SCI: First For Hunters Podcast

The Mission in Action

SCI’s mission is simple: protect the freedom to hunt and ensure hunting remains strong for generations to come.But the real story of that mission is what happens when advocacy, conservation and hunters come together to create lasting change.

Louisiana’s black bear is a powerful example. Once listed as threatened, the bear’s recovery reflects decades of science-based wildlife management, habitat...

In Episode 27 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast, Craig Kauffman sits down with Dr. Chris Comer, SCI’s Director of Conservation, to take a closer look at the conservation work happening behind the scenes to protect wildlife, habitat, and the future of hunting.

Dr. Comer shares his perspective on the challenges facing hunters and wildlife today, the role science plays in conservation policy, and why hunters remain an essenti...

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the decisions made at the ballot box could have a direct impact on the future of hunting, conservation, and our outdoor heritage.

In Episode 26 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast, we sit down with Chris Tymeson, SCI’s Vice President of Government Affairs, to break down what hunters need to know heading into the midterms. From the issues and poli...

From the mountains and forests of North America to the pursuit of some of the continent’s most iconic species, Mark Peterson has built a life around hunting, the outdoors, and the traditions that connect generations of hunters.

In Episode 25 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast, Mark joins the conversation to talk about hunting across North America, pursuing a wide range of native species, a...

From music and television to hunting and conservation, Nick Hoffman has built a career around telling stories rooted in the outdoors.

In Episode 24 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast, Nick joins the conversation to talk about his journey as a hunter, storyteller, musician, and advocate for the outdoor lifestyle. He shares what hunting means to him, the responsibility that comes with being a voic...

In Episode 23 of SCI: First For Hunters, we sit down with Bruce Pettet, President & CEO of Leupold & Stevens, Inc.—a fifth-generation, American-owned company that has been building some of the most trusted optics in the world for over a century.

Bruce brings a unique perspective to the conversation, blending leadership, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for hunting and conservation. Under his guidance, Leupold has ...

In Episode 22 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast, we sit down with Minister Todd Loewen for a powerful conversation at the intersection of policy, conservation, and the future of hunting.

As a government leader with deep roots in the outdoors, Minister Loewen brings a unique perspective on what it takes to protect wildlife, preserve hunting traditions, and ensure responsible stewardship of natural resources. From boots-on-the-gro...

In Episode 21 of SCI First For Hunters, we sit down with Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a lifelong conservationist shaped by decades in the field.

From his early days as a Wyoming game warden to leading one of the most influential wildlife agencies in the country, Nesvik brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to the realities of wildlife management, public access, and the future of hunting in Amer...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Jackie Bushman — the visionary behind Buckmasters and one of the most influential voices in modern deer hunting.

Long before outdoor television, podcasts, and digital storytelling shaped the culture, Jackie Bushman was building it from the ground up — creating a community where whitetail hunt...

This is where the future of hunting is being built—long before the first tag is filled.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Keith Tidball, Executive Director of the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation—a leader at the intersection of conservation, education, and community.

With a background spanning decades in conservation science, public service, and outdoor recreation, Keith brings a unique ...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Nick Freitas — veteran, public servant, and unapologetic advocate for personal freedom, responsibility, and the values that define the American hunter.

Nick brings a perspective forged through service — both on the battlefield and in the public arena. As a lifelong hunter and outspoken voice ...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Pedro Ampuero — a globally respected hunter, conservationist, and voice for ethical hunting in some of the world’s most wild and demanding environments.

Pedro brings a perspective shaped far beyond borders. From the mountains of Central Asia to the plains of Africa, his experience isn’t...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with J. Alain Smith and Nick Hoffman — two voices deeply rooted in the traditions of hunting, yet actively shaping its future through storytelling, media, and an unwavering commitment to the lifestyle.

J. Alain Smith brings decades of experience as a hunter, communicator, and ambassador for the outdoors...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 15 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Eva Maria Schrittwieser — a lifelong hunter, storyteller, and one of the most authentic voices representing the next generation of the outdoors.

Raised in a family where hunting wasn’t a hobby but a way of life, Eva brings a perspective grounded in tradition, shaped by experience, and sharpened...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Craig Boddington — a legendary hunter, conservationist, and one of the most respected voices in the outdoor world.

With decades spent chasing game across six continents, Boddington brings a perspective few can match. From dangerous game in Africa to backcountry pursuits in North America, his experi...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Pete Stauber — a former law enforcement officer, lifelong outdoorsman, and Congressman representing Minnesota’s 8th District.

Stauber brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective shaped by the Northwoods and carried into Washington, where decisions about land use, energy, and conservation directl...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Senator Dan Sullivan - a lifelong outdoorsman, U.S. Senator from Alaska, and a leading voice in the fight to protect hunting rights, public access, and the future of conservation in America.

Sullivan brings a perspective forged in Alaska’s wild country and sharpened in Washington, where decisions m...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Dr. Miguel Estade — a respected voice in wildlife science, conservation, and the deeper understanding of how hunters fit into the modern landscape of wildlife management.

Dr. Estade brings a perspective forged through research, time in the field, and a clear-eyed view of the challenges facing wildl...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 10 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Jim Shockey — a legend in the hunting world, renowned outfitter, television personality, and one of the most outspoken advocates for conservation and hunters’ rights today.

From the high mountains to the farthest corners of wild country, Jim has built a life around pursuit — not just of g...