The LandTrust Podcast

AI-Powered Deer Hunting: How Spartan Forge Is Changing the Game | The LandTrust Podcast Ep. 25

In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, host Nic De Castro talks with Bill Thompson, Founder & CEO of Spartan Forge (one of the most advanced AI-driven hunting and mapping apps in the industry).
Built by veterans, Spartan Forge combines real-world deer data, satellite mapping, and AI prediction models to help hunters understand whitetail movement, wind patterns, bedding, and terrain strategy like never before.
Bill shares how the app’s AI learns from millions of data points and explains why he built Spartan Forge to help hunters make smarter, more ethical decisions in the field, not just chase dots on a map.
🦌 What You’ll Learn
- How AI and machine learning predict deer movement more accurately than weather apps
- Why mapping intelligence matters more than just waypoints
- How Spartan Forge collects and analyzes real hunter data to improve predictions
- Tips for using terrain layers, satellite maps, and wind data to plan hunts
- Bill’s story: from military intelligence to transforming the hunting tech industry
- The future of ethical AI in hunting and how it keeps the focus on the craft
🕒 Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to the LandTrust Podcast01:05 – Bill Thompson on founding Spartan Forge and his background in Army intelligence06:30 – What makes Spartan Forge different from OnX, HuntStand, and other hunting apps10:45 – Using AI to predict deer movement and patterns with real-world accuracy17:00 – Mapping layers, wind, terrain, and planning your next hunt23:20 – How data science and fieldcraft come together in Spartan Forge30:45 – The ethics of AI in hunting and respecting wild game37:00 – The future of hunting technology and smarter decision-making in the field
🔗 Follow LandTrust & Spartan ForgeInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_hunt⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustinc⁠Site: ⁠https://landtrust.com/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spartan.forgeFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/SpartanForgeTechLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/spartan-forge/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-whScWnYeC_JkxZxAQJGkQSite: https://spartanforge.ai/

AI Meets the Outdoors: How Guidesly Is Redefining Guiding | David Lord on The LandTrust Podcast

On this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, host Nic De Castro sits down with David Lord, Founder & CEO of Guidesly, to explore how technology and AI automation are transforming the outdoor guiding industry.With three decades of experience leading tech startups, including pioneering e-commerce, online ticketing, and gaming, David shares how he’s combining innovation and passion for fly fishing to help guides grow their business, streamline bookings, and rank higher in local search.What You’ll Learn 🎣- How AI tools like JackAI and JackBot automate marketing, content, and client communication- Proven ways to increase guide bookings and win in local SEO- The mindset behind building “no-touch” software that runs itself- How to scale your outdoor business without sacrificing authenticity- Why RecTech (recreation technology) is the next frontier in the outdoor economy- Leadership lessons on legacy, culture, and turning passion into purposeChapters 🕒00:00 – Welcome to the Outsides Insiders Series01:10 – From ToySmart to Disney: David Lord’s entrepreneurial journey06:45 – Launching Guidesly and the challenges outdoor guides face09:00 – Using AI to boost marketing, photos, and trip management15:40 – Voice bots, chat tools, and new ways to connect with customers20:30 – Building trust, visibility, and engagement through automation27:00 – Leadership, family, and building a lasting legacy33:00 – The rise of RecTech and what’s next for the outdoor industryFollow Guidesly & LandTrust 🔗Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/guidesly/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guidesly/LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/guidesly/Site: https://guidesly.com/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_hunt⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustinc⁠Site: ⁠https://landtrust.com/

