Northwest residents, the Harrod Family, and pro staffers, hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.
Northwest residents, the Harrod Family, and pro staffers, hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.
Passing on outdoor traditions from father to son strengthens family bonds like no other. Fishing is a great activity that provides family members quiet time together to ponder the important things in life. Ben Saurman wanted to share some time on the water with his children and father to keep the fishing legacy alive in his family. Banks Lake and the Columbia River were the perfect locations to make memories for a lifetime.
Hunting traditions in the Harrod family stretch back several generations and have helped strengthen family bonds. Upland bird hunting, especially for chukars, may just be the most special tradition of them all. These wily birds inhabit some of the most remote and difficult terrain in all of the Pacific Northwest. Kent Goodman and Rich Harrod have been hunting chukars since they were 12 years old and now, nearly 40 years later, they meet in the wilds of Southern Idaho to carrying on the tradition.
The Harrods enjoy exploring the Northwest and learning new fisheries on their own. Adam Taylor invited Rich Harrod to join him on a marathon adventure of the many lakes in the northern Cariboo. This region stretches from the Fraser River to the Cariboo Mountains in British Columbia. Lakes are numerous in this area and attracts fishermen from far and wide. Now, Rich and Adam embark on a fishing quest on multiple lakes near Williams Lake.
Bob Loomis and Rich Harrod travel to Cariboo Country in British Columbia to fish with their good friend Mark Roseboom. Mark introduces the guys to Ruth Lake and the beautiful fish these waters hold.
Bears are numerous in the Pacific Northwest with over 25,000 in Oregon alone. They are formidable creatures reaching lengths up to 6 feet and weights near 500 pounds. Hunting bears in the big canyons of northeast Oregon can challenge even the most prepared hunter. Rich Harrod acquires his first bear tag ever and is up to the challenge. The country is beautiful, the canyons are steep, and the bears dont disappoint for this first-time bear hunter.
Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind for trophy size kokanee, but the Gem State harbors some hidden silver. Bob and Robin Shindelar have been enjoying the fishing in southern Idaho for many years and Anderson Ranch Reservoir has become one of their favorite kokanee hot spots. The Shindelar’s invited Rich Harrod and Bob Loomis to join them to explore this rising fishery. The kokanee are big, the country is grand, but the company is even better.
The Northwest Outdoorsmen have an annual tradition of a turkey camp every spring in northeast Oregon. The location has sentimental value as the Harrod kids have grown up experiencing hunting with their fathers. Now, Rich Harrod joins another father and son duo as they make traditions of their own. Dick and Ben Smithson are on a quest to bag their spring gobbler in the beautiful mountains of Wallowa County.
The Northwest Outdoorsmen wouldn't be possible without the many family members and friends that appear in each episode and occasionally help with camera duties. But did you know that show is produced, filmed, edited, and distributed to television networks almost entirely by Richy himself. Now let's look at some the incredible and sometimes funny things that happen behind the scenes.
The hunt for large Kokanee has been an obsession for the Macks Lure guys and Rich Harrod for the past many years. The Pacific Northwest and British Columbia have rewarded these fishermen with some amazing Kokanee fishing. But just outside the Northwest, the Flaming Gorge holds some of the most consistently large fish in the lower 48. A bucket list lake no more, as the Macks Lure gang have finally arrived to chase big Kokanee.
The Harrods have hunted as a family for many generations. Family bonds are strengthened during time spent afield, especially when Mother Nature challenges even the heartiest of souls. Hunting ducks and geese in eastern Oregon in cold winter months has become an annual tradition for the Harrods. Geese arrive in the valley in late fall on their way to warmer climes, but their stop is often short. Its time to find those Christmas holiday geese and continue family traditions.
The Northwest Outdoorsmen have ice fished for Kokanee in British Columbia, but opportunities for Kokanee in the Northwest are limited. If you are willing to travel, ice fishing for these silver beauties can be found. Bob and Robin Shindelar found Kokanee in western Montana and invited Rich Harrod to join them. The scenery is beautiful, the fish are biting, and the company is great.
