I Went to the Woods

Daniel Buitrago is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project. In this episode we talk about his sheep hunt. We cover gear (Leupold scopes, Hilleberg Nallo GT3 tent), the grind of glacier travel, and how weather and safety shaped his choices. We also talk about the importance of the right hunting partner, favorite float-hunt memories, balancing family and outdoor life, cabin-building highlights, and what’s next for Alaska Wild Project.

In this episode, I talk to Fairbanks resident Harrison Gottschling about moving his family out of a dry cabin and into a home with running water, the benefits and challenges of that transition, and how it changed family life. We also discuss Harrison’s travel-heavy job repairing satellite equipment in tiny remote communities around the state, outdoor adventures with his kids, hunting traditions, trade careers, and how priorities shift with family and time.

Ashley Stimpson is a journalist and president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. In this episode we talk about her path into freelance writing and some of her favorite stories—ranging from greyhound racing to Mason–Dixon markers and AM radio. We discuss reporting, editing, pitching, the value of long-form work, and how finding community and organizations can help writers grow professionally and personally. 

Zack Butterfield is a hunter and mental health counselor. In this episode we talk about why getting outside—especially morning sunlight—helps mood, immunity, and stress regulation. We also talks about the role of social media, rural mental health, practical steps like short morning walks and light therapy, and his book "Hunting for Happiness." This episode blends hunting stories with accessible mental health ideas for outdoorspeople.

Kellen Golightly is an avid upland game hunter from Utah and host of Bird Camp Radio. We discuss Utah’s diverse upland species, public-land access, conservation challenges, and how Bird Camp Radio connects hunters across states to promote stewardship and community.

This short introduction is for my new project the I Went to the Woods podcast. A new show that features outdoor creatives, conservationists, filmmakers and writers sharing stories about hunting, fishing, conservation and the creative process.

Subscribe to I Went to the Woods to hear these interviews alongside On Step Alaska and follow both feeds to stay up to date with new episodes and behind-the-scenes conversations.

Abby and I were able to go on our first overnight alpine hunting trip in two years. (Thanks Mimi and Papa) We recap the hike up, the hectic stalk at last light, and hiking back to camp in the dark. We're tired, we're thirsty, but we're amped in this on-location episode. 



Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:
Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)
Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 



Lou Tamposi and I walk through a practical, no-nonsense guide to processing deer—from head to hindquarter. We discuss cuts (tenderloin, backstrap, neck, shanks, ribs), cooking methods (braises, steaks, sausages, bacon), tools (knives, grinders, vacuum sealers), and using bones for stock.

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors:

In this episode, Melis Coady explains the proposed Susitna‑Watana hydroelectric dam. We discuss its scale, potential impacts on salmon and local communities, and seismic risk. We also talk about the project’s history, funding pressures from public and private investors, and the renewable strategies like distributed wind, solar, and small hydro.

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors: