In this sixth and final part of the interview of MidwayUSA CEO Larry Potterfield by Outdoor Hub President Steve Dooley, Larry Potterfield explains why his company supports conservation and some history behind it.

Part Six:

Click here to go back to Part Five of this series, in which Potterfield covers MidwayUSA’s unique Nitro Express Shipping method and other successful business practices.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - MidwayUSA’s Larry Potterfield on Supporting Conservation

I am so excited about my scheduled spring 2012 turkey hunt in Missouri! This will be my fourth spring turkey hunt, and also to be my second hunt with Ed “Snowman” Johnson. Ed guided me on my very first turkey hunt in the spring of 2009 which planted the seed of turkey hunting that has flourished in my soul ever since. This week as we make the final plans and lock in the dates, it prompted me to pull out some memories, dust them off, and reminisce about my very first turkey hunt. Now to travel back in time, here is the story of the hunt, along with the memories.

This was my first true “turkey hunt” and would take place along the foothills of the Ozarks in Bennett Springs, Missouri with Ed “Snowman” Johnson, Pro Staff for Commando Hunting Products. After meeting Ed at the NWTF Convention earlier that year, we became fast friends, and he invited me for a turkey hunt on this lovely piece of heaven that he had been hunting since he was a boy. This was going to prove to be raw hunting, but I was ready for it, as you can see with my nifty camo suit in the picture to the left. This was actually the first piece of matching camo that I had ever owned! Underneath the even pattern is a mix of whatever I could find to fit, most of it boy’s clothing, and none of it matching.

Ed was a great guide but even more of a patient teacher. As he would execute a call, he would label it, explain why, and how he anticipated a bird within earshot would react. When we would hear the turkey talking, he would patiently tell me what they were saying, and why they were saying it. Sometimes he would remain silent, and sometimes he would respond with a certain call. He was actually “talking turkey” and this was amazing to me! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the “Commando” Glass Disk and Wooden Stick! But that was a no-no if we were to coax a turkey into sight, so he kept them far away out of my reach.

He of course was being very careful that we did not spook the birds with unfamiliar sounds, and I understood, but I still didn’t have anything to play with. We hiked in the woods, we sat in a blind, we called turkey, listened to turkey, talked to the turkey and nothing came in the first day. The second day we started all over again, with no complaints from me. The area we were hunting was beautiful, private, and loaded with game! I felt like a princess, with Ed as my “Fairy God Guide”, and I was pumped about the hunt! This day we were fortunate to have a couple of hens prissing thru the area, but they must have been ugly, because there were no gobblers following them.

I have been known to cook a thing or two, and one of my specialties is a good old Louisiana gumbo (recipe coming soon to Outdoor Hub). Planning for a dinner party of a different kind, I had packed up the camper with chicken, smoked venison pork sausage, fresh crawfish tails, fresh gulf shrimp and lump crab meat and proceeded to cook a big pot of my special dish for several of the locals, which included Barbara (now Ed’s wife) and Ed’s mother. Along with the boudin* that Lou put on the grill for starters, we had a grand feast outside the camper in lawn chairs with paper bowls, and we all had a good time.

Bill Rainwater at the Camper Gumbo Feast. These eyes have seen many a sight in his day. I wish there was some way to put his stories on DVD...

Returning with an empty game bag on the 3rd day, I was in for a special treat.

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Bill Rainwater, owner of the land, hence he had known Ed for most of his life. Just coming in from the morning hunt, Bill came out to meet us and we stood by the Rhino making small talk. I felt something on my waist, pulled my shirt out and quickly found something small and black, and it wouldn’t come off! I looked down at it and realized it was a tick! I had never had a tick and the look on my face told Ed and Bill that it was not a good thing for Becky Lou to have a tick! Bill sprang to action, and before I could speak, he reached over and pulled it off. I broke into laughter, as he flicked it away and casually proceeded on with the conversation. I had to conclude that getting a tick was not the worst thing that could happen to me, and it was all worth it. We then sat down to a fabulous lunch as Bill had prepared his delicious wild turkey dumplings topped off with lots of stories, a tour of his yard and his inventions from over the years. Even without a turkey to take home, it was a very good day. I have always said, the special times between the hunts are the biggest reasons why I love to hunt.

