This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Nick Freitas — veteran, public servant, and unapologetic advocate for personal freedom, responsibility, and the values that define the American hunter.

Nick brings a perspective forged through service — both on the battlefield and in the public arena. As a lifelong hunter and outspoken voice on constitutional rights, his connection to the outdoors runs deeper than recreation. It’s rooted in self-reliance, stewardship, and a belief that the hunting lifestyle is inseparable from the broader principles of liberty.

This conversation goes beyond the hunt.

It’s about responsibility — what it means to provide, to protect, and to preserve something worth passing down. Nick shares how hunting shaped his worldview, how it ties into the fabric of American identity, and why the fight to protect it doesn’t just happen in the field — it happens in culture, policy, and everyday conversations.

They dig into the intersection of hunting and freedom, the growing disconnect between modern society and the source of its food, and why hunters have a role to play far beyond season dates and tags.

No fluff. No filters. Just real perspective from a man who’s lived a life of service — and understands exactly what’s at stake.

Because hunting isn’t just something you do.

It’s a responsibility you carry — to your family, your community, and the principles that make the lifestyle possible.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Pedro Ampuero — a globally respected hunter, conservationist, and voice for ethical hunting in some of the world’s most wild and demanding environments.

Pedro brings a perspective shaped far beyond borders. From the mountains of Central Asia to the plains of Africa, his experience isn’t just about the pursuit — it’s about understanding the deeper responsibility that comes with it. As a leader in international conservation efforts and a passionate advocate for sustainable hunting, his work lives at the intersection of tradition, science, and stewardship.

This conversation goes deeper than stories from the field.

It’s about perspective — how hunting connects cultures, how it’s perceived across the world, and what it means to carry the lifestyle in places where the stakes are often higher and the margins thinner. Pedro shares insight into the realities of global conservation, the role hunters play in protecting wildlife, and why ethical standards matter now more than ever.

They dig into the misconceptions surrounding international hunting, the importance of education and advocacy, and what the future looks like if the next generation gets it right — or wrong.

No fluff. No filters. Just real perspective from someone who’s lived hunting at a global scale — and understands exactly what’s on the line.

Because hunting isn’t just something you do.

It’s something that connects people, protects wild places, and carries responsibility far beyond the moment of the shot.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with J. Alain Smith and Nick Hoffman — two voices deeply rooted in the traditions of hunting, yet actively shaping its future through storytelling, media, and an unwavering commitment to the lifestyle.

J. Alain Smith brings decades of experience as a hunter, communicator, and ambassador for the outdoors. Known for his thoughtful perspective and deep respect for the heritage of hunting, his voice has long been a steady force in a world that’s constantly evolving.

Nick Hoffman, a lifelong hunter and host of Nick’s Wild Ride, represents a different but equally important lane — one that bridges global adventure with a grounded appreciation for the people, places, and cultures that define hunting around the world.

Together, this conversation goes beyond the surface.

It’s about legacy — what’s been passed down, what’s being preserved, and what responsibility today’s hunters carry moving forward. From North American traditions to international experiences, Alain and Nick share stories that highlight not just the pursuit, but the purpose behind it.

They dig into the role of storytelling in modern hunting, the importance of authenticity in a digital world, and why staying connected to the roots of the lifestyle matters now more than ever.

No fluff. No filters. Just real perspective from two men who’ve lived it from different angles — and understand exactly what’s at stake.

Because hunting isn’t just something you do.

It’s something you carry — across generations, across borders, and into the future.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 15 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Eva Maria Schrittwieser — a lifelong hunter, storyteller, and one of the most authentic voices representing the next generation of the outdoors.

Raised in a family where hunting wasn’t a hobby but a way of life, Eva brings a perspective grounded in tradition, shaped by experience, and sharpened by a deep respect for the land and the animals that inhabit it. From whitetails in the hardwoods to the everyday moments that never make it to camera, her story is built on more than tags filled — it’s built on connection.

But this conversation isn’t about curated feeds or highlight reels.

It’s about the reality of living this lifestyle — the early mornings, the missed opportunities, the quiet lessons learned when no one else is watching. Eva speaks openly about carrying on family traditions, navigating the modern hunting landscape as a woman in the field, and staying true to what matters in a world that’s constantly trying to redefine it.

This episode digs into identity, responsibility, and the role hunters play in protecting what they love — not just for today, but for those who will follow.

No fluff. No filters. Just real perspective from someone who’s living it every season.

Because in the end, hunting isn’t about proving anything to the outside world —

it’s about knowing exactly why you’re out there in the first place.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Craig Boddington — a legendary hunter, conservationist, and one of the most respected voices in the outdoor world.

