Hunting Matters

From harvesting his first game at five years old on a family lease in South Texas to traveling international continents in pursuit of the outdoors, Jamison Smith’s life has been deeply shaped by the wild.In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Betar sits down with Jamison Smith—Vice President of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) Board of Directors and Chairperson for the upcoming 2027 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention.Jamison shares the lasting lessons learned on family land as a child and how those core values inspire him today as he passes the hunting tradition down to his wife, Amanda, and their two children. He dives into his extensive journey with HSCF—serving as Firearms Chair, Secretary, Vice President, and Raffle Chair before stepping up to lead the convention. Plus, Jamison provides an insider’s look at the massive planning process behind HSCF’s signature convention, balancing entrepreneurship with volunteer leadership, and why educating the next generation is critical to defending hunters’ rights and wildlife conservation.In this episode, we discuss:Growing up on a Texas hunting lease and passing the legacy to the next generationLessons from international hunting adventures and global wildlife managementBridging business acumen with volunteer leadership in non-profit conservationBehind-the-scenes logistics of orchestrating the HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & ConventionDefending hunters’ rights and the essential connection between responsible hunting and conservation Learn More About Houston Safari Club Foundation: www.wehuntwegive.org

In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Betar sits down with Eric Hung, founder ofPew 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 to every hunter and shooter. He is also the founder and CEO of Pew Pew Tactical, one of the largest online firearms education resources, where he and his team have helped millions of new and experienced shooters build their skills safely through hands-on reviews, beginner's guides, and training content. It was during their hundreds of hours on the range that the idea for ShellShock took place. Whether behind a keyboard or behind a rifle, his mission is the same: making shooting sports safer, more approachable, and more fun.​Eric shares his journey from growing up in a non-gun household in Los Angeles to building one of the largest online firearms education platforms in the country.He discusses how his background in biomedical engineering shaped his approach to firearms instruction and product design. Eric also breaks down the story behind founding ShellShock Protection, highlighting their mission to provide certified, no-compromise eye and ear protection. With October being National Hearing Protection Month, Eric explains why situational awareness and hearing safety must go hand-in-hand for hunters and target shooters alike.Additionally, Eric opens up about his personal transition into hunting after moving to Texas, detailing his setup and tactics for thermal and night-vision hog control around Bastrop, his favorite rifle builds, and what it truly means to be a responsible firearm owner.Learn more:https://shellshockpro.com/https://www.pewpewtactical.com/Learn more about HSCF: Houston Safari Club Home - Houston Safari Club 

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 away from a promising career in corporate finance to pursue custom knifemaking full-time. He walks us through his breakthrough moment with "The Edisto"—a specialized oyster knife that won Garden & Gun’s overall Made in the South Award in 2011—and how that instant demand transformed him from a solo craftsman into an entrepreneur.In this episode, we cover:The Transition from Craft to Business: Leaving the finance industry, navigating custom demand, and scaling production without losing heirloom quality.Designing with Purpose: The story behind "The Edisto" and why understanding the end-user's needs comes before aesthetic appeal.The New Heritage Series: Reinterpreting classic, historical knife patterns with modern efficiency, super-durable materials, and precision edge geometry.Knives for the Field & Kitchen: What truly makes a hunting knife effective in demanding outdoor conditions, and how lessons from field tools influence culinary design.The Search for the Perfect EDC: Defining what makes a reliable, accessible everyday carry knife built for real work.Legacy & "Living Outside": Why a knife is more than just a tool, and what it means to build heirloom items designed to be passed down through generations.Whether you're an avid hunter, a outdoor enthusiast, a culinary enthusiast, or someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, this episode offers a fascinating look into building a brand grounded in heritage, durability, and functional art.Connect with Williams Knife Co.:Website: williamsknife.comInstagram: @WilliamsKnifeCoFacebook: @WilliamsKnifeCoVisit Houston Safari Club Foundation for more information. 

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 know when preparing for an African safari—from gear and ballistics to dangerous game encounters and sustainable conservation. Key Topics Covered:Preparing for Your First Safari: What first-time hunters should expect upon arrival, common preparation mistakes, and why mental flexibility and physical fitness are essential in the bush.Dangerous Game Encounters: How to prepare mentally and physically for hunting buffalo and elephant, understanding animal body language, preventing charges, and navigating high-pressure situations.Rifle & Ammunition Selection: Key considerations for bullet construction, weight retention, and terminal performance across different game species, plus essential range testing before traveling.Evaluating Safaris & Outfitter Models: Choosing between South Africa and Zimbabwe, understanding free-range vs. managed hunting properties, and the differences between outfitter-led and direct landowner operations.Conservation & Legacy: How ethical, regulated hunting directly funds anti-poaching operations, habitat restoration, and local community growth across Africa.Connect with DJ Meyer & Leeuwkop Hunting Safaris:Website: https://leeuwkophuntingsafaris.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeuwkophuntingsafaris/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leeuwkophuntingsafaris YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSCZx_-cirhZvgnFOpoC8wLearn more about HSCF: https://hscfdn.org/ 

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 suburban environments, and the rewards of being a lifelong outdoor learner.Key Topics Covered:Building & Evolving in Outdoor Tech: Lessons learned from founding, leading, and transitioning out of GoWild, and how digital communities shape modern outdoor culture. Strategic Storytelling for Conservation: How Prologue helps brands and outdoor organizations craft authentic narratives that resonate beyond traditional hunting circles.Suburban & Urban Hunting: The unique strategies, access challenges, and opportunities of hunting smaller suburban properties, including Brad's experience hunting a 30-acre tree farm in the city.Embracing New Outdoor Pursuits: Applying patience and observation from hunting to new challenges like surf fishing, and the importance of remaining a beginner.Family, Work, & Outdoor Life: Balancing entrepreneurship with family time and passing down outdoor values and conservation principles to the next generation.Connect with Brad Luttrell & Prologue:Website: Prologue StoriesMusic Newsletter: Friday Mornin'LinkedIn: Brad Luttrell on LinkedInLearn more about HSCF: https://hscfdn.org/ 

