The True North Lifestyle Podcast

Jeff from Peak Taxidermy returns to The True North Lifestyle Podcast for Episode 30.The last time Jeff joined us, he was getting ready to take a chance on himself — leaving a good full-time job to pursue Peak Taxidermy. Now he’s back to tell us how that decision has played out and what his first year working for himself has really been like.We go behind the scenes of the taxidermy business and talk about what happens after you drop off your trophy, tanning and turnaround times, custom forms, pricing, mount longevity, moose and detachable antlers, and why quality taxidermy can take a year or more.With hunting season here, Jeff also shares some important advice on field care and caping, including common mistakes hunters make and what you can do to give your taxidermist the best possible starting point.We also talk about balancing the busiest time of year in the shop with Jeff’s own hunting season, his favorite animals to work on, upcoming hunts, and plenty more.Whether you’ve got a trophy on the wall or you’re hoping to put one there this fall, this episode gives you a look at the work that happens between the day of the hunt and the day that memory comes home.🤝 PARTNERS & SPONSORS🧥 STAGR GearPremium hunting apparel built for serious hunters. Save 10% OFF with promo code TTN.https://stagrgear.com🏪 L.L. Cote- Proud partner of The True North Lifestyle. A Maine destination for hunting, fishing, firearms, archery equipment , outdoor gear, and everything you need for your next adventure.https://llcote.com🦌 Peak Taxidermy — You Hunt It, We Honor ItThis video is brought to you in part by Peak Taxidermy. Jeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, long-lasting mounts that honor your hunt and preserve the memory for a lifetime.https://www.peaktaxidermy.com🔪 Walker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives made in Maine. Built for hunters, guides, and outdoorsmen.https://walkerknifeco.com🏕 Lake Parlin LodgeNow booking weekly deer season cabin rentals and unforgettable Maine outdoor adventures.https://lakeparlinlodge.com🦌 THE TRUE SERIESTrue Estrus & True Dominance Buck Tarsalhttps://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop📲 STAY CONNECTED🌐 Websitehttps://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📺 YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthlifestyle👍 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📧 Sponsorship OpportunitiesInterested in featuring your business in future podcast episodes, films, and YouTube [email protected]

What should you do after the shot when an animal doesn’t go down and the blood trail starts to disappear? Do you keep tracking, back out, or call in a dog?In Episode #29 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe Kruse and Jeff Paradis sit down with veteran Maine blood trackers Susanne Hamilton and Lindsay Ware for an in-depth conversation about tracking and recovering wounded game, including deer, moose, and bear.With hundreds of tracks each season and years of experience working tracking dogs, Susanne and Lindsay have seen just about everything that can happen after the shot. They explain when hunters should keep tracking, when to back out, when to call a tracker, and why common mistakes like grid searching can make recovering an animal much more difficult.They also break down how tracking dogs can follow wounded game for hundreds of yards with little or no visible blood, what the dogs may actually be following, and why archery and firearm tracks can present very different challenges.The conversation covers high-spine shots, gut shots, leg hits, shot reactions, recovery timing, tracking wounded bears, dangerous moose encounters, recovery rates, and what hunters should do when a blood trail disappears.Joe also shares a memorable moose hunt where the animal dropped instantly, appeared to be down for good, and then unexpectedly got back up and ran—leading to an important discussion about high-spine hits and why hunters shouldn't always assume an animal that drops immediately is dead.Most importantly, Susanne and Lindsay share practical advice every big-game hunter should know: mark where the animal was standing, mark its direction of travel, physically mark blood and other sign, avoid walking directly on the track, and know when it's time to stop and call for help.Whether you hunt deer, moose, bear, or other big game, this episode is packed with real-world blood-tracking and recovery knowledge that could make all the difference when a hunt doesn't go according to plan.Save this episode before hunting season and share it with another hunter.🧥 STAGR GearPremium hunting apparel built for serious hunters. Save 10% with promo code TTN.https://stagrgear.com🏪 L.L. CoteProud partner of The True North Lifestyle and a Maine destination for hunting, fishing, firearms and outdoor gear.🦌 Peak Taxidermy — You Hunt It, We Honor ItHigh-quality, long-lasting mounts built to honor your hunt and preserve the memory for a lifetime.https://www.peaktaxidermy.com🔪 Walker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives made in Maine for hunters, guides and outdoorsmen.https://walkerknifeco.com🏕 Lake Parlin LodgeMaine lodging and unforgettable outdoor adventures.https://lakeparlinlodge.com🦌 THE TRUE SERIESTrue Estrus & True Dominance Buck Tarsalhttps://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📺 https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle📸 https://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthlifestyle👍 https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📧 Sponsorship Opportunities: [email protected]#BloodTracking #Hunting #TrackingDogs #MaineHunting🤝 PARTNERS & SPONSORS📲 FOLLOW THE TRUE NORTH LIFESTYLE

