This episode traces the history and impact of the Roadless Rule in the Tongass National Forest. Chris Wood, a key architect of the rule and President of Trout Unlimited, describes the conservation rationale, restoration work, partnerships with industry and local villages, and how balanced, collaborative solutions can protect fisheries while supporting rural economies. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers  

Fisheries scientist Kevin Fraley recounts fieldwork along the Dalton Highway investigating contaminants like mercury and PFAS, mining impacts along the proposed Ambler Road, access and conservation concerns, and fishing for Arctic Char.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers  

This episode explores the proposed West Susitna Access — a 100+ mile industrial corridor from Big Lake through roadless wetlands to exploratory mining claims — covering estimated costs, major bridge and maintenance concerns, and how the project was split between state agencies.We discuss ecological risks to wetlands, salmon and lamprey habitat, impacts on hunting and fishing, community perspectives from Talkeetna, and practical ways the public can get involved through comments, the Susitna River Coalition, and local events.

To close out the year I’m revisiting four critical habitat and conservation issues in Alaska. This episode dives into the debate over a proposed second crossing through the Mendenhall wetlands in Juneau, Alaska. Local conservationists, hunters and bird experts discuss the ecological importance of the wetlands — a globally important stopover used by hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and over 230 species — and how different bridge alternatives would affect habitat, fishing, hunting access and community recreation.  

Delaney Murphy is the co-founder of Out To Sea Expeditions, a Zodiac‑based tour business in Ketchikan. In this episode we talk about  why small, local experiences matter, tour logistics, and what makes Southeast Alaska unique—especially low‑tide. We also discuss supporting local businesses, and the importance of sustainable and regenerative tourism for the community. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers  

In this episode David Bayes talks about the environmental impacts of bottom and midwater trawling in Alaska. He explains the political and regulatory powers that allow the staggering bycatch and waste of king salmon, halibut, crab, and whales. More information is available on the STOP Alaska Trawl Bycatch page on Facebook Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Allen Marine was voted Ketchikan’s 2025 Business of the Year. In this episode I talk to Matthew and Emma about the company's humble $82 first season fifty years ago to a fleet of custom vessels running tours out of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau. The episode covers wildlife practices and Ketchikan-specific excursions, vessel lineup, and what makes the Misty Fjords a must-see. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

The episode covers calling tactics for Sitka Blacktail deer in Southeast Alaska. I talk about using a subtle call while approaching muskeg edges, the trade-off between waiting patiently at one spot versus covering more ground, and why confidence in your call matters.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers  

In this episode Ryan Sapena from Seek Outside walks through his favorite tent setups — the Courthouse, Cimarron and the ultralight Silex — and explains liners, stove choices, and simple maintenance tips. He also covers setup best practices and common mistakes (tensioning, guy-outs), condensation management, accessories, and buying advice including Black Friday sales and lead times. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Steve Shannon is a former teacher turned strength coach in Fairbanks. In this episode we discuss why everyone should be an athlete with the goal of improving the quality of their lives, not just pursuing athletic achievements. He gives practical advice on training youth athletes, fueling performance with protein and sleep, and using simple habits "exercise snacks," and rucking to stay fit for hunting and life. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Atlas bar founder James Oliver talks about the motivation behind making a high‑protein, low‑sugar bar with real ingredients, grassroots sales at gyms, a 100‑mile running challenge eating only Atlas bars, and the importance of honesty when marketing. We also discuss the current state of metabolic health in America, craving challenges and information.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Anna Sakawsky is the host of The Coop and editor of Homestead Living Magazine. In this episode she shares her journey from city life, practical tips for gardens, infrastructure, chickens, pest management, and cost-saving strategies. We also cover food preservation (canning, fermenting, freeze-drying), dealing with failures, choosing starter animals, and what readers can expect from Homestead Living magazine and the podcast. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

In this episode Kevin Fraley talks about chasing brightly colored “pumpkin” Arctic char above the Arctic Circle. We also discuss his contaminant research along the Dalton Highway, concerns about the proposed Ambler Road, the rollback of the Central Yukon Resource Management Plan, and related impacts on fish, caribou, and local subsistence. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:
 Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)
 Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)
 Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Udo Cassee is the owner of Sheldon Air Service in Talkeetna. In this episode we discuss year-round operations including flightseeing tours, ski-plane glacier landings, transporting Denali climbers, bear-viewing trips, and air taxi services. Udo explains his small-group approach, aircraft types (Cessna 185 and radial Beaver), and the legacy of Don Sheldon. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Jack Westerheide discusses his path from marketing and consulting to building Scout, a platform for collecting authentic stories and research about hunting and fishing. We also discuss how social media, influencers, and AI reshape trust, gear reviews, industry dynamics, and why capturing real traditions and consumer insights matters for the future of the outdoors.

Alaska Wild Project's Daniel Buitrago recounts his brutal moose hunt that featured rain, flooded rivers, broken winches and bridge building. We also discuss plans for an upcoming bison float hunt, filming a feature for Alaska Wild Project, and community events and meetups for the hunting season.

Harrison Gottschling is back to recap his week-long backpack sheep hunt with his 10-year-old son. We discuss managing expectations, the lows of weathered-in tent days, gear choices, and parenting on the trail.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Abby and I recap our blacktail deer season, my recent moose hunt and gear we have liked.   

In this episode Lou Tamposi and I discuss Substack, intentional eating, home-cooking tips, farmed seafood, buying directly from small farms, hunting and processing venison, simple recipes and balancing family life, fitness, and food choices. Lou's Substack is Cow-we-doin'.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Trout Unlimited CEO Chris Wood discusses the history and impact of the Roadless Rule, the Tongass National Forest, and how roads and logging affect salmon habitat in Southeast Alaska. We talk about the rule’s origins, lessons learned over 25 years, the need for balanced local economies and recreation, and how collaborative restoration and thoughtful management can protect fish, communities, and sustainable timber uses. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors:Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)Backcountry Hunters and Anglers