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 made far from the field carry real consequences for those who live it. From federal land management to wildlife policy and the pressures facing hunters nationwide, he breaks down what’s at stake - and what’s coming next.

This isn’t political theater. It’s reality.

No talking points. No sugarcoating.
Just an honest conversation about the intersection of hunting, conservation, and the policies shaping both.

Because the future of hunting isn’t just written in the field - it’s written in law.

And whether we like it or not, those decisions will determine what’s left for the next generation.

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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 wildlife today. From habitat loss to population balance, he breaks down the realities most never see — and why hunters remain a critical piece of the equation.

This isn’t theory. It’s boots-on-the-ground truth.

No politics. No filters.
Just an honest conversation about science, stewardship, and the responsibility that comes with the pursuit.

Because at the end of the day, hunting isn’t separate from conservation — it’s part of it.

The future of wildlife depends on those who understand the balance, respect the resource, and are willing to carry the weight of that responsibility forward.

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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 game, but of purpose. Decades in the field have given him a perspective few can match, shaped by experience, tradition, and an unshakable belief in the role hunters play in conservation.

No politics. No filters.

Just hard-earned truth from a man who has spent his life fighting to protect wild places and the freedom to hunt them — including his work alongside organizations like Safari Club International.

For Jim, hunting isn’t just heritage — it’s duty.

The future of wildlife, the preservation of habitat, and the defense of hunting itself depend on those willing to stand up, speak out, and carry the responsibility forward.

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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 outdoors — an avid hunter and outspoken advocate for hunting rights, actively involved with Safari Club International and its mission to protect the future of hunting.

From big-league pressure to time in the field, David understands discipline, respect, and what it means to stand for something.

No politics. No filters.

Just straight talk from someone who’s competed at the highest level — and now uses his platform to defend a lifestyle that’s constantly under pressure.

For Boomer, hunting isn’t just a passion — it’s something worth protecting.

Because the freedoms hunters have today aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.

And the people willing to speak up? They matter more than ever.

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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’s seen firsthand what it takes to not only participate in hunting — but to protect it.

No politics. No filters.

Just honest perspective from someone who understands the responsibility that comes with carrying the tradition forward — and bringing others with her.

For Kristy, hunting isn’t just about the pursuit — it’s about purpose.

Because if the next generation doesn’t feel welcomed, equipped, and inspired to step into this lifestyle… it doesn’t continue.

And if it doesn’t continue — neither does conservation.

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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 like on the ground.

No politics. No filters.

Just hard-earned perspective from someone whose livelihood — and way of life — is tied directly to the health of wildlife and the future of hunting.

For Shane, hunting isn’t a pastime — it’s a responsibility.

The animals, the land, and the traditions that surround them don’t take care of themselves. They depend on hunters who understand the role they play in conservation and the organizations willing to stand up and fight for it.

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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 tenure, the organization expanded its national impact, helping conserve millions of acres of habitat while strengthening the connection between hunters, wildlife management, and conservation funding.

Following his time at NWTF, Rob continued advancing conservation efforts through leadership roles with Bass Pro Shops, where he worked to elevate national conservation initiatives and strengthen partnerships across the outdoor industry. Throughout his career, his contributions to wildlife stewardship and the hunting community have earned recognition from organizations across the conservation space, including honors from Safari Club International.

In this conversation, Rob reflects on decades of leadership in conservation, the critical role hunters play in protecting wildlife and habitat, and why the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation remains the gold standard for responsible wildlife management. We also discuss the growing challenges facing hunting today — from misinformation to political pressure — and why unity within the hunting community has never been more important.

This is a powerful conversation with a man who has spent a lifetime ensuring that conservation, hunting traditions, and the freedoms that support them continue for generations to come.

If you believe being First For Hunters is more than a phrase — it’s a responsibility — this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

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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 ensure the next generation stays engaged and equipped for the fight ahead. We dive into what membership truly means, why chapter involvement matters more than ever, and how collective action fuels SCI’s mission on a global scale.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone who believes being “First For Hunters” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a commitment.

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