Ep. 443: Render - True Confessions in the Turkey Woods

In this deeply personal and candid episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb and guests Lake Pickle, Jordan Blissett, Lacey Pickle, and Josh Lambridge gather at a Mississippi River camp to reflect on turkey hunting, personal failures, and the emotional weight of missed opportunities in the woods. The episode unfolds as a confessional session, where each hunter shares stories of near-misses, ethical dilemmas, and moments of profound regret—most notably Lake’s story of shooting a turkey out from under his then-fiancée Lacey, a moment that sparked a major fight and two years of unresolved tension. The group also discusses the broader implications of turkey season timing, conservation debates, and the fine line between hunting culture and ecological responsibility. Amid laughter and vulnerability, they reveal the hidden pressures of hunting, the importance of trust, and the spiritual dimension of the turkey woods—where the 'turkey man' is seen as a divine figure whose favor must be earned through humility and honesty. The episode culminates in a symbolic 'chip count' tied to each hunter’s story, ending with a renewed sense of unity and hope for one final hunt the next day.