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.

Outdoor Ruhls Podcast — Episode 52

Title: The Dale Ernhart of Trout Fishing?

Guests: The Brothers Ruhl — Mike, Matt (“G4”), and Mark

Release: October 2025

Length: ~1:29

Episode summary

A year in, the brothers finally give the mic to the oldest Ruhl: Matt (aka Grant Matthew, G4). From being “mildly radiated” near Three Mile Island to becoming the family’s Dale-Earnhardt-of-reading-water, Matt talks childhood fishing marathons, grandpa lessons (Pop Grant & Pop Bud), Western hunts, the 662-lb Pennsylvania bear, raising four kids, and running a flooring business where the motto is “Safety Third” and “Lunch at 11.” Expect brotherly chirps, heartfelt moments, and our first crack at an official-unofficial Stormy Kromer ad read.

Chapter markers

00:00 Cold open chaos: mics, phones, flux capacitors, and Bieber jokes

04:17 Welcome + why this one’s special (Episode 52 milestone & new listeners)

05:31 Who we are: three brothers, one R-U-H-L

06:32 Matt 101: born ’78, G4 lineage, most athletic, best angler?

09:57 Street hockey, broken leg, and powdered-donut grenade story

11:05 Reading water like draft lines—why Matt “sees” trout lies

13:58 Pop Grant lessons: independence, knife-table mishap, bee-log “situational awareness”

21:38 One of the last days with Pop Grant on the river

23:40 Pop Bud’s camp-cook magic & the “if you want it, he buys it” Nintendo

26:36 High school → waterfowl era; liberal goose limits & decoy arguments

32:07 52 episodes in a year (almost). Why we keep doing this

33:49 Matt drifts from deer… then archery flips the switch

39:24 First archery buck story (early 2000s, likely the new point restrictions year)

45:17 The “whoops at the beginning”: four kids, seven-year head start on the rest of us

52:12 Western hunts: two mule deer, one Montana whitetail

53:19 The bear: 570 field-dressed / ~662 live weight in Pennsylvania

55:57 Passing bucks, hunting with kids; Kaylee’s streak & goals

57:31 Biggest whitetail (Kansas, mid-140s with an inline muzzleloader) + windy fence-row story

1:03:30 What’s left on the list? Moose dreams, snook/tarpon, a true giant bass, halibut redux

1:07:39 Planes are the enemy; road-trip fishing fantasies

1:09:42 Work life: from helper to self-employed flooring pro since 2006

1:13:55 What folks don’t see about being self-employed

1:20:03 Why mounts = memories (and why the memories are about people)

1:24:52 Test ad read: Stormy Kromer (official-unofficial apparel of Outdoor Ruhls)

1:27:54 Closing banter & how to reach us

Notable moments & quotes

“Fight nice, boys.” — Pop Grant’s evergreen coaching tip.

“These five-hour days are killing me.” — Matt, driving home from another grueling shift.

“If you can’t be a good example, be a horrible warning.” — Mike, lovingly, to Matt.

“You can’t shoot a nice buck if you shoot the first buck that walks by.” — Matt’s deer logic.

Bear stats: ~662 lb live-weight Pennsylvania black bear (one and done… so far).

Safety Third / Lunch at 11: The Rules Flooring creed.

Sibling lore: The shoe through the window; the powdered-donut fashion intervention.

Stormy Kromer spot (as read)

“From the deer stand to the high desert, the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast relies on great outdoor gear to keep our stories going. Built for comfort, warmth, and grip when the wind blows, Stormy Kromer has been tested in deer camps, on fishing trips, and family adventures for over a century. Check out Stormy Kromer—the gear that keeps Outdoor Ruhls adventures going.”

Our “official-unofficial” apparel partner.

Gear & tactics mentioned

Archery: Climbers, close-range shot angles, learning wind & bedding the hard way

Rifle/Muzzleloader: Inline muzzleloader setup in Kansas (wind breaks, fence-row ambush)

Fishing: Reading micro-current seams; casting to hockey-puck-sized targets

People & places

Grandpas: Pop Grant (river rat & teacher), Pop Bud (camp cook & gift-giver)

Kids: Grant (’00, working with Matt), Hunter (’04), Addison (’06), Kaylee (’08)

Hunts: PA archery & rifle; Western KS whitetail; MT mule deer/whitetail; PA black bear

Future wish-list: Moose (maybe Newfoundland), snook & tarpon (Florida), trophy bass (El Salto?), halibut again

Takeaways

The trophy is the time together. The mounts are just bookmarks.

Teach kids to fish/hunt by letting them do it—knots, bait, mess and all.

You can build a life you love (even if your company motto is “Safety Third”).

Links & support

Website: outdoorruhls.com

Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls

Email: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

Listen & review: Apple Podcasts & Spotify — your ratings genuinely help new folks find us.

Credits

Host: Mike Ruhl

Co-hosts: Mark & Matt Ruhl

Production: Outdoor Ruhls Media (Digital Media Manager: Mark… pending HR review by Matt)

Family Thread- A Stormy Tale

Episode Summary

Mike opens with the long-running campfire bit he’s done for years—reading the story stitched inside his favorite wool cap—and reveals how that hat (a Stormy Kromer) unexpectedly braided into his family’s own story. Joining Mike and Caitlin are Tim “GT” Dodge (co-founder of Hansen Dodge, the agency that helped relaunch the brand) and special guest Bob Jacquart, who revived and now stewards Stormy Kromer from Ironwood, Michigan. Together they trace the cap’s railroad roots, Ida Kromer’s crucial stitch, the Milwaukee relaunch, small-town factory pride, and the way one simple hat keeps showing up in hunting camps, weddings, and meet-cutes. It’s a nesting-dolls episode about craft, community, and family.

