Unfiltered Outdoors by Hunters Of Color

In this episode of Unfiltered Outdoors, we sit down with wildlife biologist, birder, author, photographer, and 2025 Hunters of Color East Ambassador of the Year, Alex Troutman. Alex shares his journey of growing up passionate about wildlife, navigating the outdoors and conservation spaces as a Black man, and building a career in a field where he rarely saw people who looked like him. This conversation goes beyond hunting and biology. It's about representation, mentorship, public lands, and what it means to help the next generation find belonging in the outdoors. Alex speaks on the power of exposure, the responsibility that comes with being extractive from the land, and why conservation has to be more than just words. He also gets real about the challenges Black folks face outside, from isolation in the field to questions of safety, while reminding us why creating welcoming spaces matters. It's an honest, thoughtful, and unfiltered conversation about wildlife, hunting, identity, and our obligation to protect both people and the places we love.

Welcome to Unfiltered Outdoors by Hunters of Color—the show for anyone who loves the outdoors but is tired of the stereotypes, the side-eyes, and the "you don't look like a hunter" energy. In Episode 1, co-hosts Tony Ary (Development Director) and Kenny X Hamlett (Head of Marketing) set the tone: no fake politeness, no gatekeeping, and no filtering. They break down what Hunters of Color actually is (and isn't), why the work matters for everyone in the outdoor space, and how community-centered mentorship helps with recruitment, retention, and ethical participation. You'll hear wild stories (yes… a deer in the back of a Kia Optima), honest conversations about fear and assumptions in the woods, and why the outdoors can be a powerful tool for mental health. Plus, they introduce upcoming segments like "What's in the Bag" and tease future guests—from chefs to anglers to brand builders. If you've ever felt like the outdoors wasn't built with you in mind—this is your spot. Subscribe, pull up, and let's get into it.