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Safari Club International’s “First For Hunters” Podcast
This is the front line when it comes to hunting advocacy and conservation.
Hosted by Craig Kauffman, the official podcast of Safari Club International cuts through the noise and goes straight to the issues that impact hunters, outfitters, and conservationists around the world. SCI was built to defend the freedom to hunt and safeguard wildlife for future generations — and this show carries that mission into every conversation.
No fluff. No recycled headlines.
Each week, we break down the legislation, policies, and global decisions shaping the future of hunting. From international regulations and conservation battles to industry news, boots-on-the-ground perspectives, and insider updates from SCI — this is where hunters stay informed and ready.
If it affects your rights, your opportunities, or the future of wildlife, it’s talked about here.
This is more than a podcast.
It’s a pulse check on the state of hunting worldwide, and WE ARE First For Hunters.
37 Episodes
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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 ahea...
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 than a passion—it’s a responsibility. Support the show
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 exists to provide practical insight, real-time guidance, and problem-solving suppor...
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, how legislation shapes opportunity in the field, and why boots-on-th...
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. It’s a force. From global policy battles to boots-on-the-ground conservation ...
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 millio...
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. Thanks for tuning in. Please drop us a like or subscribe! Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/W3zID0-iiGg What to learn more about Safari Club International and its efforts to promote hunting and wildlife conservation worldwide? Use this link: https://...
On this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, host Ben Cassidy sits down with SCI Ambassador Nick Hoffman! Nick is host of Nick's Wild Ride on the Outdoor Channel and an award winning musician. On this episode they discuss SCI Convention in Nashville and Nick's passion for hunting and conservation. Don't miss out! SCI Website: https://safariclub.org/ Nick's Wild Ride: https://www.nickswildride.net/ FIRST FOR HUNTERS https://www.youtube.com/@SCIFirstForHunters Suppo...
On this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, host Ben Cassidy travels to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to hunt with a rabbit hunting legend, Charles Rodney! Tune in as the crew gets close to shooting their limit and Charles Rodney fills us in with what he believes to be the future of the sport! https://safariclub.org/ Support the show
In this episode, live from SCI Convention in Nashville, host Ben Cassidy sits down with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas. Senator Marshall is a Doctor, Veteran, and lifelong sportsman and conservationist. He is truly one of our own, fighting the good the fight every single day in Washington D.C. https://safariclub.org/ Support the show
In this episode, live from SCI Convention in Nashville, host Ben Cassidy sits down with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska to discuss the loss of "access" to public lands in Alaska by the Biden Administration. Get to know U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan in this episode and his love for hunting! Topics include: "No Net Loss" approach to hunting access, The Senator's military service, and his love for hunting. https://safariclub.org/ Support the show
In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with Get Ducks founder, Ramsey Russell, to discuss his recent trip to Australia in pursuit of waterfowl and the film he put together in support of the sport in the region: Battleground Australia, presented by Get Ducks, SCI, and Field & Game Australia, airs January 24th on the Get Ducks YouTube channel. This film depicts the diverse and healthy populations of waterfowl in Australia and explains what hunters do to conserve waterfowl in the regio...
In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with Dan Gates the Founder and Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (C.R.W.M). Ben and Dan discuss the recent challenges sportsmen and women face in Colorado around the management of mountain lions and the imminent threat of recent ballot initiatives and what hunters are doing to stop them. Learn more about C.R.W.M. here: https://savethehuntcolorado.com/ Support the show
In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with SCI Foundation Large Carnivore Program Manager Maria Davidson, SCI Litigation Counsel Regina Lennox, and SCI Western States Liaison Chris Tymeson to discuss black bear management, specifically the future of the black bear in Louisiana. The First For Hunters Podcast is the ONLY podcast in the hunting industry updating you weekly on the legislative issues that affect hunting worldwide. Thanks for tuning in! https://safariclub.org/ Support...
Merry Christmas from Safari Club International! Join us on today's episode with host Ben Cassidy and guests Bee Frederick (SCI Eastern States Liaison), Jeremy Clare (SCI Litigation Counsel), and Regina Lennox (SCI Litigation Counsel) to discuss some of the big hunter advocacy wins from 2023! We couldn't have had all of these amazing wins without the support of YOU our listeners, followers, advocates, and members. We can't wait to see what 2024 brings. FIRST FOR HUNTERS! Su...
Last week, SCI, the West Michigan Bowhunters Chapter of SCI, and Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education over its misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). The lawsuit challenges the Department’s misguided decision to prohibit the use of federal funds for shooting sports, hunter education, and outdoor education programs in schools. In this podcast, host Ben Cassidy sits down with SCI Litigation Counsel Regina Le...
In this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, host Ben Cassidy gives a quick International and Government Affairs recap and then sits down with Jim Shepherd, the founder of Outdoor Wire. The Outdoor Wire is a daily news outlet of record for the outdoor industry. https://www.theoutdoorwire.com/ Support the show
In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with Chris Parish (CEO and President at the Peregrine Fund) and Leland Brown (Non-lead Hunting Education Program Manager at Oregon Zoo) to discuss lead ammunition and tackle. While Working at the Peregrine Fund, Chris and Leland co-founded the Non-Lead Partnership. SCI opposes blanket lead bans. They disregard science, block access and, in turn, negatively impact wildlife conservation. The Non-Lead Partnership brought a unique perspect...
In this episode, Ben Cassidy sits down with Larry Bell, SCI Life Member and Founder of the Bell Family Blue Bag program. In memory of their daughter Amy Bell, SafariCare Blue Bags are filled by chapters, individual members, church groups or even groups of schoolchildren or scouts. The contents may include medical, educational, and other relief supplies, or clothing and toys. The Blue Bag is taken to remote areas of the world by hunters who have planned hunts in these regions. The...
In this episode, First For Hunters Host Ben Cassidy sits down with Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia's First District. Congressman Wittman is a lifelong hunter and angler from the Northern Neck of Virginia. Ben and the Congressman discuss the Biden Administration's threat to limit the use of lead ammunition on public lands and what we as sportsmen can do to prevent it. Thanks for listening in! Want to write in? social@scifirstforhunters.org Support the show
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