As we reach the end of the deer hunting season here in the North East, we are SUPER EXCITED to start diving into some uncharted territory for us…TURKEY HUNTING! In this episode of The Wing and Tail Boys, Angelo and Chris are joined by Turkey Enthusiast Kevin Creeley to discuss the beginnings of turkey hunting for the ABSOLUTE BEGINNER. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding turkey behavior, common mistakes beginners make, and the significance of pre-season preparation. They emphasize the need for diverse habitats to support turkey populations and provide practical tips for locating and hunting turkeys effectively. In this conversation, Kevin Creeley shares his insights on turkey hunting, focusing on effective scouting techniques, the importance of roosting, and the use of locator calls. He discusses the maturity of turkeys and the ethics of hunting, emphasizing the thrill of the hunt and the strategies involved, including the run and gun versus sit and wait methods. In this conversation, Chris and Kevin discuss various strategies for turkey hunting, focusing on how to find turkey signs, set up hunting spots, and the differences between running and gunning versus sitting and waiting. They explore the importance of understanding turkey behavior, the significance of noise while scouting, and the tactics for calling turkeys effectively. The discussion also touches on hunting regulations and the benefits of having a structured hunting schedule.

In the 24th “Wing and Tail Boys” podcast episode, Chris and Angelo discuss property management and food plotting with Mitchell Shirk, a row crop agronomist. They explore the complexities of agricultural practices, the shift towards regenerative farming, and the challenges faced by farmers in transitioning to no-till methods. The conversation also touches on public land management, the role of technology in agriculture, and the educational gaps that exist in understanding modern farming practices.

Throughout the conversation Chris, Angelo, and Mitchell discuss the complexities of modern farming practices, particularly focusing on the use of glyphosate, the importance of understanding soil health, and the challenges of no-till farming. They explore the historical context of land use, the knowledge gap between practitioners and researchers, and the strategies for effective planting and crop management.

The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to agriculture that considers both ecological balance and practical farming techniques. They go on to discuss the intricacies of soil temperature, planting timing, and the challenges of managing food plots in regions with shorter growing seasons. They explore strategies for effective food plot management, including the importance of diverse plant species and the impact of deer density on food plot success. The discussion also covers the implementation of no-till practices for new food plots and emphasizes the need to simplify complex agricultural practices for better understanding and execution.

Join the Wing and Tail Boys This week as Chris sits with Dorge Huang to discuss the evolution of arrows, specifically carbon fiber arrows, the upcoming ATA show, and the intricacies of arrow materials.. They delve into the history of carbon fiber arrows, the advantages and disadvantages of different materials when compared to one another, and the manufacturing processes that affect performance and safety. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding materials in archery and the impact of design on arrow effectiveness. In this conversation, Dorge Huang discusses advanced techniques in arrow manufacturing, touching on processes such as cryogenic methods, extrusion, and spine-generation when manufacturing arrow shafts.

The conversation continues on to the importance of material selection, specifying that NOT ALL CARBON FIBER ARROWS ARE THE SAME. He explains how different grades of carbon fiber affect arrow performance and durability, emphasizing the engineering behind an arrow’s spine and the impact of various materials on structural integrity. The discussion also covers practical advice for selecting arrows and understanding their construction, drawing parallels with fishing rod technology.

Dorge and Chris progress into the intricacies of arrow construction, focusing on the durability and engineering behind different arrow types. They discuss the importance of material selection, environmental control during manufacturing, and how these factors affect performance. The conversation also touches on the best practices for beginners in archery, emphasizing the need for understanding equipment and making informed choices. The discussion wraps up with insights on how components can significantly influence arrow behavior and performance.

In this episode, Chris and Dorge explore the evolution of arrow materials, discussing the historical context of arrows and bows, the art of arrow making, and modern arrow technologies. They delve into the advantages and disadvantages of various materials such as bamboo, cedar, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific applications and contexts in which each material excels.

The conversation highlights the ongoing evolution of archery and the significance of consistency in arrow performance. In this segment, Dorge and Chris discuss the intricacies of arrow manufacturing, focusing on the extrusion process, the significance of aluminum, and the evolution of carbon arrows. They discuss how extrusion is very similar to pasta-making, the benefits and drawbacks of aluminum arrows, and the advancements in carbon fiber technology over the years.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding material properties for optimal arrow performance. In this episode, Chris and Dorge Huang delve into the intricacies of carbon fiber and aluminum arrows, discussing the evolution of materials, the importance of resin in construction, and the impact of knowledge on archery performance. They explore the differences between carbon and aluminum arrows, emphasizing that while carbon arrows may offer longevity, aluminum arrows provide predictability. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding materials and manufacturing processes in achieving optimal performance in archery.

In this episode, Chris and Dorje delve into the intricacies of arrow flight and arrow dynamics, discussing the various stages an arrow goes through from the moment it leaves the bow to its impact. They explore the power cycle, the importance of cam design, and how these factors influence arrow recovery and stabilization.

The conversation also touches on the differences between impact and penetration, the significance of arrow design and materials, and the role of spine alignment in performance. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the complex interactions between the bow, arrow, and the forces at play during flight.

Chris and Dorge continue on to discuss the complexities of arrow dynamics, focusing on the impact of arrow design, stability, and energy transfer during flight. They discuss the importance of understanding how arrows behave upon impact, the significance of maintaining arrow stability, and the role of aerodynamics in achieving optimal performance. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper arrow selection for hunting and the impact of bow speed on arrow performance. Dorge shares insights on the evolution of arrow technology and the importance of tuning for effective shooting.

The 20th installment of the Wing and Tail Boys begins with your hosts doing a bit of “housekeeping” work. They catch you up on some of the things they’ve had going on in their personal lives as well as what their plans are moving forward with the little bit of hunting season remaining. They touch on their experiences with hunting dogs, the changes they've observed in hunting practices, and the importance of courtesy among hunters. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by hunters in today's society, including the impact of non-hunters and the need for mutual respect in shared outdoor spaces.

As the conversation progresses, Angelo and Chris delve into various aspects of hunting, focusing on bird hunting dynamics, the ethics of hunting with dogs, and the controversial practice of deer drives. They share personal experiences and insights on hunting regulations, community practices, and the importance of preserving wildlife resources. The discussion highlights the balance between tradition and modern hunting ethics, emphasizing the camaraderie and enjoyment found in the hunting experience beyond just the harvest.

In this episode, Chris and Dorj Huang delve into the intricate world of arrow science and building. They discuss the importance of understanding the fundamentals of arrow flight, the journey of Fireknock, and the significance of aero flight in archery. The conversation emphasizes the need for archers to grasp the principles behind arrow dynamics to enhance their shooting accuracy and effectiveness.

Dorj shares his background and the evolution of Fireknock, while also highlighting the five fundamental motions of arrow flight that every archer should understand. In this segment, Dorge Huang and Chris delve into the intricate dynamics of arrow flight, focusing on the five key motions that occur from the moment an arrow is released until it impacts its target. They explore the significance of parabolic motion, torsion, and the effects of expansion and contraction on arrow performance.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these mechanics to optimize arrow design and shooting techniques, ultimately enhancing accuracy and energy efficiency in archery. In this episode, Chris and Dorge delve into the intricacies of arrow dynamics, focusing on the concepts of frequency and magnitude, the significance of MicroFlex, and the importance of understanding arrow flex and spine ratings. They discuss how these factors affect arrow performance, particularly in bowhunting scenarios, and emphasize the need for hunters to minimize energy loss during arrow flight. The conversation also highlights the critical role of arrow design in achieving optimal performance and encourages audience engagement through questions and feedback.

In the 18th Episode of the Wing and Tail Boys, Chris dives into the “early antler drop” on his family property in Upstate New York. Finding it odd that the antlers drop as early as early-to-mid December in their area, he decided to speak to some locals and do some research to find if this was just a one-off, or a recurring pattern.

The episode begins with Chris discussing some of the factors that have influenced his current season, especially with his first child on the way! It quickly transitions to the topic at hand, starting off with the “why” and “when” of antler shedding. After establishing a basis for the topic, the host begins to discuss the different factors that affect the timing of antler drop or how long a buck will hold on to his antlers.

After discussing the affecting factors, Chris transitions into what this means for the property and how he and his family can use this information to formulate a plan for the future. He touches on future planting requirements, property design, winter forage, buck potential, and more!