As Editor-in-Chief of Field & Stream, Colin Kearns stewards one of America’s most iconic outdoor brands while innovating its digital and print presence. His work spans:
For pitches aligning with Kearns’ vision, emphasize how your story or product creates bridges between outdoor tradition and contemporary culture.
Colin Kearns’ career is a testament to the power of passion meeting purpose. Beginning as a Field & Stream editorial intern in 2004, Kearns quickly demonstrated an innate understanding of outdoor storytelling. After honing his skills at Salt Water Sportsman magazine, he returned to Field & Stream in 2008, ascending to Editor-in-Chief by 2016—only the 16th person to hold this title in the publication’s 128-year history[1][4][8].
His leadership reached new heights in 2024 when he spearheaded Field & Stream’s print relaunch under new owners Eric Church and Morgan Wallen. This biannual coffee-table journal blend’s the brand’s legacy with modern storytelling, earning praise as “the best magazine relaunch ever” by industry veteran Samir Husni[3][5][8].
This curated list transcends typical gear recommendations by celebrating outdoor literature. Kearns showcases titles like The Reunion Hunt by T. Edward Nickens, emphasizing storytelling’s role in preserving hunting traditions. The guide reflects his belief that books are “time machines connecting generations of outdoorspeople,” blending practical gifting advice with cultural preservation[2][8].
Kearns transforms wild-game cooking into accessible comfort food through this recipe. The article’s detailed brining technique and buttermilk batter tutorial demystify pheasant preparation while humorously challenging fast-food norms. It exemplifies his mission to make hunting traditions relevant to modern palates[6].
In this landmark interview, Kearns articulates his editorial philosophy: “Print provides an undistracted immersion mirroring the outdoor experience.” He details the relaunch’s challenges, from regaining reader trust after the magazine’s 2020 hiatus to balancing legacy content with fresh perspectives like LGBTQ+ outdoor narratives[3][5][8].
Kearns seeks products that honor tradition while addressing modern needs. A successful pitch might highlight how a new fly rod material improves casting accuracy while maintaining classic design elements. Reference his article on Richard Wheatley fly boxes to understand his appreciation for gear that becomes “generational heirlooms”[1][4].
Capitalize on his interest in making hunting accessible through food. Pitches could explore partnerships between chefs and conservationists, or novel uses of game meats in mainstream cuisine. The fried pheasant sandwich article demonstrates his knack for bridging niche hunting practices with broader food trends[6].
Kearns actively diversifies outdoor storytelling. Successful pitches might highlight female hunting guides, urban fishing initiatives, or technology preserving indigenous outdoor knowledge. His magazine’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ outdoor groups signals this editorial priority[3][5].
Given his book-focused gift guide, pitch authors exploring hunting ethics through memoir or publishers reviving classic outdoor literature. Kearns values stories that “create temporal bridges between Aldo Leopold’s era and TikTok outdoorspeople”[2][8].
Avoid dry climate change statistics. Instead, pitch stories showing how specific ecosystems change through anglers’ or hunters’ firsthand accounts. His New Zealand brown trout bucket list adventure informs this preference for experiential environmental reporting[1][4].
These “Pulitzers of magazine journalism” recognized Kearns’ teams for elevating outdoor storytelling into cultural commentary. The 2014 win notably honored coverage blending conservation reporting with culinary innovation—a rarity in traditional outdoor media[4][8].
Kearns’ personal essays on topics like steelhead fishing mortality rates have been featured in these prestigious anthologies. His ability to transform niche outdoor experiences into universal human stories earned recognition beyond specialist media[4][8].
“Print provides an undistracted immersion mirroring the outdoor experience. When you’re holding our journal, there’s no notifications—just you and the story. That’s as close as we can get to replicating the focus you feel when a trout rises to your fly.”
Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers
This Fried Pheasant Sandwich Might Make You Forget About Popeyes and Chick-fil-A
Colin Kearns, Editor In Chief, Field & Stream To Samir “Mr. Magazine™” Husni: “The Magazine Is The Next Best Thing To Being Outside…”
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Outdoors, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
