The LandTrust Podcast

Western Kansas Hunting: Whitetail, Mule Deer, Rio Grande Turkeys & Upland Birds | LandTrust Spotlight

In this episode of LandTrust’s Landowner Spotlight Series, host Nic De Castro sits down with Latham Schwarz, a second-generation rancher from Western Kansas. Latham recently listed his family’s 7,300-acre Schwartz Ranch on LandTrust, opening access to an incredible mix of habitats—from rolling native grasslands and cropland to a mile of river bottom along the Solomon River.
Guests can hunt whitetail, mule deer, Rio Grande turkeys, pheasant, bobwhite quail, and doves, or spend a day fishing for bluegill and sunfishin the ranch ponds. Latham also shares his passion for coyote hunting, shed hunting, and guiding guests across the rugged Kansas landscape.
Explore Schwartz Ranch on LandTrust here: 👉 ⁠Schwartz Ranch Listing⁠
In this conversation, Latham discusses:
Why he chose LandTrust over traditional outfitter leases to keep more control of his ground
The unique habitat of Western Kansas, with live water, timber, and rolling terrain that surprises many hunters
The value of connecting with guests who see the ranch through fresh eyes
His vision for welcoming sportsmen while carrying on his family’s cattle and crop legacy
If you’re curious about Kansas deer hunting, Rio Grande turkeys, upland birds, or the next generation of ranchers opening land to sportsmen, this episode is for you.
👉 Subscribe for more landowner spotlights and hunting stories through LandTrust. 🔗 Follow LandTrust 🌐 Website: ⁠https://landtrust.com⁠
📸 Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_hunt/⁠
👍 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/⁠ 
 

Turkey Hunting Idaho: Merriam’s & Eastern Success | LandTrust Stories

Join us for another episode of LandTrust Stories as we head to Idaho with guest Mike Lammers to relive an unforgettable spring turkey hunting adventure.
Mike and his wife Carrie returned to Hasselstrom Farms for their second trip and both tagged beautiful Merriam’s and Eastern turkeys. From calling in big gobbling Toms at just 15 feet to sharing farm-raised lamb and beef straight from their hosts, this story shows why LandTrust hunts are more than just about the harvest—they’re about connection, community, and unforgettable memories.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Mike discovered new hunting opportunities through LandTrust
The excitement of calling in turkeys up close and personal
Why the farm-to-table connection makes their trips extra special
Mike’s hunting bucket list, from Osceola and Rio Grande turkeys to Argentina water buffalo
If you’re interested in Idaho turkey hunting, private land hunts, or authentic farm-to-table travel, you’ll love this story.
👉 Subscribe for more hunting stories, landowner spotlights, and guest adventures through LandTrust.
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Ranch Finances Made Simple: John Haskell on How Ranch Right Helps Ranchers Profit

Can financial literacy save America’s working lands—and your favorite hunting spots?
 
In this episode of The LandTrust Podcast, Nic De Castro sits down with John Haskell of Ranch Right, LLC to explore a topic often overlooked in conservation: profitability. John shares how his journey from ecological research to holistic ranch management revealed a simple truth—when landowners thrive, land and wildlife do too. From sage grouse to elk, Haskell explains how better financial practices not only sustain ranches but also protect the habitat millions of outdoorsmen rely on. This is a must-listen for anyone who values access, conservation, or just wants to understand what it takes to keep America’s rural lands wild and working.
 
What You Will Learn
Why profitable ranching is essential to long-term conservation
How better financial systems support better land management
What most hunters misunderstand about ranchers and land access
The unexpected social benefits of short-term recreational access
How recreation (yes, even hunting) can be a “concession” enterprise
 
Key Topics Discussed
Aldo Leopold’s conservation wisdom in today’s context
The LDS Church’s ranching model and what we can learn from it
The high stakes of multigenerational land loss in rural America
Why federal land management and “locking it up” often fails
The emotional toll of selling off family land—and how to prevent it
Building bridges between producers and outdoorsmen
 
