The Field And Stream Podcast

The dove opener is coming. Here’s how to scout smarter, shoot better, and savor the hunt. With dove season just days away, Phil Bourjaily breaks down what makes a successful opening day in the field, from finding productive cut corn and alfalfa fields to choosing the right spot on public land. He shares practical dove hunting tips on scouting, decoys, shot selection, ammunition, and recovering downed birds without turning a good hunt into a search party. The conversation also gets into dove guns, including why Phil favors a 20 gauge, how barrel length and balance affect a gun’s performance on fast-flying birds, and why a slightly heavier shotgun can make swinging on crossing doves easier. He explains the toughest dove shots, including overhead birds and doves floating into a decoy, and how shooting skeet can build the repetition needed to make those shots instinctive. Then T. Edward Nickens returns for a reading of his Field & Stream classic, “The Healing Hunt.” Nickens reflects on an opening day spent hunting through bad weather, personal setbacks, and a friend battling cancer, ultimately finding something much bigger than a limit of birds. From practical wing-shooting advice to the reasons we keep coming back to the field, this is a celebration of dove hunting and everything that makes opening day special. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns              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/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer hog hunting gets better after dark, while a bizarre bass bait takes over tournaments and carp anglers reveal their cult-like world. Will Brantley breaks down the appeal of summer hog hunting after dark, from finding predictable feeder patterns to closing the distance with a bow. He explains why wind matters, how pigs react to light, and the tactics that can turn a nighttime stalk into a close-range bowhunting opportunity. The conversation also covers thermal optics, night vision, crossbows, and the role of hog hunting in southern states where feral pigs are already well established. Then Ryan Chelius and Shaye Baker dive into the urchin bait craze sweeping bass fishing. Learn why these strange soft plastics have become tournament-winning lures, how anglers are rigging them, why they work so well on the pause, and why specialized tackle storage has suddenly become a major part of the bass fishing market. Finally, Kirk Deeter reads “Carp Crazy,” his classic Field & Stream story about the competitive carp fishing scene. From tiger nuts and boilies to remote-controlled bait boats and twenty-five-pound mirror carp, the story explores the tactics, gear, culture, and obsession surrounding one of the world's most underrated game fish. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns              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/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock one of fly fishing's toughest hatches and fool selective trout with confidence. Tiny flies, selective trout, and razor-thin margins separate frustration from unforgettable success during the Trico hatch. Veteran angler and longtime outdoor writer Kirk Deeter shares the subtle details that consistently produce fish when trout are locked onto one of summer's most demanding dry fly events. Learn how to recognize the difference between male and female Tricos, identify the most productive feeding windows, and understand why timing a trout's rise can matter more than casting accuracy. Kirk explains how current seams concentrate insects, why an H&L Variant often outperforms tiny spinner patterns, and why many experienced anglers now choose stronger tippet instead of ultra-fine leaders. If you've struggled to see your fly, pick the right target fish, or get clean drifts during heavy hatches, these practical fly fishing tips can immediately improve your success. The conversation also shifts beyond the river with Kirk's new book, A Fishable Feast, exploring how food, travel, and local traditions enrich fishing adventures around the world. From Colorado trout streams and elk backstrap dinners to dream destinations still waiting on the bucket list, it's a reminder that the best fishing stories rarely end when you leave the water. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns              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/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer nights hold unforgettable hunts and shotgun lessons every wingshooter should experience at least once. Field & Stream’s Will Brantley and Phil Bourjaily share two timeless outdoor traditions that deserve a place on every hunter’s summer calendar. From slipping quietly along pond banks in search of trophy bullfrogs to sharpening wing-shooting skills before dove season, this conversation is packed with practical advice and memorable stories. Brantley breaks down the art of frog gigging, including how to locate productive ponds, choose the right gear, stalk wary bullfrogs, and decide when a frog is worth taking. Along the way, he shares why fried frog legs rank among his favorite wild game meals and reflects on passing the tradition to the next generation of hunters. Then shotgun expert Phil Bourjaily explains how trap, skeet, and sporting clays each prepare hunters for the field. Learn which target game best simulates upland bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and dove hunting, plus common shooting mistakes, choosing your first target shotgun, and why summer range sessions pay dividends when opening day arrives. The show wraps with one of Field & Stream's funniest campfire stories as Brantley reads the unforgettable tale of frog gigging in his Aunt Tanya's infamous "shit pond," proving that some hunting memories only get better with time. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns              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/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great camp meals create lasting hunting memories long after the last shot is fired. Wild game, camp traditions, and great food have always gone hand in hand. This conversation explores why the meals shared around the table often become just as memorable as the hunt itself. Chef, outdoorsman, and Duck Camp Dinners host Jean-Paul Bourgeois joins the show to talk about the storytelling behind his James Beard Award-winning series, how authentic duck camp culture connects hunters from every background, and why food remains one of the strongest traditions in waterfowl hunting. From Louisiana duck camps to the Texas coast, he shares lessons on building meaningful outdoor stories while celebrating wild game cooking, conservation, and regional food traditions. With the Fourth of July around the corner, the conversation shifts to practical summer grilling tips, favorite barbecue recipes, camp cooking strategies, duck recipes, wild game meals, and the ideal cookout menu featuring burgers, ribs, baked beans, vegetable kebabs, peach cobbler, and more. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or feeding a crowded hunting camp, there are plenty of ideas to elevate your next outdoor gathering. The episode closes around the campfire as hunting columnist Will Brantley revisits his unforgettable story, "Beaver-Q," proving that trapping, wild game cooking, and family traditions can produce some of the best hunting stories ever told. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Check out Duck Camp Dinners: https://www.instagram.com/duckcampdinners/ Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best hunting lessons aren't learned from books, they're passed down afield. Father's Day is about more than celebrating dads. It's about honoring the traditions, lessons, and memories that shape who we become in the outdoors. In this special Field & Stream podcast, listeners and contributors share unforgettable hunting and fishing stories about the fathers and father figures who taught them everything from gun safety and patience to fly fishing, deer hunting, and finding joy in wild places. Veteran outdoor writer Keith McCafferty reflects on helping his father fulfill a lifelong dream of catching a bonefish in the Florida Keys, a trip that became one of their most meaningful adventures together. Alice Jones Webb shares a heartfelt story about learning to hunt without her father after his passing, and the challenge of carrying family traditions forward. Ryan Cornelius looks back on fishing trips with his dad and the moment their roles quietly reversed during a Colorado trout fishing adventure. Executive Editor Dave Hurteau rounds out the collection with a classic story about pheasant hunting, family, and the small moments that often matter most. Along the way, Field & Stream listeners call in from across the country to share the best hunting and fishing advice they've received from their dads, grandfathers, and mentors. From deer hunting wisdom and waterfowl hunting lessons to fly fishing tips and life advice learned in the woods, this episode is a reminder that the greatest outdoor legacy isn't measured by trophies or limits, but by time spent together. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: cell phone ring by jordanielmills -- https://freesound.org/s/654935/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 phone hotel pickup, put down various.