Peter Panda Podcast

S2E2 Hunting and Guiding with Brandon Purcell (@Durango.Boone)

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we get to hangout with my fellow hunting guide, Brandon Purcell. Now, you may know Brandon as, Durango Boone, his IG handle, but to me, he is a great friend and one of the most hardworking mountain hunters alive today. Brandon is an accomplished bow hunter, an outdoor gear guru, and probably one of the funniest human beings I have ever met. Brandon is widely known for killing big bears and late season bulls, but his resume of experiences goes much further than that. Kickback with us and enjoy this great conversation with ol Durango Boone.  

S2E1 The Life and Adventures of a Sheep Hunter with Kurt Racicot

Welcome back to Season Two of the Peter Panda Podcast. On this episode, we’re headed into sheep country, with my friend, mentor, and hijacked big-bother, Kurt Racicot. Now, if you haven't listened to all of Season One of this hear podcast, let m e stop ya right here. We got nine incredible episodes, ahead of this one, ready for download, right now! Do me a solid and go check them out. 
Now, you probably know Kurt Racicot from his wildly successful gear company, Stone Glacier, but that’s not what impresses me about this guy. He’s a real killer, a mountain warrior, the kinda predator all of us could hope to be half of each time we go afield. You look in the dictionary under ‘real deal’ and this dude’s photos gonna pop up. Pack your bags, and don’t forget your rain gear, we about to go sheep hunting, with a legend, Kurt Racicot. 

S1E9 CullFest Explained with Ben Binnion and Scott Krueger

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we’re headed to CullFest in the famed Maverick County of south Texas. We dissect the meticulous world of low-fence, trophy deer management with wildlife biologist, Ben Binnon, and retired Texas Game Warden, Scott Krueger. We dive into habitat management, supplemental feeding programs, culling, and ultimately, how these guys work tirelessly to minimize the stress levels of this highly manicured herd of deer. Ben explains that, within his particular management strategy, culling deer is absolutely necessary, but these tools and practices can differentiate from a habitat's specific carrying capacity, to different management end goals. Time to climb into the Texas deer blind and play a small, but extremely fun and important role, in growing some of the biggest wild whitetail deer on earth. 

S1E8 Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay with Wildlife Biologist, Steve Kendrot

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we’re hitting Maryland’s eastern shore with wildlife biologist, Steve Kendrot. We’re talking all things Chesapeake Bay from their non-native sika deer, to the destructive history of the invasive South American nutria, to the alien-like lifecycles of the famed local blue crab! Steve is an expert on just about everything here and our time spent with him this past October was nothing short of educational. Put on your waders, grab your climber stands, and all the ThermaCells you can carry, and join us, as we head into the marsh, one of the most unique places I’ve yet to experience. 

S1E7 Dog Sledding the Iditarod with Tim Pappas

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we’re goin dog sledding with my dear friend, Tim Pappas. Tim and his teams of sled dogs have raced in renowned mushing competitions including the ultra-extreme 1000-mile Yukon Quest, as well as the more popularly known, Alaskan Iditarod. From his conservative beginnings on the east coast, Tim’s life of adventure has led him to become a professional hunting guide, pilot, and most interestingly, an accomplished dog musher. Dog sledding and the Iditarod are both rich with history and Tim does a great job taking us along on some of his most exciting days afield. Grab some hot-drink and get comfy. It’s about to get real cold. 

S1E6 Alaskan Salmon Fisheries Research with Dan Rinella

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast we diving into Alaskan salmon waters  with my great friend and career salmon biologist, Dan Rinella. And yes, that's MeatEater Steve's nicer, and better looking, older brother. For years now, Dan and his wife, Corinna, have welcomed me into their home in Anchorage for hot meals, cold beer, and even a place to crash as I’ve traveled thru town on different trips and hunts. Dan has a PHD in biology and an absolute wealth of knowledge. His on-going water temperature research in Alaska gives us fascinating insight into the current state of some of the world’s most coveted salmon fisheries. If wild salmon don’t already completely blow your mind, get comfy, they’re about too. 

S1E5 Becoming a Hunter with Becca Harris

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we're goin on the formidable journey of a young lady named, Becca, who became a hunter later in life. Raised in the suburbs of Michigan, Becca wasn't introduced to hunting until meeting her to-be husband, Brody, later in college. Becca's contagious enthusiasm and passion for hunting is so genuine and refreshing. She hunts for all the right reasons and not surprisingly, along the way, has become quite the wild game chef. This gal will try anything! I mean anything. She even recently ate a wolf, just to try it. If you're a gal interested in hunting, no matter your age or level of experience, you're gonna love this one. And to all those husbands, brothers, boyfriends, and fathers out there, listen up. Becca has some valuable insight on how we can get more women into the outdoors. I hope ya'll enjoy this conversation half as much as we did recording it! 

S1E4 Building YETI with Ryan Seiders

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we're telling an incredible story of a cooler company called, YETI. I sit down with Ryan Seiders as he dives into the impressive saga of how he and his bother, Roy, set out to build one of the most iconic outdoor brands in history. This story has it all, from their humble beginnings, to a multimillion dollar payday, to ultimately taking their brand public.  

S1E3 Elk Hunting with Randall Williams

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we’re goin on a couple elk hunts with one of the nicest, funniest, and all around good human, Randall Williams. I love Randall for more reasons than I could list, but his genuine passion for hunting and conservation is unmatched. Bucks, does, bulls, cows, big ones, small ones, Randal loves hunting them all. I mean… all of them! This guy loves that trigger time more than anyone else I know. I believe Randall hunts for all the right reasons and when he drew not one, but two special elk permits last fall, I was so excited for him to have the opportunity to target some trophy bulls. He’s one hell of a story teller, so get comfortable and lets go ona elk hunt! 
 

S1E2 Hound Dogs & Lion Hunting with Vern Smith

On this episode of the Peter Panda Podcast, we’re gonna cut some lion tracks and dump the dogs with my good friend, mentor, and one of the most experienced houndsman alive today, Vern Smith. Mr. Smith has been one of the most influential men in my life. He’s the man who introduced me to lion hunting, hound dogs, and has single-handedly equipped me with most of my own backcountry knowledge and skills. Join us as we dive into a lifetime of lion hunting, outfitting, and raising a family in the mountains of Montana. Really we only scratched the surface on this one. Vern has more experiences and stories than we could possibly fit into one episode so I promise you’ll be hearing more from this legend down the road on this podcast.