Chapters

• 00:21 Intro + Mike’s Yellowstone hat story

• The line inside the brim: who was George “Stormy” Kromer—and why Ida matters

• Bob’s origin story: buying a discontinued product and rebuilding a brand

• From “grandpa’s hat” to 1,700 SKUs: growth, fabrics, and licensing (hello, collegiate caps)

• Factory tours, pasties, and Made-in-Michigan pride

• The Hansen Dodge pivot: naming, story, and trademarking “Stormy Kromer”

• First Lite partnership & the outdoor community

• Family threads: Gina leading the company; heirloom repairs; the church hat vs. work hat

• Field tales: the Rancher-as-rifle-rest mishap, Caitlin’s wolf-program mittens, and one lonely Milk Dud

• Closing thoughts + open invite to tour the Ironwood factory

Guests

• Bob Jacquart — Chairman, Stormy Kromer (Ironwood, MI)

• Tim “GT” Dodge — Co-founder, Hansen Dodge (brand relaunch partner)

• Caitlin Ruhl — Biologist, outdoorswoman, and frequent Outdoor Ruhls co-host

Highlights & Takeaways

• The real hero stitch: Ida Kromer’s modification of a baseball cap for her railroad-engineer husband birthed a century-old cold-weather classic.

• Brand resurrection 101: Story > product > distribution. A local sewing shop + a great narrative + thoughtful trademarking turned a discontinued cap into a thriving American-made brand.

• Community impact: Factory tours, local lunches, and Made-in-Michigan pride keep dollars—and dignity—in small towns.

• Gear that lives a life: From wedding vests to backcountry hunts, SK pieces become family artifacts (and sometimes get bullet-adjacent scorch marks).

Gear & Products Mentioned

• The Original Stormy Kromer Cap (the “hat with the story”)

• The Rancher (Mike’s well-loved, slightly singed version)

• Ida Kromer styles (Caitlin’s go-to, ponytail-friendly)

• Stormy Kromer mittens (work-palm hybrids Caitlin used on wolf surveys)

• First Lite x Stormy Kromer collaboration

Resources & Links

• Stormy Kromer — brand, factory store, and free public tours (Ironwood, MI)

• Hansen Dodge — brand relaunch partner behind the “hat with the story” positioning

• Outdoor Ruhls favorites: caps, mittens, and ranch wear featured in this episode

(Add buy/tour links on your episode page; keep affiliate tags if you use them.)

Pull Quotes

• “I didn’t buy the name at first—I bought a discontinued hat. The story came next.” — Bob

• “There is no Stormy Kromer story without Ida.” — Caitlin

• “A frosty head only looks good on beer.” — classic SK line remembered by Mike

Credits & Contact

Hosted by Mike Ruhl with Caitlin Ruhl and Tim “GT” Dodge. Special thanks to Bob Jacquart and the Stormy Kromer crew in Ironwood.

• Website: OutdoorRuhls.com

• Instagram/Facebook: @outdoorruhls

• Email: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

Outdoor Ruhls Podcast — Episode 50

“From Sea to Shining Sea”

Host: Mike Ruhl
Guests/Co-Hosts: Matt Ruhl, Mark Ruhl, and Tim “GT” Dodge

Episode Summary

From the Chesapeake to Alaska to Ontario, the Ruhls recap a whirlwind late-season run of fishing adventures (and misadventures). Mark and Matt debrief a steamy, low-wind week in Cape Charles, VA—including a shredded trailer tire, a bunk falling off, and Matt’s personal-best redfish (~43 lb). GT heads to Alaska’s Alagnak River (ATA Lodge) for silvers, dollies, and rainbows—with fly-outs, bears at arm’s length, and the world’s coldest accidental wader bath. Matt closes with a four-day bass tournament on White Lake, Ontario, winning back-to-back with a mixed bag of smallmouth and largemouth, plus bonus walleye, pike, and a football-size perch. The crew talk salmon species and their many common names, splake (brook × lake trout hybrids), acid-rain recovery lakes, and what’s next: muskies, ice season, and a Cabo billfish Christmas.

Chapter Guide (approx.)

• 00:21 — Welcome + why the “season wrap-up”… wasn’t

• 02:20 — Cape Charles prep: Pro-Line starter fix, Honda water pump delay → Plan B: Poppy/Matt’s 19' Lund

• 07:15 — Highway chaos: tire tread peels, fender skitters, bunk goes bye-bye (zip-tie rescue)

• 12:40 — On-water results: keeper flounder, trout, croaker/whiting/grey trout; tough heat & no wind

• 16:45 — Matt’s PB redfish on artificials (deep water jig bite)

• 21:10 — Sheepshead plans vs. reality; why hot weeks hurt the bite

• 24:00 — Looking ahead: earlier June week for cobia opener

• 28:05 — GT’s Alaska week: Anchorage → King Salmon → ATA Lodge on the Alagnak

• 31:30 — Jet boats, empty river miles, fly-out to the Kulik River (egg patterns for rainbows)

• 35:15 — Salmon crash course: kings/chinook, sockeye/red, coho/silver, pink/humpy, chum/dog

• 38:10 — Bears, brain-bites & roe snacks; GT falls in, still lands the silver

• 42:59 — (Reconnect) Tournament fishing vs. fun fishing: why the pressure is addictive

• 45:00 — Ontario: 4-boat, 4-day derby; big comeback to win by ~3–4 lb

• 48:20 — By-catch highlights: walleye on a popper (!), giant perch, pike; rock bass ≠ green sunfish

• 52:00 — Splake trip in NY; acid-rain recovery and cold-water fisheries

• 56:10 — Musky dreams at Kalaniski (spring invite), fall plans, and Cabo at Christmas

• 59:20 — Teaser: next episode = a special guest from the cold-weather gear world

Notable Catches & Conditions

• Redfish (VA): ~43 lb on 1.5 oz jighead + 5" swimbait; deeper drift bite (~30–40 ft)

• Cape Charles week: extreme heat, minimal wind; inshore variety but picky reds

• Alaska (late Aug): silvers/coho wave mid-week; dollies, rainbows, grayling; sockeye spawning; “jack” kings present

