Romancing the Spam: Love and Potted Meat in Yellowstone
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Episode Title:
Romancing the Spam: Love and Potted Meat in Yellowstone
Description:
In this heartfelt episode, Mike sits down with Caitlin to explore a variety of topics that combine their shared love for the outdoors, family, and adventures. Caitlin reflects on her experiences growing up, attending the University of Wisconsin as a Wisconsin Badgers fan, and how her passion for Yellowstone National Park shaped her life and career. Together, they dive into hunting tales, their Yellowstone love story, and the profound impact of family on their journey.
This episode blends outdoor adventure with personal storytelling, making it a must-listen for hunters, conservationists, and anyone who loves connecting with nature and family.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Caitlin's University of Wisconsin days contributed to her outdoor ethos.
The beauty of Yellowstone National Park and how it connects to Mike and Caitlin's love story.
Hunting strategies and stories from wild landscapes.
The role of family in fostering a love for the outdoors.
Key Topics:
Deer hunting
Wisconsin Badgers
University of Wisconsin
Yellowstone National Park
Hunting stories
Outdoor family adventures
Conservation and hunting
Call to Action:
Subscribe to Outdoor Ruhls Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Visit outdoorruhls.com/cooking for recipes, including Caitlin’s favorite venison dishes.
Follow us on Instagram: @outdoorruhls.
Tune in Now:
Hear Caitlin and Mike’s inspiring conversation filled with laughter, stories, and tips for outdoor living.
The Crossbow Killer: Saga of the Wide Seven
Episode Title: The Crossbow Killer: Saga of the Wide Seven
Episode Description:
In this thrilling episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, host Mark Ruhl is joined by family members Matt, Poppy, Kaley, and Rachel to recount their three-year pursuit of the infamous Pennsylvania whitetail known as "The Wide Seven." From food plot challenges to heart-pounding encounters in the tree stand, this story has it all—including two dramatic crossbow failures that let the buck slip away. Hear how persistence, family teamwork, and a bit of luck finally brought this saga to a close.
Whether you're into archery hunting, crossbow hunting, or family hunting traditions, this episode offers an inside look at what makes hunting whitetails in Pennsylvania so special.
Key Topics Covered:
The story of "The Wide Seven" buck: three years of near misses and memorable encounters
Challenges of food plotting on Pennsylvania's rocky terrain
Two crossbow mishaps and lessons learned
Strategies for hunting smart whitetails
Celebrating a successful harvest with family recipes
Recipe Spotlight: CJ’s Favorite Deer Heart
As a special treat, Rachel shares her family’s favorite way to prepare deer heart—a simple and delicious recipe featuring garlic seasoning and butter. Perfect for any hunter who wants to make the most of their harvest! Find the full recipe on OutdoorRuhls.com/cooking.
Notable Quotes:
“The thrill of chasing a buck over three years made this one unforgettable.” – Mark Ruhl
“Hunting with family isn’t just about the harvest; it’s about the memories.” – Poppy
Call to Action:
Love this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast! Follow us on Instagram @OutdoorRuhls for updates, hunting tips, and more family adventures. New episodes drop every Tuesday!
Coming Soon:
Hunting in New Mexico for elk
The best hunting rifles for North American big game
Family heirloom rifles and the stories behind them
Camp Cook Extraordinaire
In this special episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, we're diving into family history with my mom as she shares unforgettable stories about her father, Earl—affectionately known to us as Pop Bud. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Pop Bud faced his share of hardships and adventures that defined him, from surviving early life challenges and serving aboard the USS Biloxi in WWII to becoming the worlds greatest deer camp cook.
What You’ll Hear About:
Early Life Challenges: Pop Bud's roots in Pennsylvania provided both challenges and lessons, shaping him into the resilient man our family admired. We share stories of his determination, resourcefulness, and the impact of his upbringing in the Keystone State.
Stranded in the Bahamas: Hear about an incredible story of survival and grit when Pop Bud found himself stranded in the Bahamas in the 1930s—a testament to his resourcefulness and character.
World War II Service on the USS Biloxi: Pop Bud served on the USS Biloxi, a Cleveland-class light cruiser known as "The Busy Bee" for its relentless missions in the Pacific Theater. The Biloxi was involved in significant campaigns from the Marshall Islands and the Marianas to the Philippines and Iwo Jima. During the intense Battle of Okinawa, the ship was struck by a kamikaze plane—a harrowing experience for those on board. Yet, the Biloxi continued to serve with distinction, providing anti-aircraft defense and supporting air strikes. Pop Bud’s time on the Biloxi left a lasting impact, strengthening his resilience and shaping his outlook on life.
A Passion for Cooking and Baking: From preparing meals for family gatherings in Pennsylvania to sharing his culinary talents with the community, Pop Bud’s lifelong love of cooking and baking is a central theme in our family’s story.
Pennsylvania Hunting Camp Cook: As a deer camp cook in Pennsylvania, Pop Bud became a legend among hunters, known for his ability to bring people together with his incredible meals. His dishes were as much a part of the hunting camp experience as the Pennsylvania wilderness itself, fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories.
Join us on this episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast as we celebrate Pop Bud's life—a Pennsylvania man who embodied strength, adventure, and a passion for food, family, and the great outdoors.
Find Pop Bud’s famous Log Hollow Chocolate Cake recipe here https://www.outdoorruhls.com/cooking
Catch and Release: Fishing in the shadow of three mile island
In this episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, we take a journey down memory lane and along the banks of the Susquehanna River to explore a part of our family’s history. Fishing near the iconic Three Mile Island, we share our family’s unique connection to these waters—spanning generations of fishing, storytelling, and life on the river. Known for the 1979 nuclear accident that changed the course of U.S. energy policy, this area holds a deeper, more personal meaning for us. Join us as we reflect on our family’s experiences and the fishing traditions that have shaped our love for the outdoors.
Topics Covered:
A Family Legacy on the Susquehanna River: Dive into the rich history of our family’s fishing traditions and memories along the Susquehanna River near Three Mile Island.
The 1979 Nuclear Accident and Our Connection: Hear our family’s firsthand accounts of living near Three Mile Island during the nuclear accident and how it shaped our views on conservation and the environment.
Plans to Reopen Three Mile Island: We discuss recent developments about the potential reopening of parts of Three Mile Island.
Species to Catch and Best Fishing Times on the Susquehanna: Insights into the fish species we’ve caught here over the years and the best times to find them.
Key Takeaways:
The deep connection our family has to Three Mile Island and the Susquehanna River
Personal experiences of living near and fishing around Three Mile Island during its historic events
Updates on plans to reopen parts of Three Mile Island and our thoughts on how it could affect the area
Family-tested fishing tips and gear recommendations for these unique waters
Stories of tradition, and conservation in the shadow of Three Mile Island
Listen Now
Join us as we revisit memories, reflect on the river’s resilience, and share a unique perspective on fishing in the shadow of Three Mile Island.
