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.
SCI’s Next Chapter with Jason St. Michael
In a recent interview, Jason St. Michael of Safari Club International discussed the organization’s mission and global structure. SCI supports ethical hunting, wildlife protection, and conservation efforts through 164 chapters and 50,000 members worldwide. Jason highlighted the importance of hunters working together to secure the future of wildlife and outdoor traditions.
Jason explained the challenges hunters face, including legislative restrictions and widespread misinformation. He described SCI’s work on conservation projects and youth education programs. The organization also focuses on outreach to non-hunters, helping them understand hunting’s role in effective wildlife management. Building awareness remains central to SCI’s mission.
Membership in SCI offers benefits beyond conservation and advocacy. Local chapters provide community, events, and international hunting opportunities for members. Jason emphasized SCI’s political advocacy, citing recent legislative successes that protected hunting rights and advanced conservation. Membership also fosters camaraderie and purpose among dedicated hunters worldwide.
Looking ahead, Jason outlined plans for chapter growth, membership expansion, and broader global influence. SCI aims to engage younger hunters through outreach and education. Conservation, advocacy, and community remain at the heart of their mission. With these priorities, SCI continues leading as a strong global voice for hunters.
Stone Cold Outdoors
Known worldwide as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the wrestling icon revealed a surprising passion for the great outdoors. Before the fame, Austin learned patience, discipline, and respect while exploring the wild brush country of South Texas.
In an exclusive American Outdoor News interview, Austin shared the side fans rarely see. Not the wrestler or TV star, but the hunter who finds peace in the mountains and fulfillment in the field.
Austin began hunting with his father and brothers at just eight years old. He harvested his first whitetail deer at thirteen and became hooked on the hunting lifestyle.
Now living in Nevada, Austin hunts mule deer and antelope with his brother-in-law, a seasoned guide. For Austin, time spent glassing rugged terrain, scouting from a Kawasaki side-by-side, and embracing nature defines true success. Follow along for the rest of the interview - Dont forget to Subscribe, Like & Review our episode.
SCI’s Hunter Information Services – What Everyone Should Know
The American Outdoor News podcast recently featured a conversation with Barbara Crown from Safari Club International’s Hunter Information Services. This episode highlighted SCI’s dedication to supporting hunters worldwide.
Barbara explained how Hunter Information Services provides free assistance for members facing hunting and travel challenges. She helps with firearm transportation, trophy importation, permits, and insurance. This service guides both new and experienced hunters through complex regulations both nationally and internationally. Barbara’s goal is to ensure members make educated and informed hunting decisions.
Safari Club International also offers extensive resources for members who prefer independent research. Barbara directs hunters to SCI’s website, connects them with trusted providers, and answers detailed hunting questions. Many hunters remain unaware of SCI’s full range of support services. Her role ensures every member can access guidance on travel, advocacy, and conservation.
Barbara also discussed the Women Go Hunting program, designed to build a community for women in the outdoors. The program provides networking, hunting experiences, and events like the Women’s Mix and Mingle. It also offers awards challenges and mentorship opportunities. Barbara encouraged women to explore hunting, writing, or media, showing diverse paths into the outdoor industry.
Powerful Outdoor Story Telling with AGLOW
Chris Avena sits down with Kevin Paulson, Executive Director of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW), to discuss AGLOW’s history, mission, and future initiatives. Paulson highlights how AGLOW continues to unite outdoor communicators, brands, and organizations to strengthen storytelling within the outdoor industry.
Kevin Paulson outlines AGLOW’s four key pillars and explains the many membership benefits available for outdoor writers, content creators, and industry professionals. He shares how AGLOW provides valuable networking opportunities, educational resources, and professional growth to enhance careers in the outdoor media space.
The conversation expands beyond fishing, as Paulson reveals his vision for AGLOW’s growth into hunting opportunities and broader outdoor recreation. He also introduces the Outdoor Hive newsletter, designed to connect members with specialized employment resources and new career development tools within the industry.
The podcast concludes with Paulson’s report on AGLOW’s successful conferences, emphasizing traditional networking while improving pre- and post-conference activities. He stresses how AGLOW events continue building strong relationships, driving collaboration, and shaping the future of outdoor communication.
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SCI After Dark – The Entertainment Experience of the Year
Raymie Grimm, Director of Convention and International Events for Safari Club International (SCI), shared some exciting details about this year’s highly anticipated SCI Convention in Nashville. Known as one of the premier gatherings in the hunting and conservation world, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, blending world-class entertainment with unforgettable experiences that celebrate the outdoor lifestyle.