• Ontario derby: tougher bite vs. prior year; more smallmouth weighed, largemouth for day-bigs; won overall by ~3–4 lb

Gear & Techniques Mentioned

• Boats: Pro-Line (Honda outboard: starter & water-pump saga), 19' Lund

• Rigs: Heavy jig + swimbait for reds; egg patterns for Alaskan rainbows; topwater poppers (surprise walleye)

• Logistics: Trailer maintenance—tires, fenders, bunks, lights; lodge fish-boxing vs. DIY cooler game

Species Roll Call

Redfish (red drum), sheepshead, flounder, speckled trout, croaker, whiting, gray (weakfish) trout, all five Pacific salmon (chinook/kings, sockeye/reds, coho/silvers, pink/humpies, chum/dog), rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling, splake (brook × lake trout), smallmouth & largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, rock bass, yellow perch.

Quotables / Episode Vibes

• “Say yes to fishing.” (new shirt idea)

• “Always something with boats.”

• “Tournament days are different—pressure makes it fun.”

• “Why am I standing in a river fishing for dying fish?” (salmon life-cycle perspective)

Looking Ahead

• Cobia goals in late June at Cape Charles (before sharks show up)

• Muskies at Cownanesque Lake (spring)

• Cabo San Lucas over Christmas—billfish + spearfishing curiosity

• Next week’s guest: a heavyweight in cold-weather gear (perfect for ice season fans)

Links & Mentions (for show notes)

• ATA Lodge (Alagnak River, AK)

• Kulik River fly-out (Queens of the egg-drift rainbows)

• White Lake, Ontario (west of Ottawa)

• Cape Charles, VA (Chesapeake Bay bridges/inner bridge)

(Add your affiliate/outbound links as needed.)

Call to Action

• 💬 Questions or episode ideas? OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

• 🌐 Show notes, recipes, & photos: OutdoorRuhls.com

• 📸 Follow along: @outdoorruhls on Instagram and Facebook

• ⭐ If you enjoyed this one, share it with a fishing buddy and leave a 5-star review—huge help!

Episode 49 — It’s Only Gotta Work Once, Part 2

Show Summary

Storms, charcuterie, morale swings, and the relentless patience of a backcountry elk hunt. In Part 2, the crew recounts the second half of Caitlin’s season—highlighted by multiple bulls charging the wallow, tense full-draw standoffs, and finally, the encounter that brought it all together. From ethics and shot discipline to a gritty pack-out, this is a lesson in resilience, teamwork, and why elk hunting really is a community sport.

Highlights

Village support: again, gratitude to GT & Necie for holding down the fort.

Wallow chess match: bulls charging in at full tilt, Caitlin at full draw multiple times, waiting for the right angle.

Storm night: lightning directly overhead, tents nearly flooded, gear soaked—morale hits bottom.

Backcountry hacks:

The hose trick — short line pinned under a rock turns a trickle into a 3L/min fill station.

Freeze-dry + bagels — calorie-dense food that packs small and keeps morale high.

Battery strategy — headlamps and power banks rotated to stretch the week.

The shot: mature 6x6 bull, huge thirds (~19"), Caitlin holds between pins and delivers a clean 30-yard arrow.

Ethics on display: waiting for the right angle, ready for a follow-up, ensuring a quick, humane end.

The pack-out: six heavy loads (quarters, trim, rack, gear) shuttled down in stages. Breakfast burritos = morale medicine.

Score comparison: last year’s bull grossed 318; this one pushes the mark

Tactics & Lessons

Sit the extra 15 minutes — encounters often happen just as you’re ready to give up.

Water is king — reliable hydration makes or breaks a backcountry camp.

Shuttle system — shortening brutal sections by caching and returning makes the pack-out safer.

Community over individual — every successful elk hunt rests on teamwork.

People

Caitlin — Archer, patient under pressure, makes the shot.

Mike Ruhl — Caller, logistics, water-hack engineer.

Hunter — Rookie turned workhorse, zingers and morale resets.

Jeremy — Advisor, burrito hero, pack-out mule.

GT & Necie — Enablers of adventure through childcare support.

Quotables

“Hunting is a community sport.”

“Sit 15 more minutes.”

“It only has to work once.”

Links & Contact

Website: OutdoorRuhls.com

Email: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

Instagram: @outdoorruhls

Episode 48 — It’s Only Gotta Work Once, Part 1

Show Summary

Draw lightning striking twice, rain jackets left on couches, vacuum-sealed underwear, and wallows hidden deep in the timber—this is the setup for Caitlin’s second consecutive New Mexico elk tag. In Part 1, Mike, Caitlin, Hunter, and Jeremy take listeners through the opening days: the long overnight drive, grumpy mornings, blown stalks, swirling winds, and the electrifying moments when bulls bugled back. It’s the foundation of a week that proves the old saying: it only has to work once.

Highlights

Tag of a lifetime (again): Caitlin draws the premier New Mexico archery elk tag for the second straight year—odds defied.

Team assembled: Mike (caller/host), Caitlin (archer), Hunter (first-time elk hunter), Jeremy (newlywed guest & veteran elk hunter).

Community support: GT & Necie taking care of the kids, making the backcountry hunt possible.

Backcountry logistics: six days / five nights on the Valles Caldera with packs built for meat and camp crammed inside.

Stormy start: soaked gear, sideways rain, lightning on the ridges, morale tested early.

Hunter’s initiation: all-night drive, first elk hunt, hard fall in the dark timber, bruise for the ages.

Early encounters:

A five-point bull comes in to cow calls—too close for comfort.

A solid six-point responds to bugles and branch-breaking but never closes the final distance.

The wallow discovery: stumbling into a hidden water source that becomes the focal point of the hunt.

Quote that sticks: “It only has to work once.”

Tactics & Lessons

Pre-rut uncertainty: when cow calls fizzle, bugling + breaking branches can trigger curiosity.

