cooked, communal meals toward processed convenience.
• The Gastronomy Outdoors Origin Story: Originally founded in 2006 as a San Antonio-based catering company specializing in culinary activations and in-home sushi rolling classes, Gastronomy pivoted during the pandemic. When grocery shelves went bare, Chef Josh took his skills to the hunting space, launching Gastronomy Outdoors to process and cook wild game directly on ranches.
• Teaching Life Skills Over Recipes: Rather than treating culinary arts strictly as a rigid vocation, Chef Josh emphasizes teaching fundamental life skills, such as knowing how to cook eggs five different ways, so people can confidently prepare a meal without relying on a recipe.
• Wild Sheep Foundation & Women Hunt: Chef Josh shares his experience serving as the Executive Chef for the Wild Sheep Foundation and their Women Hunt program, where he leads intensive three-day culinary courses focused on wild game preparation.
• Food as a Cultural Unifier: Drawing parallels between cultures in the Philippines, India, Mexico, and Italy, the conversation highlights how breaking bread is a universal icebreaker. Chef Josh stresses that teaching children to respect the harvest and cook their own food is a greater generational legacy than simply leaving behind a business.

Honorable Mentions, Guests & Sponsors

• Gastronomy Live Events / Gastronomy Outdoors: Connect with Chef Josh Schwencke and follow his culinary journey by searching "Gastronomy Live Events" or "Gastronomy Outdoors" (spelled G-A-S-T-R-O-N-O-M-Y) on Instagram and Facebook.
  • https://www.gastronomycompany.com/ 
  • https://www.instagram.com/chefjschwencke/ 
  • https://www.facebook.com/chef.joshua.schwencke
• Grim Reaper Broadheads: High-penetration broadheads designed for absolute reliability on the hunt.
• Striper Express: Premier artificial lure guided striper fishing trips on Lake Texoma, operated by Bill and Chris Carey.
• Warncke Enterprises: Dustin Vaughn Warncke’s full-stack digital media production and marketing agency, specializing in the outdoors industry.
• Vapor Trail Outdoors: Outdoor industry partners producing world-class hunting and fishing gear.

• Gold Tip Arrows: goldtip.com - "The toughest arrow you'll ever shoot".

• Striper Express: striperexpress.com - Top-tier artificial lure guided striper trips on Lake Texoma with Bill and Chris Carey.

• Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton: catfishradio.org - Your custom-built web platform bringing Luke Clayton's stories to the masses.

• DSC's Campfires with Larry Weishuhn: Listen to more from "Mr. Whitetail" on your favorite platform! LarryWeishuhn.net 

• The Lost Rider Podcast with Herman Brune: thelostriderpodcast.com - Tackling hunting, history, and kitchen table conservation issues.

• A Sportsman's Life on CarbonTV: carbontv.com - The digital outdoor lifestyle series featuring Luke Clayton, Larry Weishuhn, and Jeff Rice.

• Chester Moore: Kingdom Zoo & Wild Wishes - Acknowledging Chester's ongoing conservation work, wildlife education, and his legacy at Texas Fish & Game.

This episode dives deep into the realities of living with disabilities in the outdoor space, finding purpose through pain, and stepping up to help others.

Chad Waligura shares his journey as a "super quad" and the creation of Able Outdoors to empower others to get back into hunting and fishing.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• The Power of Adaptation: Chad's story highlights the mental and physical hurdles of returning to the outdoors after a life-altering injury, emphasizing that the true thrill is simply being back in the woods.

• Legacy Over Wealth: Using the analogy of Alexander the Great's deathbed wishes, the conversation pivots to the importance of leaving worldly riches behind and investing your time into uplifting fellow humans.

• Divine Interventions: You shared a compelling story about recognizing God's timing, specifically when you were perfectly positioned to help an elderly woman whose motorized cart lost power at H-E-B.

• Be the Change: A recurring call to action challenging listeners to push past societal division and greed by actively becoming the change they want to see in the world, rather than waiting for someone else to fix it.

