Episode 87: More Than Inches

Episode 87: More Than Inches

Episode 87: More Than Inches This week on Outdoor Ruhls, Mike, Caitlin, and GT are joined by special guest Nicole Tatman, an official Boone & Crockett measurer, for a conversation that goes far beyond antler measurements. Nicole helps explain the history and purpose of Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young, while the group explores why these organizations were founded and how their conservation missions remain relevant today. The discussion covers the roots of North American wildlife conservation, the influence of Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, and how Pope & Young carried those same principles into the world of bowhunting. Nicole shares her journey to becoming an official measurer and offers an inside look at how the measuring process works, from drying periods to final measurements. Of course, the conversation also turns to Caitlin's remarkable public-land archery elk. The group walks through the measuring process, discusses what the final numbers really mean, and explores common misconceptions about record-book animals. Along the way, they examine fair chase ethics, the role of records programs in conservation, and how healthy wildlife populations are reflected in the animals they produce. Finally, the episode looks at just how uncommon it is for a woman to harvest a Pope & Young-class elk of this caliber, placing Caitlin's accomplishment into a broader historical and conservation context. More than a discussion about inches and score sheets, this episode highlights the connection between hunting, wildlife conservation, and the stewardship that makes these opportunities possible. Topics Covered: The history of Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young Theodore Roosevelt, George Bird Grinnell, Saxton Pope, and Arthur Young Why wildlife records programs exist Becoming an official Boone & Crockett measurer Fair chase and conservation ethics How elk measuring works Caitlin's elk and its final score Women in bowhunting and record-book elk Why conservation—not trophies—is the real story behind the inches For questions, comments, or future show ideas, contact us at outdoorruhls@gmail.com, visit outdoorruhls.com, or follow us on Instagram @outdoorruhls. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your friends and family.

Episode 86: Mountain Hollow Review

Episode 86: Mountain Hollow Review Turkey season is in the books, and Mike welcomes Jeremy Cressley of Mountain Hollow Game Calls back to the podcast for a post-season recap. The two compare notes on a challenging spring, including Jeremy’s Osceola turkey hunt in Florida, encounters with rattlesnakes and swamps on public land, and Mike’s frustratingly dry New Mexico season that featured plenty of gobbling but very few cooperative birds. Along the way, they discuss public-land hunting pressure, turkey behavior, changing hen-to-gobbler dynamics, and why some seasons seem to humble even experienced hunters. The conversation also dives into modern turkey gear, including the pros and cons of TSS ammunition, calling strategies, and the realities of hunting birds that simply refuse to play by the script. Jeremy shares updates on Mountain Hollow’s growing YouTube content and travel plans, while Mike and Jeremy begin laying the groundwork for a future New Mexico Merriam’s turkey hunt—and maybe even a custom Outdoor Ruhls turkey call. As always, the discussion goes beyond harvesting birds and explores why turkey hunters keep coming back season after season, even when the turkeys win. Mountain Hollow Game Calls: https://mountainhollowgamecalls.com [https://mountainhollowgamecalls.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Mountain Hollow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainhollowgamecalls3537 [https://www.youtube.com/@mountainhollowgamecalls3537] Find all of our content at www.outdoorruhls.com [http://www.outdoorruhls.com] Follow us on Instagram: @outdoorruhls Email the show: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 85: Have You Learned Anything?

Episode 85: Have You Learned Anything? In this special birthday episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, Caitlin takes over hosting duties to interview Mike on the morning after his 46th birthday. The conversation explores what life has taught him through family, fatherhood, conservation work, hunting, fishing, and simply getting older. From raising kids as an older dad to lessons learned through decades in the outdoors, Mike reflects on what matters most and how his perspective has changed over time. The discussion touches on favorite outdoor memories, the influence of family traditions, lessons passed down from parents and mentors, and what Mike hopes Robert and Emmit will carry forward into their own lives. Along the way, he shares thoughts on leadership, mistakes, humility, gratitude, and why experience often teaches you how much you still have left to learn. There are stories from Yellowstone, Montana, family fishing trips, youth sports, hunting camps, and life in New Mexico, all woven together into a conversation about growing older, appreciating the people around you, and making the most of the time you're given. Whether you're in your twenties or your sixties, this episode is a reminder that learning never stops. Connect with Outdoor Ruhls: 🌐 Website: www.outdoorruhls.com [http://www.outdoorruhls.com] 📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls 📧 Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: Outdoor Ruhls Thanks for listening to another episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and reach out—we'd love to hear from you.

Episode 84: Ole Bull Memories

Episode 84: Ole Bull Memories On this Memorial Day episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, Mike, Mark, and Caitlin reflect on family traditions, trout fishing, and growing up around one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved state parks — Ole Bull State Park along Kettle Creek. The conversation wanders through childhood memories of Deer Camp, feeding giant trout below the dam, fishing the kids-only section at Ole Bull, and the legendary story of young Mark and cousin Liz getting caught completely naked in the sandbox while Pop Grant “closed his eyes for just a minute.” The crew also dives into the fascinating history of Ole Bull himself — the world-famous Norwegian violinist who attempted to establish a Norwegian colony in Potter County in the 1850s — along with stories about the Austin Dam disaster, longtime camp neighbors, Pennsylvania trout culture, and the unique character of north-central Pennsylvania. Along the way, they swap fishing stories from the weekend, discuss braided line disasters, Cape Charles cobia plans, blue crabs, sheephead recipes, and why some fish are simply better eaten fresh from the creek. As always, the episode is packed with family stories, outdoor nostalgia, and the kind of conversations that happen when generations grow up around Deer Camp, trout streams, and campfires. Website: www.outdoorruhls.com [https://www.outdoorruhls.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Instagram: @outdoorruhls [https://www.instagram.com/outdoorruhls?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Email address: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

episode 83: Tackling Matt’s Addiction

Episode 83: Tackling Matt’s Addiction This week on the podcast, Mike and Matt sit down for the first-ever one-on-one brother episode in Outdoor Ruhls history, and it quickly turns into a deep dive into the world of fishing tackle. What starts as a simple conversation about fishing line spirals into rods, reels, braided line, fluorocarbon leaders, drag systems, warranties, Japanese tackle websites, Pennsylvania bass fishing, and the very real addiction of always needing “just one more setup.” The brothers also recap Matt’s annual Northern Tier Pennsylvania bass fishing trip to Cowanesque, Tioga, and Hammond Lakes, including multiple six-pound largemouth bass and discussions about how those fisheries differ from one another. Along the way, they try to answer a practical question for newer anglers: if you only wanted one versatile rod and reel combo for trout, bass, and light saltwater fishing, what should you buy? Of course, the conversation eventually proves why serious fishermen somehow end up owning hundreds of pounds of tackle anyway. As always, thanks for listening to the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast. Find all of our content at Outdoor Ruhls Website [https://www.outdoorruhls.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Follow us on Instagram at @outdoorruhls [https://www.instagram.com/outdoorruhls?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Questions or comments? Send us an email at outdoorruhls@gmail.com