Wind roulette: swirling thermals on the caldera make patience and zig-zagging essential.

Wallow strategy: elk will check water midday—sometimes at a sprint. Mark them, sit them.

Mental grind: success often comes after days of “wrong” decisions.

People

Mike Ruhl — Host, caller, logistics lead.

Caitlin — Tag holder and archer.

Hunter — Nephew, first elk hunt, field bruises and new lessons.

Jeremy Romero — Guest, advisor, extra rain jacket provider, veteran of the same tag.

GT & Necie— Unsung MVPs at home with the boys.

Quotables

“I vacuum-sealed my underwear.”

“Turkey isn’t big game.”

“It only has to work once.”

Links & Contact

Website: OutdoorRuhls.com

Email: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

Instagram: @outdoorruhls

Episode 47: Hell on Wheels

From scraped knees to full-send disasters, the Ruhls (and friends) swap their best and worst bicycle wreck stories. This one’s all about gravel rash, handlebars to the ribs, stitches, e-bikes gone wrong, and even a runaway motorcycle.

Highlights

• Mike’s solo crash – A pool bag in the spokes = upside-down in a gravel alley.

• Robert’s rite of passage – A sharp turn, a toppled bike, and a scraped knee. Lesson learned: helmets matter.

• Rachel’s Wyoming wipeout – Front-brake panic turns a mountain bike into a catapult. Plus her infamous forehead scar from a childhood BMX mishap (36 stitches!).

• Matt’s e-bike adventures – Two spills in 100 feet, a cartoon-style fence slide, and a soaking in Potter County.

• Snitz Creek fishing run – Protecting a brand-new Penn reel was more important than avoiding road rash.

• Mike’s tree collision – Clearing a tabletop jump… straight into a maple trunk 6 feet up.

• Kate & Poppy – A downhill “don’t ride the brakes” lesson ends with Poppy bleeding from the head (but still refusing a ride back).

• Sim & Pop Grant – The Indian motorcycle incident: unintended acceleration, two electric fences, and a miraculous escape.

• Mark’s revenge – Chased by older kid Paul Mettley, Mark circled back, blasted him with the Huffy Sledgehammer, ditched the bike, and ran inside. Little brother justice at its finest.

Threads

• Life lessons on bikes: don’t hang bags on handlebars, check your bolts, and never underestimate a Ruhl plotting revenge.

• Generational echoes: from Pop Grant’s philosophy (“don’t ride the brakes”) to grandkids earning scars the same way their parents did.

• Bikes, e-bikes, and motorcycles—turns out “going over the handlebars” is a universal theme.

📸 Follow along on Instagram: @outdoorruhls
🌐 Full archive + show notes: outdoorruhls.com
📧 Share your best wreck stories: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 46: The Hunt Begins!

Mike kicks off hunting season with Caitlin and Matt: GT is flying home from Alaska, Matt’s packing for Canadian bass, and Caitlin is (somehow!) holding another unbelievable New Mexico elk tag—archery opens tomorrow. The crew previews plans, tactics, gear, kids-in-the-woods logistics, and a little fishing season wrap-up to boot.

Highlights

Matt’s Canada run: Driving 8–9 hours to White Lake, Ontario for a friendly bass derby (smallmouth + largemouth, with pike/walleye cameos). Trailer mishaps lore included.

Elk draw déjà vu: Caitlin drew the same premier Valles Caldera archery elk tag two years in a row (~2% odds each year). Opening day family hike vs. “serious week two” plan.

Prep & gear: New Hoyt bow, heavier confidence; seated/kneeling reps; drawing from behind cover; why “forgiveness” matters more than raw speed.

Strategy talk:

Elk: backpacking to spike out, dawn/dusk movement, calling, and realistic kid-day expectations.

Whitetails: Matt’s PA playbook—stands prepped now, cameras over beans/corn, evenings favored, saving intrusive checks for hunt days.

Philosophy & goals: Meat vs. antlers, being picky after last year’s bull, and not “ruining a perfectly good season by shooting a buck” too early.

Family threads: Hunter’s first elk hunt (and his online classes 🤞), Emmit’s debut day, and why evenings feel better (until you’re quartering by headlamp).

Community note: Congrats to Jeremy & Shannon on their wedding—elk season timing approved. Also: the infamous antique bear trap resurfaces in conversation.

Mentioned

Places: Valles Caldera (NM), Alagnak River (AK), White Lake (ON), Chesapeake Bay, Yellowstone (cameo comparisons).

Species: Elk, smallmouth/largemouth bass, coho, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, whitetails.

Gear: Hoyt compound bow, trail cams (cell & SD), tree stands, junipers (the original 3D targets).

What’s Next

A “Hell on Wheels” episode (bike/motorcycle mishaps with Uncle Sim).

Cape Charles summer recap with Mark/Rachel/GT.

GT’s Alaska debrief.

Caitlin’s elk hunt report (fingers crossed and bugles blazing).

📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls

🌐 Site: outdoorruhls.com

📧 Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 45: The Googans’ Return

The Norway Tetralogy comes to a close! Mike, GT, Poppy, and Caitlin reunite stateside to reflect on the trip of a lifetime, from puffins in Iceland to halibut in Sorøya. This episode ties it all together—what worked, what didn’t, what they’d do differently, and whether hauling fish halfway across the world was really worth it.

Highlights:

Iceland revisited – Puffins on the Westman Islands, tectonic plate hikes, secret lagoons, and a listener’s tip about farmhouse meals.

Oslo surprises – Poppy’s encyclopedic navigation skills, museum hopping (Fram, Kon-Tiki, Maritime, and Natural History), and thoughts on city life.

Tromsø tales – Cab rides, ice cream, late-night leg wrestling, and imagining a winter return for Northern Lights and dog sledding.

Fishing reflections – The guides at Camp Halibut, big halibut vs. big cod, wolf fish, and why musky fishing is the right comparison.