Show Resources
⁠Ranch Right Website⁠
⁠Ranch Right YouTube Channel⁠
⁠Ranch Right on Instagram⁠
⁠LandTrust Website⁠
Book: A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
 
Memorable Quotes
“A profitable business can run forever. One that requires constant help is a liability.” — John Haskell [00:16:00]
 
“Landowners are expected to host the public’s wildlife—at their own expense.” — John Haskell [00:21:30]
 
“You can’t have stewardship without sustainability—and you can’t have sustainability without profit.” — John Haskell [00:24:00]
 
Transcript Teasers
[00:06:30]“When I got to Deseret Land and Livestock, it blew my mind. There was grass everywhere, wildlife everywhere. And they were profitable. That was the ‘aha’ moment for me.” — John
 
[00:20:00]“My aunt and uncle sold their California ranch—not because they wanted to, but because they had no choice. And the emotional cost was brutal.” — John
 
[00:45:00]“Recreation, especially hunting, is a ‘concession’ enterprise that can actually fit into ranch operations better than people think—without disrupting the core business.” — John
 
Conclusion
This episode cuts through the noise of land-use debates and gets to the heart of what really sustains the outdoors: profitable, intentional landowners. If you care about habitat, wildlife, and rural communities, support the people stewarding the land. Check out Ranch Right and LandTrust for tools that make it possible—and share this episode to keep the conversation going.
 
Subscribe to the show, leave a review, or share it with someone who hunts, farms, or just loves the land.

Backcountry Hunting Fitness & Marketing Tips with Ryan Watson | LandTrust Podcast

How do you train your body and mind to thrive in the backcountry—and grow a hunting brand at the same time?
In this episode of The LandTrust Podcast, host Nic De Castro sits down with Ryan Watson, Chief Marketing Officer at Mountain Tough. Ryan has spent over a decade driving growth in the hunting industry, from scaling OnX Maps to leading one of the most recognized fitness brands for backcountry hunters. They dive into building mental toughness, navigating massive shifts in digital marketing, and how Mountain Tough evolved from a niche hunting app to a holistic lifestyle platform. Whether you’re chasing elk in the high country, training for your next adventure, or curious about the business side of hunting, this episode is loaded with insights.
What You Will Learn
How to build mental and physical endurance for multi-day backcountry hunts.
Key strategies for growing an outdoor brand in today’s digital landscape.
The real impact of Apple’s privacy updates on hunting-related marketing.
Why mental toughness can matter more than physical fitness in the mountains.
How LandTrust can help hunters maximize limited time afield.
Key Topics Discussed
Ryan’s journey from OnX Maps to Mountain Tough.
The evolution from fitness-only to a holistic lifestyle brand.
Behind-the-scenes of high-growth marketing in the hunting industry.
Lessons learned from spending millions on digital ad campaigns.
How technology is changing both hunting and training.
Show Resources
Mountain Tough – https://mtntough.com
OnX Hunt – https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app
LandTrust – https://landtrust.com
Quotes
“The backcountry is the avenue… but our core mission now is to change people’s lives for the better.” – Ryan Watson (00:26:00)
“We hit the gas, man, and grew the company like crazy.” – Ryan Watson (00:05:00)
“You might have the best shape of your life, but without mental toughness, you won’t last in the mountains.” – Ryan Watson (00:24:00)
Conclusion
This episode blends the grit of backcountry hunting with the sharp edge of modern marketing. Ryan Watson’s insights offer hunters practical training advice and give entrepreneurs a behind-the-scenes look at brand growth in the outdoor industry. Apply one of his tips on mental toughness this week—and share the episode with a buddy who needs the motivation.

