Hunting Matters

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Don Paullo and Chuck Johnson, coaches and leaders of the Spring Branch FFA Alumni Clay Crushers youth shooting team. We dive into their passionate journey across multiple disciplines in the youth shooting, hunting, and conservation sectors, focusing on their extensive backgrounds that span from corporate leadership and banking to dedicated ran...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Jake Hill, a past recipient of the HSCF-Dan L Duncan scholarship, wildlife biologist, forester, hunter, and conservationist extraordinaire. We dive into Jake’s passionate journey across multiple disciplines in the wildlife, hunting, and conservation sectors, focusing on his extensive background that spans from research and field management to...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Matthew Olton Hewitt, a Dan L Duncan-HSCF Scholarship recipient, Black Bear Researcher, and Ph. D. Candidate at Sul Ross State University. We dive into Matt's passionate journey as a wildlife biologist and his vital research with the Borderlands Research Institute, focusing on the remarkable natural recovery and population dynamics of black be...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Gib Surles, an avid outdoorsman, dedicated conservation supporter, and the Principal and Founder of The Forrest Group, L.L.C. in Houston, Texas. We dive into Gib's impressive multi-decade career specializing in wealth transfer and business succession planning, alongside his deep-rooted passion for family, legacy, and the outdoor community. The...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Wayne Arrington, an accomplished entrepreneur, inventor, and owner of Arride Bikes in Tomball, Texas. We dive into Wayne's impressive multi-decade career launching and managing a diverse portfolio of successful companies, and his deep-rooted passion for serving the greater Houston area and outdoor community. The discussion details Wayne’s exte...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Wayne T. Saunders, retired Lieutenant Conservation Officer with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and current Executive Director of International Wildlife Crimestoppers. We dive into Wayne’s distinguished 23-year career patrolling New Hampshire’s rugged Great North Woods and his lifelong dedication to protecting natural resources. The...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Jon Allen, Co-Founder of TRACT Optics. We dive into Jon’s decades-long career in the sporting optics industry and explore how his early roles at Gart Bros. Sporting Goods, Redfield, and Nikon shaped his vision for premium, performance-driven gear. Born in Washington and raised across Utah and Colorado, Jon’s childhood exploring the Rocky Mount...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined in studio by Kevin Comiskey, Senior VP and Partner at Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates. We dive into Kevin's 25-year career at the firm and how his early roles at American Linen, Silver Eagle Distributors, and Trinity Industries shaped his approach to leadership. Raised in Houston, Kevin attended Colorado State University and worked in Co...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined in studio by George Bowe Blitch , a fifth-generation Texan whose life and career defy a single job title. As the host of the Son of a Blitch Podcast , George has become a leading voice in long-form storytelling, uncovering the personal journeys of extraordinary people across the worlds of hunting, conservation, music, and adventure. From his earl...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined in studio by John Toomey, a legendary Houstonian whose life spans nearly a century of business leadership, civic service, and international sporting. Born in 1928, John moved to Houston in 1930 and eventually built a career that successfully bridged the worlds of law, hospitality, and the automotive industry. From practicing law for 30 years to o...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Steve Schwartz , the owner and outfitter of Nkwazi Safaris , and his client, Larry Hope . Steve represents a second-generation family hunting operation established in 1999. Born and raised in Johannesburg, he transitioned from a career in exercise science and outdoor videography to carry forward his family’s legacy in the South African bush. J...

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...