Hunting Matters

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Chris Hughes, second-generation owner of Broken Arrow Ranch in Ingram, Texas—one of the world's premier artisanal purveyors of free-range wild game. We dive into Chris's journey growing up on the family ranch, his educational background in engineering and business, and his lifelong dedication to sustainable wildlife management, ethical food sourcing, and Texas heritage.

The discussion details Broken Arrow Ranch’s incredible origin story, starting in the early 1980s when Chris’s father, Mike Hughes, recognized a unique opportunity to supply fine dining restaurants with high-quality venison while actively managing overgrazing non-native deer populations in the Texas Hill Country. Chris shares what it was like growing up in the business—from trade show demonstrations to chef retreats—and how those early experiences shaped his values as he now raises his own family on the same land. We explore the revolutionary mechanics of their innovative, mobile field-processing units that allow for humane, stress-free harvesting under full USDA inspection right on the range.

Finally, we explore the journey from field to table, highlighting the exceptional nutritional benefits of free-range game meat, the truth behind "gamey" flavors, and how creating a culinary market for invasive wild boar plays a vital role in population control and conservation. Chris shares practical advice for cooking venison at home, demystifies professional wildlife management versus recreational hunting, and offers inspiring insights on where the future of sustainable, ethically sourced food is headed.

Learn more about Broken Arrow Ranch and Chris's work:
Website: http://www.brokenarrowranch.com
Instagram: @brokenarrowmeats
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenarrowranch.

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Carsten Groos, a wildlife biologist, hunter, conservationist, and proud former recipient of the HSCF Dan L. Duncan scholarship. We dive into his journey from growing up in Austin and playing collegiate football at the University of Oklahoma to pursuing his passion for wildlife and wild places. Carsten shares how early ranching internships and foundational scholarship support propelled his academic path, leading to his graduate research at Texas Tech University focused on natural resource management and the science behind sustainable land stewardship.

The discussion details Carsten’s master's research in the unique landscape of the Texas Hill Country, where he investigated habitat selection and interactions between native white-tailed deer and exotic species like axis deer and blackbuck. Our guest breaks down how he combined multiple survey techniques into a practical, cost-effective monitoring system that everyday hunters and landowners can use. We explore how recent severe winter storms impacted exotic populations, whether native and exotic game can successfully coexist, and the single biggest mistake landowners make when managing wildlife on their properties.

Finally, we address critical modern conservation challenges in Texas, including rapid land fragmentation, disease monitoring, and invasive species management. Carsten reflects on how his training as a biologist has reshaped his personal approach to hunting, his experience instructing the next generation of students at Texas Tech, and his perspective on long-term habitat investment. He leaves us with valuable advice for aspiring wildlife biologists and inspiring thoughts on what the HSCF motto "We Hunt. We Give." means for the future of Texas conservation.

Learn more about Texas Tech Natural Resources Management and follow their journey:

Website/Socials: @texastechnrm and @theconwaycoalition_ttu

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Taylor Daily, a Coordinating Wildlife Biologist with Quail Forever and the Oaks & Prairies Joint Venture. We dive into his passionate journey through the wildlife conservation sector, focusing on his extensive academic and professional background in range and wildlife management. As a past recipient of the HSCF-Dan L Duncan scholarship, Taylor shares how this foundational support helped propel his educational path from Texas Tech University to Sul Ross State University, ultimately shaping his professional focus on conserving native temperate grasslands—the most endangered terrestrial biome in the world.

The discussion details Taylor's hands-on work collaborating with private landowners across nine North Texas counties to develop sustainable habitat management plans. Our guest shares how he helps families balance cattle production, recreation, and hunting goals while addressing common habitat challenges. We explore the critical role of the northern bobwhite quail and other native species that depend on healthy grassland ecosystems, and Taylor breaks down common training and management misconceptions regarding native vs. non-native pasture systems.

Finally, we explore the inner workings of specialized conservation tools, highlighting the vital importance of prescribed fire in grassland restoration. We discuss the complexities of navigating incentive opportunities, such as the Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP), which provides crucial cost-share financial assistance to landowners. Taylor shares powerful insights into overcoming the misconceptions surrounding prescribed burning, the rewarding habitat improvements seen after a successful burn, and inspiring advice for students considering a career in wildlife management to leave a long-term impact on the next generation of conservation stewards.

Learn more about Quail Forever and follow their journey:

• Website: https://texaspfqf.org and https://opjv.org

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Don Paullo and Chuck Johnson, coaches and leaders of the Spring Branch FFA Alumni Clay Crushers youth shooting team. We dive into their passionate journey across multiple disciplines in the youth shooting, hunting, and conservation sectors, focusing on their extensive backgrounds that span from corporate leadership and banking to dedicated range safety and firearms instruction.

