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

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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

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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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

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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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In this episode of Hunt. Fish. Freedom., host Kenia Link sits down on the floor of IOTR 2025 in Naples, Florida with Executive Director Luke Hilgemann and Representative Liz Caruso of Maine — the trio dives into why it’s important to add the right to hunt and fish to your state constitution if it’s not there already. They talk about Liz’s bill to enshrine the right to hunt and fish in Maine, what inspired her to bring forward this landmark legislation, how the process of drafting legislation like this works, why Maine needs a right to hunt and fish enshrined in the state constitution, and more!

Connect with Representative Caruso

Read The Bill: https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1849642

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizcarusoformaine?igsh=N3BuaWozNjQzM3I3 

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

Learn More: https://mainemorningstar.com/2025/03/12/maine-legislature-weighs-constitutional-right-to-hunt-and-fish/ 

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Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify

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 retired boxer and avid hunter King Pedford—the two dive deep into King’s transition from professional boxer to his ‘hunting’ career, how staying sharp while remaining patient is a skill that carried over from boxing to hunting, and the birth of Haymaker Hunting.

Connect with King Pedford:

Instagram: king_pedford 

https://www.instagram.com/king_pedford?igsh=MXE0NWhucmM0YzQ4Yw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087273408130&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Haymaker Hunting Website: https://haymakerhuntingusa.com/ 

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

Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify

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 Bethany Beathard—a military wife, homeschooling mom of five, and passionate outdoorswoman. They dive into the importance of getting kids involved in hunting, fishing, and conservation, as well as the growing role of women in the hunting community.

Bethany shares how she weaves nature-based learning into her homeschooling curriculum, teaching her children ethical hunting practices, outdoor survival skills, and conservation awareness from an early age. She also talks about the power of community in the outdoors, especially for women, and how social media helps connect like-minded hunters and anglers.

Plus, they discuss:

- The best ways to introduce kids to hunting and fishing

- Cooking wild game and passing down outdoor traditions

- Why conservation efforts need youth involvement

- How to build a supportive outdoor community online

If you're passionate about hunting, fishing, and preserving outdoor traditions, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Bethany Beathard:

https://wildngathered.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@bethanybeathard?_t=ZT-8vOVbCisSh0&_r=1

https://www.instagram.com/our.abundant.home?igsh=cHMwZWpxOGszdW4= 

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

Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify

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

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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