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

The future of North America’s waterfowl may depend on protecting the prairie potholes today. What happens to duck populations when the wetlands and grasslands they depend on disappear? Sam Soholt sits down with Scott Stephens, Senior Director of Conservation Strategy at Ducks Unlimited, to dig into the science, funding, and conservation work behind North America’s waterfowl habitat. Scott explains why the Prairie Pothole Region is so important to breeding ducks, how wetland and grassland easements protect critical habitat, and why intermittent wetlands can be far more valuable than they look from a tractor cab. The conversation also breaks down the Federal Duck Stamp, where those dollars go, and why buying an extra stamp can support habitat even if you never hunt waterfowl. They get into the challenges facing wetlands, the cost difference between protecting existing habitat and restoring drained ground, and how partnerships between Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl, federal agencies, landowners, and private donors can stretch conservation dollars much further. Scott also explains the less visible side of conservation, from policy and landowner relationships to fundraising and communications, and why those efforts matter when millions of acres are at stake. For duck hunters, pheasant hunters, and anyone who cares about healthy landscapes, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep birds on the ground and wetlands on the map. 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

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