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Episode 53: Talkin’ Tangents
Episode 53: Talkin’ Tangents — A Conversation with Pat Durkin
Show Notes
In this episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, host Mike Ruhl sits down with legendary outdoor writer Pat Durkin for a lively, free-wheeling conversation that covers just about everything from whitetails to wordsmithing. Over the past four decades, Pat has written and edited for some of the biggest names in outdoor media — including Deer & Deer Hunting, Outdoor News, and MeatEater — all while keeping his boots muddy and his stories honest.
True to the name Talkin’ Tangents, this chat zigzags across topics the way a curious hunter roams a November ridge:
How Pat got his start in outdoor journalism and the mentors who shaped his path
What he’s learned from a lifetime observing deer — their senses, behavior, and uncanny ability to survive us
The evolution of outdoor media — from print deadlines and typewriters to digital columns and podcasts
Conservation ethics, public-land access, and the delicate balance between science and storytelling
Why humor, humility, and curiosity still matter more than “hot takes” or trophy photos
Along the way, the conversation drifts (in the best Outdoor Ruhls fashion) into side trails about writing discipline, memorable hunts, and the future of hunting culture. Whether you read Pat in the Sunday paper, scroll his MeatEater essays, or simply love thoughtful outdoor conversation, this one’s a keeper.
Episode Highlights
00:00 — Intro: Mike sets the scene and welcomes Pat to the campfire.
05:30 — From Newsroom to Northwoods: Pat’s early writing days and first big breaks.
15:00 — How Deer Think: Sensory biology, research insights, and field observations.
25:00 — Story Craft: Turning muddy boots into meaningful sentences.
38:00 — Ethics & Access: The state of conservation, hunters, and public lands.
50:00 — Rapid-Fire Ruhls: Gear favorites, dream hunts, and one lesson every outdoorsperson should remember.
About Pat Durkin
Pat Durkin is an award-winning outdoor writer and columnist based in Wisconsin. Over a 40-year career, he’s served as editor of Deer & Deer Hunting, contributed to numerous regional newspapers, and written hundreds of essays for MeatEater and other national outlets. Known for blending hard science with everyday woods-wisdom, Pat brings credibility, humor, and humanity to every story he tells.
Connect with Outdoor Ruhls
Follow Outdoor Ruhls on Instagram @outdoorruhls and visit outdoorruhls.com for recipes, travel stories, and new podcast episodes each week.
If you like what you hear, leave us a review, share it with your hunting buddies, and help keep the Outdoor Ruhls conversation rolling.
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By Outdoor RuhlsEpisode 53: Talkin’ Tangents — A Conversation with Pat Durkin
Show Notes
In this episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, host Mike Ruhl sits down with legendary outdoor writer Pat Durkin for a lively, free-wheeling conversation that covers just about everything from whitetails to wordsmithing. Over the past four decades, Pat has written and edited for some of the biggest names in outdoor media — including Deer & Deer Hunting, Outdoor News, and MeatEater — all while keeping his boots muddy and his stories honest.
True to the name Talkin’ Tangents, this chat zigzags across topics the way a curious hunter roams a November ridge:
How Pat got his start in outdoor journalism and the mentors who shaped his path
What he’s learned from a lifetime observing deer — their senses, behavior, and uncanny ability to survive us
The evolution of outdoor media — from print deadlines and typewriters to digital columns and podcasts
Conservation ethics, public-land access, and the delicate balance between science and storytelling
Why humor, humility, and curiosity still matter more than “hot takes” or trophy photos
Along the way, the conversation drifts (in the best Outdoor Ruhls fashion) into side trails about writing discipline, memorable hunts, and the future of hunting culture. Whether you read Pat in the Sunday paper, scroll his MeatEater essays, or simply love thoughtful outdoor conversation, this one’s a keeper.
Episode Highlights
00:00 — Intro: Mike sets the scene and welcomes Pat to the campfire.
05:30 — From Newsroom to Northwoods: Pat’s early writing days and first big breaks.
15:00 — How Deer Think: Sensory biology, research insights, and field observations.
25:00 — Story Craft: Turning muddy boots into meaningful sentences.
38:00 — Ethics & Access: The state of conservation, hunters, and public lands.
50:00 — Rapid-Fire Ruhls: Gear favorites, dream hunts, and one lesson every outdoorsperson should remember.
About Pat Durkin
Pat Durkin is an award-winning outdoor writer and columnist based in Wisconsin. Over a 40-year career, he’s served as editor of Deer & Deer Hunting, contributed to numerous regional newspapers, and written hundreds of essays for MeatEater and other national outlets. Known for blending hard science with everyday woods-wisdom, Pat brings credibility, humor, and humanity to every story he tells.
Connect with Outdoor Ruhls
Follow Outdoor Ruhls on Instagram @outdoorruhls and visit outdoorruhls.com for recipes, travel stories, and new podcast episodes each week.
If you like what you hear, leave us a review, share it with your hunting buddies, and help keep the Outdoor Ruhls conversation rolling.