Explore every episode of the podcast The Outdoor Life Podcast

A few years ago a Montana man was convicted of violating the federal Lacey Act in his pursuit to create giant hybrid bighorn rams. Now one of his ewes has escaped, which could be bad news for wild sheep. Hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean explains what's going on and why tinkering with wild game is something of a trend these days, and explores whether this mad sheep scientist was actually onto something. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what traveling waterfowlers should expect these days, and why protecting breeding habitat is the most important thing hunters can do to have ducks in the future. Guest is Lake Pickle / onX Hunt. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more than a hundred years, hunters have sought out the optimal cartridge for taking elk efficiently and effectively. If you're already killing elk with a time-proven classic, you don’t need any convincing about their effectiveness — or need to change anything. But if you’re looking for the best options today, there are several modern cartridges that are quite appealing when compared to the old breed. This episode is brought to you by Smith & Wesson. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is senior staff writer Tyler Freel. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's getting busy in the Thorofare, the farthest spot from a road in the Lower 48. But still, contributor Christine Peterson and her family were determined to dodge other fishermen and horsepackers in search of the iconic Yellowstone cutthroat. This episode is brought to you by Bob Rich Books. Reporting by Christine Peterson, in partnership with Re:Public Lands Media. Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Public lands have (rightly) gotten plenty of attention recently . The waters of the U.S. are facing similar risks, with potentially disastrous consequences for native fish, wildlife, and the sportsmen who cherish them. Adam Schellhammer of American Rivers explains what's at stake this week for, well, everyone. This episode is brought to you by ⁠Bob Rich Books⁠. Public comment, closes Oct. 9: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0322 EPA to Reopen Comment on Clean Water Act Rewrite That Could Leave 80 Percent of U.S. Wetlands Unprotected: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/epa-wotus-public-comment/ Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guest is Adam Schellhammer, Mid-Atlantic regional director for American Rivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Abramowski, the lead engineer behind Peak Alloy, and Josh Vickers, Federal's rifle product line manager. These guys have been working on Peak Alloy for years. They'll talk about how the technology has improved since the introduction of the 7mm Backcountry, and where it might go next. Related: https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/first-elk-65-plus-peak/ Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, the Trump administration directed the Interior Department to turn over more predator management to the states. Hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean, who has been interviewing folks across the West, explains what state-led management might look like. This episode is brought to you by ⁠Ruger. ⁠Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Villwock of Relentless Fly Fishing offers a jam-packed crash course in the best lures, flies, and techniques for river smallies — right now. This episode is brought to you by ⁠Bob Rich Books⁠. Hosted by executive gear editor Scott Einsmann. Guest is Jake Villwock / Relentless Fly Fishing. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To separate bowhunting lore from fact, and gear editor Scott Einsmann spent a week shooting nine popular mechanical broadheads while testing them for durability, accuracy, wound channel size, and out-of-the-box sharpness. Here's what he found. This episode is brought to you by Ruger. Best Mechanical Broadhead Test: https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-mechanical-broadheads/ Video: https://youtu.be/mG83E95hdSc?si=i8dULz4N5QUW8iqS Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is executive gear editor Scott Einsmann. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have ergonomics and accessories from the precision rifle world actually made modern hunting rifles more effective, or do they just get in the way? Senior staff writer Tyler Freel put old and new models to the test. This episode is brought to you by Victorinox. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed9vyRFB2Z8 Story: https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/new-vs-old-hunting-rifles/ Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is senior staff writer Tyler Freel. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week the US Forest Service announced plans to scrap a key conservation rule for 44 million acres of public lands. Chris Wood, the current CEO and president of Trout Unlimited, helped build the Roadless Rule when he was serving at the USFS back in 2001. He explains why the rule was born out of fiscal conservatism, why "roadless" is often a misnomer, and what the real reason is behind the rollback. This episode is brought to you by Victorinox. Citing Wildfire Risk, Trump Administration Proposes to Scrap Entire Roadless Rule: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/trump-administration-proposes-to-end-roadless-rule/ Trout Unlimited report on Roadless Areas: https://www.tu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TU-ROADLESS-REPORT_0401_web.pdf File your (unique) public comment through TU: https://www.tu.org/conservation/action-center/ Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guest is Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior staff writer and our Alaska bear man Tyler Freel explains why modern bullets have made cartridge size irrelevant for many hunting applications. This episode is brought to you by Victorinox. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seasoned bowunter and tracking-dog handler Shane Simpson co-created an app to connect deer hunters with blood trackers. That app also collects a mountain of data about broadheads, shot placement, recovery rates, and more. Simpson and his co-creator, bowhunter and data guru Ryan Carpenter dig through all of it — and provide some key takeaways for hunters — in this week's episode. This episode is brought to you by Victorinox. TRAKR App Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every so often, a state or agency considers legalizing the sale of wild venison. Catherine Appling-Pooler of the National Deer Association explains why wild venison sales are a "knee-jerk" reaction to a problem that already has a solution. This episode is brought to you by Victorinox. National Venison Processor Map https://deerassociation.com/deer-processors/ Commercial Venison Processor Course https://learndeerhunting.com/courses/deer-processor/ Meet the Godfather of Hawaiian Market Hunting https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/market-hunting-axis-deer/ Vermont's Invisible Law: Hunters Can Sell Venison https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/wildlife-management/vermonts-invisible-law-hunters-can-sell-venison Hosted by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guest is Catherine Appling-Pooler, senior director of government affairs for the National Deer Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a former wildland firefighter and former U.S. Forest Service District Ranger for the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Aaron Kania digs into forest management ahead of a historic wildfire season in Minnesota. Bonus points: This episode is recorded from a canoe. This episode is brought to you by Victorinox. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is Aaron Kania. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a hot new lure that's blowing up the bass-fishing world, along with a few new trends in fishing and fishing media at large. OL's resident bass guy, Derek Horner, gives us the rundown. This episode is brought to you by Christensen Arms. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is manager of audience development Derek Horner. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to shrink two popular Utah national monuments, this time by even more than he did in 2017. The order cuts the size of Bears Ears National Monument by 91% and Grand Staircase-Escalante by more than 90%, a reduction of about 3 million acres. In this episode Steven Bloch, legal director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, explains why he thinks the move might be unlawful and how his group plans to challenge it. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last fall OL's senior staff writer Tyler Freel nearly died on a backcountry horseback hunt. During the ride out, he was thrown from his horse, breaking several ribs, puncturing his lung, and spleen. It's not an exaggeration to say that his life was saved by trauma surgeon Dr. Caleb Mentzer and the medical staff. In this episode, Freel interviews Mentzer about what when wrong during that unfortunate hunting trip, and how to be better prepared when disaster strikes. Listen to the full story behind Tyler's accident: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outdoor-life-podcast/id1560573207?i=1000741696648 Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can't talk about American history without also talking about firearms. Firearms historian Ashley Hlebinsky picks some of her favorite American firearm innovations and explain how they relate to what was going on in the country at the time. Guest is Ashley Hlebinsky https://firearmsresearchcenter.org/ Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Oaks NWR, the largest national wildlife refuge in Indiana could close to public use if the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service choses to scrap its real estate agreement. The 50,000-acre property is the second-largest parcel of public land in the state. Full story: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/feds-consider-closing-big-oaks-national-wildlife-refuge/ Hosted by news editor Dac Collins. Reporting by hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between attempts to rollback the Roadless Rule, revise BLM grazing rules, and reevaluate Wilderness Study Areas, politicians and federal agencies appeared to launch a full-on siege of public lands last week. Conservation editor Andrew McKean explains. Senate Republicans Advance ‘Trojan Horse’ to Erase Roadless Rule: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/senate-committee-votes-erase-roadless-rule/ BLM Grazing Overhaul Would Give Ranchers More Grass and Perks, But Could Force Elk Off Public Range: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/proposed-blm-grazing-rules/ Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roger Hill has spent years pushing back against Colorado's murky stream access laws. After getting harassed by landowners for fishing and stonewalled in the courts, Hill tried to get arrested while wading. Law enforcement wouldn't touch him. Hosted by news editor Dac Collins. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Federal’s Plus Peak 6.5 Creedmoor just make the 6.5 PRC obsolete? Shooting Editor John B. Snow, who tested the round in three rifles, explains how this new high-pressure technology gives the Creed a magnum-sized boost to muzzle velocity. This episode is brought to you by SureFire. Full story: https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/federal-plus-peak-6-5-creedmoor-review/ Video: https://youtu.be/uEuOeSz7BtU Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is shooting editor John B. Snow. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This spring, human remains were discovered on executive editor Natalie Krebs' family hunting property. The revelation triggered an investigation that is, to a certain degree, still underway. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced and reported by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunter Wyche was fishing when he was thrown sideways by an exploding pine tree and electricity coursed through his body. Here's how he survived, and what the experience was like for him. This episode is brought to you by SureFire. Photos: https://www.outdoorlife.com/survival/texas-fisherman-survives-lightning-strike/ GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hunter-wyche-teen-struck-by-lightning-medical-expenses Hosted by news editor Dac Collins. