Florida’s black bear hunt is back—discover what this means for conservation, hunters, and future generations.

The Florida black bear is one of the great conservation success stories of modern wildlife management. Once reduced to only a few hundred animals, today the population exceeds 4,000—and for the first time in a decade, the hunt has officially returned. In this episode of Hunt Fish Freedom, host Kenya Link sits down with Travis Thompson of All Florida to break down this landmark decision and why it matters for hunters across the country.

From the history of Florida’s black bear population to the science behind sustainable harvests, Travis explains how conservation, regulation, and hunter participation came together to make this hunt possible. You’ll hear about the 187 tags available, the role of hunting dogs, how baiting is being used to ensure selective harvest, and why this decision sets an example for other states.

Beyond bear hunting, this conversation dives into the bigger picture: the North American Model of Conservation, the importance of science-based management, and what it means for the future of hunting and fishing. Whether you’re passionate about waterfowl hunting, chasing elk out West, or fine-tuning your bass fishing strategies, this episode connects the dots between conservation victories in Florida and the outdoor heritage we all fight to protect.

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Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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Discover how a Wisconsin family turned passion for hunting into advocacy, tradition, and generational outdoor legacy.

In this episode of Hunt. Fish. Freedom., host Kenia sits down with Luke and Kaleb Hilgemann to share a powerful family story about hunting, fishing, and preserving outdoor traditions in Wisconsin. From tracking deer at age three to helping change state hunting laws, Kaleb’s journey shows how the next generation is carrying forward the hunting lifestyle.

Luke reflects on raising his son to love the outdoors, the pride of harvesting whitetail deer on their family farm, and the responsibility of passing on skills like food plots, bow practice, and ethical shot preparation. Kaleb shares his love of hunting whitetail deer, fishing local waters, mentoring younger hunters, and preparing wild game meals for family and friends. Together, they discuss:

Whether you’re passionate about whitetail deer hunting, outdoor family traditions, or protecting the right to hunt and fish, this episode will inspire you to carry forward the legacy of conservation and advocacy.

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Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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A once-in-a-lifetime Idaho bighorn sheep hunt brings family, tradition, and conservation together.

In this episode of Hunt. Fish. Freedom, host Kenia shares the excitement of drawing one of Idaho’s rarest bighorn sheep tags—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hunt in the rugged Rocky Mountains. 

Joined by her father, this hunt is more than just pursuing wild game—it’s about family tradition, conservation, and carrying forward a deep connection to the outdoors.

Kenia discusses the preparation for backcountry hunting in grueling heat, the gear and rifles she’ll rely on, and how her past experiences—from Dall sheep hunting in Alaska to black bear and whitetail in Wisconsin—have shaped her as a hunter. She also shares the importance of family mentorship, recounting how her dad and siblings built a lifestyle centered around hunting, fishing, and passing along those traditions.

The episode also looks ahead to the International Order of T. Roosevelt’s upcoming Ohio tour, where the team will work to protect the constitutional right to hunt and fish. With hunting seasons around the corner, it’s a critical reminder of why sportsmen and women must stand together to defend outdoor heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned mountain hunter or a whitetail weekend warrior, this conversation delivers inspiration, insights, and a powerful reminder of why the right to hunt and fish matters.

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Discover how a farm kid turned musician became one of the world’s most accomplished big game hunters.

In this episode of Hunt. Fish. Freedom., IOTR’s own Kenia Link sits down with J. Alain Smith — best-selling author, award-winning international big game hunter, conservationist, and musician—to explore a lifetime devoted to the outdoors. From his early days duck hunting in Washington State to chasing Sitka blacktail in Kodiak, Alaska, and pursuing Africa’s Big Five, J. Alain shares the adventures, mentors, and moments that shaped his hunting journey.

The conversation dives deep into why hunting and fishing are vital to global conservation, how sportsmen fund wildlife protection, and why voting and advocacy are crucial for preserving our outdoor heritage. You’ll hear stories from remote mountains and African plains, plus practical advice for mentoring new hunters and anglers.

Whether you’re a waterfowler, big game hunter, or avid fisherman, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and inspiration to protect the future of our outdoor traditions.

Connect with J Alain Smith & Rugged Expeditions

J Alain Smith’s Website Site: https://jalainsmith.com

J Alain Smith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_alain_smith/ 

J Alain Smith’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jalain.smith 

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For hunters and anglers, the Second Amendment isn’t just about politics — it’s personal. It’s about preserving the freedom to head into the field, pass down traditions, and manage wildlife the way America always has: with boots on the ground and firearms in hand.

In this episode of Hunt Fish Freedom, host Kenia Link sits down with John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), to discuss how Second Amendment legislation impacts hunting, fishing, and outdoor access across America. From proposed firearm regulations that affect hunters directly, to the connection between conservation funding and gun sales, they unpack what’s really at stake.

