SCI: First For Hunters Podcast

SCI: First For Hunters - Ep.30 featuring Mike Rogers Jr. | The 2027 SCI Convention Comes to Nashville

The countdown is on for one of the biggest gatherings in the hunting world. In Episode 30 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Mike Rogers Jr. to discuss the upcoming 2027 Safari Club International Convention, heading to Nashville, Tennessee, January 20–23, 2027.

From bringing together hunters, outfitters, conservationists, and industry leaders from around the world to the experiences, opportunities, and traditions that make the SCI Convention unlike any other, this episode takes a closer look at what attendees can expect in Music City.

With hundreds of exhibitors, incredible outdoor adventures, exclusive auctions, and a shared commitment to protecting the future of hunting, the 2027 SCI Convention is shaping up to be an event you won't want to miss.

The hunting community is coming together in Nashville. Will you be there?

Make plans to join us January 20–23, 2027, in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit safariclub.org/convention to learn more, explore the convention experience, and secure your place at the 2027 SCI Convention.

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Poaching is more than a crime against wildlife. It threatens conservation efforts, undermines ethical hunting, and puts the future of our hunting heritage at risk.

In Episode 29 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Christopher E. Comer, Director of Conservation for Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), and Dries (Andries Lucas) Van Coller, SCIF’s Antipoaching and International Conservation Manager, to discuss the ongoing fight against poaching and the work being done to protect wildlife around the world.

From wildlife research and habitat management to international anti-poaching initiatives, our guests share insight into the challenges facing wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting the resources that sustain our hunting traditions for generations to come.

Because conservation doesn't stop at the field's edge. It takes science, action, and a commitment to protecting the future of wildlife.

SCI: First For Hunters. Advocacy. Conservation. Education.

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The Mission in Action

SCI’s mission is simple: protect the freedom to hunt and ensure hunting remains strong for generations to come.But the real story of that mission is what happens when advocacy, conservation and hunters come together to create lasting change.

Louisiana’s black bear is a powerful example. Once listed as threatened, the bear’s recovery reflects decades of science-based wildlife management, habitat conservation and the commitment of hunters and conservationists. Today, Louisiana once again has a managed black bear hunt—a conservation success story that demonstrates how sustainable use and responsible management can restore wildlife while creating new opportunities for hunters.

In Pennsylvania, the expansion of Sunday hunting tells the other side of the mission. In a world where families have increasingly limited time to get outdoors, removing outdated restrictions creates more opportunities for hunters to hunt, introduces new people to the outdoors and helps preserve hunting traditions.

These victories may look very different, but they share a common thread. Healthy wildlife populations mean little without the freedom and opportunity to hunt them.

That is where SCI’s mission lives: conserving wildlife, expanding access, advocating for hunters and ensuring the next generation inherits not just our hunting traditions, but the opportunity to practice them.

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In Episode 27 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast, Craig Kauffman sits down with Dr. Chris Comer, SCI’s Director of Conservation, to take a closer look at the conservation work happening behind the scenes to protect wildlife, habitat, and the future of hunting.

Dr. Comer shares his perspective on the challenges facing hunters and wildlife today, the role science plays in conservation policy, and why hunters remain an essential part of the conservation equation. From on-the-ground conservation efforts to the policies shaping the future, this episode explores what it takes to keep wildlife populations healthy and hunting opportunities strong for generations to come.

SCI: First For Hunters. Advocacy. Conservation. Education.

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With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the decisions made at the ballot box could have a direct impact on the future of hunting, conservation, and our outdoor heritage.

In Episode 26 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast, we sit down with Chris Tymeson, SCI’s Vice President of Government Affairs, to break down what hunters need to know heading into the midterms. From the issues and policies that could shape hunting opportunities to the importance of staying informed and engaged, Chris provides insight into the political landscape and why hunter participation matters.

What’s at stake? How can hunters make their voices heard? And what should sportsmen and women be watching as election season unfolds?

This is a conversation about advocacy, engagement, and the responsibility hunters have to protect the future of our hunting heritage.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay First For Hunters.

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From the mountains and forests of North America to the pursuit of some of the continent’s most iconic species, Mark Peterson has built a life around hunting, the outdoors, and the traditions that connect generations of hunters.

