Wild Life Outdoors

Russell Reynolds
  • 5.0 (14)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Russell Reynolds, Wild Life Outdoors is a podcast centered on meaningful conversations about conservation, outdoor recreation, and the future of public lands. Each episode brings together hunters, anglers, conservationists, land managers, and advocates to discuss why wild places matter and how they can be enjoyed responsibly. The show explores policy, access, stewardship, and the real world decisions that shape outdoor opportunity across the country. Wild Life Outdoors is built for those who care about more than recreation alone. It is about understanding the land, respecting it, and having honest conversations that help protect outdoor traditions for the next generation.

  1. 4H AGO

    This Mining Plan THREATENS America’s MOST Visited Wilderness | Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

    Take Action Here: http://bit.ly/SpeakUpForTheBWCACall Your Senator: 202-224-3121In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Lukas Leaf, Executive Director of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, to talk about what is truly at stake in the fight to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.This conversation breaks past headlines and talking points. We dive into why the Boundary Waters is not just an environmental issue, but a sportsmen’s issue, an economic issue, and a public lands issue that affects hunters, anglers, outfitters, and rural communities far beyond northeastern Minnesota.Lukas explains the real risks of sulfide copper mining near a pristine watershed, why this type of mining has never been done without pollution, and how overturning current protections could set a dangerous precedent for public lands across the country. We also discuss how these decisions bypass public input, who actually benefits, and who bears the long term cost when wilderness protections are rolled back.Most importantly, this episode is a call to action. The clock is ticking, and everyday hunters and anglers still have a chance to make their voices heard. If you care about clean water, public land access, and protecting wild places for future generations, this is a conversation you need to hear.Links to take action, including Save the Boundary Waters, are included below.Act Now Here: http://bit.ly/SpeakUpForTheBWCASportsmen for the Boundary Waters: https://sportsmenbwca.org/Save the Boundary Waters: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/00:00 Why the Boundary Waters matters beyond Minnesota01:00 Introduction to Lukas Leaf and Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters03:30 Lukas’ upbringing and connection to the Boundary Waters05:55 What is actually happening with mining proposals09:45 Why this is a sportsmen’s issue, not just environmental13:00 Why sulfide mining near water always leads to pollution17:15 Cascade effects and real world conservation examples21:45 Economic myths versus reality in the Boundary Waters25:10 Who benefits and who pays the long term cost27:30 How this sets precedent for other public lands30:05 What everyday hunters and anglers can do right now34:30 What we want future generations to remember36:00 Final call to action and where to get involved#BoundaryWaters #BoundaryWatersCanoeAreaWilderness #SportsmenForTheBoundaryWaters #SaveTheBoundaryWaters #PublicLands #PublicLandConservation #MiningNearWilderness #SulfideMining #EnvironmentalPolicyPodcast #HuntingAndConservation #PublicLandAccess #ConservationPodcast #OutdoorAdvocacyPodcast #GrassrootsConservation #WildernessProtection #WildLifeOutdoorsPodcast #HuntersProtectingPublicLands #AnglersForConservation #PublicLandsPodcast #WildLifeOutdoors #BWCA #OutdoorPodcast #HuntersForConservation #EnvironmentalPolicy #ProtectPublicLands #OutdoorAdvocacy #CleanWater #WildernessEthics

