The Outdoor Life Podcast

A few years ago a Montana man was convicted of violating the federal Lacey Act in his pursuit to create giant hybrid bighorn rams. Now one of his ewes has escaped, which could be bad news for wild sheep. Hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean explains what's going on and why tinkering with wild game is something of a trend these days, and explores whether this mad sheep scientist was actually onto something.

Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson.

Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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Here's what traveling waterfowlers should expect these days, and why protecting breeding habitat is the most important thing hunters can do to have ducks in the future.

Guest is Lake Pickle / onX Hunt.

Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson.

Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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For more than a hundred years, hunters have sought out the optimal cartridge for taking elk efficiently and effectively. If you're already killing elk with a time-proven classic, you don’t need any convincing about their effectiveness — or need to change anything. But if you’re looking for the best options today, there are several modern cartridges that are quite appealing when compared to the old breed.

This episode is brought to you by Smith & Wesson.

Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson.

Guest is senior staff writer Tyler Freel.

Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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It's getting busy in the Thorofare, the farthest spot from a road in the Lower 48. But still, contributor Christine Peterson and her family were determined to dodge other fishermen and horsepackers in search of the iconic Yellowstone cutthroat.

This episode is brought to you by Bob Rich Books.

Reporting by Christine Peterson, in partnership with Re:Public Lands Media.

Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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Public lands have (rightly) gotten plenty of attention recently . The waters of the U.S. are facing similar risks, with potentially disastrous consequences for native fish, wildlife, and the sportsmen who cherish them. Adam Schellhammer of American Rivers explains what's at stake this week for, well, everyone.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Bob Rich Books⁠.

Public comment, closes Oct. 9: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0322

EPA to Reopen Comment on Clean Water Act Rewrite That Could Leave 80 Percent of U.S. Wetlands Unprotected: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/epa-wotus-public-comment/

Hosted and produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

Guest is Adam Schellhammer, Mid-Atlantic regional director for American Rivers.

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Brad Abramowski, the lead engineer behind Peak Alloy, and Josh Vickers, Federal's rifle product line manager. These guys have been working on Peak Alloy for years. They'll talk about how the technology has improved since the introduction of the 7mm Backcountry, and where it might go next.

Related: https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/first-elk-65-plus-peak/

Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, the Trump administration directed the Interior Department to turn over more predator management to the states. Hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean, who has been interviewing folks across the West, explains what state-led management might look like.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Ruger.

⁠Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson.

Guest is hunting and conservation editor Andrew McKean.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs

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Jake Villwock of Relentless Fly Fishing offers a jam-packed crash course in the best lures, flies, and techniques for river smallies — right now.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Bob Rich Books⁠.

Hosted by executive gear editor Scott Einsmann.

Guest is Jake Villwock / Relentless Fly Fishing.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

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To separate bowhunting lore from fact, and gear editor Scott Einsmann spent a week shooting nine popular mechanical broadheads while testing them for durability, accuracy, wound channel size, and out-of-the-box sharpness. Here's what he found.

This episode is brought to you by Ruger.

Best Mechanical Broadhead Test: https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-mechanical-broadheads/

Video: https://youtu.be/mG83E95hdSc?si=i8dULz4N5QUW8iqS

Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson.

Guest is executive gear editor Scott Einsmann.

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Have ergonomics and accessories from the precision rifle world actually made modern hunting rifles more effective, or do they just get in the way? Senior staff writer Tyler Freel put old and new models to the test.

This episode is brought to you by Victorinox.

Hosted by editor-in-chief Alex Robinson.

Guest is senior staff writer Tyler Freel.

Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices