On today’s episode, Aaron Martin joins Travis Ishida for a wide-ranging conversation on the NRL Hunter Podcast – from the upcoming Ruger American Long Hunter Challenge to the Ben Franklin Range, epic hunts (hello, Marco Polo sheep), and bringing the next generation into the field.

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their gear, overall capabilities & limits, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about the new hunter event in PA, unforgettable adventures, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 00:43 – Aaron Martin’s Background

• 07:16 – Mindset from military to hunting

• 12:15 – Insight into the Ruger American Long Hunter Challenge

• 15:12 – Match Design; Hunting in east in comparison to west

• 20:12 – Ben Franklin Range Lodging & Campus

• 22:30 – Aaron’s latest adventurous hunt

• 32:53 – NRL Hunter taught how to be ready

• 42:24 – Marco Polo Sheep choice

• 50:04 – Topping next adventure

• 52:04 – Introducing firearms to kids the right way

• 55:42 – Memorable year and 1st hunting experiences

• 1:00:15 – Closing and last remarks on Ruger American Long Hunter Challenge

Links:

• Ruger American Long Hunter Challenge - https://www.nrlhunter.org/matches/58ea800e-919e-488d-8ad2-48ecf13b7a71

• Ben Franklin Range - https://benfranklinrange.com/

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, or insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S6 E1”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

On today’s episode, Brandon Maddox joins Travis Ishida to have a great conversation about hunting with suppressors, crossing state lines, accessibility, buyer options, and more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their gear, overall capabilities & limits, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about Silencer Central, the buyer’s process, establishing a trust, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 00:43 – Brandon Maddox’s Background

• 07:07 – Hunting with suppressors

• 10:48 – Accessibility; technology

• 16:38 – Manufacturing

• 24:24 – 3D prints

• 29:00 – Evolution

• 35:13 – Market drive and pricing

• 39:00 – First-time buyer options

• 43:22 – Across state lines

• 44:57 – Establishing a trust

• 50:08 – Future of Silencer Central

• 55:44 – Closing

Links:

o Silencer Central - https://www.silencercentral.com/

o BANISH line - https://www.silencercentral.com/shop/silencers/brand/banish

o BUCK 30 - https://www.silencercentral.com/buck30/

o BANISH 30 GOLD - https://www.silencercentral.com/products/banish-30-gold

o BANISH 30 - https://www.silencercentral.com/products/banish-30

o BANISH 22 - https://www.silencercentral.com/products/banish-22

o Event Schedule - https://www.silencercentral.com/events/

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, or insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S5 E4”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

On today’s episode, Tyler Grethen joins Travis Ishida to have a great conversation about Weatherby, its Model 307, Builders Action, and more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their gear, overall capabilities & limits, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about Weatherby, it’s fit and finish, what’s next, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 01:25 – Tyler Grethen’s Background

• 05:43 – Model 307, accommodating vast offerings; “Legos”

• 09:30 – Builders Action; next evolution

• 13:07 – Production line; custom rifle feel

• 14:40 – NRL Hunter concept with Weatherby

• 16:40 – Traditional hunting rifle; Evolution

• 18:35 – Building confidence; controlling the process

• 20:21 – Ethical Range (omit: distance, insert: time, effort, knowledge)

• 24:25 – Physical fitness; control the controllables

• 29:40 – Midwest hunting; different levels of satisfaction

• 31:45 – Outdoorsman; Lead by example; Next generation <> Spark curiosity

• 35:51 – Ethos: exist to inspire hunters and shooters

• 38:47 – In-the-field; evolution of your hunting journey

• 45:49 – Bucket list hunt

• 52:19 – What’s next; breadcrumbs

• 57:20 – Weatherby in NRL Hunter scene

• 1:00:22 – Closing

Links:

o Weatherby - https://weatherby.com/

o Mark V - https://weatherby.com/rifles/mark-v/ (hunting)

o Vanguard - https://weatherby.com/rifles/vanguard/ (hunting)

o Model 307 - https://weatherby.com/rifles/model-307/ (cross-over; hunting <>competition)

o Builders Action - https://weatherby.com/store/model-307-builders-action/

o Evolution of a hunter - https://infographicjournal.com/evolution-of-a-hunter/

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, or insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S5 E3”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

On today’s episode, Hamilton Boykin joins Travis Ishida LIVE at the 2025 Western Hunt Expo have a great conversation about Leica, its riflescope lines, reticles, binoculars, rangefinders, integrations, and more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their gear, overall capabilities & limits, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about Leica, what it means for the NRL Hunter community, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 00:31 – Hamilton Boykin’s Background

• 02:48 – 3 Leica Lines most appealing for this community

• 09:15 – Progression of the Geovids; Applied Ballistics Elite & Latest Integrations

• 25:35 – Laser beam divergence; effectiveness with fog & snow

• 30:40 – Rangemaster ecosystem; handheld rangefinder

• 35:48 – User experience

• 41:56 – What’s next for Leica?