The great fish debate – The true cost (and stress) of bringing 80 pounds of fish home; was it worth it? Or would Whole Foods have been easier?

Family takeaways – Making memories with Robert, bonding with Neil, Nate, Zach, and Emmy, and why the people made the trip as special as the fish.

Looking forward – GT heads to Alaska, Caitlin preps for archery elk season, and the Outdoor Ruhls shift back into hunting mode.

Closing Thoughts:

Poppy: Fishing was the highlight.

GT: The realization that making more of these trips with family is the real prize.

Mike: Pride in Robert hauling up a redfish from 1,000 feet and gratitude for all the people who made the journey unforgettable.

Caitlin: Content to sit this one out, but already scheming future trips closer to home.

📸 Follow the adventure on Instagram: @outdoorruhls

🌐 Show notes, recipes & more: outdoorruhls.com

📧 Email us: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 44: So Long Sørøya

Mike Ruhl, Jacob (Camp Halibut Guide), Nate Weise, Neil McCullum, GT

Join Mike on the final days of his Northern Norway adventure at Camp Halibut! This episode kicks off with an in-depth interview with Jacob, one of the guides who helped make the week unforgettable. Later, Mike sits down with Nate, Neil, and GT to share stories, reflections, and hard-earned lessons from a week chasing Arctic halibut and cod.

Why Listen:

Discover insider tips for Arctic fishing from a seasoned guide.

Hear the story behind Poppy’s 161 cm halibut—trip record!

Learn about gear, tactics, and teamwork that make a remote fishing trip a success.

Get practical advice for planning your own Northern Norway adventure.

Episode Highlights:

Jacob’s top tips for landing halibut and cod.

Stories from the guides and anglers about the week’s challenges and triumphs.

Reflections from Nate, Neil, and GT on technique, preparation, and camaraderie.

Mike’s closing thoughts on the trip and gratitude for the incredible guides and organizers.

Next Up:

The final Norway episode wraps up the adventure with lessons learned, ideas for future trips, and reflections on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Connect with the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast:

Website: www.outdoorruhls.com

Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls

Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 43: Fiske, Endelig (Fishing, Finally)!

Mike Ruhl, Zach Klein, Poppy, Robert

In this episode, we kick off the Norway fishing adventures at Camp Halibut on Sørøya Island, deep in the Arctic Circle. Mike is joined by first-time guest Zach Klein, along with Poppy and Robert, as they recount their experiences fishing for a variety of species in this unique and remote location.

Topics Discussed:

Norway Fishing Adventures: The group talks about their time fishing at Camp Halibut and the diversity of fish they caught, including halibut, cod, redfish, wolf fish, placie, and ling.

Fishing Techniques: From using paddle tail baits to cranking up redfish from 1,000 feet of water, the group shares stories of the fishing methods they used and what they caught.

Camp Halibut & Sørøya Island: A look at the small, remote village and the fishing camp where they stayed, including insights into the local culture and what it’s like fishing so far north.

Robert’s First Big Fishing Experience: Mike reflects on how Robert, at only six years old, handled the long days and challenging fishing conditions.

Fishing with Zach Klein: Zach shares how he and Mike became friends in New Mexico, how they started hunting together, and now they’re experiencing a new fishing adventure in Norway.

Key Highlights:

A variety of fish were caught including halibut, cod, coalfish, and redfish.

Fishing days averaged 10-12 hours, with some stretching to 14 hours.

The group reflects on the gear used, including custom-built rods made by the guides at Camp Halibut.

A behind-the-scenes look at life on the island, including boat rides, wildlife sightings, and fishing techniques in both shallow and deep waters.

Next Week’s Preview:

Next week, we continue our Norway fishing adventure with a special guest interview with Jacob, one of the guides at Camp Halibut. Stay tuned as we discuss more fishing stories with Neil McCullum and Nate Wiese.

🎙️ Episode 42 – Chasing the Midnight Sun
Guests: Poppy, GT, and Robert
Host: Mike Ruhl
Length: ~90 minutes
Recorded in: Reykjavik, Iceland & Tromsø, Norway

In this jam-packed kickoff to the "Norway Adventure" trilogy, Mike, his son Robert, Poppy, and GT set off on a multi-generational journey across Iceland and Norway in pursuit of puffins, pastries, and (eventually) halibut.

🛫 TRIP ORIGINS:

• GT and Mike's group fly from Santa Fe to Denver, then direct to Reykjavik

• Poppy flies from Pennsylvania to Reykjavik via BWI

• The crew reunites, loads into a diesel Toyota Land Cruiser, and starts their Icelandic road trip

🏔️ ICELAND HIGHLIGHTS:

• Whale Museum in Reykjavik

• The Hallgrímskirkja church and top-tier seafood dinners

• Waterfalls you can walk behind

• Puffin spotting on the Westman Islands

• Black Sand Beach and tern attacks (ask Poppy)

• Secret Lagoon hot springs (shhh!)

• Geysir and tectonic plate hikes

• Several bakeries – one was life-changing

🍲 ROBERT’S RANKINGS:
Robert (age 6) offers a full list of favorites and not-so-favorites, including:

• 🥇 Secret Lagoon

• 🥈 Second bakery

• 🥉 Whale museum and mussels dinner

• 🥄 Least favorite: not being allowed to ride a scooter 😆

🔥 SPECIAL ICELANDIC MOMENT:
On the drive to the airport, the crew unexpectedly witnesses a volcano eruption near the Blue Lagoon — a surreal farewell from Iceland.

