Legends of the Wild, A Field And Stream Production
Episode 3 - Hunting, Home, and the Changing West: Stories from Bozeman and Beyond
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Sam Soholt | Field & Stream

Introduction

In Episode 3 of Legends of the Wild, host Sam Soholt delves deep into the evolving landscape of Bozeman, Montana, and its profound impact on the local outdoor community. The episode features an in-depth conversation with renowned outdoor media creator, Jason Matzinger, who shares his journey from a young Montana hunter to a pivotal figure in conservation and hunting media.

Bozeman: Then and Now

The episode opens with a discussion about the rapid transformation of Bozeman. Matzinger reflects on his childhood and the stark differences he observes today:

[05:39] Unnamed Guest 1 (Jason Matzinger): "It's a completely different town than when I grew up. The vibe and the feeling of being here, it is still that ranching and outdoor community, but it doesn't feel like Montana anymore."

He laments the loss of the tight-knit community spirit that once defined Montana towns:

[05:39] Matzinger: "Small towns where everybody waves, everybody knows everybody, everybody helps everybody. That kind of feeling overall just seems to be a little bit lost."

Evolution of the Outdoor Industry in Bozeman

Bozeman has burgeoned into a hub for the outdoor industry, attracting numerous companies and passionate individuals. Matzinger appreciates the personal connections and collaborative environment this growth has fostered:

[08:03] Matzinger: "Bozeman and the people here and the brands here have given me the ability to really have fun and have great relationships with the people I work with."

While acknowledging the benefits, he also touches on the challenges, such as increased competition for prime hunting spots due to the influx of outdoor enthusiasts:

[08:41] Matzinger: "I started to notice just with how many people were moving here, the difference in how far you had to get from town or back into the mountains to get away from people."

Jason Matzinger’s Journey: From Hunting to Conservation Filmmaking

Matzinger provides a comprehensive overview of his path from a passionate hunter to a filmmaker dedicated to conservation. Inspired by early hunting shows like Wild America and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, he sought to create authentic hunting narratives that prioritize the animal and conservation efforts over sensationalism.

[12:11] Matzinger: "I wanted to show them what really happens out here. What drives us. The beautiful sunrises, the elk bugling. I wanted to capture better audio. I wanted to capture better everything."

Balancing his career as an electrician with his burgeoning passion for filming, Matzinger faced numerous challenges, including long hours and the technical hurdles of early digital editing.

[28:17] Matzinger: "I was up against deadlines that if I didn't get it done, it wasn't getting delivered on tag. It screwed up my entire schedule."

Creating Authentic Hunting Media

A central theme of the episode is Matzinger’s commitment to authentic storytelling in hunting media. He emphasizes the importance of capturing genuine moments without orchestrating scenes, aiming to present hunting in a way that reflects true conservation efforts and the hunter’s respect for wildlife.

[20:03] Matzinger: "We don't do recreates. We don't fake anything. We don't set up shots. We don't... if we're making a film or a documentary style one hour special, then sure, we'll set up certain shots for like, interviews or good camp scenes."

This authenticity extends to his personal hunting experiences, where he integrates his family and friends into the narrative, showcasing the deep-rooted connections and traditions in Montana hunting culture.

[42:09] Matzinger: "I'm 46 years old now. I've never felt better... we're hunting the same way we hunted before I ever even thought about having a TV show."

Conservation Through Filmmaking: Notable Projects

Matzinger discusses his series of conservation films, each focusing on different aspects of wildlife management and the symbiotic relationship between hunting and conservation.

1. Project Elk
   [53:03]
   Partnering with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, this film explores the concept that "Hunting is conservation," demonstrating how hunting activities support habitat preservation and wildlife health.

   [53:04] Matzinger: "I wanted to document the changing of seasons with elk... what hunters are doing to help ensure that wildlife is getting what they need."

2. Project Mule Deer
   [54:47]
   In collaboration with the Mule Deer Foundation, this film highlights the critical importance of land management and the recently discovered mule deer migration patterns, which underscore the necessity of maintaining open migration corridors.

   [55:15] Matzinger: "20 years ago, we didn't even know there was a mule deer migration... it's been pivotal for conservation efforts."

3. Circle of Life
   [56:18]
   Focusing on auction and governor tags, this film demystifies the financial mechanisms behind wildlife management, illustrating how funds from these tags are reinvested into conservation projects.

   [57:27] Matzinger: "That $650,000 is reinvested into habitat access, biologists, other studies... everything that goes into keeping a herd healthy."

4. Project Landlocked
   [60:17]
   Addressing the issue of landlocked public lands, this film raises awareness about the 16-18 million acres of public land in the West that lack public access, highlighting legal battles and conservation impacts.

   [60:17] Matzinger: "We wanted to create a film to really bring awareness to this issue."

5. Selective Hunting
   [69:12]
   This film redefines trophy hunting as "selective hunting," emphasizing its role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations by targeting mature, non-breeding males.

   [69:57] Matzinger: "Selective hunting brings all that together... it's the evolution of hunting as an individual."

Maintaining Longevity in the Hunting Media Industry

When discussing longevity, Matzinger attributes his sustained passion to authentic motivations and a commitment to conservation rather than chasing trends or external validation.

[36:09] Matzinger: "I've always done it for the right reasons... I just know that it takes this natural evolution, like I don't have to force anything."

He avoids burnout by ensuring that his projects align with his genuine interests and values, allowing his work to evolve organically over time.

[41:35] Matzinger: "If I don't see an animal that gets me excited, I'm not going to take one just because I feel like I've got to make one more episode."

Future Endeavors and Legacy

Looking ahead, Matzinger aspires to create a comprehensive film that intertwines all his previous projects, showcasing the intricate connections between land management, hunting, and conservation.

[71:56] Matzinger: "I dream of creating this film that ties it all together... how they've been the fabric of North America."

He also envisions additional projects focusing on species like white-tailed deer, celebrating their historical and cultural significance across different regions of the United States.

[73:32] Matzinger: "I would love to make a full-length film on white-tailed deer across the country... telling the story of their importance in America."

Conclusion

Episode 3 of Legends of the Wild offers a profound exploration of the intersection between hunting, conservation, and community in Bozeman, Montana. Through Jason Matzinger's narrative, listeners gain insight into the delicate balance between preserving wildlife and adapting to the changing dynamics of the outdoor industry. Matzinger’s dedication to authentic storytelling and conservation serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring spirit of Montana hunters and conservationists.

Where to Find More:

• Instagram: @JasonMatzingerOfficial
• Facebook: Jason Matzinger Official
• Television:
  • Season 16 Premiere: June 30th, 9:30 PM on Sportsman's Channel
  • Viewing Platforms: YouTube (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation), Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, My Outdoor TV, Sportsman's Channel Canada

Be sure to follow Jason Matzinger and Legends of the Wild for more stories and updates on conservation and outdoor adventures.