The convention will once again feature a lineup of incredible events and celebrations. Attendees can look forward to the traditional chapter banquets that bring members together, the always glamorous Beretta Gala, and the lively “Boots, Beer & Broadway” event that captures the spirit of Nashville. Another major highlight will be Night at the Ryman, where SCI will present its annual awards, hold live auctions, and treat guests to top-tier musical performances in one of country music’s most iconic venues. Each of these events blends camaraderie, entertainment, and philanthropy, ensuring that every night offers something memorable.
Raymie emphasized that the SCI Convention is more than just a gathering—it is the organization’s primary fundraiser, directly fueling SCI’s advocacy team that tirelessly defends hunting rights worldwide. Beyond the entertainment, the show floor itself is packed with attractions for every outdoor enthusiast. From fine firearms, custom knives, and luxury fashion to African safaris, world-class fishing trips, and original wildlife art, the variety of exhibitors is unmatched. This year, SCI has also made plans to feature exhibitors more prominently, giving attendees even better opportunities to connect with outfitters, gear companies, and conservation partners.
Looking beyond Nashville, Raymie also shared that SCI will host smaller, more intimate shows in Dallas and Madrid later this year. These events will offer additional opportunities for members and supporters to gather, with entertainment lineups and exhibitor details to be released soon.
For those interested in attending, Raymie encouraged everyone to visit safariclub.org for registration details. He also suggested following SCI on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and announcements as the convention approaches.
Whether you’re there for the auctions, the live music, the banquets, or simply to connect with fellow hunters and conservationists, this year’s SCI Convention in Nashville is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of the outdoor lifestyle.
Protecting Your Freedom to Hunt
In this episode of the American Outdoor News Podcast we are speaking with Laird Hamberlin, the CEO of Safari Club International. Laird explained that Safari Club International (SCI) works to protect the freedom to hunt worldwide. SCI promotes wildlife conservation, ethical hunting practices, and global outdoor education. The term “safari” means a journey, not just African hunting. SCI’s mission is to protect hunting rights across all continents. Laird compared SCI’s role to the NRA, stressing the importance of membership in both organizations for hunters’ rights.
Laird and Chris discussed the challenges facing the global hunting community. They stressed the need for unity among hunters to counter anti-hunting campaigns. Laird warned that opponents often use emotional narratives and misleading data to influence policy. He cited polar bear hunting bans and the Cecil the lion controversy as key examples. Both agreed hunters must share factual, science-based narratives to protect sustainable hunting practices.
While addressing Industry Challenges and Policy Reform, Laird emphasized that infighting within the hunting community weakens advocacy efforts. He called for stronger collaboration between hunting organizations. Some groups, he noted, focus more on fundraising than real conservation achievements. Laird also discussed the need to modernize the Endangered Species Act. He believes science-based wildlife management should guide policy decisions, not emotion or politics. This approach would secure hunting’s future for generations.
Laird promoted the upcoming Safari Club International Convention in Nashville, February 18–22, 2024. He called it SCI’s largest fundraiser and networking event. The convention offers hunters, outfitters, and conservationists a chance to connect globally. Laird shared personal stories of his family’s involvement, showing the event’s significance. He encouraged all hunters to join SCI and directed listeners to the official SCI website for membership details.
The Power of Storytelling in Outdoor Media
In a recent interview on the American Outdoor News Podcast, Robert Sexton, Executive Director of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), shared valuable insight into how the organization supports outdoor communicators. POMA was established to foster excellence in outdoor journalism and media while creating a strong connection between content creators and industry partners. From freelance outdoor writers and photographers to podcasters and influencers, POMA provides a platform where professionals can grow their skills and expand their reach within the outdoor industry.
Sexton emphasized the many benefits POMA offers to outdoor writers, including networking opportunities with manufacturers, access to exclusive media events, and professional development resources. One of the organization’s standout initiatives is its commitment to mentorship and education, helping emerging writers and creators build sustainable careers in outdoor media. With regular workshops, webinars, and annual conferences, POMA equips its members with tools to thrive in a competitive digital landscape while upholding the values of fair and honest communication.
The conversation also highlighted POMA’s role in preserving the integrity of traditional outdoor storytelling. Sexton noted that as media continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever for outdoor communicators to stay connected and unified. By joining POMA, outdoor writers not only gain visibility and credibility but also become part of a nationwide network committed to promoting conservation, hunting, fishing, and shooting sports through impactful and ethical storytelling. http://ProfessionalOutdoorMedia.org https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com
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