    37 min

  2. FEB 10

    A RECORD Alaska Elk Hunt on Afognak Island

    In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with the hunters behind an unforgettable Afognak Island Alaska elk hunt. What started as a last minute tag turned into a once in a lifetime experience that tested preparation, endurance, and decision making in one of the most unforgiving environments in North America.This conversation goes far beyond the highlight reel. We break down the logistics of hunting a remote Alaskan island, how they prepared coming from a whitetail background, and what it really takes to hunt responsibly where mistakes carry serious consequences. From navigating brutal terrain and unpredictable weather to setting up bear fences and managing meat care with brown bears nearby, this hunt demanded discipline at every step.We also dive deep into ethical decision making, risk management, and lessons learned that apply to any backcountry hunter. The guys share what went right, what went wrong, and what they would do differently if they were headed back tomorrow. This episode is packed with real world insight for anyone dreaming about Alaska, remote hunts, or leveling up their approach to public land hunting.If you are interested in Alaska elk hunting, backcountry logistics, meat care ethics, or what it truly takes to hunt wild places the right way, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Watch the full hunt video linked below and make sure to follow our guests for more incredible content.Full Hunt Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IUfWns1IEc @DiscoveringtheLastFrontier1  Chase Parker: https://www.instagram.com/parker_chase_/?__d=1%2BIsaiah Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/duluth.mn.fishing/Sponsors:Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com01:02 Introduction and overview of the Afognak Island hunt02:20 Background and hunting experience of the guests05:45 How the last minute Alaska elk hunt came together08:25 Preparing for a remote island hunt12:11 First impressions of Afognak Island terrain14:36 Brown bears and the reality of hunting Alaska16:27 Logistics challenges once on the island20:18 Bear fences and camp safety23:07 Opening day harvest and decision making28:09 Sponsors31:18 Close encounters with brown bears38:28 The shot and immediate aftermath41:03 Realizing this could be a record elk49:08 Breaking down and packing out the bull52:05 Meat care and bear concerns55:14 Lessons learned from the hunt58:26 Public lands and protecting wild places01:03 Final advice for hunters dreaming of Alaska#WildLifeOutdoors #AfognakIsland #AfognakIslandElkHunt #AlaskaElk #AlaskaElkHunting #AlaskaHunting #AlaskaHuntingPodcast #ElkHunting #BackcountryElkHunt #BackcountryHunting #RemoteIslandElkHunt #RemoteHunting #PublicLandHunting #PublicLandHuntingAlaska #AlaskaBackcountryHunting #AlaskaWilderness #BrownBearCountry #AlaskaBrownBearCountry #MeatCare #MeatCareInAlaska #EthicalHunting #EthicalHuntingPodcast #WildernessHuntingEthics #HuntingPodcast #OutdoorPodcast #ConservationHunting #ExtremeHunting #ExtremeHuntingEnvironments #ElkHuntingStories #HuntingStories #RecordElkHunt #HuntingLogisticsAlaska #RealHuntingStories #HuntAlaska

    1h 4m

  3. FEB 3

    Finding Purpose Through the Outdoors and Writing with Anthony Dyer

    In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Anthony Dyer for an honest and wide ranging conversation centered on the outdoors, personal growth, and finding purpose through time spent outside.Anthony shares his background and the path that led him deeper into the outdoor lifestyle, including how challenging experiences in the field shaped his mindset and values. We talk about lessons learned the hard way, mistakes that turned into growth, and why discomfort in the outdoors often translates into clarity in everyday life.The conversation explores the deeper side of outdoor culture, touching on discipline, responsibility, mental toughness, and the importance of slowing down in a world that rarely does. Anthony also opens up about how the outdoors can serve as a reset button, helping people reconnect with themselves, their priorities, and the land.We also discuss the importance of conservation, respecting the resource, and why ethical outdoor practices matter now more than ever. From personal stories to broader conversations about stewardship and community, this episode reflects what Wild Life Outdoors is all about.If you are passionate about hunting, fishing, conservation, and becoming a better version of yourself through the outdoors, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for long form conversations focused on outdoor culture, conservation, and the people who live it every day.Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com#WildLifeOutdoors #AnthonyDyer #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingPodcast #FishingPodcast #OutdoorsAndMentalHealth #FindingPurposeOutdoors #HuntingLifestyle #FishingLifestyle #ConservationPodcast #OutdoorStorytelling #ModernMasculinityOutdoors #HuntingEthics #ConservationAndHunting #PublicLandHunting #PersonalGrowthOutdoors #OutdoorDiscipline #OutdoorMindset #HuntingStories #FishingAsTherapy #ConservationMindedHunters #FindingMeaningInNature

