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 squirrel, rabbit, dove, and quail. We discuss his progression into big game hunting, including 33 years on a Hill Country lease where he has secured top awards for Rio Grande Turkey, as well as his college years chasing West Texas mule deer.

We dive into Jeff’s current focus: completing the Ultimate Waterfowlers Challenge with his son, Collin. With the goal of harvesting all 41 ducks and geese of North America, Jeff details their travels to locations like St. Paul Island—800 miles from Anchorage—and Obregon, Mexico. He shares the adventure of battling extreme weather in the Bering Sea to secure King Eiders, Long-tailed ducks, and Harlequins.

Jeff provides gripping accounts of his most memorable hunts, including the physical demands of chasing wild sheep and mountain goats. He recounts a harrowing experience in the Northwest Territories where he broke his ankle on a mountain peak and had to slide down to hike over a mile back to camp. We also hear the incredible story of his first trip to Africa in 2023 to hunt leopard, a dream inspired by reading Capstick as a child. Jeff describes tracking a cattle-killing leopard and a close encounter where the animal charged his truck, striking the window just inches from him.

As a firm believer in the mission of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF), Jeff highlights the organization's remarkable progress in education, conservation, and advocacy. We discuss the impact of the Foundation, including over $4 million in conservation grants and $3.36 million awarded in scholarships. Jeff also touches on the organization's 130% membership growth and its leadership in protecting the Second Amendment and sustainable hunting policies.

Tune in to hear Jeff Garrett’s insights on conservation, family bonds in the field, and the adrenaline of the hunt.

Learn more about HSCF at wehuntwegive.org