Imagine sitting around a campfire listening to a group of friends share their passions, stories and connections to the great outdoors. At the Pennsylvania Game Commission, our passion is WILD, and “Call of the Outdoors,” the agency’s podcast, is all about wildlife, hunting, habitat and conservation efforts in the Keystone State. Each episode includes a unique look into a Pennsylvania wildlife-related subject, a few laughs, and is sure to leave listeners with a renewed sense of knowledge and pride in the work being done on behalf of wildlife. Join the campfire and explore lots of ways to promote and enhance Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources for current and future generations!
Ep.74 | Ignite the Spark: It Takes a Hunter to Make a Hunter
Every time you go into Penn’s Woods, you take home more than a harvest. So pay it forward and take someone hunting this fall.
Game Commissioner Bob Schwalm and R3 Program Coordinator Evan Mock join host Matt Morrett to discuss the responsibility hunters have to conservation by getting the next generation outdoors through mentorship.
Episode Highlights:
How mentorship builds hunters, creates lasting relationships, and strengthens the future of conservation
The opportunities Pennsylvania offers, from adult and youth permits to special events and seasons
How to break down barriers for new hunters
The importance of keeping mentees involved in every aspect of the hunt
Ways to keep it fun, simple, and pressure-free
Why every harvest is worth celebrating and every “mistake” is a lesson learned
Why it’s still a success, even if a mentee doesn’t become a hunter
Resources:
Attend Hunter-Trapper Education or become an instructor.
Get your mentored hunting permit.
Sign up for upcoming mentored hunt events.
Be on the lookout for upcoming Learn to Hunt programs.
Bring archery to your school with NASP.
5 Aug 2026
Ep. 73 | Blue Marsh: A Model for Habitat Diversity
State Game Lands (SGL) 280 — known as Blue Marsh — isn’t just a haven for hunters. Its diverse habitat helps build a diverse food chain, making it a destination for birding, photography, hiking, dog training, and more.
Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Mark Weiss and Land Management Group Supervisor Kevin Clouser join host Matt Morrett to discuss how management plans steer habitat strategies for each SGL, good hunting conditions are prioritized, and all species benefit from diversity.
Episode Highlights:
How staff work together to create comprehensive management plans for SGL
The unique history and makeup of SGL 280
Why creating habitat diversity helps all wildlife
The biggest challenges in managing SGL
How Blue Marsh’s healthy ecosystem fosters wildlife studies
Resources:
Learn more about habitat management on SGL.
Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL.
1 Jul 2026
Ep. 72 | Public Land on Mission: PA’s State Game Lands System
Did you know Pennsylvania is home to enough state game lands (SGL) that each hunter could have two acres to themselves?
Public Lands Section Chief Curtis Noll and Land Management Group Supervisor Rodney Mee join host Matt Morrett to highlight 106 years of the SGL system, the habitat projects that make these lands primed for wildlife, and how we can all keep the 1.5 million acres of SGL wild.
Episode Highlights:
History of Pennsylvania’s SGL system
Differences between SGL, state forests, and state parks
How the Game Commission manages wildlife habitat on SGL
Breakdown of the SGL road system
Updated regulations and signage on SGL
Resources:
Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL near you.
Review the latest SGL regulations.
Who has been a guest on Call of the Outdoors
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Scott Wolbert
Dan Heggenstaller
Paul Weiss
Steve Smith
Dave Gustafson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
2.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
69
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Call of the Outdoors
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Call of the Outdoors
Who hosts Call of the Outdoors?
Matt Morrett host the show. Published by Pennsylvania Game Commission.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Call of the Outdoors take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Call of the Outdoors?
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