Best DIY Turkey Hunting Spots in Idaho | A LandTrust Five Star Story

Looking for your next spring turkey hunt or trying to plan the perfect DIY turkey hunting trip?
In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, Nic talks with Scott Dalebout, a retired Utah game warden, who shares the story of his unforgettable Idaho turkey hunt through LandTrust, chasing Merriam’s and Rio Grande gobblers in the rolling green hills of northern Idaho.
From calling strategies and DIY turkey hunt prep to why Idaho has some of the best turkey hunting spots in the West, Scott breaks down what made this trip so memorable. He also shares a unique perspective from his years in wildlife law enforcement, and why the LandTrust model for private land access just works.
🦃 What You’ll Learn
- How to plan a successful DIY spring turkey hunt
- Why private land hunts can make all the difference
- Calling tactics that work for both Merriam’s and Rio turkeys
- What makes northern Idaho a top turkey hunting destination
- A retired game warden’s perspective on hunting access & ethics
- How to find hidden gem turkey properties on LandTrust
💬 Featured Quote
“Holy cow, the first morning we killed two giant gobblers — a Merriam’s and a Rio. Just huge, beautiful birds.” — Scott DaleboutCheck out Hasselstrom Farms: https://landtrust.com/l/hasselstrom-farms/64370bc9-ba4e-440c-8e49-55769262d212
⏰ Chapters
00:00 Intro – LandTrust Podcast01:00 Meet Scott Dalebout, retired Utah game warden02:00 Planning a DIY turkey hunt through LandTrust03:30 Hunting Idaho’s Merriam’s & Rio Grande turkeys05:00 Calling strategies that worked07:00 Turkey behavior & smart tactics09:00 How private land access changes the hunt11:00 Reflections from a lifetime in wildlife law enforcement13:00 Why LandTrust makes hunting easier & more ethical14:30 Bucket list hunts: Wyoming, Montana & beyond15:30 Wrap-up
Follow LandTrust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustincSite: https://landtrust.com/

HuntWise vs onX: The Future of Hunt Mapping Apps & Tech for Whitetail Hunters | Nate Huizenga

As hunting season peaks, hunt mapping apps like HuntWise, onX, and HuntStand are changing the way hunters plan every trip. But what really sets them apart, and what’s next for hunting tech?
In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, Nic sits down with Nate Huizenga, who leads partnerships and ambassador programs at HuntWise, to dive into the evolution of mobile hunt mapping, how weather algorithms and wind predictions help hunters plan smarter, and what it takes to scale a tech brand in a space dominated by onX.
From startup grind to acquisition, Nate shares the lessons behind building a loyal user base with limited resources and how HuntWise helps hunters make the most of every hour outdoors.
🧭 Topics Covered
- HuntWise vs OnX vs HuntStand: What makes each mapping app different
- How weather & wind algorithms help hunters know when and where to go
- Inside the startup-to-acquisition journey of HuntWise
- Why influencer marketing in hunting is broken — and how to fix it
- What the future of hunting apps & outdoor tech means for new hunters
- How digital tools make private and public land access more attainable
💬 Featured Quote
“Our goal isn’t to replace woodsmanship... It’s to help you make the most of the time you actually have to hunt.” — Nate Huizenga, HuntWise
⏰ Chapters
00:00 Intro – LandTrust Podcast01:00 Nate’s startup story & early lessons06:00 What makes HuntWise different10:00 Competing with OnX & HuntStand16:00 The HuntWise acquisition story22:00 Building authentic partnerships30:00 Why influencer marketing is changing38:00 Optimizing time outdoors44:00 The future of hunting access & technology54:00 Closing thoughts
 
Follow LandTrust & HuntWise
LandTrustInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustincSite: https://landtrust.com/
 
HuntWiseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntwiseapp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntwiseappWebsite: https://www.huntwise.com

Best Trail Camera Brand? Inside Tactacam Reveal’s Rise in Hunting Tech w/ Gregg Farrell