The discussion details Don and Chuck's extensive educational and professional backgrounds, from Don's 30-plus years in institutional investment management to Chuck's sixteen-year banking career and prior ten-year tenure as an electrical engineer. Our guests share how their respective credentials—including Don’s SCTP Coach and NRA certifications, alongside Chuck's status as an NSCA Level I Instructor and high-volume competitive shooter—have shaped their approach to mentoring youth athletes. We explore how their personal experiences as parents of competitive shooters drew them deeply into the sport, leading them to volunteer their time to help high school students build confidence, master safety protocols, and transition from local clay target disciplines to collegiate-level competition.

Finally, we explore the inner workings of the Spring Branch FFA Alumni Clay Crushers program, highlighting how it provides crucial team and individual competitive opportunities under the Spring Branch FFA umbrella. We discuss the complexities of navigating the youth competition landscape in Texas—spanning FFA, 4-H, SCTP, and NSCA events—and the common training misconceptions they help families overcome. Don and Chuck share powerful insights into the safety culture that underpins organized youth shotgun sports, the direct connection between clay targets and ethical field hunting, and inspiring advice for the long-term impact they hope to leave on the next generation of responsible adults.

Learn more about the Clay Crushers and follow their journey:

• Website: https://www.sbffaalumni.com/claycrushers
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbffa_clay_crushers

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Jake Hill, a past recipient of the HSCF-Dan L Duncan scholarship, wildlife biologist, forester, hunter, and conservationist extraordinaire. We dive into Jake’s passionate journey across multiple disciplines in the wildlife, hunting, and conservation sectors, focusing on his extensive background that spans from research and field management to law and policy.

The discussion details Jake’s extensive educational and professional background, from earning his B.S. in Forestry with an emphasis in Forest-Wildlife Management from Stephen F. Austin State University to obtaining his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Texas Tech University School of Law. Jake shares how his credentials as an Associate Wildlife Biologist® and Candidate Certified Forester have shaped his approach to conservation, alongside his experience working across the globe with private consulting firms, wildlife non-profits, and state agencies. We explore how his legal training complements his field experience as he prepares to sit for the bar exam in July 2026.

Finally, we explore Jake's entrepreneurial venture as the founder and owner of Orion Permit Co., which provides wildlife and trophy permitting services for hunters seeking to import trophies back into the United States. We discuss the complexities of navigating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and CITES permitting processes, common pitfalls to avoid, and the biggest policy challenges facing wildlife conservation today. Jake shares powerful insights into the future of forest-wildlife systems, addresses misconceptions surrounding the hunting community, and offers inspiring advice for young professionals looking to build meaningful careers in natural resources.

Learn more about Jake's work and Orion Permit Co.:
Website: https://www.orionpermitco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jake.hill.728531/

Houston Safari Club Foundation:
https://wehuntwegive.org/

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Matthew Olton Hewitt, a Dan L Duncan-HSCF Scholarship recipient, Black Bear Researcher, and Ph.D. Candidate at Sul Ross State University. We dive into Matt's passionate journey as a wildlife biologist and his vital research with the Borderlands Research Institute, focusing on the remarkable natural recovery and population dynamics of black bears in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas.

The discussion details Matt’s extensive educational and professional background, from growing up in Kingsville, Texas, to earning his degrees and working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk projects. Matt shares how his early exposure to the outdoors shaped his career path and how his master's work on kit fox distribution paved the way for his current doctoral research. We explore the fascinating history of black bears in Texas, including their total extirpation by the 1950s and their incredible, natural recolonization from northern Mexico starting in the late 1990s.

Finally, we explore the cutting-edge methodologies and technologies Matt uses to estimate bear numbers across vast, rugged landscapes, including trail cameras, genetics, and GPS collars. We discuss the growing challenges of human-bear interactions as these populations expand, and how landowners, hunters, and local communities can practically co-exist with and support these magnificent predators. Matt shares powerful insights into the future of Texas wildlife conservation and offers inspiring advice for the next generation of wildlife biologists.

Learn more about Matt's work and the Borderlands Research Institute:

• Website: https://bri.sulross.edu/
• Instagram: @borderlandsresearchinstitute

Houston Safari Club Foundation:

• https://wehuntwegive.org/

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Gib Surles, an avid outdoorsman, dedicated conservation supporter, and the Principal and Founder of The Forrest Group, L.L.C. in Houston, Texas. We dive into Gib's impressive multi-decade career specializing in wealth transfer and business succession planning, alongside his deep-rooted passion for family, legacy, and the outdoor community.

The discussion details Gib’s extensive professional journey, from joining New York Life Insurance Company in 1985 to serving as President of multiple prestigious industry councils, including Finseca and the Agent’s Advisory Council. Gib shares how his strategic mindset and dedication to helping business owners protect what they have built shape his approach to life planning. We explore how his Aggie roots and his deep commitment to his growing family—including his wife, children, and grandchildren—have anchored his perspective on what matters most.

Finally, we explore Gib's incredible hunting adventures across the globe, from hunting his lease in Webb County, Texas, to pursuing Ibex in Spain, Dall sheep in Canada, and preparing for an upcoming Grizzly hunt in Alaska with his son. We discuss his core philosophy of "Don't Wait," highlighting why people shouldn't delay their dreams, whether it involves family experiences, estate planning, or giving back through organizations like Hunters for the Hungry. Gib shares powerful insights on how the discipline of the outdoors translates into business, the importance of preservation, and how to successfully transition a lasting legacy to the next generation.

Learn more about The Forrest Group, L.L.C. and Gib's work:
Website: http://www.theforrestgroupllc.com

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Wayne Arrington, an accomplished entrepreneur, inventor, and owner of Arride Bikes in Tomball, Texas. We dive into Wayne's impressive multi-decade career launching and managing a diverse portfolio of successful companies, and his deep-rooted passion for serving the greater Houston area and outdoor community.

The discussion details Wayne’s extensive entrepreneurial journey, spanning seven distinct businesses across technology, healthcare, hospitality, martial arts, and retail. Wayne shares how his inventor mindset—which led him to patent "The Board Breaker" training device—and his discipline as a Second-Degree Black Belt in Songahm Taekwondo have shaped his approach to business. We explore what ultimately inspired him to merge his leadership experience with his love for the outdoors, leading to the creation of Arride Bikes.

Finally, we explore how electric bikes are revolutionizing the outdoor mobility market for hunters, ranchers, and landowners. We discuss the tangible advantages e-bikes offer over traditional ATVs, from minimizing scent and noise to reducing habitat damage and fuel usage. Wayne shares powerful stories of how this technology is keeping aging outdoorsmen active in the field, making land management more efficient, and preserving traditional hunting ethics for the next generation.

Learn more about Arride Bikes and Wayne's work:
Website: https://arridebikes.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arride-bikes-llc/?viewAsMember=true
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552208547220
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayne.arrington/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsbpnrf7L_QU2DQswiRmm1Q

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Wayne T. Saunders, retired Lieutenant Conservation Officer with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and current Executive Director of International Wildlife Crimestoppers. We dive into Wayne’s distinguished 23-year career patrolling New Hampshire’s rugged Great North Woods and his lifelong dedication to protecting natural resources.

The discussion details how Wayne found his "calling" at the age of six after a life-changing childhood encounter with a game warden on an old logging road. Wayne recounts his journey beginning in 1995, building a reputation for relentless dedication while apprehending poachers, leading search and rescue missions, and rising through the ranks. He also bravely shares the story of being shot in the line of duty in 1997 while attempting to apprehend a murderer, and his resilient return to service.

Finally, we explore how retirement has not slowed him down. We discuss his work as founder and host of the Warden’s Watch Podcast, his role mentoring the next generation as Conservation Law Coordinator at White Mountains Community College, and his children's book A Cowboy in the Woods. Wayne shares insights on the global fight against wildlife crime and his enduring mission to advocate for ethical conservation.

Learn more about International Wildlife Crimestoppers and Wayne's work:
Website: https://wildlifecrimestoppers.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildlifecrimestoppers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCC7t1DEomJnfX8LtwI_8cQ

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/  

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Jon Allen, Co-Founder of TRACT Optics. We dive into Jon’s decades-long career in the sporting optics industry and explore how his early roles at Gart Bros. Sporting Goods, Redfield, and Nikon shaped his vision for premium, performance-driven gear.

Born in Washington and raised across Utah and Colorado, Jon’s childhood exploring the Rocky Mountains sparked a lifelong calling to the outdoors. The discussion details his journey through the ranks of the optics business—from mastering manufacturing and engineering at Redfield to serving as General Manager at Nikon—before ultimately breaking away from the corporate world to launch TRACT Optics with co-founder Jon LaCorte. We explore how they disrupted the industry by building a direct-to-consumer model focused 100% on the needs of the outdoor enthusiast.

Finally, we explore Jon's personal side, discussing the vital role his family and faith play in his life and business culture. We delve into his guiding philosophy of putting the customer first and his enduring dedication to providing hunters and outdoorsmen with unmatched quality, value, and product support.

Learn more about TRACT Optics:

• Website: https://tractoptics.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tractoptics/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tract_optics/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/TractOptics
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1yLBCLXbxFUGYnvY1nCbA

Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/