FAN Outdoors · Billy Hildebrand (KFXN)

Fan Outdoors: Denny Fletcher, Ron Hustavedt, Donnie Vincent

·1 hr 30 min·5 clips

Donnie Vincent shares why understanding wildlife biology makes hunting more than just a pursuit of trophies.

This episode of Fan Outdoors features hosts Billy Hildebrand and Bob St. Pierre interviewing bait shop owner Denny Fletcher, Game Fair representative Ron Hustavet, and filmmaker Donnie Vincent. Denny Fletcher provides a local fishing report and explains the seasonal disappearance of leeches. Ron Hustavet details the 44th annual Game Fair event, highlighting dog events, shooting seminars, and exhibitors. Donnie Vincent discusses his new documentary series "Fantastic Places" and his approach to hunting filmmaking. Denny Fletcher reports that fish are biting on brassy shiners near inside weed lines on area lakes like Lily and Long Lake. He explains that jumbo leeches disappear first in late summer after spawning, making them unavailable at bait shops. Ron Hustavet states Game Fair occurs over two weekends in August in Ramsey, Minnesota, featuring over 200 exhibitors and activities like dock jumping and agility demonstrations. He mentions featured guests like shotgun instructor Nora Ross and Irish dog trainer Maddie Landon. Donnie Vincent describes his new project "Fantastic Places" as a series compiling footage from past hunts, including successful and unsuccessful expeditions. He recounts a specific Dall sheep hunt from 2011 in Tok, Alaska, where he faced extreme physical challenges with inadequate gear. Vincent explains his production company, Sicmanta, works with major brands like Sitka and produces documentaries focused on authentic storytelling and conservation. A surprising insight is that leeches die off seasonally because older, jumbo specimens disappear after laying eggs. Vincent reveals his early hunting films were sometimes incomplete stories due to failed hunts or logistical issues, which he is now weaving into a cohesive series. He shares a professor's advice that "the closer you become to something, the more interesting it becomes," which guides his detailed filmmaking. The episode has a conversational and educational tone, blending casual banter between hosts with informative interviews. It is styled as a typical outdoor radio show, offering tips, promoting local events, and featuring in-depth guest conversations. Listeners who enjoy local fishing reports, hunting event previews, and thoughtful discussions on outdoor filmmaking would appreciate this episode. Those seeking fast-paced action or purely instructional hunting content might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A cool Saturday morning turns into grounded fishing talk, bird chatter, and a plainspoken case for getting closer to the natural world.

The segment opens in a cool, hazy Saturday-morning mood and settles quickly into the show’s usual mix of fishing and bird talk as the season edges toward fall.

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Why you'd press play

You want a Saturday-morning Fan Outdoors mix of lake talk, bird season, and a guest who thinks bigger than trophies.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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