Hunting Matters: Recent Episodes
KPRC AM 950 (KPRC-AM)
Tradition. Conservation. Family. The Outdoors. It matters to you. It matters to us. This is “Hunting Matters”, presented by the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF). With HSCF Executive Director Joe Betar. Join Joe as he engages in conversations with guests, from various backgrounds, that have a passion for hunting and conservation. Great discussions, news, hunting legislation and more! Listen and discover. "Hunting Matters".
Heidi Lyn Rao was hired by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 1998 and has recruited, trained, and retained volunteers, as the Hunter Education Specialist for Southeast Texas. In 2010 she also assumed the role as statewide Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Coordinator.
During her TPWD career, she developed many partnerships and organized many education & outreach events. She started “Take Me Outdoors Houston” in 2009, when the Texas Wildlife Expo ended, and brings this annual family-friendly, free, hands-on outdoor event to Discovery Green, Downtown Houston. She hosts wildlife workshops ranging from alligators to big game. She promotes hunting and outdoor safety to groups ranging from elementary school aged to flying offshore via helicopter to speak to oil and gas employees in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico on a platform. From teaching firearm safety to Rodeo Clowns during the Houston Rodeo, to hosting Hunter Education classes at the Sam Houston (horse) Raceway, conducting National Archery in the Schools Program and Student Air Rifle certifications, and partnering with many hunting, shooting and conservation organizations across Texas.
She has coordinated twenty-seven statewide BOW workshops across Texas, including the first-ever VIRTUAL BOW in 2020. She has reached over 7,000 Ladies who have attended BOW and continued their outdoors skills ultimately becoming hunters, anglers, and archers, especially through mentored BOW hunts. To date, 10 Texas Outdoor Women Network (TOWN) groups have launched across the state because of the statewide BOW.
She received IHEA’s Professional of the Year; IHEA’s Executive Director’s Award; TPWD’s Terry Erwin Hunter Education LEGACY award, Houston Safari Club Educator of the Year and she is also in the Texas Hunter Education Halls of Fame.
She and her (now retired) TPWD Game Warden husband of 25 yrs., John, have 4 boys: Dominic is 21 and works for Laser Shot Simulations in Houston; Matthew is 20 and is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas with a 4.0 and on his way to be a large animal vet; JohnJohn is 17 and is a Junior; and Luke is 14 and is in 8th grade. The Rao’s are avid hunters and enjoy camping, trapping, and the shooting sports together.
WEBSITE: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education
SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/tpwdoutdoorwoman
Chris Dorsey has been called the 'brand-father' of outdoor television having helped create and launch almost 60 series in the outdoor genre and an equal number of series in mainstream television, including for such networks as ABC, Discovery Channel, History Channel, HGTV, Travel, DIY, ESPN, WGN America, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Destination America, Oxygen, and all the outdoor networks.
Dorsey formerly served as editor in chief of Sports Afield and Ducks Unlimited magazines, is the author of twelve books, and is a regular contributor to Forbes. His work also has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Newsweek, and The Robb Report. He is among the world's most widely traveled hunters having taken the twenty-nine big game species of North America, the deadly seven species of Africa, the spiral horns of Africa and the wild turkey world slam. He is a member of the Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Ray Scott Trailblazer Award as well as the Curt Gowdy Memorial Award.
Dorsey has also served in board and advisory positions of numerous conservation and sporting advocacy organizations. Chris is the producer and host of Sporting Classics with Chris Dorsey television show airing on Outdoor Channel, CarbonTV, Waypoint TV, Outdoor America, and Wild Television Network.
Sarah Hall; Project and Events Manager Sarah focuses on planning and executing our fundraising events. Sarah is a product of the athletes we support, starting her shooting career in 4-H and then becoming a scholar-athlete with the University of Kentucky Rifle Team. Sarah has been with the Foundation for 6 years.
Dani Farris; Marketing Manager Dani markets all the programs of MidwayUSA Foundation, from the website to social media, to digital and print advertising. Dani also works closely with Sarah to plan and execute events. Dani has been with the Foundation for 10 years and is passionate about the important life lessons our youth gain when they participate in sports and are part of a team.
Dakotah Richardson is the National Sales Manager for RC Cartridges. Dakotah is a former United States Olympic resident shotgun athlete, competing for Team USA Shooting, and a member of the 2013 World Cup Acapulco Team.
James Lofton has spent the last 25 years as an ambassador for the hunting and shooting sports. In addition to being a member of HSCF, he is a Benefactor Member of the NRA, a Life Member of the North American Hunting Club as well as a member of the Congressional Sportsman Foundation and Gun Owners of America, among others. He has a passion for introducing new hunters to our sport and preserving our hunting and gun rights. James is eager to put his skills and passion to work for the HSCF.
James has a history of volunteering and leading charity events and groups. He was the founder and chairman of the DFW Oilman’s Tactical Shoot from 2009-2017, which donated proceeds to support military and veteran’s groups such as Combat Marine Outdoors. CMO takes purple heart recipients on hunting and fishing trips as part of their recovery process. Sharing a camp with these hero’s is one of the highlights of James’ hunting experiences. James also was the Chairman of the Shoot from the Heart Brazos Valley Sporting Clays Tournament from 2004-2007.
After graduating from Texas A&M, James spent the last 28 years in the oil and gas industry. He is a managing partner of JAN Resources, LLC, an oilfield service company that specializes in water treating and completion chemicals. He was a member of the FW SPE Board of Directors for 5 years, serving as President and Scholarship Chairman during that time. James and his wife Kathryn (HSCF Member also) were fortunate to win the bid on several of the hunts and items sold at the HSCF Annual Convention dinners and Gazelle’s Luncheon auctions, including 2 safaris in Namibia which they completed in the summer of 2019. He was also able to share this hunt with his father, who was instrumental in starting James’ passion for hunting. James learned from his father that the woods, prairies, mountains, lakes and rivers we all enjoy are a great place to teach others about life lessons and gain an appreciation for the outdoors.
Michael Sabbeth is a lawyer, lecturer, consultant and author. He lectures nationally and internationally on hunting and shooting ethics, rhetoric and the art of persuasion. Mr. Sabbeth consistently presents at International Hunter Education Association conferences, Texas Hunter Education Instructors Association and at major hunting and shooting conventions including Safari Club International, the Dallas Safari Club and the Namibia Professional Hunters Association.
He writes for about one dozen national and international print and on-line hunting and shooting magazines. He volunteers with organizations that support hunting and shooting opportunities for disabled people including veterans. He has written two books related to ethics and promoting hunting: “The Good, The Bad & The Difference: How to Talk with Children About Values” and “The Honorable Hunter: How to Honorably & Persuasively Defend & Promote Hunting”. Mr. Sabbeth lives in Denver, Colorado. His website is www.thehonorablehunter.com
Dr. Ed Ashby, a legend in the archery hunting community for dedicating more than 27 years to the study of arrow performance and broadhead lethality on six continents. Thanks to Dr. Ashby and his crew, his Natal Study helped legalize archery hunting in South Africa. Many sub-Saharan countries followed suit. The Natal Study was the definitive document used to successfully lobby for bowhunting legalization.
Dr. Ashby is also the co-founder of the Ashby Bowhunting Foundation, the leading global authority on arrow and broadhead lethality.
Alfredo (Rick) Franco is the Co-Founder of Four Branches Spirits Company. Rick is a U.S. Marine (Ret.) with 20-plus years of leadership, organizational management, and entrepreneurial experience. Rick’s career has been extremely diverse, from being a graduate of the prestigious Virginia Military Institute and later a Marine Infantry Officer, to one of the first Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection contractors with Booz Allen, to a covert protective agent for the U.S. intelligence community with more than 30 deployments to hostile areas.
Rick’s leadership experience as a Marine Infantry Officer enabled him to quickly become a lead contractor for one of the government’s most extensive covert protective contracts. During his tenure as a contractor, his leadership ability, drive and critical thinking resulted in his being awarded the Agency Seal medal for hostile actions encountered.
After stepping away from contracting, Rick went on to become the Chief Operating Officer for Heroes and Horses, a non-profit for combat veterans with PTSD based in Montana. Aside from being a decorated Marine and government contractor, Rick is also a co-founder and partner of a successful hunting decoy manufacturing company. Currently, Rick is the Director of Safety and Security for the Troubadour Club, a Discovery Land Company development in Tennessee.
Corey Meyer and his co-founder and long-time friend Charlie Pehrson started Steelhead Outdoors when they had children and wanted to store their firearms securely. They weren't satisfied with what they found on the market and decided to make their own safes. Meyer combines his natural ability and passion to create modular gun safes that firearms owners can take with them when they change residences. The durable safes can be passed down to the next generation. Corey draws upon his mechanical engineering background and hands-on experience in the automotive industry to design innovative products using premium components. All products are Made in the USA in Minnesota. Gun safes, pistol lock boxes, gun cabinets and accessories are available at steelheadoutdoors.com.
As the old Lone Star saying goes, real-life cowboy and cattle rancher Anthony Thomas wasn’t born in Texas, but he got here as soon as he could. As a kid, he dreamed of being a rodeo cowboy in Texas, raising cattle and owning a ranch. Now that he’s here, the ‘Aussie-Texan’ is working on getting his fellow Texans to eat better beef.
In 2020, Thomas found his award-winning professional rodeo career sidelined by the COVID-19 epidemic. The pro rodeo circuit was dormant while the pandemic surged worldwide and Thomas began reassessing the road ahead with a young family to think of.
After meeting his wife and settling in the Bayou City, Thomas established the Thomas Cattle Co. and began ranching west of the city, extolling the virtues of locally grown, chemical-free, ethically produced Angus beef. Thomas conveys the importance of buying directly from a ranch in Texas, cutting out the corporate middleman, and knowing where your beef is coming from.
Thomas’ history as a teenage Australian ranch hand, butcher and later a bull rider touring the United States informed his current incarnation as a bespoke cattle baron. He has discovered that his decades of ranching, rustling and riding horses and bulls could give him an edge when it came to running his own cattle business.
Bill Stransky is the Executive Director of The Texas Rice Industry Coalition for the Environment (R.I.C.E.). The Texas Rice Industry Coalition for the Environment (R.I.C.E.) was formed in February 1995. Their mission is to build a coalition of interests to foster and strengthen relationships between the rice industry and the natural resources of our rice-producing area in Texas.
R.I.C.E. has created, enhanced, and/or restored an estimated 15,000 acres of wetland habitat and an additional 20,000 acres of native prairie. This includes work on all of the national wildlife refuges located on the upper and middle Texas coast as well as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). R.I.C.E. has also worked extensively on private lands including establishing perpetual conservation easements on 4 ranches.
Derek Ham is an accomplished businessman with a passion for the outdoors, hunting and conservation. He is especially passionate about getting kids and others involved in hunting and guiding them to understand the link and truth between hunting and conservation. He began his first career in Los Angeles working in the music industry. He later moved back to Texas in support of his family and pursued a career in Commercial Construction. Ultimately, his passion for the outdoors led him to Farm and Ranch Real Estate where he currently represents Ruple Ranch & Land.
Derek’s passion for the outdoors was fostered as a young boy by his father who grew up on the famed LX Cattle Ranch in the Texas panhandle. His father set the groundwork for his love of hunting and fishing. Derek has been an avid hunter and conservationist for the majority of his life traveling around the world hunting both unique and more traditional game alike. His most notable hunting accomplishment was being dropped by float plane in Alaska for a week for a self-guided hunt where he harvested the Number 11 all-time Pope & Young Moose with his recurve bow. Among other countries, he has also been a successful hunter in New Zealand, Spain, Greenland and Newfoundland. But, of course, he has and does most prominently hunt in our great state of Texas.
Derek is a Lifetime member of Houston Safari Club Foundation, a member of the HSCF Board of Directors, and previously chaired the HSCF Annual Sporting Clays Tournament for two years. Prior to his time at HSCF, he chaired the Adventures program for Sky High for Kids where he organized and executed hunts for pediatric cancer patients for over five years. Derek is also a member of TDA, RMEF, NWTF, TTHA, NRA, Sportsman’s Alliance, and Quail Coalition. Derek shares his passion for hunting with his wife Jeni and daughter Sydney. Both of whom have traveled with him on his hunting adventures. He takes care to demonstrate his concern for a healthy wildlife population and ensure that the hunt is more than the harvesting of game but, more importantly, it’s about the experience.
This week Joe and Ramon sit down to start it all over with hunting 101. Ramon asks Joe all the questions from a novice hunter. Joe gets upset with Ramon and fires him. (That last part was a joke) But they do cover a lot of ground floor issues regarding hunting. If you're new to hunting or need a refresher course, this is the show for you.
Black Bears in Texas with Amanda M. Veals Dutt, PhD Amanda M. Veals Dutt, PhD, Carnivore Specialist and Research Scientist, Borderlands Research Institute, Sul Ross State University.
Dr. Dutt is the Carnivore Specialist and post-doctoral Research Scientist at Borderlands Research Institute. Her research focuses on the spatial ecology and interspecific interactions between mammalian predators, such as black bears and mountain lions, and their prey. Her research in the Trans-Pecos aims to inform management decisions and habitat conservation. Before coming to BRI, Amanda graduated in 2014 with a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from University of Arizona. During her undergraduate career, Amanda assisted on several carnivore research projects and worked in Namibia on caracals (African lynx), where her passion for carnivore conservation and management began. She earned her MS degree from the University of Arizona in Wildlife Conservation and Management in 2018, studying gray fox spatial ecology. Her thesis research informed disease management through an understanding of interspecific interactions among mesocarnivores.
Amanda completed her PhD in Wildlife Sciences from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute in 2021. Her dissertation focused on the endangered ocelot in an effort to reduce road mortalities. Amanda focused on ocelot spatial ecology and landscape connectivity using four decades of data. Amanda’s research program at BRI seeks to link ecology with applied conservation and management strategies. She has strong interests in spatial and landscape ecology, interspecific interactions, and predator-prey dynamics.
Dr. Derr is a Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology and Genetics at Texas A&M University. He is the Director of the DNA Technologies Core Laboratory and served as the Chair of the Faculty of Genetics at Texas A&M University and the President of the Texas Genetics Society. For over 25 years, he has directed worldwide research projects in wildlife and livestock conservation genetics. This body of work has produced more than 75 scientific publications reporting original research on many different species. For example, his research program has produced articles on North American bison, bottlenose dolphins, domestic and wild cats, elk, pronghorn antelope, sheep, quail, white-tailed and mule deer, bowhead whales, domestic livestock and multiple fish species.
In addition, Dr. Derr is an impactful educator through his teaching efforts in undergraduate genetics courses to students interested in medicine (human and veterinary) and he has mentored over 100 graduate students in the fields of conservation/population genetics and animal health. One of Dr. Derr’s most popular courses is “Wildlife Conservation Medicine”. This course is designed for first- and second-year veterinary students to travel to South Africa and Botswana to learn how to chemically immobilize, treat and transport everything from African plains game to dangerous game. His efforts with these young veterinarians ensure they graduate with specialized knowledge and skills to handle health care and conservation issues with the tremendous number of exotic wildlife species here in the State of Texas on private ranches and preserves.
Gib Surles is principal and founder of The Forrest Group, L.L.C., an estate management firm in Houston, Texas, that specializes in wealth transfer and business succession planning. Utilizing life insurance, his firm works with family-owned businesses and high net worth individuals in addressing problems common to the transfer of assets, lifestyles, and financial security to future generations.
Gib graduated from Texas A & M University in 1985 with a B.B.A in Marketing and received his Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) from The American College in 2001. He was awarded the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) in 1996, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) in 1997, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) in 1997, and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) in 1999.
Gib has been married to his wife, Lauri, for thirty-five years. He has a twenty-nine-year-old son, Forrest, who is a 2016 Graduate of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. He is also father to twenty-six-year-old twin daughters, Autumn and Amy, who both graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019. He is an active member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, TX, where he serves on the Vestry. He also currently serves as the Chairperson of the Houston Safari Club Foundation’s annual Sporting Clays Tournament is a loyal supporter of the Hunters for the Hungry.
Kyle began his career in television as a fitness consultant for a local medical show, quickly rising through the ranks to become the Vice President. While producing many of his own shows, Kyle was nominated for 3 Emmys! Wanting to use his experience to promote his passion for the outdoors, he left the show to produce his own.
Of the original creators of the show, Kyle has always been described as “The Passion”. His love for the outdoors developed while learning from his Dad on countless hunting and fishing trips. Gaining this appreciation of the outdoors, Kyle has a wealth of experience in both hunting and fishing, but still enjoys learning new tactics with the audience.
Kyle began his career in television as a fitness consultant for a local medical show, quickly rising through the ranks to become the Vice President. While producing many of his own shows, Kyle was nominated for 3 Emmys! Wanting to use his experience to promote his passion for the outdoors, he left the show to produce his own.
Of the original creators of the show, Kyle has always been described as “The Passion”. His love for the outdoors developed while learning from his Dad on countless hunting and fishing trips. Gaining this appreciation of the outdoors, Kyle has a wealth of experience in both hunting and fishing, but still enjoys learning new tactics with the audience.
Kile Jones is the Director of Marketing for Apex Ammunition. Kyle leads the development and management of marketing initiatives for the company and works with the current advertising, communications, and social media teams.
A lifelong hunter, Jones has been involved in the hunting and shooting industry for 15 years and was an Apex Ambassador before joining the company. Prior to that, he served as Marketing Specialist for Dive Bomb Industries where he assisted with product development and managed content creation, social media, and customer service. He also worked for Higdon Outdoors/Power Calls as National Sales Manager.
Kile is an avid turkey and waterfowl hunter. Jones was the 2008 Junior World Goose Calling Champion and World Goose Calling Champion in 2018 and 2019. He is a mentor with First Hunt Foundation and a volunteer with Ducks Unlimited. Kile, his wife, and two Labrador Retrievers reside in Michigan.
Jeff Garrett is a Life Member of the Houston Safari Club Foundation. He has been a life-long avid Texas hunter since he was old enough to hold a gun and hit the dove field or sit in a deer stand with his father and grandfather. He has recently acquired mountain fever and has taken and/or scheduled several mountain hunts of late.
Jeff is passionate about protecting hunting rights and is also a life member of several other hunting associations, including SCI, Wild Sheep Foundation, GSCO/Ovis, Rocky Mountain Goat Association and Alaska Professional Hunters Association. If Jeff isn’t hunting, he is reading, watching and learning about hunting and how to protect the heritage. Jeff has been married to his wife, Debra, for 26 years. They have two children, Rylee who is a senior in accounting at Baylor, and Collin who recently received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor and his master’s degree from Texas A&M. Collin is also a very avid hunter. Jeff has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering from Texas A&M and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. He is a registered professional engineer, registered patent attorney and a licensed attorney by the State Bar of Texas since 1992. Jeff is the Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property, for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company.
