In this episode, Dwayne Parker shares his journey from military service to becoming a passionate kayak fisherman and outdoor enthusiast. We explore his background, fishing tips, and insights into outdoor content creation and conservation efforts. In this episode, Dwayne Parker shares his journey into kayak fishing, the technical aspects of kayak setup, and the importance of faith and community in his life. Discover practical tips for kayak control, gear selection, and how to challenge yourself to grow as a fisherman.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest

02:36 The Brief: Texas hunts, duck stamp, New York deer regulations

07:10 The Situation Report

15:22 The Bridge Featuring: Dwayne Parker

17:51 Dwayne’s background and fishing journey

28:42 Military service and transition to outdoor life

33:40 First kayak experience and mods

42:16 Learning to kayak and fishing tips

47:40 Advice for beginners and content creation insights

52:05 Building a brand and content consistency

54:36 Kayak modifications and gear upgrades

Guest links

Website - https://dwayneparkerfishing.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dwayneparkerfishing/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@dwayneparkerfishing

Equalized Outdoors Links

Home - https://www.equalizedoutdoors.com

News - https://www.equalizedoutdoors.com/newsroom

Services - https://www.equalizedoutdoors.com/services

Media - https://www.equalizedoutdoors.com/channels

Gear - https://www.equalizedoutdoors.com/gear

Resources - https://www.equalizedoutdoors.com/resources

We get the good people of Oregon off the streets, and give a helpful SITREP and more. Enjoy the show. There are also two giveaways inside that you won't want to miss.

Deja shares how her outdoor journey started with soft entry points like backyard camping and beach days before Yosemite National Park became the place that changed her life. From there, she talks about her background in history and anthropology, her work as an interpretive guide, the mentors who helped her see herself in public lands work, and why she created Black In Wild as a platform for stories that too often go unheard.

The conversation also gets into the real difference between being visible outdoors and actually feeling like you belong, the barriers that still exist in national parks and public lands spaces, and how independent media can help build new entry points for people who are curious but unsure where to start.

Plus, Deja joins Off the Streets with a trail etiquette message everyone needs to hear, and this week’s Soundtrack features “You Got Me Feeling” by Parcels.

This episode is about more than recreation. It’s about invitation, representation, and what can happen when someone simply says, “You want to come with us?”

The conversation covers corridor-based restoration along the Trinity River, the role of habitat management in long-term population recovery, and how emerging tools, such as Turkey Management Units, could eventually create limited hunting access in restored landscapes.

They also address common misconceptions about stocking, the reality of hunting public land near DFW, and why predator management and prescribed fire remain critical to keeping birds on the landscape once restoration succeeds.

Justin also breaks down current access challenges facing Metroplex hunters, discusses walk-in hunting models used in other states, and highlights how conservation partners like the National Wild Turkey Federation and Turkeys for Tomorrow are supporting restoration work across Texas.

Also in this episode:

The Brief: Idaho moves to restrict the use of certain electronics while hunting—and what that signals about where technology and ethics may be headed nationwide.

Off the Streets: Not all money is good money—a look at why Equalized Outdoors is being intentional about partnerships and what that means going forward.

The Bridge: A deeper conversation with TPWD on restoration strategy, access realities near the Metroplex, and what success could look like over time.

Soundtrack: The music that’s been setting the tone lately.

Whether you’re a turkey hunter in North Texas or just trying to understand how restoration decisions shape opportunity on the landscape, this episode breaks down what’s happening—and what to watch next.

Whether you’re a longtime turkey hunter, a new turkey hunter, or just trying to understand why some North Texas counties remain closed, this episode provides a clear look at where things stand—and what may be coming next.

This episode introduces the show and what you can expect moving forward as we connect the people, policies, and perspectives shaping today’s outdoor culture.

MrJayCam, shares his background, the mission behind Equalized Outdoors, and why telling underrepresented stories in hunting, conservation, and the outdoor community matters.

He also breaks down the segment structure of the show, including The Brief, SITREP, Off the Streets, The Bridge, Soundtrack, and the After Action Review.

In this episode’s Brief, we take a look at the recent Senate vote affecting mining near the Boundary Waters and what it means for conservation—and why responsibility starts at the ballot box.

The SITREP, presented in association with Custom Gear Modifications, covers spring turkey season in Texas, the reality of limited public hunting opportunity in the state, recent hunts in South Texas, and ongoing efforts to improve turkey access in North Texas.

We also introduce what’s ahead for the podcast, including upcoming conversations with partners and experts like Texas Parks and Wildlife wild turkey program leader Jason Hardin.

This is Episode 1—just getting started.