How To Hunt Turkey - Turkey Hunting Memories with Brent Rich
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In this nostalgic and heartfelt episode of 'How to Hunt Turkey,' host Dan Johnson reconnects with his longtime friend and fellow hunter, Brent Rich, to reflect on their shared turkey hunting journey that began in 2002. The conversation centers around their infamous first turkey hunt—a chaotic, beer-fueled, and comically disastrous weekend in a prefab shed in Northern Iowa, where both men killed their first turkeys despite being completely unprepared. Brent shares how that experience ignited a lifelong passion for hunting, leading him to shift from turkey hunting to becoming a dedicated whitetail bowhunter. He discusses the evolution of turkey hunting in Iowa, noting changes in turkey populations, increased predator pressure (especially coyotes), and the impact of habitat loss due to the potential collapse of the CRP program. Brent also opens up about using hunting as a therapeutic tool for managing PTSD and TBI, emphasizing the social and emotional value of time spent in the woods with family and friends. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with plans to team up for a future Grand Slam turkey hunt in the West, symbolizing both friendship and the enduring spirit of the hunt.
The best hunting memories often come from failure, chaos, and shared laughter—especially when you're unprepared and young.
Hunting is more than about the kill; it's a powerful tool for mental health, family bonding, and personal growth.
Predator overpopulation (coyotes, raccoons) and habitat loss (CRP program decline) are major threats to turkey populations and hunting success.
Bowhunting turkeys with traditional gear (like a longbow) is a personal challenge and a way to honor the roots of the sport.
Reaping turkeys can be fun, but it risks diminishing the process and social experience that make hunting meaningful.
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The Infamous First Turkey Hunt: Chaos in a Prefab Shed
“These are the stories I do not want to tell my oldest boy. It's like, Hey, let's have booze and guns and hunting all in the same story. Just not a good look.”
From Rookie Hunters to Hunting Addicts
The duo reflects on how that first hunt sparked a deep obsession with hunting. Brent shares how he transitioned from turkey hunting to becoming a full-time whitetail bowhunter, influenced by friends, family, and the desire for a deeper connection with the woods.
The Golden Age of Turkey Hunting: Dumber Turkeys, Fewer Hunters
Brent describes a time in the early 2000s when turkey hunting was easier—more birds, less pressure, and more access. He recalls a seven-year streak of guaranteed kills, attributing it to fewer hunters, less predator pressure, and more forgiving turkeys.
The Modern Struggle: Predators, Habitat Loss, and the CRP Crisis
“If the money's not there, you know as well as I do, those farmers are going to start pushing that in. And then anything that any of those drainages that are habitat... gone.”
“If the money's not there, you know as well as I do, those farmers are going to start pushing that in. And then anything that any of those drainages that are habitat... gone.”
“I could care less if I shoot a turkey. Ultimately it's the I'm usually out there getting sidetracked about... finding a shed or a mushroom... That's the point.”
“These are the stories I do not want to tell my oldest boy. It's like, Hey, let's have booze and guns and hunting all in the same story. Just not a good look.”
Host
Guest
Brent Rich
person
Dan Johnson
person
Iowa
place
Coyotes
other
CRP Program
other
Raccoons
other
Reaping
other
Merriam's Turkey
other
Interstate Batteries
brand
Northern Iowa
place
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