SCI: First For Hunters Podcast

In Episode 27 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast, Craig Kauffman sits down with Dr. Chris Comer, SCI’s Director of Conservation, to take a closer look at the conservation work happening behind the scenes to protect wildlife, habitat, and the future of hunting. Dr. Comer shares his perspective on the challenges facing hunters and wildlife today, the role science plays in conservation policy, and...

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the decisions made at the ballot box could have a direct impact on the future of hunting, conservation, and our outdoor heritage. In Episode 26 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast, we sit down with Chris Tymeson, SCI’s Vice President of Government Affairs, to break down what hunters need to know heading into the midterms. From t...

From the mountains and forests of North America to the pursuit of some of the continent’s most iconic species, Mark Peterson has built a life around hunting, the outdoors, and the traditions that connect generations of hunters. In Episode 25 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast , Mark joins the conversation to talk about hunting across North America, pursuing a wide range o...

From music and television to hunting and conservation, Nick Hoffman has built a career around telling stories rooted in the outdoors. In Episode 24 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast , Nick joins the conversation to talk about his journey as a hunter, storyteller, musician, and advocate for the outdoor lifestyle. He shares what hunting means to him, the responsibility tha...

In Episode 23 of SCI: First For Hunters , we sit down with Bruce Pettet , President & CEO of Leupold & Stevens, Inc.—a fifth-generation, American-owned company that has been building some of the most trusted optics in the world for over a century. Bruce brings a unique perspective to the conversation, blending leadership, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for hunting and conservation....

In Episode 22 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast , we sit down with Minister Todd Loewen for a powerful conversation at the intersection of policy, conservation, and the future of hunting. As a government leader with deep roots in the outdoors, Minister Loewen brings a unique perspective on what it takes to protect wildlife, preserve hunting traditions, and ensure responsible stewardship of nat...

In Episode 21 of SCI First For Hunters , we sit down with Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a lifelong conservationist shaped by decades in the field. From his early days as a Wyoming game warden to leading one of the most influential wildlife agencies in the country, Nesvik brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to the realities of wildlife management, public acce...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Jackie Bushman — the visionary behind Buckmasters and one of the most influential voices in modern deer hunting. Long before outdoor television, podcasts, and digital storytelling shaped the culture, Jackie Bushman was building it from the ground up — creating a comm...

This is where the future of hunting is being built—long before the first tag is filled. On this episode of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Keith Tidball , Executive Director of the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation—a leader at the intersection of conservation, education, and community. With a background spanning decades in conservation science, public service, and outdoor recreat...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Nick Freitas — veteran, public servant, and unapologetic advocate for personal freedom, responsibility, and the values that define the American hunter. Nick brings a perspective forged through service — both on the battlefield and in the public arena. As a lifelong h...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Pedro Ampuero — a globally respected hunter, conservationist, and voice for ethical hunting in some of the world’s most wild and demanding environments. Pedro brings a perspective shaped far beyond borders. From the mountains of Central Asia to the plains of Africa,...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with J. Alain Smith and Nick Hoffman — two voices deeply rooted in the traditions of hunting, yet actively shaping its future through storytelling, media, and an unwavering commitment to the lifestyle. J. Alain Smith brings decades of experience as a hunter, communicator,...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On Episode 15 of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Eva Maria Schrittwieser — a lifelong hunter, storyteller, and one of the most authentic voices representing the next generation of the outdoors. Raised in a family where hunting wasn’t a hobby but a way of life, Eva brings a perspective grounded in tradition, shaped by...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Craig Boddington — a legendary hunter, conservationist, and one of the most respected voices in the outdoor world. With decades spent chasing game across six continents, Boddington brings a perspective few can match. From dangerous game in Africa to backcountry pursu...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Pete Stauber — a former law enforcement officer, lifelong outdoorsman, and Congressman representing Minnesota’s 8th District . Stauber brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective shaped by the Northwoods and carried into Washington, where decisions about land use, energ...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Senator Dan Sullivan - a lifelong outdoorsman, U.S. Senator from Alaska, and a leading voice in the fight to protect hunting rights, public access, and the future of conservation in America. Sullivan brings a perspective forged in Alaska’s wild country and sharpened i...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Dr. Miguel Estade — a respected voice in wildlife science, conservation, and the deeper understanding of how hunters fit into the modern landscape of wildlife management. Dr. Estade brings a perspective forged through research, time in the field, and a clear-eyed view...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On Episode 10 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Jim Shockey — a legend in the hunting world, renowned outfitter, television personality, and one of the most outspoken advocates for conservation and hunters’ rights today. From the high mountains to the farthest corners of wild country, Jim has built a life around purs...

On Episode 9 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with David Wells — better known to many as “Boomer.” A two-time World Series champion and one of the few pitchers in history to throw a perfect game in Major League Baseball, David brings a perspective that bridges       professional sports and the hunting world.  But beyond the mound, he’s built a life rooted in the outdoors — an av...

 On Episode 8 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Kristy Titus — founder of Pursue The Wild and a relentless voice for the future of hunting.  Kristy’s path wasn’t handed to her. She built it — step by step — earning her place in a space that demands grit, respect, and the willingness to learn the hard way.  From western backcountry hunts to mentoring new hunters, she’s seen f...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen. On Episode 7 of First For Hunters , host Craig Kauffman sits down with Shane Black , owner of Canada North Outfitting — one of the most respected operations and a man who has spent his life guiding hunters through some of the wildest country left on the continent. From the tundra to the timber, Shane has seen firsthand what sustainable hun...

In this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast , we sit down with Rob Keck — a lifelong hunter, conservationist, and one of the most respected voices in modern wildlife stewardship. Rob spent more than two decades helping lead and grow the National Wild Turkey Federation, where he played a key role in one of the greatest conservation success stories in North America — the restoration of the wild...

In this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast , we sit down with Jason St. Michael, Director of Membership and Chapter Services at Safari Club International, to talk about the heartbeat of SCI — its members. From strengthening local chapters across the country to building a unified voice for hunters worldwide, Jason shares how SCI is mobilizing its grassroots network to protect hunting rights,...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Meryl , President of Safari Club International , to talk about the future of hunting, conservation, and the fight to protect our rights. From defending science-based wildlife management to strengthening SCI’s global impact, Jeff shares what’s at stake—and why now is the time for hunters to stand united. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone who believ...

In Episode 3 of SCI’s First For Hunters podcast, we sit down with Barbara Crown from Safari Club International’s Hunter Information Services — a member-exclusive resource built to help hunters navigate the complex realities of hunting at home and abroad. From traveling with firearms and navigating airline policies to importing gear, researching outfitters, and getting trophies home, Hunter Informa...