When Field & Stream brought its legendary magazine back to life, they turned to one artist to set the tone - Ryan Kirby. In this episode, host Sam Soholt sits down with Kirby to unpack the story behind the revival cover and explore how fine art, hunting heritage, and conservation collide in his work.

From deer camp in Illinois to live painting events in New York City, Kirby shares how he built a career bridging the gap between wildlife art and the modern outdoorsman. The conversation dives deep into his creative process, how he studies animal behavior to make each whitetail scene biologically accurate, collaborates with top wildlife photographers for reference, and transforms real-life hunts into timeless pieces that hunters instantly recognize.

Listeners will also learn the origins of Kirby’s famed Whitetail Aging Chart and Waterfowl Flyway Prints, why authentic detail matters in depicting hunting life, and how modern outdoorsmen can protect the storytelling tradition behind conservation art. Whether you’re a deer hunter, waterfowler, or art collector, this episode offers a rare look behind the easel of one of the outdoor world’s most influential creatives.

Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/

Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/

Check out Ryan Kirby’s work: https://ryankirby.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 

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