    37 min

  4. JAN 27

    Faith, Firearms, and the Outdoors | Stephen Gadberry

    In this powerful episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Stephen Gadberry for a raw and thought provoking conversation that blends faith, service, masculinity, and the outdoors.Stephen’s life story is anything but ordinary. From military service and deep personal hardship to answering a calling into seminary and priesthood, Stephen shares how discipline, suffering, and purpose shaped the man he is today. This episode dives into what it means to live with intention in a chaotic world and how faith and the outdoors can ground us when everything else feels unstable.The conversation spans a wide range of topics including growing up through adversity, learning the value of hard work later in life, hunting and fishing as a form of connection and reflection, and why building things with your hands still matters. Stephen opens up about how hunting, fly fishing, knife making, fitness, and cooking wild game all connect to living a life rooted in responsibility and service.Russell and Stephen also discuss the modern challenges men face today, the importance of mentorship, how faith can feel inaccessible to many, and why authenticity matters more than appearances. Whether you come from a faith background or not, this episode challenges listeners to think deeper about purpose, sacrifice, and what it truly means to live well.If you are passionate about the outdoors, personal growth, faith, or finding meaning beyond the noise, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for more long form conversations on conservation, hunting, fishing, and the values that shape the outdoor community.Stephen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherstephenjgadberry/?hl=enBucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 Introduction and opening story02:10 Stephen Gadberry background and upbringing07:30 Hardship early in life and finding faith13:45 The role of discipline and hard work18:20 Military service and the call to seminary25:10 How Stephen knew he was being called30:20 Faith authenticity and breaking stereotypes35:40 Hunting fishing and building with your hands42:10 Memorable hunts and lessons learned47:30 Bucket list hunts and outdoor goals52:30 Knife making fly fishing and craftsmanship54:00 Final thoughts on faith purpose and the outdoors#FaithAndMasculinity #OutdoorsAndMentalHealth #ChristianMenPodcast #FindingPurposeAsAMan #MilitaryVeteransFaith #HuntingAsTherapy #OutdoorsAndSpirituality #ModernMasculinityCrisis #MenFindingPurpose #FaithBasedOutdoorPodcast #HuntingAndPersonalGrowth #WildernessAndFaith #WildLifeOutdoors #StephenGadberry #FaithAndTheOutdoors #HuntingAndFaith #ChristianOutdoorsman #MasculinityAndFaith #MilitaryToPriesthood #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingStories #FlyFishingPodcast #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithBasedPodcast #PublicLandHunting #KnifeMaking #WildGameCooking #ModernMasculinity #HuntingLifestyle #FlyFishingLifestyle #OutdoorStorytelling #MenAndFaithPodcast #SpiritualGrowthOutdoors #HuntingCommunity

    54 min

  5. JAN 20

    The Boundary Waters Extraction Plan Nobody's Talking About

    In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, for a critical conversation about the future of public lands and the fight to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Ingrid breaks down what is happening right now in northern Minnesota, including the ongoing threats of sulfide ore mining near the Boundary Waters and why these decisions matter far beyond Minnesota. We discuss how public land policy is shaped, who actually has a voice in these decisions, and why outdoor recreationists, hunters, anglers, and everyday citizens must stay engaged.This episode dives deep into conservation advocacy, grassroots organizing, and the real world consequences of losing protected wilderness. Ingrid explains why the Boundary Waters is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the United States, what makes it ecologically irreplaceable, and how short term resource extraction could permanently damage watersheds, wildlife habitat, and outdoor access.We also talk about how listeners can get involved, why advocacy is not just for activists, and how protecting public lands directly impacts hunting, fishing, paddling, and outdoor traditions for future generations.If you care about public lands, conservation, wilderness access, and the future of America’s wild places, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for honest conversations about conservation, public lands, outdoor culture, and the policies shaping the wild places we love.Save the Boundary Waters: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/actnow26Sportsmen of the Boundary Waters:https://sportsmenbwca.org/stauber-resolution/#WildLifeOutdoors #IngridLyons #BoundaryWaters #BoundaryWatersCanoeAreaWilderness #BWCA #PublicLands #PublicLandConservation #WildernessProtection #MiningNearWilderness #SulfideMining #OutdoorConservationPodcast #EnvironmentalPolicy #PublicLandAccess #GrassrootsConservation #WildernessAdvocacy #HuntingAndFishingConservation #OutdoorRecreation #CanoeingWilderness #MinnesotaWilderness #ConservationPodcast #PublicLandsPodcast #EnvironmentalActivism #ProtectingWilderness #OutdoorEthics #ConservationEducation #WildPlaces #OutdoorAdvocacy

