
Hosted by Driftwood Outdoors Podcast · EN

In this laid-back episode of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, Brandon, Shags, and Joe take a breather from the heavy topics of recent weeks to catch up on life, health experiments, and the outdoors. Shags shares the highs, lows, and surprising benefits of his 72-hour water fast—including euphoria, insomnia, and the ultimate reward: a bowl of sauerkraut.The crew also recaps Paddle Don’s wedding, digs into self-control and the challenges of modern eating, and debates everything from Missouri River canoe trips to outdoor policy, hunting culture, and even Ted Nugent’s controversial role in conservation conversations.Whether you’re curious about fasting, passionate about the outdoors, or just here for the banter, this episode is a blend of humor, honesty, and hard-hitting opinions.Special thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week, we pay tribute to one of Missouri’s greatest conservationists — Jerry Presley, former Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, who passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 94.Jerry dedicated nearly four decades to protecting and managing Missouri’s natural resources and inspired generations of outdoor lovers through his leadership, mentorship, and passion for the outdoors. From his humble roots in Low Wassie to the helm of MDC, Jerry lived a life defined by service, stewardship, and a deep love for the Missouri wilderness.In remembrance, we’re replaying Episode 60, one of our all-time favorite conversations. Recorded five years ago, Jerry joined us to talk about:Growing up in the Ozarks during the Great DepressionThe creation of Eleven Point State ParkConservation legends and legislationWaterfowl, exotic pets, and goggle-eye fishing…and yes, even Bigfoot and the Mystery Bait BucketIt was a conversation full of wisdom, laughter, and timeless stories.Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to Driftwood Outdoors, we invite you to sit back and enjoy this special episode that captures the spirit of a true conservation pioneer.Rest easy, Jerry — and thank you.In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy to be made in the form of donations to the Jerry J. Presley Conservation Endowed Scholarship at the University of Missouri.Link to make donations is HERESpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Shags heads north to the legendary Lake of the Woods for the Fishing with Shags Experience at Ballard’s Resort—recently ranked the #3 fishing lodge in the country by USA Today.From early morning casts to big-time catches, Shags and the crew teamed up with expert guide Brian for an unforgettable few days on the water. Hear the stories, the laughs, and the highlights from this epic summer trip to the Walleye Capital of the World.If you love fishing, this one’s for you.For more info: Ballard's Resort FBBallard's Resort INSTABallard's Resort WebsiteSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod talk to Joe Jerek and Lucas Bond with the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. Topics discussed: Outdoor communication, elk hunting in Missouri; public lands, ruffed grouse, ranch vs ketchup, MoMo and Bigfoot, social media; hogs; black bears; internet trolls; informing and educating the public; helicopter rattlesnakes; black panthers; the mystery bait bucket and more.Special Thanks to Fisher Space Pen:https://www.spacepen.com/For more info about Missouri Dept. of Conservationhttps://mdc.mo.gov/https://www.facebook.com/moconservation/https://www.instagram.com/moconservation/Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:https://www.facebook.com/DriftwoodOutdoors/https://www.instagram.com/driftwood_outdoors_podcast/http://driftwoodoutdoors.com/Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com