An underwater drone revealed a 1974 Camaro sitting on the bottom of Sebago Lake.Jason Smith of Maine Freshwater Exploration: Going Deep joins Joe Kruse, Rick Labbe, and Jeff Paradis to tell the incredible story behind the discovery—and what happened when a recovery team tried to bring the car back to the surface after nearly 50 years underwater.Jason originally returned to Sebago Lake searching for a 1991 Polaris Indy 500 snowmobile that had disappeared through the ice. With only minutes of battery power remaining, he spotted something unexpected in the distance: a 1974 Camaro resting on the lake bottom.The discovery led to an investigation and recovery effort involving divers, law enforcement, lift bags, boats, and plenty of questions about how the car ended up there.Jason also shares how his curiosity about Maine’s lakes, rivers, fish, and hidden underwater world inspired him to launch Maine Freshwater Exploration. The crew discusses underwater drone technology, recovering lost fishing equipment, exploring beneath the ice, locating sunken vehicles, and the strange objects Jason has discovered underwater.They also dive into brook trout, lake trout, cusk, spawning areas, spring holes, thermoclines, river currents, and what underwater footage has taught Jason about where fish actually hold.From schools of lake trout to lost phones, fishing rods, anchors, bottles, sunken vehicles, and a tree covered in fishing lures, you never know what the drone will reveal next.If you enjoy Maine fishing, underwater exploration, lost treasure, sunken vehicles, fish behavior, and outdoor mysteries, this episode is for you.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:43 Meet Jason Smith03:30 What inspired the underwater drone07:58 Launching Maine Freshwater Exploration13:40 Dropping his phone in 130 feet of water15:00 Recovering lost items18:19 Navigating without GPS20:16 Exploring beneath the ice21:40 Can you fish with an underwater drone?23:00 What fish finders may really be showing25:32 Jason’s strangest discoveries29:30 A tree covered in fishing lures32:25 Finding a 1991 snowmobile37:31 Discovering a 1974 Camaro38:45 Investigating the sunken car40:25 Planning the recovery42:04 Who owns a recovered vehicle?42:45 Divers inspect the Camaro45:48 The Camaro rolls during the first lift52:10 How badly the car had deteriorated54:00 Could a drone help solve a cold case?1:02:17 What Jason learned about fish behavior1:04:08 Fisheries biologists and underwater drones1:05:17 Hundreds of spawning lake trout1:06:58 How deep do fish live?1:12:08 Find Maine Freshwater ExplorationFOLLOW JASON SMITHYouTube & Facebook: Maine Freshwater Exploration: Going Deep📧 [email protected] & SPONSORS🎟 HuntstockSave 10% with promo code TTN.https://huntstockevents.com/buy-tickets🧥 STAGR GearSave 10% with promo code TTN.https://stagrgear.com🔪 Walker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives made in Maine.https://walkerknifeco.com🏕 Lake Parlin LodgeWeekly deer-season cabin rentals and Maine outdoor adventures.https://lakeparlinlodge.comSPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES📧 [email protected] CONNECTED📺 https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 https://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthlifestyle

After 35 years of chasing giant Saskatchewan whitetails, Rick and Mike Labbe have stories most hunters will never experience. From once-in-a-lifetime bucks to remote fly-in fishing trips, close calls, and unbelievable adventures, this episode is packed with stories you'll remember long after it's over.If you love deer hunting, big bucks, fly-in fishing, brook trout, lake trout, and authentic hunting camp stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the new podcast studio00:42 Meet Mike Labbe01:10 STAGR's new wool hunting gear03:10 Lanny Benoit's deer hunting clinics04:10 Lanny's handmade knives05:55 Podcast updates07:30 Spring fishing season08:20 Canada's incredible fly-in fishing10:00 Family adventures in remote wilderness12:45 Giant brook trout & lake trout stories15:45 Labrador, Ontario & Alaska fishing adventures19:10 How Rick discovered Saskatchewan hunting20:40 Their unforgettable first Saskatchewan trip22:00 The giant buck Rick still thinks about23:20 Rick announces the 2026 Buck Bash24:15 Bring your biggest buck to display25:00 FREE official deer scoring26:30 Knife making & giveaways27:50 Live taxidermy demonstrations28:40 Food trucks, music & family activities30:00 Buck Bash details & ticket information31:10 Mike's incredible 193-inch Saskatchewan buck34:30 Why Saskatchewan produces giant whitetails38:45 The giant 8-pointer Mike passed43:45 Returning to Alberta after 20 years44:10 Alberta outfitter horror stories49:00 One of the wildest hunting stories you'll ever hear🦌 Rick Labbe's 2026 Buck Bash📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026📍 Clinton Fairgrounds • Clinton, Maine✔ Bring your favorite buck to display✔ FREE official scoring by Northeast Big Bucks✔ Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club scorers✔ Live taxidermy demonstrations✔ Knife making demonstrations✔ Free knife sharpening✔ Huge raffles & giveaways✔ Live music✔ Food trucks✔ Kids activities🎟️ Buy tickets early to receive bonus raffle tickets!🎟️ Tickets:https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop/ols/products/2026-buck-bash-tickets🤝 Partners & Sponsors:🎟 HuntstockGet 10% OFF your tickets with promo code TTN.https://huntstockevents.com/buy-tickets🧥 STAGR GearPremium hunting apparel built for serious hunters. Save 10% OFF with promo code TTN.https://stagrgear.com🔪 Walker Knife Co.Handcrafted knives made in Maine. Built for hunters, guides, and outdoorsmen.https://walkerknifeco.com🏕 Lake Parlin LodgeNow booking weekly deer season cabin rentals and unforgettable Maine outdoor adventures.https://lakeparlinlodge.com🎯 Sponsorship OpportunitiesInterested in featuring your business in future podcast episodes and YouTube videos?📧 [email protected] Connected📺 YouTubehttps://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Websitehttps://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthlifestyleIf you enjoy whitetail deer hunting, big woods bucks, Saskatchewan hunting, Canadian whitetails, fly-in fishing, brook trout, lake trout, moose hunting, outdoor adventures, and hunting camp stories, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE. New videos and podcasts are released every week!