In this wild and entertaining crossover episode, Dustin Vaughn Warncke and his co-host pull off a simultaneous dual-podcast recording for The Best of the Outdoors and Mudfish Adventures. The dynamic setup makes for a high-energy listen that perfectly blends outdoor grit with digital business savvy.

Here is a breakdown of the organized chaos and great insights from the show:

The Dual-Podcast Hustle & Banter

• Double Duty: Dustin and his co-host manage a simultaneous recording, swapping mics and keeping the banter sharp for listeners of both shows.

• AI Humor: Dustin shares a great laugh over an AI-generated video of Bob Ross painting him, which his son Jackson recently sent over.

• George Carlin & Philosophy: The conversation takes some highly entertaining detours, including a breakdown of Mike Tyson’s philosophy on life punching you in the face and George Carlin’s spot-on comedy regarding the "methy" parts of the Texas Hill Country.

Digital Media & Lifelong Learning

• Warncke Enterprises: Dustin provides a great overview of his evolution from coding websites in the late 90s to running a full-stack digital media, marketing, and graphic design agency.

• The Marketing Triad: He breaks down the core of his consulting strategy—relevance, authenticity, and engagement—emphasizing that modern business strategy is about playing chess, not checkers.

• Always Evolving: Dustin highlights his commitment to being a lifelong learner, picking up new skills daily to keep his digital services sharp and avoid burnout.

Micro-Hogs & Military Surplus

• The Night Hunt: The episode features a recount of a recent micro-hog hunt alongside Paul and Chester Moore, highlighting the gritty, raw reality of nature as local raccoons and coyotes quickly claimed the harvest.

• Russian Hardware: Taking down the pig with a WWII-era Russian PPS-43 firing a 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge is a fantastic detail that perfectly complements Dustin's appreciation for historic military surplus firearms.

Toledo Bend Fly Fishing

• Skinny Water Navigation: The conversation highlights the nuances of guiding on Toledo Bend, utilizing custom surface-drive mud motors to navigate swamps and heavy cover.

• Heavy-Duty Tactics: The hosts discuss the intense reality of throwing 30-pound tippet for aggressive fish in stumps and grass, along with the heartbreak of snapping high-end fly rods on the water.

Check out https://mudfishadventures.com/ to learn more about Capt. Stubbe!

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Best of the Outdoors, Dustin Vaughn Warncke sits down with Troy Fowler, better known as the "Ranch Fairy," to dive deep into the science and practical reality of bowhunting lethality. Known for his entertaining, no-nonsense approach to arrow setups, Troy breaks down why industry-standard lightweight, high-speed setups often fail upon impact and why switching to heavy "Adult Arrows" changes the game. The conversation explores the mechanics of penetration, the importance of high FOC (Forward of Center), and why heavy arrows paired with fixed-blade, cut-on-contact broadheads lead to more ethical, consistent harvests in the field.

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Key Topics Covered

• The "Adult Arrow" Philosophy: Troy explains the physics behind building heavy arrows, detailing why mass, momentum, and structural integrity matter far more than pure speed when penetrating bone and dense tissue.

• Broadhead Selection & Lethality: A breakdown of the debate between mechanicals and fixed-blade broadheads, with Troy making a strong case for two-blade, single-bevel, cut-on-contact heads that retain their edge and momentum upon impact.

• The Ashby Foundation Principles: The discussion highlights the foundational research of Dr. Ed Ashby, emphasizing how extreme FOC and arrow mass contribute to maximizing terminal performance.

• Real-World Hunting Scenarios: Troy shares practical stories from the field, illustrating how a proper arrow setup performs not just on perfect broadside shots, but when an arrow inevitably hits the shoulder or encounters heavy bone.

• Tuning for Penetration: Practical advice on how bowhunters can start tuning their bows and building arrows for maximum penetration, overcoming the marketing hype of speed to focus on devastating lethality.

