PODCAST · leisure
Hunting Matters
by Joe Betar
Hunting Matters is an award-winning podcast celebrating the wonders of the great outdoors.Join host Joe Betar, Executive Director of Houston Safari Club Foundation, as he delves into captivating discussions with a diverse array of guests. From hunting and fishing to sport shooting, conservation, policy, and even culinary arts, this podcast covers it all. Available on all major podcast platforms—subscribe, listen, rate, and review!
Episodes
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Episode 275: No-Compromise Safety and New Technology with Eric Hung of ShellShock Protection & Pew Pew Tactical
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…
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Episode 274: Legendary Knives for Legendary Lives, Crafting Functional Art with Chris Williams
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...
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Episode 273: Dangerous Game, Logistics, and Conservation with DJ Meyer
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…
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Episode 272: Strategic Storytelling, Urban Hunting, and Outdoor Tech with Brad Luttrell
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...
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Episode 271: Tech-Driven Conservation, and the Origins Documentary with Brian Murphy
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...
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Episode 270: Agricultural Lending and the Economics of Rural Texas with Phil Peabody
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…
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Episode 269: Faith, Leadership, and 140+ Species with Victor L. Bretting
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…
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Episode 268: Mentoring Youth and Healing Through the Outdoors with Micah Seavers
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...
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Episode 267: Ranching Legacy, Youth Conservation, and South Texas Stewardship with Leo & Madison Martinez
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…
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Episode 266: Global Waterfowl Conservation: From Texas Pintails to New Zealand Game Birds with Matt Garrick
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...
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Episode 265: Wildlife Science, Water Conservation, and Visual Storytelling with Joe Richards
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...
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Episode 264: Sustainable Wild Game & Legacy with Chris Hughes of Broken Arrow Ranch
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...
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Episode 263: From Gridiron to Grasslands, Wildlife Research & Land Management with Carsten Groos
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…
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Episode 262: From Scholarship to Stewardship, Restoring Texas Grasslands with Taylor Daily
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...
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Episode 261: Smashing Clays and Building Character with Don Paullo and Chuck Johnson
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,...
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Episode 260: Bridging Forestry, Law, and Hunting with Jake Hill of Orion Permit Co.
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...
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Episode 259: The Return of the Texas Black Bear with Researcher Matthew Hewitt
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…
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Episode 258: Adventure Hunting, Legacy, and Life Planning with Gib Surles
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...
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Episode 257: E-Bikes in the Hunting World with Wayne Arrington
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...
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Episode 256: A Cowboy in the Woods featuring Wayne T. Saunders
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…
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Episode 255: Redefining the Optics Industry-Jon Allen on Faith, Family, and TRACT Optics
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...
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Episode 254: Kevin Comiskey on Career, Community Service, and the Outdoors
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...
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Episode 253: Storytelling, Stewardship, and the Son of a Blitch
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...
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Episode 252: Life Well-Hunted: 50 Years of Business and Global Sporting with John Toomey
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...
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Episode 251: Demystifying the South African Safari Experience with Steve Schwartz and Larry Hope
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…
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Episode 250: A Lifetime of Conservation with Ross Melinchuk
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...
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Episode 249: Restoring the Wild: Breeding, Rewilding, and Sustainable Conservation with Tanner Tripp
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...
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Episode 248: Precision by Design: Aaron Davidson on Engineering the Future of Long-Range Hunting
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...
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Episode 247: The Power of Volunteerism in the Hunting Community with Kevin Ormston
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…
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Episode 246: Leading Conservation and Honoring Heroes with James Lofton
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...
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Episode 245: Realistic Expectations and Professional Standards with Rob Kern
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...
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Episode 244: Ranch Real Estate, Global Hunts, and Conservation with Derek Ham
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…
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Episode 243: Preserving Traditions and Chasing Adventure: A Conversation with Jeff Garrett
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...
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Episode 242: Land, Loans, and Leather: Capital Farm Credit's Anthony Vaughan on the Texas Outdoors
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...
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Episode 241: The Engineering of Heritage: Chris Conrad and Republic Boot Co.
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...
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Episode 240: Built for the Hunt: Leadership & Growth with Micah Haarhoff
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.…
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Episode 239: The Canvas of Conservation with Vickie McMillan-Hayes
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...
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Episode 238: The Science of Wildlife Rations with Bobby Deeds of Record Rack
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…
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Episode 237: Global Adventures and Bringing Back the Wild with Mike Arnold
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…
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Episode 236: Hunting and Next-Gen Conservation with Rudy Nix
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...
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Episode 235: From Taekwondo to Trophy Hunts with Adam Montgomery
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...
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Episode 234: Mentoring the Next Generation of the Outdoors with Brittany French
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…
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Episode 233: Leo & Madison Martinez - Cultivating Conservation and Legacy at DEA Ranch
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…
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Episode 232: From the Field to the Future: Kyle Clark on Young Professionals in Conservation
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...
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Episode 231: Precision & Passion: A Gunsmith's Legacy with Rich Cole of Cole Fine Guns
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…
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Episode 230: WildLife Ranch Solutions: Cultivating Conservation and Profit in Exotic Game Ranching
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...
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Episode 229: The "Zen" of Archery: Focus, Confidence, and Resilience with Lynda Whitehead
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…
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Episode 228: Field to Fork - The Wild Food Philosophy with Justin Townsend & Adam Berkelmans
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,...
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Episode 227: Unbreakable Spirit - Allie Gilkerson's Journey to the Outdoors
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…
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Episode 226: Crafting Conservation - Building World-Class Habitats with Clint Steffens
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hunting Matters is an award-winning podcast celebrating the wonders of the great outdoors.Join host Joe Betar, Executive Director of Houston Safari Club Foundation, as he delves into captivating discussions with a diverse array of guests. From hunting and fishing to sport shooting, conservation, policy, and even culinary arts, this podcast covers it all. Available on all major podcast platforms—subscribe, listen, rate, and review!
HOSTED BY
Joe Betar
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Hunting Matters have?
Hunting Matters currently has 95 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Hunting Matters about?
Hunting Matters is an award-winning podcast celebrating the wonders of the great outdoors.Join host Joe Betar, Executive Director of Houston Safari Club Foundation, as he delves into captivating discussions with a diverse array of guests. From hunting and fishing to sport shooting, conservation,...
How often does Hunting Matters release new episodes?
Hunting Matters has 95 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Hunting Matters?
You can listen to Hunting Matters on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Hunting Matters?
Hunting Matters is created and hosted by Joe Betar.
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