What creates a legendary deer hunter?In Episode #26 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, the crew sits down with the legendary Lanny Benoit alongside Timmy Bolduc and Glenn Bombardier for one of the most personal and in-depth conversations yet about the origins of the Benoit Bucks legacy, growing up in the Vermont woods, learning to track deer, competitive shooting, snowmobile racing, and the mindset that helped shape one of the greatest big woods buck hunters of all time.From stories about carrying a .22 at 7 years old, shooting bucks around the house as a kid, learning without modern technology, and eventually helping revolutionize big woods deer tracking through books, VHS tapes, seminars, and deer schools… this episode dives deep into the history behind the Benoit family and the culture of Northeast deer hunting.The conversation also covers:The beginnings of the Benoit Bucks DVDs and seminarsHow tracking schools are helping modern huntersWhy confidence and experience matter in deer huntingThe reality of learning through mistakesShooting, mechanics, geometry, and competitionThe mentality required to consistently track mature bucks, this is one you don’t want to miss.📌 Timestamps0:00 – Intro0:45 – Timmy Bolduc & Glenn Bombardier join the podcast1:40 – Fishing Moosehead Lake with Lanny2:15 – Supporting the podcast & sponsors3:10 – Huntstock Wisconsin & Massachusetts4:15 – Rick Labbe’s Buck Bash announcement5:30 – Walker Knife Co. & handmade knives6:45 – The origins of Lanny Benoit’s hunting passion7:40 – Growing up hunting in Vermont as a kid8:30 – Carrying a .22 at 7 years old9:15 – Life before TVs, phones & paved roads10:30 – Fishing and hunting alone as a child11:40 – Lanny’s obsession with becoming a great deer hunter12:30 – Shooting bucks around the house at 9 years old13:10 – Competition, mindset & passion14:20 – Snowmobile racing & designing carburetors15:10 – Why school bored Lanny16:00 – Understanding mechanics & geometry17:20 – Early deer tracking lessons18:20 – Hunting Maine & the big woods19:30 – Lanny’s first 200-pound buck20:40 – Legendary shooting ability & skeet shooting23:00 – Coaching shooters & fixing bad habits24:50 – Advice for becoming successful at anything25:50 – The growth of the Benoit deer tracking schools27:30 – Hands-on shooting drills at deer school29:00 – How to sign up for deer school30:30 – The influence of Benoit books & DVDs31:10 – Tom Blaise/filming discussions & early hunting films33:30 – Ontario hunts & filming giant bucks35:40 – The first Benoit DVDs & VHS tapes36:40 – Why hunting with a cameraman can help38:00 – The origins of hunting seminars & videos40:40 – The first Benoit Bucks book & its impact42:00 – Competition between the Benoit brothers43:20 – Tips for tracking mature bucks44:30 – Confidence, experience & learning from mistakes46:30 – Lake Parlin Lodge deer camp openings48:30 – Timmy & Glenn discuss how Benoit Bucks changed their hunting🌲 Featured GuestsLanny BenoitTimmy BolducGlenn BombardierJoe KruseRick Labbe🦌 Mentioned In This Episode🏹 Benoit Deer Tracking Schools📍 Pine Grove Lodge – Moscow, Maine🎣 Northeast Troller👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN for 10% OFF🧥 STAGR Gear👉 Use code TTN for 10% OFF🔪 Walker Knife Co.👉 Handcrafted knives made in Maine🏕 Lake Parlin Lodge👉 Weekly deer season cabin rentals available now🎟 Huntstock👉 Use promo code TTN for discounted tickets💬 Comment BelowWhat’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned while deer hunting?And what’s your favorite Benoit Bucks memory — the books, VHS tapes, DVDs, seminars, or tracking stories?👇 Let us know in the comments.🌲 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle📺 YouTube: @TrueNorthLifestyle📘 Facebook: The True North Lifestyle📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🌐 Website: TheTrueNorthLifestyle.com