The Best of the Outdoors with Dustin Vaughn Warncke

Family Fishing Fun with Michael Scherer with Fishing’s Future

 

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.

Interview with Camille Null from Heroes on the Water

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

Spring Striper on Lake Texoma with Capt. Bill Carey

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

A Wild Ride with the Capt. Stephen Stubbe

In this episode of The Best of the Outdoors, we sit down with Capt. Stephen Stubbe to discuss his work with Mudfish Adventures. Operating on Toledo Bend Lake. This was a wild ride as Dustin and Capt. "Scooby" record for each others podcast on this hilarious mashup of two witty and comical podcast hosts.

 

• Mudfish Adventures: Check out Capt. Stubbe guide service on Toledo Bend Lake and custom one piece fly rods.

• Check out https://mudfishadventures.com/ 
• Custom Rods: https://mudfishadventures.com/shop

Listen to more episodes and subscribe at: thebestoftheoutdoors.podbean.com

: Overcoming Adversity from Disabilities and Adaptive Hunting with Chad Waligura

Host: Dustin Vaughn Warncke

Guest: Chad Waligura

Episode Summary In this powerful episode of The Best of the Outdoors, we sit down with Chad Waligura, founder of Able Outdoors, to discuss his incredible journey back to the woods and waters after a life-altering spinal cord injury. After breaking his neck in a diving accident in 1986, Chad refused to give up his passion for the outdoors. He shares the frustrating early days of trying to shoot with limited hand mobility and how those failures led to him inventing adaptive equipment, like custom trigger pullers and chest straps.

Today, Chad is a trailblazer in adaptive hunting, taking his experiences and using them to mentor newly injured individuals. We dive deep into the therapeutic power of nature, the evolution of adaptive gear, and finding hope and purpose through outdoor recreation.

Key Takeaways & Highlights

• The Turning Point: Chad details his 1986 pool diving accident. He discusses his immediate determination to get back to hunting despite his limited physical abilities.

• Inventing a Way Forward: Chad explains the trial-and-error process of adaptive hunting. He shares stories of dropping shotguns out of blinds and engineering custom trigger mechanisms and chest straps.

• Able Outdoors: Chad discusses his work with Able Outdoors. He talks about building a community and sharing his message through his TV show, which is available on Carbon TV.

• Mentorship in the Field: Chad uses group teal and dove hunts to get newly injured individuals out of the rehab center and back into nature.

• State-of-the-Art Adaptive Gear: The episode explores modern adaptive technology. This includes "sip and puff" triggers for C4 and C5 quadriplegics and the Outrider electric 4-wheel drive mountain bike.

• Nature as Therapy: Chad and Dustin discuss the spiritual and emotional healing that comes from surrendering to nature and simply sitting still in the woods.

Listen to more episodes and subscribe at: thebestoftheoutdoors.podbean.com

Service, Sacrifice, & Soul: Transforming Lives with Aggies Without Limits & Bridges to Prosperity

Special Guests: The "Aggies Without Limits" (AWL) and Bridges to Prosperity Panel from New Mexico State University (NMSU)

Co-Host: Tammy Bean

Episode Summary In this heartwarming special edition, Dustin gives the mic of The Best of the Outdoors to his other podcast, The Empowered Life with Dustin Vaughn Warncke

Dustin sits down with a diverse panel of students, alumni, and faculty from New Mexico State University’s Aggies Without Limits (AWL). This group travels internationally to developing nations like Nicaragua and Guatemala to build critical infrastructure—water systems, bridges, and health centers—for underserved communities.

Moving beyond the engineering and logistics, the conversation dives deep into the human element of service.

The panel shares powerful stories about the unbreakable bonds formed between volunteers, the humility learned from living with host families who have little material wealth but immense generosity, and how "suffering together" in the trenches of service work creates lifelong family dynamics.

Dustin and the group explore how service acts as a "drug" that, once tasted, changes your trajectory forever. Whether it’s fixing a baseball field in Mexico, laying pipe in a Guatemalan trench, or simply being present for someone in need, this episode is a testament to the fact that when you give of yourself, you often receive far more in return. Meet the Panel Kenny Stevens: NMSU Faculty Advisor who has been with the group since 2007, completing over 18 projects.

Molly Williams: Joined AWL in 2016; served as President for the Guatemala water project.

Diana Jaramillo: Current NMSU Senior and International Project Manager; joined in 2022.

Linnette Gutierrez: Outreach Coordinator starting her second year with the group.

Daniel Gomez: Recent graduate and former Vice President/Local Project Manager.

Naila Salinas: Former Project Manager and Treasurer, currently in her fourth year with the organization. Key Takeaways & Highlights

The Bond of Service: The group discusses how three weeks of intense service work creates relationships equivalent to living with someone for a year. Strangers become family through shared purpose and adversity.

"Don't Suffer in Silence": A core motto of the group introduced by Kenny Stevens. It emphasizes the importance of communication, vulnerability, and relying on your team when things get physically or emotionally tough.

