This podcast episode of "The Sporting Life Notebook" features host Derell Smith in conversation with Joel Peterson, the president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). The discussion covers Peterson's background and his role at TRCP, the historical significance and current work of the organization in conservation policy, and the importance of collaboration, particularly with groups like the Minority Outdoor Alliance. Smith and Peterson emphasize the need for a unified voice in advocating for conservation and access to public lands for hunting and fishing. Additionally, the episode touches on upcoming initiatives, the value of sportsmen's engagement in policy, and the personal connection to the sporting life.

Main Themes:

1. Partnership and Collaboration for Conservation: The central theme revolves around the vital partnership between the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA), highlighting its significance for both organizations and the broader community of sportsmen and conservationists. The episode emphasizes the power of a unified voice in advocating for conservation policies.
2. The Mission and Evolution of TRCP: Joel Peterson outlines TRCP's core mission of guaranteeing all Americans quality places to hunt and fish by unifying and amplifying the sportsman's voice. He also discusses the organization's history, its policy centers, and its strategic direction for the future, emphasizing its nonpartisan approach and its commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of conservation.
3. Importance of Broadening Engagement in Conservation: Both Smith and Peterson stress the need to broaden participation in conservation beyond traditional demographics. They discuss the importance of engaging minority communities and younger generations, highlighting the diverse opportunities available in the outdoor and conservation sectors.
4. Current Conservation Policy Initiatives and Challenges: Peterson provides an overview of key policy initiatives TRCP is currently working on at the federal level, including access (MAP Waters, MAP Oceans), public lands protection (Public Lands and Public Hands Act, Habitat Connectivity on Western Lands Act), the Farm Bill, and safeguarding special places like Bristol Bay and the Brooks Range. He also touches upon the challenges of a shifting political landscape and the need for persistence in achieving legislative goals.
5. The Personal Connection to the Sporting Life and Conservation: Both hosts share their personal journeys into the outdoors and conservation, emphasizing the intrinsic value of these activities and the responsibility to protect these opportunities for future generations. Peterson highlights how his time in the field grounds his work in policy and advocacy.
6. Call to Action and Engagement: The episode concludes with a strong call to action for listeners to get involved in conservation efforts through various means, including supporting organizations like TRCP and MOA, contacting their representatives, staying informed about policy issues, and recognizing their role in contributing to conservation through their sporting activities.

Are you interested in learning about turkey hunting, but don’t know where to start? Would you like to get more involved with conservation? 

Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Sitka Gear, along with our partners from Minority Outdoor Alliance as we set up camp in Chicago as part of our Backcountry In Your Backyard Program. We’re hosting a FREE, all-inclusive, entry-level workshop designed to introduce you to the exciting world of turkey hunting, and there is a spot open just for you!

This is your invitation to join us Saturday, March 29th at the new Sitka Gear Store in Vernon Hills, IL. We will be taking over the store from 12-4PM with presentations hardcore turkey hunters, BHA staff, Chapter Leaders and representatives from MOA. We will cover everything from biology and conservation to scouting and access to gear and wild game. Learn the basics that will get you excited and help you feel safe and confident as you head into the woods.

Turkey hunting is one of the best ways to be introduced to hunting, wild game, and helps build a greater appreciation for conservation. You'll find community, connect to conservation, and learn about opportunities to harvest your own wild food. 

 

Topics Discussed:

Biology and Natural History of Wild Turkeys

Conservation/ North American Model 

Scouting & Access

1:45PM- 2:00PM- Break

Calling, Guns and Gear

Processing & Cooking

 

"Sketches of the Sporting Life: A Hunter's Conservation Journey" by Durrell Smith

Purchase HERE

Executive Summary:

"Sketches of the Sporting Life" by Durrell Smith, a 2025 Orvis-Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year nominee and founder of The Sporting Life Notebook, offers a personal and insightful exploration of upland hunting, conservation, and the often-overlooked history and present-day involvement of Black outdoorsmen. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and reflections on mentorship and community, Smith articulates his journey into the sporting life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art, hunting, conservation, and the crucial need for inclusivity and representation in the outdoors. The book highlights the legacy of Black bird dog handlers, the importance of ethical training and conservation practices, and the founding of the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA) as a means to foster a more diverse and welcoming outdoor community. Smith’s narrative underscores the power of storytelling in preserving traditions and shaping the future of the sporting life.

