24 JUN 2024 · In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Luke Coccoli, the Director of Conservation Programs for the Boone and Crockett Club. Based at the Rasmuson Wildlife Conservation Center on the Club’s expansive Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch in Montana, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in wildlife management and conservation. We delve into the Boone and Crockett Club's Fair Chase and Hunter Ethics eLearning module, discussing its importance in promoting ethical hunting practices. Luke shares his personal journey growing up along Montana's Rocky Mountain Front, hunting deer and elk, and fly-fishing for trout. With a background in Fish and Wildlife Management and a master's in education, Luke's passion for the outdoors is evident in his diverse roles, from wildlife biologist to NRA rifle and shotgun instructor. He also talks about his adventurous lifestyle, accompanied by his Airedale terriers, Olive and Otis, and the various hats he wears in his conservation work. Tune in to gain valuable insights into ethical hunting, conservation efforts, and the vital role education plays in sustaining our natural heritage. Whether you're an avid hunter or simply enjoy the great outdoors, this episode offers something for everyone.

17 JUN 2024 · Join us on this episode of Hunting Matters as host Joe Betar welcomes McCauley Williams, the CEO and Chairman of Morningside Brands Inc. McCauley is not only an experienced entrepreneur and spirits brand builder but also a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. With a background in law and a rich history of founding and scaling businesses in the craft beer, bourbon, rye whiskey, rum, tequila, and gin sectors, McCauley brings a wealth of knowledge and unique insights to our discussion.  In this engaging episode, McCauley shares his journey from growing up hunting and fishing to becoming a leading figure in the spirits industry. We delve into his mission-based approach with Morningside Brands, focusing on their sustainably produced spirits that aim to raise awareness and impact for various causes. Highlighting this commitment is Alma del Jaguar Tequila, which directly supports the Northern Jaguar Project, dedicated to protecting wild jaguars in the Mexico/U.S. borderlands. Tune in as we explore the intersections of hunting, conservation, and the spirits industry. Whether you're a hunting enthusiast, a conservation supporter, or simply curious about the journey of a successful entrepreneur, this episode promises to deliver insightful and inspiring content.

10 JUN 2024 · Join us on "Hunting Matters," where we dive into the world of hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor adventures. In this episode, we are thrilled to have two exceptional guests, Aidan The Hunter and Seth Stokes. Aidan The Hunter, the young and passionate host of the "See Ya In The Woods" podcast, is an international big game hunter with an impressive track record. At just eleven years old, Aidan has already achieved remarkable milestones in his hunting journey. From learning gun safety at the age of five to taking down his first feral hog at six, Aidan's love for the outdoors and hunting is truly inspiring. His adventures span across continents, including his recent safari in South Africa. Seth Stokes, Aidan's father, discovered his love for hunting later in life and has since dedicated himself to passing on this passion to his children and other youth. As a Rifle Coach, Archery Coach, and Hunting & Wildlife Coach for their local 4H Chapter, Seth emphasizes the importance of gun safety and respect for firearms. His commitment to teaching the next generation of hunters is evident in his plans to expand his coaching expertise to include muzzleloader and shotgun disciplines. Tune in to hear Aidan and Seth share their unique perspectives on hunting, the joys of spending time in nature, and the critical role of education and conservation in preserving our wildlife heritage. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, "Hunting Matters" is your go-to podcast for all things hunting.

3 JUN 2024 · Let's delve into the captivating world of custom firearms with our esteemed guest, Chad Chapman. Chad is the founder of Red Desert Rifles and a master craftsman with over a decade of experience building custom rifles in Wyoming. In this episode, Chad shares his journey and passion for creating the most accurate, beautiful, and functional wood-stocked rifles available. From selecting the finest Tiger (Curly) Maple to customizing every detail to fit the shooter's needs, Chad's dedication to his craft is unparalleled. Join us as we explore the meticulous process behind building one-of-a-kind rifles, discuss the various options for customization, and get expert tips on maintaining and upgrading your firearms.  Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a shooting enthusiast, or someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, this episode offers a unique insight into the world of custom rifles.Tune in to "Hunting Matters" to hear Chad's expert advice, fascinating stories, and the passion that drives Red Desert Rifles to create lifelong companions for their customers. Don't miss this chance to learn from a true master in the field!

27 MAY 2024 · Heidi Lyn Rao Heidi launched her business North American Outdoors  https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnorthamericanoutdoors.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CRamonRobles%40iheartmedia.com%7Ca3ae042178514bc7902308dc78f0f573%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638518223685352574%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p66qhr3Kw%2Fx5ne2eK3lhH8H2DixbyjRjx9ypDinaNAU%3D&reserved=0 in 2013 to introduce people to the outdoors, especially hunting and the shooting sports, by delivering quality firearms training, related outdoor products, guides and a weekly podcast “North American Outdoors.”  She has published 7 books to date, as well as hundreds of articles related to the outdoors, hunting, and firearms training.   Heidi is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and is a Training Counselor.  She not only conducts basic firearms training classes, but also certifies NRA Instructors in the disciplines of Range Safety Officer (RSO), Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol, Defensive Pistol, and Personal Protection Inside and Outside the Home.  She is also a Texas License to Carry (LTC) Instructor.  Heidi has served on the NRA Youth Programs Committee and currently serves on the NRA Ladies Pistol Project Team.  She is a contributing author to NRA Women, NRA Family, and NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum.   She is the proud recipient of two prestigious NRA awards: • 2023 “NRA Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction” award, and the • 2022 Golden Bullseye Award for NRA Women: "Woman of the Year."   Heid is very active in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).  Three of her sons are Eagle Scouts with the fourth one soon to be.  She is an Assistant Scoutmaster with a Troop, and in 2018 started her own BSA co-ed Venturing Crew that focuses on introducing young adults to hunting and improving their marksmanship skills through education and training.  They are very active and are called Venture Hunting Crew .30-06.   Professionally, for over 25 years, her career has been with Texas Parks and Wildlife as the Assistant Hunter Education Coordinator, responsible for the state’s Hunter Education Program across Southeast Texas.  She is also the statewide Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Coordinator. Heidi and her retired Game Warden 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!

