Legends of the Wild, A Field And Stream Production | Hunting, Fishing and the Outdoors

Musky fishing can consume a lifetime, but the biggest lessons come from adapting. Pete Maina has spent decades chasing muskies as a guide, lure builder, writer, television personality, and lifelong angler. His experience offers a rare look at how musky fishing has changed, from the days when nearly every fish was harvested to today’s widespread catch-and-release culture. The conversation digs deep into the tactics that can help anglers find and trigger muskies, including fishing shallow heavy cover, identifying productive weed edges, experimenting with lure sounds and actions, and changing speed and retrieve cadence. Maina explains why bucktails remain such an effective way to cover water, why soft plastics have become increasingly important, and why forgotten lures from decades past can suddenly become deadly again. The discussion also tackles bigger questions facing modern fisheries. Forward-facing sonar and increasingly powerful electronics are making anglers dramatically more efficient, raising questions about fishing pressure, delayed mortality, barotrauma, and whether regulations can keep pace with technology. Maina also shares his thoughts on stocking, habitat loss, season structure, and the future of musky fisheries. For anyone chasing a personal-best musky, learning better fishing strategies, or thinking about the future of freshwater fisheries, there is plenty here to take to the water. Follow the show for more conversations about hunting, fishing, and the people shaping the outdoors. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Jay Beyer’s work: https://www.jaybeyer.com/              Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/  This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a lifelong angler turns curiosity, timing, and authenticity into an unlikely media career? Joe Cermele has spent decades at the intersection of fishing, outdoor media, and storytelling, but his path was anything but conventional. Growing up around bait shops, boats, crabbing, and Northeast saltwater fishing, Cermele developed a deep connection to the outdoors long before he ever considered making a career from it. His route took him from punk bands and journalism school to Saltwater Sportsman, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, and eventually MeatEater. Along the way, he became the youngest fishing editor in Field & Stream history and created Hook Shots, a fishing video series that built a fiercely loyal audience by doing things differently. Cermele explains why timing matters in the outdoor industry, how real mentorship can change a career, and why the best content often comes from simply following your curiosity. He also breaks down how Hook Shots grew an organic community before social media became the crowded battlefield it is today. For aspiring hunters, anglers, photographers, writers, and outdoor creators, there are lessons here about finding your voice, building trust, embracing experimentation, and creating work that feels like you. Most importantly, Cermele makes the case that you don't have to be the biggest creator in the room. You just have to give people a reason to come back. Follow the show for more conversations about hunting, fishing, and the people shaping the outdoors. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Jay Beyer’s work: https://www.jaybeyer.com/              Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/  This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best hunting opportunities often begin with unexpected friendships and one bold decision to chase adventure. JJ Gustafson's path into the hunting industry didn't start with generations of family tradition. It started with a mentor who introduced his family to hunting, eventually leading to college football at Texas A&M, months living on the road, and a career built around waterfowl hunting, conservation, and outdoor innovation. The conversation explores how mentorship, relationships, and saying yes to new opportunities shaped every chapter of JJ's career. From learning to hunt alongside his father, to discovering public land duck hunting in Arkansas, to traveling more than 28,000 miles across 16 states during the legendary Run & Gun Tour, JJ shares the lessons that only come from spending countless days in the field. Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories from hunting with Duck Commander, building brands like Lifetime Decoys and Heyday Outdoors, developing new hunting products, and why authentic storytelling continues to drive the outdoor industry forward. JJ also explains why he left the corporate world to rescue one of Texas' most iconic gun shops, preserving decades of hunting heritage while building a destination for the next generation of outdoorsmen. Whether you're passionate about waterfowl hunting, public land adventures, hunting conservation, or building a career in the outdoor industry, this conversation offers practical lessons on community, resilience, and following opportunities wherever they lead. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Jay Beyer’s work: https://www.jaybeyer.com/              Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/  This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One hunter, one dog, and 100 unforgettable days chasing wild birds across public lands. Some hunting goals start as an idea. Others become an obsession. Wildlife photographer and lifelong backcountry hunter Jay Beyer set out to spend 100 days pursuing upland birds across the American West, almost entirely on public land. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a test of endurance, discipline, and trust in an exceptional bird dog. Jay shares how growing up in Alaska, years spent climbing mountains and skiing remote peaks, and a return to hunting shaped the way he approaches every season. From chasing chukar through brutal desert canyons to exploring South Dakota grasslands for prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse, and wild pheasants, the conversation digs into what keeps experienced hunters coming back day after day. The discussion also explores photographing hunts for brands like Sitka, balancing storytelling with ethical hunting, learning from world-class elk hunters, and why wild game remains the foundation of every adventure. Along the way, Jay reflects on covering nearly 1,900 miles with his dog, discovering new public land, and proving that the journey often matters more than the limit. Whether you're passionate about upland hunting, public land access, bird dogs, elk hunting, or backcountry adventures, this conversation offers hard-earned lessons from someone who has spent a lifetime earning them. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Jay Beyer’s work: https://www.jaybeyer.com/              Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/  This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walk where Theodore Roosevelt became America's greatest conservation leader and forever changed the outdoors. Theodore Roosevelt didn't become the father of American conservation in Washington, D.C. His transformation began in the North Dakota Badlands after unimaginable personal loss reshaped his life and purpose. Recorded inside the brand-new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, this conversation explores how Roosevelt's years as a rancher, hunter, and outdoorsman influenced the future of public lands, wildlife conservation, and America's hunting heritage. You'll hear the remarkable story behind the library's decade-long creation, why it was built in the Badlands instead of New York, and how every detail reflects Roosevelt's vision of stewardship and citizenship. Beyond the history, this conversation reveals why the Badlands continue to inspire hunters, anglers, hikers, and outdoor families today. From immersive exhibits and priceless Roosevelt artifacts to groundbreaking conservation projects restoring native prairie ecosystems, the library is designed to connect visitors with the same landscape that forever changed one of America's most influential leaders. Whether you're passionate about public lands, western hunting, wildlife conservation, Theodore Roosevelt history, or simply searching for your next outdoor adventure, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that wild places don't just produce memories. They shape people. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Paul’s work with Wild Turkey Archives: https://www.wildturkeyarchives.com/ Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lifetime chasing wild birds reveals hard truths every hunter needs to hear. What happens when a legendary outdoor photographer spends decades documenting North America’s greatest hunting destinations and starts seeing the landscape change? Lee Kjos has built a career capturing iconic moments in waterfowl hunting, upland hunting, and outdoor storytelling. His images have appeared across the hunting industry, but behind the camera is a lifelong sportsman deeply connected to ducks, wetlands, grasslands, and the future of conservation. This conversation explores how photography became a way to preserve memories, tell stories, and communicate the beauty of wild places. Lee shares lessons from a lifetime spent hunting prairie Canada, chasing mallards across the flyways, and documenting the traditions that shaped generations of hunters and anglers. The discussion also tackles bigger questions facing modern hunting culture. From social media and content creation to habitat loss, disappearing prairie grasslands, wetland conservation, and shifting waterfowl populations, Lee offers a candid perspective on where hunting is headed and what sportsmen can do to protect the resource. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for outdoor photography, waterfowl conservation, ethical hunting, and the responsibility every hunter carries to leave healthy habitat and abundant wildlife for the next generation. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Paul’s work with Wild Turkey Archives: https://www.wildturkeyarchives.com/ Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The same mindset that conquers giant waves can unlock unforgettable hunting adventures. Professional surfer and big wave pioneer Shane Dorian joins Legends of the Wild for a conversation about risk, obsession, fitness, and the pursuit of wild experiences. Shane built a legendary career surfing some of the largest waves on Earth, chasing storms across the globe and pushing the limits of what is possible in the ocean. Along the way, he survived life-threatening wipeouts, helped develop safety innovations that changed big wave surfing, and eventually found a second passion that rivaled his love for the ocean: bowhunting. Shane shares how hunting axis deer, elk, wild sheep, and feral hogs transformed the way he looks at challenge, preparation, and personal growth. He explains why spot-and-stalk bowhunting delivers the same adrenaline, focus, and mental intensity as riding a once-in-a-decade wave. The conversation also explores hunting fitness, longevity, wild game nutrition, backcountry hunting, and the lessons learned from rebuilding his body after a devastating knee injury. From elk camps in New Mexico to stalking axis deer in Hawaii, this discussion reveals why the pursuit matters more than the trophy and why days spent in the field remain one of the best measures of a life well lived. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Paul’s work with Wild Turkey Archives: https://www.wildturkeyarchives.com/ Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two brothers unpack the hunts, failures, builds, and public land fights that shaped their outdoor lives. Sam Soholt sits down with his older brother Josh Soholt for a conversation rooted in bowhunting, backcountry hunting, conservation, and the projects that helped define both of their careers in the outdoors. From South Dakota duck blinds and pheasant fields to chasing bugling bulls in the Rockies, the two break down the experiences that pushed them deeper into elk hunting, archery, and DIY adventure culture. Josh shares how an early obsession with waterfowl hunting and western big game hunting eventually led to the creation of Garnet Ridge, one of the first gear shops focused on technical hunting apparel and mountain hunting systems. The conversation dives into bow tuning, archery mechanics, public land advocacy, and why becoming a better hunter means learning every discipline possible, from bowfishing to spot-and-stalk antelope hunting. The brothers also swap stories from building hunting rigs, converting off-road vehicles, and launching projects like Public Land Tees and Bow Tune School. Along the way, they tackle the realities of conservation politics, the importance of access, and why modern outdoorsmen need to stay engaged in protecting public lands. This one feels less like an interview and more like campfire conversation between two hunters still chasing the next adventure. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Paul’s work with Wild Turkey Archives: https://www.wildturkeyarchives.com/ Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A race against time to save the stories, footage, and legacy of wild turkey hunting. Wild turkeys nearly disappeared from the American landscape. What brought them back is one of the greatest conservation success stories in North America. What’s at risk now is the history behind it. This conversation dives into the creation of the Wild Turkey Archives and the mission to protect the culture, heritage, and untold stories of turkey hunting before they’re lost for good. From early trap-and-transfer efforts and rocket netting to decades-old VHS tapes and century-old hunting journals, this is a deep look into how turkey populations were restored and how the traditions around them were built. You’ll hear how thousands of hours of vintage hunting footage are being digitized, why old-school turkey hunting tactics and gear are making a comeback, and what modern hunters can learn from the grit, failures, and ingenuity of those who came before. There’s a raw authenticity in these stories that stands in stark contrast to today’s curated hunting content. If you care about turkey hunting, conservation history, and the deeper connection to the land, this is a look behind the curtain at the people and moments that shaped it all—and why preserving that legacy matters for the future of hunting. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Paul’s work with Wild Turkey Archives: https://www.wildturkeyarchives.com/ Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Mark Kenyon turned passion for hunting into a career while protecting public lands and wildlife for future generations. Mark Kenyon built Wired to Hunt from a simple blog into one of the most influential voices in whitetail hunting, podcasting, and conservation. This conversation traces that path from early days learning HTML and writing daily with no income, to launching a podcast before the outdoor industry understood the format, to eventually joining MeatEater and shaping national conversations around public lands and wildlife policy. There’s a clear throughline for anyone chasing a career in hunting media or outdoor storytelling. Consistency matters more than talent early on. Developing a unique voice is critical in a crowded space. And long-term success comes from stacking small daily wins, not chasing overnight growth. Kenyon also breaks down the evolution of hunting content from early whitetail media and VHS tapes to today’s digital ecosystem, offering practical insight for aspiring creators. The conversation moves beyond content into conservation, including the importance of public land access, the reality of policy battles, and projects like the Tucker Town Game Lands initiative. It closes with a look at modern conservation storytelling, large-scale wildlife restoration, and a western bison hunt that brings it all full circle. