Fox Hunting on Horseback and Hunting Traditions with Allison Crews
In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with lifelong outdoorswoman Allison Crews — founder of the group affectionately known as the Swamp Witches.Allison shares how a nickname from her husband during duck season grew into a community of women who hunt, fish, and enjoy Mississippi’s outdoors together. She talks about learning to hunt as a child, training her own retrievers, and introducing new people — especially women and kids — to hunting without the pressure.The conversation moves from mornings in the Delta duck blinds to Mississippi’s little-known world of fox hunting on horseback, a sport she’s helped keep alive for more than thirty years. Allison also explains her work with the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust, which funds projects that make outdoor recreation more accessible across the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:37
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32:37
Inside Mississippi’s Bat Population with Jack Creely
In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Jack Creely, wildlife biologist with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, to talk all about bats.Jack breaks down the myths, facts, and science behind one of Mississippi’s most misunderstood mammals. Mississippi is home to 14 different species of bats, all of which play a major role in keeping insect populations under control — eating their body weight in insects every night.The conversation covers:• How bats benefit Mississippi’s ecosystems and agriculture• Common myths about bats, caves, and rabies• What white-nose syndrome is and how biologists monitor it• Where bats roost and how you can attract them with bat houses• Why bats are vital for farmers and the environmentJack also shares his personal path from Delta State University to the Museum of Natural Science, what it’s like to prep mammals for the museum’s research collection, and how fieldwork takes him into caves, culverts, and even football stadiums.Mississippi Outdoors is a product of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.Follow MDWFPWebsite: http://www.mdwfp.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdwfpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdwfponline/ X: https://twitter.com/MDWFPonline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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21:11
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21:11
Inside the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science with Director Angel Rohnke
In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Angel Rohnke, Director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Angel shares her journey from moving to Mississippi over twenty years ago to leading one of the state’s most beloved educational destinations.She talks about how the museum connects children to nature through education, outreach, and hands-on experiences — from field trips and summer camps to overnight sleepovers under the aquariums. Angel also explains what makes the museum unique within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and how it serves as the first point of connection to the outdoors for thousands of Mississippi families every year.The conversation covers:• Angel’s 20-year path from educator to director• The museum’s outreach programs serving all 82 counties• How the LaFleur’s Bluff Playground has brought in over 500,000 visitors• Upcoming museum renovations and new exhibits, including Ice Age Animals and LEGO builds• Why connecting kids to the outdoors is at the heart of the museum’s missionMississippi Outdoors is produced by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.Follow MDWFPWebsite: http://www.mdwfp.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdwfpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdwfponline/ X: https://twitter.com/MDWFPonline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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22:11
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22:11
Mississippi’s Outdoor History and Culture with Billy Johnson
In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt visits with Billy Johnson, founder of the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum in Leland, Mississippi.Billy shares how a personal collection of vintage hunting and fishing photos and memorabilia grew into a 14,000-square-foot museum celebrating Mississippi’s rich outdoor history. The conversation covers:• Stories of early hunting, fishing, and Native American culture in Mississippi• Handmade lures, turkey calls, and legendary Mississippi outdoorsmen• How conservation leaders like Fannie Cook, Billy Joe Cross, and Fox Haas shaped Mississippi’s outdoor legacy• Why Mississippi remains one of the best states in America for hunting and fishing opportunitiesMississippi Outdoors is produced by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.Follow MDWFPWebsite: http://www.mdwfp.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdwfpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdwfponline/ X: https://twitter.com/MDWFPonline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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51:09
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51:09
Carnivores in Mississippi: Habitat Challenges with Dana Morin & Jacob Dykes
In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt visits with Dr. Dana Morin and Dr. Jacob Dykes from Mississippi State University. Dana leads the Carnivore and Population Ecology Lab, where her research focuses on black bears, coyotes, and bobcats, while Jacob brings expertise from the MSU Deer Lab and extension work with landowners.The discussion covers:• The history and purpose of the Carnivore & Population Ecology Lab at MSU• Black bear recovery in Mississippi and across North America• How habitat loss influences predator–prey dynamics• Coyotes, bobcats, and the role of predators in deer and turkey populations• Why “predators are often scapegoated” and the importance of habitat diversity• Genetics and population modeling used to study bears and other carnivoresHow collaboration between MSU’s labs benefits landowners, hunters, and conservationMississippi Outdoors is produced by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.Follow MDWFPWebsite: http://www.mdwfp.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdwfpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdwfponline/ X: https://twitter.com/MDWFPonline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen to the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, hosted by Matt Wyatt. We'll dive into fascinating conversations about Mississippi's rich outdoor life, where each episode brings new knowledge about wildlife, the outdoors, and unique local experiences. Join us for diverse stories all aimed at shaping the state's cultural outdoor narrative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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