For a total of three days, Ed and I enjoyed watching the woodpeckers, owls, turkey buzzards, and squirrels. We called turkey, he would identify various other sounds for me, and sometimes we just sat in the pure, beautiful silence. It is always good to be in the woods, but time was ticking and we knew that reality would soon kick in, and it would be back to the grind for all of us…but hopefully with a turkey in the bag for me!

The fourth day started out very very slow. I am sure that Ed was feeling slightly discouraged, but he put his game face on and never let up! I truly think that everyone was going to be even more disappointed than myself if I didn’t get a turkey, which in turn made me very anxious. Under the circumstances, the pressure was on. Lou was waiting patiently every day at the camper with our yellow lab Honey, while several of my friends were standing by waiting for word. This day would have to be the last day, and we would also have to cut the hunt short for our scheduled departure. With everyone on the edge of their seat, it was like the little kid inside of me started squirming around, wanting to do well so that everyone would be proud.

We finally got a little action one hour before we would have to shut it down. A hen came within 10 yards and browsed for a while, all alone (she must have been ugly too). Off she went, leaving us in total silence. But as we say in Louisiana, things were fixin’ to change! About 100 yards directly in front of us a Jake and two hens appeared, passing through the brush. They just fiddled around, and although Ed beckoned with more expertly executed turkey talk, they did not come into our area. He explained that the mating season was just beginning, and the Jake probably didn’t want to share his hens with another Jake (one of our decoys). So with this thought in mind, as those three moved out of sight, Ed quickly jumped out of the blind and grabbed the intimidating Jake decoy, and tossed him into the blind. He then proceeds to lure the turkeys in with more turkey-talk from the infamous Glass Call by Commando. A Jake appears and it looks as though he is coming in closer with his two hens in tow (which I have to assume were pretty). He came into view, but never stopped, turned and walked right back behind the tree. Grrrrrrrr! He did not give me a shot, as my range was very limited.

Moments before my opportunity, I was focused and ready! As you can see here I was tired of messing around with those turkeys! I was feeling the pressure…there were people depending on me…I needed a bird and I needed it now! I was not about to give up and throw in the camo!

Shortly afterwards, there was some low clucking, possibly sharing some gobbler gossip, when again, out of nowhere, “Eagle Eye Ed” spots two Jakes and a Hen! They are coming in on his side, from the right of the blind! I was ready this time, and as soon as he came from behind the tree, I lined up the brightly colored beads on my sights and squeezed the trigger. I was dead on, and that turkey was history! It was an amazing moment, Ed was elated! I was trembling, totally overwhelmed with excitement and relief! I paused to send out the text “BIRD DOWN” and it was all over but for the pictures!

I was proud to get my hands on this big bird! My first, a very big Jake, and as Ed so eloquently stated after four days and the last hour: "It's a bird!" And the crowd cheered!

Oh happy day! Left to right: Steve from Arkansas and his bird, shot while laying flat on the ground, it was a great gobbler! Colin Anthony chose to do a lot of hiking and scouting that day, for as it turns out, his hunt was for another day! Ed “Snowman” Johnson and Becky Lou with a turkey too!

This was an amazing learning adventure for me with some wonderful people, the salt of the earth. I realized my passion for turkey hunting, and was hooked on the unique challenge it presents. The thrill of interacting with these birds and learning to communicate well enough to fool them into showing their face would prove to be another activity that I would look forward to each spring, and have enjoyed for three years running now, looking forward to my next hunt(s).

Ed and I have remained friends and he has also been a mentor for me as my future unfolds. A talented writer, speaker, and hunter, I am very grateful to have his ear and his guidance. This spring it just so happens that he has a few days to spare for an old friend, and we are going back out into the woods to put the smack down on that elusive tom from three years ago!