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Mark’s work: https://www.themeateater.com/listen/wired-to-hunt              Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/  This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turn every hunt into unforgettable meals with simple, proven wild game cooking strategies. Cooking wild game well is the difference between obligation and obsession. This conversation with wild game chef Jeff Benda breaks down how to transform your hunting and fishing harvest into meals your family actually craves. From spring turkey hunting to waterfowl hunting and venison preparation, the focus is on practical techniques that elevate flavor without overcomplicating the process. You’ll learn how to get more meals out of a single bird, including breaking down a wild turkey into multiple dishes like curry and fried tenders. There’s a strong emphasis on using the entire animal, especially often-overlooked cuts like turkey legs and waterfowl thighs, turning them into slow-cooked meals, stocks, and shredded recipes that maximize your harvest. The discussion also tackles common mistakes that ruin wild game, like overcooking venison and improper meat handling. Simple adjustments like aging, proper field care, and cooking to medium rare can completely change how deer meat tastes. For anglers and hunters alike, the takeaway is clear: better preparation leads to better experiences in the outdoors. Whether you’re chasing gobblers, shooting ducks, or filling a deer tag, these insights will help you cook with confidence and deepen your connection to the outdoors. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Turkey Curry: https://wildgameandfish.com/golden-pheasant-curry/ Turkey Tenderloin: https://wildgameandfish.com/turkey-tenders/ Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when hunting media stops playing it safe and starts telling the truth? Ben O’Brien has spent the better part of two decades pushing the boundaries of hunting media, and this conversation tracks the path that got him there. From growing up hunting whitetails and squirrels in the East to navigating the early days of digital content, Ben shares how he found his footing in an industry that was still figuring itself out. This is a deep dive into the evolution of hunting storytelling. You’ll hear how traditional outdoor magazines operated, what changed when digital platforms emerged, and why the shift toward authentic narratives around wild game, conservation, and the full hunting experience mattered. Ben breaks down the moment when media began focusing less on trophy photos and more on the reality of the hunt, from field to table. There’s also a behind-the-scenes look at the risks that come with challenging the status quo. From controversial magazine covers to building new platforms in uncertain territory, this conversation highlights what it takes to innovate in the hunting and outdoor industry. If you care about where hunting culture is headed, how content shapes public perception, and what it means to tell better stories about wild places and wild game, this one delivers. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Check Out The Western Wingshooter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4G1dEZmKle5Dp2t4QnDckT Check out the Prairie Tales Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prairie-tails-podcast/id1765350230 Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Leaf’s work: https://sportsmenbwca.org Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From broken bones to global fishing lodges, this story redefines what success outdoors really means. What starts as a kid catching fish on canned corn turns into a life built around fly fishing, risk, and relentless curiosity. Oliver White walks through the path from self-taught angler to world-traveling guide, then into high finance in New York, and back out again with a clear vision of what a life outdoors should look like. This conversation digs into the realities behind building a career in fly fishing and the outdoor industry. You’ll hear how guiding evolves from a side hustle into a true profession, what it takes to run a fishing lodge at scale, and why hospitality and memory-making matter just as much as putting clients on fish. There’s real insight here for anyone interested in fly fishing trips, destination angling, or building a business rooted in the outdoors. Oliver also shares hard-earned lessons from launching lodges in remote locations, navigating risk, and understanding the balance between passion and sustainability. From the rivers of Wyoming to the flats of the Bahamas, this is a look at what it actually takes to create a lifestyle centered around fishing, travel, and entrepreneurship. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Check Out The Western Wingshooter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4G1dEZmKle5Dp2t4QnDckT Check out the Prairie Tales Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prairie-tails-podcast/id1765350230 Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Leaf’s work: https://sportsmenbwca.org Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Upland hunting isn’t a hobby. It’s a lifelong obsession fueled by dogs, weather, and wild birds. Tyler Webster of the Western Wingshooter Podcast and co-host of The Flush joins the conversation fresh off the road and straight out of Pheasant Fest, where nearly 29,000 bird hunters gathered to celebrate conservation and bird dogs. This is a deep dive into the mindset of serious upland hunters. Tyler breaks down what it takes to hunt 140-plus days a season, how weather patterns dictate sharp-tailed grouse and pheasant populations, and why following rainfall matters more than following tradition. Wes Larabee brings a lifetime of dog experience, from running big game hounds to raising pointing dogs and retrievers built for both waterfowl hunting and upland bird seasons. You’ll hear what really drives bird dog handlers, how pheasant, Hungarian partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse numbers swing with moisture and cold snaps, and why scouting habitat and brood surveys matter more than social media reports. The conversation also touches on labs versus setters, balancing duck hunting with upland pursuits, and how events like Pheasant Fest fuel conservation funding across the country. If you care about bird dogs, wild bird numbers, and the culture that surrounds them, this one hits home. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Check Out The Western Wingshooter Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4G1dEZmKle5Dp2t4QnDckT Check out the Prairie Tales Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prairie-tails-podcast/id1765350230 Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Leaf’s work: https://sportsmenbwca.org Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One vote could change the future of North America’s most iconic wilderness waters. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness isn’t just a postcard destination. It’s one of the most water-rich landscapes in the country, a place where canoe routes, cold-water fisheries, grouse covers, and family traditions intersect. In this conversation, Sam Soholt sits down with Lukas Leaf of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters to unpack why this landscape is facing renewed pressure from proposed copper-nickel mining and why hunters, anglers, and outdoor users should be paying close attention right now. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how sulfide mining differs from traditional iron mining, why the Boundary Waters watershed is uniquely vulnerable, and how pollution upstream would directly impact fisheries, waterfowl habitat, and backcountry recreation. Lukas explains the current congressional push to overturn a long-standing moratorium using a rarely used procedural tool and why that move has implications far beyond Minnesota, potentially opening the door to weakened protections on public lands nationwide. The discussion also grounds the policy debate in lived experience. From spring lake trout openers and cast-and-blast grouse trips to the quiet lessons learned after days of traveling by canoe and portage, this episode captures what’s truly at stake for sportsmen who rely on clean water and intact wild places. It’s a reminder that conservation isn’t abstract, it’s personal, practical, and worth defending. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Leaf’s work: https://sportsmenbwca.org Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grasslands built wildlife abundance long before food plots, timber cuts, and fire suppression changed everything. Grasslands shaped North American wildlife long before modern land management and in many places, they’re quietly disappearing. In this episode of Legends of the Wild, Sam Soholt sits down with Kyle Lybarger, a forester-turned-habitat specialist who’s helping hunters rethink how landscapes actually function. Kyle breaks down how fire, grazing, and native plant diversity once created productive ecosystems that supported whitetails, turkeys, quail, waterfowl, and pollinators year-round. The conversation goes beyond theory, digging into practical lessons from prescribed burning, restoring native prairies, and managing land in ways that work with natural systems instead of against them. Listeners will learn why grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in North America, how invasive species quietly undermine hunting habitat, and why native plants outperform food plots over the long haul. Kyle also explains how small-scale habitat work (whether on three acres or three hundred) can dramatically increase wildlife use without constant inputs of fertilizer, seed, and labor. From waterfowl habitat and ground-nesting birds to deer movement and seasonal forage, this episode connects the dots between conservation-minded land stewardship and better hunting outcomes. It’s an insider conversation for hunters, anglers, and land managers who want healthier ground, more resilient ecosystems, and wildlife habitat that lasts. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Kyle Lybarger’s work: https://www.nativehabitatproject.com/our-team Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Chesapeake crabber turns scrap boats into floating camps, proving grit and creativity still rule the water. What happens when a first-generation waterman applies backcountry thinking to tidewater living? In this episode, Sam sits down with Chesapeake Bay crabber and boat captain Luke McFadden to unpack a mindset rooted in self-reliance, problem-solving, and life on the water. From building a camper atop a 12-foot jon boat to engineering pontoon stability and walk-around decks, Luke explains how minimalist design and reclaimed materials can unlock serious capability for hunting, fishing, and extended time outdoors. Hear how these DIY watercraft become functional tools for real pursuits, including float-based deer hunting, coastal fishing, and overnight camps in unpredictable weather. Luke breaks down the gear decisions that matter when space is tight, why every item must earn its place, and how safety planning changes on big water like the Chesapeake Bay. The conversation also explores Luke’s path into commercial crabbing, what it takes to survive as a young waterman today, and how direct-to-consumer thinking led to building a crab stand from a salvaged wooden workboat. Along the way, we dig into content creation, long-form storytelling, and why hands-on outdoor skills still resonate in a digital age. This is an insider conversation about working waterfronts, adaptive hunting strategies, and the satisfaction of building something that works because you need it to. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Luke McFadden’s work: https://www.youtube.com/@fvsoutherngirl?themeRefresh=1 Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Public land whitetails reveal more about hunters, access, and limits than antlers ever will. Tony Peterson from the Meateater team has hunted enough whitetails and enough miles of public ground to know that the real challenge isn’t finding deer. It’s understanding pressure, access, and what actually limits opportunity in modern hunting. Tony joins Sam Soholt to talk about how obsession shapes a hunter, why public land remains the most honest proving ground, and how access programs across the country are quietly holding the line for everyday sportsmen. From traveling whitetail hunts to overlooked walk-in acres, Tony breaks down how deer respond to pressure and how hunters need to respond in kind. The conversation goes well beyond whitetails. We dig into the cycles of trophy culture, why expectations have shifted, and how social media has changed the way success is measured in the field. Tony also shares hard-earned perspective from years of hunting small game, birds, and fish, reminding us that variety and curiosity are often the antidote to burnout. This episode isn’t about shortcuts or secret spots. It’s about paying attention, respecting the ground you hunt, and understanding that access more than gear or genetics will define the future of hunting. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Tony Peterson’s work: https://www.themeateater.com/people/tony-peterson Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A veteran timber hunter reveals hard-earned lessons that transform everyday duck hunters into true waterfowl students. Sam sits down with Arkansas waterfowl legend Rusty Creasey to talk ducks… all ducks. Rusty has spent decades managing world-class flooded timber, running traffic on pressured mallards, studying migration shifts, and teaching new hunters the ins and outs of calling, concealment, and habitat strategy. This episode feels like stepping into the timber with someone who has lived the lifestyle since childhood. Rusty shares how early mornings in rural Arkansas shaped his obsession with hunting and fishing, why the Coca-Cola Woods became his crash course in waterfowl management, and what it took to step away and chase new opportunities. You’ll learn how he builds rest areas, why small-gauge guns change everything in green timber, and how thoughtful access routes can extend a property’s productivity deep into the season. He also breaks down modern migration patterns—short-stopping, weather trends, food availability, and how private and public land interact more than most hunters realize. Beyond tactics, Rusty dives into the responsibility seasoned outdoorsmen have to new hunters. From duck calling basics to ethical decision-making, he shows why mentorship matters more now than ever. Whether you hunt public timber, prairie potholes, or river corridors, this episode blends practical waterfowl wisdom with the kind of stories only decades in the woods can produce. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Rusty Creasey’s work: https://www.instagram.com/rustycreasey/?hl=en Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lifelong waterfowler reveals the moments, mentors, and mistakes that shaped his obsession with duck hunting. Justin “Martin” Martin joins Sam to trace an outdoorsman’s path that starts in the crappie boats and deer woods of northern Louisiana and leads all the way to the Duck Commander call room. In this wide-open conversation, Martin shares how early days of deer camp, spring crappie fishing, and that first foggy mallard over the decoys set the foundation for a lifelong obsession with waterfowl hunting. Listeners get an inside look at how Martin learned duck calling the hard way studying wild mallards at a sanctuary, grinding through mistakes, and eventually guiding hunts just to pay for shells. He explains how those formative years sparked his love of habitat work, native grasses, and smartweed-filled wetlands, long before he ever appeared on camera. Martin also opens up about burnout, fatherhood, and why he’s shifted toward making outdoor content that’s slower, more intentional, and centered on kids, conservation, and the heritage of hunting. From the chaos of big mallard spins to the delicate art of working pintails on a clear sunrise, he breaks down the lessons that only decades in the blind can teach. Whether you’re deep into waterfowl hunting, exploring new duck calling techniques, or simply love authentic outdoors stories, this episode brings you inside a culture built around habitat, hard work, and shared sunrises. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out Ryan Kirby’s work: https://ryankirby.com Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices