Hunting Matters

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Ross Melinchuk, a titan in the natural resources field with over 40 years of experience. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) and a Vice President on the HSCF Board of Directors, Ross brings a wealth of knowledge spanning international borders and multi-state jurisdi...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Tanner Tripp , the visionary founder of Wild Giants Conservation Fund (U.S.) and Wild Giants Caucasus . Drawing from six years of experience in the adventure travel and tourism industry in Amsterdam, Tanner has developed a unique perspective on how to bridge the gap between international travelers, local communities, and wildlife restoration....

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Aaron Davidson , a Wyoming-born engineer, inventor, and pilot who has spent nearly two decades redefining the world of long-range shooting. As the founder and CEO of Gunwerks , Aaron brings a unique perspective as both a hunter and a visionary holding over 20 U.S. patents—including the pioneering ballistic turret and the world’s first ballisti...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Kevin Ormston, a native Houstonian, dedicated business leader, and a prominent figure within the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF). Kevin shares insights from a lifetime of hunting, beginning with his first whitetail buck at age eight, and explores how deep-seated family traditions shaped his lifelong connection to the outdoors and conserv...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with James Lofton , a dedicated conservationist, business leader, and the Immediate Past President of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF). James shares his perspective from a lifetime spent in the outdoors, exploring the profound influence of family traditions and his deep-rooted commitment to preserving hunting and gun rights for future gene...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Rob Kern , a prominent leader in the global hunting community who serves as the Managing Director of the Hunting Consortium and the President of the International Professional Hunters’ Association (IPHA) . Rob shares his perspective from the intersection of outfitting, consulting, and association leadership, offering a deep dive into the profe...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Derek Ham , the 2026 HSCF Convention Chairperson and an Agent specializing in ranch properties for Ruple Properties. Derek shares his unique journey, which has taken him from his roots in the Texas Panhandle and Houston to college in Austin and a stint in the music industry in Los Angeles, all while remaining a dedicated hunter. We dive into h...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Jeff Garrett to discuss a lifetime spent in the outdoors, ranging from his roots in Texas to extreme adventures across the globe. Jeff shares his background growing up in Bryan, hunting with his father and grandfather on modest hunts for squirrel, rabbit, dove, and quail. We discuss his progression into big game hunting, including 33 years on...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we're joined by Anthony Vaughan, a Relationship Manager with Capital Farm Credit, who is based out of Winnie, TX. Anthony was raised in Southeast Texas, graduated from Hamshire-Fannett High School, and earned a business degree from Lamar University. His early life was shaped by agricultural mechanics and regional rodeo competitions. We dive into Anthony's dive...

In this episode of  "Hunting Matters,"  we're joined by  Chris Conrad , the founder and owner of  Republic Boot Co. , a Houston-based bootmaker dedicated to preserving and celebrating Texan heritage through handcrafted cowboy boots. After spending time abroad, Chris returned to follow a "divine calling to save Texas" by starting his company in 2011. We dive into Chris's journey, which began with d...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we're joined by Micah Haarhoff , the 24-year-old President of Revolution Powersports . Known as the "Amazon Prime of the powersports world" for its speed and customer-first experience, Revolution Powersports has seen incredible growth under Micah's leadership. A Texas-born entrepreneur and pilot, Micah also owns ventures in real estate and investments, driven...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Vickie McMillan-Hayes , an acclaimed Wildlife Conservation Artist. A proud native Texan , Vickie channels her profound connection to nature into breathtaking wildlife, landscape, and iconic images of the rugged cowboy/girl amidst picturesque wild terrain. Vickie's art is driven by a desire to evoke a sense of awe and raise awareness about the...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Bobby Deeds , Wildlife Specialist for Record Rack Deer Feeds. Raised on a ranch in Central Texas, Bobby developed a strong focus on Wildlife Management early on. He holds a BS and an MS in Animal Science/Range and Wildlife Management from Angelo State University , and is a Certified Texas State Wildlife Biologist. Bobby has been employed by Ca...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with  Mike Arnold , a lifelong hunter and a Distinguished Research Professor and Head of the Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia . Mike brings a powerful scientific perspective to the world of hunting and conservation. From his earliest hunts for quail and rabbits in his childhood to pursuing kudu and leopard in Africa and brocket d...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Rudy Nix, a dedicated member of HSCF for over 20 years. Rudy has lived a life deeply connected to the outdoors. When not managing his ranch in the Texas Hill Country, where he spends countless hours clearing cedar and practicing land stewardship, Rudy is pursuing his passion for hunting across the globe. His adventures have taken him throughou...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Adam Montgomery, a Life member of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and the chairperson for banquet table sales for the 2026 HSCF Convention. Adam's traditional "old school" upbringing, shaped by his grandparents, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for the outdoors. He learned to shoot at the age of five from his grandf...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Brittany French, the CEO of Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors. With a mission to empower youth in the outdoors through mentorship, Brittany's passion for the program started in 2015 as a volunteer, and she believes it is our collective responsibility to serve young people in our communities. We discuss her journey from volunteer to leader, how her p...