In Episode 25 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast, Mark joins the conversation to talk about hunting across North America, pursuing a wide range of native species, and the experiences that make each hunt unique. He shares stories from the field, the challenges and rewards of hunting different regions and species, and what it means to experience North America’s incredible hunting opportunities firsthand.

The conversation also explores the importance of conservation, preserving access to wild places, and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to experience these traditions for themselves.

From big game to the places that make each hunt memorable, this episode is a look at what it means to hunt North America.

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From music and television to hunting and conservation, Nick Hoffman has built a career around telling stories rooted in the outdoors.

In Episode 24 of the Safari Club International “First For Hunters” Podcast, Nick joins the conversation to talk about his journey as a hunter, storyteller, musician, and advocate for the outdoor lifestyle. He shares what hunting means to him, the responsibility that comes with being a voice for the hunting community, and why protecting access and preserving our hunting heritage matters for generations to come.

From chasing adventure around the world to introducing new audiences to the traditions that define hunters, Nick brings a unique perspective on conservation, advocacy, community, and the future of hunting.

This is a conversation about more than the hunt—it’s about the people, places, traditions, and values worth protecting.

Listen to Episode 24 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast and hear why we’re all #FirstForHunters.

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In Episode 23 of SCI: First For Hunters, we sit down with Bruce Pettet, President & CEO of Leupold & Stevens, Inc.—a fifth-generation, American-owned company that has been building some of the most trusted optics in the world for over a century.

Bruce brings a unique perspective to the conversation, blending leadership, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for hunting and conservation. Under his guidance, Leupold has continued to push the boundaries of performance optics—delivering the clarity, durability, and confidence hunters rely on in their “moment of truth” in the field.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The evolution of American manufacturing in the outdoor industry
• Why precision optics are critical to ethical, effective hunting
• Innovation inside Leupold and what’s next for hunters and shooters
• The role of conservation, advocacy, and industry leadership in protecting the future of hunting
• Bruce’s personal journey and the values that continue to shape one of the most respected brands in the space

From the backcountry to the boardroom, this conversation highlights what it means to stay committed to quality, heritage, and the hunters who depend on it.

This is more than a discussion about gear—it’s about responsibility, legacy, and ensuring that future generations remain First For Hunters.

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In Episode 22 of the SCI: First For Hunters Podcast, we sit down with Minister Todd Loewen for a powerful conversation at the intersection of policy, conservation, and the future of hunting.

As a government leader with deep roots in the outdoors, Minister Loewen brings a unique perspective on what it takes to protect wildlife, preserve hunting traditions, and ensure responsible stewardship of natural resources. From boots-on-the-ground experience to shaping legislation, he shares how policy decisions directly impact hunters across North America and beyond.

This episode dives into the critical role advocacy plays in safeguarding hunting rights, and why collaboration between hunters, conservationists, and policymakers is more important than ever. Minister Loewen also speaks to the importance of science-based wildlife management and how sustainable use remains one of the most effective tools for long-term conservation.

At its core, this conversation reinforces a simple truth: the future of hunting depends on those willing to stand up, speak out, and stay engaged.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Minister Todd Loewen’s background and path into public service
• The role of government in wildlife conservation and hunting access
• Why advocacy is essential to protecting hunting rights
• The importance of science-based wildlife management
• How hunters can stay involved and make an impact

Listen now and join us as we continue to stand—First For Hunters.

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In Episode 21 of SCI First For Hunters, we sit down with Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a lifelong conservationist shaped by decades in the field.

From his early days as a Wyoming game warden to leading one of the most influential wildlife agencies in the country, Nesvik brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to the realities of wildlife management, public access, and the future of hunting in America. His career spans more than 30 years across conservation and military service—giving him a rare, balanced view of policy, pressure, and responsibility.

In this conversation, we dig into the challenges facing modern wildlife conservation, the critical role hunters play in funding and advocacy, and what it takes to protect opportunity for the next generation. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense look at the issues that matter most—told by someone who’s lived them.

If you care about the future of hunting and conservation, this is one you don’t want to miss.

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