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  • Episode 268: Mentoring Youth and Healing Through the Outdoors with Micah Seavers

    Episode 268: Mentoring Youth and Healing Through the Outdoors with Micah Seavers
    2026/08/31
    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 main barrier keeping kids indoors, and how a single positive outdoor experience can make a lasting impact.
    • The Rules of Firsts: Teaching ethical conservation, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness through trapping, metal detecting, survival skills, and wild game processing.
    • The Heroes Hunt & Community Outreach: Providing all-expenses-paid trips for children of fallen and wounded military members, police officers, and firefighters, alongside programs supporting local families.
    • Bridging Perspectives: Embracing open dialogue with non-outdoorsmen and opposing groups to foster true stewardship and understanding

    Website: Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures

    Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/
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    1 時間 5 分
  • Episode 267: Ranching Legacy, Youth Conservation, and South Texas Stewardship with Leo & Madison Martinez

    Episode 267: Ranching Legacy, Youth Conservation, and South Texas Stewardship with Leo & Madison Martinez
    2026/08/24
    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 commitment to stewardship shape their family-run operation in South Texas. The discussion details Leo’s multi-generational roots in the industry—inspired by his grandfather’s life as a cowboy and ranch foreman—and how he carries those foundational values forward today. Leo and Madison share what it takes to manage the daily balance of native wildlife, exotic game, cattle production, and hosting hunting guests on a working South Texas ranch. We explore the unique allure of South Texas hunting, the intricacies of humane wildlife and habitat management, and how Madison’s perspective as the next generation is helping shape the ranch's future. Finally, we explore the essential connection between ethical hunting, conservation, and youth education, highlighting DEA Ranch’s hosting of HSCF’s first annual Summer Youth Conservation Education Program. Leo and Madison share powerful insights on passing down land stewardship to the next generation, the honor of receiving the 2025 Outfitter of the Year award, and why hands-on outdoor experiences are critical to protecting wildlife, rural communities, and hunting heritage for decades to come.

    Learn more about DEA Ranch and their work:
    Website: https://dearanch.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dealexanderranch/
    Instagram: @dea_ranch

    Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/
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    1 時間 16 分
  • Episode 266: Global Waterfowl Conservation: From Texas Pintails to New Zealand Game Birds with Matt Garrick

    Episode 266: Global Waterfowl Conservation: From Texas Pintails to New Zealand Game Birds with Matt Garrick
    2026/08/11
    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 back home again to lead game bird conservation.

    The discussion details Matt’s extensive educational and professional journey, from his undergraduate work at Iowa State University to completing his master's degree at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where he studied the nutritional ecology of northern pintails along the Texas coast. Matt shares how receiving the HSCF-Dan L Duncan Scholarship fueled his aspirations, reflecting on his seasonal field experiences spanning Alaska, Alberta, Alabama, Nevada, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. We explore his previous leadership roles as an Assistant State Waterfowl Biologist in Iowa and Waterfowl Program Manager in Nebraska, highlighting the critical science behind bird banding, satellite telemetry, and cross-border international agency collaboration within the Central Flyway.

    Finally, we explore Matt's current work leading habitat restoration, hunter surveys, and game bird management programs with Fish & Game New Zealand, comparing the hunting traditions, species, and regulation structures between North America and Australasia. Matt shares his lifelong passion for chasing waterfowl alongside his black lab, breaks down how biological research shapes hunting bag limits, and offers valuable advice for students looking to turn their love of the outdoors into a global conservation career.

    Learn more about Fish & Game New Zealand and Matt's work:
    Website: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/

    Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/[
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Episode 265: Wildlife Science, Water Conservation, and Visual Storytelling with Joe Richards

    Episode 265: Wildlife Science, Water Conservation, and Visual Storytelling with Joe Richards
    2026/08/03
    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 across Texas and the Great Plains.

    The discussion details Joe’s impressive educational background, from earning his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences with a double major in Entomology at Texas A&M to completing his master's degree at Texas Tech University. Joe shares insights from his hands-on field experience through diverse seasonal internships—studying quail in Texas, elk in Colorado, and wild turkeys in Oklahoma—and how those early roles shaped his deep understanding of wildlife management and habitat conservation. We explore his current work with Playa Lakes Joint Venture and the Tomorrow's Water initiative, detailing how healthy grasslands, wetlands, and voluntary landowner partnerships are critical to stabilizing vital groundwater resources like the Ogallala Aquifer.

    Finally, we explore Joe's art as a seasoned wildlife photographer and writer, discussing how his background as a biologist and hunter gives him a unique lens for capturing animal behavior and translating complex science into compelling stories. Joe shares practical tips for aspiring wildlife photographers, reflects on his lifelong commitment to service as an Eagle Scout, and offers inspiring thoughts on the future of conservation, private land stewardship, and community action.

    Learn more about Joe's work and photography:
    Website: https://www.richardsoutdoorphotography.com/joseph-richards-photography.html
    Instagram: @Richardsoutdoorphoto
    Facebook: @Richardsoutdoorphotography

    Learn more about HSCF: https://hscfdn.org/
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Episode 264: Sustainable Wild Game & Legacy with Chris Hughes of Broken Arrow Ranch

    Episode 264: Sustainable Wild Game & Legacy with Chris Hughes of Broken Arrow Ranch
    2026/07/27
    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 sourcing, and Texas heritage.

