Episode 3 - Steelhead Chaos, Whitetail Wisdom, and the Best Shotguns of 2025

From Great Lakes steelhead runs to the wisdom of “Mr. Whitetail,” this episode celebrates the wild heart of hunting and fishing. On this episode of the Field & Stream Podcast, host Colin Kearns takes listeners through a trio of stories that capture the best of the outdoors. Senior Editor Ryan Chelius kicks things off with a deep dive into Great Lakes steelhead fishing - how it differs from the Pacific runs, why accessibility makes it so special, and the chaotic beauty of hooking into a chrome-bright fish in shoulder-to-shoulder waters. Ryan shares hard-won steelhead fly fishing tactics, his personal record catch, and unforgettable stories from his days patrolling the Salmon River in this week’s “Campfire” short. Next, Larry Weishuhn - “Mr. Whitetail” himself - reflects on a lifetime of deer hunting, conservation, and stewardship. From his early days in Texas to his philosophy on land management and calling game, Larry’s lessons go beyond hunting—they’re about honoring wildlife and the land itself. Finally, Phil Bourjaily rounds things out with his breakdown of the best shotguns of 2025, revealing the innovations that impressed even a seasoned gun tester. Whether you hunt whitetails, chase steelhead, or live for upland days with a shotgun in hand, this episode has something for every outdoorsman. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Colin Kearns: https://www.fieldandstream.com/authors/colin-kearns Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ Sound effects and sound design for Campfire provided by: Truck Door Open and Close by Jofae -- https://freesound.org/s/361823/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 A000051_5.flac by WaveAdventurer -- https://freesound.org/s/254555/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 OPEN TRUCK DOOR & START.mp3 by tubbers -- https://freesound.org/s/184326/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Walking0_gravel.wav by tec_studio -- https://freesound.org/s/98490/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 River Walk by silentseason -- https://freesound.org/s/407528/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Fly Fishing Reel Running_1.wav by paulprit -- https://freesound.org/s/507098/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 4 guys having a laugh.wav by tlabrant1 -- https://freesound.org/s/670243/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Kayaking in calm weather by AugustSandberg -- https://freesound.org/s/509323/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 water near the boat 02.wav by jazbavac -- https://freesound.org/s/198524/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 2021-08-30-boat-003.wav by ilmari_freesound -- https://freesound.org/s/620290/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices