DENVER (November 19, 2025) – In the newest episode of The Michael Waddell Podcast, presented by Spandau Arms and in partnership with Spartan Precision and Folds of Honor, host Michael Waddell is joined by Bill Thompson, founder of the hunting app Spartan Forge. The two discuss the intersection of military intelligence and ethical wildlife pursuit, bridging advanced technology with the traditions of the hunt.
The Michael Waddell Podcast is produced by Outdoor Sportsman Group and is available widely on Outdoor Channel YouTube, MyOutdoorTV, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and OutdoorChannel.com, to name a few.
This episode offers a look into the mind of Bill Thompson, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4, entrepreneur, lifelong hunter, and conservation advocate. With two decades of service in military intelligence and special operations, Thompson created Spartan Forge, the first AI-powered hunting app applying military targeting methodologies to wildlife pursuits, particularly for whitetail deer and elk. He discusses how he is bridging the worlds of defense technology, outdoor recreation, and veteran support, all while championing the cause of ethical hunting.
Thompson shares his unique perspective on understanding animal behavior, drawing a surprising parallel from his military background. “It might come off as cliché, but a whitetail, a big elk, or a high-value target have a couple of things in common: food, security, and does or cows,” Thompson explains. “You nail those three things down, and you’ve got a pretty accurate picture of a trophy animal. Understanding those drivers is key to a responsible and ethical pursuit.”
As a self-proclaimed “nerd,” Thompson explains he didn’t want to just build a mapping app, but an intelligence repository that a whitetail or elk hunter would have available to them. He goes on to share how his appreciation for both traditional skills and new technology shapes his outlook. “I’ve built bows and I appreciate new bows. I can start a fire with a flint and striker or with a bow drill, or I can get the newest fire starting kit from Amazon and use both. But it’s really about having an appreciation and a rooting in the past to understand where you’re coming from. Like I tell my kids, calculators are great, but first, understand the arithmetic. True, computers are great, but first, understand how to use an encyclopedia or the Dewey Decimal System. Go read a book, get out in the library, read old art, old books, and appreciate that first.”
“Bill’s discipline and innovation are changing the game for modern hunters,” said Michael Waddell. “He’s not just building technology; he’s mentoring hunters and veterans on how to think smarter and hunt more effectively. His dedication to applying his hard-won skills to the outdoors is truly admirable. It was a privilege to have him on the show.”
The Michael Waddell Podcast releases new episodes every other week.
Waddell’s story began in the backwoods of Booger Bottom, Georgia, where he grew up surrounded by nature, family, and a love for the outdoors. A self-proclaimed “rowdy redneck,” his passion for hunting and storytelling led him to win a Realtree turkey-calling contest, which launched his career in the outdoor industry. From guiding and filming hunts to creating hit shows like Realtree Road Trips and Bone Collector, Waddell has become a beloved figure in the outdoor world.
Read the full article here