You'll hear how legislative threats to outdoor lifestyles—especially public land access and firearm ownership—are evolving in Washington and state legislatures. John breaks down why grassroots advocacy, local organization involvement, and informed voting are more important than ever for hunters and anglers. They also highlight the NRA-ILA’s initiatives to protect hunting rights and expand access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Whether you're a whitetail hunter, fly fisherman, or just someone who values outdoor freedom, this episode gives you tools to take action, protect your rights, and ensure future generations can hunt and fish freely.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with NRA-ILA

NRA-ILA Site: https://www.nraila.org/ 

Howl For Wildlife’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/nra 

Howl For Wildlife’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation 

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Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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In this episode of the Hunt. Fish. Freedom. podcast, host Kenia Link is live from IOTR 2025 joined by Charles Whitwam, president of Howl for Wildlife. They discuss the importance of grassroots advocacy in conservation and hunting. Charles emphasizes the need for effective communication and education to bridge the gap between hunters and the non-hunting public. The conversation explores the emotional connections people have with hunting, the legislative efforts to protect hunting rights, and the proactive strategies needed to ensure the future of hunting and wildlife management. Charles shares insights on building community and understanding among diverse groups, highlighting the role of organizations like Howl in advocating for wildlife and hunting rights.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with HOWL For Wildlife

HOWL For Wildlife Site: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/ 

Howl For Wildlife’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howl_org/ 

Howl For Wildlife’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howl.org/# 

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Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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In this episode of the Hunt. Fish. Freedom. podcast, host Kenia Link is joined by Tyler Sharp of The Modern Huntsman to discuss his journey into the world of hunting and conservation, the philosophy behind Modern Huntsman, and the importance of ethical storytelling in the hunting community. We dig deep into the intersection of art and conservation - with beautiful print magazines experiencing a huge resurgence in recent years, the role of community engagement, and future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity in the outdoor heritage.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with Modern Huntsman

Modern Huntsman Site: https://modernhuntsman.com 

Modern Huntsman’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernhuntsman/

Modern Huntsman’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Modernhuntsman/ 

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!

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Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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In this episode of the Hunt. Fish. Freedom. Podcast we dive deep into the intersection of hunting, fishing, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle with guest Dan Cabela of the Cabela Family Foundation. This wide-ranging conversation explores how hunters and anglers contribute to wildlife conservation, food security, and the protection of wild places. Learn about the Cabela Family Foundation and their partnership with IOTR. 

Dan shares compelling stories from the field—including the bison restoration project on Sitkalidak Island—and discusses the critical role of education and storytelling in changing public perceptions around hunting and fishing. You'll also hear about the Foundation’s work in the Arctic and the resilience of indigenous communities living off the land.

Whether you're a hunter, fisherman, or passionate about the outdoors, this episode offers a powerful look at why sustainable wildlife management and conservation ethics matter more than ever.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with Dan Cabela and the Cabela Family Foundation

Hard Truths of Conservation: https://www.hardtruthsofconservation.com/

Dan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancabela?igsh=MTgyeW9rbG01OGxjOA==

Cabela Family Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabelafamilyfoundation?igsh=MWowN2NiamI0aG5wcw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1938s4zuib/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Kenia Link is joined by fellow Minnesotans Pat and Nicole Reeve of the Driven Hunter television. This show recorded from the floor of IOTR’s recent 2025 gathering in Naples, Florida. Pat and Nicole have been involved with the International Order of T. Roosevelt from the beginning. They recognize the critical importance of the constitutional right to hunt and fish for the future of their 5 children, grandkids and generations beyond. They catch up about the week they're having in Naples, the historic victory in Florida, and more! 

Connect with Pat And Nicole Reeve

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drivenhunter?igsh=MXBjdWdmcXVmdjA4NQ==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18VbjRaxkJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drivenhunter?si=857SY6ljIYfYn7fN

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!

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Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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In this episode of Hunt. Fish. Freedom., host Kenia Link sits down with YouTuber and fishing influencer Josh Jorgenson of BlacktipH to talk about the freedom to fish. Fresh off the big win of preserving the right to hunt and fish in the Florida constitution, Josh Jorgenson shares the workload that is YET to be done - combatting mismanagement, reigning in unreasonable diving practices, and what we can all do to ensure that these fisheries are enshrined ecologically, as well as in the constitution, for generations to come. Learn why Josh thinks it is important to use his platforms to stand up for protecting fishing in more states across the county and even the globe.

Connect with BlacktipH

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacktiph?igsh=a2doZzU3bHR1MDFw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BfedbLgnY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blacktiph?si=5oCXSADP4AnkuJQI

Learn More: https://blacktiph.com/collections/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKbBW9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp3fOe-Jfc_8W10czJ0e75ZcMWEtiwguPLgBbzCC5zyeAIo3koiTZaWkMyzAO_aem__Qz4-oQwz3AE4WcxlhT_4A

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!

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Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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