✈️ ONWARD TO NORWAY:

• Flight from Reykjavik to Oslo

• Chaos at baggage claim delays their escape from the Oslo airport

• They discover the Oslo Pass, which unlocks a packed itinerary of museums, ferries, and public transport

🏛️ OSLO MUSEUM BLITZ:

• Fram Museum

• Kon-Tiki Museum

• Nobel Peace Center

• Munch Museum (yes, The Scream)

• Norway’s Maritime & Natural History Museums

🌊 ROBERT SWIMS AGAIN:

• Swims in the Oslo harbor near the opera house

• Later, tricks GT into letting him swim in a fountain

🥵 DOWNSIDE:

• Oslo was hot, with no A/C in their 7th floor Airbnb

• Also, tiny coffee cups

📈 GT’s FISH-SHIPPING COST METER:

• A running joke/theme emerges: how much will it ultimately cost GT to bring fish back to New Mexico?

• Current tally: $230 and counting...

🌄 TROMSØ ARRIVAL:

• The group flies to Tromsø, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle

• Reindeer roam the beaches while Norwegians swim in the icy water

• Mountains rise from sea level, and the setting stuns the entire group

🎣 FISHING ANTICIPATION:

• The whole crew, especially Robert, is ready to fish

• But they haven’t even started yet…

💬 Quotes of the Episode:

“It’s a sheep in wolf’s clothing!” – Mike
“No, it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” – GT
“I think he chafed his nipples on the bottom of the fountain.” – Mike
“The biggest problem in Iceland? Tiny coffee cups.” – GT

📍Where We’ve Been (So Far):

• Reykjavik

• Secret Lagoon

• Westman Islands

• Oslo

• Tromsø

📦 Next Up in Episode 43:
The crew finally arrives in Hasvik, Norway for Camp Halibut and the fishing adventure begins! Expect big catches, late-night fileting, and the most expensive fish per pound you’ve ever heard of.

📲 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @OutdoorRuhls
📬 Got comments or a verdict on the sheep/wolf debate? Email us: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

Episode 41: Joeski, Part 2 – What Doesn’t Kill You

Guest: Joe Skorupski
Host: Mike Ruhl

Description:
In Part 2 of this conversation, the story continues from the Alaskan wilderness... but quickly turns in an unexpected and deeply personal direction. Not long after returning from one of the greatest hunts of his life, Joe began a battle that nearly cost him everything. What follows is a raw and emotional account of surviving liver failure, undergoing a transplant, and finding strength through family, friends, and sheer will.

Joe opens up about the grueling physical and mental toll of waiting for a donor, the shock of a rare diagnosis, and the long road to recovery. This is a story about resilience, perspective, and gratitude.

Topics Covered:

• Final days and drama of the Alaska float hunt

• Life-threatening health collapse and rare liver disease

• Misdiagnoses, dry runs, and weeks of uncertainty

• The gift of a transplant—and what comes after

• Finding meaning in survival, service, and second chances

• What matters most: family, community, and the drive to live fully

Teaser:
If you’ve ever questioned what you’re capable of enduring, Joe’s story offers a stunning reminder. And next week, we’ll shift gears with the first of our Norway fishing episodes—travel tales, family memories, and big fish from the far north.

Episode 40: Joeski, Part 1 – From Fly Rods to Float Planes

Guest: Joe Skorupski
Host: Mike Ruhl

Description:
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Mike sits down with longtime friend and fisheries biologist Joe Skorupski for a conversation that spans decades of friendship, public lands work, and unforgettable hunts. From their first meeting in Yellowstone National Park to shared river time in Montana and a legendary pheasant hunt in a Lewistown blizzard, this episode is full of storytelling gold.

The highlight is Joe’s epic DIY drop-camp Alaska hunt with two friends, chasing caribou and moose across the tundra and down a wild river. You’ll hear about monster bulls, failed crossings, and everything that can—and did—go wrong on a backcountry expedition.

Topics Covered:

• Joe’s early years fishing Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill River

• Yellowstone work and wild stories from the field

• Grad school hustle and macroinvertebrate research

• Western big game hunting, bird dogs, and backcountry mindset

• DIY Alaska float hunt: planning, caribou success, and moose close calls

• Lessons from the woods, the water, and the people who chase both

Teaser:
Come back for Part 2, where the story takes a powerful turn. You won't want to miss what happens next. Also, watch for upcoming episodes from our Norway fishing trip—stories, misadventures, and hopefully some giant halibut.

Episode 39: A Pair of Bassholes

Guest: Bob Bridges
Hosts: Mark & Matt Ruhl
Theme: Bass fishing stories, unforgettable trips, and a lifetime of laughs

In this episode, longtime friend and die-hard bass angler Bob Bridges joins Matt and Mark Ruhl to share decades of stories from the water. From childhood fishing memories in Texas to legendary boat trips across Pennsylvania, New York, and Canada, the guys trade tales about tackle obsessions, muskie mayhem, bear encounters, and one epic bass tournament win.

They break down their favorite gear, favorite lakes (including Cowanesque, Gaston, and Raystown), and what keeps them coming back year after year for topwater blowups, late-night crappie bites, and the occasional kidney stone.

🐟 Episode Highlights:

• Bob’s Fishing Origin Story: Bluegill in Missouri, bass in Texas, and the purple worm that started it all

• Conodoguinet Creek & PA Roots: Smallmouth and rock bass in backyard waters

• College Connection: Meeting the Ruhl crew at Mansfield University in 2000

• The “Green Weenie” Boat: DIY bass rig and a symbol of simpler times

• Annual Trips to Cowanesque Lake: 20+ years of tradition, big bass, and rotating camp spots

• Lake Gaston: Exploding spotted bass population and a 2.6 lb crappie on a jerkbait

• Topwater Magic: Canada tournament win and the best smallmouth popper bite of their lives

• Tackle Addictions: TRDs, poppers, Shimano reels, and overflowing basement pegboards

• Animal Antics: Bear vs. honey buns, raccoon snack theft, and deer camp dogs with ticks

• Fishing Philosophy: Don’t leave fish to find fish. Unless you’re Bob.