Hunting with a muzzleloader provides a challenge to hunters only eclipsed by bow hunting. This style of hunting makes us appreciate the difficulty the early Europeans faced as they settled the wild lands in North America. Justin Herold and Trenton Neil up the challenge hunting for whitetail bucks in the wide open spaces of northeastern Oregon. Whitetail deer are naturally wary, but in the wide open fields they seem nearly impossible to get close. With old man winter knocking on the door, the guys grab their primitive rifles and head to the grassy hills.
Anglers in the Northwest are becoming more and more passionate about walleye fishing. The Columbia River system from the British Columbia to the mouth of the Columbia has a sizeable population of walleye. These tasty, toothy fish are addictive and many fishermen spend hours and days trying to master catching these fish. Brett Boyd and Rich Harrod have fished stretches of the lower Columbia River for years, and share their favorite places with Bob Loomis.
Washington has a subspecies of moose called Shiras, which is smaller in size as compared to its Alaska and Yukon cousins. The population numbers around 5000 animals with the majority being found in northeast Washington. Hunting Shiras moose is managed by a draw so its a rare opportunity to hunt these great beasts. Ben Smithson was fortunate to draw a cow moose tag and as a young hunter, was thrilled to hunt these beautiful animals.
Harrod Outdoors and Macks Lure began working together 10 years ago on a very special fishing trip to Wallowa Lake in eastern Oregon. The guys caught trophy sized Kokanee and solidified a relationship that has stood the test of time. They have fished for large Kokanee all over the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, but nothing compares to that first trip to Wallowa Lake. Now, we return to Wallowa Lake to remember the past and build new memories.
The Harrods and their friends have enjoyed some amazing waterfowl hunting over the past many years. But of course, not every outing can help fill the freezer. Mild weather and poor timing can make even the best waterfowl hunter a bit lonely in the blind. The Northwest Outdoorsmen seemed to hunt only bluebirds this past year. The hunting might not be hot but good friends and good food keeps the spirits high.
The Harrods joined Ben Saurman several years ago for a memorable crappie fishing trip on the Snake River. Rich and Ben have fished together and enjoyed each others company numerous times since then, but the Snake River has continued to beckon. Matt and Josh are new colleagues of Ben who were anxious to experience an adventure where the Harrod Outdoors and Work Sharp relationship all began. As usual, the Snake River did not disappoint.
Western Oregon may not be the first place that comes to mind as a destination pheasant hunt, but the Willamete Valley has some excellent opportunities. Troy Rodakowski and Rich Harrod had been looking for an opportunity to bird hunt together for years. A friends property near Sweet Home, OR, was the perfect place for an upland bird hunt. And, it was a good time to introduce Brett Boyd to his first pheasant hunt. Theres nothing like upland hunting to bring good friends together.
The popularity of ice fishing has been growing by leaps and bounds in the Pacific Northwest. Hard water provides opportunities for family and friends to fish within close proximity making a day of fishing a social event. The Northwest Outdoorsmen look forward to drilling holes and hooking fish each winter. The guys from Macks Lure, Bobby and Robin Shindelar, and Rich Harrod travel to Curlew Lake to hunt trout and perch through the ice. Its winter fun with this group of friends.
Passing on the hunting lifestyle is a long tradition for the Harrod family. The chance to participate in a youth hunt with cousins was an honor for Rich Harrod. The Martin fathers are teaching their daughters and sons to hunt elk in the juniper country of eastern Oregon. Horses helped the family get to the high ground where elusive bulls could be found, but the ride doesn’t guarantee success. The girls are learning to be patient hunters and success speaks for itself.
Kokanee fishing is a favorite pastime of The Northwest Outdoorsmen. Trolling is the usual method but the guys have also jigged through the ice or casted in open water. Eric Magnuson invited Bob Loomis and Rich Harrod to try jigging for Kokanee in the dark, a unique method to say the least. Loon Lake in eastern Washington was the setting, the wildfire smoke turned the sunset orange, and the Kokanee were snappy after sundown.
