The crisp air, changing leaves, and early drifts of snow floating through the streets mean one thing for the TFL team: it’s time to embrace everything we love about waterfowl season. From early mornings in the blind to late nights processing, cooking, telling stories around the bonfire, and sharing the delicious meat from our hunts, fall is our favorite time of year. This week, our journey takes us to one of our favorite places—the Midwest, and in particular, Wisconsin! with none other than our host from the TFL Podcast Midwest Series, Joel Kleefisch, leading the charge.
If you’ve followed The Fowl Life, you know Joel as a passionate waterfowler, a talented cook, and a guy who lives for everything outdoors. Joel has built his career on his love for Wisconsin, and it’s easy to see why. A Wisconsin native through and through, Joel embodies everything we love about the Midwest: humor, hospitality, and a knack for turning fresh bounty into outstanding meals. His family lives exclusively on wild game, and his recipes, crafted from years of hunting around the globe, are as legendary as his storytelling.
Why Wisconsin is the Midwest’s Best-Kept Secret
Some people might think of Wisconsin as just another “flyover state,” but we would beg to differ! This state is an outdoorsman’s dream. From the huge flocks of migrating waterfowl, whitetail deer, and wild turkeys to its world-class fishing, kayaking, and hiking opportunities, Wisconsin is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Joel’s passion for his home state is so infectious, it was no surprise to anyone when we dedicated an entire segment of The Fowl Life Podcast to celebrating the Midwest. In “The Midwest Series with Joel Kleefisch,” Joel brings together waterfowl and foodie personalities from all over to share their stories, insights, and love for the lifestyle.
Bringing Wisconsin to the Table
In honor of the crew’s trip to Wisconsin this week, we’re sharing one of Joel’s all-time favorite recipes, perfect for bringing a taste of your passion to the holiday table. Goose Pot Pie is comfort food at its finest, blending rich, hearty flavors with the satisfaction of knowing the ingredients came from your own hard work in the field. It’s a dish that celebrates hunting, family, tradition, and sharing your bounty with loved ones.
For more incredible wild game recipes and even step-by-step tutorial videos, check out theproviderlife.com
Here’s to the adventures ahead—early mornings, late nights in hunt camp, and everything in between—and be sure to try out the Goose Pot Pie recipe to bring a little Midwest charm to your holiday season!
Head to Wisconsin and experience the beauty in person! For more information, visit Travel Wisconsin at www.travelwisconsin.com
Until next time, happy hunting and even happier eating!
Have somethin’ to talk about? Email us at keeptalkin@tflproductions.com and join the conversation!
Joel’s Goose Pot Pie
Ingredients:
2 lbs shredded goose breast meat
3 qts goose stock from slow cooking or you can use chicken broth or beef broth
1 stick butter
1 cup flour
1/3 cup Provider Covey Rub
1/3 cup Provider Crosshairs Rub
1/2 bag mixed vegetables
4 frozen pie crust bottoms
4 refrigerated pie crust tops
Instructions:
Cook goose meat in an instant pot or slow cooker, seasoned with Provider Covey Rub and Provider Crosshairs Rub, until it pulls apart with a fork. Shred the meat and set aside.
Melt butter in a pot, slowly adding flour and stirring constantly.
When bubbling, slowly add stock or broth whisking vigorously.
When the mixture bubbles and thickens, add rubs, meat, and vegetables.
Return to a soft boil, and ladle into the bottom of the pie crusts. Add the top crusts, crimp, trim, and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!