Outdoor Ruhls

Outdoor Ruhls

Join the Ruhl Family as we share our love for all things outdoors. We’ll explore hunting, fishing, cooking, camping, conservation, gardening, photography and more through stories about our families deep history and passion for being outside. You’ll hear from three generations, all with unique perspectives on the past, present, and future.

  1. Jun 23

    Episode 88: Outdoor Dads

    Episode 88: Outdoor Dads Father's Day provided the perfect excuse to catch up with Seth Morris and talk about the role the outdoors plays in fatherhood. Seth joins Mike and Mark for a wide-ranging conversation covering life in Montana, his connection to MeatEater, becoming a new father, and raising his son Virgil in a world filled with fishing rods, hunting stories, and outdoor adventures. The conversation bounces from a scorching June oryx hunt shared by Mike and Seth to discussions about woodsmanship, learning to pay attention to the little details outdoors, and the lessons that hunting and fishing can teach. Seth shares stories about introducing a young child to the outdoors, while Mike reflects on the traditions and opportunities his own father provided growing up. The episode wraps with a deeper discussion about what fathers really pass on to their children. While hunting is the backdrop for much of the conversation, the focus is ultimately on connection, community, and creating meaningful relationships. Whether those bonds are formed through hunting, music, sports, art, or something else entirely, the goal is the same: finding a way to connect with the people who matter most. Guests: Seth Morris, Mike Ruhl, and Mark Ruhl Links & Resources Website: www.outdoorruhls.com Instagram: @outdoorruhls Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com Kelsey Rae Artworks: www.kraeartworks.com

  2. Jun 16

    Episode 87: More Than Inches

    Episode 87: More Than Inches This week on Outdoor Ruhls, Mike, Caitlin, and GT are joined by special guest Nicole Tatman, an official Boone & Crockett measurer, for a conversation that goes far beyond antler measurements. Nicole helps explain the history and purpose of Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young, while the group explores why these organizations were founded and how their conservation missions remain relevant today. The discussion covers the roots of North American wildlife conservation, the influence of Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, and how Pope & Young carried those same principles into the world of bowhunting. Nicole shares her journey to becoming an official measurer and offers an inside look at how the measuring process works, from drying periods to final measurements. Of course, the conversation also turns to Caitlin's remarkable public-land archery elk. The group walks through the measuring process, discusses what the final numbers really mean, and explores common misconceptions about record-book animals. Along the way, they examine fair chase ethics, the role of records programs in conservation, and how healthy wildlife populations are reflected in the animals they produce. Finally, the episode looks at just how uncommon it is for a woman to harvest a Pope & Young-class elk of this caliber, placing Caitlin's accomplishment into a broader historical and conservation context. More than a discussion about inches and score sheets, this episode highlights the connection between hunting, wildlife conservation, and the stewardship that makes these opportunities possible. Topics Covered: The history of Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young Theodore Roosevelt, George Bird Grinnell, Saxton Pope, and Arthur Young Why wildlife records programs exist Becoming an official Boone & Crockett measurer Fair chase and conservation ethics How elk measuring works Caitlin's elk and its final score Women in bowhunting and record-book elk Why conservation—not trophies—is the real story behind the inches For questions, comments, or future show ideas, contact us at outdoorruhls@gmail.com, visit outdoorruhls.com, or follow us on Instagram @outdoorruhls. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your friends and family.

  3. Jun 12

    Episode 86: Mountain Hollow Review

    Episode 86: Mountain Hollow Review Turkey season is in the books, and Mike welcomes Jeremy Cressley of Mountain Hollow Game Calls back to the podcast for a post-season recap. The two compare notes on a challenging spring, including Jeremy’s Osceola turkey hunt in Florida, encounters with rattlesnakes and swamps on public land, and Mike’s frustratingly dry New Mexico season that featured plenty of gobbling but very few cooperative birds. Along the way, they discuss public-land hunting pressure, turkey behavior, changing hen-to-gobbler dynamics, and why some seasons seem to humble even experienced hunters. The conversation also dives into modern turkey gear, including the pros and cons of TSS ammunition, calling strategies, and the realities of hunting birds that simply refuse to play by the script. Jeremy shares updates on Mountain Hollow’s growing YouTube content and travel plans, while Mike and Jeremy begin laying the groundwork for a future New Mexico Merriam’s turkey hunt—and maybe even a custom Outdoor Ruhls turkey call. As always, the discussion goes beyond harvesting birds and explores why turkey hunters keep coming back season after season, even when the turkeys win. Mountain Hollow Game Calls: https://mountainhollowgamecalls.com Mountain Hollow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainhollowgamecalls3537 Find all of our content at www.outdoorruhls.com Follow us on Instagram: @outdoorruhls Email the show: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

  4. Jun 2

    Episode 85: Have You Learned Anything?

    Episode 85: Have You Learned Anything? In this special birthday episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, Caitlin takes over hosting duties to interview Mike on the morning after his 46th birthday. The conversation explores what life has taught him through family, fatherhood, conservation work, hunting, fishing, and simply getting older. From raising kids as an older dad to lessons learned through decades in the outdoors, Mike reflects on what matters most and how his perspective has changed over time. The discussion touches on favorite outdoor memories, the influence of family traditions, lessons passed down from parents and mentors, and what Mike hopes Robert and Emmit will carry forward into their own lives. Along the way, he shares thoughts on leadership, mistakes, humility, gratitude, and why experience often teaches you how much you still have left to learn. There are stories from Yellowstone, Montana, family fishing trips, youth sports, hunting camps, and life in New Mexico, all woven together into a conversation about growing older, appreciating the people around you, and making the most of the time you're given. Whether you're in your twenties or your sixties, this episode is a reminder that learning never stops. Connect with Outdoor Ruhls: 🌐 Website: www.outdoorruhls.com 📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls 📧 Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: Outdoor Ruhls Thanks for listening to another episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and reach out—we'd love to hear from you.