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congress is poised to approve Stevan Pearce as the new leader of the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees some 245 million acres of public lands and 700-plus million acres of subsurface mineral rights. Hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean explains what we might expect from Pearce's tenure. OL Podcast: Slashing and Burning at the US Forest Service Randy Newberg's Fresh Tracks Podcast: ⁠Congressional Review Act⁠ Senate Votes 50 to 49 to Strip Boundary Waters Protections in Defiance of Public Opinion, Science It’s a Dark Day for the Boundary Waters and the Future of Public Lands. Here’s How We Got Here Hosted & produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Guest is hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minimal snow pack and record heat this spring have created a bit of a doomsday scenario for Western trout fishing, especially in the Southwest. However, there are some bright spots. There will still be opportunities in the West but the timing of the season will be much different, and earlier. In this episode of the podcast we interview News Editor Dac Collins, who is a diehard fly fisherman and Colorado resident. He's done a bunch of reporting on how this trout season is lining up. Read the full story here: https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/colorado-trout-fishing-forecast-2026/ Colorado faces its worst snowpack in recorded history, impacting water resources and increasing drought concerns. Operating at 36% capacity, the river system’s over-allocation issues worsen, affecting millions in the Southwest. Spring snow and summer rain could help salvage the season. This episode is brought to you by SureFire. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Alex Robinson. Produced by Executive Editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean and editor-in-chief Alex Robinson weigh in on a viral reaping video that sparked disagreement within the hunting community. Our editors may not necessarily align on turkey-hunting ethics , but they do agree turkey hunters should talk about where we're headed. Video from Intro: https://www.outdoorlife.com/opinion/turkey-reaping-video-reconsider-hunting-culture/ Guest is hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you thought that we finally had enough new rifle cartridge introductions, well, you thought wrong.  Shooting Editor John B. Snow explains why he can't stop shooting the new 25s, and the old. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/TvIuFnzY5i0 Full story: https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/25-caliber/ Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a lot happening at the U.S. Forest Service right now, including a full blown agency restructure just as a potentially historic fire season gets underway. To demystify all these changes and what it means for wildfires this year, we talked to former Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, and former hotshot and current wildfire researcher Camille Stevens-Rumann. Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is some really strange stuff going on these days in the world of anti-hunting and animal-rights activism. Dr. Robbie Kroger of the Origins Foundation explains why. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guest is Origins Foundation executive director and founder Dr. Robbie Kroger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are more new cartridges being introduced today, and more marketing hype around them, than ever before ... right? Not so fast. Senior staff writer Tyler Freel explains. The Living Cartridges, and the Dead, by Jack O'Connor — https://tinyurl.com/JOCcartridges The .338 Winchester Magnum Is a Cartridge That No Longer Makes Sense — https://tinyurl.com/338winch Hornady Says It Will Phase Out Creedmoor and PRC Cartridges, Shifts Focus to Proven Classics — https://tinyurl.com/hornadydiscontinuescreed Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is senior staff writer Tyler Freel. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Jones is an accomplished competition turkey caller, hunter, and call maker. He's got plenty of awards to his credit (like winning the 2025 Grand National Calling Championship in the friction division), and plenty of tips for turkey hunters looking to take their pot calls to the next level. Hosted by Executive Gear Editor Scott Einsmann. Produced by Executive Editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A decade ago Dave and Amy Freeman spent a year living in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Now, as the fate of the wilderness hangs in the balance again, they revisit their epic adventure, and the place they call home. House votes to strip BWCA protections. Amy & Dave's book. Hosted by News Editor Dac Collins. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Produced by Executive Editor Natalie Krebs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last season, hunting editor Andrew McKean and his buddies accessed a piece of public ground by flying in. The aftermath of their once-in-a-lifetime hunt involved a stolen elk skull, a tense confrontation with a rancher, and charges in court. Here's what happened, and what McKean says could be solutions to a bigger problem with public lands. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Reporting by hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're digging into the nuances of TSS and lead turkey loads, both in terms of price and performance. Executive editor Natalie Krebs recently reported a deep-dive on the current TSS market and why prices have skyrocketed. Editor-in-chief Alex Robinson just finished range testing all of the top turkey loads on the market. So here's what you need to know about turkey ammo before the season opens. Related: Why TSS prices have skyrocketed http://outdoorlife.com/tss Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randy Newberg and Andrew McKean explore how our lawmakers are eroding protections for public land, throwing out public input, and how this is all going to play out leading up to — and after — this year's elections. This episode is brought to you by Vortex. Hosted by OL hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guest is Randy Newberg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For six seasons Roy Holdford, also known as Curl Hunts, has loaded up his van and hit the road for three full months of DIY public-land and permission turkey hunting. These are his picks for sleeper states to consider this spring, plus a few tips once you're there. This episode is brought to you by Vortex. YouTube video of that Georgia hunt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLrjcP6B098 Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Guest is OL multimedia producer Roy Holdford. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Wightman gets that America’s turkey hunters are cranky.  Understanding and applying turkey research, he says, can help. That's why he wants to make it as painless as possible for us. Guest is Patrick Wightman, NWTF's new national director of wild turkey research. Hosted by hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month the U.S. Department of the Interior said it will revoke the grazing permits that have allowed American Prairie to run bison on roughly 63,000 acres of federal public land in Montana. In this episode of the Outdoor Life podcast news editor Dac Collins interviews our conservation editor Andrew McKean about the issue. McKean lives in eastern Montana, which is ground zero for the bison restoration effort. He'll explain why the effort to restore wild bison on the landscape is important, and also why it's become so controversial. You can read our full story on BLM's decision here: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/blm-revokes-american-prairie-bison-permits/ Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All duck hunters want to talk about right now is the growing debate over the culprit of shortened mallard migrations in the Mississippi Flyway. Here's what the data says — and doesn't — about what's actually affecting greenheads. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Reported and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year's SHOT Show features new guns, of course, but we're also seeing introductions of electro-optics, the suppressor boom, and more. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guests are shooting editor John B. Snow and hunting & optics editor Andrew McKean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OL hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean heads to D.C. to interview Brian Nesvik, the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under his direction the USFWS is deferring to states, assessing its refuges, leveraging technology, and enabling the energy-first agenda of the Trump administration. Reporting by hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean. Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributor and Wyoming resident Christine Peterson returned to the Elk Mountain ranch that started the legal battle over corner crossing all those years ago. Here's what she learned about how to corner-cross without getting sued — and ongoing barriers to public access. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor / Natalie Krebs. Reporting by contributor Christine Peterson. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As many Outdoor Life listeners and followers might have heard, our senior staff writer Tyler Freel was severely injured during a backcountry hunt in Idaho earlier this fall.  Tyler was thrown from a horse during the ride back to the trailhead. He knew that he was hurt the instant he hit the ground, but nobody quite knew the extent of his injuries at the time, which turned out to be extremely severe.  So today on the podcast Tyler is going to explain what exactly happened on that hunt. And our shooting editor, John B. Snow, who was there on the hunt with Tyler is going to outline what we’ve learned from the experience.  Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spearfishing for walleyes and other game fish has slowly been gaining traction in the Great Lakes, and starting April 2026, the sport will enter a new phase there. In November, after years of input from local spearfishermen, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission unanimously approved new and expanded spearfishing regulations for Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior. Although there are some exceptions for certain areas, the new regs that go into effect next spring will allow free-diving spearfishermen to target walleyes, northern pike, and lake trout in the Michigan portions of these lakes. “It’s been one of largest expansions for freshwater game fish in the history of North America,“ says Jon Durtka, a lifelong Michigan sportsman and the guest on this week’s Outdoor Life Podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are lots of things to consider when it comes to cartridge selection for killing deer. But when it comes to recovering those deer, especially when hunting with a 6.5 Creedmoor, there’s still plenty of confusion. So what’s the deal? Is there an issue with the cartridge? Or are there other factors at play? Shooting editor John B. Snow explains. Read more: https://www.outdoorlife.com/badbloodtrails This episode is hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our gear editor got a chance to hang stands and trail cameras with Levi Morgan this summer. Now he's back hunting with the championship archer in Illinois. Here's how Morgan thinks about everything from trail cameras to shot placement. Guest host is gear editor Scott Einsmann. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Guest is Levi Morgan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year, trawlers operating off Alaska’s coast legally catch, kill, and toss overboard tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of salmon, along with millions of pounds of halibut, herring, crab, and, occasionally, some killer whales. It's leading to fewer opportunities for sport and subsistence fishermen. STOP Alaskan Trawler Bycatch — https://www.facebook.com/groups/181111123119023/ Alaska Senate Bill — https://www.akleg.gov/PDF/34/Bills/SB0161A.PDF Ocean documentary, narrated by Attenborough _ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzG9AwlypaY Guest hosted by news editor Dac Collins. Guest is David Bayes. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antler collector Josh Duncan paid a premium to own the world-record whitetail shed antlers. But after he bought them, a troubling revelation came to light on social media. Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices