Buckmasters Founder Jackie Bushman on Building an Outdoor Empire, Hunting, Conservation & Alabama Traditions

Buckmasters Founder Jackie Bushman on Building an Outdoor Empire, Hunting, Conservation & Alabama Traditions

In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down with legendary outdoorsman and Buckmasters founder Jackie Bushman to discuss the remarkable story behind one of the most influential brands in hunting history. From his days as a nationally ranked tennis player and Auburn athlete to building Buckmasters into a household name among hunters, Jackie shares the journey that helped shape modern deer hunting, outdoor television, conservation, and hunting culture across America. Over four decades, Jackie has pioneered some of the outdoor industry's biggest innovations, including Buckmasters Magazine, the Buckmasters Classic, outdoor television programming, youth outreach initiatives, adaptive hunting programs, and conservation efforts that continue to impact hunters nationwide. He also reflects on growing up in Alabama, introducing kids to the outdoors, the importance of hunting camps, and how social media is changing the future of outdoor storytelling. The conversation dives into: • The founding and growth of Buckmasters • Alabama deer hunting and Southern hunting traditions • The early days of outdoor television and hunting media • Building one of the first nationally televised hunting shows • Conservation, hunter advocacy, and wildlife management • The Buckmasters Expo and Buckmasters Classic • Introducing children and families to hunting and fishing • Adaptive hunting programs for disabled hunters, veterans, and special-needs youth • Turkey hunting, bowhunting, and whitetail deer strategy • Hunting camps, outdoor friendships, and lifelong memories • Entrepreneurship, branding, and building a lasting legacy This episode is a must-listen for deer hunters, outdoorsmen, conservationists, Buckmasters fans, and anyone passionate about Alabama outdoor culture, hunting traditions, and the people who helped shape the modern outdoor industry. Hosted by Ellis Terry Presented by Poarch Creek Indians

Turkey Hunting, Duck Camps & Southern Cooking with Chris Hastings | Afield Podcast

In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down in Birmingham, Alabama with James Beard Award-winning chef and lifelong outdoorsman Chris Hastings. Known nationally for Hot and Hot Fish Club, OvenBird, and Highlands Bar & Grill, Chris shares the untold story behind his deep connection to hunting, fishing, Southern food culture, and the Alabama outdoors. From growing up fishing the South Carolina coast and learning to fly fish as a kid to discovering turkey hunting, dove shoots, duck camps, and wild game cooking after moving to Alabama in the 1980s, Chris explains how the outdoors shaped both his life and his approach to food. The conversation dives into:• Alabama hunting culture and Southern sporting traditions• Turkey hunting, duck hunting, dove hunting, and quail hunting• Wild game cooking tips from a James Beard Award-winning chef• Birmingham’s rise as a Southern food destination• The story behind Hot and Hot Fish Club and OvenBird• Fly fishing, conservation, and coastal traditions• Cooking wild turkey, duck, dove, and quail properly• Southern hospitality, camp culture, and gathering around food This episode is a must-listen for Alabama outdoorsmen, hunters, anglers, food lovers, and anyone passionate about Southern culture and the outdoors. Hosted by Ellis TerryPresented by Poarch Creek Indians

Turkey Calls with the Legend Mike Pentecost: Afield Podcast

In this episode of Afield, presented by the Poarch Creek Indians, Season 2 host Ellis Terry sits down with legendary turkey hunter Mike Pentecost, founder of WoodHaven Custom Calls, in Heflin during the opening week of Turkey Season 2026. From building turkey calls in a basement woodshop to leading one of the most respected brands in the hunting industry, Mike shares the story behind his craft, his faith, and the relentless pursuit of doing things the right way—even when no one is watching. This episode dives deep into the art of turkey hunting, including calling techniques, woodsmanship, and the philosophy behind what Mike calls the “gentleman’s chess match” between hunter and turkey.

How Luke Kolbie Revived Russell Moccasin & Built a Movement Around American Craftsmanship

In this episode of Afield with Christiana Roussel, we sit down in Homewood, Alabama with Luke Kolbie, founder of Avontuur and Kingfisher Leatherworks, and CEO of Russell Moccasin. What started as a teenage passion for crafting a better cartridge bag in Southwest Georgia has grown into a bold undertaking. Reviving a 125-year-old American heritage brand, building a coalition of master craftsmen, and redefining conservation through craftsmanship. Luke shares the story behind acquiring Russell Moccasin in 2022, preserving its generational boot making traditions in Berlin, Wisconsin, and modernizing the business without compromising its soul. We dive into the Conservation Through Craftsmanship Coalition (CCC), the philosophy of making products that last generations—not seasons—and why repairability, sustainability, and Southern values matter more than ever in today’s throwaway culture. From dove fields and bird dogs to Namibia’s Kalahari Desert, vintage heritage gear, and artisan brands made in the American South, this conversation explores: • The revival of Russell Moccasin and American-made boots • Kingfisher Leatherworks and heirloom-quality hunting gear • Conservation through craftsmanship as a sustainable business model • Southern heritage brands and small-batch manufacturing • Why buying once (and buying well) matters If you care about upland hunting, wildlife conservation, heritage craftsmanship, American-made goods, or the stories behind the products you wear and use—this episode is for you. Follow along for more conversations at the intersection of field sports, conservation, and culture.

From Alabama Fallen Trees to Sustainable Urban Timber Furniture: Inside Alabama Sawyer

In this episode of Afield, we step inside the world of Alabama Sawyer, where fallen city trees are reborn as heirloom furniture with soul. Host Christiana Roussel visits the Birmingham workshop of Leigh and Cliff Spencer, the husband-and-wife team behind Alabama Sawyer—an acclaimed design studio turning urban timber into custom furniture, guitars, and one unforgettable Turkey Credenza (yes, really 🦃). Cliff, a Birmingham native and self-described “wood whisperer,” shares his journey from building theater sets in New York and working in film in Los Angeles to founding a nationally recognized furniture company rooted in sustainability. Lee brings the big-picture perspective, discussing strategy, community, and how Birmingham’s creative ecosystem—especially Make Birmingham—helped shape Alabama Sawyer’s path. Together, they explore craftsmanship, conservation, and what it means to design with intention—honoring the full life of a tree and creating work meant to last generations. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * What urban timber really means and why it matters * How fallen Alabama trees are saved from landfills and transformed into furniture, flooring, and art * The full tree-to-table process: log, kiln, and finished piece * Alabama Sawyer’s most popular designs, including the Winston Table * Why so-called “junk trees” like hackberry and sweet gum deserve a second look * Limited-run guitars crafted from salvaged Alabama ash Featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Food & Wine, and Architectural Digest, Alabama Sawyer blends organic modern design with deep Southern roots—proving sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand. Whether you’re into design, woodworking, architecture, conservation, or Southern stories, this episode is for you. Learn more & follow: * Alabama Sawyer: https://alasaw.com [https://alasaw.com] * Garden & Gun feature: https://gardenandgun.com/articles/alabama-sawyer/ [https://gardenandgun.com/articles/alabama-sawyer/] * Instagram: @soulgrown_alabama * Host: @christiana.russell Interested in sponsoring or supporting Afield?📧 editor@soul-grown.com or DM @soulgrown_alabama on Instagram