I should have a very good story for this next hunt, as I don’t think Ed will cutting me much slack… but at least I will be looking good this time in my matching SHE camo! This has been great to sit down and dig up these pictures and emotions as this hunt was a turning point in my life, complimented by new friends with new stories, campfires in the countryside, and being able to lie down at night with a good feeling of being out in the clean fresh air of the outdoors… of course after you check for ticks!

*WARNING: If you do not live in Southern Louisiana and have not had true cajun “boudin“ (boo-dan). Please do not partake if it is offered to you. There is a high risk that you will love it, become immediately addicted, and unless you live in Southern Louisiana, it will not be accessible. Or as many of my friends, like Ed, you may be forced to resort to inviting me on a hunt and I will bring it with me.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Do You Remember Your First Turkey Hunt? I Do!

In this fifth part of the interview of MidwayUSA CEO Larry Potterfield by Outdoor Hub President Steve Dooley, Larry Potterfield explains one of the things that makes his company so successful, their unique Nitro Express Shipping method.

Part Five:

Click here to go back to Part Four of this series in which Potterfield covers MidwayUSA’s support of the NRA. Click here for the final part, detailing MidwayUSA’s support of conservation.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Larry Potterfield on Nitro Express Shipping and What Makes MidwayUSA Successful

In this fourth part of the interview of MidwayUSA CEO Larry Potterfield by Outdoor Hub President Steve Dooley, Potterfield explains the company’s enduring support of the shooting and hunting industries and the National Rifle Association in particular, including the foundation of the Friends of the NRA.

Part Four:

Click here to go back to Part Three, on MidwayUSA’s modern management practices. Click here to go on to Part Five, in which Potterfield explains part of what makes MidwayUSA so successful – Nitro Express Shipping.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Larry Potterfield on Supporting the NRA

In this third part of an exclusive interview with MidwayUSA CEO Larry Potterfield, Outdoor Hub’s President Steve Dooley gets to the heart of what makes MidwayUSA such a successful business, specifically highlighting the unique management practices of the company.

Part Three:

Click here to go back to Part Two of this interview, covering MidwayUSA’s entrance into television and the hunting market. Click here to go on to Part Four, covering MidwayUSA’s support of the NRA. Keep following Outdoor Hub for more interview clips with Larry Potterfield.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Larry Potterfield on Business Administration and MidwayUSA’s Modern Management Practices

In Part Two of this exclusive interview with Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA, Outdoor Hub’s President Steve Dooley continues where the last part left off. In the video, Potterfield details MidwayUSA’s entrance into the world of television and expanding the scope of the company.

Part Two:

Click here to go back to Part One of this series, and click here to continue on to Part Three.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Larry Potterfield on MidwayUSA, Television and Hunting

As we observe the 75th anniversary of our Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration (WSFR) programs, many will point to the now abundant populations of elk, deer and wild turkeys as the poster children for conservation success. Some will laud the hunting, fishing and boating opportunities we now enjoy as a result of WSFR’s user pay/user benefit principle. Or praise how cooperation between state and federal government, conservation groups, industry and sportsmen made it possible to contribute billions of dollars to fish and wildlife conservation.

All are good reasons to celebrate.

Another noteworthy accomplishment on the Wildlife Restoration side is how this program has benefitted hunter education. Excise taxes paid by manufacturers — which are factored into the cost of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment — are made available to the states in the form of grants. These grants not only support wildlife projects, they fund hunter education and shooting range development as well.

The interesting part about this is the history behind hunter education and Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration programs. I interviewed Steve Hall, who retired from Texas Parks and Wildlife after 26 years of service as education director. Hall, who currently serves as the executive director of the Texas State Rifle Association, reminded me that hunter education is by no means new.

“The first seeds were planted in 1928 when Seth Gordon, an employee of the Pennsylvania and California game agencies, penned a code of outdoor ethics for the Izaak Walton League of America,” Hall said. “That code marked the beginning of ideas about safety and respect for wildlife, property and other people.”

