The Turkey Hunter Podcast with Andy Gagliano & Cameron Weddington | Turkey Hunting Tips, Strategies, and Stories · Andy Gagliano

490 - Turkey Talk with Billy Yargus

·1 hr 11 min·5 clips

Billy Yargus reveals how his last squirrel hunt with mentor Russell Robertson became a cherished memory after his sudden passing.

This episode features turkey hunting experts Andy Gagliano and Cameron Weddington interviewing decorated caller and Woodhaven Calls pro Billy Yargus. The hosts share personal stories before diving into a wide-ranging conversation with Yargus about his hunting philosophy and experiences. Yargus is a three-time Grand National calling champion who now builds diaphragm calls full-time. The episode includes a rapid-fire Q&A where Yargus states his preference for fried wild turkey, Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, and Eastern turkeys over other subspecies. He reveals he was taught to hunt by his late mentor, Russell Robertson, and that his first and last hunts with Robertson were both squirrel hunts. Yargus discusses using a shotgun scope with an auto-off feature to conserve battery life and recounts a hunt where sunlight glaring in his eyes nearly ruined a close encounter. He explains how losing a prior recorded interview led to this re-recorded session. A key insight is Yargus's belief that preseason scouting and calling to turkeys without shooting does not negatively affect hunting success later. He describes the profound impact Robertson had on his life as an outdoorsman and friend. Yargus details his path into competitive calling, motivated by a desire for consistent, high-quality mouth calls and inspired after hearing champion caller Walter Parris. He notes that winning requires immense practice and that the circuit fosters lasting friendships. The conversation highlights how individual hearing differences, like his father's preference for deeper calls, can affect perception of turkey sounds. Yargus contrasts the distinct gobbles of Eastern turkeys with Rio Grande and Merriam's subspecies. He expresses deep gratitude for turning his passion into a career, allowing him to hunt all spring. The tone is casual, humorous, and deeply conversational, filled with personal anecdotes and technical hunting tips. Listeners will appreciate the hosts' easy camaraderie and self-deprecating jokes about lost recordings and hunting mishaps. This episode is ideal for dedicated turkey hunters seeking advanced strategies, calling insights, and personal stories from a seasoned expert. Listeners who prefer highly structured, purely instructional content or have no interest in hunting might find the casual, story-driven format less engaging.

As heard by us

A roomy turkey-hunting conversation that favors practical detail over polish.

This Turkey Hunter installment opens with calling tips, sunrise strategy, live-hunt notes, cooking advice, and habitat management before Billy Yargus gets into his move from factory work to Woodhaven and the sounds of calls being prepared in the background.

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Why you'd press play

If you want turkey-calling craft with a shop-floor feel, start here.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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