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 leadership—including 23 years at the helm of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA)—Brian shares insights from iconic Texas ranches, globally renowned hunting landscapes, and HuntStand's groundbreaking documentary, Origins.Key Topics Covered:Lessons from Iconic Landscapes: What decades of research on legendary Texas properties—like the YO Ranch, King Ranch, and Piloncillo Ranch—teach us about whitetail herd dynamics and North American deer management.The Origins Documentary: Behind the scenes of HuntStand's new film, exploring the roots of modern deer management, the unique history of South Texas, and the vital role private landowners play in habitat restoration.Technology Meets Wildlife Science: How digital mapping tools, spatial data, and mobile platforms can enhance hunter decision-making, monitor herd health, and support conservation without replacing woodsmanship.Global Perspectives & Bowhunting Roots: Insights gained from deer research in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, alongside Brian's lifelong passion for traditional bowhunting and passing outdoor traditions to the next generation.Connect with HuntStand:Website: HuntStandFacebook: HuntStand on FacebookInstagram: @huntstandrConnect with HSCF: https://hscfdn.org/ 

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 conservation economics shape the future of rural real estate and farm management. Key Topics Covered:Navigating Rural Real Estate & Lending: How financing farms, ranches, and recreational properties differs from traditional residential loans, along with key strategies for managing input costs, interest rates, and commodity fluctuations.The Cooperative Advantage: Understanding Capital Farm Credit’s cooperative structure and how returning earnings to customer-owners strengthens local rural communities.The Economics of Wildlife & Hunting: Balancing livestock operations with habitat management, and using hunting lease revenue to enhance land stewardship, offset operational costs, and fund conservation practices.Generational Succession & Future Outlook: Practical advice for farm and ranch families planning succession, overcoming high entry barriers for young agricultural operators, and maintaining Texas rural heritage for the next generation.Supporting Conservation & Youth: Why Capital Farm Credit partners with organizations like the Houston Safari Club Foundation to fund youth scholarships and protect hunting traditions.Connect with Capital Farm Credit:Website: Capital Farm CreditFacebook: Capital Farm Credit on FacebookInstagram: @capitalfarmcreditX (Twitter): @CapitalFarmCredLinkedIn: Capital Farm Credit Company PageYouTube: Capital Farm Credit ChannelConnect with Hunting Matters:Subscribe & Review: Be sure to subscribe to Hunting Matters on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating and review!Learn More: Visit https://hscfdn.org/ to support conservation, education, and our hunting heritage.

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 five continents, Victor shares gripping insights from dangerous-game safaris and mountain hunts, explaining why the true value of hunting lies far beyond the trophy—it’s rooted in the people, the character built through adversity, and a deep respect for wildlife management.We explore his memoir, The Man That I Would Become, unpacking how faith, accountability, and decades of corporate leadership shaped his approach to land stewardship. Victor also discusses his mission to give back by hosting combat veterans, mentoring the next generation of outdoorsmen, and highlighting the realities of conservation as co-host of Trekin Outdoors and The B-Tex Ranch on MyOutdoorTV.Connect with Victor L. Bretting & B-Tex Ranch:Website: brettingtexanranch.comGet the Memoir (The Man That I Would Become): brettingtexanranch.com/the-bookFacebook: facebook.com/btexranchLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victor-brettingLearn more about HSCF:  Houston Safari Club Home - Houston Safari Club

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 traditions.Key Topics Covered:Mentorship & Youth Engagement: Why absent mentors—not technology—are the main barrier keeping kids indoors, and how a single positive outdoor experience can make a lasting impact.The Rules of Firsts: Teaching ethical conservation, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness through trapping, metal detecting, survival skills, and wild game processing.The Heroes Hunt & Community Outreach: Providing all-expenses-paid trips for children of fallen and wounded military members, police officers, and firefighters, alongside programs supporting local families.Bridging Perspectives: Embracing open dialogue with non-outdoorsmen and opposing groups to foster true stewardship and understandingWebsite: Walking Humbly Outdoor AdventuresHouston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/

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 nearly four-decade career in ranching and hunting, exploring how family legacy, Texas history, and a deep commitment to stewardship shape their family-run operation in South Texas. The discussion details Leo’s multi-generational roots in the industry—inspired by his grandfather’s life as a cowboy and ranch foreman—and how he carries those foundational values forward today. Leo and Madison share what it takes to manage the daily balance of native wildlife, exotic game, cattle production, and hosting hunting guests on a working South Texas ranch. We explore the unique allure of South Texas hunting, the intricacies of humane wildlife and habitat management, and how Madison’s perspective as the next generation is helping shape the ranch's future. Finally, we explore the essential connection between ethical hunting, conservation, and youth education, highlighting DEA Ranch’s hosting of HSCF’s first annual Summer Youth Conservation Education Program. Leo and Madison share powerful insights on passing down land stewardship to the next generation, the honor of receiving the 2025 Outfitter of the Year award, and why hands-on outdoor experiences are critical to protecting wildlife, rural communities, and hunting heritage for decades to come.Learn more about DEA Ranch and their work:Website: https://dearanch.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dealexanderranch/Instagram: @dea_ranchHouston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/