Perspective Shift: Several guests share how returning to the U.S. after living in communities with metered water or limited electricity fundamentally changed their view on American luxuries. Leadership in Action: How students with no prior construction experience (like Linnette repairing a bridge with a jammed finger) learn resourcefulness and leadership on the fly.

The Universal Language of Help: Dustin draws parallels between AWL's work and his own experiences with fishing ministries for soldiers, noting that the heart of service is the same everywhere: it is about selfless giving without expecting a reward.

 

YOUTUBE SLIDE SHOW OF GUESTS:

https://youtu.be/N6TfgwKtCqE

Memorable Quotes

"Service is almost like a drug... once you get into it, it's hard to not want to keep doing it." — Kenny Stevens

"We don't fit in here... we want to travel to different parts and do something for somebody else." — Kenny Stevens (on the origins of the group)

"When you put it all in God's hands... things started just happening. Things that you couldn't do yourself." — Dustin Vaughn Warncke

"It’s amazing to see their joy... children playing with the water that was coming off their property... it made it all worth it." — Naila Salinas

"Memento Amori: Remember that you must love." — Stoic Phrase Quoted by Dustin Vaughn Warncke

Call to Action: Dustin closes the show with a reminder that you don't have to travel across the world to make a difference.

Look for opportunities in your own community—whether it's volunteering at a food bank, helping a neighbor, or joining a service organization.

Be the light in the darkness.

Connect with Dustin:

Website:

DustinsProjects.com

BusinessWithDustin.com

Social Media

@DustinsProjects

@BusinessWithDustin

Books: Available at DustinsBooks.com Join the Community: The Empowered Life Nation on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredlifenation

Woods & Water Outdoor Ministries Presentation - Salado, Texas - Inspiration & Motivation

Dustin Vaughn Warncke Gives a presentation about life lessons, finding meaning in God's Plan, faith in action, the focus of overcoming hardships and becoming who God created you to become. The audience is a mix of Adults and Families with Children. Of Course, Please Like, Share, and Subscribe and Tell a Friend! Learn More About Woods and Waters Outdoor Ministries: https://www.wwministry.org/ Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/wwoutdoors Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wwoutdoormin/ About the Ministry Woods & Water Outdoors is a Christian non-profit (501c3) ministry for the whole family based in Bell County, Texas. Our mission is to show others the love of Christ through our love for the outdoors. We are a family ministry. Although some of our events are gender-specific, we believe that families should enjoy God’s creation together. We are evangelical and non-denominational. We believe that God gave us a love for the outdoors as a connecting point for building real, lasting friendships with other people who enjoy the woods, lakes, and rivers just like we do. -- “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him-a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV - “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” - 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV -- Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Text: (512) 497-7674 Email Dustin: Dustin@BusinesswithDustin.com All the LINKS: https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke Some of Those Links: https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth Podcast The Empowered Life with Dustin Vaughn Warncke) http://thebestoftheoutdoors.podbean.com/ (Outdoors Podcast by Dustin)

A Campfire Conversation with "Mr. Whitetail", Larry Weishuhn on Conservation, Outdoor Legacy, and Teaching the Next Generation

Dustin sits down with outdoor legend, "Mr. Whitetail", Larry Weishuhn and discusses his beginning and early years, outdoor career, life lessons and the legacy he hopes to leave behind after 50 years of incredible media work in the outdoor industry.

Larry Weishuhun is a professional wildlife biologist, outdoor writer, book author, artist, after-dinner speaker, podcaster, outdoor television and radio show host and life-long hunter/wildlife conservationist.  As a professional wildlife biologist he has established quality wildlife management programs on well over 12,000,000 acres. As an outdoor writer/television show host he has published over 4,000 feature articles, columns and blogs, has authored and/or co-authored nine award-winning books and written chapters for many others; he has appeared in over 500 outdoor television episodes.

Larry has hosted, co-hosted, owned and produced many award winning outdoor television series. He currently serves as a co-host for the weekly “A Sportsman’s Life” with Luke Clayton and Jeff Rice, which can be seen on CarbonTV.com and YouTube.

Larry currently does three weekly podcast: “DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn” which airs on Spotify, Applepodcasts, Carbontv.com, waypointtv.com and elsewhere; “Campfire Talk with Luke and Larry” on Sporting Classics Daily as well as many other platforms; “Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton and Friends” which can be listened to on CarbonTV.com.  Larry too has been doing a weekly outdoor radio show with Luke Clayton since 2007, “Luke Clayton Outdoors”.

Even though known universally as “Mr. Whitetail” Larry has hunted extensively on six continents.  In 2007 he was inducted into the “National Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame” and that same year received the very sparingly presented “Zeiss Lifetime Achievement Award”.  Long involved in wildlife conservation and hunting Larry serves as a Brand Ambassador for Hornady, and long served as the “DSC (Dallas Safari Club) Ambassador”.

Learn more about Larry at: https://www.larryweishuhn.net/

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Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways.