20 MAY 2024 · Kent, a seventh generation Texan (g, g, g, grandfather Emilius Savage landed in TX 1829), grew up on a 2200-acre cow-calf, rice and row-crop farming operation in Matagorda County.  After graduation from Texas A&M University in 1985, Kent has worked all his career in sales & marketing, primarily in the livestock production & grain crop industry before starting with Capital Farm Credit in January of 2013. Kent joined Capital Farm Credit as a Relationship Manager where he worked with the corporate marketing team for most of 8 years and then transitioned to more loan production duties.    Kent’s long career in the agriculture industry has given him the opportunity to amass a large network of customers and business affiliates within agriculture, real estate & conservation associations across Texas. He also credits his large network of friends across the entire state for helping him create and grow his relationship sales & lending style. Kent also understands the importance of preserving the sensitive Texas prairie habitat system and has served on the Wildlife Habitat Federation’s Board of Trustees the last 7 years, a non-profit organization that provides on-the-ground restoration, management and generational sustainability of prairie habitat for the conservation of soil, water, air and wildlife.  While growing up on the ranch he was always ready to go hunting or fishing, either on his family’s land or across Texas, Colorado & Wyoming.  Kent has tried to carry that passion on to his own two sons, Parker (27) and Nicholas (25). He currently resides in Sugar Land with his wife Kim where they have lived for the last 30 years, however they do look forward to moving out to a more rural lifestyle in the future.   

13 MAY 2024 · Jeff Crane joined CSF in 2002 and brings over 40 years of experience in on-the-ground natural resource management and policy expertise at the federal, state and international levels. A life-long outdoorsman, Jeff spent five years working in the US Congress and was instrumental in establishing the Maryland legislative sportsmen’s caucus prior to joining CSF. In addition, he has experience developing wildlife habitat management plans in the United States and South Africa. During his eight years in Africa, Jeff obtained his professional hunter’s license and guided hunts for big game animals. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Business Administration. At CSF, Jeff ensures a steadfast and successful relationship between the bipartisan National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus. He develops and manages the organization’s strategic business strategy and policy priorities, and serves as the primary liaison between CSF and leaders within the governmental and non-governmental conservation community. Jeff also supervises all program areas to achieve overall organization goals, including, but not limited to directing and supervising development, administration, fundraising, strategic planning and the day-to-day operations of the organization. Jeff served as the Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council (HSSCC), a federal advisory council that reports to the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior. He is a past Chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), the largest coalition of hunting conservation organizations. He is a Boone and Crockett member, served on the Government Affairs Committee for Safari Club International (SCI) and served as Vice-Chairman of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Committee for the National Rifle Association (NRA). Additionally, he serves as the Co-Chairman of Legislative Policy for the Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife.

6 MAY 2024 · Tyler Sharp is the photographer, writer, publisher and creative director for Modern Huntsman. In his past life as a freelancer, he worked for many of the top outdoor brands and publications, traveled extensively to over 35 countries and slept under the stars in some of the world's most remote regions. He is the founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of Modern Huntsman, a creative media and publishing company focused on high-quality storytelling, design and curation of the best stories, characters and cultural adages from hunting, fishing, conservation and wild food.  Tyler calls Dallas home, and when he's not at the desk or on the phone, he splits his time between Montana and East Africa. 

29 APR 2024 · 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 and Dark Outdoors podcasts.   Chester is the author of 15 books including Hog Wild: Hog Hunting Facts, Tips & Strategies, Texas Waterfowl and Flounder Fever.   He is a lifelong hunter and angler who enjoys everything from bowhunting wild turkeys to surf fishing for sharks to fly fishing for rainbow trout.   Chester’s heart is for conservation and youth.  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.   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.  

22 APR 2024 · Choosing to pay it forward after age 50 can be a difficult decision if only due to life’s personal complications, but Bruce has managed to build upon his personal experiences in ranching/farming, hunting/fishing, wilderness leadership and navigation, project management, and scientific research to actively contribute towards greater climate change adaptation and mitigation capacities in the community of El Carrizal, QRO (population ~350). Here, he works closely with local leaders to advance community-driven quality of life improvements by leveraging the assistance of local technical experts, US and Mexican government agencies, and student volunteers from nearby universities. One of his primary directives from SEMARNAT (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources) is the active management and conservation of the native white-tailed deer population through regulated hunting and the re-establishment of the native wild turkey population. One of the primary ways to combat outward population migration plaguing communities across Mexico is to provide increased economic viability locally. Hence, his focus on ecotourism marketing of the Rancho El Carrizal and the Colon, QRO municipality as safe destinations for tourists to visit the central Mexico highlands with its mild annual climate, plentiful natural areas and world-class vineyards.