🎯 Gear & Go-To Tactics:

• Bob: G. Loomis rods, Shimano reels, TRD (Ned Rig & Drop Shot)

• Matt: St. Croix rods, Shimano reels, Topwater poppers

• Favorite species: Largemouth, smallmouth, crappie, spotted bass, and stripers

• Notable catches: 6.9 lb bass, 20+ lb striper on topwater, 2.6 lb crappie

• Least favorite move: Watching Bob leave biting fish to try something “interesting”

🛶 Favorite Fishing Spots:

• Cowanesque Lake, PA

• Lake Gaston, VA/NC

• Raystown Lake, PA

• Tioga & Hammond Lakes, PA

• Canadian Shield Lakes

• Future Goals: St. Lawrence River, Thousand Islands, and maybe even chasing 10-pounders down south

🦫 Bonus Stories:

• The kidney stone that didn’t stop Bob from fishing

• The “bear break-in” that left nothing but a trail of Entenmann’s wrappers

• That time Bob caught his own lost lure… inside a fish’s throat

• Legendary bass tournament win powered by topwater chaos and bug hatches

📸 Follow & Explore:

• Instagram:@OutdoorRuhls

• Website:www.outdoorruhls.com – listen, read, and grab wild game recipes

🎧 Listen Now:

Stream A Pair of Bassholes and every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

🎣 Episode 37 – “The Bass Bug: From Snitz Creek to the Bassmaster Open”

Guests:

• Matt Ruhl

• Mark Ruhl

• Special guest: Matt Goudie (@mgoudie1756)

Overview:
In this special bass-centric episode, Mark introduces his oldest fishing friend, Matt Goudie, for a deep dive into lifelong fishing memories, bass boat obsessions, and tournament prep. From catching sunfish with cigarette butts to prepping for the Bassmaster Open on the Upper Chesapeake, this episode covers it all: stories, laughs, strategy, and obsession.

Highlights Include:

• 🎣 Fishing Origins: Childhood days chasing trout in Snitz Creek and outlaw fishing at Gretna Lake

• 🐮 Bull Encounters & Rat’s Nests: Stories of sprinting from cows and chucking tangled rods

• 🚤 Bass Obsession: How Matt caught the bass bug and built a year-round habit around it

• 🧠 Bass vs. Variety: The debate between mastering one fish or being a jack-of-all-trades

• 📅 100+ Days a Year: How Matt balances work and over 100 fishing trips annually

• 🎯 Favorite Techniques: Jerkbaits, frogs, Ned rigs—and why tubes made a comeback

• 🏆 Tournament Life: Local opens vs. the Bassmaster Open, how it works, and why he’s fishing it

• 🧭 Home Water Advantage: Insight into the Upper Bay, tidal nuance, and grass as the X-factor

• 🌊 Dream Destinations: From Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River to peacock bass in Florida

• 🎣 Funny Memory Lane: The “Set the Hook” trip with Phil Steinke and the legendary baitless sunfish episode

Follow Along:

• Follow Matt Goudie on Instagram: @mgoudie1756

• Watch the Bassmaster Open leaderboard and weigh-in at bassmaster.com

• More Outdoor Ruhls episodes and recipes: www.outdoorruhls.com

• Instagram: @outdoorruhls

🎣 Outdoor Ruhls Podcast – Episode 36: From Pickled Pike to Po’ Boys

Guests: Rachel, Mark, Caitlin
Host: Mike Ruhl

Summary:
In this deliciously detailed episode, Mike is joined by Rachel, Mark, and Caitlin to talk about one of the Ruhls’ favorite topics: fish and food. The crew recaps rainy days at deer camp, trout fishing adventures with their kids, and plans for their upcoming trip to Cape Charles. They dive deep into their favorite fish recipes—from smoked trout dip and pickled pike to air-fried fish tacos and salmon fusion bowls. Along the way, they share laughs, family traditions, and some truly mouthwatering ideas.

Topics Covered:

• 🎣 Rainy trout fishing at Ole Bull State Park and Stevenson's Dam

• 🧂 Smoked trout prep and dip recipes

• 🐟 Trout cleaning (CJ’s moment of fame), filleting tips, and pin bone tricks

• 🍽️ Rachel’s sourdough journey: discard rolls and venison pot pies

• 🌮 Fish taco how-to: seasoning, battering, and air frying

• 🐠 Walleye vs. saltwater species – the crew debates favorites

• 🧪 Pickling pike and plans for pickled trout (video pending!)

• 🥫 Pressure canning venison (stroganoff, taco meat, and stew ideas)

• 🍓 Camp jelly making with Pop Grant and wild strawberries

• 🦀 Crab-stuffed flounder, soft shells, and family ceviche nights at the beach

• 🍚 Cajun po’ boys, poke bowls, and the cult of Japanese BBQ sauce

• 🧳 Norway prep, fish freezer strategy, and packing old clothes to throw away

Recipes Mentioned:

• Smoked Trout Dip

• Sourdough Discard Rolls

• Brown Sugar Garlic Air-Fried Salmon

• Chimichurri Grilled Halibut

• Mayo-Lime Baked Walleye with Panko-Parmesan

• Pickled Pike (BHA style)

• Fried Fish Tacos with Kinders seasoning

• Blue Crab Deviled Eggs and Crab-Stuffed Flounder

• Trader Joe’s Chimichurri and Truff Mayo recommendations

Listener Shoutout:
👋 Special thanks to Dan Stoltzfus for the Japanese BBQ sauce rec!

Don’t forget to visit:
🌐 www.outdoorruhls.com
📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls

🎙️ Episode 35: For Better or For Worse?

Description:

On the eve of their 13th wedding anniversary, Mike and Caitlin sit down for a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation about what they've learned from marriage—especially in the context of outdoor adventures. From backcountry days in Yellowstone to an epic (and slightly disastrous) fishing trip for golden dorado in Argentina, they reflect on how the outdoors shaped their relationship and continues to teach them about partnership, parenting, and perseverance.

Along the way, they call on loved ones to share hard-earned marriage wisdom—including both sets of parents, family friends married nearly 70 years, Mike's sister and brother-in-law, and Mike’s brother Matt. The result is a warm, real, and often hilarious tapestry of stories and advice.

