October 1, 2025 • 61 mins
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 earliest hunts for quail and rabbits in his childhood to pursuing kudu and leopard in Africa and brocket deer in Mexico, Mike shares how the hunter’s horn sounded for him at age five and never stopped. We discuss the unique dynamic of sharing these adventures with his wife and videographer, Frances, a non-hunter herself.
Mike, who has published more than 220 articles and delivered two TEDx talks on conservation through trophy hunting, dives into his acclaimed books: BRINGING BACK THE LIONS and his newest release, BRINGING BACK THE WILD – Stories from Revitalized Ecosystems Around the World (2025). We explore what people most misunderstand about the hunter’s pivotal role in conservation, how local communities benefit, and the direct link between conservation biology and responsible hunting.
Tune in to hear how Mike balances his life as a scientist and an outdoor writer, stories from his recent safari in Mozambique, and what he’s most looking forward to on his upcoming trip to the Scottish Highlands.
Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at wehuntwegive.org
From his earliest hunts for quail and rabbits in his childhood to pursuing kudu and leopard in Africa and brocket deer in Mexico, Mike shares how the hunter’s horn sounded for him at age five and never stopped. We discuss the unique dynamic of sharing these adventures with his wife and videographer, Frances, a non-hunter herself.
Mike, who has published more than 220 articles and delivered two TEDx talks on conservation through trophy hunting, dives into his acclaimed books: BRINGING BACK THE LIONS and his newest release, BRINGING BACK THE WILD – Stories from Revitalized Ecosystems Around the World (2025). We explore what people most misunderstand about the hunter’s pivotal role in conservation, how local communities benefit, and the direct link between conservation biology and responsible hunting.
Tune in to hear how Mike balances his life as a scientist and an outdoor writer, stories from his recent safari in Mozambique, and what he’s most looking forward to on his upcoming trip to the Scottish Highlands.
- Website: mikearnoldoutdoors.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/arnoldoutdoorwriter
Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at wehuntwegive.org
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