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/454105/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 answer machine beep - generated.wav by vestibule-door -- https://freesound.org/s/668976/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 answer machine beep - generated.wav by vestibule-door -- https://freesound.org/s/668976/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 answering_machine_beep.wav by pillonoise -- https://freesound.org/s/160775/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A broken finger, a conservation fight, and a hunting dog you'll never forget. Field & Stream's Will Brantley kicks things off with one of the most unique fishing traditions in America: catfish noodling. From wrestling giant flathead catfish by hand to the injuries, close calls, and camaraderie that keep him coming back every summer, Brantley shares what makes this high-risk fishing adventure so addictive. Then conservation columnist Hal Herring and associate editor Travis Hall sit down for an honest conversation about the state of conservation in America. They break down the biggest public lands, clean water, and wildlife management issues facing hunters and anglers today, discuss why grassroots engagement matters more than ever, and explain what gives them hope for the future of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The episode closes with a powerful Campfire reading of Hal Herring’s beloved story, Seasons with Bear. More than a gun dog story, it’s a reflection on loyalty, loss, bird hunting, and the unforgettable bond between hunters and their dogs. Whether you spend your fall chasing ducks, upland birds, whitetails, or trout, this story will stay with you long after the final words. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: FIREBurn_Campfire.Close.Long.Crackling.Flame roar.Squeack.Hiss.Artificial 1_EM by newlocknew -- https://freesound.org/s/730704/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Peaceful Autumn field OCTOBER 6 2022.WAV by kvgarlic -- https://freesound.org/s/652652/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 shotgun shoot by MrGungus -- https://freesound.org/s/773873/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Shotguns_racking_and_handling_sounds_part2 by Artninja -- https://freesound.org/s/741111/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: Editing and sound design by Trout Stream Studios Marc Anderson of Wild Ambience Paul Driver of Pennsylvania Dog_panting_20090425T1417.wav by gurkboll -- https://freesound.org/s/95934/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Dog Panting in Woods.WAV by hargissssound -- https://freesound.org/s/321127/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock shallow-water muskie patterns and figure-eight secrets from a seasoned guide chasing giant predators. Muskie fishing has a way of turning casual anglers into full-blown obsessives, and this conversation with muskie guide and Field & Stream contributor Steven Paul explains exactly why. From shallow spring patterns to the psychology of apex predators, Stephen breaks down what makes muskellunge one of freshwater fishing’s most addictive pursuits. You’ll learn how warming water temperatures trigger spring muskie movement, why post-spawn fish stack in shallow bays, and how changing weather conditions impact feeding windows. Steven also dives deep into figure-eight techniques, boat-side strikes, trolling adjustments during cold fronts, and the subtle details that separate follows from eats. If you’ve ever wondered why muskies seem lazy one moment and violent the next, this episode gets into the biological and behavioral reasons behind it. The second half of the show focuses on practical muskie fishing tactics and the five essential lures Stephen keeps tied on during the spring season. From giant killers and spinnerbaits to glide baits, crankbaits, and fly fishing streamers, the conversation covers versatile presentations for shallow weeds, timber, river systems, and cold-front conditions. Whether you’re a hardcore muskie angler or a bass fisherman looking to level up into predator fishing, there’s a pile of useful insight packed into this one. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duck camps, giant striped bass, and fading hunting traditions collide in this unforgettable outdoor storytelling conversation. The latest edition of the Field & Stream Journal centers on one theme that every hunter and angler understands instinctively: tradition. Host Colin Kearns sits down with editors Dave Hurteau and Ryan Chelius to unpack the stories behind the new issue, from vanishing duck camps and Adirondack deer traditions to nighttime trout fishing with mouse flies on the Upper Delaware. The conversation dives deep into waterfowl hunting culture, fly fishing history, turkey hunting, striped bass surfcasting, and the traditions that keep hunters and anglers connected across generations. Listeners will hear the backstory behind standout features like “The Schoolhouse Boys,” a legendary Michigan deer camp story by Bill Heavey, and “A Bit of Heaven,” Ryan Chelius’s look inside Long Island’s disappearing bay house duck camps. Later in the episode, master plug builder Gary Soldati explains how he crafts some of the most sought-after striped bass lures on the East Coast, including giant surf plugs designed for trophy stripers in rough water. From surfcasting tactics and plug design to the obsession behind chasing 50-pound bass, this conversation captures the craftsmanship and culture surrounding saltwater fishing traditions. If you care about hunting camps, trout fishing, duck hunting stories, or the future of outdoor traditions, this one belongs around the campfire. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wide open prairie gobblers, tight roosts, and the fight to protect rivers. Will Brantley breaks down hunting open country turkeys across Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, and beyond, contrasting Rio Grande and Merriam’s birds with Eastern timber gobblers. From early season Texas leases to late-spring prairie hunts, he explains how vast terrain changes everything from glassing strategy to calling distance. Open country birds cover ground fast, often forcing hunters to read roost patterns, use optics, and cut distance quickly instead of easing through timber. He details setup fundamentals in wide landscapes: prioritizing creek bottoms, cottonwood drainages, and scattered shade trees where birds roost and regroup. Calling shifts heavily toward louder friction calls like box calls and pot calls that can cut wind and carry across long distances. While decoys and even controversial tactics like fanning or reaping can be effective, success often comes down to positioning on travel routes and anticipating daily movement between feed and roost. The episode also shifts into conservation reporting on Montana’s Blackfoot River, where a proposed gold mine and AI data center raise concerns about water use, energy demand, and long-term river health. The show closes with a Campfire reading of “The Norwegian Mafia,” a classic turkey hunting family story that captures the humor, grit, and connection that defines time in the field. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: Editing and sound design by Trout Stream Studios FIREBurn_Campfire.Close.Long.Crackling.Flame roar.Squeack.Hiss.Artificial 1_EM by newlocknew -- https://freesound.org/s/730704/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Campfire 02 by HECKFRICKER -- https://freesound.org/s/729396/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Campfire 01 by HECKFRICKER -- https://freesound.org/s/729396/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 chickens_scratching_turkey_gobbling.wav by wil_j_wil -- https://freesound.org/s/571660/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Hiking by Beethovenboy -- https://freesound.org/s/678650/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 hiking Forest.wav by mastermind76 -- https://freesound.org/s/671320/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slip into hardwood ridges and learn how to call pressured gobblers into gun range. Few pursuits in the hunting world rival the intensity of chasing Eastern wild turkeys through big timber. This conversation digs into the craft behind successful turkey hunting in hardwoods, where terrain, patience, and decision-making matter more than anything in your vest. From locating gobblers on ridges to understanding how turkeys use strut zones, you’ll hear practical turkey hunting tips that translate directly to more opportunities in the spring woods. The discussion breaks down how to move quietly through rolling terrain, when to call and when to stay silent, and how to set up in a way that keeps birds from slipping in unseen. There’s a strong focus on woodsman skills like reading topography, predicting movement, and making the right call at the right time. You’ll also pick up insight on realistic turkey calling, including why soft yelps and restraint often outperform aggressive tactics on pressured birds. Gear stays simple, but strategy stays sharp, with a minimalist approach that prioritizes mobility and awareness. The episode closes with a story that captures the heart of the outdoors—catfishing, family, and the kind of memories that stick with you long after the season ends. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An aging angler returns to sacred water where memory, family, and trout still rise. In this Campfire story from the Field & Stream archives, John N. Maclean delivers a deeply reflective piece of fly fishing writing rooted in Montana’s Blackfoot River. What begins as a familiar ritual, sitting on a well-worn stone above productive trout water, unfolds into something far more enduring. This is a story about time, lineage, and the quiet transformation that comes with a lifetime spent outdoors. Listeners will find themselves immersed in classic fly fishing rhythms. Reading water, watching for rise forms, and understanding insect hatches all serve as the backdrop. But the real takeaway lies beneath the surface. As the years pass, the pursuit of trout becomes secondary to the landscapes, relationships, and memories tied to them. The river becomes a living archive, holding generations of anglers, mentors, and moments that refuse to fade. There is also an honest look at aging in the outdoors. Wading heavy water gets harder. Casting changes. Priorities shift. Yet the rewards deepen. Solitude becomes richer. The act of fishing evolves into reflection, where every cast connects past and present. This is storytelling for those who understand that fly fishing is never just about the fish. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know the author, Richard Mann: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/richard-mann 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock aggressive early-season trout tactics and rediscover why opening day still matters. Early spring trout fishing rewards anglers willing to embrace high water, cold temps, and aggressive fish behavior. In this conversation, Field & Stream fishing columnist Joe Cermele breaks down how to target big trout when rivers are up, slightly stained, and primed for movement. From reading water in elevated flows to understanding how trout shift into softer seams and banks, you’ll walk away with practical trout fishing strategies you can apply immediately. The discussion leans into a “go big or go home” mindset for early season success. Expect insights on streamer fishing, jerkbaits, and spinning gear tactics that help cover more water and locate larger fish efficiently. Cermele also explains why downsizing your gear and focusing on fewer, high-confidence presentations can lead to better results when chasing wild brown trout. Beyond tactics, this episode captures the deeper culture of trout fishing. Opening day traditions, stocked trout debates, and the role these fisheries play in introducing the next generation all come into focus. It’s a blend of technical fishing knowledge and the kind of storytelling that reminds you why you started fishing in the first place. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four seasoned outdoorsmen draft their ultimate wild game menu—and defend every controversial pick. What happens when a group of diehard hunters and anglers sit down to build the ultimate wild game lineup? In this episode, the Field & Stream editors turn a friendly debate into a strategic wild game draft—stacking their picks with everything from classic whitetail deer and wild turkey to overlooked small game like squirrel and even exotic species like nilgai and iguana. Along the way, you’ll get more than just a list of favorite meats. This conversation dives into the nuances of wild game cooking, regional flavor profiles, and the real-world decisions hunters make in the field. From waterfowl hunting traditions to big game priorities, each pick reveals something deeper about how experienced outdoorsmen think about conservation, opportunity, and taste. You’ll walk away with new perspectives on building your own “wild game hierarchy,” plus insights into how preparation methods, habitat, and hunting pressure influence flavor and experience. Whether you’re chasing elk in the backcountry, calling spring gobblers, or fine-tuning your deer season strategy, this episode delivers equal parts entertainment and practical takeaways. It’s an insider conversation that blends hunting strategy, storytelling, and a deep respect for the resource, exactly what defines modern outdoor culture. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why a legendary fly fishing book still resonates deeply with anglers and river lovers today. Few works of outdoor literature have shaped fly fishing culture like A River Runs Through It. Fifty years after its publication, Norman Maclean’s classic still speaks to anglers who understand that time on the river is about far more than trout. Host Colin Kearns sits down with John Maclean, award-winning journalist and son of Norman Maclean, for a thoughtful conversation about the legacy of the book that helped define modern fly fishing storytelling. Together they explore the passages that have inspired generations of anglers, from the famous “shadow casting” scene to the quiet reflections that capture the emotional pull of standing in moving water with a fly rod. Along the way, the discussion moves from Montana’s Blackfoot River to the deeper reasons people fish. The conversation touches on the mental clarity that comes with wading a trout stream, the rhythm of fly casting, and why fly fishing continues to help veterans and others reconnect with the outdoors. Later, John Maclean reads his essay Fishing into the Twilight, a meditation on aging as an angler, family traditions on the river, and the quiet beauty of evening trout fishing. It’s a reminder that while the fish matter, the river, the memories, and the people who taught us to fish matter even more. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From trophy bass tactics to the fight over America’s most iconic wilderness. Late winter signals two things for serious outdoorsmen: pre-spawn bass are feeding up, and critical conservation fights are heating up. This conversation moves from the shallow flats of Alabama to the canoe country of northern Minnesota, then back to a father and son rediscovering waterfowl hunting. Shay Baker breaks down early pre-spawn largemouth bass behavior, explaining how increasing daylight—not just water temperature—triggers staging fish. He dives into muddy water bass strategies, slow-rolling spinnerbaits through wood cover, dialing in flat-sided crankbaits, and when to lean on a lipless crankbait, finesse jig, or Ned rig. You’ll hear why cold-water bass group tightly along creek channels and shallow structure, and why this window offers your best shot at a true giant. The focus then shifts north to the future of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where proposed copper sulfide mining near the edge of this 1.1-million-acre wilderness threatens world-class fishing for lake trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, along with grouse woods and whitetail habitat. It’s a reminder that hunting and fishing access depends on vigilance as much as skill. The episode closes around the campfire with a moving father-son waterfowl story—proof that duck hunting isn’t just about limits, but legacy. