Podcast
Empowering the Next Generation of Hunters
Chris Avena interviews Stephanie Spika-Hickey about her extensive involvement with Safari Club International (SCI) and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). They discuss the importance of youth and veterans awards in promoting outdoor activities, the process of starting a new chapter within SCI, and the significance of networking in the outdoor media industry. Stephanie emphasizes the need for community engagement and education in outdoor sports, encouraging listeners to introduce others to the outdoors and share their passion for hunting and conservation.
takeaways
Stephanie has been with SCI for a long time, serving in various roles.
The Youth Award encourages young hunters to engage in their communities.
Veterans awards recognize chapters that support military service members.
Starting a chapter requires community involvement and support from SCI.
POMA connects outdoor media professionals with industry opportunities.
Networking is crucial for growth in the outdoor media field.
The POMA Summit is a key event for media and companies to connect.
Members can apply for awards to be recognized for their contributions.
Education about hunting is important for non-hunters to understand the lifestyle.
Community engagement is essential for the future of outdoor sports.
SCI Deep Dive into Outdoor Adventure
In a recent interview, Christopher Avena sits down with Raymie Grimm to discuss the highly anticipated Safari Club International Convention, one of the premier gatherings for hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The conversation highlights the convention’s massive scale, featuring more than 900 exhibitors showcasing hunting destinations, outdoor gear, conservation initiatives, and industry innovations. As one of the largest hunting and conservation conventions in the world, the event offers attendees a unique opportunity to explore new products, connect with outfitters, and immerse themselves in the global hunting community.
Throughout the discussion, Grimm emphasizes the critical role Safari Club International plays in conservation advocacy and protecting hunting traditions. Membership in SCI provides outdoor enthusiasts with exclusive access to educational resources, conservation programs, and legislative advocacy efforts that support the future of hunting and wildlife preservation. The convention itself serves as a central hub where members and newcomers alike can participate in educational seminars designed to provide valuable insights into wildlife management, ethical hunting practices, and conservation leadership.
Avena and Grimm also highlight the unmatched networking opportunities available during the convention, where attendees can meet industry experts, professional outfitters, conservation leaders, and fellow hunters from around the world. The event’s evening social gatherings and auctions are major highlights, offering guests the chance to support conservation fundraising efforts while building lasting relationships within the outdoor community. The convention remains welcoming to families and newcomers, with free admission for children helping encourage youth participation in outdoor traditions.
Hosting the event in Nashville adds another layer of excitement, as the city’s vibrant culture, entertainment, and hospitality enhance the overall convention experience. Grimm encourages attendees to fully engage with the event, take advantage of educational opportunities, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for conservation and the outdoor lifestyle. The Safari Club International Convention continues to serve as a cornerstone event that strengthens the hunting community while promoting responsible wildlife stewardship and outdoor heritage.
http://SafariClub.org
https://www.americanoutdoornews.com/
Florida Bear Hunt
During my interview with Maria Davidson of Safari Club International, we discussed the recent Florida bear hunt and the conservation science that supports regulated hunting in the state. Maria explained that Florida’s bear hunts are not about reducing wildlife indiscriminately, but about responsibly managing finite habitat resources while balancing wildlife populations with increasing land use and human interaction. Much like deer management in the Northeast, Florida must consider food availability, carrying capacity, and long-term sustainability to ensure bears—and other wildlife—can thrive.
Maria detailed how Florida’s bear population management plan is rooted in state-of-the-art science. Population surveys rely on real data and indices to determine saturation levels in core habitat areas, rather than assumptions or public perception. She emphasized that these surveys are not conducted annually but revisited every two to three bear generations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Florida’s approach is species-specific, focused solely on bears due to the state’s limited habitat, and should not be misconstrued as a reflection of management strategies for other wildlife species.
Our conversation also explored bear population management strategies, including how harvest levels are used to slow, stabilize, or adjust population growth when necessary. Maria noted that a healthy bear population does not always mean one that is constantly growing. Sustainable populations can exist even at lower numbers, as seen in states like Louisiana, which has successfully conducted bear hunts. I shared my own observations of increased bear sightings in New York over the past 15 to 18 years, underscoring how bear populations—and management challenges—vary widely by region.
Finally, Maria highlighted the data-driven and adaptive management approach used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Through tools such as hair snare projects, genetic identification, and tracking of female bears with collars, FWC gathers critical information to guide future decisions, including tag allocations for upcoming seasons like 2026. We also addressed common misconceptions about hunting, emphasizing its essential role in conservation funding, wildlife management, and education. Maria stressed the importance of transparency and outreach—particularly to landowners and the broader public—to better communicate how regulated hunting directly supports conservation efforts across Florida and beyond.
Time for the Outdoor Extravaganza
Chris Avena, host of the American Outdoor News Podcast speaks with Christina Pittman, President and CEO of Texas Trophy Hunters Association, about conservation and hunting heritage.
She highlighted TTHA’s 51-year history and its mission supporting youth education and the future of hunting.
Christina previewed the Outdoors Extravaganza 2026 ,scheduled January 9–11 in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. This jam packed trade show features outfitters, hunting gear, filled with family activities, and expanded premium exhibitor space.
She explained how Safari Club International’s acquisition of TTHA strengthened education, conservation, and hunter outreach efforts. The event includes seminars with Texas Parks and Wildlife and educational programming for new and experienced hunters.
The Outdoors Extravaganza also raises funds through auctions and youth-focused events promoting the outdoor lifestyle. Families are encouraged to attend, with free youth admission, hands-on activities, and opportunities to support conservation.
Its Show Time! Time to Celebrate the Outdoors!