In this episode we sit down with Leo Martinez, the ranch manager of Dancing Elk Alexander (DEA) Ranch in Mathis, Texas, and his daughter, Madison. With nearly four decades in the ranching and hunting industry, Leo, also a Vice President on the HSCF Board of Directors and the 2025 HSCF Outfitter of the Year, shares his deep commitment to ethical hunting and sustainable natural resource management....

Hunting Matters sits down with Kyle Clark, a Collegiate Sales Specialist at Game One and a former Texas Tech football player. As the Chairperson of the Stag & Dove Society, HSCF’s Young Professionals Group, Kyle discusses his journey from football to becoming an avid bowhunter and conservation advocate. He shares what it's like to hunt with his family and what first drew him to the Houston Saf...

Step into the world of elite gunsmithing with Rich Cole, founder of Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, in this insightful episode. Rich takes us on a captivating journey, from his early days as a gunsmith apprentice at Beretta USA in 1979 to building a renowned, family-operated business alongside his wife, Jona, and son, Brandon. Discover how Cole Fine Guns excels in providing top-tier warranty servi...

In this episode, we're joined by Joe Bailey, President and Partner, and Chuck Dye, Operations Manager, of WildLife Ranch Solutions. Joe and Chuck discuss their unique approach to exotic wildlife ranching, integrating business strategy, conservation, and turn-key operational support. Tune in to learn how WildLife Ranch Solutions helps landowners develop profitable, tax-compliant exotic game operati...

In this episode, we're joined by Lynda Whitehead, founder of X10 Archery Academy in Houston, Texas. Lynda, a USA Archery Level 4-NTS Coach and Coach Trainer, discusses her unique approach to archery, integrating mindfulness, neuroscience, and personal growth into her coaching. Tune in to learn how Lynda helps individuals, especially young people, develop focus, confidence, and resilience through a...

In this episode, we're joined by wild food experts Justin Townsend, founder of Harvesting Nature, and Adam Berkelmans, also known as The Intrepid Eater. Fresh off the release of their new cookbook, The Art of Venison Sausage Making , Justin and Adam dive into their journey from field to fork, sharing their passion for wild food, nose-to-tail eating, and sustainable harvesting. Tune in to learn abo...

In this episode, we sit down with Allie Gilkerson, her mom, Norma and stepfather, Chip, to delve into the heartwarming origins and innovative mission of Allie's Adaptations. Founded in 2024, Allie's Adaptations was born from a stepfather's love and a young woman's unwavering spirit, creating custom adaptive tools that help individuals with physical limitations enjoy hunting, fishing, and the great...

Join us as we sit down with Clint Steffens, owner and president of Conservation Incorporated, a Texas-based land and water development company he founded in 1997. With over 28 years of experience, Clint is an expert in designing and constructing trophy bass lakes, quail and whitetail deer habitats, and full-scale ranch developments. Raised in a farming and ranching family, Clint developed a deep r...