For The Northwest Outdoorsmen, there’s nothing better to mark the beginning of spring than chasing an old gobbling Tom through the woods. Tom turkeys make their presence abundantly known with loud gobbles in hopes of attracting hens. Rich Harrod has been chasing these turkey calls each spring for many years so was excited for the chance to hunt with the guys from Work Sharp in their backyard in SW Oregon. The long beards fill the oaks with the sounds of spring and friendships are strengthened on this adventure.
The coastal rivers of the Pacific Northwest have unmatched beauty. These waters hold the iconic salmon which have been a staple for Native Americans for centuries and are revered by outdoorsmen and women today. Duane Inglin has been fishing coastal rivers in western Washington his entire life. Sharing his passion and knowledge is his trademark and now, Rich Harrod and the guys from Macks Lure join Duane on a drift in Coho waters.
Firefighters tend to build special friendships that last a lifetime. Rich Harrod joined long time firefighting colleagues Kent Contreras, Keith Wakefield, and Bob Shindelar for a much less urgent outing. The Pend Oreille River in northeast Washington is a waterfowl magnet and provided a perfect setting for close friends to enjoy time together in the blind. The ducks and geese keep the guys engaged between stories of days gone by.
The Northwest Outdoorsmen spend many hours on the water hunting for walleye. The Columbia River and nearby lakes in Washington State are home to large populations of walleye. Walleye anglers in the Northwest are some of the most dedicated fishermen because they can be a challenge to catch and they are one of the best eating freshwater fish. Bob Loomis and Britton Ransford join Rich Harrod on a walleye fishing adventure to the upper reach of Lake Roosevelt. The fish are numerous and the bite is on in this beautiful part of the Columbia River.
The wide-open sagebrush habitats that hold pronghorn antelope are some of the most iconic settings in western landscapes. Pronghorn are found throughout most western states and hunting opportunities are available by draw. Their distribution is reduced compared to the days of Lewis & Clark, but there are huntable populations in many states including Oregon. Justin Herold was fortunate to draw one of the coveted tags in southern Oregon and he invited Nic Wagner and Rich Harrod to join the adventure. The weather is hot, the company is great, and antelope keep the guys moving.
Sockeye fishing is popular in north central Washington and fishermen come from far and wide to participate in the fast action. Fish migrate up the Columbia River to spawn in tributaries near freshwater lakes which serve as rearing habitat. Several lakes in southern BC along the Okanogan River system are the perfect habitat for hundreds of thousands of sockeye each year. Adult sockeye stage at the mouth of the Okanogan River in the Columbia near Brewster attracting hundreds of fishermen including The Northwest Outdoorsmen.
Spring bear and turkey hunting is a long tradition for the Harrod family, and they enjoy sharing these experiences with friends. The mountains and canyons of northeast Oregon are a favorite place to camp and hunt. Matt Elliott and Steve Baker from Work Sharp join the Harrods for a quest for turkey and black bear in this beautiful setting. The mountains are steep and the critters are elusive, but success is found while friendships are strengthened.
Learning a new spot for walleye fishing can be enjoyable especially when a walleye fishing legend points you in the right direction. The Mid-Columbia River has a large walleye population with many great fishing locations. Rich Harrod and the guys from Macks Lure join Marc Bush and Ed Iman, a long-time walleye expert, to explore less popular fishing spots. The fish are biting and the camaraderie among friends, old and new, is enjoyed on the mighty Columbia.
Family hunting traditions are important for The Northwest Outdoorsmen. These traditions are evident with the Brooks family who travel to northern Idaho for a turkey hunting adventure. The senior Brooks, Al, joins son Jason and grandson Ryan chasing wise gobblers. Rich Harrod and Eric Granstrom capture the action. The weather makes hunting difficult, but the scenery is beautiful and the company sublime.
Over the past 75 episodes, the Harrod family and friends have invited you along on hunting or fishing adventures throughout the northwest. You’ve experienced their moments of success and times of challenge. These individuals are genuine and unscripted, and we couldn’t have made shows without them. On this, the 75th episode, we remember unforgettable moments from the past nearly 15 years of great outdoor television.