Podcast
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.
Chris Tymeson on Conservation & Advocacy
Chris Tymeson, SCI’s Vice President of Government Affairs, described SCI’s advocacy work across six major areas. These include federal affairs, state affairs, international advocacy, the Hunter Information Service, guide and outfitter relations, and legal support. He explained that SCI works closely with lawmakers to defend hunters and protect outdoor traditions. Tymeson also shared his background in wildlife law and conservation policy.
Tymeson detailed SCI’s ongoing efforts to protect hunters’ rights and ensure long-term hunting access. He emphasized SCI’s commitment to sustainable use conservation rather than preservation-only approaches. He highlighted issues involving predator management, endangered species conflicts, and increasing ammunition restrictions. SCI continues to fight these challenges to preserve hunting opportunities nationwide.
During the interview, Tymeson addressed rising concerns affecting hunters and outdoorsmen. He explained how species recovery often reduces hunting access without proper scientific review. He also noted that SCI advocates for balanced wildlife management policies that support conservation and hunting heritage. SCI works to ensure hunters remain active partners in conservation efforts.
Tymeson discussed SCI’s support for a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open. This ensured federal lands stayed accessible for hunters, including a terminally ill child’s final hunt. He also addressed visa delays affecting the annual SCI convention. Tymeson criticized a harmful provision in the Big Beautiful Bill that limited public land sales without public input. SCI continues defending public land access and hunters’ freedoms.
On Target with the + One Mentorship Initiative
Chris Avena interviewed Justin Morrissey from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to discuss the +One Mentorship Initiative. The program encourages hunting mentorship and shooting sports participation through partnerships with groups like the National Deer Association and Pheasants Forever. Originally built around pledges, the +One Initiative now focuses on measurable recruitment and mentorship to expand hunting participation and firearm safety education.
Through +One, the NSSF created a national mentorship network that connects experienced hunters with newcomers. Morrissey highlighted scalable programs like Learn to Hunt, which teach outdoor skills and firearms safety in a welcoming, inclusive environment. He emphasized the importance of mentors who can adapt, communicate, and support new hunters with patience and understanding. The NSSF plans to launch a national mentor recruitment campaign to expand these efforts even further.
Today, the +One Initiative includes over 62,000 mentors who reach more than half a million new participants each year. These mentors include hunting instructors, shooting coaches, and first responders who promote firearm safety and outdoor ethics. Morrissey explained that the partnership model is far more scalable and impactful than traditional awareness pledges.
The +One Mentorship Initiative is helping preserve America’s outdoor heritage through education, inclusion, and mentorship. By teaching new generations about hunting, conservation, and firearm responsibility, NSSF and Justin Morrissey are ensuring the future of our hunting and shooting sports traditions.
https://www.americanoutdoornews.com/
#NSSF #+One #PlusOne #Mentorship #HuntingMentors #ShootingSports
One for the Record Books
The Hunt is On
Rockin the Outdoors
Project ChildSafe – Promoting Gun Safety
My interview with Joe Bartozzi from Project ChildSafe focused on promoting responsible gun ownership and secure firearm storage. Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program that provides free educational resources and firearm safety kits. The program partners with local law enforcement to distribute gun locks and safety information across communities in the United States. Its mission is to reduce firearm accidents, misuse, and theft through awareness and secure storage.
Since its launch in 1999, Project ChildSafe has significantly improved gun safety nationwide. Over the past 25 years, firearm accidents have decreased by 40 percent, a major achievement for the program. Originally called Project HomeSafe, the initiative began with federal funding under the George W. Bush administration. Today, Project ChildSafe continues its mission by offering free resources and safety materials to gun owners everywhere. Its long-standing success highlights the importance of education and responsibility in firearm ownership.
Bartozzi explained that Project ChildSafe now partners with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide. The program operates across all 50 states and five U.S. territories, making it the largest initiative of its kind. Beyond law enforcement, it has also formed partnerships with about 13,000 local organizations. These include faith-based groups, gun shops, and safety instructors who help distribute firearm locks and educational content. This network ensures that safety information and resources reach as many people as possible.
We also discussed ways that communities can get involved with Project ChildSafe. Local organizations can share promotional materials, host educational events, and participate in fundraising efforts to expand outreach. By spreading awareness, communities strengthen firearm safety culture while preventing misuse, theft, and suicide. Bartozzi emphasized that Project ChildSafe was built by gun owners for gun owners, hunters, and shooters. Its focus remains on protecting families and communities by making secure storage a standard practice.