Why is Tactacam Reveal one of the best trail camera brands for hunters, and what can every outdoor business learn from their success?
In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, Nic sits down with Gregg Farrell, VP of Brand at Reveal by Tactacam, to discuss:
- Building authentic and lasting outdoor brands
- The future of hunting technology and cellular trail cameras
- Lessons learned from scaling major names like First Lite and Meateater
Gregg also shares what truly makes a brand connect with hunters, how customer service builds loyalty, and why technology and woodsmanship can (and should) coexist in modern hunting.
🏹 What You’ll Learn
- How Tactacam Reveal became one of the top trail camera brands in hunting
- The biggest differences between gear and tech brands in the outdoor industry
- Why authentic brands always outperform hype-driven ones
- What it was like working through the First Lite x Meateater acquisition
- The future of trail cameras, mapping apps, and hunting technology
- How customer service and storytelling drive long-term loyalty
💬 Featured Quote
“Brand isn’t your logo... it’s the connection between your company and the people who believe in it.”⏰ Chapters
00:00 Intro – LandTrust Podcast01:00 Gregg’s background at First Lite & Tactacam07:00 From camo to cameras: building products hunters love11:00 What brand really means17:00 Lessons from the Meateater acquisition25:00 The future of tech in hunting34:00 Trail cams + mapping apps: where it’s headed45:00 Content that connects with real hunters50:00 Customer service that sets brands apart53:00 Closing thoughts + where to find Reveal
#tactacam #reveal #besttrailcamera #huntingtech #whitetailhunting #outdoorbrandstrategy #meateater #firstlite #landtrustpodcast #huntprivate #tophuntingbrands #huntingbusiness #outdoormarketing #deerhuntinggear #huntingtech
🌐 Follow LandTrust & Reveal
LandTrustInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustincSite: https://landtrust.com/
Reveal by TactacamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/revealcellcam/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revealcellcamYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ZBMIHUDAH7h4dxYFAIJRQWebsite: https://www.revealcellcam.com

Kovarik Cattle Co: First-Generation Ranching & Hunting in Nebraska’s Sandhills

In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, we sit down with Nebraska rancher Luke Kovarik of Kovarik Cattle Co. to explore the unique outdoor opportunities of the Nebraska Sandhills. From world-class mule deer huntsand plentiful dove hunting to unforgettable upland bird hunts and thriving spring turkey populations, Luke shares what makes his ranch a must-visit destination for sportsmen.
Beyond hunting, Luke offers an inside look at Nebraska ranching life—from raising cattle on diverse Sandhills terrain to blending tradition with innovation in modern ranch management. We talk about the challenges and rewards of being a first-generation rancher, the importance of diversification, and how LandTrust helps ranchers connect with outdoor enthusiasts while generating supplemental income.
Luke also talks about his wife Natalie Kovarik, a nationally recognized advocate for agriculture and co-host of the popular Discover Ag podcast. While she wasn’t on this episode, her work in telling agriculture’s story is a powerful complement to the Kovarik family’s ranching and hosting efforts.
If you’re interested in Nebraska mule deer hunts, Nebraska dove hunting, upland hunting in the Sandhills, or Nebraska turkey hunting, this conversation highlights why the state is such a hidden gem for hunters and outdoor lovers alike. Plus, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the ranching families stewarding these landscapes for generations to come.
👉 Book your next Nebraska hunt at Kovarik Cattle Co. on LandTrust: https://landtrust.com/l/kovarik-cattle/60f6de6e-fab4-458b-b7bd-8dc066d1ee82
🌟 Create your free LandTrust account to be notified when new properties and outdoor experiences are added: https://landtrust.com
🌾 Are you a landowner interested in earning income from your land? Learn more and create your free LandTrust Landowner account here: https://landtrust.com/landowners
🔗 Follow Luke, Natalie & Kovarik Cattle Co.:
Discover Ag Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/discoveragpodcast/
Natalie Kovarik: https://www.instagram.com/nataliekovarik/
Kovarik Cattle Co.: https://www.instagram.com/kovarikcattleco/
🔔 Subscribe to the LandTrust Podcast for more stories from America’s landowners and the unforgettable outdoor experiences they provide.

