In this episode of Afield with Christiana Roussel, we sit down in Homewood, Alabama with Luke Kolbie, founder of Avontuur and Kingfisher Leatherworks, and CEO of Russell Moccasin.

What started as a teenage passion for crafting a better cartridge bag in Southwest Georgia has grown into a bold undertaking. Reviving a 125-year-old American heritage brand, building a coalition of master craftsmen, and redefining conservation through craftsmanship.

Luke shares the story behind acquiring Russell Moccasin in 2022, preserving its generational boot making traditions in Berlin, Wisconsin, and modernizing the business without compromising its soul. We dive into the Conservation Through Craftsmanship Coalition (CCC), the philosophy of making products that last generations—not seasons—and why repairability, sustainability, and Southern values matter more than ever in today’s throwaway culture.

From dove fields and bird dogs to Namibia’s Kalahari Desert, vintage heritage gear, and artisan brands made in the American South, this conversation explores:

• The revival of Russell Moccasin and American-made boots

• Kingfisher Leatherworks and heirloom-quality hunting gear

• Conservation through craftsmanship as a sustainable business model

• Southern heritage brands and small-batch manufacturing

• Why buying once (and buying well) matters

If you care about upland hunting, wildlife conservation, heritage craftsmanship, American-made goods, or the stories behind the products you wear and use—this episode is for you.

Follow along for more conversations at the intersection of field sports, conservation, and culture.