SCI: First For Hunters Podcast

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...

On Episode 9 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with David Wells — better known to many as “Boomer.” A two-time World Series champion and one of the few pitchers in history to throw a perfect game in Major League Baseball, David brings a perspective that bridges       professional sports and the hunting world.

 But beyond the mound, he’s built a life rooted in the out...

 On Episode 8 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Kristy Titus — founder of Pursue The Wild and a relentless voice for the future of hunting.

 Kristy’s path wasn’t handed to her. She built it — step by step — earning her place in a space that demands grit, respect, and the willingness to learn the hard way.

 From western backcountry hunts to mentoring new hunters, she&...

This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 7 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Shane Black, owner of Canada North Outfitting — one of the most respected operations and a man who has spent his life guiding hunters through some of the wildest country left on the continent.

From the tundra to the timber, Shane has seen firsthand what sustainable hunting and real conservation look l...

In this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, we sit down with Rob Keck — a lifelong hunter, conservationist, and one of the most respected voices in modern wildlife stewardship.

Rob spent more than two decades helping lead and grow the National Wild Turkey Federation, where he played a key role in one of the greatest conservation success stories in North America — the restoration of the wild turkey. During his tenur...

In this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, we sit down with Jason St. Michael, Director of Membership and Chapter Services at Safari Club International, to talk about the heartbeat of SCI — its members.

From strengthening local chapters across the country to building a unified voice for hunters worldwide, Jason shares how SCI is mobilizing its grassroots network to protect hunting rights, advance conservation, and ensur...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Meryl, President of Safari Club International, to talk about the future of hunting, conservation, and the fight to protect our rights. From defending science-based wildlife management to strengthening SCI’s global impact, Jeff shares what’s at stake—and why now is the time for hunters to stand united.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone who believes hunting is more t...

In Episode 3 of SCI’s First For Hunters podcast, we sit down with Barbara Crown from Safari Club International’s Hunter Information Services — a member-exclusive resource built to help hunters navigate the complex realities of hunting at home and abroad.

From traveling with firearms and navigating airline policies to importing gear, researching outfitters, and getting trophies home, Hunter Information Services exis...

In Episode 2 of SCI’s First For Hunters Podcast, host Craig Kauffman sits down with J. Alain Smith for a no-BS conversation on the front lines of hunting advocacy and global conservation. From policy fights that directly impact hunters to the realities of protecting wildlife where it actually lives, this episode cuts through the noise and gets into what matters most.

They dig into the pressures facing international hunting...

The First For Hunters podcast launches with a straight-talk conversation about what’s at stake for hunters worldwide. Host Craig Kauffman sits down with Safari Club International CEO Laird Hamberlin to break down the real work happening behind the scenes — defending hunting rights, pushing back on anti-hunting legislation, and funding conservation where it matters most.

This episode sets the tone: SCI isn’t a brand...

In this episode, host Ben Cassidy visits Congressman Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, to discuss what he and his colleagues are doing to promote and protect our hunting heritage on Capitol Hill.

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Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/W3zID0-iiGg

What to learn more about Safari Club International and its efforts...