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From king eiders to campfire stories, this episode captures the full spectrum of hunting culture. The Field & Stream editorial team brings together the kind of range that defines modern hunting culture, moving from extreme waterfowl pursuits to campfire debates and classic upland storytelling. The conversation opens with a firsthand account of sea duck hunting in Alaska, where chasing king eiders on the edge of the Bering Sea tests judgment, preparation, and respect for conditions that dictate every decision. It’s a reminder that some waterfowl hunts demand the mindset of a big game expedition. From there, the focus shifts indoors as the Field & Stream editorial crew squares off in a wild game draft, breaking down their favorite big game, waterfowl, upland birds, small game, and even fish. The debate reveals how taste, tradition, regional access, and cooking methods shape what hunters value most on the table, offering listeners plenty of ideas for wild game meals and future hunts. The episode closes around the campfire with a modern classic upland hunting story by Phil Bourjaile titled “Lucky Break”, following a pheasant season nearly derailed by injury. It’s a grounded reminder that hunting isn’t just about limits or trophies, but about savoring time afield, trusting good dogs, and appreciating seasons that almost slip away. Taken together, these segments paint a complete picture of the hunting life, equal parts adventure, camaraderie, food, and storytelling, rooted in hard-earned experience and deep respect for the outdoors. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re revisiting “Lost Soul” this week, one of the most powerful hunting essays ever published in the magazine’s archives. Written by Scott Bestial and read by his longtime editor and friend Dave Hurteau, the story unfolds during a brutal late-season whitetail hunt marked by deep snow, bitter wind, and the quiet weight of personal upheaval. What begins as a familiar deer hunting scenario—spooked does, a cold tree stand, and low odds, quickly becomes something deeper. Through bowhunting whitetails in December, Scott explores how time spent outdoors can intersect with grief, divorce, and emotional numbness. The hunt itself becomes less about antlers and more about awareness: watching matriarch does, reading winter deer behavior, and confronting what draws us back to the woods when motivation is thin. Listeners will hear insider reflections on late-season bowhunting tactics, whitetail herd dynamics, and the mental grind of winter hunting. More importantly, they’ll come away with a reminder of why hunting matters beyond tags filled the way wild places can ground us, challenge us, and, at times, give something back when we least expect it. This is a conversation, and a story, for hunters who understand that the outdoors often teaches its hardest lessons quietly, from a stand overlooking a frozen field. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know the author, Richard Mann: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/richard-mann 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/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: Christmas Bells 1 by Cloud-10 -- https://freesound.org/s/536251/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Jingle bells.wav by juskiddink -- https://freesound.org/s/110158/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Deck The Halls - Christmas jingle played with bells by Ihaksi -- https://freesound.org/s/411420/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 DeerWalking.WAV by Damsteegt -- https://freesound.org/s/553116/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Deer2.wav by juskiddink -- https://freesound.org/s/58661/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Indian Springs State Park Night Insects Soundscape 3.21.17 .wav by GnomeKid -- https://freesound.org/s/388016/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Walking in snow #1 by musicbrain -- https://freesound.org/s/215690/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 SHOOTING_ARROW_SINGLE_ARCHERY_FOLEY_03.wav by JoeDinesSound -- https://freesound.org/s/534953/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One rifle, one deer, and generations of memory reveal what really matters in deer season. Writer and lifelong hunter Richard Mann reads and reflects on his modern classic, The Gun and the Ghost. What begins as a simple deer hunting story unfolds into something