This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with J. Alain Smith and Nick Hoffman — two voices deeply rooted in the traditions of hunting, yet actively shaping its future through storytelling, media, and an unwavering commitment to the lifestyle.

J. Alain Smith brings decades of experience as a hunter, communicator, and ambassador for the outdoors. Known for his thoughtful perspective and deep respect for the heritage of hunting, his voice has long been a steady force in a world that’s constantly evolving.

Nick Hoffman, a lifelong hunter and host of Nick’s Wild Ride, represents a different but equally important lane — one that bridges global adventure with a grounded appreciation for the people, places, and cultures that define hunting around the world.

Together, this conversation goes beyond the surface.

It’s about legacy — what’s been passed down, what’s being preserved, and what responsibility today’s hunters carry moving forward. From North American traditions to international experiences, Alain and Nick share stories that highlight not just the pursuit, but the purpose behind it.

They dig into the role of storytelling in modern hunting, the importance of authenticity in a digital world, and why staying connected to the roots of the lifestyle matters now more than ever.

No fluff. No filters. Just real perspective from two men who’ve lived it from different angles — and understand exactly what’s at stake.

Because hunting isn’t just something you do.

It’s something you carry — across generations, across borders, and into the future.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 15 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Eva Maria Schrittwieser — a lifelong hunter, storyteller, and one of the most authentic voices representing the next generation of the outdoors.

Raised in a family where hunting wasn’t a hobby but a way of life, Eva brings a perspective grounded in tradition, shaped by experience, and sharpened by a deep respect for the land and the animals that inhabit it. From whitetails in the hardwoods to the everyday moments that never make it to camera, her story is built on more than tags filled — it’s built on connection.

But this conversation isn’t about curated feeds or highlight reels.

It’s about the reality of living this lifestyle — the early mornings, the missed opportunities, the quiet lessons learned when no one else is watching. Eva speaks openly about carrying on family traditions, navigating the modern hunting landscape as a woman in the field, and staying true to what matters in a world that’s constantly trying to redefine it.

This episode digs into identity, responsibility, and the role hunters play in protecting what they love — not just for today, but for those who will follow.

No fluff. No filters. Just real perspective from someone who’s living it every season.

Because in the end, hunting isn’t about proving anything to the outside world —

it’s about knowing exactly why you’re out there in the first place.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Craig Boddington — a legendary hunter, conservationist, and one of the most respected voices in the outdoor world.

With decades spent chasing game across six continents, Boddington brings a perspective few can match. From dangerous game in Africa to backcountry pursuits in North America, his experiences go far beyond the trophy — rooted instead in respect for wildlife, ethical hunting, and the responsibility that comes with it.

But this conversation isn’t about highlight reels.

It’s about what hunting really means — the discipline, the failures, the lessons learned over a lifetime in the field. Boddington speaks candidly on conservation, the evolution of modern hunting, and the growing disconnect between those who live it and those who try to define it from the outside.

Just hard-earned perspective from a man who’s seen it all — and still believes the best part of hunting isn’t what you take, but what it gives back.

Because in the end, the legacy of hunting won’t be measured in inches or pounds —
it’ll be measured in how well we protect it for the next generation.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Pete Stauber — a former law enforcement officer, lifelong outdoorsman, and Congressman representing Minnesota’s 8th District.

Stauber brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective shaped by the Northwoods and carried into Washington, where decisions about land use, energy, and conservation directly impact the future of hunting. From public land access to resource management and the realities facing working-class hunters, he lays out what’s at stake — and what’s being decided right now.

This isn’t political theater. It’s reality.

No talking points. No sugarcoating.
Just an honest conversation about the intersection of hunting, conservation, and the policies shaping both.

Because the future of hunting isn’t just written in the field — it’s written in law.

And whether we like it or not, those decisions will determine what’s left for the next generation.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Senator Dan Sullivan - a lifelong outdoorsman, U.S. Senator from Alaska, and a leading voice in the fight to protect hunting rights, public access, and the future of conservation in America.