    46 min

  6. JAN 14

    A New Chapter for Wild Life Outdoors

    In this special intro episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sets the tone for what 2026 will look like for the podcast and the community we are building around it.This episode is about direction purpose and why the conversations around conservation public lands and outdoor ethics matter more now than ever. After reflecting on the lessons growth and challenges of 2025, Russell outlines how Wild Life Outdoors is evolving with deeper discussions more educational content and a stronger focus on protecting the places we all rely on to hunt fish and explore.We talk about why public land access can no longer be treated as a background issue and how legislation policy and management decisions directly impact recreation conservation and the future of the outdoors. This episode also introduces a renewed commitment to fly fishing, fly tying, hunting, and telling real stories from the field that reflect what it actually means to be a modern outdoorsman.Listeners can expect more solo episodes more expert voices more respectful debate and more involvement from the Wild Life Outdoors community. The goal for 2026 is simple to educate inspire and mobilize people who care about wild places and want to be part of protecting them.If you care about conservation, public lands, fly fishing, hunting, ethics, and the future of outdoor recreation this episode is for you.Listen now subscribe to the channel and join us as we head into 2026 with purpose clarity and a commitment to doing things the right way.Let us know in the comments what topics you want covered this year and how you want to be involved.#WildLifeOutdoors #2026OutdoorPodcast #ConservationPodcast #PublicLandsPodcast #OutdoorConservation #FlyFishingPodcast #HuntingAndConservation #PublicLandAccess #OutdoorEthics #FlyFishingContent #FlyTying #OutdoorRecreation #PublicLandsProtection #FlyFishingEducation #OutdoorCommunity #ConservationConversations #GrassrootsConservation #OutdoorMedia #ArkansasOutdoors #TexasPublicLands #BLMPublicLands #OutdoorAdvocacyPodcast

    13 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    They’re Trying to SELL Your Public Land — Devin O’Dea Exposes Everything

    This week on Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Devin O’Dea, Western Policy and Conservation Manager for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, for one of the most important conversations we have ever released on this podcast.This episode takes a deep dive into the real threats facing America’s public lands, from attempts to rescind the Roadless Rule to legislative proposals that could open the door to privatizing or selling off the lands that belong to every American. Devin breaks down exactly what’s happening behind the scenes, how certain bills bypass public input, and why hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts need to pay attention right now.Russell and Devin also talk through:• What the Roadless Rule actually protects• Why attempts to rescind it are dangerous for wildlife, watersheds, and recreation• How public land bills get disguised as “affordable housing” or “fire mitigation”• Why bipartisan stewardship is the only real path forward• The role hunters and anglers play in conservation through Pittman-Robertson & Dingell-Johnson• What everyday people can do today to protect public access• Why public lands are part of every American’s inheritanceThey also swap stories about learning to hunt, navigating difficult terrain, clean water issues, wildlife fragmentation, and even some unexpected wild-game culinary adventures (yes, crow and coyote recipes come up).If you hunt, fish, hike, camp, or simply care about the natural spaces that define this country, you cannot miss this episode. This discussion affects every Western state, every public land user, and every future generation that deserves access to wild places.Watch, share, and help protect what belongs to all of us.Take Action: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-actionBucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 – Public land ownership and the threat of selling public land00:22 – Welcome to Wild Life Outdoors00:54 – Introducing Devin O’Dea (BHA Western Policy Manager)01:38 – Why public lands are facing major threats03:27 – Russell’s hunting experiences and challenges06:24 – Rifle vs bow hunting in thick terrain07:14 – What is the biggest threat to public lands right now?11:40 – How “affordable housing” bills hide land-sale attempts13:26 – Why selling public lands makes no sense16:39 – Why certain politicians push land-transfer bills18:19 – America’s unique public land heritage21:30 – What the Roadless Rule protects23:42 – Wildlife fragmentation and fire-related myths27:22 – Why “fire mitigation” is used as misleading justification29:53 – Why public comment matters32:53 – What bipartisan conservation should look like37:06 – How Pittman-Robertson & Dingell-Johnson actually fund conservation41:51 – Why the U.S. system is unique globally45:02 – Wild-game cooking stories and food chain impacts48:07 – What YOU can do right now to protect public land51:36 – Clean water, invasive species, and eagle recovery issues54:33 – More wild-game talk (crow, coyote, black bear)56:00 – Closing thoughts from Devin57:09 – Final sendoff and call to action#publiclands #RoadlessRule #Conservation #BackcountryHuntersAndAnglers #BHA #PublicLandAccess #HuntingPodcast #OutdoorPodcast #ConservationPolicy #PittmanRobertson #DingellJohnson #PublicLandThreats #SavePublicLands #WildLifeOutdoors #WesternHunting #FlyFishingCommunity #HabitatProtection #OutdoorAdvocacy #HuntingAndFishing #PublicLandOwner

