American Outdoor News

Chris Avena, host of the American Outdoor News Podcast speaks with Christina Pittman, President and CEO of Texas Trophy Hunters Association, about conservation and hunting heritage. She highlighted TTHA’s 51-year history and its mission supporting youth education and the future of hunting. Christina previewed the Outdoors Extravaganza 2026 ,scheduled January 9–11 in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchi...

In this episode of the American Outdoor News Podcast, host Chris Avena speaks with Raymie Grimm of Safari Club International (SCI) about the organization’s global conservation mission and hunting advocacy efforts. Their conversation highlights how SCI continues to unite hunters worldwide through education, ethical hunting practices, and impactful conservation initiatives. A major focus of the disc...

Chris Avena interviewed Robyn Sandoval, founder of A Girl & A Gun, about the organization’s origins and nationwide growth. Sandoval explained it began as a 2011 “Girls’ Night Out” to introduce women to firearms in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. A Girl & A Gun has grown into the largest women’s firearms training organization in the United States. The organization empowers women through...

Chris spoke with Bee Frederick and Regina Lennox from Safari Club International about current bear hunting policies. They discussed Florida bear hunting regulations, Louisiana’s reopened bear season, and ongoing challenges in population control. Bee explained the limited Florida bear hunt, which offers 172 permits across specific zones. He noted that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comm...

Country music artist Kristy Lee Cook has carved out a career that beautifully blends her love for music with her deep passion for the outdoors. Many know her from her time on American Idol, where her powerful voice and authentic charm won over audiences nationwide. Today, she is equally well recognized as the host of The Most Wanted List on the Sportsman Channel, a show that captures her adventuro...

Carson Keys explained his role as Safari Club International’s Chapter Services Director and his “coach-player” leadership style. He oversees 125 to 130 SCI chapters across the United States. His team supports these chapters with structure, resources, and clear strategic guidance. Carson emphasized that effective chapter management strengthens SCI’s mission and expands its national reach. He detail...

Chris Tymeson, SCI’s Vice President of Government Affairs, described SCI’s advocacy work across six major areas. These include federal affairs, state affairs, international advocacy, the Hunter Information Service, guide and outfitter relations, and legal support. He explained that SCI works closely with lawmakers to defend hunters and protect outdoor traditions. Tymeson also shared his background...

Chris Avena interviewed Justin Morrissey from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to discuss the +One Mentorship Initiative. The program encourages hunting mentorship and shooting sports participation through partnerships with groups like the National Deer Association and Pheasants Forever. Originally built around pledges, the +One Initiative now focuses on measurable recruitment and me...

In a recent interview, Aaron Smith from SCI Record Books discussed how the program honors hunters and preserves ethical hunting traditions. The SCI Record Book is more than a list — it’s a global recognition of dedication, skill, and conservation. Each entry celebrates the hunter’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of wildlife. Smith explained the wide range of awards...

In this week’s episode of the American Outdoor News Podcast, Chris Avena sat down with Everett Headley, Safari Club International’s Guide and Outfitter Liaison. The discussion focused on the importance of choosing the right guide and outfitter, whether hunting in North America or abroad. Everett shared valuable insight on navigating complex hunting logistics and the benefits of working with truste...

Matt Roberts, founder of MNR Custom Rifles, shared his meticulous process for crafting bespoke firearms. Each rifle receives countless hours of detailed attention, from hand-selected materials to precise finishing work. Due to the level of craftsmanship required, Matt produces only about ten rifles annually, ensuring every firearm meets his exacting standards. He begins each build with a solid fou...

In this episode of the American Outdoor News Podcast, host Chris Avena sits down with Raymie Grim, Director of Entertainment Services for Safari Club International. Raymie shared exciting details about upcoming SCI events, starting with the Friday at the Music City Center. Hosted by Nick Mundt, the evening will feature a keynote address by Nick Freitas and conclude with a lively Yacht Rock Party....

