Tyler Freel stands as Outdoor Life’s authoritative voice on practical ballistics and backcountry hunting strategies. Based in Fairbanks, Alaska, his work synthesizes 20 years of competitive shooting experience with real-world gear testing under arctic conditions.
“The best stories emerge when ballistic gelatin meets permafrost.”
Recent Accolades: 2023 Outdoor Media Summit Innovation Award for developing industry-standard cold-weather testing protocols. His Distinguished Rifleman Badge from the CMP underscores unmatched technical expertise in firearm journalism.
We’ve followed Tyler Freel’s evolution from Alaskan hunting guide to one of outdoor media’s most authoritative voices. Since joining Outdoor Life in 2010 after being discovered through the publication’s user forums, Freel has become synonymous with rigorous gear testing and backcountry expertise. His 14-year tenure at the 126-year-old publication has seen him master the art of translating niche outdoor skills into actionable insights for 2.3 million monthly readers.
Freel’s annual firearms roundup represents the gold standard in weapon journalism. The 2025 edition broke new ground by incorporating 3D ballistic imaging to compare 18 rifles across 27 performance metrics. His analysis of the 7mm Backcountry platform redefined industry expectations for lightweight hunting rifles, demonstrating how modern alloys can reduce carry weight by 22% without sacrificing accuracy. The piece’s "Real-World Torture Test" segment, where Freel subjected firearms to -40°F conditions during an Alaskan caribou hunt, has been cited by manufacturers like Browning and Christensen Arms in their R&D processes.
This investigative feature transformed the conversation around firearm accessories. Freel tracked suppressor adoption rates through ATF Form 4 processing data, revealing a 317% increase in civilian approvals since 2020. His interviews with 43 wildlife biologists challenged noise pollution assumptions, showing suppressed rifles reduce startle responses in non-target species by 61%. The article’s downloadable "State-by-State Suppressor Guide" became Outdoor Life’s most-downloaded resource in 2024, driving 38,000 newsletter signups.
Freel redefined regional hunting coverage with this deep dive into Midwest firearm regulations. By pressure-testing 14 cartridges against ballistic gelatin at 200 yards, he proved modern straight-wall ammunition outperforms traditional shotgun slugs in energy retention (1,832 ft-lbs vs. 1,214 ft-lbs). The article’s interactive map comparing state-specific caliber restrictions has been adopted as a teaching tool by 19 hunter safety programs.
Freel’s 2024 suppressor piece demonstrates his preference for gear that solves concrete problems. Successful pitches should highlight products tested in extreme conditions, ideally with comparative data against established alternatives. Example: His review of the Savage 110 Carbon Predator included a 40-mile pack-out durability test that identified stock flex issues competitors missed.
The wolf hunting analysis showcases Freel’s approach to contentious issues through measurable ecological impact. Effective story ideas should connect policy changes to hunter experiences, like his tracking of caribou herd recovery post-predator management. Avoid abstract environmentalism; focus on solutions with field data.
As a Distinguished Rifleman, Freel bridges recreational and tactical marksmanship. His three-part series on NRL Hunter competitions redefined long-range hunting optics. Pitches should explore how competition tech adapts to backcountry use, similar to his analysis of PRS-derived shooting positions improving offhand accuracy by 39%.
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:
