Mississippi Outdoors Podcast

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Rick Burris, Chief Scientific Officer at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, to discuss the intricacies of managing Mississippi's marine resources. Rick shares the department’s efforts in fisheries management, including setting size and bag limits, tracking fish populations, and working closely with other Gulf states. The conversation delves into the unique challenges posed by Mississippi’s diverse ecosystems, from redfish and speckled trout to oysters and artificial reefs.

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt is joined by William McKinley, the Deer Program Coordinator at MDWFP, to discuss Mississippi's thriving deer population and what hunters can do to maintain healthy herds. William dives into the data behind deer management, explains the importance of hunters leading the conservation effort, and shares his personal journey from childhood hunting trips to a career in wildlife biology.

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with wildlife photographer and author Paul Brown. With over 50 years of experience, Paul shares his journey from student photographer at Mississippi State University to becoming one of Mississippi's most published wildlife photographers. He talks about the challenges of capturing the perfect shot in the wild, the importance of patience, and his most memorable moments behind the lens. From photographing deer in Mississippi to documenting birds in Canada, Paul provides valuable insights into wildlife photography and conservation.

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt talks with Will Selman, professor of biology at Millsaps College, about the secret world of turtles. From box turtles hiding in plain sight to the fascinating ways turtles find water, Will shares his research and experiences tracking these elusive creatures. The conversation covers the unique behaviors of Mississippi’s diverse turtle species, the importance of turtles in our ecosystems, and the surprising longevity of box turtles, some of which can live over 60 years.

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt sits down with long-time Jackson news anchor Howard Ballou to talk about his love for the outdoors. Howard, who has been on the air for nearly 40 years, shares stories of his fishing adventures across Mississippi, from bass fishing at Simpson County Lake to growing up on the coast of North Carolina. Howard reflects on his time in journalism, his passion for the outdoors, and the important role that Mississippi’s natural spaces play in his life. Whether you're a fan of fishing or just love hearing great stories, this episode offers an engaging look into the life of a Mississippi news legend.

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Nathan Blount, a public lands expert and biologist at MDWFP. Nathan shares his vast knowledge of Mississippi’s public hunting lands, including the types of areas available to hunters, the rules and regulations, and how to find the best spots. From managing wildlife on public lands to his personal hunting experiences, Nathan covers it all, offering listeners a comprehensive guide to making the most of the state's public hunting opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the outdoors, this episode provides valuable insights into hunting on public lands in Mississippi.

In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, Matt Wyatt speaks with Kris Godwin, a longtime USDA employee and avid outdoorswoman. Kris shares her experiences in wildlife conflict management, crappie fishing, and squirrel hunting. From catching crappie with her husband Dave to handling beavers in football stadiums and removing vultures from properties, Chris provides unique insights into her work with the USDA. She also discusses her love for outdoor activities and how she’s spent over 30 years managing wildlife and agricultural conflicts in Mississippi. This episode is a mix of practical wildlife management tips and exciting personal stories from Kris's outdoor adventures.

In this episode we talk with DelJuan Robinson, former Mississippi State and NFL defensive lineman. DelJuan shares his journey from being one of the most highly recruited football players in Mississippi to his time in the NFL with the Houston Texans. After retiring from football, DelJuan has returned to his love for the outdoors, focusing on rabbit hunting and fishing in Mississippi. DelJuan shares his experiences with training hunting dogs, public and private land hunting, and how his passion for the outdoors has evolved over the years. He also gives insights into how he balances his current role with Parks and Recreation in Southaven while enjoying time in the woods.