Jeff has served on several boards. The most recent was as the 2019-20 Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, where he has been a member of the board for many years. He has also been on the boards for the Education for Tomorrow Alliance and Woodlands Bar Association. Jeff has also been the Pacesetter Chair for the United Way.
Brandon Maddox, CEO and owner of Silencer Central, is recognized as a national thought leader on Class 3 firearms. What began as Maddox’s home-based Federal Firearms License (FFL) evolved into a Class 3 Dealership and has grown into the nationwide brand it is today. Maddox’s NFA expertise makes him a popular voice for the industry, and he speaks regularly at National Compliance Conferences. He recently joined the board of directors for Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, working to protect and advocate for the hunting and shooting industry.
Before his work with Silencer Central, Maddox practiced pharmacy and served as a marketing executive in the pharmaceutical industry. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and holds a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Duke University. Megan, Maddox’s wife, is a 5th generation South Dakotan, and together they have two daughters. Maddox is passionate about varmint hunting and has spent more than a decade honing his expertise in the Western Dakota prairies.
Brian Anderson aka “The Tick Terminator” has had a lifelong fascination with the little blood suckers we call the “tick.” His interest peaked about 10 years ago due to his wife’s continued fear of them and with several friends suffering from Lyme Disease. This began the intense search for preventative ways to keep the ticks off from us. He has spent countless hours investigating, studying, experimenting, and loves to share his findings with audiences across the country.
He is now on a God given mission as a one of a kind “Tick and Lyme Disease Prevention Specialist.” This makes him a consultant, a conference speaker, author, and a provider of unique and cost-effective repellants. His enthusiasm and humor have landed him on several outdoor TV shows, radio shows, and podcasts during the last few years. He has also created a very unique and informative website with tips to help protect outdoor workers, hunters, hikers, backpackers, campers, and anyone else who goes outside at www.thetickterminator.com He lives with his wife in the Iron Mountain, MI area and they have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Dan Schultz is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Cuddeback. Prior to being at Cuddeback, Dan worked for WildComm as Vice President of Sales selling sponsorships for some of the larger hunting television shows including Crush with Lee & Tiffany, Whitetail Freaks, Hunt Masters, and others. Dan lives in Wisconsin and loves to hunt and fish.
Mark Olis is the Content Marketing Manager for Moultrie Mobile.
Mark grew up in the deep South hunting small game before eventually advancing to chasing deer and turkeys throughout the hills, hollows, and swamps of Alabama. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Journalism, he spent the next thirteen years in the outdoor industry working as an editor on numerous outdoor hunting titles (Whitetail Journal, Predator Xtreme, Southern Sporting Journal, Bowhunting World and more).
Mark is also a trail-camera enthusiast and has spent the past five years working in the marketing department for Moultrie Mobile. Mark enjoys spending time outdoors with his children hunting, foraging, and cooking all of the wonderful wild food.
Having spent 33 years as a game warden for Texas Parks and Wildlife, Danny has had the opportunity to serve Texans. Conservation of our natural resources has been his focus both professionally and personally. He and his wife Elaine have raised four daughters and one son.
Danny had the privilege throughout his career to hold many positions within the Law Enforcement division. He began his career in 1986 as a field game warden in Port Isabel and completed the final leg as Lieutenant Colonel (Director of Field Operations). Along the way he held the positions of lieutenant, captain and major. Danny spent five years as the director of training at the Game Warden Training Center.
He has invested the last decade of his career involved in conservation issues at the state and national level. He helped create a National Leadership Academy for conservation law enforcement professionals, held annually in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The curriculum that was developed challenges students to face the realities of resource management, exploitation of our natural resources and building impactful relationships with all our stakeholders.
Danny wants to become a catalyst for engaging Texans to intentionally help game wardens stop those individuals and groups who are stealing our resources. He believes that each and every species is irreplaceable and exists for our spirit and harmony of our world.
Kevin Ormston has been a member and active volunteer of HSC since 2008, and a Life Member in 2012. He has served on the HSC Board from 2011-2015, was 2015 Convention Chairman “Where the Wild Things Are”, he was on the HSC Finance Committee from 2011 to 2016, Membership Chairman from 2011 to 2014, Membership Committee member from 2009 to 2010, HSC Silent Auction Committee member in 2012 and Shoot For The Troops Committee member in 2012 and 2013. Kevin served as President of Houston Safari Club in 2016. After his president year, Kevin has stayed engaged with the club by regularly attending Board meetings and volunteering as the Convention Raffle Chairman for the last 5 years.
In addition, Kevin has supported the Club with sponsorships over the years for HSC’s Hunting Awards Program, HSC’s Sporting Clays Tournament and he has supported the Gazelles Luncheon with most recently a Gold Sponsorship and several Silver Sponsorships since 2013.
Kevin’s love for hunting and the outdoors started when he was 8 years old and he fully supports HSC’s mission in conservation, education, and hunters’ rights. He is in the construction industry and owns Rummel Creek Builders and Rummel Creek Pools. He has been happily married to Cheryl for almost 20 years and has two daughters Kayla and Kendall…all HSC members.
This week Joe and Ramon discuss the best movies about hunting and fishing. Also they discuss which movies are on repeat while in camp.
Nick Skally- Vice President of Marketing and E-Commerce
FORLOH, a new premium, technical hunting, fishing, and outdoor apparel brand with apparel that is 100% made in the U.S.A. FORLOH, in its 3rd year of business, has two flagship stores in Whitefish, Montana, and Austin, Texas.
Edward J. Hudson has traveled the world since childhood and recently decided to combine his love of nature, hunting, and international travel. During his childhood, Ed remembers stories of how there used to be more deer, more sheep, and more game. He grew tired of these stories and became an avid wildlife conservationist because of stories from the past like these. Since 2017, Ed has hunted the rainforest and savanna of Cameroon, the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, the Hindu-Kush and Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan, the Altai and Hangai Mountains of Mongolia, the Zambezi escarpment of Zimbabwe, the Austrian Alps and even the Danube Valley of Hungary.
Ed’s passion for conservation drove him to educate others in the creation of Wild Strongholds, a film production company geared to entertain and educate the public about conservation efforts around the world. Wild Strongholds offers a unique perspective on the conservation efforts involving local communities, hunting companies, biologists, professional hunters, and governments around the world. The majority of hunters are misinterpreted and portrayed poorly by a very loud, vocal, and small subset of the world’s population. People in this world tend to listen to the loudest voices and it’s hard to ignore someone that’s screaming in your face. Ed's mission is to sway public opinion and portray what beneficial impact hunting has on game around the world. It’s his hope that one day, there will be more snow leopards, more brown bears, more lynx, ibex, and sheep so that, one day when his daughter, asks him “Daddy is this how it used to be?” He can reply “No. it’s not. It’s much better now.”
Jens Krogh is the Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Walther Arms Inc. in the US. He has been an avid hunter and shooter since his early childhood. Growing up in Georgia, he mostly bird hunted and shot sporting clays. He did not start hunting white-tailed deer and other larger game until he went to college.
Jens has now worked in the firearms industry for fifteen years, working for several well-known manufacturers before landing at Walther Arms a little over three years ago. Jens is passionate about Second Amendment rights and hunters’ rights as well as passing both along to the next generation.
Curt Melcher is the Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Curt is a native Oregonian, who graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. degree in Biology. He began his career with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as a temporary employee in 1985. During his time at the Department, he has represented the State of Oregon in numerous regional management forums, including the Pacific Fishery Management Council, Klamath Fishery Management Council, and Pacific Salmon Commission Southern Panel.
Curt served as the Deputy Director for Fish and Wildlife programs from2007 through 2014 and was appointed the Interim Director in September2014. He was hired as permanent Director in February 2015 and is currently the President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Curt is passionate about the conservation of Oregon's natural resources and is an avid hunter and angler.
Chase Glenn is the Director of Business Development for SilencerCo and has been with the company for two years. He oversees all of SilencerCo’s strategic relationships, brand representation, and development of new Licensing and OEM opportunities.
Prior to SilencerCo, Chase spent 15 years in the healthcare industry overseeing program expansion, strategic planning, referral relations, and executive-level mergers and acquisitions. He also oversaw the creation of one of the first nationally recognized and accredited private healthcare facilities to accept VA benefits for Veterans suffering from mental health and substance abuse diagnoses.
The SilencerCo Brand. Since our birth in 2008, our dedication to authenticity and innovation has never wavered. Today, we continue to focus on exceptional customer service and industry-leading products; products that are crafted by people with the utmost dedication to our industry. We are hunters, shooters, and gun enthusiasts, just like you. Our mission is to bring you products that will enhance your shooting experience. SilencerCo manufactures suppressors for hunting, home defense, long range and tactical uses.
Eydin Hansen is an outdoor enthusiast from Texas. He's been shooting air guns since he was five years old and is currently on the pro staff with Umarex Airguns.
Eydin has also been cast as a member of American Airgunner TV. He competed in the Pyramyd Air Cup in 2019 and made the finals in the benchrest competition with a Umarex Gauntlet. His greatest achievement as an air gunner is “introducing people to air gunning and using them to hunt wild game ethically”.
Eydin retired from the United States Air Force and was awarded the military expert in small-arms marksmanship award with the M-16 rifle, and the Military Service Star, denoting expert proficiency in small-arms marksmanship with military issued handguns.
Wesley Newman is the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s Conservation Director. He is responsible for management and operations of protected lands including overseeing wildlife management and agricultural activities on Coastal Prairie Conservancy holdings, coordinating wetlands mitigation projects, and preparing biological assessments on prospective properties.
Mr. Newman received a Master of Science in Rangeland Ecology and Management (1998) and a Bachelor of Science in Range Science (1990), both from Texas A&M University. He is a member of the Society of Range Management and Society of Wetland Scientists. His areas of focus include prairie and wetland ecology, hunting and its relationship to stewardship, range management, wetlands creation and management, conservation strategies.
Mike Swartzentruber is the co-founder of Hunter’s Blend Coffee.
Mike grew up on a small farm in Iowa and has always loved the outdoors. When Mike was thirteen years old, his brother-in-law Ken came into their family. Ken was an avid outdoorsman and introduced Mike to trapping. Mike never hunted much until about ten years ago when his son took up archery as a middle school student. He took his son for lessons and instantly became enamored with archery. He has been bowhunting ever since.
Mike and two brothers in laws founded Hunter’s Blend Coffee about 5 years ago. Hunter’s Blend Coffee imports the top 6% of the coffee produced in the world. Each batch begins with premium green coffee sourced directly from the farmers who grew it in Central America, East Africa and Southeast Asia.
Brian Murphy is the V.P. of Strategic Partnerships at HuntStand, the largest and most widely used hunting and land management app in North America. Brian has earned several honors including the National Conservation Award from the Australian Deer Association, the E.L. Cheatum Wildlife Excellence Award from The University of Georgia and being named one of Outdoor Life’s Top 25 Conservationists in the United States in 2011.
Brian also is a prolific speaker and writer. He has conducted over 800 lectures and 150 television, radio, and podcast interviews. He also has published more than 125 popular articles as well as 28 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and training manuals. Brian is a wildlife biologist with a B.S. in Range and Wildlife Management from Texas Tech University and a M.S. in Wildlife Resources from the University of Georgia.
Murphy served previously as CEO of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) for 23 years, during which membership increased from 3,000 to 60,000 and the group became the most respected and influential whitetail organization in North America. He has been married to his high-school sweetheart, Heidi, for more than 30 years and shares his love of the outdoors with his two daughters, Lauren, and Jordan, both of whom are avid hunters and anglers.
Christian Hogg is the Director of Marketing for Fiocchi of America and Baschieri & Pellagri. Christian has been involved with the outdoor industry since 2008, having previously served as the Director of Marketing at Remington Arms Company. Christina will discuss what is new with Fiocchi Ammunition and Baschieri & Pellagri shotshell ammunition.
Fiocchi was founded in 1876 in Lecco, Italy, and has been producing high-quality ammunition ever since. The tradition continues at Fiocchi's Ozark, Missouri and Little Rock, Arkansas facilities - right in the heart of America. Hundreds of hardworking Americans producing some of the highest quality shotshell, centerfire, and rimfire ammunition available. American ingenuity fused with our Italian lineage keeps us focused on quality craftsmanship, innovation, and unequaled customer service.
Baschieri & Pellagri® is recognized worldwide for its design, production, and distribution of premium shotshell ammunition and components. From its custom powders and plastic wads to its innovative Gordon System cases and loaded ammunition, B&P® has a long, demonstrated history of providing high-quality shotshell products for smooth bore guns to the competition and hunting markets.
Mike Slinkard is the President of HECS, LLC. He is also a lifelong bowhunter, former professional archery shooter, and full-time entrepreneur who has started several successful businesses in the hunting and outdoor industry. Born in 1965, Mike grew up shooting and hunting. His father had Mike shooting both bows and firearms at a very early age in fact Mike can’t even remember being taught how to shoot as he was too young. Mikes Grandfather and Uncle were cattle ranchers and Mike spent much of his youth in close proximity to animals both domestic and wild.
Mike began bowhunting big game at age 12 near his Eastern Oregon home of John Day and he was shooting competitive archery at age 17. Mike has been fortunate enough to have hunted all over the world and has taken over 20 species with archery gear including Brown Bear, Cape buffalo and 49 elk to date. Hunting elk with a bow is his true passion. Mike started his first archery Pro shop in John Day Oregon in 1992 and went on to start Winners Choice Custom Bowstrings INC in 2000 which changed the archery industry forever and took the art of bowstring construction to a level never before attained. This set the stage for bow manufacturers to reach new levels of performance that was never possible before due to the limitations of the strings at the time.
Mike Founded HECS LLC in 2010. Which focuses on the emerging science of how animals perceive their electromagnetic environment and Mike and his team were issues 5 US patents and multiple foreign patents on the technology which blocks the human bioelectric signature. HECS technology is used widely in hunting, wildlife, conservation and research arenas as well as under water and military applications.
Mike currently serves as President/founder of HECS LLC and Closer Outdoors INC. He also heads the subsidiary companies HECS Wildlife LLC, HECS Aquatic LLC, and HECS Tactical LLC. Mike is the host of Hunting with HECS TV which has aired on the Pursuit channel for the past 11 years and is currently the most aired outdoor/hunting television show on the air. Mike has a lovely wife of 32 years (Sharrie) and 2 grown daughters and 1 granddaughter.
Peter Churchbourne is an avid outdoorsman, conservationist, and steadfast advocate for all hunters. His passion is anything to do with the outdoors, but most important to him is hunting waterfowl with his labs, chasing turkeys, bow hunting, and introducing new people to the life outside. Peter is a certified NRA shotgun, pistol, and rifle instructor who enjoys competition shooting in USPSA, 3-Gun, and 2-Gun tournaments. Peter is currently the Director of the NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum where he is engaged in building new NRA hunting programs and fighting for hunters' rights. Before working for the NRA, Peter worked at Ducks Unlimited for 17 years in various leadership positions around the country.
In his first few years at the NRA, Peter was responsible for the production of the award-winning online hunter education course and is also responsible for the creation of the newly released “How to Talk About Hunting” book, and associated communication strategies in support of hunting. Peter sits on several boards for various outdoor organizations and enjoys helping create new leaders within the outdoor professional arena.
Mark Huelsing is the Brand Manager of backcountry hunting pack manufacturer, Exo Mtn Gear and also the host of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast. Mark met Exo Mtn Gear co-founder Steve Speck through the hunting industry over 10 years ago. In the early days of Exo, Steve reached out to Mark for help with the technical aspects of getting the online portion of the business up and running. Over the years, Mark became involved with more areas of the business and eventually left his tech job to fully invest his time and energy into Exo. These days, Mark manages marketing, the podcast, partnerships, customer service, and pretty much anything else you see online that comes from Exo.
Exo Mtn Gear’s mission is to build the best backcountry hunting pack systems available, provide the best service possible, and do it all right here in the USA.
Larry McCoy is the Marketing & Media Director, for The Outdoor Group. Larry had a passion for the outdoors at an early age and cut his teeth in the industry behind the lens of a camera. His passion drove him to want to work even deeper within the outdoor space. He is currently the host of Respect The Game TV on Sportsman Channel. The Outdoor Group specializes in the development and manufacturing of premium quality archery and hunting equipment for the outdoor space.
Established in 2012, The Outdoor Group is the parent company of Elite Archery, Scott Releases, Custom Bow Equipment, Duel Game Calls, Winners Choice Bowstrings, Slick Trick Broadheads, Solid Broadheads, Clutch Outdoors and Perfect Form Manufacturing.
Tim Richardson is a Washington, DC-based public affairs, media, and fundraising consultant. Tim has been Government Affairs Director for Wildlife Forever since 1995. Prior to that, he worked for Texas’ U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen in Washington and was a political journalist in Austin during the 1980s.
Tim is rural Michigan native who moved to Texas in 1979. After a decade in Texas journalism and two years on Capitol Hill, Richardson became the nation’s only private consultant to work on Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon restoration for grant applicants. Clients in Alaska and Texas have received over $500 million in oil spill funds for projects involving public and private stakeholders, partners, and natural resource agencies. In addition to oil spill restoration Tim has worked on myriad state and federal government affairs issues for over thirty years.
Jason Wilson has been in the optics game for nearly 25 years. As a fifth generation Wyoming kid, a competitive shooter, Professional Ballistician, with a head full of ideas, an engineering mind, made dangerous with a graphic design/marketing degree. Jason opened the doors on Lucid Optics in 2009 with a single item and focus.
Jason wanted to offer the absolute best quality in product at a price point everyone could afford. Lucid optics is proud to be different in the market today growing with new items and gaining a very loyal cult following.
QuietKat was founded in 2012 by twin brothers Jake & Justin Roach in Eagle, Colorado with a mission to design a better way to access the backcountry for hunters and anglers while replacing traditional ATVs and combustion-powered vehicles that were prohibited, too noisy, or simply didn't fit on narrow trails. Ten years later and QuietKat is proud to have joined the Vista Outdoor family of powerhouse brands including CampChef, CamelBak, Bushnell, Bell, Giro, Fox, Simms and more!
A lifelong hunter and shooter, Joel Hodgdon serves as Remington Ammunition’s Marketing Director. With previous experience at Federal Ammunition as well as the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Joel started work in the hunting and shooting world with his family at Hodgdon Powder Company.