According to Hall, World War II put many wildlife programs on hold. However, when the soldiers came back home, they swelled the ranks of hunters. It wasn’t long, though, before a growing number of firearms-related hunting incidents fueled safety concerns.

By the 1940s, Kentucky was offering gun safety training in their high school junior clubs and in boys and girls summer camps. Soon after, Michigan and Montana began developing their own programs. The era of mandatory hunter safety training started in 1949 as the result of legislation in New York. A partnership with the NRA helped New York deliver its curriculum.

“The hunter safety community really began maturing in the 1950s when programs to recruit and train volunteer instructors were introduced,” Hall said. “Today’s volunteer army of instructors is a big reason why hunter education programs are so successful.”

Hunter safety programs took another major step in the 1960s when the NRA hosted the first of several annual hunter safety coordinator workshops in 1966.

“The hunter safety leaders who met at these workshops saw the needs for standardized instruction and recognition of training between states,” Hall said. “Their vision laid the groundwork for a new organization dedicated to developing safe, responsible hunters.”

In 1971, a steering committee associated with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies became the launch pad for creating the North American Association of Hunter Safety Coordinators. The organization, which was founded in 1972, immediately set to work on its mission of providing leadership and support to hunter education program administrators and instructors. Today, it’s called the International Hunter Education Association, and 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of an organization that now serves 69 member agencies and 70,000 volunteer instructors who teach hunter education around the world.

1972 was a big year for another reason, and it brings this story full circle. That was when the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act was amended to help fund hunter safety programs. Now hunter education programs across the country were not only benefitting from the leadership of a new organization, now they had money to train volunteer instructors, develop teaching aids and standardize the lessons so a hunter education graduate could hunt safely in any state in the country.

In the years since then, millions of students have taken hunter education and hunting has become one of the safest ways families and friends can enjoy the outdoors. Hunters and shooters not only contribute to safety programs, their dollars have restored wildlife populations and provided countless recreational opportunities that all citizens can enjoy.

How hunter education training is offered also has changed with the times. Today, students can take part of their course online at http://www.hunter-ed.com. The training offered at this site is approved by the state agencies responsible for hunter education, and students study the same material that’s taught in the classroom. The online portion is typically followed by a field course, which gives students the chance to shoot and demonstrate safe firearms handling and outdoor skills.

So honor these milestones of conservation and hunter education success by heading afield as often as possible this year. Make it extra special by purchasing a hunting license and introducing someone new to the outdoors.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - A Tale of Two Success Stories: Hunter Education and Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration

As many hunters are putting their bows and rifles up for the season, in the great state of Alabama the peak of the rut is kicking into full gear. One of my favorite things to look forward to after Christmas is hunting in ol’ Bama. In the “black belt” region of the state the rut usually starts kicking off around Christmas with its peak around mid-January. This is perfect for those of you that need to put some late season back strap in the freezer and maybe even a trophy on the wall.

My good friend Jeremy Johnson invited me to hunt his family farm for the first time this past January. The track record on his property has got to be one of the best in the area, if not the state. Over the years I have seen countless videos from Jeremy on this property with some really nice bucks hitting the dirt. To say I was excited about the hunt was an understatement!

The first morning, cameraman Fred Branch and I met Jeremy, his better half Elizabeth, and good friend Justin Moore on the way to the property. The weather was a frosty 22 degrees with high humidity so we were bundled up big time! The morning was slow, only seeing a small buck. Justin did arrow a nice doe for the freezer though, while Jeremy and Elizabeth saw a few bucks but didn’t get a shot. We decided to grab a bite to eat then head back into the woods early in the afternoon and sit until dark.

Settling back in shortly after 1pm that afternoon, we saw deer right away. A young buck ran two does in front of us and out of sight. On and off we saw several deer until dark but no shooter bucks in range. Not a bad day of hunting at all and we were ready for the next morning.

Up and at it, we repeated the previous morning’s routing and were in the stand just as the day began to wake up. This time we were deep in a creek bottom just off of an old cut-over. The palmettos were thick and seeing 100 yards was difficult in most directions. About an hour after daylight, I look in front of us and catch movement, it’s antlers! A tall, heavy, shooter buck is coming straight to us! The buck turns and starts working a scrape as I try to find him in my Hawke scope. The brush is just too thick to get on him. He then begins walking from our right to left angling away. Looking ahead the only shot I am going to have is when he steps into a narrow road in front of us. I ready myself as the buck walks right into my scope and stops! Boom! My twelve gauge slug drops him in his tracks! He’s done right there!

Climbing down I knew that he was a good buck, but after putting my hands on him this deer had some of the heaviest beams and mass of any I had been fortunate enough to tag. The buck was a main frame eight point with two kickers on one base, giving him ten points over an inch long, 13 inch inside spread, and scored just over 130 inches B&C. I’ll take a buck like this all day long y’all! Not to mention he was at least 4.5 or 5.5 years old, a true trophy buck to me.

I would like to thank Jeremy for opening up his home farm and inviting us to come over and hunt. It was truly a great place to see and the amount of game on the place is remarkable. Just as Genesis 27:3 states “Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me,” we are blessed to spend time in the outdoors to see what has been created for us to have dominion over and as stewards of the land, we must open our arms and continue to pass on our God-given right to hunt.

God bless and good hunting!

Michael’s Gear List:

• Optics: Hawke Eclipse 30 SF 6-24x50mm, Hawke Frontier ED 43mm
• Gun: Remington 1100 12 gauge
• Ammo: Winchester Sabot Slug 375 grain
• Stand: Ol’ Man Ladder
• Safety Vest: Hunter Safety System Reversible
• Scent Eliminator: Lethal Field Spray
• Camo: Realtree APG by Gamehide
• Pack: Gameplan Gear Spot N Stalk
• Boots: Lacrosse Alpha Burly in Realtree APG
• Conditioning: Hunt Strong

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Finishing Strong: Hunting the Late Rut in Alabama

In these exclusive videos shot in the GunTec studio, Outdoor Hub’s President Steve Dooley interviews MidwayUSA’s CEO Larry Potterfield on the history of MidwayUSA. Part One covers the founding of MidwayUSA, from the origins of its name to the transition from catalog retail to the digital age.

Part One:

Click here to go on to Part Two of the interview and keep checking back at Outdoor Hub for more exclusive video interviews with Larry Potterfield next week.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - “Just a Country Kid from Missouri”: Larry Potterfield on the History and Growth of MidwayUSA

“Trapping? You mean people still do that these days?”

“I used to trap years ago when (fill in the blank) and I’d like to get back into it.”

“My (relative, neighbor) traps, and talking to him about this year it has me anxious to get started.”

These are all very common responses I hear whenever the subject of recreational fur trapping is brought up. Many people think the only mode of trapping left today is for rodents inhabiting their kitchen, or that local guy with an ad in the yellow pages who wanted $250 to remove a nuisance squirrel from grandma’s attic.

Truth is, recreational trapping as a sport, pursuit and in some cases a profession is definitely alive and well. Alive, well and growing in popularity all the time. To some people the idea of trappers and trapping evokes images of mountain men, buckskin clothes and beaver pelts wrested from hostile indian territory. That was accurate some three hundred years ago as the westward exploration and expansion of our country was taking place. But  modern fur trapping is a far different story indeed.

Most states in the U.S. require some type of structure training from certified instructors before a trapping license or permit can be purchased. Those basic lessons include education on season dates and regulations, the type of traps and equipment permitted, sensible use of equipment in harmony with urban society, people and their pets.