Turkey Hunting for Veterans in Colorado | Anthony Jones x LandTrust

Can a turkey hunt help heal the invisible wounds of war? In this episode of The LandTrust Podcast, host Nic De Castro welcomes Anthony Jones, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Military Sportsmen of America, a nonprofit providing hunting and fishing trips for veterans and first responders.
From turkey calls to life calls, this conversation dives into how outdoor experiences are creating real impact for vets—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Hear how LandTrust properties in states like Colorado, Minnesota, and Wyoming are being used to connect veterans with nature, and how a simple gobble can change everything.
Whether you're a hunter, landowner, or just someone who loves a good story, this one’s for you.
What You Will Learn
How the outdoors can support mental health and healing for veterans
What makes turkey hunting the perfect "gateway" to the outdoors
Why LandTrust is a trusted tool for veteran-focused outdoor trips
How to support or get involved with Military Sportsmen of America
Key Topics Discussed
The emotional journey of vets rediscovering peace through hunting
DIY hunts vs outfitters—and why LandTrust makes it easier
States where the nonprofit has made an impact with LandTrust properties
Fundraising challenges and how landowners are stepping up to help
The goal of hunting all 49 legal turkey states… plus Mexico
Show Resources
Military Sportsmen of America Facebook Page
LandTrust Hunting Opportunities
Memorable Quotes
"There’s peace and serenity in nature—and when you’re with other like-minded vets who just want to be outside, it’s really healing." — Anthony Jones [00:01:00]
"Turkey is the gateway drug to the outdoors." — Nic De Castro [00:06:00]
"Our vet in Wyoming said he felt like he was with family the whole time." — Anthony Jones [00:08:00]
Conclusion
This episode is more than a hunting story—it's a powerful reminder of how the land we love can become a bridge to healing. If you’re a landowner, sportsman, or supporter of veterans, there’s something here for you. Visit Military Sportsmen of America to donate, connect, or learn more.
Subscribe, leave a review, or share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Beyond the Bro Deal: Bryan Koontz on Tech, Trust & the Real Influencers of the Outdoors

In this episode of the Outside’s Insiders series, Nic DeCastro sits down with Bryan Koontz, the founder and CEO of Guidefitter—a marketplace connecting 300+ outdoor brands with verified hunting, fishing, and outdoor professionals. From hunting whitetails in rural Maryland to studying engineering at MIT and working on early drone research in the DoD sector, Bryan brings a rare blend of field cred and technical chops to the hunting tech frontier.
They unpack the flaws in traditional pro purchase programs, why Guidefitter vets users like no one else, and how outdoor brands can turn real users—not influencers—into their most powerful advocates. Bryan also opens up about the challenges of navigating anti-hunting bias in tech, payment processing hurdles, and why mapping might just be a commodity in disguise.
If you're building, investing in, or just curious about the future of hunting, fishing, and outdoor rec tech—this episode is a must-listen.
The founding story of Guidefitter and why it’s more than a pro deal platform
The "real influencers" vs. Instagram models: why guides matter
Common failures in brand pro programs—and how to fix them
Activating pros as brand ambassadors (and why attribution is so hard)
Building trust with retailers while still selling direct
Anti-gun and anti-hunting friction with Meta, Google, and payment platforms
Why mapping might become a free utility (hot take!)
 
👉 Check out what Bryan and the team are building at Guidefitter: Guidefitter connects outdoor brands with verified hunting, fishing, and outdoor professionals—power users who live the lifestyle and influence real purchasing decisions. Whether you’re a guide, outfitter, veteran, or just an avid outdoorsman, explore the platform and apply to join the Insider network. 🔗 ⁠https://www.guidefitter.com⁠
 
👉 Book your next DIY hunting trip with LandTrust: LandTrust is the go-to platform for booking DIY hunts on private land. Whether you're after elk, whitetail, turkey—or just want a quiet place to fish, camp, or get outdoors—LandTrust connects you directly with landowners across the country. No outfitters, no crowds—just authentic outdoor experiences on your terms. 🔗 ⁠https://www.landtrust.com⁠

DIY Turkey Hunting in Oklahoma and Missouri with LandTrust Traveler Oliver Hertzog