Helping lead the charge to revitalize Big Green’s Ammunition factory in Lonoke, Arkansas, Joel, his wife Kelsey, and faithful bird dog Leo live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Joel is a life member and supporter of multiple conservation and firearms rights organizations.
Hunting Matters Co-Hosts Joe and Ramon discuss the upcoming 2023 Houston Safari Club Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention. Ramon gets a crash course in what it takes to put on the annual HSCF convention and what to expect this year. The 2023 Houston Safari Club Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention runs January 20-22 and is open to the public. Expo tickets available at the door.
Banquet tickets may be purchased in advance at https://hscf.memberclicks.net/2023banquetregistration#!/.
A 3-day expo featuring hunting & fishing outfitters from around the world, gear, apparel, firearms, optics, taxidermy, artwork, jewelry, raffles and more. And featuring three banquets, raffles, silent auctions, live auctions & more. For more information: https://hscfdn.org/convention/attendees/.
Will Coggin is managing director of the Center for Consumer Freedom, which fights radical animal rights, environmental, and other activists who lobby to take choices away from Americans. The Center operates HumaneWatch, a campaign to expose animal rights activists and educate the public about their agenda.
Tony A. Schoonen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Boone and Crockett Club.
Tony was born and raised in Butte, Montana. He grew up working on the Big Hole river for his father’s guide service, first shuttling vehicles and later as a river guide, putting himself through college. He and a couple of buddies started a production company, Stoney-Wolf Productions, and produced the first ever video on elk hunting. The company expanded rapidly, eventually producing 2,000 programs filmed on five continents. The subject matter ranged from hunting and angling to documentaries and youth education.
Tony later worked with The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, developing a corporate partners program and eventually becoming the Vice President of Marketing and Communications. In 2004, several of Tony’s friends on the Board of Directors for Wonders of Wildlife, including John L. Morris, asked Tony to move to Springfield and help out with the museum and aquarium. Tony had a passion for Wonders of Wildlife since it was built in 2001, telling the story of conservation, providing a historical home for the American hunter and angler, and engaging and educating young people in and about the great outdoors. Tony served as Executive Director of the museum until he transitioned to the Boone and Crockett Club where he served as Chief of Staff and later the Chief Executive Officer.
The Boone and Crockett Club is the nation’s oldest conservation organization. Founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, the Boone and Crockett Club helped to establish the principles of wildlife and habitat conservation, hunter ethics, as well as many of the institutions, expert agencies, science, and funding mechanisms for conservation. Its contributions include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone, and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the framework for modern game laws.
Tony and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of two girls. Tony hunts and fishes as much as time allows and includes his family whenever possible. All enjoy the great outdoors and share the same passion for wildlife and wild places.
Annie Farrell is a District Biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation. NWTF is a conservation non-profit dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage. Farrell has been with NWTF since 2017 and oversees conservation program delivery in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska.
Prior to her career with NWTF, she worked various technician jobs with universities and consulting firms in Georgia, Wyoming, and Louisiana. She was born and raised in Georgia and received degrees from University of Georgia (B.S.F.R.) and Mississippi State University (M.S.) where she studied wild turkeys. She currently lives in East Texas with her husband, Chris, twin one-year old daughters, and yellow lab, Otter.
Mark Hennelly, Vice President of Advocacy for the California Waterfowl Association.
Mark is a registered lobbyist and works primarily on legislative and regulatory issues that impact waterfowl, wetlands and hunting, including work before the State Legislature and California Fish and Game Commission. He has sponsored and helped pass several state laws and regulations affecting gamebird seasons and bag limits, water supplies for refuges and wildlife areas, hunting opportunity on private lands and the use of hunter-generated funds for game conservation purposes. Mr. Hennelly has also worked for the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance as its Vice President, the State Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee as an Associate Consultant and the Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Scientific Aide. He recently served as a panelist for Governor Newsom’s Advancing 30x30 initiative and is a fellow of the National Conservation Leadership Institute.
Mr. Hennelly is an avid gamebird hunter and spends much of his free time in the fall and winter hunting with his family and friends.
Kerrie Cox Romero is a proud born and raised New Mexican. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from New Mexico State University, she cut her teeth in the corporate world as a Credit Analyst for Farm Credit of New Mexico and later as a Senior Analyst with the Bank of Texas.
In 2013 she accepted an advocacy position in the outfitting industry as a lobbyist advocating hunting and fishing. She immediately fell in love with the industry. The 2023 legislative session will be Kerrie's 11th year advocating the rights of hunters and nonresident hunter opportunity.
She currently serves as the Executive Director of the New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides. She is also the Board Secretary for the Professional Outfitters and Guides of America. Kerrie enjoys all things outdoors including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and she is an avid alpine skier. She lives in Stanley, New Mexico with her husband and 3 children.
Jamison Smith is the owner of the Gun Cleaners of Houston and serves on the HSCF Board of Directors as Secretary. He is also the HSCF Firearms Chairperson. He has been a passionate hunter and outdoorsman since his father first took him hunting when he was three years old on their south Texas deer lease. He has continued this legacy his whole life and continues to hunt with his father, as well as his children. Jamison has hunted all over Texas, the United States and several international locations. His travels have enriched his passion and understanding for conservation.
Jamison owns and operates The Gun Cleaners-Houston and is involved in many conservation groups, including Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited, Back Country Hunters and Anglers, and The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Fund, just to name a few.
Justin serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA). Founded in 1985, TWA represents the interests of private landowners and hunters and provides conservation education to youth and adults around the state.
Justin is an avid hunter and angler who fell in love with the outdoors at an early age hunting the brush country of south Texas with his family. Before joining TWA, Justin spent seven years with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department where he served as the Private Lands and Public Hunting Program Director. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist with a bachelors and master’s degree from Texas A&M University.
He and his wife Rachael live in Austin, TX with their daughters June and Jill.
Ted Koch is Executive Director of the North American Grouse Partnership. He received a B.S. in Biology from Southern Connecticut State University and an M.S. in Zoology from Idaho State University. He served as an endangered species biologist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for 30 years, working on all kinds of plants and animals, including sage grouse and lesser prairie-chickens. Ted resides in Garden Valley, ID.
North American Grouse Partnership is working with landowners to conserve southwestern Great Plains grasslands for lesser prairie-chickens and other species. Lesser prairie-chickens are about to be listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Dakotah Richardson is a sales professional who leads business development for the Beretta Gallery in Dallas, Texas. He is also a member of the Beretta Pro Staff. Dakotah is a former United States Olympic resident shotgun athlete, competing for Team USA Shooting, and a member of the 2013 World Cup Acapulco Team. He specializes in high value transactions and planning and executing hunting excursions for corporate leaders. He began his career with Beretta in 2015 and represents all 36 Beretta brands, with a focus on specialty sporting firearms.
Land Tawney is president/CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, a North American membership-conservation organization based in Missoula, Montana. BHA is dedicated to serving as the voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.
As BHA president/CEO since 2013, Tawney has overseen expansion of the organization from 1000 members and a handful of chapters to nearly 30,000 members and chapters that cover 48 states and Washington, D.C., two Canadian provinces, and one territory. Tawney works every day with a talented staff and 700-plus volunteer leaders to make sure all North Americans have access to public lands and wares and the fish and wildlife habitat when they get there.
Tawney was raised in Montana, where he hunted and fished from an early age. He earned a PHD in “Post Hole Digging” on the family spread and a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology from the University of Montana in 2000. His conservation career now spans two decades. Prior to working at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Tawney worked for other conservation organizations including the National Wildlife Federation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. He lives in Montana with his wife Glenna, two kids (Cidney-14) and (Colin-11) and five-year-old black lab Tule.
Brett Jepsen is a co-host of the Target Rich Environment television show. He was born in the DFW Metroplex and was raised hunting in North and East Texas. With a variety of game to chase in all types of Texas landscapes he grew up hunting all types of game but always had the itch for ducks and a passion for waterfowl.
While hunting with his Dad at a young age, who mainly hunted whitetail, there were many mornings Brett was dropped off at the duck pond while the rest of the family went to sit in their deer blinds. As the years passed, he wanted to find a way to provide for his family while also being able to chase the migration all season long.
In 2013, Three Curl Outfitters was born. Brett started Three Curl Outfitters and was focused primarily on duck and dove hunts at the time. Brett still focuses on the waterfowl hunting at Three Curl, along with a lot of other help. He also manages the team for all other types of hog hunts, upland hunts, and annual clubs and leases Three Curl Outfitters now offers to their clients. Target Rich Environment can be seen on Sportsman Channel.
Sue Tidwell is the multi-award-winning author of Cries of the Savanna, winner of a Reader's Favorite Gold Medal, the Professional Outdoor Media Association's Pinnacle Award, a Kindle Book Review non-fiction semifinalist and The Wildlife Society's 2022 Conservation Education Award.
An outdoorsy adventuresome type, Sue has long enjoyed capturing her escapades on paper exclusively for the eyes of family and friends. her Tanzanian safari, however, lit a fire in her gut, compelling her to share her adventure and journey of awareness with the world. Cries of the Savanna is a result of that passion. When not at the keyboard, Sue can be found pining for Africa, atop a paddle board, enjoying her grandchildren's antics, or engaged in the latest outdoor excursion with her husband Rick.
Brandon Maddox, CEO and owner of Silencer Central, is recognized as a national thought leader on Class 3 firearms. What began as Maddox’s home-based Federal Firearms License (FFL) evolved into a Class 3 Dealership and has grown into the nationwide brand it is today. Maddox’s NFA expertise makes him a popular voice for the industry, and he speaks regularly at National Compliance Conferences.
Before his work with Silencer Central, Maddox practiced pharmacy and served as a marketing executive in the pharmaceutical industry. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Duke University. Megan, Maddox’s wife, is a 5th generation South Dakotan, and together they have two daughters. Maddox is passionate about varmint hunting and has spent more than a decade honing his expertise in the Western Dakota prairies.
This Week on HSCF’s “Hunting Matters” Radio & Podcast: Mike Arnold, Author, Bringing Back The Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed African Ecosystem
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Mike Arnold, Author, Bringing Back The Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the
Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed African Ecosystem. Native Texan Mike Arnold is a research scientist and outdoor writer with more than 140 published articles, including feature pieces in such magazines as Sports Afield, Hunter’s Horn, Safari Magazine, and African Hunting Gazette.
Mike recently released his new book titled Bringing Back The Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed African Ecosystem.
The hunter’s horn blew early for Mike. Taking his first whitetail near San Saba while hunting with his father at the age of five was a transformative experience. From that time forward, Mike has spent months each year pursuing game animals – from quail and rabbits behind his parents’ house, to kudu and leopard in Africa. Mike combines his love of writing, science, and hunting to record his adventures. He often covers the role hunters and their organizations play in ecosystem restoration and conservation. He has produced a series of articles on key stakeholders highlighting how sport hunting leads to the conservation of habitats and wildlife. To learn more about Mike visit https://arnoldoutdoorwriter.com.
Mario Kalpou’s lifelong fascination with nature’s bounty took root at a young age. Australian born, as a youth Mario split his time between his father, a farmer in rural Sydney, and mother, a waitress at the Wentworth Hotel - where his maternal grandfather was a world-class chef in the ’60s. Comfortable in both the field and kitchen, Kalpou soon set on a path to pursue his innate love of cooking working alongside prominent chefs and eventually opening and operating several highly acclaimed restaurants most notably, The Old Library, garnering various awards such as Zagat 3 Hats and 2nd place Belle Awards.
He deepened his love of harvesting from the wild and honed his already advanced outdoor skills when he traded the metropolitan restaurant world for rural New Zealand. Kalpou opened an extreme-adventure lodge and became a professional guide for overseas clients. During this time, he observed not only how being immersed in the outdoors positively affected each client but a realization that being connected to the source of free range, wild food echoed the interest of his chefs and patrons in the restaurant world. People want to feel connected to their food source and the inspiration for “Man Eats Wild” was born.
Monte was born in Fort Worth, Texas and grew up a few miles north in Keller. His dad is a veterinarian, and growing up, they lived outside of town. His fondest memories of childhood almost all revolve around shooting and hunting with his dad and G-Dad (his grandfather) or running through the pastures surrounding his dad’s clinic with a BB gun, a .22 or a shotgun and his old Australian Shepherd, Tuffy.
While going to college, Monte found Tac Pro Shooting Center, in Mingus, Texas. It was there that he entered his first 3-gun match. That match was miserable! It was cold (it never got above 35° that day), rainy and he finished up dead last. He was instantly hooked on the sport!
Since that cold, rainy day, he has spent a lot of time asking questions, listening and leaning from a lot of fellow shooters. He’s gone from dead last in that first match to typically being close to the top of the list when it’s all said and done.
Since becoming a full-time employee at XS Sights, Monte has been able to continually increase his skills and abilities as a competitive shooter. It is through his hard work and lots of help from friends and sponsors, as well as an understanding boss and co-workers, that he is able to continue improving and chasing his dream. Monte is a marketing and sales engineer, expert marksman and avid hog and deer hunter. His certifications include Tac Pro Shooting Center Primary Pistol, Tac Pro Shooting Center Intermediate Pistol, Tac Pro Shooting Center Advanced Pistol, Combat Shooting and Tactics (CSAT) Carbine Operator, CSAT Pistol Operator, CSAT Carbine/Pistol Instructor, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Instructor, TCOLE Firearms Instructor, NRA Law Enforcement Activities Division (LEAD) Pistol/Shotgun Instructor, and NRA LEAD Select Fire Weapons Instructor.
Inspired by his grandfather, Chris Williams is a second-generation knife maker. He watched his grandfather craft knives from discarded bandsaw blades in his workshop. This prompted Chris to create his own style of knives that were as beautiful as they were functional. This “hobby” continued to blossom as he made knives for friends until he ultimately walked away from a promising career as an investment banker to fully dedicate his energy into creating legendary knives.
In 2005, Williams Knife Company was born and what has evolved has become a veritable artform. His big break came in 2010 when he crafted a new style of oyster knife that he named “The Edisto”, designed specifically for the small cluster oysters found along the east coast, which won the overall 2011 Made in the South award from Garden & Gun Magazine.
Matt Loessin is the owner of Vara Ranch. He has been hunting his entire life across the United States and Mexico. In 2017 he purchased the property which is now Vara Ranch. The plan was to raise exotic species for conservation and they added whitetail breeding a year later. In 2020, they started the hunting side of the operation and will launch their inaugural season of hunting and a new 5,000 square foot lodge in September of 2022.
Matt has a vast amount of experience in corporate entertainment through his oil and gas business over the past twenty years. The Vara Ranch lodge was designed with high end corporate events in mind. Plentiful amenities, 5-star service and an unbelievable experience where Vara Ranch customers can bring their clients to build relationships and further their business. Vara Ranch is located just southwest of Columbus, Texas.
Aidan Stokes: Aiden The Hunter
Aiden Stokes is a young man who loves hunting. He celebrated his ninth birthday this year while on safari in South Africa.
Aidan started learning gun safety and how to shoot at the age of 5.
Took his first feral hog by himself at the age of 6 and loves to be in the outdoors with his dad even if they don't see anything.
Took his first international game animal (Warthog) in South Africa this year.
Aidan has shot and wants to continue shooting competitive benchrest as well as recently joining the Waller County Sharpshooter 4H team (clays).
He also gets recognized when walking around the hunting tradeshows here in Houston by a few people who watch him online and like to see how he is learning.
He also became friends with the owner of Texas Hog Bait at a tradeshow and was sent an official "Pro Staff " vest from them from the work he has done trying to help promote the product and for just being a good kid learning to hunt safely.
Native Texan Mike Arnold is a research scientist and outdoor writer with more than 140 published articles, including feature pieces in such magazines as Sports Afield, Hunter’s Horn, Safari Magazine, and African Hunting Gazette.
Mike has launched his new book titled Bringing Back The Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed African Ecosystem.
The hunter’s horn blew early for Mike. Taking his first whitetail near San Saba while hunting with his father at the age of five was a transformative experience. From that time forward, Mike has spent months each year pursuing game animals – from quail and rabbits behind his parents’ house, to kudu and leopard in Africa.
Mike combines his love of writing, science, and hunting to record his adventures. He often covers the role hunters and their organizations play in ecosystem restoration and conservation. He has produced a series of articles on key stakeholders highlighting how sport hunting leads to the conservation of habitats and wildlife. Mike’s upcoming TEDx talk and book both cover this topic as well. To learn more about Mike visit https://arnoldoutdoorwriter.com.
John Jones is the president of Lochow Ranch Pond and Lake Management. He is a Texas based fisheries biologist with 25 years’ experience.
John is the current president of the Texas Aquaculture Association, a member of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s freshwater external advisory committee and a Texas A&M University College of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries external advisory committee member.
John founded Lochow Ranch Pond and Lake Management with an extensive knowledge of the pond and lake management field. A graduate of the Texas A&M University Wildlife and Fishery Science Program, John also holds an Aquatic Plant Management certification from the University of Florida. He is a member of the American Fisheries Society and is certified as a Pesticide Applicator.
Boyds Gunstocks was started in 1981 by Randy Boyd and is located in Mitchell, South Dakota. Boyds Gunstocks has grown in size and scope each year, now employing over 100 people to manufacture the strong line of Boyds Gunstocks that are shipped all over the world.
Dustin Knutson is a long-time employee of Boyds Gunstocks and as of January 2020 became the new co-owner. Dustin became Boyds’ general manager after working his way up the ladder from the production floor. Dustin’s experience and expertise ensures that Boyds’ production facility remains modern, efficient, and producing high-quality gunstocks with the latest technology available. Dustin is an avid hunter as well as excellent target shooter and enjoys getting out into the outdoors as much as possible.
Boyds Gunstocks is the largest aftermarket gunstock manufacturer in the world, making stocks for over 155 different gun brands and 1,200 models within those brands. “Nobody can offer anywhere near the huge selection and variety of stocks that we offer,” says Dustin. “With over 24 different stock shapes, offered in over 15 different colors, and with the multitude of stock customizations, there are literally hundreds of thousands of possible combinations that you can come up with to personalize a stock that’s made just to your liking.”
Marcus Hutsen is the Business Development Manager at Patriot Coolers.
Founded in 2018, Patriot Coolers offers a line of high-quality stainless-steel drinkware and
rotomolded coolers, where a portion of every purchase is donated to Homes For Our Troops, a
non-profit that builds and donates accessible housing to severely injured post 9/11 Veterans.
Growing up in Texas, Marcus was raised hunting, hiking, and playing sports.
Today he lives in Cypress, and loves spending time outdoors with his wife Emily, their daughter, and their dog.
Patriot Coolers is offering an exclusive 10% discount to listeners of Hunting Matters! Click on
the link https://patriotcoolers.com/discount/HUNTINGMATTERS and use the discount code
HUNTINGMATTERS at checkout.
PJ Carleton joined the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in early 2008, and now serves as the Senior Director, Events and Donor Relations. PJ brings nearly 20 years of fundraising and event planning experience; in this role she manages CSF events in the Nation’s Capital and around the country. PJ also works with CSF’s donors and sponsors for their continued support, including making sure they get their benefits that come with their support.
In her role as the Senior Director, Events and Donor Relations, PJ has the pleasure to plan and implement CSF’s variety of hunting and fishing centric events every year. From their Congressional Clays Competition with their Bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, to their one-of-a-kind, Wine, Wheels & Wildlife with Richard Childress, CSF sets the standard for Sportsmen’s events.
Prior to joining CSF, PJ was the Director of Political and Special Events at Epiphany Productions, Inc. During her 5-year tenure, she executed large- and small-scale meetings and events for a diverse clientele throughout the United States and Europe. Before working for Epiphany, PJ spent two years in the office of U.S. Representative Billy Tauzin.
PJ has a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design from Louisiana State University. Growing up in “Sportsman’s Paradise”, PJ had the opportunity to be around hunting and fishing from an early age and still enjoys fishing with her brothers. She is also passionate about cooking, decorating, gardening, organizing and fashion. When not at work, PJ is often creating fun ice cream flavors for her colleagues to test out. PJ is also an avid sports fan – cheering on her LSU Tigers!
Will believes wildlife conservation is massively impacted by hunters with the money they spend and the legal harvest of big and small game animals to maintain stable populations. Although there are many other groups that contribute, wildlife conservation in North America would not be possible without hunters. Bear Beans Coffee, founded in 2021, gives back to help bear conservation in North America by providing ten percent of its profits to conservation.
Will is a hunter-conservationist and his passion is starting new projects and ventures and aligning with like-minded people to make a positive impact in the world. He lives in Southwestern British Columbia, Canada with his wife, Tara, and their three young boys.
Kevin Dougherty is the Chief Operating Officer of Greater Houston Sports Club (GHSC).
Established in 1959 and situated on 290 immaculately maintained acres less than 20 minutes south of downtown, Greater Houston Sports Club is Houston’s premier shotgun sports complex.
Kevin was born and raised in Michigan and worked at Detroit Gun Club for 9 years. In 2002, he moved to Houston to take a job at Greater Houston Sports Club, as the General manger. During his now 20 years there, GHSC has seen substantial growth. Now boasting 10 Skeet fields, 2 trap fields, 4 Sporting Clays Courses, 5-stand FITASC and soon, Helice.
Kevin lives in Katy, Texas with his wife, son and daughter.
Ben Masters is a filmmaker and writer specializing in wildlife and adventure stories. He is most known for directing the feature-length documentary The River and The Wall, a SXSW 2019 award winner, and for producing Unbranded, a Mountainfilm 2015 Audience Award winner.
Masters studied wildlife biology at Texas A&M University and founded Fin and Fur Films, a production company specializing in short films featuring wildlife research, conservation, and activism. He is the author of two books published by Texas A&M University Press and has written for National Geographic and Western Horseman. His films have been distributed on Netflix, National Geographic, STARZ, PBS, and he has worked with The Wildlife Society, Borderlands Research Institute, YETI, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, and other great brands and NGOs.
A proud Texan, Masters loves riding a good horse through new country, filming wildlife stories that have not been documented before, and using movies to help conserve wildlife and wild places.
Chris Horton joined the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) in 2010 as the Midwestern States Director. In this role he oversaw and interacted with the state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses and members of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus throughout the region. As the Senior Director, Fisheries Policy, he serves as CSF’s primary point of contact on federal recreational fishing issues, as well as assists the States Program Team staff with challenges for anglers at both the state and regional levels.
Chris currently serves on the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and has served on the Marine Protected Area Federal Advisory Committee, the board of the National Fish Habitat Partnership, and the Future Fisherman Foundation board of directors.
Prior to joining CSF, Chris served as the Conservation Director for the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.). His primary responsibility was to work with and represent the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and B.A.S.S. members on local, state and national conservation issues that impact sport fishing. During his tenure at B.A.S.S., he was part of a U.S. delegation to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization in the development of a Code of Practice for Recreational Fisheries.
Chris received a master's degree in fisheries from the University of Arizona. Prior to working with B.A.S.S., Chris served as the reservoir research biologist, as well as the black bass biologist, for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Heather Kelly is the founder and CEO of Heather's Choice®. They produce healthy, lightweight, packable meals and snacks for adventurers worldwide. All of their products are made in their dedicated gluten-free kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska. Their mission is to put good food in everyone's pack, no matter where their adventures may take them.
Heather was a two-time NCAA National Champion in women's rowing and was voted CRCA/Pocock All-American her senior year. She still considers herself an athlete and loves everything from CrossFit to weight training to long walks in the woods.
At Western Washington University she earned a degree in Evolutionary Nutrition and went on to study at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating to become a certified eating psychology coach. Heather believes we all have a relationship with food, and it's important to cultivate a healthy, satisfying relationship with our diet for long term health.
Heather has a Czech German Shepherd named Jango who can do lots of cool tricks. Her favorite wine is Argentinian Malbec and she has rafted the Grand Canyon six times since 2011 and won't say no to a river trip.
Heather Kelly was born and raised in Alaska and still calls it home today.
Ross Melinchuk has been a member of Houston Safari Club since 2015. He is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA). He is also the President and CEO of Melinchuk and Associates, LLC, an environmental and natural resource policy consulting firm based in Aiken, SC.
Ross previously served as Chief Conservation Officer for NWTF. Prior to that, he was the Director of Conservation Programs for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) where he oversaw the Land Conservation, Water Resources, Landscape Ecology, International Programs and Project Management Office. He also served as the Deputy Executive Director for Natural Resources for TPWD from 2009-2017, responsible for overseeing the department’s Wildlife, Coastal and Inland Fisheries Divisions.
Before accepting his position with TPWD, he was Director of Public Policy for Ducks Unlimited (DU), where he was responsible for providing strategic direction for public policy and state grant activities for a 15-state region in the South and Southeastern U.S.
Prior to his 17-year career with DU, he served as North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) coordinator for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies from 1990-1992.
He began his professional career with Saskatchewan Environment, as a wildlife biologist in the late 1970’s, ending up as the agency’s NAWMP coordinator, a position he held until 1990 when he left Canada to work in Washington D.C. He graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and earned a Master of Science degree in 1983 from Lakehead University.
Ross is an avid hunter, angler and shooter and has hunted in Alaska, Namibia, Argentina, Canada, Spain, New Zealand and South Africa.
Professional wildlife biologist, outdoor writer, book author, speaker, television show host, radio host, podcaster and always hunter/conservationist, Larry Weishuhn is one of our country’s most recognized and respected outdoor personalities. Even though known internationally as “Mr. Whitetail” because of his many years of researching, managing, hunting and promoting whitetail deer and their habitat, Larry has hunted and worked with big game throughout North America, Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.
Larry grew up in Colorado County, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University and earned a B.S. Degree in Wildlife Science. After serving as a research wildlife biologist with Texas A&M University’s Department of Veterinary Pathology and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, he was appointed the Technical Assistance Biologist for South Texas where he worked with landowners and hunters in establishing and maintaining quality wildlife management programs. He later left State employment and established his own wildlife management company, Quality Management, Ltd., with emphasis on habitat restoration and species management concentrating on such big game species as whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, and desert bighorn sheep.
As a professional wildlife biologist Larry has established quality wildlife management programs on over 12,000,000 acres. His research has been published in numerous professional journals and he has frequently served as a featured speaker at international wildlife symposiums devoted to wildlife conservation.
As an outdoor writer Weishuhn served on staff with Shooting Times, Deer & Deer Hunting, North American Hunter, Petersen’s Hunting, Sporting Classics, Game Trails and many others. He has authored over 4,000 feature articles, columns and more recently blogs. He has written seven award-winning books which are these days considered classics. Larry currently serves as the whitetail columnist for Texas Fish & Game, executive field editor for DSC’s Game Trails, field editor for Mule Deer (Mule Deer Foundation) and freelances to numerous publications. He writes regular blogs for Hornady’s Bullet Points, Trijicon Hunt, Dallas Safari Club, Kryptek, CarbonTV.com, Mallette Communications, H3WhitetailSolutions and others.
Larry has long served as host or co-host for many award-winning outdoor television shows, numbering well over 500 episodes. His shows have been awarded numerous Tellys and have been nominated for Emmys. These days Larry co-hosts the extremely popular, weekly “A Sportsman’s Life” on CarbonTV.com and does several episodes each year for “Trijicon’s World of Sports Afield”.
Larry has been doing a weekly radio segment, “Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn” on Luke Clayton Outdoors since 2008 which is heard on stations through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas and Louisiana as well as internet radio. With Luke Clayton he also co-hosts “Hunting Wire Radio”. He and Luke Clayton also do a weekly podcast, “Campfires with Luke and Larry” for Sporting Classics Daily. Larry also frequently guests on various outdoor radio shows and podcasts throughout North America.
In June 2019 Larry launched his popular weekly “DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn” podcast which is available through WaypointTV.com and many other platforms.
Weishuhn hunts with rifles and Taurus handguns, topped with Trijicon scopes and sights, shooting Hornady ammunition. Asked his favorite hunt, his answer is always, “The next one I’m going on”.
Weishuhn has long served and continues to serve as an ambassador for Dallas Safari Club. He is a Professional Member of the Boone & Crockett Club and is one of three co-founders of the Texas Wildlife Association. He is a life member of Houston Safari Club, Dallas Safari Club, National Rifle Association, Wild Sheep Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation and other conservation-based organizations. In 2007 Larry was inducted into the National Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. In January 2016 he was presented the prestigious Zeiss Lifetime Achievement Award, which in Zeiss’ history has only been awarded two other times. That year he was also inducted into the Muy Grande Hall of Fame. Weishuhn serves on several DSC Committees and is a member of the DSC Foundation Board of Directors, where he currently serves as secretary.
If you ask anyone who meets Heidi, to describe her without fail they would say that she is the busiest person they know. Heidi started her career 24 years ago with Texas Parks and Wildlife as the Training Specialist who is responsible for the state’s Hunter Education Program across Southeast Texas. She was soon given the additional honor of statewide coordinator of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program.
When she is not working for the State of Texas, she is an avid supporter of the Nation Rifle Association (NRA). Heidi is a lifetime member of the NRA and is a Training Counselor. She conducts basic and instructor firearms training classes in rifle, shotgun, pistol, and defense and protection in and out of the home. She also teaches the Texas License to Carry (LTC) Course.
Heid has served on the NRA Youth Programs Committee and currently serves on the NRA Ladies Pistol Project Team. She is a contributing author, submitting articles to NRA Women, NRA Family, and NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum. For all her hard work, she is recognized and is the proud recipient of the 2022 Golden Bullseye Award for NRA Women: "Woman of the Year."
Heidi began her business North American Outdoors in 2013 and continues to promote the outdoors through hunting, trapping, firearms safety, and education. She and her husband have published 7 books to date, all focused around introducing kids and parents to firearms and hunting, how to raise a “wild” child, and keeping safe when recreating where wildlife predators roam. She also has a weekly podcast called “North American Outdoors.”
Heidi is very active in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Three of her sons are Eagle Scouts with the fourth one working hard to soon achieve the honor of his brothers. She is an Assistant Scoutmaster with a Troop. She started her own BSA Venturing Crew that concentrates on hunting and marksmanship skills: Venture Hunting Crew .30-06.
If that was not enough, Heidi is also married with four sons! Heidi and her husband John continually teach the outdoor traditions of hunting, trapping, camping, and the shooting sports to their four boys. Heidi has always believed that when you train the mom, you involve the entire family!
Chester Moore is an award-winning wildlife journalist and conservationist. He is Editor-In-Chief of Texas Fish & Game magazine and contributes to Sports Afield, Hunter’s Horn, Deer & Deer Hunting, Tide, The Lakecaster and many others. He is host of “Moore Outdoors” on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI and of The Higher Calling podcast.
He is author of fifteen books including Hog Wild: Hog Hunting Facts, Tips & Strategies, Texas Waterfowl and Flounder Fever. Chester is a lifelong hunter and angler who enjoys everything from bowhunting wild turkeys to surf fishing for sharks to fly fishing for rainbow trout.
He was awarded the Advocatus Magni award in 2020 from the National Wild Turkey Federation for his work with wild turkeys, the Mossy Oak Outdoors Legacy award in 2017 for his work with children and wildlife and was named a “Hero Of Conservation” by Field & Stream magazine. Altogether he has won more than 150 awards for conservation, writing, radio and photography.
His heart is for conservation and youth. He and his wife Lisa operate the Kingdom Zoo Wildlife Center® and Wild Wishes® programs which give wildlife encounters to children with a critical illness, in the foster system or who have lost a parent or sibling. Their latest project is Higher Calling Wild Wishes Expeditions which takes teens from those programs into the forest and mountains to mentor them in using photography and video to raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation.
His favorite animals are wild sheep and his most amazing wildlife encounter was cage diving with great white sharks in the Pacific. His most important roles however are as a follower of Christ, husband, father and mentor.
Jens Krogh is the Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Walther Arms Inc. in the US. He has been an avid hunter and shooter since his early childhood. Growing up in Georgia he mostly bird hunted and shot sporting clays, he did not start hunting white-tailed deer and other larger game until he went to college.
Jens has now worked in the firearms industry for nearly 15 years working for several well know manufacturers before landing at Walther Arms a little over 2 years ago. Jens is passionate about Second Amendment rights and hunter’s rights as well as passing both to the next generation.
While flying over the Atlantic Ocean watching Iceland go by, David J. Sams came up with the idea for Lone Star Outdoor News. It took two years of research before launching the Premier Outdoor Newspaper in Texas.
Lone Star Outdoor News, now in its eighteenth year, has grown to become the largest outdoor newspaper in the state. Published two times per month, the publication covers hunting and fishing news in a readable, fresh format. Sams has brought journalism to the outdoors and the timely, credible information is sought out by most of Texas’ elite sportsmen.
In 2013, Sams started the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation. The foundation’s mission statement is to recruit hunters and anglers for a lifetime.
He served on the board of directors for the Dallas Safari Club for eight years and is still active with many other conservation hunting organizations. Many days you will find him at his ranch in West Texas taking photographs for the paper and enjoying working the land.
Sams is an Eagle Scout, and a graduate of The Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he started his love for photography. Later he attended Sul Ross University and San Antonio College where he launched his career in photojournalism.
He is the author of two books Engulfed and Fly Fishing the Texas Coast and a contributor to many others.
Jeff Birmingham is the President of the Houston Safari Club Foundation and Houston Safari Club.
He has been a member of Houston Safari Club Foundation since 2008 and is a Life Member. Jeff has served as a past Vice President. In addition, he has served as Chairman of the annual HSCF Sporting Clays Tournament for two years and as the HSCF Convention Chairman. Jeff also serves on the Board of Directors for Operation Game Thief, Trinity Oaks Foundation and Child Advocates.
Jeff has been an avid hunter and competitive shooter since childhood and loves to compete as a sports shooter. He is the owner of Alliance Graphics & Printing and is a diehard Texas A&M Aggie.
David and Susan Kalich are the Houston Safari Club Foundation’s youth hunting education and field activities chairpersons.
David grew up spending his summers hunting and fishing on the Kalich family homestead in Schulenberg. Although Susan spent summers on her uncle's ranch working cattle, her experience with hunting and fishing was killing rats in the barn and catching "piggy perch" in the tanks. David introduced Susan to hunting and fishing.
David retired with honors from the Houston Police Department after 35 years of service working patrol. Susan soon followed, retiring from years in the oil and gas industry, and finally with a private wealth management firm as an Executive Assistant.
David serves as a peer counselor to troubled active-duty Houston police officers. Susan has been a volunteer with the Houston Zoo for eleven years, the past eight years as a Keeper Aide in the elephant department.
They have hunted together in the united States in Texas, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Washington, and Indiana. Their international trips have included South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Croatia, England, New Zealand and soon, Spain.
Susan and David have been married for 48 years. David joined HSCF in 1995 and became a Life member in 2000. Susan joined HSCF in 2009 and became a Life member in 2016. They have been the youth activities chairs since 2013 and have a combined twenty-seven years of youth activities participation.
Kyle was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. Starting at an early age, Kyle grew to love the outdoors, both hunting and fishing. He attended the University of Florida and earned his degree in Civil Engineering. While earning his degree, he competitively fished for the University of Florida in their collegiate fishing program. After graduation, Kyle went to work for a major oil and gas producer where he learned a great deal about project management and supply chain management. Kyle married his dream wife, Dawson, and they have a beautiful daughter, Olivia.
Kyle is the founder of Revital Outdoors, as inspired by his father. Kyle’s father is an avid whitetail deer hunter, but after knee and back surgery, his physical abilities were not at their peak. He struggled to sleep while facing sciatic nerve pain caused by bone spurs in his back. Walking, hiking, and even standing was a challenge due to the inflammation in his knees. He had been prescribed a variety of pain and sleep medications that he began to build a tolerance against. He knew he had to do something different, more effective, healthier. His younger brother suggested CBD oil and that was the start of it all. The results were phenomenal! Within a couple of months, Kyle’s dad exclusively used CBD oil to promote joint comfort and restful nights. Whether on a hunt, on the water, or in the comfort of his home, Kyle’s dad religiously took CBD oil each day. It was not long before Kyle noted a change in his dad – he appeared more rested, restored, and revitalized with a renewed passion for the outdoors.
This experience led him to recognize that millions of outdoor enthusiasts, like Kyle’s dad, could also benefit from hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and CBG. With a big leap of faith, Kyle left his corporate job and safety net to follow his true passion: helping fellow outdoor enthusiasts revitalize their passion for the great outdoors.
Seth Lawrence is a Nationally Licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, Public Speaker, and Life Optimization Coach. Seth specializes in the comprehensive rehabilitation and collaborative training of not only the everyday individual but also the elite athlete.
Seth has an extensive career in health and fitness starting in 1999 as a personal trainer. After receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Houston he went on to earn his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2008. Since that time Seth has kept his attention on helping individuals and organizations through their health and fitness journey. He opened a CrossFit gym in 2013 where he would not only coach, but provide seminars, videos, motivational speeches, and personal rehabilitation and training on all aspects of health and fitness. Since his primary education Seth has continued growing his knowledge base to be as efficient as possible in helping people reach their goals. He has since received his certifications in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Dry Needling, CrossFit level one, Endurance, Olympic lifting, and Mobility.
In 2019 Seth opened Life Prescribed, a life optimization consulting company where he provides seminars, online coaching and consulting, and interactive presentations that help people grow and maximize their time and energy. In an attempt to further spread his message of positivity and healthy living, he wrote, “Your Life Prescribe”. This book is a guide to life optimization and turning the hassles of life into healthy habits. Seth has a unique skill set that bridges the gap between health and fitness. He is passionate about people and education.
David Wirth is an inventor and entrepreneur who holds two degrees in Aerospace Engineering from UCLA and is currently pursuing his PhD in nanoengineering of materials. Before beginning his doctoral studies, he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and co-founded a metal 3D printing company, Fabric8Labs, which was recently funded by Intel ventures. In 2016 he was personally invited to the White House to discuss topics related to additive manufacturing with industry and academic leaders. In 2017 he left Fabric8Labs to partner with Jason Murray and founded Arcflash Labs, LLC with the goal of advancing electromagnetic propulsion technologies.
Together they developed a new type of high-density power inverter and offered a number of coilgun and gauss rifle prototypes for sale, including the GR-1 "Anvil" which was recently featured on Forgotten Weapons. David has been featured on the Forbes' 30 under 30 list in the area of manufacturing, and his projects have been featured on the Discovery Channel, Popular Mechanics, New Scientist, The Drive, and Popular Science.
Harding Bush is the Operations Manager at Global Rescue. Previously, he spent more than 20 years as a US Navy SEAL during which he held responsibilities including Platoon Leading Senior Chief for SEAL Team Eight and Command Senior Chief of the Navy’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Course. After leaving the armed forces, Harding held international security leadership positions for the Jannah Hunt Oil Company working closely with senior executives on security conditions at three oil production facilities in Yemen.
Additionally, he was a security advisor and trainer for the Ogantz Group and Harke Strategic where he delivered a full spectrum of security services to global organizations. Harding is a graduate of Norwich University where he earned both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
He is an expert in procedures for high-risk travel, cultural awareness, crisis preparedness, leadership and operational planning. Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services for hunters and outdoor adventurers worldwide.
An avid sportsman since his youth, Adam Whitehead grew up chasing bucks and pretty much anything that moved on his family's farm in Eastern North Carolina. Growing up in rural North Carolina, Adam saw first-hand the challenges folks faced to get hunting and fishing gear. After attending East Carolina University, Adam founded Sportsman's Box (2015) with the intention of providing everyone access to the essential tools to enable outdoor success.
Today, after undergoing a brand transition from Sportsman's Box to Buddy Outdoors in 2021, Adam and the Buddy Outdoor's team are providing members with access to the outdoors top gear brands, while helping to educate as well.
Dan Forster, Vice President and Chief Conservation Officer for the Archery Trade Association (ATA)
archerytrade.org
A native of Georgia, Dan received both his. B.S. and M.S. degrees in wildlife biology from the University of Georgia. He is a certified wildlife biologist and retired from the Georgia DNR's Wildlife Resources Division serving the last 12 years as Director. Dan currently works as the Vice President and Chief Conservation Officer for the Archery Trade Association (ATA) where he manages their government relations and conservation agenda. Dan has served in many leadership roles at the regional and national level including president of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and is a sitting Board Member for the National Deer Association, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, and the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports.
Dan is an avid, lifelong hunter and currently lives in Social Circle, GA with his wife Jennifer, two children, and their Brittany Spaniel Millie.
Jim Willis is the founder and president of the Wildlife Habitat Federation. Over his esteemed career, Jim has served as a foreign service officer in three American Embassies, has been an agricultural economist/Soviet specialist/rice analyst for the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and was the Director of Foreign Programs for the USA Rice Council. Jim also served as President of the International Programs for the U.S. Rice Producers Association.
The Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) is a non-profit conservation organization that facilitates on-the-ground restoration of habitat that is needed to re-establish healthy and sustainable populations of quail and other upland wildlife species native to the Texas Oaks and Prairie Eco-region. WHF provides information, specialized equipment and on-the-ground physical assistance to landowners and lessees committed to re-establishing native grasses and forbs.
WHF Habitat Action Teams provide technical, financial and mechanical assistance to landowners wishing to restore native grasses, wildflowers or forbs to conserve all native resources, including soil, water, air and wildlife. WHF also harvests seed from local native ecotype species of grass and wildflowers to ensure successful plant establishment. Restoration activities include invasive species removal, managing prescribed burns and grazing, and wildflower seeding, among others. A 7-mile-long wildlife corridor and other restored native habitat serve as models for landowners wishing to restore native species of both plant and animal species.
John Whitehurst is the founder and owner of Sauvignon John Inc., a Houston based winery. John graduated from Texas A&M University in 2017 and previously worked as a VP for Frost Bank in their Commercial Lending department.
John enjoys hunting, playing tennis, and spending time with his wife, Carly, and their two dogs. John is an avid whitetail deer hunter. Born in Corpus Christi, John has hunted South Texas his entire life. In addition to whitetail hunting, John also enjoys dove hunting and quail hunting with his German short-haired pointer.
Sauvignon John was recently voted "Best Wine of the Year" per Swoon magazine's latest issue in January of 2022. Currently, they make a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a Rosé wine.
After years of successfully working together at Cushman Insurance Agency, Cole and his father, Larry, felt the one gap in the insurance market was when it came to proper coverage for firearm sand hunting trophies. When looking to insure their own guns, they discovered that the traditional homeowner’s policy was not sufficient.
The Cushman’s solution to this problem was to create an insurance company that not only meets their needs but serves others as well. Thus, Gun & Trophy Insurance was born. Partnering with The Hanover Insurance Group, they represent thousands of individuals across the country operating as an independent insurance agency.
A love of outdoor sportsmanship is what led Cole to Gun & Trophy, but he says the family values and job flexibility are what make him stay. After all, when the company values a good hunt – you have the team’s support to take off early on a fall afternoon during deer season.
Cole prides himself in serving other Americans who share his passion for shooting. He can’t recall a client ever questioning G&T rates (which is virtually impossible in this industry) as proven by a retention ratio that has flirted with 100% every renewal since the program started. More rewarding is the number and quality of referrals he receives from customers. There is no shortage of pride when Cole is able to provide clients with top-notch service at an unbeatable price. It’s safe to say that Gun & Trophy is not slowing down anytime soon. They are a family-owned and operated business that feels blessed to combine their passion and profession. Whether you’re an avid shooter or a new gun owner – Gun and Trophy Insurance can meet your needs.
Shawn was hired by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department in 2004 as a wildlife biologist for Pecos and Terrell counites, and in 2008, transferred to Brewster County. He was promoted to be the Mule Deer and Pronghorn Program Leader in 2009. Prior to his career with TPWD, Shawn was a research technician for the National Park Service at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, working with big game species such as elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bison. He received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Texas Tech University and his master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Texas State University–San Marcos.
Tim Herald, Senior Consultant, Worldwide Trophy Adventures (WTA)
worldwidetrophyadventures.com
Tim Herald lives in Lexington, KY with his wife Alka and twin sons, Will and Drew, and has been hunting since he was six years old. He has hunted and fished all over the U.S. (40 states), Mexico, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Zambia, Namibia, Spain, Botswana, Mozambique, England, Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand. He has taken dozens of record book big game animals and has harvested 25 wild turkey Grand Slams and 1 Royal Slam. Herald has hunted whitetails extensively for over 30 years, and also hunts moose, elk, African big game and other “adventure” species numerous times each year. He has taken the modern African Dangerous 7 and has successfully hunted dangerous game on many occasions including lion, Cape buffalo, elephant, grizzly, leopard, hippo, crocodile, rhino, etc. Herald also guided for whitetail, waterfowl and turkeys for many years in a number of states.
Herald has been involved in the outdoor/hunting industry on a professional level since 1996 in varied capacities as a guide, outfitter, hunt consultant, outdoor writer and on-screen television personality. He was the Outdoor Marketing Manager for Under Armour from 2004-2008 and was Director of Marketing for Bad Boy Buggies 2008-2009. He now makes his living full time in outdoor television, writing, promotion, and hunt consulting.
Tim has conducted seminars throughout the U.S. and has also been featured in many major outdoor publications, television and radio shows, hunting videos, as well as ads, catalogs and commercials for various outdoor companies. Along with frequent guest appearances on television programs such as Realtree Roadtrips, Mossy Oak’s Hunting the Country, Knight and Hale’s Ultimate Hunting, North American Hunter, etc., Herald joined the staff of the Hunters Journal Television Show on the Outdoor Channel in 2003.
Tim was on the panel of 2006-2011 pros for Whitetail Country (ESPN2 and now NBC Sports), Pro Hunter Journal and Hunt Masters., and co-hosted LimbSaver Outdoors in 2007 on the Men’s Channel. In 2008 and 2009 Tim hosted Outdoor America on the Outdoor Channel. He worked with Magnum Global Media from 2009-2015 as host of both THE ZONE (Sportsman Channel) and Magnum TV (Outdoor Channel) and is currently an owner/consultant at Worldwide Trophy Adventures and is a host/producer for Cabela’s Instinct: Expedition Series on The Sportsman Channel.
Darrell joined the Houston Safari club in 2000 and became a life member in 2007. Darrell served as vice president from 2006 to 2007. He also served on the board of directors from 2007 to 2011. He is a past president of the club having served as president in 2009/2010. As president of the club Darrell implemented the funding for the Hunting with Heroes program at HSCF and remains involved in that program.
For the past several years Darrell has been a volunteer for the Double D Ranch wounded warrior program and special needs youth hunt. He has spent many hours meeting with different organizations to find the children to attend this youth hunt as well as organizing the meat processing and trophy delivery.
Darrell and his wife Cheryl have two children and reside in Katy, Texas. When Darrell is not hunting or fishing, he can usually be found on a golf course. Just look in any greenside bunker and that is where he will be.
Jamison Smith is the owner of the Gun Cleaners of Houston and serves on the HSCF Board of Directors as Secretary. He is also the HSCF Firearms Chairperson. He has been a passionate hunter and outdoorsman since his father first took him hunting when he was three years old on their south Texas deer lease. He has continued this legacy his whole life and continues to hunt with his father, as well as his children. Jamison has hunted all over Texas, the United States and several international locations. His travels have enriched his passion and understanding for conservation.
Jamison owns and operates The Gun Cleaners-Houston and is involved in many conservation groups, including Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited, Back Country Hunters and Anglers, and The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Fund, just to name a few.
Lance Hendershot is the owner of Hendershot’s, a company based in Hancock, Maryland, specializing in firearms, gunsmithing, load development, firearms transfers and the manufacturing of custom ammunition.
Lance has been in the hunting and shooting industry his entire life, having been raised in the family business. He was tutored by his uncle and father on the intricacies of the industry from an early age. Lance attended the University of Utah before joining his father as a partner in the business when his uncle retired in 1997. He has been going strong ever since. When his father retired in 2010, Lance and his wife assumed third generation ownership of Hendershot’s. Two of their daughters also work in the business.
Lance has hunted successfully on four continents and loves all aspects of the outdoors. He has served on the board of directors of Safari Club International and also served as a chapter president.
Hendershot’s currently represents several of the most highly respected respected names in the firearms industry and are well known for their line of “Extreme” custom ammunition.
Born and raised in the Vail valley of Colorado. Spinks has spent most of his life in the mountains which has fostered a passion for the outdoors. Spinks has competed at the highest levels of competition in both skiing and mountain bike racing, at events such as the XGames and Enduro World Series, which has led to a passion for product development and innovation. Today Spinks focuses on new product development to enhance the QuietKat experience and innovate how we explore and recreate in the great outdoors.
Scott Leysath, better known as “The Sporting Chef,” has spent a lifetime developing his own brand of fish and game cooking mastery. As someone whose passion and profession are one in the same, Chef Leysath is undoubtedly among the best in the business. He’s a “regular” guy, not a classically trained chef, who sincerely wants anything with fur, fins and feathers taste as good as it gets.
Leysath cut his culinary teeth in the food and beverage industry. From bouncer to vice-president, he worked his way up the corporate ladder of a 34-unit Western U.S. chain before starting his own restaurant co-venture near Sacramento, California. His menu included a variety of fish and game. The restaurant hosted fish and game feeds, inviting customers to sample locally harvested deer, waterfowl, upland game and fish. His catering company also prepared banquet meals for Northern California sporting groups like Ducks Unlimited and California Waterfowl Association.
Someone took notice of Leysath’s engaging style of sharing his cooking skills and invited him to work on both sides of the camera on HGTV’s “Home Grown Cooking with Paul James.” He spent the next few years developing over 180 show themes as well as appearing as a frequent guest. In 2002, he launched his first TV show, the original “Sporting Chef” and eventually joined forces with veteran outdoor host, Donny McElvoy, on the “HuntFishCook” show on Sportsman Channel. January 2014 marked the revival of “The Sporting Chef” show, but with a very different format that includes a broad range of pro chefs, lodge cooks and others who share their tips on how to prepare fish and game as well as general knowledge topics for outdoor enthusiasts. The show has been called, “the fastest half-hour on outdoor television” with quick segments that range from one to three minutes long. If you walk away from your TV during “The Sporting Chef”, you’re going to miss something of interest.
Scott is also the host and producer of the Dead Meat TV show on Outdoor and Sportsman channels. The show features less sought-after fish and game and the people who hunt, fish, trap, spear and catch them. Says Leysath, “It’s as much about the people and cultures as it is about the food. Who knew that armadillo tastes like pork? And that they can transmit leprosy to humans?” In 2021, Leysath’s Sporting Chef Productions and partner 4Mile Post Productions launched The Fishmonger show on Outdoor Channel. It’s about the challenges and lifestyles of the American commercial fishing industry.
Scott Leysath is not a “foodie” who is on top of the latest food trend. His goal is not to out-chef anyone, but rather to inspire home cooks with simple solutions to everyday fish and game cooking challenges. In his latest cookbook, “The Sporting Chef’s Better Venison Recipes,” he writes “Recipes that are simple to prepare, don’t require a long list of obscure ingredients and, most important, taste really good will be in use long after herbal foams have evaporated. Molecular gastronomy is interesting, but I’d rather go fishing.”
Leysath travels the globe, making personal appearances at outdoor shows, trade shows and corporate events. He entertains audiences with what the calls “short attention span cooking”, throwing fish and game into a skillet in blazing speed. He has been the cooking columnist for the Ducks Unlimited Magazine since 2007 and Hunter’s Horn since 2016. He has also contributed to several other outdoor publications for over 20 years. He lives in Northern California with his wife and two setters. He’s an avid hunter and angler who prefers a homecooked meal over high-dollar fine dining fare.
Modest by nature, Scott Leysath has developed a cult-like following over three decades of recipe development, public appearances, cooking columns and television hosting. If you are not part of the world of outdoor enthusiasts, he might possibly be the best chef you’ve never heard of. To those who hunt and fish, he’s “The Sporting Chef.”
Mike Jaster is the Vice President of Athena Gun Club. Mike has been with the company since its inception and has been involved with everything from retail sales, procurement, LE sales, vendor relations, and now managing all daily operations. Mike is also a full-time firefighter/paramedic at one of the local fire departments. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife Cheri, and three children, Gracie, Zachary, and Nolan.
Steve Hall grew up in Denver, CO and graduated with a B. S. degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University in 1981. Since then, he has served as American Sportsman's Club Colorado Services Manager, Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) Education/Outreach Director, Texas State Rifle Association Executive Director, International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)-USA Executive Director and currently serves as the TPWD Hunter Education Coordinator.
During his TPWD career, he initiated or helped develop many education & outreach programs (e.g. Mandatory Hunter Education, Outdoor Woman, Aquatic & Boater Education, Parrie Haynes Youth Ranch, Texas Youth Hunting Program Partnership, 4-H Shooting Sports and Sport Fishing Partnership, TX Archery-in-Schools, TX Student Air Rifle Program, Target Range Grants, Fly Fishing and Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo). He teaches for the Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow national program and has been inducted into the IHEA & Texas Hunter Education Halls of Fame. Steve also was honored nationally by the Aquatic Resource Education Association. Steve is an avid bow hunter and fly fisherman and continues to volunteer to teach in many outdoor education programs.
Dante "Dan" Pastorini reached legendary status in the 1970s as the dashing young quarterback of the Houston Oilers. Selected No. 3 overall in the 1971 NFL Draft out of the University of Santa Clara in California, Pastorini arrived in Houston with the expectation he could rescue the moribund team and take them to the top of the league. It didn't take long for Houstonians to truly embrace Pastorini, and with salt-of-the-earth head coach Bum Phillips and colorful teammates like Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Elvin Bethea and Earl Campbell, the memorable "Luv Ya Blue" era was born. Before long, the entire country was shaking Columbia Blue pom-poms for the Oilers and Pastorini's legacy -- bolstered by a record-setting role in the 1974 Pro Bowl -- was cemented in place.
After his playing years were over, Pastorini remained in the embrace of his adopted hometown and with an "Official Texan" decree signed by the governor himself, Pastorini laid down roots in the energy capital of the world. Immediately after his 13-year NFL career concluded, Pastorini stayed in sports by piloting a variety of racecars and boats, winning events and setting records along the way on both land and water.
Always anxious to give back to the city that still reveres him, Pastorini has supported countless charities throughout the years, none more so than the Be An Angel Foundation, which helps profoundly deaf children and families supporting multiple children with disabilities. Pastorini currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the well-respected entity.
Pastorini also progressed in the business world, owning and operating DP Quality Foods, working as a consultant for human resources giant Insperity, serving as a Senior Account Manager for DataWorks Plus and filling the role of COO at Turbine Metal Technology.
Through the years, Pastorini helped with the marketing efforts of industry leaders like Seagram's Spirits, the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association, Lamborghini Motorcars, Coors Light, Mopar Performance, Kendall Oil and Champion Spark Plugs. More recently, Pastorini was inducted into the Houston Sports Authority Hall of Fame alongside fellow honorees George Foreman, A.J. Foyt and Jackie Burke. Pastorini also is enshrined in the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, the Impact A Hero Hall of Fame and is one of Mike Ditka's Gridiron Greats. In 2019, the prestigious Houston Touchdown Club named Pastorini "Touchdowner of the Year." In 2020 he is selected for the East West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame in Tampa, FL. A veteran of football broadcasting, both in radio and television, Pastorini remains in the spotlight to this day, living in the shadow of downtown Houston.