Text: (512) 497-7674
Email Dustin: Dustin@BusinesswithDustin.com

All the LINKS:

https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke 

Some of Those Links:

https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling)

https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub)

https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub)

https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth Podcast The Empowered Life)

Interview with Chester Moore and the GREAT WHITE SHARK Film Release

VIDEO VERSION LINK: https://youtu.be/cZ1HDCvXAH8?si=-bWr-n5_fbd24RA8

Chester Moore sits down with Dustin Vaughn Warncke on this very special edition of The Best of the Outdoors podcast and talks about his new documentary coming out later in June 2025 on Great White Sharks in the Gulf.

Learn more about Chester Moore Here:

Higher Calling Wildlife http://www.highercalling.net/

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy http://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/

Ocearch http://www.ocearch.org/

Coastal Conservation Association https://www.joincca.org/

Peter Benchley https://www.peterbenchley.com/welcome

Dark Outdoors Podcast (You Should Subscribe!) https://darkoutdoors.podbean.com/

Guest Biography

Chester has worked as a wildlife journalist since he was 19 years old. He is Editor-In-Chief of Texas Fish & Game an host of the Dark Outdoors® and Higher Calling Wildlife and podcasts and author of 15 books on fishing, hunting and wildlife. He has contributed to Sports Afield, Wild Sheep, Guy Harvey, Sport Fishing, Deer & Deer Hunting, Tide, In-Fisherman, Sport Fishing, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Gulf Coast Fishermen, Hunter’s Horn, Game Trails, The ZAA Journal and dozens more. He is a highly sought after lecturer having given more than 500 speeches on everything from wild sheep conservation to flounder fishing. Chester is the author of two books on southern flounder Flounder Fundamentals and Flounder Fever. In 2008 he created Flounder Revolution, a conservation program promoting the release of flounder measuring 20 inches or more. Chester is the creator of the Gulf Great White Sharks website and blog that won the 2025 “Best Website” award from the Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association. His aim is to raise awareness of the growing number of great whites in the Gulf and support their conservation. At 20 years old Chester was given his first conservation award by the Sportsman’s Conservationist of Texas. It was their “Youth Conservationist Of The Year” award. Chester Moore won 10 awards for writing, photography and radio at the 2021 Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association “Excellence In Craft” competition. The next year he became the first person to win back to back awards receiving their “Conservation Communicator Of The Year” honor. Since then he has earned multiple accolades for his conservation work from the Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association, was named Conservationist of the Year by the Texas Soil & Conservation District in 2009, was given the Mossy Oak Outdoors Legacy Award for his work with kids an wildlife in 2017 and named a Hero of Conservation by Field & Stream magazine. Chester with a bonefish caught in Biscayne Bay near Miami, Fl. in 2021. Pursuing the “Flats Slam” of bonefish, permit and tarpon has become a passion for him and more importantly writing about the habitat conservation needs of these species. In 2020 he won the Advocatus Magni Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation for his work with wild turkeys as part of his Turkey Revolution project. In 2022, he won the “Service to Mankind” award from SERTOMA who held a special banquet in his honor at the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, TX. In 2023, Chester Moore the Outstanding Bighorn Teacher Award by the National Bighorn Sheep Center. This award recognized Moore’s efforts to educate youth about wild sheep conservation. Chester and his wife Lisa are founders of the Higher Calling Wildlife® outreach, the Wild Wishes® program and Kingdom Zoo Wildlife Center® that seek to bring the love of Christ to hurting children through wildlife encounters. They work with critically ill children, those in the foster system, victims of trafficking and children that have faced traumatic loss. You can contact him at chester@chestermoore.com.

 

Join our Journey!

 

Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Text: (512) 497-7674 Email Dustin: Dustin@BusinesswithDustin.com All the LINKS: https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke

Some of Those Links:

https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling)

https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub)

https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub)

https://thebestoftheoutdoors.podbean.com (The Best of the Outdoors Podcast)

https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth Podcast: The Empowered Life)

 

TPWD Wildlife Biologist Froylan Hernandez on the Desert Bighorn Sheep Translocation Project, Talk About Aoudad, Exotics, and Native Game Species

TPWD Wildlife Biologist Froylan Hernandez, head of the Desert Bighorn Sheep program in West Texas, sits down with Dustin and talks about the competition for resources among native and exotic game species and some of the issues it poses in the case of the Desert Bighorn versus the Aoudad (AKA "Barbary"). Dustin and Froylan talk about the exotic game industry in Texas, education, advocation, and so much more regarding balancing free ranging populations of native and exotic species in Texas and beyond.

 

Resilience in the Rocks Film:

Translocation of the Desert Bighorn Sheep Translocation Project: 

https://youtu.be/Pv4hh0ZIaqM?si=GIup2H3aEZmd-Ml8

Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways.

Text: (512) 497-7674
Email Dustin: Dustin@BusinesswithDustin.com

All the LINKS:

https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke 

Some of Those Links:

https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling)

https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub)

https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub)

https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth Podcast The Empowered Life)