What happens when a diehard turkey hunter turns a road trip into a double-tag success?In this Five Star Stories edition of the LandTrust Podcast, host Nic De Castro sits down with Louisiana-based hunter Oliver Hertzog to hear about his epic DIY turkey hunting road trip across Missouri and Oklahoma using LandTrust. From calling in gobblers on his first afternoon in Oklahoma to wrangling cows in Missouri, Oliver shares stories, strategies, and the unexpected perks of private land access.Whether you're chasing your 50-state goal or just looking for less pressured birds, Oliver’s adventure offers real insights and a few laughs along the way.
What You Will Learn
How LandTrust helps hunters find quality, private land across the U.S.
The benefits of hunting turkey outside the pressure zones of the Southeast
How to quickly adapt calling techniques across different regions
Tips for booking multiple out-of-state hunts in a single trip
Why the landowner connection makes the experience better than expected
Key Topics Discussed
Oliver’s back-to-back turkey hunts in Missouri and Oklahoma
The difference between hunting pressured Southern birds vs. Midwest turkeys
How LandTrust compares to public land in terms of flexibility and success rate
The role of OnX Maps in navigating private property confidently
Hunting gear, subspecies strategy, and the pursuit of the Grand Slam
LandTrust’s new Field Notes tool for scouting and following properties
Show Resources
RM3 Wilderness – Block W (Oklahoma): View the listing
LandTrust for Landowners: www.landtrust.com/landowners
Follow & Book on LandTrust: www.landtrust.com
Quotes
“It’s like Airbnb for hunting. I tell people that all the time.” – Oliver Hertzog [00:19:10]“I had my gobbler down in less than four hours. Can’t beat that.” – Oliver Hertzog [00:02:30]“Turkeys in the South? They’ve got PhDs.” – Oliver Hertzog [00:12:10]
Conclusion
Oliver’s story is proof that with the right tools, good landowners, and a little grit, DIY hunting across state lines is more doable—and enjoyable—than ever.🎯 Book your own LandTrust road trip and start planning your next multi-state adventure today.

Legacy Meets Innovation: U.S. Manufacturing, Hunting Gear, and Outdoor Industry Trends

Can a father-son duo revolutionize American-made gear while honoring tradition? In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, we sit down with Jon and Mike Edwards—a powerhouse father-and-son team behind Schnee’s and Duckworth—to explore what it takes to build premium outdoor brands rooted in American manufacturing. From sheep ranches in Montana to boot factories in Italy, they walk us through the journey of creating high-performance gear while navigating global trade, tariffs, and a shifting outdoor economy.Perfect for entrepreneurs, gearheads, and conservation-minded listeners, this conversation unpacks what it really means to balance legacy, quality, and innovation in today’s outdoor industry.
 
What You’ll Learn
Why vertical integration is key to quality—and survival—in U.S. manufacturing.
The hidden challenges behind “Made in America” labels (hint: it’s complicated).
How tariffs are changing the game for outdoor brands.
What hunting gear matters most (and where not to waste money).
Why Bozeman, Montana is still the Silicon Valley of hunting innovation.
 
Key Topics Discussed
How Schnee’s and Duckworth balance domestic and international manufacturing
Boots vs. backpacks: where to invest in your gear
The future of Bozeman’s role in the outdoor space
Why American-made goods aren’t always “all-American”
The power of local community and partnerships in brand building
How new hunters can find their way—and their gear
 
Show Resources
Schnee’s Boots: ⁠⁠https://schnees.com⁠⁠
Duckworth Co.: ⁠⁠https://duckworthco.com⁠⁠
Back from the Brink Book (on wildlife restoration): ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/backfromthebrinkbook⁠⁠
Mountain Tough Fitness: ⁠⁠https://www.mountaintough.com⁠⁠
 
Quotes
“If you layer two or three Duckworth pieces, you're covering the gamut of mountain weather.” – Mike Edwards [00:09:50]
“Let’s not make it tribal—public land vs. private land. We all want clean water, healthy wildlife, and a place to hunt.” – Jon Edwards [00:48:20]
 
Conclusion
This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action for entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts to think smarter about manufacturing, conservation, and community. Whether you're buying gear or building a brand, there’s a lesson in this episode for you. Apply what you learned—support American-made gear and build with purpose. And if you liked this episode, don’t forget to share it with a fellow outdoorsman.