Podcasts Archives

SCI’s NEW Center for Conservation & Education

In my recent interview with Regina Lennox from Safari Club International (SCI), we explored their new Center for Conservation Law and Education. This initiative supports hunting rights, promotes wildlife conservation, and educates the public on sustainable hunting practices. Regina emphasized SCI’s commitment to protecting the outdoor lifestyle through education and legal advocacy.

We discussed SCI’s ongoing efforts to delist gray wolves and fight for hunters’ rights in courtrooms across the country. Regina explained how SCI uses litigation to challenge anti-hunting legislation and protect science-based wildlife management. Their legal team plays a vital role in defending the rights of sportsmen and women nationwide.

The conversation also focused on the need for strong messaging and marketing to better engage the general public. Regina shared insights on how storytelling and education help connect non-hunters to the importance of conservation through hunting. We also touched on upcoming SCI initiatives and potential partnerships to expand their outreach and advocacy efforts.

http://SafariClub.org

https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

June 11, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsConservation, Education, First for Hunters, Hunter Rights, Safari Club International, SCI, Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Education0 Comments

Nick Hoffman’s Untamed Journey

In our latest interview, American Outdoor News dives deep with Nick Hoffman, the charismatic host of Nick’s Wild Ride on the Outdoor Channel. Known for his love of exploration, music, and storytelling, Nick shares insights on what fuels his passion for the outdoors. He reveals the unique mix of challenges and excitement that come with combining travel, hunting, and culture through his series, giving fans an authentic look at the untamed parts of the world.

Throughout the conversation, Nick opens up about his journey from country musician to outdoor adventurer. His love for the wild began early on, but his career as a musician allowed him to turn that love into a full-fledged lifestyle. Nick discusses how he captures raw moments on Nick’s Wild Ride, showing the real side of hunting, conservation, and local traditions worldwide. His perspective highlights the importance of appreciating diverse cultures and the shared values between music and the outdoor lifestyle.

Nick also shares some behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make it to the screen, adding even more depth to the captivating stories he tells on his show. With humor and honesty, he reflects on the personal growth he’s experienced, the unforgettable encounters he’s had in the field, and what fans can expect in the future. Our chat is a must-watch for anyone who loves adventure, music, and the great outdoors.

https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

http://Nickswildride.net

June 5, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcasts0 Comments

Talkin Turkey

Hunter Wallis is a nine-time Grand National Turkey Calling Champion and a highly respected figure in the world of turkey hunting. From a young age, he developed a passion for calling, mastering various techniques that have earned him numerous state and national titles. While he excels in stage-calling competitions, Hunter believes that calling in the woods is a completely different challenge, requiring adaptability and an understanding of a turkey’s natural behavior. His expertise goes beyond just winning contests—he uses his knowledge to educate and inspire fellow hunters, sharing insights on the best calls, setups, and strategies for a successful hunt. When it comes to turkey calling, Hunter emphasizes the importance of selecting the right call for each situation. He prefers using a glass call for aggressive "run-and-gun" hunts and a mouth call for closer encounters, allowing for subtle, realistic sounds. He also stresses the significance of proper setup, urging hunters to stay concealed and position themselves strategically when working a bird. Through his YouTube show, Rogue Hunts, and his social media presence, Hunter continues to showcase his skills and passion for turkey hunting, all while helping others refine their calling techniques and improve their success in the field. https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

May 29, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsbig bird, hen, hunter wallis, Hunting, jake, tom, Turkey, turkey calling, turkey hunt, turkey hunter, Turkey Hunting, Turkey Season0 Comments

Redefining Vision on the Water – Bajio Sunglasses

In this edition of American Outdoor News Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Al Perkinson, founder and CEO of Bajío Sunglasses—a brand that’s quickly making waves in the outdoor and fishing communities. With a rich background in the eyewear industry and a passion for coastal conservation, Al shared the story behind Bajío’s creation and what sets the company apart from other performance sunglass brands on the market.

Throughout our conversation, Al emphasized the importance of vision—both in terms of the high-quality polarized lenses Bajío produces and the greater mission the company stands behind. Designed specifically for anglers and watermen, Bajío sunglasses are built to cut glare, enhance clarity, and reduce eye fatigue, all while being environmentally responsible. From the use of sustainable materials to their efforts in protecting fragile coastal ecosystems, Bajío is more than just a gear company—they’re a movement for positive change.