• 46:08 – Thermal imaging technology

• 49:33 – Large offerings & involvement in NRL Hunter

Links:

o Leica - https://leica-camera.com/en-US/sport-optics/hunting

o Amplus riflescope line - https://leica-camera.com/en-US/leica-amplus-6

o PRS riflescope line - https://leica-camera.com/en-US/sport-optics/scopes/prs

o Geovid Pro AB+ rangefinder - https://leica-camera.com/en-US/product/leica-geovid-pro-10x42-ab

o Geovid Pro - https://leica-camera.com/en-US/sport-optics/hunting/rangefinders/leica-geovid-pro

o Rangemaster - https://leica-camera.com/en-US/sport-optics/hunting/rangefinder/leica-rangemaster

o Thermal imaging technology - https://leica-camera.com/en-US/leica-calonox-2

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, or insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S5 E2”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

Release date:

26 March 2025

On today’s episode, William Righter, Mike Lilly, Sarah Beard, Nick Mowrer join Travis Ishida LIVE at the 2025 PRO-AM to have a great conversation about the concept, and much more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, overall capabilities, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about the NRL Hunter PRO-AM event, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 00:33 – William Righter, Mike Lilly, Sarah Beard, and Nick Mowrer’s Background

• Mike Lilly (Pro) partnered with Sarah Beard (Am)

• 02:31 – PRO-AM dynamic

• 08:16 – NRL Hunter’s 1st PRO-AM Concept

• Hands on training; amateur-friendly outreach & growth of this sport

• Get designated helper in PRO-AM vs Skills division

• Microwave Mac n’Cheese

• 12:31 – Helping AMs source gear

• 16:48 – RO strategy going into Day-2; helping AMs

• 26:32 – Taking NRL Hunter skill sets to the field/real-world

• 32:04 – Continuing a rotating PRO-AM concept

• 38:40 – Words of Wisdom

Links:

o 2025 NRL Hunter PRO-AM – https://nrlhunter.org/match/nrl-hunter-pro-am

o Upcoming NRL Hunter events - https://nrlhunter.org/matches

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, or insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S5 E1”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

Release date:

29 January 2025

On today’s episode, Sarah Stallone, Kevin Garcia, and Sterling Cook joins Travis Ishida to have a great conversation about the Alaskan Wilderness Hunter event coming during the 2025 NRL Hunter season, and much more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, overall capabilities, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about the Alaskan Wilderness Hunter event, Alaska’s uniqueness, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 00:23 – Sarah Stallone, Kevin Garcia, and Sterling Cook’s Background

• 02:35 – NRL Hunter destination hunter events

• 05:00 – Alaska’s beauty and harshness; Terrain/Weather Expectations

• 15:11 – Ammo for the event; pickup or transporting

• 19:07 – Local ranges; shooting opportunities

• 20:54 – Travel logistics; lodging & car rentals

• 24:14 – Salmon Runs; Halibut Fishing with Salt Water Safaris Charter Boat

• 28:17 – The Match; 2025 Alaskan Wilderness Hunter

• 29:39 – Pistol stage; Background and Bear Safety Briefing

• 36:50 – Fishing opportunities; renowned creeks and rivers

• 39:59 – Best of Alaska; Wildlife

• 41:05 – Alaska FAQs

• 53:45 – Uniqueness of 2025 Alaskan Wilderness Hunter

• 58:40 – MDs’ traveling season

• 1:01:16 – Summary

• 01:11:20 – Sponsorship availability

Links:

o Alaskan Wilderness Hunter: https://nrlhunter.org/2025-alaskan-wilderness-hunter/

o Artic Ammo and Reloading Supplies, LLC: 907-357-3381 / Facebook

o Salt Water Safaris: https://saltwatersafari.com/

o NRL Hunter Charter Boat (Tuesday after):

o Disability Accommodations @ Match: email [email protected]

o Danali National Park Tours: https://www.denaliparkvillage.com/tours/the-denali-tour-experience/

o Long Range Shooters of Alaska: https://www.lrsalaska.com/

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S4 E7”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

Release date:

31 December 2024

On today’s episode, Andrew Oliver joins Travis Ishida to have a great conversation about Montana Knife Company, blade recommendations, collaborations, and much more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, overall capabilities, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about Montana Knife Company, hunting, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 01:24 – Andrew Oliver’s Background

