Outdoor Ruhls

Episode 89: One Fish, Two Fish, Redfish, Cobia

Episode 89: One Fish, Two Fish, Redfish, Cobia Hosts: Mike Ruhl, Mark Ruhl, Caitlin Ruhl, and Rachel Ruhl This week, the Outdoor Ruhls gather around the table on the final morning of their annual Chesapeake Bay family fishing trip to recap an unforgettable week in Cape Charles, Virginia. From boat logistics and rough seas to beach house life and family memories, they share the highs, lows, and laughs that always seem to come with a week on the water. The conversation dives into why the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is such a unique fishery, how they target species like flounder, sheepshead, bluefish, and black sea bass, and what makes this incredible stretch of water one of their favorite places to fish each summer. They also recount battling tough conditions, searching for elusive sheepshead, chasing bluefish when the bite got slow, and adding a few new species to the family list—including the cobia that inspired this episode's title. Along the way, you'll hear stories about forgotten gear, finding boat parking at the last minute, Hunter's unfortunate encounter with saltwater and his iPhone, Rachel's cast-net adventures, and why family vacations are always a little "beautifully chaotic." If you've ever planned a fishing trip that didn't go exactly as expected—but somehow turned into one of your favorite memories—you'll feel right at home. Learn more and connect with us: Website: https://www.outdoorruhls.com [https://www.outdoorruhls.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoorruhls [https://www.instagram.com/outdoorruhls] Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com [outdoorruhls@gmail.com] Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the podcast with someone who loves the outdoors.

Episode 88: Outdoor Dads

Episode 88: Outdoor Dads Father's Day provided the perfect excuse to catch up with Seth Morris and talk about the role the outdoors plays in fatherhood. Seth joins Mike and Mark for a wide-ranging conversation covering life in Montana, his connection to MeatEater, becoming a new father, and raising his son Virgil in a world filled with fishing rods, hunting stories, and outdoor adventures. The conversation bounces from a scorching June oryx hunt shared by Mike and Seth to discussions about woodsmanship, learning to pay attention to the little details outdoors, and the lessons that hunting and fishing can teach. Seth shares stories about introducing a young child to the outdoors, while Mike reflects on the traditions and opportunities his own father provided growing up. The episode wraps with a deeper discussion about what fathers really pass on to their children. While hunting is the backdrop for much of the conversation, the focus is ultimately on connection, community, and creating meaningful relationships. Whether those bonds are formed through hunting, music, sports, art, or something else entirely, the goal is the same: finding a way to connect with the people who matter most. Guests: Seth Morris, Mike Ruhl, and Mark Ruhl Links & Resources Website: www.outdoorruhls.com [http://www.outdoorruhls.com] Instagram: @outdoorruhls Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com Kelsey Rae Artworks: www.kraeartworks.com [http://www.kraeartworks.com]

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.