“You would think in 2018, people from magazines and television networks would show up to R3. But they didn’t. To me, that just further shows the disconnect of where all of this has failed.”— AJ DeRosa, Creative Director, Northwoods CollectiveWhen we started Restless Native, we wanted people who never stayed idle. Never settled for status quo. And who are ever Restless. Today’s guest epitomizes that. A.J. DeRosa has become well known for his work with Project Upland, the incredible content series about chasing upland birds. From their podcast to their website, their magazine to their videos, Project Upland is one of the most, if not the most, downloaded and digested content on upland hunting in the history of pheasants, chukars and grouse.Plot twist: AJ is also an author on the incredible coveted book, the Urban Deer Complex. If you try to pick one of these up on Amazon or eBay, you’ll set yourself back about $200. AJ’s book outlines his tactics to hunt urban deer, such as applying pressure in their comfort zones of parks and playgrounds to push them into backyards, where he’ll be waiting in plain clothes.I met AJ in Lincoln Nebraska at R3. If you listened to any of my episodes from R3, that’s my first episode with Joe Betar and Buck Robinson, I believe I talked about the impression AJ made on me. In my opinion, guys like AJ need to be at the table when discussing R3, that’s recruitment, retainment and re-engagement of our nation’s hunters. AJ is not someone you’d picture as a hunter. He breaks the mold. We’ll talk about that in detail today, and he’s got a lot to say about R3 and what he thinks can be done. In addition to that resume, AJ is the Creative Director of Northwoods Collective, an ad agency for the outdoor space. As most of you know, that’s my background as well, so apart from the awesome beard and tattoos, AJ and I have a lot in common. Log Time for this Episode on GoWildShare your thoughts, support, or points of contention by logging time on GoWild. Logging time is fun and lets you join in on the conversation.Restless Native is Sponsored by Houston Safari Club FoundationRestless Native is brought to you by Houston Safari Club Foundation. This organization is a great supporter of hunters and conservation, and I am proud to partner with them.Hunting and conservation, what’s not to like, right? If you agree, great. Then I want you to come on to Houston, Texas with me to attend the Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Convention and Hunting Expo.This is a great chance for a family trip or a break away with the buddies. The convention is a celebration of wildlife, wild places and the hunting lifestyle we all love. It has thousands of visitors and exhibitors coming from all over the globe for a three day exposition. Beyond the convention, you can experience some amazing entertainment, with performances from folks like Corey Morrow, Rickey Davis and Billboard chart-frequent flyer, Kevin Fowler.There are banquets and luncheons, auctions and more stuff than I possibly have time to tell you about right now. And as Joe said in his most recent interview, Houston is a great place to spend a weekend and grub.You know what the best part of all of this is? Your tickets and support of this expo help fulfill Houston Safari Club Foundation’s mission of preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage.The show is January 25 through the 27th in Houston Texas. I will be wandering the floor on January 26 and possibly the morning of the 27th. Please send me a direct message on GoWild if you’re going to be there and we’ll meetup.Learn more at hscfdn.org/convention. Thank you to Houston Safari Club Foundation for all you do, and for sponsoring Restless Native.