With decades spent chasing game across six continents, Boddington brings a perspective few can match. From dangerous game in Africa to backcountry pursuits in North America, his experiences go far beyond the trophy — rooted instead in respect for wildlife, ethical hunting, and the responsibility that comes with it.

But this conversation isn’t about highlight reels.

It’s about what hunting really means — the discipline, the failures, the lessons learned over a lifetime in the field. Boddington speaks candidly on conservation, the evolution of modern hunting, and the growing disconnect between those who live it and those who try to define it from the outside.

Just hard-earned perspective from a man who’s seen it all — and still believes the best part of hunting isn’t what you take, but what it gives back.

Because in the end, the legacy of hunting won’t be measured in inches or pounds —
it’ll be measured in how well we protect it for the next generation.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Pete Stauber — a former law enforcement officer, lifelong outdoorsman, and Congressman representing Minnesota’s 8th District.

Stauber brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective shaped by the Northwoods and carried into Washington, where decisions about land use, energy, and conservation directly impact the future of hunting. From public land access to resource management and the realities facing working-class hunters, he lays out what’s at stake — and what’s being decided right now.

This isn’t political theater. It’s reality.

No talking points. No sugarcoating.
Just an honest conversation about the intersection of hunting, conservation, and the policies shaping both.

Because the future of hunting isn’t just written in the field — it’s written in law.

And whether we like it or not, those decisions will determine what’s left for the next generation.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Senator Dan Sullivan - a lifelong outdoorsman, U.S. Senator from Alaska, and a leading voice in the fight to protect hunting rights, public access, and the future of conservation in America.

Sullivan brings a perspective forged in Alaska’s wild country and sharpened in Washington, where decisions made far from the field carry real consequences for those who live it. From federal land management to wildlife policy and the pressures facing hunters nationwide, he breaks down what’s at stake - and what’s coming next.

This isn’t political theater. It’s reality.

No talking points. No sugarcoating.
Just an honest conversation about the intersection of hunting, conservation, and the policies shaping both.

Because the future of hunting isn’t just written in the field - it’s written in law.

And whether we like it or not, those decisions will determine what’s left for the next generation.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On this episode of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Dr. Miguel Estade — a respected voice in wildlife science, conservation, and the deeper understanding of how hunters fit into the modern landscape of wildlife management.

Dr. Estade brings a perspective forged through research, time in the field, and a clear-eyed view of the challenges facing wildlife today. From habitat loss to population balance, he breaks down the realities most never see — and why hunters remain a critical piece of the equation.

This isn’t theory. It’s boots-on-the-ground truth.

No politics. No filters.
Just an honest conversation about science, stewardship, and the responsibility that comes with the pursuit.

Because at the end of the day, hunting isn’t separate from conservation — it’s part of it.

The future of wildlife depends on those who understand the balance, respect the resource, and are willing to carry the weight of that responsibility forward.

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This is where the real conversations about hunting happen.

On Episode 10 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with Jim Shockey — a legend in the hunting world, renowned outfitter, television personality, and one of the most outspoken advocates for conservation and hunters’ rights today.

From the high mountains to the farthest corners of wild country, Jim has built a life around pursuit — not just of game, but of purpose. Decades in the field have given him a perspective few can match, shaped by experience, tradition, and an unshakable belief in the role hunters play in conservation.

No politics. No filters.

Just hard-earned truth from a man who has spent his life fighting to protect wild places and the freedom to hunt them — including his work alongside organizations like Safari Club International.

For Jim, hunting isn’t just heritage — it’s duty.

The future of wildlife, the preservation of habitat, and the defense of hunting itself depend on those willing to stand up, speak out, and carry the responsibility forward.

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On Episode 9 of First For Hunters, host Craig Kauffman sits down with David Wells — better known to many as “Boomer.” A two-time World Series champion and one of the few pitchers in history to throw a perfect game in Major League Baseball, David brings a perspective that bridges       professional sports and the hunting world.

 But beyond the mound, he’s built a life rooted in the outdoors — an avid hunter and outspoken advocate for hunting rights, actively involved with Safari Club International and its mission to protect the future of hunting.

 From big-league pressure to time in the field, David understands discipline, respect, and what it means to stand for something.

 No politics. No filters.

 Just straight talk from someone who’s competed at the highest level — and now uses his platform to defend a lifestyle that’s constantly under pressure.

 For Boomer, hunting isn’t just a passion — it’s something worth protecting.

 Because the freedoms hunters have today aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.

 And the people willing to speak up? They matter more than ever.

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