My interview with Joe Bartozzi from Project ChildSafe focused on promoting responsible gun ownership and secure firearm storage. Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program that provides free educational resources and firearm safety kits. The program partners with local law enforcement to distribute gun locks and safety information across communities in the United States. Its mission is to reduce fi...

In a recent interview, Jason St. Michael of Safari Club International discussed the organization’s mission and global structure. SCI supports ethical hunting, wildlife protection, and conservation efforts through 164 chapters and 50,000 members worldwide. Jason highlighted the importance of hunters working together to secure the future of wildlife and outdoor traditions. Jason explained the challe...

Known worldwide as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the wrestling icon revealed a surprising passion for the great outdoors. Before the fame, Austin learned patience, discipline, and respect while exploring the wild brush country of South Texas. In an exclusive American Outdoor News interview, Austin shared the side fans rarely see. Not the wrestler or TV star, but the hunter who finds peace in the moun...

The American Outdoor News podcast recently featured a conversation with Barbara Crown from Safari Club International’s Hunter Information Services. This episode highlighted SCI’s dedication to supporting hunters worldwide. Barbara explained how Hunter Information Services provides free assistance for members facing hunting and travel challenges. She helps with firearm transportation, trophy import...

Chris Avena sits down with Kevin Paulson, Executive Director of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW), to discuss AGLOW’s history, mission, and future initiatives. Paulson highlights how AGLOW continues to unite outdoor communicators, brands, and organizations to strengthen storytelling within the outdoor industry. Kevin Paulson outlines AGLOW’s four key pillars and explains the m...

Raymie Grimm, Director of Convention and International Events for Safari Club International (SCI), shared some exciting details about this year’s highly anticipated SCI Convention in Nashville. Known as one of the premier gatherings in the hunting and conservation world, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, blending world-class entertainment with unforgettable experiences that cel...

In this episode of the American Outdoor News Podcast we are speaking with Laird Harrberlin, the CEO of Safari Club International. Laird explained that Safari Club International (SCI) works to protect the freedom to hunt worldwide. SCI promotes wildlife conservation, ethical hunting practices, and global outdoor education. The term “safari” means a journey, not just African hunting. SCI’s mission i...

In a recent interview on the American Outdoor News Podcast, Robert Sexton, Executive Director of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), shared valuable insight into how the organization supports outdoor communicators. POMA was established to foster excellence in outdoor journalism and media while creating a strong connection between content creators and industry partners. From freelanc...

In a recent interview, Bee Frederick of Safari Club International (SCI) discussed the return of Florida black bear hunting. Florida has a long history of managing its black bear population through regulated hunting seasons and conservation efforts. Legal bear hunting ended in 1992 but briefly returned in 2015. It was paused again due to public backlash. Now, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservat...

Building a Habitat Consulting Business for Private Land Conservation Zack founded Whitstone Habitat after earning a wildlife management degree. He saw private landowners as vital conservation partners. Unlike state agencies, private landowners can act faster and fund impactful projects. Zack highlighted business challenges like income unpredictability but values the conservation potential. Wildlif...

In a recent interview with American Outdoor News, author and wildlife biologist Michael shares insights into his latest book, Bring Back the Wild, a powerful narrative exploring the intersection of hunting and global conservation. Influenced by legendary writers like Robert Ruark and Jack O'Connor, Michael describes how his passion for Africa was shaped through both literature and experience. His...

In this episode of the American Outdoor News podcast, we sat down with Mike Tussey, Director of Marketing for Nomad Outdoor, to talk about the brand’s evolution, current product innovations, and what’s ahead for hunters this fall. Mike shared the origins of Nomad, a brand launched in 2015 by former Under Armour employees, and how it has grown under the Marolina Outdoor umbrella. One of the excitin...

In our exclusive interview with Mark Silverman, of MotionEaze, we dive into the story behind this all-natural solution for motion sickness relief. MotionEaze has gained national attention for its fast-acting, non-drowsy formula that helps users fight nausea caused by sea sickness, car travel, and air turbulence. Mark shared how the product was developed with a mission to offer a chemical-free alte...