BHA Armed Forces Initiative, with Justin Spruiell

BHA Armed Forces Initiative, with Justin Spruiell

Author: Sportsmen's Empire January 4, 2024 Duration: 1:03:52

On this episode of Huntavore, Nick is joined by Justin Spruiell of the Armed Forces Initiative of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Justin is a volunteer who dedicates his time toward his passion for the outdoors and being able to explore the amazing landscapes of our public lands. Not only are the lands important but Justin shares my passion for wild harvests becoming amazing table fare, He gives details on an incredible dish for ducks. One heck of a great conversation on this episode of Huntavore.

So often in the Armed Forces, we hear about the strain on mental health. The obvious being combat and active fighting, yet the isolation and distance from loved ones can be daunting. I will be the first to acknowledge that I have no understanding of this. My guest Justin Spruiell does. He served as military police in several places, one in particular was Germany, where through a traumatic event, he found a way to get off base and fish some of the amazing rivers in Europe. Fast forward to now he works for BHA/AFI. Connecting veterans and active members with the outdoors in a recreational, mission oriented atmosphere. BHA has seen how this initiative has grown so quickly that the Armed Forces will soon have their own Chapter here in 2024. Being familiar in fatigues, and with an apron, Justin flexes his small game/waterfowl muscles on a Korean style duck dish sure to get any waterfowler excited. 

You can find out more about BHA/AFI at:

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/armed_forces

https://www.instagram.com/bha_afi/

Show Partners:

Tappecue Meat Probes

Instagram: @tappecue

Website: https://bit.ly/2NIr0Xj

Coupon Code 10% off: HUNT10

Umai Dry

Instagram: @umaidry

Website: bit.ly/3WhfnnX

Sign up for the newsletter for 10% off


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


There’s a particular satisfaction that comes from a meal you’ve pursued and prepared entirely yourself, a process that begins long before the kitchen. The Huntavore digs into that entire journey, from the field to the plate. Each conversation revolves around the practical realities of harvesting wild game, the careful art of butchering, and the countless ways to transform that protein into memorable food. You’ll hear from hunters, chefs, and everyday people who find a deeper connection to what they eat through this hands-on approach. This isn’t about trophies or boasting; it’s a grounded look at the skills, ethics, and simple joys involved in sourcing your own meat. The discussions are straightforward and relatable, focusing on technique, conservation, and a genuine respect for the natural world. Tune in for honest talk about failures and successes, favorite recipes for venison or waterfowl, and the quiet fulfillment found in this age-old practice. This podcast is for anyone curious about the full story behind wild game on the table, whether you’re an experienced hunter or just beginning to consider where your food originates. It’s a celebration of self-reliance, flavor, and the tangible results of time spent in the wilderness.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Huntavore
Podcast Episodes
Ep 194  Freezer Organization Fail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:35
In this episode, Nick shares a personal journey of freezer organization, the lessons learned from a recent organizational failure, and a plan to improve storage and meal prep efficiency. The discussion highlights practic…
Ep 193 U.P. Ice Adventure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:27
In this episode, Nick recount their thrilling ice fishing adventure targeting trophy lake trout. They share their journey from the marina to the fishing spot, detailing their setup, techniques, and the excitement of catc…
Ep 192 Icefishing & Fasting with Wildgame [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:28
As winter blankets Michigan with snow and ice, ice fishing enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to cast their lines onto frozen lakes. In this episode, we’ll explore the thrilling experiences shared in a recent epis…
Ep 191 Mike Fitzgerald; A Sportsmen’s Slippery Slope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:21
In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges of balancing family life with sports commitments, the unpredictable nature of winter weather and ice conditions, and the journey of writing and publishing i…
Ep 190 Escaping the Kitchen Rut Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:22
In part two of this conversation, Nick and Chris of Okayest Cook, explore various themes surrounding hunting, cooking, and self-sufficiency. They share personal experiences from the hunting season, discuss the joys of co…
Reindeer: A Bittersweet Start to 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:59
Nick was given a huge opportunity to acquire a reindeer carcass. He lays out the events that lead to this, how it wasn't a hunt, but a dispatch of an animal. How he will go about salvaging as much as he can, from skull a…
Out with One Season, In with a New [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:30
Nick Otto reflects on the recently concluded deer season and shares his excitement for theupcoming ice fishing season. He discusses the joys of ice fishing with family, the importance ofpreparing equipment, and the thril…
Ep.187  Stews and Braise Season with Kriss Abigail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:09
On this episode of Huntavore, Kriss Abigail and Nick Otto explore the world of hunting and cooking, focusing on the importance of utilizing underutilized cuts of venison. They discuss various cooking techniques, the valu…
Ep 186 Big Lakers with Cate Meade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:51
In this episode of Huntavore, Nick sits down with Cate Meade, a Chicago native whose love for the outdoors began with family traditions and time spent in nature. Her passion for cooking started early — sparked by a child…
Overly Dramatic Buck Story & Meat Hunter Passes on a Deer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:10
In this episode, Nick recounts a thrilling hunting experience, detailing the build-up of tension ashe waits for the perfect moment to take a shot at a deer. The narrative captures the emotionalrollercoaster of the hunt,…