🔑 Key Topics:

Reflections on 13 years of marriage

Spam, side-eyes, and backcountry bonding in Yellowstone

An unforgettable golden dorado trip in Argentina (bus delays included)

Marriage advice from family: 165+ years of combined experience

Outdoor memories with kids and the evolution of a relationship

The importance of patience, laughter, and choosing wisely

💬 Guest Voices & Advice:

Catherine & Leonard Schott – Married 69 years: "Learn to communicate. Don’t go to bed angry."

Mike’s Parents (Memaw & Poppy) – Married 51 years: “Patience. Do things together as a family.”

Caitlin’s Parents (Necie & GT) – Married 45+ years: “Support each other. Learn from each other. And laugh.”

Kate & Jed – Married 13 years: “Communicate constantly—and avoid double kayaks.”

Matt (Mike’s Brother) – Divorced, father of four: “Do whatever you can to keep her happy.”

🐟 Adventure Spotlight:

🎣 Golden Dorado in Argentina

A wild ride featuring midnight buses, mystery guides, big fish, broken reels, and last-minute hotel miracles. Lesson: Not every genius plan feels like a good one while it’s unfolding.

❤️ Final Takeaway:

Whether it’s fishing flooded rivers, parenting young kids, or navigating life's messy logistics—partnership is about persistence, good humor, and showing up for each other again and again.

📸 Photos & Recipe:

Check out the golden dorado catch and anniversary pics at: outdoorruhls.com

Wild game and outdoor-inspired recipes: outdoorruhls.com/cooking

📱 Follow & Subscribe:

Instagram: @outdoorruhls

YouTube: Outdoor Ruhls Podcast

Website: outdoorruhls.com

Episode 34: Why Did the Beaver Cross the Road?
Guest: Ben Goldfarb, award-winning environmental journalist and author
Hosts: Mike and Caitlin Ruhl
Duration: ~1 hour 10 minutes

🦫 Episode Summary:
This week’s episode of Outdoor Ruhls brings together old friends for a heartfelt and fascinating conversation about fish, fieldwork, writing, and the creatures that shape our landscapes. Mike and Caitlin are joined by Ben Goldfarb, renowned environmental journalist and author of Eager and Crossings, for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with shared memories of working in Yellowstone National Park and travels through fisheries science, book writing, and beaver admiration.

Ben talks about freezing nights electrofishing on the Madison River, lake trout battles on Yellowstone Lake, and the epic ecological significance of the humble beaver. The crew also explores the deeper reasons why fish captivate us, and Ben shares insights into his upcoming book on fish movement. There’s even a little Mets-Phillies banter to close things out.

📚 Topics Covered:

• How Mike, Caitlin, and Ben met working fisheries in Yellowstone (2009)

• Electrofishing for brown trout at night on the Madison River

• The ecological war against lake trout in Yellowstone Lake

• Why Eager became a breakout conservation book — and what Dan Flores had to do with it

• Crossings: the surprising and devastating ways roads affect wildlife

• Writing with humor and heart about dark ecological subjects

• Fish as tactile gateways to the wild

• Mussels, minnows, mystery, and ichthyophilia

• Ben’s upcoming book on fish movement

• And yes… Mets vs. Phillies

📘 Featured Works by Ben Goldfarb:

• Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter

• Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet
  🏆 Winner: Banff Mountain Book Award for Environmental Literature
  🏆 E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Award (shortlisted)

🧠 Quotables:

“You can hold a fish in your hand and feel the wild.” – Mike
“We’re all just trying to figure out why we love fish.” – Ben
“Roadkill is the carnage of modernity.” – Ben
“Writing with joy about hard things is the way in.” – Caitlin

🔖 Tags / SEO Keywords:
Yellowstone National Park, Ben Goldfarb, beavers, road ecology, electrofishing, brown trout, lake trout, native fish, conservation writing, fish movement, freshwater mussels, Eager book, Crossings book, Aldo Leopold, Dan Flores, outdoor podcast, fisheries, Mike Ruhl, Caitlin Ruhl

📸 Follow & Connect:

• Website: www.outdoorruhls.com

• Instagram: @outdoorruhls

• Facebook: Outdoor Ruhls

• Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

🎧 Listen + Share:
Love the episode? Leave a review, share it with your favorite fisheries nerd, or tell us why you think beavers matter.

Episode Summary:
Mike sits down with his brothers Mark and Matt for a spring catch-up covering all things Outdoor Ruhls. They swap stories about this year’s turkey season—Mike’s morning in the woods with Caitlin, close calls with Poppy, and the joys and struggles of chasing thunder chickens. Mark breaks down his spring bass trips to North Carolina and northern PA, shares thoughts on lure selection and spawning cycles, and explains how tubes made a comeback. The guys also talk about Caitlin’s lucky elk tag draw, summer fishing trips (Norway and Cape Charles), and tease some exciting episodes ahead.

Topics Covered:

• Turkey hunting stories from New Mexico and Pennsylvania

• Introducing kids to turkey hunting (CJ and Robert updates)

• Caitlin’s perfect hunt and turkey enchilada recipes

• Mark’s bass trips: Lake Gaston & Northern PA lakes

• Spring lure tactics: finesse vs. power fishing

• Boat issues, dreams of LiveScope, and catching citation sheep’s head

• Summer plans: Deer Camp, Cape Charles, and Norway

• Caitlin draws her premium elk tag again

• Future episodes teased:

  • Conservation writer Ben Goldfarb

  • “Hell on Wheels” bike crash episode

  • Bassin' with Bob

  • Norway travel recordings

Recipes Mentioned:

• Turkey Green Chile Enchiladas (similar to Mike’s pheasant version)

• Turkey Green Chile Corn Chowder

Connect with Us:
🌐 OutdoorRuhls.com
📸 Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls
📧 Email: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com
🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify