Podcast
Legends of the Wild, A Field And Stream Production | Hunting, Fishing and the Outdoors
Hosted by Sam Soholt | Field & Stream | Hunting, Fishing and the Outdoors · EN
Legends of the Wild takes you into the heart of the outdoors. Hosted by conservationist, outdoorsman, and storyteller Sam Soholt, this Field & Stream original podcast shares epic adventures, unforgettable hunting and fishing stories, and candid conversations with legendary figures from across the outdoor world.
Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, a conservationist advocating for public lands, or simply love a good story, Legends of the Wild brings the outdoors closer than ever.
New episodes drop biweekly.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 26 - Prairie Ducks in Decline: Photography, Conservation, and Culture
Yesterday01:35:10Summary readyA 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
Summary
Episode 25 - Big Wave Lessons and Bowhunting Obsession with Shane Dorian
2w ago01:02:59Summary readyThe 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
Summary
Episode 24 - Built for Adventure: Hunting, Bowhunting, and the Soholt Brothers Story
4w ago01:11:46Summary readyTwo 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
SummaryEpisode 23 - Saving Turkey Hunting History: The Wild Turkey Archives Story
May 600:51:43Summary readyA 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
SummaryEpisode 22 - Build a Hunting Career: Mark Kenyon on Storytelling, Conservation, and Public Land
Apr 2201:07:44Summary readyHow 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
SummaryEpisode 21 - From Field to Table: Better Wild Game Cooking Starts Here
Apr 800:53:47Summary readyTurn 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
SummaryEpisode 20 - Ben O’Brien on Reinventing Hunting Media and Telling Better Stories
Mar 2501:29:16Summary readyWhat 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
SummaryEpisode 19 - Fly Fishing Built This Life: Oliver White on Risk, Lodges, and Purpose With Oliver White
Mar 1101:01:45Summary readyFrom 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
SummaryEpisode 18 - Bird Dogs and the Obsession That Never Ends
Feb 2501:10:11Summary readyUpland 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
SummaryEpisode 17 - Boundary Waters Under Threat: Why Sportsmen Must Speak Up Now With Lukas Leaf
Jan 2800:48:49Summary readyOne 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
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