  5. May 27

    Episode 84: Ole Bull Memories

    Episode 84: Ole Bull Memories On this Memorial Day episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, Mike, Mark, and Caitlin reflect on family traditions, trout fishing, and growing up around one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved state parks — Ole Bull State Park along Kettle Creek. The conversation wanders through childhood memories of Deer Camp, feeding giant trout below the dam, fishing the kids-only section at Ole Bull, and the legendary story of young Mark and cousin Liz getting caught completely naked in the sandbox while Pop Grant “closed his eyes for just a minute.” The crew also dives into the fascinating history of Ole Bull himself — the world-famous Norwegian violinist who attempted to establish a Norwegian colony in Potter County in the 1850s — along with stories about the Austin Dam disaster, longtime camp neighbors, Pennsylvania trout culture, and the unique character of north-central Pennsylvania. Along the way, they swap fishing stories from the weekend, discuss braided line disasters, Cape Charles cobia plans, blue crabs, sheephead recipes, and why some fish are simply better eaten fresh from the creek. As always, the episode is packed with family stories, outdoor nostalgia, and the kind of conversations that happen when generations grow up around Deer Camp, trout streams, and campfires. Website: www.outdoorruhls.comInstagram: @outdoorruhlsEmail address: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

  6. May 19

    Episode 83: Tackling Matt's Addiction

    Episode 83: Tackling Matt’s Addiction This week on the podcast, Mike and Matt sit down for the first-ever one-on-one brother episode in Outdoor Ruhls history, and it quickly turns into a deep dive into the world of fishing tackle. What starts as a simple conversation about fishing line spirals into rods, reels, braided line, fluorocarbon leaders, drag systems, warranties, Japanese tackle websites, Pennsylvania bass fishing, and the very real addiction of always needing “just one more setup.” The brothers also recap Matt’s annual Northern Tier Pennsylvania bass fishing trip to Cowanesque, Tioga, and Hammond Lakes, including multiple six-pound largemouth bass and discussions about how those fisheries differ from one another. Along the way, they try to answer a practical question for newer anglers: if you only wanted one versatile rod and reel combo for trout, bass, and light saltwater fishing, what should you buy? Of course, the conversation eventually proves why serious fishermen somehow end up owning hundreds of pounds of tackle anyway. As always, thanks for listening to the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast. Find all of our content at Outdoor Ruhls WebsiteFollow us on Instagram at @outdoorruhlsQuestions or comments? Send us an email at outdoorruhls@gmail.com

  7. May 13

    Episode 82: A Mother's Love!

    Episode 82: A Mother’s Love! In this Mother’s Day episode, Mike and Caitlin open with a family weekend in Glenwood, New Mexico, where the boys helped stock Gila trout, Robert caught his first Sonora sucker, and Caitlin had a true “mother’s instinct” moment when she jumped into a cold pool to help both boys after Emmit got in over his head. The episode then shifts into a conversation about mothers in the wild, including Caitlin’s close encounter with a grizzly sow and her yearling cubs while working in Yellowstone. From there, Mike, Poppy, and Aunt Beth sit down to remember Grandma June Gettle Ruhl — a talented artist, loving mother, proud grandmother, and deeply important presence in the Ruhl family, even for those who lost her too young to really know her. Aunt Beth shares stories of June’s artistic gifts, her work teaching residents at Cedar Haven to paint and do ceramics, her love of family, her calming presence, and the special bond they shared. The episode closes with reflections on how family traits, stories, love, and influence can pass through generations — even from people we barely got to know — and with gratitude for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and the family friends who fill those roles in our lives. Find Outdoor Ruhls online:Website: www.outdoorruhls.comInstagram: @outdoorruhlsEmail: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

  8. May 6

    Episode 81: A Mother's Love?

    Episode 81: A Mother’s Love? In Part 1 of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast Mother’s Day series, Mike sits down with Caitlin, Poppy, and his mom Karen for an honest and surprisingly emotional conversation about Mike’s grandmother, Elizabeth “Nutt” Hartlieb — a woman remembered as tough, stubborn, guarded, and often unable to show affection, even to the people she loved most. The episode opens with stories from a recent family turkey camp weekend, where kids, friends, and multiple generations gathered to hunt, laugh, and spend time outdoors together — a sharp contrast to many of the memories that follow. Through stories both funny and painful, the family reflects on Nutt’s difficult Depression-era childhood, her complicated marriage to the endlessly generous Pop Bud, and the lasting impact that emotional distance can have across generations. Along the way are unforgettable stories involving road trips that ended in Arizona, a surprise avocado-green refrigerator, family grudges, and the unique personalities that shaped the Hartlieb and McMinn families. But beneath the humor and storytelling is a deeper reflection about gratitude, affection, and choice. Mike reflects on how growing up around someone who struggled to express love ultimately taught him the value of warmth, kindness, and appreciation for the people who openly share those things. The episode closes with a heartfelt Mother’s Day message about family, resilience, and the importance of choosing to project love and positivity into the world — no matter where you came from. As always, find more episodes, recipes, and stories at www.outdoorruhls.com, email us at outdoorruhls@gmail.com, and follow along on Instagram at @outdoorruhls.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Join the Ruhl Family as we share our love for all things outdoors. We’ll explore hunting, fishing, cooking, camping, conservation, gardening, photography and more through stories about our families deep history and passion for being outside. You’ll hear from three generations, all with unique perspectives on the past, present, and future.

Information

  • Creator
    Outdoor Ruhls
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Outdoor Ruhls

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