    The discussion details Broken Arrow Ranch’s incredible origin story, starting in the early 1980s when Chris’s father, Mike Hughes, recognized a unique opportunity to supply fine dining restaurants with high-quality venison while actively managing overgrazing non-native deer populations in the Texas Hill Country. Chris shares what it was like growing up in the business—from trade show demonstrations to chef retreats—and how those early experiences shaped his values as he now raises his own family on the same land. We explore the revolutionary mechanics of their innovative, mobile field-processing units that allow for humane, stress-free harvesting under full USDA inspection right on the range.

    Finally, we explore the journey from field to table, highlighting the exceptional nutritional benefits of free-range game meat, the truth behind "gamey" flavors, and how creating a culinary market for invasive wild boar plays a vital role in population control and conservation. Chris shares practical advice for cooking venison at home, demystifies professional wildlife management versus recreational hunting, and offers inspiring insights on where the future of sustainable, ethically sourced food is headed.

    Learn more about Broken Arrow Ranch and Chris's work:
    Website: http://www.brokenarrowranch.com
    Instagram: @brokenarrowmeats
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenarrowranch.

    Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Episode 263: From Gridiron to Grasslands, Wildlife Research & Land Management with Carsten Groos

    Episode 263: From Gridiron to Grasslands, Wildlife Research & Land Management with Carsten Groos
    2026/07/20
    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 foundational scholarship support propelled his academic path, leading to his graduate research at Texas Tech University focused on natural resource management and the science behind sustainable land stewardship.

    The discussion details Carsten’s master's research in the unique landscape of the Texas Hill Country, where he investigated habitat selection and interactions between native white-tailed deer and exotic species like axis deer and blackbuck. Our guest breaks down how he combined multiple survey techniques into a practical, cost-effective monitoring system that everyday hunters and landowners can use. We explore how recent severe winter storms impacted exotic populations, whether native and exotic game can successfully coexist, and the single biggest mistake landowners make when managing wildlife on their properties.

    Finally, we address critical modern conservation challenges in Texas, including rapid land fragmentation, disease monitoring, and invasive species management. Carsten reflects on how his training as a biologist has reshaped his personal approach to hunting, his experience instructing the next generation of students at Texas Tech, and his perspective on long-term habitat investment. He leaves us with valuable advice for aspiring wildlife biologists and inspiring thoughts on what the HSCF motto "We Hunt. We Give." means for the future of Texas conservation.

    Learn more about Texas Tech Natural Resources Management and follow their journey:

    Website/Socials: @texastechnrm and @theconwaycoalition_ttu

    Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org
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    1 時間 8 分
  • Episode 262: From Scholarship to Stewardship, Restoring Texas Grasslands with Taylor Daily

    Episode 262: From Scholarship to Stewardship, Restoring Texas Grasslands with Taylor Daily
    2026/07/13
    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, Taylor shares how this foundational support helped propel his educational path from Texas Tech University to Sul Ross State University, ultimately shaping his professional focus on conserving native temperate grasslands—the most endangered terrestrial biome in the world.

    The discussion details Taylor's hands-on work collaborating with private landowners across nine North Texas counties to develop sustainable habitat management plans. Our guest shares how he helps families balance cattle production, recreation, and hunting goals while addressing common habitat challenges. We explore the critical role of the northern bobwhite quail and other native species that depend on healthy grassland ecosystems, and Taylor breaks down common training and management misconceptions regarding native vs. non-native pasture systems.

    Finally, we explore the inner workings of specialized conservation tools, highlighting the vital importance of prescribed fire in grassland restoration. We discuss the complexities of navigating incentive opportunities, such as the Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP), which provides crucial cost-share financial assistance to landowners. Taylor shares powerful insights into overcoming the misconceptions surrounding prescribed burning, the rewarding habitat improvements seen after a successful burn, and inspiring advice for students considering a career in wildlife management to leave a long-term impact on the next generation of conservation stewards.

    Learn more about Quail Forever and follow their journey:
    • Website: https://texaspfqf.org and https://opjv.org

    Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Episode 261: Smashing Clays and Building Character with Don Paullo and Chuck Johnson

    Episode 261: Smashing Clays and Building Character with Don Paullo and Chuck Johnson
    2026/07/06
    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 range safety and firearms instruction.

    The discussion details Don and Chuck's extensive educational and professional backgrounds, from Don's 30-plus years in institutional investment management to Chuck's sixteen-year banking career and prior ten-year tenure as an electrical engineer. Our guests share how their respective credentials—including Don’s SCTP Coach and NRA certifications, alongside Chuck's status as an NSCA Level I Instructor and high-volume competitive shooter—have shaped their approach to mentoring youth athletes. We explore how their personal experiences as parents of competitive shooters drew them deeply into the sport, leading them to volunteer their time to help high school students build confidence, master safety protocols, and transition from local clay target disciplines to collegiate-level competition.

    Finally, we explore the inner workings of the Spring Branch FFA Alumni Clay Crushers program, highlighting how it provides crucial team and individual competitive opportunities under the Spring Branch FFA umbrella. We discuss the complexities of navigating the youth competition landscape in Texas—spanning FFA, 4-H, SCTP, and NSCA events—and the common training misconceptions they help families overcome. Don and Chuck share powerful insights into the safety culture that underpins organized youth shotgun sports, the direct connection between clay targets and ethical field hunting, and inspiring advice for the long-term impact they hope to leave on the next generation of responsible adults.

    Learn more about the Clay Crushers and follow their journey:
    • Website: https://www.sbffaalumni.com/claycrushers
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbffa_clay_crushers
    Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/
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    1 時間 12 分