Animal traps today include versions of the historic “paw-hold” style along with a variety of others. There are similar traps designed to be completely dog-proof for use with raccoons as the target species inside of public and private hunting areas, wire mesh box or cage traps on land are useful in many situations and square-shape traps with a round-bars design that close in scissors-type action for quick dispatch of target species on land or in water. Best-management practices have been studied in scientific fashion to develop and perfect the best possible performance from trapline equipment in use today.

Wild furs from the U.S., Canada and elsewhere have enjoyed a resurgence in demand that can best be described as dramatic boom in the past several years, courtesy of strong desire for fur products in Russian, China, Japan and other newly affluent markets. Fur coats have been coveted since time immemorial for natural comfort and durability in the coldest possible weather. Appearance and beauty are added features to the natural function of this 100% renewable resource.

The fact that wild furs are indeed a renewable resource fits right in with the “go green” movement of late. Nature cannot be stockpiled: wild fur-bearing animals are amongst the most populous and widespread species out there. Coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcats, beavers, mink and muskrats are primary species of interest along with opossums and skunks as incidental catches. All of the critters listed above are thriving and in some cases creating a nuisance situation across the country. Beaver dams often flood precious acres of bottomland timber and field crops. Beaver cuttings can decimate sections of corn fields, ornamental trees and shrubs or critical vegetation. Raccoon damage to sweet corn, grape vineyards and fruit orchards can be considerable.

From a wildlife standpoint, coyote and bobcats are very effective predators of newborn big-game animals. Fox, coon, possums and skunks all take heavy tolls on ground-nesting bird and mammal nests of young. Threatened and endangered species of birds or mammals might hinge on the balance of survival or extinction solely due to focused predator control.
Those are all good reasons why animal trapping in the modern world remains a highly effective tool of conservation management, not to mention the fact that muskrat (known as “marsh hare” in east coast restaurants), beaver and raccoon meat are highly desirable table fare in many parts of the country. Other uses for animal carcasses post-skinning include making baits and lures for trapping efforts, feed for animal farms, wildlife rehab centers and zoos and other protein-based renderings. I would opine that the greatest “waste” would be fur-bearing animals lost to various disease or death on highways from traffic.

Part of the recent resurgence closer to land use involves the green movement, but another part is the global economy’s downward spiral and economic contraction. Not everyone can still afford out-of-state or exotic hunting and fishing trips. When those seasons end in any given state, then what is an outdoorsman (or woman) to do?

Fur trapping is a pursuit that usually runs from late fall through winter and in most cases right into early spring for most states in the U.S. If the weather is still cool or cold, chances are there is something still open to be pursued. The best part is, trapping is a sport that can easily pay for itself (or more) in time. Many experienced trappers realize some type of profit above costs each year. A number of them use the extra income for Christmas gifts, a new gun or maybe save towards an out-of-state trip.

As with any profession that involves money, a small percentage of fur trappers make much or most of their annual income on fur sales alone. Current fur prices this season include red fox and coyote selling for $25 to $50, raccoon and beaver pelts from the teens to $30s, male mink at $25 and muskrats averaging $9 to $10 nose count across the board. That can add up substantially for top-level trappers in Iowa who bag two to three thousand coon per season or mid-west muskrat trappers who put up five to ten thousand muskrats in good years.

But the vast majority of active fur trappers out there each year are men and women who view it as a part-time, weekends and vacation type of sport that supports itself. Cash or checks from fur sales cover gasoline and travel, perhaps add to more traps and gear purchased, etc. Some trappers have their own vest, coats, blankets and teddy bears made from furs. Regardless, it is much easier to justify time spent afield in our great outdoors when it does not drain the family budget… or actually adds to it instead. Much easier see to your family and significant other when a fur check comes home at season’s end, versus one more credit card bill.

We could easily go on and on, but suffice it to say that trapping as a hobby, pastime or profession in modern times is alive and well. Our time spent here going forward will detail exactly what it takes and what one needs to enjoy success in one of mankind’s oldest pursuits of all. Thank you for joining us in conversation, and I look forward to discussing the specifics of traps and gear next time!

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Along the Traplines Today