🎧 New LandTrust Landowner Spotlight: Riley Pitman | Maine & New Hampshire DIY Turkey, Bear & Woodcock Hunting

Welcome to the LandTrust Podcast! In this episode, we spotlight Riley Pitman, a fourth-generation farmer and rancher operating the Cold River Cattle Company — a 600-acre working Angus cattle farm that straddles the Maine–New Hampshire border.
Riley shares how he’s opened his land for DIY outdoor experiences, offering self-guided access to private land for spring turkey hunting, black bear hunting, woodcock hunting, fishing, and more. From restoring over-pressured land to building a sustainable outdoor access model, this episode is a must-listen for hunters and anglers looking to explore New England's wild side on their own terms.
📍 Location: Stow, Maine & New Hampshire border🦃 DIY Activities:
Spring Turkey Hunting (opportunity for Maine & NH birds)
Woodcock Hunting in ideal mixed habitat
Black Bear Hunting (baiting allowed in-season)
Cold River Fishing — a blue-ribbon trout stream
Horseback riding & scenic trails
🔗 Book this property: Cold River Cattle Company on LandTrust
📞 Want to list your land? Visit https://www.landtrust.com/landowners or call/text us at (406) 709-8450.
#MaineHunting #NewHampshireHunting #DIYHunting #TurkeyHunting #WoodcockHunting #BearHunting #FishingMaine #LandTrust #FarmToField #OutdoorAdventure

Free Speech Advertising for Hunters & Outdoors Brands | Brian Aitken x LandTrust

How do hunting and outdoor brands advertise when Big Tech says “no”?
In this episode of The LandTrust Podcast, Nick De Castro sits down with Brian Aitken, founder & CEO of Topple, to explore how outdoor and firearms brands are finding new ways to reach their audiences despite heavy restrictions from platforms like Google and Meta. Brian shares his journey from Madison Avenue to building a free-speech ad platform backed by leaders like Pete Brownell and Rob Gearing.
Whether you’re a hunter, landowner, or outdoor entrepreneur, you’ll hear why Topple is becoming the go-to advertising solution for the outdoors industry — and what this means for the future of hunting, firearms, and recreation.
What You Will Learn
How hunting and firearms brands are adapting to Big Tech ad restrictions.
Why free-speech platforms like Topple are changing the marketing game.
The role of blacklists and how they impact outdoor media.
Lessons from Brian’s background in digital advertising and publishing.
Practical insights for outdoor brands to grow beyond social media.
Key Topics Discussed
Brian’s path from Wall Street Journal publishing to building Topple.
Why outdoor and 2A brands get “boxed out” by Google & Meta.
The rise of free-speech advertising networks.
How forums and niche communities still drive massive engagement.
What firearm and hunting companies can learn about consumer trust.
Where the outdoor rec-tech industry is headed next.
Show Resources
We Are Topple – Brian’s free-speech ad platform.
LandTrust – Discover and book outdoor experiences.
Related episode: Credova with Dusty Wunderlich
Memorable Quotes
“Topple is like Google Ads, but free speech.” — Brian Aitken (03:20)
“Turns out people that own guns…like guns.” — Nic De Castro (20:50)
“Constraints force you to be scrappy and build durable businesses.” — Nic De Castro (24:56)
Transcript Excerpts (Teasers)
[00:03:20] Brian Aitken: “In the simplest terms, Topple’s like Google Ads, but free speech. We allow brands to advertise anything they want so long as it’s legal where the ad is served.”
[00:12:01] Brian Aitken: “An advertiser tried putting a banana in a holster to avoid getting flagged — and even the banana got banned.”
[00:31:07] Brian Aitken: “Advertisers told us, we spend $100,000 and only $30,000 makes it into actual campaigns. The rest disappears. We wanted to change that.”
Conclusion
This episode highlights how innovation, resilience, and free-market principles are shaping the future of outdoor advertising. Brian Aitken’s story shows that hunters, landowners, and brands don’t have to settle for being boxed out of digital media.
👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The LandTrust Podcast, share it with a friend who loves the outdoors, and leave us a review to help more people discover the show.