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Memorable Quotes

• "It's not about how fast the arrow gets there; it's about what it does when it hits." * "When things go wrong—and they will—an adult arrow is your best insurance policy for an ethical recovery."

• "We have to stop looking at paper numbers and start looking at what actually blows through a whitetail shoulder."

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Contact Info & Resources

• Website: ranchfairy.com

• YouTube: Ranch Fairy Channel

• Instagram: @ranchfairy

• Ashby Bowhunting Foundation: ashbybowhunting.org

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Best of the Outdoors, Dustin Vaughn Warncke sits down with legendary outdoorsman Larry Weishuhn AKA Mr. Whitetail and Gray Thornton, conservation leader with the Wild Sheep Foundation and former Executive Director for Dallas Safari Club.

 

What starts as a hilarious recounting of "total chaos" hunting and fishing stories—including snapped fly rods in the Bahamas and a surprise attack by a fighting rooster—evolves into a deep, philosophical discussion about legacy, purpose, and the true meaning of wildlife philanthropy. The group breaks down the realities of conservation funding, the importance of "riding for the brand," and the critical role hunters play as the true evangelists for wildlife conservation.

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Key Topics Covered

• Total Chaos in the Field: Gray shares a wild story about breaking a 12-weight fly rod on a blacktip shark while fishing in the Bahamas, and Larry recounts the time he tried to rattle in a buck but ended up fighting off an aggressive rooster.

• Legacy and Purpose: Gray discusses what it means to truly stand for something, reflecting on the idea that real fulfillment comes from evangelizing your beliefs and dedicating your time and resources to a purpose larger than yourself.

• Wildlife Philanthropy & Real Conservation: The table takes a direct look at who actually funds conservation. Gray highlights the monumental achievement of auctioning a New Mexico bighorn sheep permit for $1.3 million, noting that the funds go directly back to the New Mexico Game and Fish department for habitat work that benefits all wildlife species.

• Action vs. Talk: A stark comparison is drawn between groups that actively put their money where their mouth is to fund wildlife sustainability and those who merely criticize from the sidelines without contributing.

• Sharing the Harvest: The importance of community is illustrated by stories of sharing wild game with neighbors, friends, and nursing homes to pass on the heritage of hunting and provide a clean, lean food source for others.

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Memorable Quotes

• "On Legacy: I guess I would say that I stood for something... and that purpose is always so much larger than we are." — Gray Thornton

• "On Purpose: Are you evangelizing that? And are you riding for the brand?" — Gray Thornton

Podcast Overview

Show: The Best of the Outdoors Podcast

Host: Dustin Vaughn Warncke

Guest: Michael Scherer, Program Director of Fishing’s Future

In this enthusiastic and lighthearted episode, the conversation centers around the mission of Fishing's Future, an organization dedicated to reconnecting families and individuals with nature through angling. Michael Scherer shares his profound passion for the outdoors, emphasizing that fishing is less about the gear or the size of the catch, and more about the memories made and the therapeutic benefits of being on the water.

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Key Takeaways & Themes

• The Mission of Fishing’s Future: Founded in 2007 by Shane Wilson in South Padre Island, the organization has grown to over 70 chapters nationwide. A major milestone discussed is the organization reaching its one-millionth participant in 2018.

• "Kiss the Fish" Tradition: Scherer brings a fun, contagious energy to his camps by insisting that every fish caught—no matter how small—gets a kiss. This playful rule is designed to create unforgettable, joyful memories for kids and families.

• Fishing as Therapy & Healing: A core theme of the episode is the healing power of the outdoors. Fishing’s Future works closely with military personnel, particularly those recovering from PTSD, partnering with the USO and Fort Hood to help soldiers reset and find peace on the water.

• The "I CAN" Initiative: Scherer highlights their dedication to accessibility through the "I CAN" initiative, which utilizes a custom-rebuilt, 25-foot tri-toon boat that lowers to water level so that individuals in wheelchairs can safely and easily fish. They also deploy large "I Catch" tanks at festivals to bring the fishing experience directly to people.