deeper; an exploration of memory, family, and the emotional weight we carry into the woods each fall. Mann uses the guns of his past as touchstones, objects that connect him to family, memory, and the moments that made him a hunter. The story isn’t about performance or preference, but about the emotional weight certain tools carry long after the season ends. Listeners will walk away with a renewed perspective on deer hunting, one rooted in connection rather than caliber. This episode touches on classic rifles, heirloom firearms, ethical hunting, and the quiet moments that define life in the outdoors. It’s a reminder that hunting isn’t just about filling a tag; it’s about honoring where we came from, who taught us, and why we keep returning to the mountains, timber, and old camps year after year. Whether you’re passionate about whitetail hunting, fascinated by classic firearms, or simply drawn to powerful outdoor storytelling, this episode delivers the kind of reflection that lingers long after the fire burns down. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know the author, Richard Mann: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/richard-mann 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/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: Editing and sound design by Trout Stream Studios AMBForst-Summer_early morning woods, birds, crickets, snapping twigs, 630AM_QCF_Mammoth Cave KY_Zoom H2n Surround Binaural Mixdown by treytatum3 -- https://freesound.org/s/819335/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Apple_Crunch_13.wav by Koops -- https://freesound.org/s/20276/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Biting an apple.wav by Elandre01 -- https://freesound.org/s/594383/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Apple Cut and bite by sonictimm -- https://freesound.org/s/712209/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 A rifle gun shot by 1234Thekrebwgus -- https://freesound.org/s/686074/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Sniper Rifle Shot Sound Effect by qubodup -- https://freesound.org/s/182051/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flooded timber duck hunts, hard-won conservation victories, and one trout river that carried a man through grief. Flooded timber duck hunting has long been considered one of waterfowling’s most spiritual traditions and comes fully alive as Host Colin Kearns sits down with legendary outdoor writer T. Edward Nickens to talk about green tree reservoirs, the culture and history behind timber duck hunts, and why standing waist-deep among ancient oaks feels more like a rite of winter than a morning hunt. From Arkansas bottomlands to Mississippi backwaters, Nickens explains what makes a great timber day, how ducks work the woods, and why proper management is critical to preserving these places for future generations. Next, Field & Stream News Editor Travis Hall joins the show to break down the best conservation good news stories of 2025. From major public land sell-offs being stopped, to landmark corner-crossing victories, to salmon returning to long-blocked waters, this segment is a reminder that hunters and anglers still have real power when they speak up. The episode closes with a deeply personal Campfire reading. Colin shares his essay My Home Waters, a year-long trout fishing journey that becomes a story of grief, healing, and why certain rivers stay with us forever. This is Field & Stream storytelling at its finest; grounded in wild places, conservation wins, and the quiet power of water. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns 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/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: WATRMvmt_Outdoor, Small River, Wading Through water Though a Tunnel, Tascam DR-05X, Mono, 48Khs, 24 bit_JW Audio by JW_Audio -- https://freesound.org/s/803664/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Wading in Shallow Water.wav by ryansitz -- https://freesound.org/s/342932/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Wading through water.flac by guyburns -- https://freesound.org/s/320430/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Askeleet vedessä / Footsteps, wading, walking in the water, puddle, slush by YleArkisto -- https://freesound.org/s/368673/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 waterfront river spring 05 200418_0154.wav by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/555975/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Fish Release.mp3 by caitlynbananas -- https://freesound.org/s/563592/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Trout splashing after being caught by TheFlyFishingFilmmaker -- https://freesound.org/s/592784/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Fly fishing Stripping line out by TheFlyFishingFilmmaker -- https://freesound.org/s/641702/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Fly Fishing Reel Running_1.wav by paulprit -- https://freesound.org/s/507098/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices