Hunting Matters

In this episode of Hunting Matters , host Joe Betar sits down with Eric Hung, founder of Pew Pew Tactical and  ShellShock Protection . Eric Hung is the founder and owner of ShellShock Protection, an Austin-based company dedicated to making certified, no-compromise eye and ear protection accessible to every hunter and shooter. He is also the founder and CEO of Pew Pew Tactical, one of the largest o...

In this episode of Hunting Matters , we sit down with Chris Williams, Founder and Owner of Williams Knife Company, to explore the art, origin, and evolution of legendary knifemaking. Chris shares how watching his grandfather turn discarded bandsaw blades into functional tools inspired him to walk away from a promising career in corporate finance to pursue custom knifemaking full-time. He walks us...

In this episode of  Hunting Matters , host Joe Betar speaks with DJ Meyer, South African Professional Hunter, safari operator, co-owner of Leeuwkop Hunting Safaris, and commercial pilot. Drawing on generations of family hunting heritage, DJ breaks down what first-time and veteran hunters need to know when preparing for an African safari—from gear and ballistics to dangerous game encounters and sus...

In this episode of Hunting Matters , host Joe Betar speaks with Brad Luttrell, founder of strategic storytelling firm Prologue and former creator of the outdoor social app GoWild. Brad shares insights on building technology for outdoor enthusiasts, narrative strategy for conservation, hunting in suburban environments, and the rewards of being a lifelong outdoor learner. Key Topics Covered: Buildin...

In this episode of Hunting Matters , host Joe Betar welcomes internationally respected wildlife biologist Brian Murphy, V.P. of Corporate Relations and Strategic Partnerships at HuntStand and staff wildlife biologist for GSM, LLC. With over 35 years of deer research and conservation leadership—including 23 years at the helm of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA)—Brian shares insights fr...

In this episode of  Hunting Matters , host Joe Betar sits down with Phil Peabody, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Capital Farm Credit. Drawing from over 15 years in agricultural lending and corporate risk management, Phil explores how Texas growth, land values, and conservation economics shape the future of rural real estate and farm management.   Key Topics Covered: Navigati...

What does it take to turn a lifetime in the outdoors into a lasting legacy? On this episode of Hunting Matters , we are joined by Victor L. Bretting—an 8th-generation Texan, 50-year construction executive, author, and founder of North Texas’s B-Tex Ranch. Having pursued over 140 species across five continents, Victor shares gripping insights from dangerous-game safaris and mountain hunts, explaini...

In this episode of Hunting Matters , host Joe Beta speaks with Micah Seavers, President of Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures. Micah shares how his upbringing as a preacher's kid and the guidance of early mentors led him to build a nonprofit dedicated to introducing young people to outdoor traditions. Key Topics Covered: Mentorship & Youth Engagement: Why absent mentors—not technology—are the m...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters", we are joined by Leo Martinez, Ranch Manager of the Dancing Elk Alexander (DEA) Ranch in Mathis, Texas, Vice President on the HSCF Board of Directors, and the 2025 HSCF Outfitter of the Year, along with his daughter, Madison Martinez. We dive into Leo's nearly four-decade career in ranching and hunting, exploring how family legacy, Texas history, and a deep co...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Matt Garrick, Senior Field Officer at Fish & Game New Zealand and a former HSCF-Dan L Duncan Scholarship recipient. We dive into Matt's impressive international career in wildlife biology and waterfowl management, following his journey from a small farm in New Zealand to top research and state biologist positions across North America, and...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Joe Richards, an accomplished wildlife biologist, outdoor photographer, writer, and Outreach Specialist for Playa Lakes Joint Venture. We dive into Joe's multifaceted career at the intersection of wildlife research, water conservation, and visual storytelling, highlighting his passion for protecting our natural resources and outdoor heritage a...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Chris Hughes, second-generation owner of Broken Arrow Ranch in Ingram, Texas—one of the world's premier artisanal purveyors of free-range wild game. We dive into Chris's journey growing up on the family ranch, his educational background in engineering and business, and his lifelong dedication to sustainable wildlife management, ethical food so...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Carsten Groos, a wildlife biologist, hunter, conservationist, and proud former recipient of the HSCF Dan L. Duncan scholarship. We dive into his journey from growing up in Austin and playing collegiate football at the University of Oklahoma to pursuing his passion for wildlife and wild places. Carsten shares how early ranching internships and...

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Taylor Daily, a Coordinating Wildlife Biologist with Quail Forever and the Oaks & Prairies Joint Venture. We dive into his passionate journey through the wildlife conservation sector, focusing on his extensive academic and professional background in range and wildlife management. As a past recipient of the HSCF-Dan L Duncan scholarship, Ta...

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...