In this episode of the American Outdoor News Podcast, host Chris Avena speaks with Raymie Grimm of Safari Club International (SCI) about the organization’s global conservation mission and hunting advocacy efforts. Their conversation highlights how SCI continues to unite hunters worldwide through education, ethical hunting practices, and impactful conservation initiatives.
A major focus of the discussion was the Texas Trophy Hunters Outdoors Extravaganza, taking place January 9–11 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Produced in partnership with SCI, the event features top outfitters, manufacturers, live entertainment, and highly anticipated online hunting auctions. Raymie emphasized the Extravaganza’s role in advancing the hunting industry, supporting conservation funding, and creating opportunities for sportsmen to connect directly with industry leaders.
Raymie and Chris also previewed the Safari Club International Convention and after-hours events in Nashville, which continue to grow in popularity. From chapter gatherings and foundation galas to live and online auctions, the SCI Nashville events blend entertainment, networking, and fundraising. Raymie stressed the importance of early registration, noting strong ticket demand and record-breaking auction donations that directly support SCI’s conservation and advocacy programs.
The conversation concluded with an overview of SCI Cinegética Spain, the organization’s premier European convention held in Madrid. This international event combines world-class hunting packages, cultural experiences, auctions, and exclusive social events. Cinegética Spain showcases SCI’s expanding global footprint, offering members a unique opportunity to connect with international outfitters while celebrating hunting traditions, conservation, and camaraderie on a global stage. http://Safariclub.org
A Girl & A Gun- Empowering Women in Shooting Sports
Chris Avena interviewed Robyn Sandoval, founder of A Girl & A Gun, about the organization’s origins and nationwide growth.
Sandoval explained it began as a 2011 “Girls’ Night Out” to introduce women to firearms in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment.
A Girl & A Gun has grown into the largest women’s firearms training organization in the United States. The organization empowers women through professional firearms training, mentorship, and supportive shooting sports communities.
Sandoval emphasized the importance of certified instructors, safety education, and confidence-building for new and returning shooters.
She highlighted how mentorship helps break barriers and reshape perceptions of women in the firearms industry.
With chapters across all 50 states, A Girl & A Gun continues expanding training, leadership, and instructor development programs.
The organization remains committed to responsible gun ownership, education, and growing female participation in shooting sports.
Let’s Go Bear hunting
Chris spoke with Bee Frederick and Regina Lennox from Safari Club International about current bear hunting policies. They discussed Florida bear hunting regulations, Louisiana’s reopened bear season, and ongoing challenges in population control. Bee explained the limited Florida bear hunt, which offers 172 permits across specific zones. He noted that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission uses science-based data to protect bear sustainability.
Bee detailed how the Florida bear hunting permit system works and why the FWC set conservative quotas. Florida excluded zones with fewer than 200 bears and adjusted tag numbers by region. This structured approach helps manage rising bear populations and reduce human-bear conflicts. Bee stressed that the process focuses on responsible wildlife management, not experimentation. The permit system reflects a cautious but necessary step toward long-term conservation.
Regina and Bee compared Florida’s policies to Louisiana, where bear hunting restarted after 35 years. Louisiana saw strong success in its first year, leading to more permits and better harvest data. They also discussed Connecticut’s growing bear population and the urgent need for structured management. Connecticut has over 1,000 bears but no bear hunting season, creating rising conflict in a densely populated state. The conversation emphasized that science-driven harvest data is essential for future tag allocation and wildlife balance.
The interview highlighted how expanding black bear populations create opportunities and challenges for conservation. Regina outlined the importance of hunting as a management tool, especially when bears enter unsuitable habitats. Bee explained that states aim for a 20% harvest to stabilize populations, but many fall short. Ethical hunting practices, such as avoiding sows with cubs, remain central to successful conservation. Chris closed by encouraging support for Safari Club International and inviting listeners to revisit the topic after new harvest results and regulatory updates.
From American Idol to the Most Wanted List
Country music artist Kristy Lee Cook has carved out a career that beautifully blends her love for music with her deep passion for the outdoors. Many know her from her time on American Idol, where her powerful voice and authentic charm won over audiences nationwide. Today, she is equally well recognized as the host of The Most Wanted List on the Sportsman Channel, a show that captures her adventurous spirit and commitment to the outdoor lifestyle. When Kristy sat down with me, the conversation was less about celebrity highlights and more about the real-life journey that brought her from the stage to the woods.
Kristy grew up in Oregon, where her life revolved around music, horses, and family. Those early years gave her a love of performing and a strong work ethic, but it wasn’t until later that hunting entered her world. She recalled how her introduction to the outdoors began in a unique way through a trade of horse-riding lessons for hunting lessons. What started as a curiosity quickly became a passion, opening a new chapter in her life that would eventually reshape her career.
Uniting Hunters Around the World
Carson Keys explained his role as Safari Club International’s Chapter Services Director and his “coach-player” leadership style. He oversees 125 to 130 SCI chapters across the United States. His team supports these chapters with structure, resources, and clear strategic guidance. Carson emphasized that effective chapter management strengthens SCI’s mission and expands its national reach.
He detailed the benefits of local SCI chapters and their value to their communities. Carson explained that the chapter system aims to unite local outdoorsmen for a common goal. That goal promotes hunter conservation and deeper involvement in local community projects. He described the chapter revenue model and how funds support education, conservation, and advocacy efforts.
Carson also discussed key fundraising strategies used by SCI chapters. These include banquets, raffles, hunter events, and other community activities. He stressed that strong fundraising builds local engagement and chapter growth. Carson encouraged new members to explore nearby chapters through the SCI website.
He highlighted SCI’s strong advocacy mission on state and federal levels. Carson described their presence in Washington D.C. and their defense of hunting rights. He emphasized the value of SCI membership and its many available resources. Carson noted that active members help protect hunting traditions for future generations.