What truly stood out during the interview was Al’s deep commitment to creating a product that serves a purpose beyond performance. Bajío isn’t just helping anglers see fish more clearly; they’re helping the world see the urgent need for conservation and responsible outdoor recreation. It’s a refreshing approach in a crowded market, and one that resonates deeply with the mission of American Outdoor News and our community of passionate outdoorsmen and women.

http://BajioSunglasses.com

https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

May 20, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsBajio Sunglasses, Shades, sun glare, Sunglasses0 Comments

Mentor the Hunter of Tomorrow

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mitch Strobl from Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, a nonprofit organization that is making a real impact in the world of hunting and fishing. The organization’s mission is clear: to connect kids with mentors who can teach them the values, skills, and joys of the outdoor lifestyle. Through structured programs and strong partnerships with state wildlife agencies, conservation groups, and local volunteers, Pass It On has created an accessible pathway for youth to experience hunting and fishing—many for the first time. During our conversation, Mitch spoke passionately about the importance of mentorship in preserving our outdoor heritage. With fewer young people being introduced to the outdoors through traditional family structures, programs like Pass It On fill a critical gap. Mitch shared stories of kids who had never held a fishing rod or fired a rifle before joining the program—some of whom now return year after year, even bringing younger siblings or eventually mentoring others themselves. It’s a powerful testament to the long-term impact that one positive experience in the outdoors can have on a young life. Our interview served as a strong reminder that the future of hunting and fishing depends not only on conservation but on education and community. Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is helping to build that foundation, one youth and one mentor at a time. Their work not only promotes outdoor skills but fosters responsibility, confidence, and a lifelong connection to nature. It was an inspiring conversation with Mitch Strobl, and we’re proud to spotlight their efforts in American Outdoor News. http://OutdoorMentors.org https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

May 14, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsFishing, Hunting, mentorship, outdoor mentors, pass it on0 Comments

The Silent Revolution – Modern Suppressors

In our recent interview with the team at Faxon Arms, we explored the company’s impressive evolution from a precision parts manufacturer to a full-fledged firearms innovator. What began with crafting high-quality gun barrels has since expanded into a comprehensive firearm manufacturing operation. Known for their attention to detail and commitment to performance, Faxon quickly earned a reputation among enthusiasts and professionals alike for delivering reliable, American-made components. As demand grew and their expertise deepened, Faxon Arms naturally progressed from making barrels to producing a wide array of firearm parts, including upper receivers, bolt carrier groups, and complete rifle builds. Their transition was driven by a desire to provide shooters with a dependable and cohesive firearm system that could be trusted in the field, on the range, or in defense scenarios. Every step in their journey reflected a passion for innovation and a focus on quality control, setting them apart in a crowded industry. Now, Faxon Arms is entering the world of suppressors—a move that speaks volumes about where the future of firearm technology is headed. With the same meticulous engineering that put their barrels on the map, they're designing suppressors that offer reduced sound signature without sacrificing performance or reliability. As legislation around suppressors continues to evolve, Faxon is positioning itself at the forefront, delivering products that meet the needs of modern shooters while reinforcing the principles of conservation, responsibility, and cutting-edge design. http://Faxonfirearms.com https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

May 7, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsfaxon, Faxon Firearms, gun barrells, suppressors0 Comments

Dialed In with Bergara Rifles

In a recent interview with Chad Schearer of Bergara Rifles, we had the chance to talk all things shooting sports, hunting, and the brand’s impressive presence at the Long Shot Tour in Dallas. Chad, a longtime ambassador for Bergara, brought his trademark energy and insight as he discussed the excitement surrounding the tour and what it means to engage directly with the shooting community. The Dallas event was just one stop on a tour that continues to connect Bergara with passionate marksmen and hunters who value precision, performance, and reliability.

Chad spoke proudly about his 28-year relationship with the Bergara brand — a rare level of loyalty in any industry. That kind of long-term partnership speaks volumes about the trust he places in Bergara's rifles and the company’s commitment to quality. Over the years, Chad has played an integral role in helping to shape the brand’s direction and product offerings, providing valuable field feedback and serving as a trusted voice for both seasoned shooters and newcomers to the sport.