• 03:08 – Genesis of Montana Knife Company

• 06:55 – Recommended hunting knife

• 08:40 – Demand for Brand

• 11:54 – Montana Knife Co & NRL Hunter origin story

• 17:40 – Andew’s Rifle Build

• 20:23 – Elk hunting

• 21:50 – Young Gun talent

• 24:00 – Reaching hunters

• 26:36 – Cross pollination, Refining Skills

• 28:54 – 2025 NRL Hunter Season

• 33:58 – Hunting Season

• 36:40 – Industry events

• 38:08 – Montana Knife Company direction

• 40:41 – Collaborations

• 41:56 – Closing Words

Links:

o Montana Knife Company – https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/

o Blackfoot – https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/collections/blackfoot-2-0-in-stock

o Speedgoat - https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/collections/the-speedgoat-blade

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S4 E6”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

Release date:

11 October 2024

On today’s episode, Sam McGuire joins Travis Ishida to have a great conversation about McGuire Ballistics, SMC Guide Service, central California hunting, and much more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, overall capabilities, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about copper bullets and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 00:41 – Sam McGuire’s Background

• 03:05 – What is McGuire Ballistics?

• 05:23 – What makes the projectiles more unique?

• 9:01 – Talk numbers…barrel length, fps, load development, etc.

• 21:30 – Hunting vs Match-grade

• 25:08 – Hunting Guide > Ballistics

• 29:35 – Pig hunting in Central California

• 53:45 – McGuire Ballistics in-the-field; Copper Bullets

• 56:40 – Hunting Community

• 59:38 – More on McGuire Ballistics and Booking Hunts

Links:

o McGuire Ballistics – https://www.mcguireballistics.com/

o SMC Guide Service – https://www.facebook.com/SmcGuideService/

o Preferred Barrels – https://preferredbarrelblanks.com/

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S4 E5”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

Release date:

4 September 2024

On today’s episode, Mark Huelsing joins Travis Ishida to have a great conversation about Exo Mtn Gear, love of backpack and mountain hunting, and much more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, overall capabilities, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about Mark, epic adventures, hunting advice, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 01:06 – Mark Huelsing’s Background

• 06:57 – Involvement with Exo Mtn Gear

• 16:13 – Midwest Hunter > Epic Adventures

• 20:30 – Love of Backpack and Mountain Hunting

• 22:22 – Solo vs Group Adventures

• 24:56 – Back country hunting advice; Trim down learning curve

• 33:45 – Sheep Hunting

• 43:05 – Where to go from here; After the Pinnacle

• 49:24 – Youth Hunters

• 53:25 – Bow Hunter or Rifleman; Preference

• 58:50 – Future of Hunting

• 01:11:36 – Closing

Link:

o EXO MTN GEAR - https://exomtngear.com

o Hunt Back Country podcast – https://exomtngear.com/pages/the-hunt-backcountry-podcast

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S4 E4”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

Release date:

7 May 2024

On today’s episode, Tyler Beckley joins Travis Ishida to have a great conversation about the upcoming 2024 MDT Canadian Rocky Mountain Hunter event, Hunting in Canada, and much more!

NRL HUNTER is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It brings ethical hunters together in an innovative, competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, overall capabilities, and about local hunting terrains.

Hear more about Tyler, his hunting event in Canada, and more on the NRL Hunter Podcast!

Index:

• 00:40 – Tyler Beckley’s Background

• 03:30 – Father/Son Hunters and Youth performance

• 06:27 – Bringing NRL Hunter to Canada in 2024; MDT Canadian Rocky Mountain Hunter

• 10:08 – Guidance for Americans going into Canada

• 15:51 – On-site facility social aspect

• 19:27 – Availability for spot-n-stock 4-5 day Black Bear hunt, Skiing, and Golf

• 25:30 – Transporting harvest back to the US

• 35:00 – New Shooters; Skills Division

• 41:00 – Archery

• 45:00 – Acceptance of Canadian Hunting

• 51:50 – Non Resident; Quota System

• 55:10 – Match Title Sponsor, MDT

• 58:00 – Vendors and Products to try

Link:

o MDT Canadian Rocky Mountain Hunter - https://nrlhunter.org/matches-2024/24-14/

o Importing Firearms into Canada - https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/2347/original/d369a605ac3363b569af5ea5dc40c88d.pdf

o Three Bars Ranch - https://www.threebarsranch.com/

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe to us on Soundcloud or iTunes for more episodes and write us a review! Share this episode with anyone interested in all things Hunting.

Do you have questions, comments, insight on the topics discussed today? Shoot an email to [email protected] with Subject: “NRL Hunter Podcast S4 E3”

Follow Us On:

Website: https://nrlhunter.org/

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nrl-hunter-podcast/id1549731175

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nrlhunter

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4iUZ7wGSFtvrcpzRNJWsWb?si=XrSdnol1QnGJRPmrZpHCdA&nd=1

FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nrlhuntercommunitygroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrlhunter/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NationalRifleLeague

Release date:

28 March 2024