    58 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Ep.90 Wild Game Cooking Secrets Every Hunter Needs to Know

    In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Doc Jaynes for one of the most informative conversations we have ever had about wild game cooking, proper meat handling, ethical harvest, and long range shooting.The episode opens with a bold statement that sparks the entire discussion. If your wild game tastes gamey, chances are it is not the animal it is the way the meat was handled. From there, we dive deep into the cold, clean, dry rule and how improper field care, storage, and processing can destroy the quality of even the best harvest.Doc breaks down how to properly handle deer, bear, waterfowl, and other wild game from the moment of harvest all the way to the freezer. We discuss aging meat, whether soaking in water actually helps or hurts, how to properly grind wild game, and why removing silver skin and sinew matters more than most hunters realize.Russell also shares his experience cooking snow geese during the conservation order and how proper preparation turned a commonly disliked bird into incredible pulled BBQ and fajitas that even his kids loved. The conversation expands into black bear cooking, including bear gumbo, rendered bear fat, and why historically bear grease was a staple in American cooking.Later in the episode, the talk shifts to long range shooting. Doc explains his mountain shooting setup, what it takes to shoot extreme distances, and how small fundamentals make massive differences in accuracy. Russell also shares lessons learned from archery hunting on public land and how understanding animal behavior changes your success in the field.This episode is packed with real world knowledge for hunters, anglers, wild game cooks, and anyone who wants to better understand responsible harvest and ethical use of our natural resources.If you care about conservation, field to table living, and becoming a more capable outdoorsman, this episode is for you.Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 When Wild Game Tastes Gamey It Is Not the Animal02:10 Introducing Doc Jaynes and His Background05:25 The Cold Clean Dry Rule Explained09:40 The Biggest Field Care Mistakes Hunters Make14:55 Aging Wild Game Meat Properly18:20 Water Soaking Myth Does It Help or Hurt22:05 Snow Goose Cooking During Conservation Order26:40 Pulled Goose and Goose Fajitas for Kids30:15 Black Bear Cooking Traditions and Bear Gumbo34:10 Rendering Bear Fat and Historical Uses38:40 Grinding Wild Game the Right Way43:00 Removing Silver Skin and Sinew for Flavor47:30 Long Range Shooting Setup and Gear52:15 Shooting Fundamentals That Matter the Most57:20 Mountain Hunting and Shot Placement1:01:45 Ethics of Harvest and Respecting the Animal1:06:10 Final Advice for Better Wild Game and Better Hunting#wildgamecooking #fieldtotable #hunttotable #wildgamemeat #howtomakewildgametastegood #gameymeatfix #deermeatprocessing #bearmeatcooking #snowgooserecipes #waterfowlcooking #wildgamerecipes #huntingandcooking #coldcleandryrule #ethicalhunting #meathandlingforhunters #wildgamefieldcare #wildgameprocessingmistakes #blackbearmeat #beargumborecipe #snowgooseconservationorder #howtoprocessdeer #publiclandhunting #longrangeshooting #extremelongrangeshooting #huntingaccuracy #mountainhunting #flyfishingpodcast #huntingpodcast #outdoorpodcast #WildLifeOutdoors #RussellWildLifeOutdoors #conservationhunting #huntereducation #wildgamemeattips

    45 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Hosted by Russell Reynolds, Wild Life Outdoors is a podcast centered on meaningful conversations about conservation, outdoor recreation, and the future of public lands. Each episode brings together hunters, anglers, conservationists, land managers, and advocates to discuss why wild places matter and how they can be enjoyed responsibly. The show explores policy, access, stewardship, and the real world decisions that shape outdoor opportunity across the country. Wild Life Outdoors is built for those who care about more than recreation alone. It is about understanding the land, respecting it, and having honest conversations that help protect outdoor traditions for the next generation.

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Reynolds
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Russell Reynolds
  • Show Website
    Wild Life Outdoors