Brian Gilroy, Co-Founder/CEO, Wildlife Partners
Brian was raised in Texas and grew up with a love of the outdoors. During his first career, he spent almost 20 years in the oil and gas industry. His primary focus was financial services related to the oil and gas exploration business. He spent the majority of his time managing investments for high-net-worth investors. In 2002, he founded an oil and gas exploration company and placed approximately $100,000,000 of investment capital in various exploration projects across the United States.
In 2011, Brian began investing in the exotic wildlife industry. As a result, he co-founded Wildlife Partners in April of 2016. As an entrepreneur, hunter and conservationist, his love for wildlife has led Brian to create an innovative model that marries wildlife conservation with capitalism. Wildlife Partners is today the largest breeder of exotic wildlife in the United States. The company has amassed more than 10,000 acres and is breeding 60 species with more than 3000 animals.
Will Morgan is the Marketing Director for Outdoor Edge Knives & Tools. Upon graduation in 2007, Will moved to Steamboat Springs, CO where he began working as a manager of outdoor recreation for a shared ranch community. His responsibilities included overseeing mountain biking, Nordic skiing and fly-fishing operations until the fall of 2012. He then moved to Eagle, CO where he began his professional career in marketing with UrgeMedia. While there, he advanced quickly to become the Director of Producer Relations where he managed twenty-five multi-faceted marketing strategies across television, social and digital media. In the spring of 2020 he came on board with Outdoor Edge as their Marketing Director.
Chris Dorsey has been called the 'brand father' of outdoor television having helped create and launch 56 series across numerous national outdoor networks through his company Dorsey Pictures founded 20 years ago. He's also created nearly an equal number of popular mainstream television series and specials on scores of networks including History Channel, Discovery, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, HGTV, DIY, Travel, Oxygen, ESPN, NBC Sports, Oxygen, Spike and many others. He's also hosted nearly 400 episodes of outdoor programs--including Sporting Classics with Chris Dorsey currently airing on the Outdoor Channel--and is among the world's most widely traveled hunters having taken all 29 North American big game species, the Deadly Seven of Africa, the spiral horns of Africa and the turkey World Slam.
He's the author of 12 books on outdoor and natural history subjects and his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Newsweek, The Robb Report and most of the outdoor periodicals in the English-speaking world.
He’s also a columnist for Forbes, covering a wide range of topics including politics, public policy, conservation, and the outdoor industry. He previously served as editor-in-chief of Sports Afield and Ducks Unlimited magazines.
He was inducted into the Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame in 2021, and he's also served on numerous boards and advisory positions throughout the outdoor industry always with an eye for showcasing to the masses the important role that hunters and anglers play in supporting conservation. As such, he's a recipient of the Curt Gowdy Memorial Award from the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Ray Scott Trailblazer Award from the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame.
Native Texan Mike Arnold is a research scientist and outdoor writer with more than 140 published articles, including feature pieces in such magazines as Sports Afield (two articles in Sep/Oct 2021 issue), Hunter’s Horn, Safari Magazine, and African Hunting Gazette. Mike's forthcoming TEDx talk launches on September 26, 2021. He’s currently at work on a book titled Bringing Back The Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed African Ecosystem.
The hunter’s horn blew early for Mike. Taking his first whitetail near San Saba while hunting with his father at the age of five was a transformative experience. From that time forward, Mike has spent months each year pursuing game animals – from quail and rabbits behind his parents’ house, to kudu and leopard in Africa.
Mike combines his love of writing, science, and hunting to record his adventures. He often covers the role hunters and their organizations play in ecosystem restoration and conservation. He has produced a series of articles on key stakeholders highlighting how sport hunting leads to the conservation of habitats and wildlife. Mike’s upcoming TEDx talk and book both cover this topic as well. To learn more about Mike visit https://arnoldoutdoorwriter.com.
Bryan Koontz is founder and CEO of Guidefitter, an advocate for the pro guiding industry and marketing platform for 350+ brands in the outdoor industry. Bryan grew up on the east coast in rural Maryland and Pennsylvania in a family steeped in the hunting and fishing tradition, graduated from MIT with an engineering master's degree and has spent his career starting and building software and internet marketing companies.
After living in Austin, Texas for 20 years, Bryan recently moved to Bozeman, Montana when he established the headquarters for Guidefitter there, and enjoys hunting, fly fishing, photography, and spending time with his family and yellow lab, Pearl.
In this episode, we speak with Bryan Koontz, founder and CEO of Guidefitter, an advocate for the pro guiding industry and marketing platform for 350+ brands in the outdoor industry, including brands like Swarovski Optik, Leica, Zeiss, First Lite apparel, Mystery Ranch packs, Kenetrek boots, Polaris RANGER and Weatherby. Guidefitter is based in Bozeman, Montana.
Bryan talks briefly about how he came to start Guidefitter, the finer differences between Texas and Montana BBQ, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the outdoor industry, what it means to be a true "influencer," big tech's ongoing exclusionary position with respect to the hunting and fishing industry, and why pro purchase programs have historically been the "dirty little secret" in the outdoor industry and how they are now undergoing a major transformation.
Jim is the most recent past President and CEO of Outdoor Sportsman Group, the worldwide leader in outdoor lifestyle television, magazine and web-based programming.
Jim is also a writer and producer and the founder of Harvest Home Films of Denver, Colorado. Harvest Home Films is producing the film, The Harvest, which is in development. The Harvest is a Pro-God, Pro-Family, Pro-Outdoor Christian film set for release at the end or 2021 or 2022.
Jim is passionate about Christ and our role as believers in this lost world.
Hector Villarreal serves as CEO of LUCHO Holdings Inc., a privately-owned holding company with interests in Brazil, Italy and Nicaragua; formed in 2003 to manage the production and importation of the LUCHO branded products in menswear, women’s shoe and private cigar line.
Born in Monterey, Mexico Mr. Villarreal later moved and was raised in Los Angeles, California until moving back to Monterrey where he attended Monterrey Tec prep school and college. Mr. Villarreal moved to Houston in 1990 and joined KXLN Channel 45 Univision as a news anchor and later as the weather anchor until retiring in 2005. In 2006 he was a founding member of Venture Strategies, a boutique private equity firm, specializing in cutting edge technology projects in the energy sector; Mr. Villarreal headed the international development department.
Mr. Villarreal has received numerous recognitions and has served on the board of directors of Houston International Festival, American Cancer Society Gulf Coast Development board, Leukemia and lymphoma Society, Theater Under the Stars, Boys & Girls Harbor, and The Women’s Fund for Health. Currently Mr. Villarreal serves as board president of Helping a Hero; an organization that builds adaptive homes for wounded veterans, Hermann Park Conservancy advisory board member, Virtuosi of Houston board member, Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston board member and the Houston Area Women’s Center.
Kirk Evans is the President of U.S. LawShield, a national firearms legal defense program with over 700,000 members.
Kirk has practiced law in Texas for over twenty years and has concentrated most of his work on complex civil litigation and constitutional issues. He has represented gun owners, instructors, ranges and law enforcement. Kirk has authored several firearms legal publications, including “Texas Gun Law: Armed and Educated.”
Kirk is a graduate with honors from Texas A&M University and attended law school at the University of Houston where he graduated as editor of the Law Review. Kirk was recognized as a “Rising Star” in the legal profession by the Texas Monthly publication Super Lawyers.
Kirk frequently speaks on civil liability associated with gun ownership, including the FBI CAAA Active Shooter Seminar, the NRA Foundation Banquet and similar organizations. Kirk serves as a firearms media source, including appearances with Fox News, Yahoo Sports, and scores of national TV and radio interviews.
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Emily Taylor is an Independent Program Attorney for U.S. LawShield. Emily received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in Nashville, Tennessee in 2012. Prior to law school, she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Anthropology and Psychology from Vanderbilt University.
A native Texan, Emily returned from Tennessee to intern with the Harris County District Attorney’s office and, after graduation from law school, was sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney for Galveston County, Texas. As an Assistant District Attorney she took a broad range of felony and misdemeanor cases to trial in front of judges and juries, and was responsible for grand jury presentations, motions and hearings, and plea negotiations.
She provides an insider’s perspective into the Texas criminal justice system, particularly into cases involving gun owners and claims of self-defense.
Eric Miller is the Centerfire Rifle and Component Product Manager for Federal and Speer Ammunition. He was born in southern Minnesota, has lived in various locations across the country, and currently resides in Hugo, MN. Eric grew up hunting and fishing with his dad which ignited his passion for the outdoors and led to his career in the industry. For a couple of years, he lived in Africa before returning to the U.S. to work in the retail sector of the firearms industry. Eric has worked in the industry for the last 24 years.
The majority of Eric’s hunting experiences have occurred in the Midwest, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas but he has also been fortunate to hunt out west for elk and deer as well as Newfoundland, Northwest Territory, Yukon, and Alaska. He has experienced several DIY moose hunts in Alaska which he counts among some of his most favorite and memorable hunts. He is currently training a new British Lab puppy for the upcoming bird season.
Jody Simpson began her participation with HSCF in 1980. She became a lifetime member in 2013 and at that timed joined the Gazelle’s Committee. She has donated to the Gazelle’s silent auction, been a Gazelle’s Luncheon Sponsor, and served as the Gazelle’s Luncheon Co-Chairman since 2017. Jody and the Simpson family have supported and hosted Gazelle’s Retreats for 2018 and 2019 in effort to promote the involvement of women in the outdoors and hunting. In addition to her work with HSCF, Jody is a Lifetime Member of the NRA.
Jody holds a Master’s in Education (M. Ed) and served the Harris County community for 29 years as a Director of a Special Needs School. Jody was named the American Association of University Women (AAUW) North Harris Outstanding Woman in Education for 2018-2019. Jody retired from public education in July 2020 but remains dedicated to educating youth. Jody supports outdoor and experiential education and advocates hunting for youth to develop their appreciation of the outdoors and foster their desire to conserve wildlife.
Jody and her husband, Michael, are parents to Megan and Jake and grandparents to Julia and Lilly. Jody has had the privilege of being introduced into the hunting world by her husband and his parents Mike and Becky Simpson at the age of 17. The Simpson family and the HSCF members have inspired her to travel and hunt around the world. Jody is always prepared to take on a new adventure.
Born in the panhandle of Texas but raised in Houston, Derek Ham has also lived separate lives in Austin where he went to school and Los Angeles where he worked in the music industry. All the while a hunter, each place Derek has lived has given him perspective on life and the outdoors. His true passion is hunting and conservation and he likes to share that passion by giving back through several outdoor and hunting based charities he has been involved with over the years.
Considering himself an outdoorsman, it makes perfect sense that his most recent chosen career as a real estate agent specializing in ranch property allows Derek to be outdoors almost every day and meet people with the same love for land.
Though most of his hunting has taken place in the great state of Texas, Derek has also been fortunate enough to hunt internationally in Newfoundland, Spain, New Zealand and Greenland. Texas may be his first love to hunt but a close second is Alaska where he took the number 11 all-time Pope and Young moose with his recurve bow. A firm supporter of HSCF, Derek is the 2021 Chairperson for the HSCF ‘Clay Crushing For Youth’ Sporting Clays Tournament, benefiting HSCF’s youth hunting, fishing and outdoor education programs. The event is scheduled for October 23rd at the Greater Houston Sports Club.
Gary Roberson is a native of Medina County and grew up hunting on the family ranch between Devine and Yancey. Armed with a Model 94 Winchester, Roberson killed his first whitetail while hunting by himself at age seven and began calling critters when he was ten years old. After fifteen years in the banking industry, Roberson decided that he would rather chase four legged coyotes than two legged ones, so he and his wife Deb purchased Burnham Brothers Game Calls in 1991.
While Gary has hunted and outfitted for whitetail deer, elk, turkey, and mule deer, he considers chasing mountain lions with hounds and calling coyotes his favorite hunting opportunities. His calling expertise has been well documented in outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Predator Extreme, and numerous TV shows. In 1992, Roberson produced “Calling All Varmints”, a “how to” video on calling predators, and collaborated with Mossy Oak to produce “Eyes Front”, a series of five calling videos. In 2006, Gary and longtime friend, Brian Hawkins produced “Catastrophic”, the most popular predator calling video of all time.
Roberson worked with Savage Arms to develop the MODEL 10 PREDATOR HUNTER, Ruger in designing their line of predator rifles and with Nikon Sport Optics to produce the COYOTE SPECIAL riflescope, products specific for the predator calling game.
Roberson is host of the wildly successful TV show “Carnivore”, which is airing for its eleventh season on Pursuit Channel. Gary is also a staff writer for The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters and in 2020 with a little prompting from Miss Deb, wrote “Eyes Front…Sixty Years of Hunting the Hunters.”
Roberson is a Pro Staff member for Mossy Oak, Ruger, Trijicon, Hornady, and TRHP Outdoors and lives by the philosophy that “he who hunts the most, hunts the best”.
Willard Franklin III is the founder and CEO of the Four W’s Fishing Team. He, along with his family, are dedicated to promoting diversity in the outdoors through saltwater fishing, hunting and mentorship.
Willard started a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called Four W’s Outdoors to help promote the outdoors to underserved youth, women, and more. Fishing is fun, but Willard has inspired and guided dozens of teens into marine and outdoor industry careers. Showcasing careers in the outdoors, to young people, is part of their mission as well. Four W’s mentors future game wardens and is currently working with the USFWS to help recruit and hire a more diverse USFWS Law Enforcement team.
Four W’s specializes in promoting safety, diversity, inclusion, conservation and careers in the outdoor industry. They are sponsoring 12 diverse youth for the 2021-2022 duck hunting season, with excursions planned at the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge System. Four W’s promotes the outdoors to the next generation of Americans. Working with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Four W’s is an active participant in the R3 Program. R3 stands for recruitment, retention, and reactivation. R3 activities seek to create new participants or increase participation rates of current or lapsed outdoor recreationists.
Four W’s also promotes water safety for the National Safe Boating Council. Safety on the water is one of Four W’s main objectives. Four W’s is passionate about the outdoors and works to introducing hunting, shooting and fishing sports to more diverse Americans.
Brian was born and raised just outside of Chicago. He grew up a competitive athlete and did not spend much time, if any, hunting as a child. He and his father did fish off and on, but sports always got in the way. After graduating college, he moved to Colorado to start his professional sales career. Shortly after arriving in Colorado, Brian came across a couple friends that got him hooked on the outdoors and hunting. His passion for hunting continued to grow and in 2013 Brian and his wife Alexis launched “No Limits Hunting”, an adventure-based hunting tv show airing on the Pursuit Channel. In 8 short years Brian and Alexis have grown the show from a single network production to airing on 3 linear networks as well as multiple on demand and social media outlets.
Gray N. Thornton serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) the leading wild sheep conservation organization dedicated to “Putting and Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain®.” Prior to joining the Foundation in 2008, Thornton served as Executive Director of the Dallas Safari Club (1997-2008) and Chapter & Membership Director for Safari Club International (1990-1997.) Thornton followed his passion for the conservation/hunting industry after a successful sales career with Unisys and Xerox corporations.
As a public speaker, he has been invited to present keynote addresses on wildlife conservation and hunting and angling ethics internationally to diverse audiences ranging from civic and sportsmen’s groups, to international associations, the Serbian Parliament and before former Presidents of the United States of America, France, and South Africa.
Gray was awarded the “Wildlife Utilisation Award” by the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA), the Association’s highest conservation honor. He also received PHASA’s highest service honor, the “Coenraad Vermaak Distinguished Service Award” and was the first non-South African to be so recognized. Thornton has received the “President’s Award” from the Guide Outfitter Association of British Columbia for his years of dedicated service to the North American hunting and conservation community. As an Outdoor Writer, he received a Katie Award from the Press Club of Dallas representing the southern USA for the best Outdoor Story of the Year with “Iron Horse Fly Fishing.”
Thornton serves on the Board of Directors of Bear Trust International where he serves as Vice-Chairman of Board. He has also served on the Board’s of the Conservation Fund, the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa Conservation and Empowerment Fund, the Ballot Issues Coalition, the Banovich Wildscape Fund, and the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation.
He is a member of WSF’s Chadwick Ram Society, Legacy Society, a WSF Summit Life Member, and a Life Member of numerous industry, guide/outfitter associations and WSF chapters & affiliates. He is also a member of OWAA and POMA.
Thornton is an avid international hunter and fresh and saltwater fly angler, an ice climber, adventure motorcyclist, and a former superbike racer. He completed his FNAWS in February 2017 with a desert bighorn sheep.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing from California State University at Fresno and has earned advanced credits in Wildlife Management from Colorado State University at Fort Collins.
He resides in Manhattan, Montana with his wife Renée, Weimaraner Sage and Vizsla Sienna.
Carly Brasseux, CEO & Founder of Miss Pursuit
misspursuit.com
Carly Brasseux is a determined and passionate business owner and social media/marketing consultant, published author, digital sales director, and freelance outdoor writer based in Dallas, Texas.
In a world where women are the fastest growing segment of the hunting population, she is a major proponent of those women who want to learn more about the outdoors and hunting. As CEO & Owner of Miss Pursuit, her mission is simple: to inspire women to pursue an extraordinary outdoor lifestyle by creating an online hub of information and inspiration through useful and inspiring content—expertly curated and tailor-made for her readers.
Carly started her career with the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee as the External Affairs Manager. As the first full-time staff, she assisted in the areas of government relations, public safety, transportation, aviation, accommodations, stadia, practice sites, city décor, volunteers and overall office operations.
After Super Bowl XLV had come and gone from North Texas, she joined Allies in Service and served as the Director of Community Relations. In this role, she raised awareness and promoted the needs of Dallas veterans, solidifying brand position and identity, developing and executing the marketing and communications plan through public relations, media outreach and direct marketing.
Carly then moved into the consulting field, where she helped clients with social media management, website design and development, sales, media analysis and project management. She currently serves as Director of Business Development for two of the largest parenting websites in North Texas - Dallas Moms and Collin County Moms.
Host of This Is Africa television series airing on Pursuit Channel
Andrew was born and raised in the African Country of Zimbabwe, to a mother and father who encouraged him to explore the wild and stay with the local village people from a very young age. These experiences of hunting, trapping and fishing with village people instilled in him the awe and wonder of local traditions and wildlife that have led him into his chosen career path.
His knowledge on the wildlife habits and habitats, as well as his deep understanding of the local people and their different cultures, has seen him across the vast majority of Africa creating documentary films to pass on his knowledge of Africa to those across the world who may share a passion for Africa. Andrew has been hunting and filming with some of the most dedicated conservationists over the last decade and has a wealth of experience borne from these many adventures.