Sullivan brings a perspective forged in Alaska’s wild country and sharpened in Washington, where decisions made far from the field carry real consequences for those who live it. From federal land management to wildlife policy and the pressures facing hunters nationwide, he breaks down what’s at stake - and what’s coming next.

This isn’t political theater. It’s reality.

No talking points. No sugarcoating.
Just an honest conversation about the intersection of hunting, conservation, and the policies shaping both.

Because the future of hunting isn’t just written in the field - it’s written in law.

And whether we like it or not, those decisions will determine what’s left for the next generation.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Dr. Miguel Estade — a respected voice in wildlife science, conservation, and the deeper understanding of how hunters fit into the modern landscape of wildlife management.

Dr. Estade brings a perspective forged through research, time in the field, and a clear-eyed view of the challenges facing wildlife today. From habitat loss to population balance, he breaks down the realities most never see — and why hunters remain a critical piece of the equation.

This isn’t theory. It’s boots-on-the-ground truth.

No politics. No filters.
Just an honest conversation about science, stewardship, and the responsibility that comes with the pursuit.

Because at the end of the day, hunting isn’t separate from conservation — it’s part of it.

The future of wildlife depends on those who understand the balance, respect the resource, and are willing to carry the weight of that responsibility forward.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 10 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Jim Shockey — a legend in the hunting world, renowned outfitter, television personality, and one of the most outspoken advocates for conservation and hunters’ rights today.

From the high mountains to the farthest corners of wild country, Jim has built a life around pursuit — not just of game, but of purpose. Decades in the field have given him a perspective few can match, shaped by experience, tradition, and an unshakable belief in the role hunters play in conservation.

No politics. No filters.

Just hard-earned truth from a man who has spent his life fighting to protect wild places and the freedom to hunt them — including his work alongside organizations like Safari Club International.

For Jim, hunting isn’t just heritage — it’s duty.

The future of wildlife, the preservation of habitat, and the defense of hunting itself depend on those willing to stand up, speak out, and carry the responsibility forward.

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On Episode 9 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with David Wells — better known to many as “Boomer.” A two-time World Series champion and one of the few pitchers in history to throw a perfect game in Major League Baseball, David brings a perspective that bridges       professional sports and the hunting world.

 But beyond the mound, he’s built a life rooted in the outdoors — an avid hunter and outspoken advocate for hunting rights, actively involved with Safari Club International and its mission to protect the future of hunting.

 From big-league pressure to time in the field, David understands discipline, respect, and what it means to stand for something.

 No politics. No filters.

 Just straight talk from someone who’s competed at the highest level — and now uses his platform to defend a lifestyle that’s constantly under pressure.

 For Boomer, hunting isn’t just a passion — it’s something worth protecting.

 Because the freedoms hunters have today aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.

 And the people willing to speak up? They matter more than ever.

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 On Episode 8 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Kristy Titus — founder of Pursue The Wild and a relentless voice for the future of hunting.

 Kristy’s path wasn’t handed to her. She built it — step by step — earning her place in a space that demands grit, respect, and the willingness to learn the hard way.

 From western backcountry hunts to mentoring new hunters, she’s seen firsthand what it takes to not only participate in hunting — but to protect it.

 No politics. No filters.

 Just honest perspective from someone who understands the responsibility that comes with carrying the tradition forward — and bringing others with her.

 For Kristy, hunting isn’t just about the pursuit — it’s about purpose.

 Because if the next generation doesn’t feel welcomed, equipped, and inspired to step into this lifestyle… it doesn’t continue.

 And if it doesn’t continue — neither does conservation.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 7 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Shane Black, owner of Canada North Outfitting — one of the most respected operations and a man who has spent his life guiding hunters through some of the wildest country left on the continent.

From the tundra to the timber, Shane has seen firsthand what sustainable hunting and real conservation look like on the ground.

No politics. No filters.

Just hard-earned perspective from someone whose livelihood — and way of life — is tied directly to the health of wildlife and the future of hunting.

For Shane, hunting isn’t a pastime — it’s a responsibility.

The animals, the land, and the traditions that surround them don’t take care of themselves. They depend on hunters who understand the role they play in conservation and the organizations willing to stand up and fight for it.

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