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

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.

  1. Sep 9

    Musky Fishing Secrets From a Lifetime on the Water with Pete Maina

    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

  2. Aug 26

    Fishing Industry Lessons From Joe Cermele’s Legendary Career in Outdoor Media

    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

  3. Aug 12

    From College Football to Hunting Industry Success with JJ Gustafson

    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

  4. Jul 29

    100 Days of Upland Hunting Across the American West

    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

  5. Jul 1

    One Of Theodore Roosevelt's Greatest Legacy Lives in North Dakota

    Walk where Theodore Roosevelt became America's greatest conservation leader and forever changed the outdoors. Theodore Roosevelt didn't become the father of American conservation in Washington, D.C. His transformation began in the North Dakota Badlands after unimaginable personal loss reshaped his life and purpose. Recorded inside the brand-new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, this conversation explores how Roosevelt's years as a rancher, hunter, and outdoorsman influenced the future of public lands, wildlife conservation, and America's hunting heritage. You'll hear the remarkable story behind the library's decade-long creation, why it was built in the Badlands instead of New York, and how every detail reflects Roosevelt's vision of stewardship and citizenship. Beyond the history, this conversation reveals why the Badlands continue to inspire hunters, anglers, hikers, and outdoor families today. From immersive exhibits and priceless Roosevelt artifacts to groundbreaking conservation projects restoring native prairie ecosystems, the library is designed to connect visitors with the same landscape that forever changed one of America's most influential leaders. Whether you're passionate about public lands, western hunting, wildlife conservation, Theodore Roosevelt history, or simply searching for your next outdoor adventure, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that wild places don't just produce memories. They shape people. 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

  6. Jun 17

    Prairie Ducks in Decline: Photography, Conservation, and Culture

    A 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

  7. Jun 3

    Big Wave Lessons and Bowhunting Obsession with Shane Dorian

    The 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

  8. May 20

    Built for Adventure: Hunting, Bowhunting, and the Soholt Brothers Story

    Two 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

Trailer

4.1
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

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.

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