Bruno Rosich, a professional hunter and outfitter since 1995, is passionate about delivering the ultimate big game hunting experience for those seeking an elusive, European trophy.
Bruno is not just the owner and CEO of Trophy Hunting Spain; he is an avid hunter too. Since 1995, Bruno has served the hunting industry with excellence and integrity, proving to be one of Europe’s elite hunting professionals, racking up numerous awards and achievements including:
2017 Houston Safari Club Foundation Professional Hunter of the Year Award
Ten-time nominee for the SCI International Professional Hunter of the Year Award
Guided the current Beceite Ibex World Record Holder
Guided six top-ten Beceite Ibex Record Holders
Official Measurer for SCI
Lifetime member of SCI, WSF, DSC, HSCF and IPHA
Founding member of APTCE (The Spanish Professional Hunter Association) where he is also member of the Ethic & Awards Committee
However, his success does not mean that he sits in an office all day. Bruno personally and passionately guides expeditions all year-long to ensure top-notch quality for each of his clients. Aside from his expertise in the hunting industry, Bruno holds a degree in Tourism. This, coupled with his friendly demeanor, enables Bruno to share Spain’s rich history and cultural diversity with meaning and clarity as he travels with his clients throughout the various regions of Spain. In addition, he is fluent in English, Castilian Spanish, French and his native Catalan.
John D. Shepperd is a sixth generation Texan, born in Austin and raised in San Antonio. After high school in San Antonio, he graduated from University of Texas in Austin with a degree in American Studies. Although Shepperd learned to hunt and fish at an early age, it was during college when the writings of Edward Abbey, Thoreau, John McPhee, and Aldo Leopold really shaped his appreciation for the natural world.
After college, Shepperd worked as a Policy Analyst at the Texas Capitol, then joined the Texas A&M University System as a Research Associate in the departments of Forest Science, Rangeland Ecology and Management, and Agricultural Economics. He planted trees, worked in a laboratory, restored coastal habitat, modeled financial impacts of flood events, surveyed wetlands and saltwater marshes, built the first nursery in Texas dedicated to growing dune plants, and worked as a liaison between the Army Corp of Engineers, TAMU Department of Agriculture Economics, and dozens of South Texas ranchers and farmers.
In 1996, John exchanged his muddy boots for a coat and tie and joined the Senate Natural Resources Committee as a Policy Analyst working primarily with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Department of Agriculture. After two productive Sessions at the Texas Legislature, he moved into the private sector, co-founding two successful healthcare companies.
In 2014, John joined Blackridge Governmental Affairs as Director of Operations, once again back in the political arena. During the 84th Session, he worked on a multitude of projects, including analyzing and tracking legislation, educational outreach, fundraisers, PAC spending, office communications, and lobby team coordinating and strategy.
John then became the Executive Director of the newly formed Texas Foundation for Conservation and the Texas Coalition for Conservation where he focuses on the political, educational, and grassroots outreach of conservation.
Mike Ambrose grew up hunting rabbits and pheasants on his uncle’s farm in central Illinois. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1966 and graduated from Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) training and was assigned to SEAL Team 1. After three tours of duty in Vietnam, Mike headed to Louisiana and entered the offshore industry as a tender and was diving commercially within a year. Mike worked all over the world in the commercial diving industry, having dived to over 1000 FSW and logging more than 6 years in saturation diving. He eventually went to work for Offshore Pipelines Inc. and later graduated to management in 1991, working his way up to Executive VP, International for Cal Dive International. His duty stations were mostly international until he retired in 2010. Mike was later called back to take a position in Thailand until 2014.
Mike began big game hunting in 2006 with a New Zealand trip and continues with some vigor until today. He has over 160 species recorded and has been on all six continents. He received a double lung transplant in March of 2020, and since has returned to golf and hunting, even sheep. He is missing only 3 North America Ovis species from his pursuits. Those hunts are booked for 2021 and 2022.
Mike is a Houston Safari Club Foundation Life Member and former member of the HSCF Board of Directors.
Walter M. (Chip) Wittrock, Jr. is the founder of Sportsmen’s Business Alliance, LLC. He is a board member of the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation and serves as their current Vice President. He acts in an advisory capacity for the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation and is a Director for Conserve and Protect Arizona where he serves as the Committee Chair for Education and Outreach Funding.
Chip founded the Valley of the Sun Quail Forever (QF) Chapter in Arizona and served as President from 2013 to 2020. He is also the current Government Affairs Coordinator and a Life member of Quail Forever. Chip was a founder of NOWW 2020-the National Outdoor Women’s Weekend.
Wittrock is also a Pheasant’s Forever Life Member, past Quail Forever chapter President for Carroll County, Iowa and past Iowa state board member. Currently he is an active member of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Hunters and Anglers Heritage Workshop Group. Chip has also served as a speaker for The Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports and Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Business Summit.
He is an NRA business member, member of Duck's Unlimited, a published author, conservation philanthropist and lifelong conservationist and outdoorsman.
Nelli Williams is the Alaska Director for Trout Unlimited and has worked for the past 12 years on stopping the proposed Pebble Mine and securing long-term protections for Bristol Bay. She lives in Anchorage where she spends most of her non-working time exploring Alaska's abundant rivers and public lands with her husband and two young children.
Tia Shoemaker grew up in a remote hunting camp in bush Alaska. She is a Registered Alaskan Hunting Guide, fishing guide and licensed pilot. When she isn't hunting or fishing, she is usually writing something about hunting or fishing and the importance of maintaining wild places.
Tia has a degree in Outdoor Therapeutic Recreation. She has worked all over Alaska and Montana as a fishing guide and Outdoor Educator. Tia runs the fishing business, guides during hunting season and hasn’t missed a hunting season with Grizzly Skins since she was 14. Many consider her to be the top trophy producing guide.
Andy Techmanski is the Founder and CEO of FORLOH, a new premium, technical hunting, fishing and outdoor apparel brand with apparel that is 100% Made in the U.S.A. Before switching paths to pursue his passions for hunting and American-made manufacturing through FORLOH.
Andy worked in the energy sector as CEO of Whitefish Energy Holdings, an energy construction company. On his new career path, Andy is excited to combine his passion for hunting and vision for American-made manufacturing to his latest business venture.
Andy’s vision for FORLOH is for the brand to become a global leader in the hunting and outdoor apparel industry. Andy is based in Whitefish, Mont., where FORLOH is headquartered.
Chief Executive Officer, Boone And Crockett Club
www.boone-crockett.org
Tony was born and raised in Butte, Montana. After graduating high school, he attended two years of college at the Montana School of Mines and then in 1982 moved to the University of Montana. In his senior year he started a film production company, Stoney-Wolf Productions. Stoney-Wolf rapidly expanded and became known for outdoor productions for home entertainment and commercial theatres. The company was also often hired to film under severe and dangerous conditions. After selling the company in 1997, Tony chose a second career in the NGO world of conservation, working first for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as their Vice President of Marketing and Communications, then for Wonders of Wildlife as their executive director, and finally for the Boone and Crockett Club as their Chief Executive Officer, a position he currently serves.
Tony married his wife Jennifer in 2004 and is the proud father of two girls. He hunts and fishes as much as time allows and includes his family whenever possible. All enjoy the great outdoors and share the same passion for wildlife and wild places.
Tony is a National Conservation Leadership Institute Fellow from Cohort 3. He regularly uses this adaptive challenge training as a part of his job and as a volunteer Board member. Tony currently serves on four boards: Wonders of Wildlife, National Museum of Forest Service History, and the Boy Scouts of America, Montana Council, and the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports.
Besides raising his family, Tony’s passion is to continue to play a role in the conservation and conservation education movement and apply his knowledge and experience to help ensure a wildlife legacy for future generations.
Dustin Knutson, Co-Owner of Boyds Gunstocks
boydsgunstocks.com
Boyds Gunstocks was started in 1981 by Randy Boyd and is located in Mitchell, South Dakota. Boyds Gunstocks has grown in size and scope each year, now employing over 100 people to manufacture the strong line of Boyds Gunstocks that are shipped all over the world.
Dustin Knutson is a long-time employee of Boyds Gunstocks and as of January 2020 became the new co-owner. Dustin became Boyds’ general manager after working his way up the ladder from the production floor. Dustin’s experience and expertise ensures that Boyds’ production facility remains modern, efficient, and producing high-quality gunstocks with the latest technology available. Dustin is an avid hunter as well as excellent target shooter and enjoys getting out into the outdoors as much as possible.
Boyds Gunstocks is the largest aftermarket gunstock manufacturer in the world, making stocks for over 155 different gun brands and 1,200 models within those brands.
Trey has been an active member of HSC for eight years. He has been a convention volunteer on the silent auction committee and move in/move out for the last few years. Trey has been married to his best friend Laurie-Leigh for ten years. Trey and Laurie-Leigh have been volunteers and sponsors of the Gazelles luncheon for the past few years. Trey has purchased a Clay Shoot team every year since becoming a member. Trey is entering into his third year as the HSCF Convention Chair. He is an avid sportsman that has big game hunted and wing shot on three continents. He is also a member of SCI, Ducks Unlimited, the Wild Sheep Foundation, and the Coastal Conservation Association.
Aaron Davidson, President/CEO, GUNWERKS
Aaron Davidson has been involved in long range shooting since he traded in his high school
Camaro for his first precision rifle. As a mechanical engineer, his training and experience has
given him a unique insight into solving the problems presented with long range shooting. He
started Gunwerks in 2006. His inventions range from rifle stocks and actions to ballistic turrets,
software, reticles, and ballistic compensating rangefinders. He pioneered work in video
production for television and shooting tips to foster the emerging long range shooting market.
No one has accomplished more to make long range shooting so easy and accessible to the
average guy.
Hon. Bill Brewster, Chairman & Founder, Capitol Hill Consulting Group
United States Head of Delegation, International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Former Congressman Bill Brewster serves as Chairman of Capitol Hill Consulting Group and is the United States Head of Delegation for the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation.
Congressman Brewster represented the Third Congressional District of Oklahoma in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997. During his tenure in Congress, Congressman Brewster served on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, where he made a profound impact on a wide range of tax, energy, health care and trade legislation. Congressman Brewster also served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure during Highway Reauthorization in 1991 and 1996.
As the first and only practicing pharmacist to serve in the U.S. Congress in the last 30 years, Congressman Brewster made significant contributions to the health care policy debate of the 1990’s. His background in health care allowed him to pave the way for common sense reforms in the nation’s health care system.
Throughout Congressman Brewster’s service in Congress, he used his innate skill of coalition building to bring the two political parties, the Administration and private sector together on a host of legislative and public policy initiatives. The results of Congressman Brewster’s strong coalition and partnering skills are still evident in Congress today. In 1994, he formed the Congressional Oil and Gas Forum, and served as its first Chairman. In addition, Congressman Brewster was Chairman of the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus and was co-founder of the Blue Dog Coalition (an influential group of pro-business Democrat Members of Congress).
A true leader in building and maintaining strong bipartisan coalitions in Congress, Congressman Brewster was instrumental in organizing the first congressional oil and gas meeting with a sitting U.S. President. The Congressional Oil and Gas Forum included more than 80 U.S. Senators and Representatives all of whom met with President Clinton in 1994 to discuss the plight of the domestic oil and gas producers.
Prior to his service in Congress, Congressman Brewster served 8 years in the Oklahoma State Legislature where he chaired several legislative committees as well as serving as Chairman of several outside business organizations, including Southwest Energy Council, Energy Committee at the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Energy Committee at the American Legislative Exchange Council.
Congressman Brewster holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Business has always been a focal point in Congressman Brewster’s career going back to his work in Oklahoma as a pharmacist, cattle ranch owner, owner of a car dealership and owner of a real estate company.
Mike Boone, TPWF Game Warden and cast member with the popular TV show Lone Star Law
Austin Taylor Program Manager, Gear Up For Game Wardens, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
Gearupforgamewardens.org
Animalplanet.com/tv-shows/lone-star-law/
Mike Boone has served with the Texas Game Wardens for 28 years. Originally from Magnolia, Texas, Boone earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University in 1991 and completed the Texas Game Warden academy in 1992. He has been stationed in Hardin County since 1993. Boone is actively involved with various community relations and youth outdoor activities and has previously received the Mid-Western Officer of the Year and Shikar Safari Officer of the Year Awards. He is currently active as a cast member with the popular TV show Lone Star Law.
Austin Taylor joined Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) in May 2015. Austin is the Program Manager for TPWF’s Gear Up for Game Wardens program. He serves as the primary liaison between TPWF and the Leadership Council communicating updates, coordinating regional activities by co-chairs, and facilitating fundraising events across the state. Additionally, Austin collaborates with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement staff regarding priority equipment needs, purchases and final delivery of equipment.
David Yeates is the Chief Executive Officer of Texas Wildlife Association, a 35-year-old organization with approximately 10,000 members. TWA focuses on natural resource education, hunter recruitment and retention, while maintaining a robust advocacy presence at the Texas Capitol.
Yeates graduated with an Agricultural Economics degree from Texas A&M University and completed the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. He worked in community banking for over 14 years, most recently serving as President of the New Braunfels and Seguin Banking Centers for Prosperity Bank prior to joining TWA in May of 2014.
His family still owns their fifth-generation homestead and continues to farm and ranch in the Rolling Plains of Texas. He is an avid hunter and angler, spending much of his recreational time in the field or on the coast. He has also been an active volunteer for several non-profits including Habitat for Humanity, Ducks Unlimited, and Coastal Conservation Association.
Dr. Matthew Hughes is the Engagement Manager for Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and oversees the Stewards of the Wild program. Matt received his Doctorate degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Clemson University in 2015. Since then, Matt has dedicated his life to helping people get outside and enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer, from camping and hiking, to fishing and hunting.
Brad Luttrell is the Cofounder, CEO of GoWild, a free social media community that helps outdoor enthusiasts learn new skills, find better gear and share their story. He is an award-winning writer, marketing strategist and Creative Director, although his friends mostly just know him for his smoked venison chili. Download the GoWild App at downloadgowild.com.
Past Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In April 2017, Ms. Skipwith was appointed by President Trump to the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior. Ms. Skipwith was responsible and had oversight for policy, planning, and regulatory actions for the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
On January 6, 2020, Ms. Aurelia Skipwith was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence as the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). She served as the 22nd Director for the Service and was the first African American to hold the position. Ms. Skipwith was first nominated by President Trump in October 2018 for the position and then she was re-nominated in the 116th Congress on July 17, 2019. She was confirmed by the full Senate on December 12, 2019.
As the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ms. Skipwith was responsible for the federal management of fish, wildlife and natural habitats. The Service’s mission is "working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people." The Service employs over 8,500 employees and manages over 855 million acres of land and water. In her role as Director, she served on multiple Councils and Committees, including serving as the Vice-Chairman of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Interagency Executive Council and was also a member of the U.S. Trade Representative’s Interagency Committee on Trade in Timber Products from Peru. On January 19, 2021, Ms. Skipwith resigned from her position as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Ms. Skipwith is an avid marathon runner and a true believer in getting involved. Her family hails from Columbus, Mississippi.
Pat Murray is a national advocate and leader on marine conservation issues and an active sportsman.
Currently, he serves as the National President of the Coastal Conservation Association, one of the nation’s largest marine resource conservation organizations.
Founded in 1977, CCA has more than 125,000 members and 224 local chapters throughout the US. Murray has served in a variety of positions within the organization in his 24-year tenure, including leadership roles in state and national operations, state and federal advocacy, development fundraising and grassroots membership cultivation. Prior to joining CCA, he owned and operated a light-tackle fishing guide service along the upper Texas coast.
He is the publisher of TIDE magazine, one of the largest circulated coastal outdoors print magazines with a circulation of more than 100,000. TIDE was named the 2016 Outdoor Publication of the Year by the Texas Outdoor Writers Association. Murray has won numerous awards for his magazine writing and is the author of Texas Fish and Game Publishing’s best-selling book “Pat Murray’s No-Nonsense Guide to Coastal Fishing” as well as a new book published by Texas A&M University Press “It’s More than Fishing.”
Evan is president and CEO of the Sportsmen’s Alliance and its Foundation. Evan is a government affairs and non-profit management executive who has spent the past 14 years working on hunting and conservation issues. Evan joined the Sportsmen’s Alliance and Foundation in 2007 and over the past fourteen years he has coordinated the organization’s political, legal and ballot issue strategies. Additionally, he has worked heavily on solutions involving the future of hunting and reaching the next generation of sportsmen and women, including leading the effort to remove barriers that prevent people from participating in hunting and the shooting sports.
Prior to joining the Sportsmen’s Alliance, Evan served on staff in both the Ohio House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He is an avid hunter and holds a Bachelor of Political Science degree from Ohio University.
Matt Pyle has been a member of HSC since 2009 and is currently the President of HSCF & HSC. He has served as Vice President in 2012 and 2013, on the Board of Directors 2013-2017 and is currently serving as the Chairman for the Veteran Outreach program. Matt was the 2013 Convention Chairman, the Convention Corporate Sponsor Chairman in 2012 and 2013, and Co-Chair in 2014 – 2018. He and his wife Susie are Gazelles Luncheon and Hunting Awards Sponsors.
Director of Government Affairs, Wildlife Forever
Tim Richardson is a Washington, DC-based public affairs, media, and fundraising consultant. Tim has been Government Affairs Director for Wildlife Forever since 1995. Prior to that, he worked for Texas’ U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen in Washington and was a political journalist in Austin during the 1980s. Tim is rural Michigan native who moved to Texas in 1979.
After a decade in Texas journalism and two years on Capitol Hill, Richardson became the nation’s only private consultant to work on Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon restoration for grant applicants. Clients in Alaska and Texas have received over $500 million in oil spill funds for projects involving public and private stakeholders, partners, and natural resource agencies. In addition to oil spill restoration Tim has worked on myriad state and federal government affairs issues for over thirty years.
Founder, HuntingLife.com
HuntingLife.com
Kevin Paulson started HuntingLife.com in 2006 to create a resource to share his passion for the outdoors, hunting and conservation. Prior to that Kevin co-owned an outfitting business in Idaho and Montana focused on elk and mule deer. He sold his portion of the business after his father passed away in 2006. Kevin’s passion for outdoor gear, shooting and the entire hunting industry has allowed his business to grow exponentially over the last 20 years. Kevin is a board member for the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and he is singularly focused on bringing more outdoor writers and influencers into the association. Kevin is focused currently on growing a network called Outdoor Hive using new technology to benefit outdoor, hunting and shooting companies.
Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Blake has served in his current role since 2010 providing leadership to the organization’s conservation, access, elk restoration, hunting heritage and government affairs programs. He has been with RMEF since 2000 when he was hired as the Regional Director for Wyoming. Since moving to RMEF HQ in 2005 he has held several positions involving land management, fundraising, and volunteer leadership.
Outside of RMEF, Henning was appointed to a federal advisory committee on hunting, shooting sports and conservation by the U.S. Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture in 2018. Additionally, Henning serves as Chairman of American Wildlife Conservation Partners, a group of nearly 50 hunting and wildlife organizations and also sits on Montana’s Forest Action Council.
Blake's interest in conservation and hunting first began while growing up on a farm in southeast Nebraska. He holds a B.S. in Wildlife Management and Agriculture from the University of Nebraska and an M.S. degree in Wildlife Biology from Kansas State University.
JD Burrows has been a member of HSC since 2008 and has served as a volunteer on several committees. Serving on the Membership Committee from 2010 to 2012, he had the pleasure of working the Convention floor and signing up new members. Having learned so much about the Club while signing up new members, he decided to take on a more prominent role in 2013. As the Immediate Past President, JD lead the Houston Safari Club Foundation through 2019-2020, where we grew membership and increased the relevance of the organization on Capitol Hill, in Austin, and most importantly in Houston. He and his wife Angie have been long time sponsors of Awards and Gazelles sponsors.
In professional capacity, JD serves as the Vice President of Customer Engagement, Analytics & Strategies for ENGIE, a leading global energy company, and is responsible for branding, public relations, market analytics and pricing strategies.
Kevin Welborn, Director of Marketing, Sales & Guest Services, Joshua Creek Ranch
A native Texan and Houstonian, Kevin Welborn moved to the Texas Hill Country and joined the team at Joshua Creek Ranch, a premier hunting lodge and sporting resort, nearly seven years ago as the Director of Marketing, Sales & Guest Services and part of the Management Team.
Prior to that, Kevin spent 22 years in marketing, sales and management positions for multiple Houston firms that primarily serviced the oil & gas industry and related energy sectors. His successful track record as a business professional, combined with his keen understanding of customer relationship management and his passion for the outdoors, has enabled Kevin to help lead Joshua Creek Ranch into its third decade as one of the top hunting lodges in the world.
Few, if any, hunting lodges in the world have as many accolades or entertain as many guests as Joshua Creek Ranch does on an annual basis.
Kevin has played a key role in maximizing the Ranch Owner’s investments in the property and continued sales growth for the award-winning operation.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hunting, saltwater fishing and hanging out with his wife and two kids – his son, a sophomore Construction Science major at Texas A&M University and his daughter, a high-school sophomore tennis player.
Joe and Ramon are joined this week by themselves. They talk all things cooking what you caught, cooking what others caught and more. South Africa is opening back up to international travelers which is great news for their economy and those wanting to get out on safari.
Avid outdoor enthusiasts, the two inventors thrived on designing unique solutions to solve day-to-day challenges. Their active lifestyle afforded many a hunting, fishing, camping and tailgating adventure, yet each was fraught with frustration by the lack of adequate methods to cook up delicious meals for large groups in the outdoors. After numerous failures with just about every grill on the market at the time, the brother team set out on a mission to develop the world’s most innovative cooker. They reached back to family experiences on a Texas farm where big groups were fed field-side on makeshift cookers. Those memories were the seed of what ultimately became FIREDISC.
In 2010, armed with a plow disc from a tractor and a welding shop for hire, the brothers set out to design an entirely new category of cooker that was portable yet bullet-proof, and could out-cook and outlast any other gas cooker on the market. Out of that passion and perseverance to create a high-tech outdoor cooking innovation, the first FIREDISC® was born.
Texas-based FIREDISC® Cookers specializes in the design and manufacturing of the world’s most innovative, high-quality, and versatile outdoor grills and accessories. The company was founded by two entrepreneurial brothers, Griff and Hunter Jaggard, who, armed with a makeshift tractor plow disc, set out on a mission to build a cooker worthy of everyone from the world’s top chefs to hunters, backyard family grill masters, tailgaters and campers. FIREDISC® Cookers products are currently sold nationally both online and through national retailers. Heavy-duty carbon steel construction renders the cookers indestructible, while meticulous designs yield convenient portability and ease of use. For more information, visit www.firedisccookers.com.
Tyler is the CEO and Editor in Chief for Modern Huntsman, based in Livingston, Montana, and he moonlights as a freelance photographer, writer, director, and creative consultant. Modern Huntsman is a media company that produces films, stories and a biannual printed publication focused on improving the perception of hunting. Tyler has had had the good fortune of working with many great folks, ranging anywhere from brand films to editorial work, rogue photo essays to all-encompassing creative campaigns.
When he is not trying to out-craft categorization, he splits his time between East Africa, and the American West. Somewhere amidst chasing trout on the Yellowstone and myth-checking Hemingway’s Tanzanian safari claims, you can find him at home with his shaggy sidekick Wyatt.
Tyler writes with fountain pens, practices Wing Chun Kung Fu, and believes that chivalry is very much alive in the hearts of those gentleman who still keep it. A native Texan, Tyler now splits his time between Montana and East Africa.
Scott joined the MidwayUSA Foundation in June of 2019. Prior to becoming the Foundation’s Executive Director, he completed a 20-year military career in the U.S. Marine Corps, followed by a 15-year corporate career. Scott served globally in a variety of senior- and executive-level leadership positions with Honeywell International, General Electric, and Oceaneering International across the aerospace and energy sectors. After retiring from his corporate career, he established and ran a successful real estate investment business in Pensacola, Florida.
In addition to multiple business certifications, Scott has a BS in Business Management from National-Louis University, a master’s certificate in Project Management from Arizona State University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He is a certified private pilot, has a passion for the shooting sports and youth development, and was raised in rural Missouri. He is married and has three daughters and one grandson.
Co-owner and GM of Conroe Taxidermy, one of the largest taxidermy shops in the nation. He has been involved from receiving to installation for over 30 years.
Barret has traveled extensively across the globe – both as a guide and a hunter. He has also taken his expertise to various museums – including The Ark Encounter in Kentucky, The Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Wildlife Museum of San Juan in Puerto Rico, just to name a few.
His passion is trophy room design. Barret is always looking to expand the offerings of Conroe Taxidermy to make the most of any space for the avid hunter. Some of his unique ideas come in the form of trees, mountains, and most recently the night sky. Working with craftsman to make these ideas a reality is where most of his time is spent.
He is currently moving around the state, meeting ranch owners and managers, working to keep hunting alive and well in spite of the global pandemic.
Tim Knesek is the Capital Farm Credit Market President for the Houston Sales Region which is made up of 14 lending offices located within the Southeastern part of Texas. Tim began his career with the Farm Credit System in 1987 working in the South Texas market area before moving to the La Grange office in 1995 where he focused on lending in the Houston/San Antonio/Austin triangle. In January 2020, Tim began leading the 14-office sales team which serves the Houston Market footprint. Tim obtained his undergraduate and his graduate degrees from Texas A&M University. Tim and his wife Susan live on their small farm near La Grange and have two adult daughters, Jordan and Madison. Both daughters, and grandson Hudson, have enjoyed many hours with Tim sharing his love for the outdoors.
Dennis M. "Mike" Tippit is a Regional VP of Sales with Capital Farm Credit in the Houston Market Area. Mr. Tippit is a 24 year veteran of the Farm Credit System starting out as a Summer Intern at the Farm Credit Bank of Texas in 1996 and eventually becoming a full-time employee later that year with Capital Farm Credit after earning a Bachelor's Degree from Texas A&M University. Mr. Tippit earned an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2004. He has worked in and/or led lending teams in 10 different offices in South and Southeast Texas during his tenure with Capital Farm Credit. Mr. Tippit's area of expertise is in long term real estate lending, particularly in urban markets. He lives in Katy, Texas with his wife, Stephanie, and their 4-year-old daughter, Sara.
Carter Smith serves as the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), a position he has held since January of 2008.
A native of Central Texas, Smith developed his passion for wildlife and the out-of-doors at a young age while roaming his family’s farm and ranchland interests in Gonzales, Williamson, and Edwards Counties.
He has a wildlife management degree from Texas Tech and a master’s degree in conservation biology from Yale University. As a wildlife biologist, he has worked on projects across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
He serves on a number of conservation-related boards and advisory councils, including the Texas Land Trust Council and the Katy Prairie Conservancy. As the past Chairman of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, he currently serves on the Executive Committee of that association and is the former President of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He also served as Chair of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and is a professional member of the Boone & Crockett Club, a lifetime member of the Texas Bighorn Society, the Dallas Safari Club, and the Houston Safari Club.
Land Tawney, President/CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), a North American membership-conservation organization based in Missoula, MT. BHA is dedicated to serving as the voice for our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife.
As President/CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers since 2013, Tawney has helped expanded the organization from a 1000 members and a handful of chapters to nearly 40,000 members and chapters that cover 48 states, 2 Canadian provinces, and one territory.
Tawney works every day with a talented staff and over 700 plus volunteer leaders to make sure all Americans have access to public lands and wares and the fish and wildlife habitat when they get there.
Tawney was raised in Montana, where he hunted and fished from an early age. He earned a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology from the University of Montana in 2000. His conservation career now spans two decades.
Prior to working at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Tawney worked for other conservation organizations including the National Wildlife Federation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
Some people are just born communicators and Lucas Hoge has that gift. Fans know this because Hoge's new album Dirty South ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart during its debut week. Whether he’s per- forming for troops overseas, sharing his love for the great outdoors with fellow sportsmen at an outdoor gathering or writing another song for a hit TV show, Hoge has that rare ability to find common ground with just about anyone and draw them into his world.
2020 HSCF Sporting Clays Tournament Chairman & 2021-2022 HSCF President-Elect
Jeff Birmingham has been a member of Houston Safari Club since 2008. In 2015 he was presented the President’s Award for service to HSC and is currently serving as Chairman for the HSCF Sporting Clays Tournament.
Jeff and his wife Sheila have 2 children, Hunter 25, and Taylor 23 which both enjoy hunting and shotgunning sports. Immediately after graduating from Texas A&M University Jeff began his career in the printing industry; his most recent service to the industry includes serving as President of the Printing Industry of the Gulf Coast from 2013- 2015.
During his 31 years in Houston Jeff has been active in numerous community events from accepting a leadership roll in a church plant, to serving on the advisory board for Child Advocates, as well as serving on the shoot committee for Operation Game Thief an organization that provides support to Texas State Police (game wardens). Jeff has been an avid hunter and competitive shooter since childhood and enjoys serving the membership of HSC.
Co-owner and GM of Conroe Taxidermy, one of the largest taxidermy shops in the nation. He has been involved from receiving to installation for over 30 years.
Barret has traveled extensively across the globe – both as a guide and a hunter. He has also taken his expertise to various museums – including The Ark Encounter in Kentucky, The Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Wildlife Museum of San Juan in Puerto Rico, just to name a few.
His passion is trophy room design. Barret is always looking to expand the offerings of Conroe Taxidermy to make the most of any space for the avid hunter. Some of his unique ideas come in the form of trees, mountains, and most recently the night sky. Working with craftsman to make these ideas a reality is where most of his time is spent.
He is currently moving around the state, meeting ranch owners and managers, working to keep hunting alive and well in spite of the global pandemic.
Jason Evans is the Chief Executive Officer for The Blaser Group. Jason brings over 20 years of experience in the firearms industry to Blaser having worked with recognized brands such as Hogue, Benelli and Weatherby.
The Blaser Group is the official U.S. importer for iconic German firearms brands Blaser, Mauser and J.P. Sauer; English gunmaker John Rigby & Co.; and Minox optics.
Established in 2006, the company which is based in San Antonio, Texas works with over 400 authorized Blaser Group dealers across all North American states, with this figure continually growing.
Today the Blaser Group’s industry-leading product portfolio includes bolt-action, combination rifles and over-and-under shotguns designed specifically for game hunters and competitive target shooters. Its custom shop offers exclusive engravings, design work and custom finishing for bespoke guns. With recent innovations, Blaser Group has gone on to expand its product portfolio into cutting edge optics and accessory lines.
Rob Wallace, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, currently oversees policy and personnel for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Parks Service.
In his previous work in the private sector, Wallace was focused on working with ranchers, energy companies, conservationists, and regulators to balance the needs of conservation and energy development in the West. A native of Evanston, Wyoming and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Wallace’s government experience includes time as both a seasonal ranger and, later in his career, assistant director of Legislative and Congressional Affairs for the National Park Service.
He has been chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Wallop (WY-R), Republican staff director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and chief of staff to Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer. In the private sector, he led U.S. government relations for GE Energy where he co-chaired the Government Relations Operating Council. The council coordinated the company’s energy advocacy throughout the world.
Stephen Hunter is a New York Times Best Selling author of 20 novels and the retired chief film critic for the Washington Post, where he won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism. In 1968, Hunter Graduated with a degree in Journalism from Medill School at Northwestern. From there, he went on to Military service, becoming one of the guards honored at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1971, using his journalism degree, Hunter became a writer at the Baltimore Sun and was the paper’s first film critic by 1982. From there, he assumed a position with the Washington Post in 1997. Having found his true niche, Hunter became highly successful as a film critic, winning a Pulitzer Prize for his movie criticism and a Distinguished Writing Award with ASNE.
Hunter has penned 27 novels, short stories, and novellas. His “Bob Lee Swagger” character has been featured in 11 novels, including “Point of Impact”, which was adapted for film and TV as “Shooter”. Hunter lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
Co-Founder, TRACT Optics. A New Yorker and avid hunter and makes one heck of an optic. Plus he's Italian. So, yeah, he can cook a little. We touch on that, hunting and much more this week on Hunting Matters.
Outdoor Education Teacher for Pasadena Memorial High School in Pasadena Independent School District.
Lloyd has been an educator for 36 years, coaching cross country, track, and football. His students won District Team Championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013. For eight years straight, beginning in 2008, his students were Regional Boys Cross Country Qualifiers.
As a NASP (National Archery in Schools Program) archery coach, his students have advanced to state and national qualifiers. In 2018, they were Texas State Runner Up in 3d IBO (International Bowhunters Organization) competition and advanced to the Eastern National Qualifier of NASP in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2019, his students won NASP IBO 3D Texas State Championship and qualified again for the NASP National Championship. These students went on to attend the Western Nationals in Salt Lake City, UT, where they tied for 3rd in 3d IBO and 5th in NASP bullseye.
Lloyd has been twice awarded “Teacher of the Year” recognition, at the campus level and received the Pasadena ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. He is also a two-time recipient of the “Creating Magic in the Classroom” award. He was also named the Dallas Ecological Foundation Outdoor Adventures Educator of the Year in 2016 and Educator of the Year for Texas Parks and Wildlife in 2018.
Lloyd has assisted in developing curriculum for students and teachers to receive their certification at the state level of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Hunter’s Education, Bow Hunter Certifications, and Boater Education.
Kristi Heuring, a Tennessee native and now Texan, is a 26-year marketing veteran, 16-year industry veteran and is currently the Chief Marketing Officer for Everest, the first-of-its-kind online community and marketplace specifically for the outdoors world.
Kristi’s prior experience includes leading the marketing efforts for Aguila Ammunition where she launched their first U.S. branding campaign as well as producing the inaugural Aguila Cup. Kristi’s industry experience also includes Aimpoint Red Dot Sights, International Hunter Education Association, National Bowhunter Education Association and Blaser/Sauer/Mauser.
Kristi’s exposure to hunting and shooting began as a child growing up with a father that hunted and owned a hunting and fishing store for some time. Today, she enjoys hunting with her father, husband and industry friends. Kristi lives in The Woodlands, Texas with her husband and teenage children.
Jeff Crane is the President of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). Jeff joined CSF in 2002 and brings nearly 40 years of experience in on-the-ground natural resource management and policy expertise at the federal, state, and international levels.
As President and CEO of Hunter Nation and HN Foundation, Luke helped build and execute a strategic plan to help this new organization grow its membership to nearly 30,000 in one year while simultaneously building a world class team focused on protecting God, Family, Country and our Hunting Heritage.
Rob has been bowhunting over forty years throughout North America covering seventeen states along with four Canadian Provinces. Rob has also hunting Africa and New Zealand.
Rob is a Life Member of Houston Safari Club, Dallas Safari Club, Safari Club International and other conservation organizations.
Rob is an understudy of Dr. Ed Ashby and is a Co-Founder and President of the Ashby Bowhunting Foundation, a 501c3 science-based non-profit organization with over forty-five years of combined outcome driven research and data gathered worldwide validating the studies making it the leading global authority on arrow and broadhead lethality.
Chester Moore is an award-winning wildlife journalist and conservationist.
He is Editor-In-Chief of Texas Fish & Game magazine and contributes to Sports Afield, Hunter’s Horn, Deer & Deer Hunting, Tide, The Lakecaster and many others. He is host of “Moore Outdoors” on our sister station KLVI in Beaumont and of The Higher Calling podcast.
He is author of 15 books including Hog Wild: Hog Hunting Facts, Tips & Strategies, Texas Waterfowl and Flounder Fever.
He and his wife Lisa operate the Kingdom Zoo Wildlife Center® and Wild Wishes® programs which give wildlife encounters to children with a critical illness, in the foster system or who have lost a parent or sibling.
Their latest project is Higher Calling Wild Wishes Expeditions which takes teens from those programs into the forest and mountains to mentor them in using photography and video to raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation.
Former Marine Sergeant Zachary Stinson was on his first deployment when he lost both of his legs above the knee and sustained severe damage to his hands in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Marjah, Afghanistan on Nov. 9, 2010.
Arriving at Bethesda Naval Medical Center six days after the blast, Zach remained there for three months. Transferred to Richmond Va., for 30 days, Sgt Stinson was next sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. where he spent more than a year before finally transferring to the newly renamed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Zach has endured more than 25 surgeries, including the eventual amputation of his right leg above the knee.
He now competes in marathons & triathlons as a double amputee.
He also credits being introduced to hunting as a major part of his recovery and has now hunted all over the world.
Our guest this week is New York Times best selling author and Navy Seal, Lieutenant Commander Jack Carr. He is the author of The Terminal List, True Believer, and Savage Son. Visit him at OfficialJackCarr.com and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @JackCarrUSA
Our first show and oh what a show it is. A survivor of a wild board attack. Nearly killed by an elephant charge. Recognized for being one of the most talented pistol hunters on the planet and brave enough to join us on our first show. It's Razor Dobbs. Welcome to Hunting Matters on KPRC 950 AM. Heard live every Saturday morning at 6am.