Show Notes
Connor Little welcomes Brandon Smith back to the podcast to celebrate the return of hunting season in Texas. They begin by recapping their opening-weekend dove hunts, discussing dry conditions, extreme heat, bird numbers, and the different experiences of hunting in North and South Texas. Connor also shares the story of his long drive south, a memorable breakfast-taco stop, and the advantages of using a 28-gauge shotgun for morning dove.
The conversation expands into gear and strategy, including the differences between 28-, 20-, and 12-gauge shotguns, hunting ducks on large lakes, and the frustration of birds landing outside comfortable shooting range. Connor and Brandon also discuss taxidermy costs, turnaround times, and rifle cartridges such as the 6.5 PRC and .25-06.
They then look ahead to the rest of the season. Brandon talks about hunting a small property where deer primarily travel through, while Connor shares his plans for South Texas and his goal of eventually taking a 150-class buck in Bowie. Both hosts explain why they enjoy introducing friends and new hunters to the outdoors, even when it means giving up some personal hunting time.
The episode also includes stories from Louisiana fishing trips and Brandon’s past spearfishing adventure in Mexico. They close with a detailed discussion about passing deer, the value of mature bucks, and how property size, deer movement, personal history, and the possibility of never seeing a buck again can all influence the final decision.
