In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we're joined by Chris Conrad, the founder and owner of Republic Boot Co., a Houston-based bootmaker dedicated to preserving and celebrating Texan heritage through handcrafted cowboy boots. After spending time abroad, Chris returned to follow a "divine calling to save Texas" by starting his company in 2011.

We dive into Chris's journey, which began with deep family roots in Houston’s Heights dating back to the late 1800s. We discuss how his experience in Italy shaped his appreciation for culture and craft , and how his background in engineering and oil & gas brings a unique, process-driven approach to the artistry of boot-making. Chris shares the mission behind Republic Boot Co.'s immersive retail space—part museum, part saloon, part workshop—designed to make people feel a distinct connection to Texas heritage.

As an outdoorsman himself, Chris discusses how hunting has impacted his life and values. We explore the often-misunderstood role of hunters as stewards of the land and protectors of cultural heritage. Chris connects the spirit of the hunt—patience, respect, and self-reliance—to the philosophy of Republic Boot Co. , and how the boots he makes are designed to be heirloom products that carry the spirit of those stories and values.

Tune in to hear how Chris balances handcrafted quality with business growth , how he captures customers' personal stories in a custom boot , and what it means to him to be "saving Texas" beyond the business itself.

Learn more about Chris Conrad and Republic Boot Co.:
Website:https://www.republicbootcompany.com 
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RepublicBootCo 
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/republicboot1836/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-conrad-5479451a/ 

Learn more about HSCF at wehuntwegive.org.

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we're joined by Micah Haarhoff, the 24-year-old President of Revolution Powersports. Known as the "Amazon Prime of the powersports world" for its speed and customer-first experience, Revolution Powersports has seen incredible growth under Micah's leadership.

A Texas-born entrepreneur and pilot, Micah also owns ventures in real estate and investments, driven by a passion for creating businesses that bring freedom and impact to his team and community. We dive into his journey, beginning at just 24 years old, and what sparked his passion for building companies. Micah shares the original vision behind Revolution Powersports and how the "Amazon Prime" model is delivered to customers through a process-driven approach focused on scalable systems and developing leaders.

We explore how his Christian faith and values influence his leadership and business decisions, and what it means to build a "life without limits". We also get the inside track on the company's expansion, including the new storefront and the launch of their parts department.

For our listeners who are hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, Micah breaks down how SXS (Side-by-Side) vehicles fit into the outdoor lifestyle. He shares key features and modifications he recommends for hunters and discusses the trend of increased interest from the hunting community for powersports vehicles.

Tune in to hear how Micah balances confidence with humility, the influence of his other passion—flying—on his business mindset, and his advice for young entrepreneurs looking to build a business that creates true freedom and impact.

Learn more about Micah Haarhoff and Revolution Powersports:

• Website: https://www.rpsride.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevolutionPowersports
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpsride
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rpsride

Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Vickie McMillan-Hayes, an acclaimed Wildlife Conservation Artist. A proud native Texan , Vickie channels her profound connection to nature into breathtaking wildlife, landscape, and iconic images of the rugged cowboy/girl amidst picturesque wild terrain.

Vickie's art is driven by a desire to evoke a sense of awe and raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation by painting animals from around the world. We delve into her unique experience of living and studying animals in their natural African habitat for five summers , and how that fieldwork shaped her perspective. A truly inspiring part of our conversation focuses on how Vickie has overcome the challenge of Essential Tremors, a disability she has faced since age 16. She describes the incredible discipline required to achieve her desired stroke, which involves holding her breath while bracing her painting hand. We also discuss her success in the art world, including having her award-winning paintings featured in prestigious art museums and galleries , and what it was like to have her work selected for the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies program.

Tune in to hear how Vickie sees the role of art in conservation and the legacy she hopes to leave.

Learn more about Vickie McMillan-Hayes and her art on her website at https://www.vickiemcmillan-hayes.com/.  Connect with Vickie on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Bobby Deeds, Wildlife Specialist for Record Rack Deer Feeds. Raised on a ranch in Central Texas, Bobby developed a strong focus on Wildlife Management early on. He holds a BS and an MS in Animal Science/Range and Wildlife Management from Angelo State University , and is a Certified Texas State Wildlife Biologist.

Bobby has been employed by Cargill Animal Nutrition for 20 years , where he works with formulation, R&D, and customers to develop innovative wildlife rations that provide solutions for professional game ranch managers. We discuss how his extensive education and experience as a Certified Texas State Wildlife Biologist allow him to consult with landowners and ranch managers on best management practices to improve wildlife production. We explore the biggest challenges facing wildlife and habitat management in Texas today and how supplemental feeding programs like those offered by Record Rack fit into a broader wildlife management plan. Bobby shares insight into the science behind designing a high-quality wildlife ration, how research in deer nutrition has evolved, and the significant role proper nutrition plays in the health and antler growth of deer herds. He also discusses what sets Record Rack apart as a trusted brand.


Learn more about Record Rack Deer Feeds on their website at https://recordrack.com/ ,
and connect with them on Facebook or YouTube


You can connect with Bobby Deeds by phone at 325-451-0030 or via email at [email protected].


Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Mike Arnold, a lifelong hunter and a Distinguished Research Professor and Head of the Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia. Mike brings a powerful scientific perspective to the world of hunting and conservation.

From his earliest hunts for quail and rabbits in his childhood to pursuing kudu and leopard in Africa and brocket deer in Mexico, Mike shares how the hunter’s horn sounded for him at age five and never stopped. We discuss the unique dynamic of sharing these adventures with his wife and videographer, Frances, a non-hunter herself.

Mike, who has published more than 220 articles and delivered two TEDx talks on conservation through trophy hunting, dives into his acclaimed books: BRINGING BACK THE LIONS and his newest release, BRINGING BACK THE WILD – Stories from Revitalized Ecosystems Around the World (2025). We explore what people most misunderstand about the hunter’s pivotal role in conservation, how local communities benefit, and the direct link between conservation biology and responsible hunting.

Tune in to hear how Mike balances his life as a scientist and an outdoor writer, stories from his recent safari in Mozambique, and what he’s most looking forward to on his upcoming trip to the Scottish Highlands.

• Website: mikearnoldoutdoors.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/arnoldoutdoorwriter

Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at wehuntwegive.org 

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Rudy Nix, a dedicated member of HSCF for over 20 years. Rudy has lived a life deeply connected to the outdoors. When not managing his ranch in the Texas Hill Country, where he spends countless hours clearing cedar and practicing land stewardship, Rudy is pursuing his passion for hunting across the globe. His adventures have taken him throughout North and South America, Africa, and New Zealand, using bow, rifle, and shotgun to experience a wide range of hunting traditions. As an HSCF member for more than two decades, Rudy has served the organization in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President, and currently as a Director on the HSCF Board of Directors. Rudy continues to give back to the next generation of conservation leaders through his service on the HSCF Dan L Duncan Scholarship Committee. In this episode of Hunting Matters, Rudy shares stories from his hunting experiences around the world and reflections on his years of involvement with HSCF. Listeners will also hear about the importance of scholarships and mentorship in shaping the future of conservation and the hunting community.

Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at https://hscfdn.org/ and the HSCF Dan L Duncan scholarship program at https://hscfdn.org/scholarship/. 

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Adam Montgomery, a Life member of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and the chairperson for banquet table sales for the 2026 HSCF Convention. Adam's traditional "old school" upbringing, shaped by his grandparents, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for the outdoors. He learned to shoot at the age of five from his grandfather and later, driven by his own determination, became proficient in hunting. Adam, who is also a 3rd-degree black belt in taekwondo, shares how the discipline from martial arts has influenced his professional career and his life as a hunter. We also discuss his professional journey, from his beginnings in car sales to his role as a Major Account Executive at DEX Imaging, and HSCF Corporate Partner and sponosr of HSCF's Youth Education Program. Adam, who is a husband and a father, also shares how his family inspires him and what values he hopes to pass on to his son.


For more information, visit DEX Imaging and connect with Adam on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/adam-montgomery-74a810185.


Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Brittany French, the CEO of Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors. With a mission to empower youth in the outdoors through mentorship, Brittany's passion for the program started in 2015 as a volunteer, and she believes it is our collective responsibility to serve young people in our communities. We discuss her journey from volunteer to leader, how her personal love for hunting, fishing, and shooting fuels her work, and the unique power of outdoor mentorship for youth development. The conversation delves into the incredible growth of the organization, which hosted over 800 free events for more than 2,000 youth in 2024, and its ambitious goals for the future. Brittany also shares her insights on the vital connection between mentorship and conservation, emphasizing the need to "conserve hunters" and how hunter recruitment and retention are directly tied to the future of conservation. She explains how her program helps bridge the gap for kids who lack family connections to the outdoors and offers guidance for anyone considering becoming a mentor.


For more information, visit www.outdoormentors.org and follow them on social media

Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!

In this episode we sit down with Leo Martinez, the ranch manager of Dancing Elk Alexander (DEA) Ranch in Mathis, Texas, and his daughter, Madison. With nearly four decades in the ranching and hunting industry, Leo, also a Vice President on the HSCF Board of Directors and the 2025 HSCF Outfitter of the Year, shares his deep commitment to ethical hunting and sustainable natural resource management. He discusses balancing hunting operations with healthy wildlife populations, the unique challenges of managing South Texas's ecosystem, and how land management techniques have evolved. Leo also reflects on the influence of his cowboy grandfather, the role of guided hunts in hunter education, and what his recognition as Outfitter of the Year means to him. The conversation delves into the parallels between Texas's history and the traditions he carries forward at DEA Ranch, and his goals for the future.

For more information visit DEA RANCH

Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!

Hunting Matters sits down with Kyle Clark, a Collegiate Sales Specialist at Game One and a former Texas Tech football player. As the Chairperson of the Stag & Dove Society, HSCF’s Young Professionals Group, Kyle discusses his journey from football to becoming an avid bowhunter and conservation advocate. He shares what it's like to hunt with his family and what first drew him to the Houston Safari Club Foundation in 2019. The conversation also covers the mission and purpose of the Stag & Dove Society and its role in engaging young professionals. Additionally, Kyle, who volunteers with his wife for HSCF's youth education programs, highlights the importance of working with young people in the outdoors and introducing them to hunting and conservation at an early age.


You can find more information about the Stag & Dove Society on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hscf_staganddovesociety/

Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!