Of course, we couldn’t wrap up the conversation without talking favorite calibers. Chad shared that while he has a number of rifles he enjoys shooting, his go-to caliber remains the versatile and ever-reliable6.5 Creedmoor. It’s a round that gets the job done whether he’s hunting elk out West or shooting long range with confidence. Be sure to catch the full interview in the next edition of American Outdoor News, where Chad Schearer gives us an inside look at his journey with Bergara and his passion for the outdoor lifestyle.

May 1, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsbergara, bergara rifles, chad schearer, Hunting, hunting rifles, Long Range Shooting, Shooting sports0 Comments

The Politics of Hunting

In a recent interview with Erica Tergeson of DSC’s Government Affairs Department, American Outdoor News explored the critical legislative efforts protecting hunters' rights and wildlife conservation. Erica shed light on DSC’s role in advocating for pro-hunting legislation, both at the state and federal levels. Her deep understanding of policy and commitment to preserving outdoor traditions showcased the importance of staying informed and engaged as sportsmen and women.

Erica discussed key issues currently affecting the hunting community, including firearms legislation, anti-hunting initiatives, and international hunting policy challenges. She emphasized DSC’s mission to defend ethical hunting and the science-based conservation model that funds wildlife habitat and species preservation. For hunters who want to continue enjoying the outdoors for generations to come, Erica's insights offered valuable perspectives on how government policy impacts the future of our outdoor lifestyle.

This compelling conversation with Erica Tergeson is a must-listen for anyone who values conservation advocacy, Second Amendment rights, and sustainable wildlife management. Her work with DSC highlights the power of unified voices in influencing policy and protecting our freedoms. Be sure to read or tune into the full interview in this month’s edition of American Outdoor News, where the outdoors meets action, advocacy, and education.

http://Biggame.org

https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

April 23, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcasts0 Comments

Taking the Long Shot

In this exclusive interview, Tony Smotherman of CVA joins us to talk about precision, innovation, and taking the long shot. Tony shares insights into the legendary CVA muzzleloader line, trusted by hunters across the country for accuracy and reliability and able to take that long shot.

We explore the exciting features of the CVA Cascade bolt-action rifle, designed for hunters who are ready for anything. From dense forests to open fields, these rifles are built for performance in every condition.

Tony also discusses the importance of confidence in your gear when taking the long shot in the field. He explains what sets CVA apart in both muzzleloaders and modern hunting rifles.

Whether you hunt with traditional black powder or prefer long-range precision, this interview has something for every outdoorsman.

https://CVA.com

https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

April 17, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsAmerican Outdoor News, Bolt-Action Rifles, Cascade Rifle, CVA Cascade, CVA Firearms, CVA Muzzleloaders, Hunting Gear, Muzzleloading Hunting, Taking the Long Shot, Tony Smotherman0 Comments

Feathers & Fields

In this episode of the American Outdoor News Podcast, we sit down with Robin Zimmer from Pheasant Cove Outfitters. Known for premier upland bird hunting, Robin shares her passion for the outdoors and pheasant hunting. We explore the legacy behind Pheasant Cove and how it became a top destination for upland game enthusiasts. Robin also discusses his commitment to conservation and preserving hunting traditions.

Pheasant Cove Outfitters offers guided pheasant hunts tailored for hunters of all skill levels. With acres of managed land, hunters enjoy a truly wild experience. Robin explains how habitat management plays a key role in bird health and sustainability. His team focuses on providing an authentic pheasant hunting adventure in a controlled, yet natural, environment. Every hunt is designed for excitement, safety, and success.

We also dive into the growing interest in upland bird hunting across the U.S. Robin highlights how Pheasant Cove Outfitters attracts hunters from coast to coast. Their reputation for professionalism, hospitality, and top-tier game bird hunting sets them apart. Whether you're a seasoned upland hunter or trying it for the first time, Robin makes it easy to enjoy the sport.

If you're looking for a high-quality pheasant hunting lodge, this is the conversation to hear. Learn how Pheasant Cove Outfitters blends old-school tradition with modern-day comfort. Tune in now to hear Robin Zimmer’s expert take on the future of upland bird hunting in America.

http://PheasantCove.com

https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

April 9, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsbird hunter, bird hunting, Pheasant, pheasant cove outfitters, Pheasant Hunt, pheasant hunting, upland bird hunting, upland game0 Comments