• Minimalism in Angling: The conversation advocates for keeping fishing simple. Rather than focusing on expensive gear or bringing a dozen rods, Scherer encourages a minimalist approach: just bring some bait, get a line in the water, and enjoy the solitude or the company of family.

• Youth Leadership: The organization recently secured a grant to certify older teenagers (15–17 years old) as angling instructors, empowering them to teach their peers and take on leadership roles in the outdoors.

• Hall of Fame Induction: Toward the end of the episode, Michael shares the exciting personal news that he will be inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Athens, Texas.

Closing Thought: Ultimately, the episode serves as a passionate call to action for listeners to step away from their daily stressors, take a kid or a family member out to the water, and experience the grounding, restorative power of nature.

In this episode of The Best of the Outdoors, Dustin Vaughn Warncke sits down with Camille Null from Heroes on the Water. The conversation highlights the incredible and impactful work this non-profit organization does to support veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and their families. By utilizing the therapeutic and calming qualities of kayak fishing, Heroes on the Water helps participants relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate into their communities.

Episode Highlights

• The Healing Power of the Outdoors: Camille explains how the simple act of getting out on the water in a kayak provides a peaceful, low-stress environment that is highly beneficial for mental health, stress relief, and trauma recovery.

• No Experience Needed: Listeners will learn that participants do not need any prior fishing or kayaking experience. Heroes on the Water completely removes the barrier to entry by providing all the necessary equipment, kayaks, and expert volunteer guidance to ensure a safe experience.

• Family Integration: The episode emphasizes that the program isn't just for the heroes themselves—it actively includes their families, helping to rebuild family bonds and create positive, shared memories in nature.

• How to Get Involved: Camielle discusses how local chapters operate across the country and the various ways the community can support the mission, whether through volunteering at local events, donating, or spreading the word.

Connect with Heroes on the Water

To find a local chapter, volunteer your time, or learn more about the organization's mission, you can connect using the information provided in the episode:

• Website: heroesonthewater.org

• National Office Phone: 214-295-4541

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Best of the Outdoors, Dustin Vaughn Warncke sits down with legendary fishing guide Capt. Bill Carey of Striper Express Guide Service. With over 43 years of professional guiding experience on Lake Texoma, Capt. Bill shares his wealth of knowledge about this world-class freshwater fishery. From the lake's rich history to the thrill of topwater fishing, this episode is packed with insights for any angler looking to tackle the "Striper Capital of the World."

Episode Highlights

• The History of Lake Texoma: Capt. Bill explains how the dam was completed in 1944 with the help of German POWs. He details how the confluence of the Red and Washita rivers provides the perfect moving water conditions—allowing eggs to float for 72 hours—which makes Lake Texoma a rare natural spawning ground for striped bass.

• The Saltwater Phenomenon: Listeners will learn how underground salt domes near Vernon, Texas, leach thousands of tons of salt into the Red River daily. This creates a slightly saline environment where Stripers naturally thrive.

• Action-Packed Topwater Season: May marks the highly anticipated beginning of topwater season. Capt. Bill shares his passion for strictly using artificial lures and utilizing the "walk the dog" technique to catch explosive, aggressive Stripers at the surface.

• Corporate & Group Trips: Striper Express goes beyond small family trips; they specialize in massive corporate events and B2B entertaining, boasting a 35-bed lodge, home-cooked meals, and a fleet of boats to accommodate large groups.

• Catch & Cook: The episode wraps up with mouth-watering culinary tips, including how to make fresh Striper Ceviche cured in lime and citrus juices, as well as the secrets to preparing perfect blackened Striper fillets.

Book Your Trip with Striper Express

To book your Lake Texoma fishing adventure, you can reach out to Capt. Bill Carey directly using the contact numbers provided at the end of the episode:

• Office Phone: 903-786-4477

• Cell Phone: 903-327-2009

• Website: striperexpress.com