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

495 - Legends of The Spring with Mike Giles

·57 min·5 clips

How did a pharmacist's desperate need for a hunting spot turn Mike Giles into a lifelong turkey hunter?

This episode features an interview with author and turkey hunter Mike Giles about his new book, "Legends of the Spring, Masters of the Call." Hosts Andy Gagliano and Cameron Weddington introduce Giles as a Mississippi-based writer and dedicated turkey hunter. The conversation centers on Giles's process of collecting and writing unique turkey hunting stories from notable figures across the country. Giles explains his book compiles short biographies and memorable hunt narratives from various turkey hunters and call makers. He specifically mentions stories from Brent Rogers titled "The Hot Pink Balloon Bird" and Mark McPhail's "The Pepsi Cola Gobbler." Other featured individuals include Mossy Oak's Ronnie "Cuzz" Strickland, world champion caller Mark Prudhomme, and California hunter Joe Slayton. Giles shares that hunter Cody Guess once killed a world record turkey weighing over 38 pounds. He recounts how Brenda Valentine learned to hunt from her father in an era when few women participated. The book also includes a poignant story from Med Palmer about calling turkeys for disabled veterans and a final hunt. A surprising claim involves a story where a hunter's plastic leggings were struck by a snake during a confrontation with other hunters. Giles reveals his own turkey hunting journey began when a persistent friend named Billy Russell offered to teach him in exchange for hunting access. He tells the story of Michael Beard, whose sons helped him achieve a Grand Slam by traveling to Wyoming while battling a debilitating disease. The book is a limited, signed, and numbered print run of 500 copies. During a rapid-fire Q&A segment, Giles states his favorite turkey sound is a yelp and believes new hunters' biggest mistake is calling too much. The episode maintains a conversational and anecdotal tone, blending personal storytelling with promotional discussion. Listeners who enjoy collections of hunting lore and personal narratives from the turkey woods will appreciate this episode. Those seeking technical hunting tips or scientific management discussions might find less direct utility here.

As heard by us

Turkey hunting tips, habitat advice, and a poignant Med Palmer story carry the episode.

This episode moves from turkey calling and old-pro advice to live-hunt storytelling, cooking, and wildlife management without ever settling on one lane.

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Why you'd press play

A turkey-hunting interview that runs on stories, calling tips, and a hard-earned sense of the season.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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