Main Themes and Important Ideas:

1. The Intertwined Nature of Art and the Sporting Life:

• Smith's journey began with sketching the sporting life before actively participating in it. He sees a deep connection between art and hunting, both requiring "patience, an eye for detail, and a deep respect for history."
• His artwork became a way to "capturing the hunt, even before I had a bird dog of my own."
• He views dog training with an artistic lens, seeing "movement, balance, rhythm—the same things I look for in a painting."

2. Embracing and Honoring the Legacy of African American Outdoorsmen:

• A central theme is the historical presence and significant contributions of Black individuals in upland hunting, bird dog handling, and conservation, often unacknowledged in mainstream narratives.
• Smith emphasizes that "Black folks have always been a part of this world—the bird dogs, the field trials, the conservation movement. But somewhere along the way, a lot of that history got left out."
• His art and The Sporting Life Notebook serve as platforms to "preserving their stories, making sure that the legacy of Black bird dog handlers, plantation dogmen, and Southern sportsmen wasn’t lost to time."
• He highlights the expertise of these "OG Architects of the Field" who were "craftsmen, dog whisperers, men with a deep understanding of the land and the animals they worked with" and trained "some of the finest pointing dogs in history."

3. The Pivotal Role of Mentorship and Community:

• Smith’s personal journey was significantly shaped by mentors like Neal Carter Jr., who taught him the intricacies of bird dog training, patience, and reading the land. He states, "Without mentorship, I wouldn’t be here."
• He actively gives back through mentorship, recognizing its importance in "making sure the knowledge keeps moving forward."
• The co-founding of the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA) with his wife, Ashley, underscores the importance of building a community where "everyone—regardless of where they come from—can find their place in the sporting life."
• MOA aims to "create pipelines for individuals from underrepresented communities to advance in the outdoor industry and become leaders in conservation policy."

4. The Significance of Ethical Bird Dog Training:

• Smith's training philosophy emphasizes "communication" and building trust with dogs rather than dominance.
• He highlights the importance of "Patience," "Respect," and "Observation" in working with each dog's unique personality and drive.
• His approach blends traditional knowledge passed down from mentors and Black dogmen with his own intuitive style. He quotes his mentor, Neal Carter Jr.: "'You can’t rush a good dog. You just got to let ‘em cook.'"

5. The Intrinsic Link Between Hunting and Conservation:

• Smith asserts that "you can’t be a hunter without being a conservationist" and emphasizes the responsibility of hunters to care for the land that sustains their sport.
• He details his involvement with organizations like Quail Forever, Pheasants Forever, and the TRCP, highlighting the importance of "Land Management," "Habitat Restoration," and "Educating the Next Generation."
• He connects conservation to cultural preservation, stating, "If we lose the land, we lose the culture with it."
• He advocates for inclusivity in conservation efforts, believing that "Conservation can’t just be for the privileged few. It has to be for all of us."

6. The Power of Storytelling and The Sporting Life Notebook:

• The Sporting Life Notebook originated as a personal documentation but evolved into "a platform to amplify the voices of other hunters, dog trainers, and conservationists—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds."
• Through his podcast, writing, artwork, social media, and workshops, Smith aims to "capture the essence of the sporting life" and make it accessible to a wider audience.
• He believes that "if we don’t tell our stories, someone else will—and they might not tell it right."
• Listener feedback on his podcast emphasizes the value of "authentic, in-the-field conversations" and the "deep dive into purpose" within the sporting life.

7. The Mission and Impact of the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA):

• MOA was founded to address the lack of representation and feelings of exclusion experienced by people of color in the outdoors. Smith states, "Too many people of color felt like they didn’t belong in these spaces."
• The organization's mission is focused on "Connecting, educating, and advocating" for underrepresented communities in the sporting life and conservation.
• Initiatives like "Learn to Hunt" workshops with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, and "Backcountry in Your Backyard" workshops with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, aim to provide education, hands-on experience, and build an inclusive community. Smith hopes to "cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship between the mentors and the participants in the hopes of creating a community that will stand the test of time."

8. Recognition and the Drive for Continued Impact:

• Smith's nomination for the Orvis Breaking Barriers Award is seen as significant, recognizing his efforts in "expanding access and breaking down the walls" in the outdoor world.
• He emphasizes that this recognition "isn’t about me" but about "all the young folks who’ve been told they don’t belong in the outdoors" and the need to continue the work of fostering inclusivity.
• He views the award as "fuel in the fire," reinforcing the necessity and impact of his work through The Sporting Life Notebook and MOA.

9. Paying It Forward and Building the Future:

• Smith is committed to mentoring the next generation, recognizing that "Nobody makes it in this life alone."
• Through workshops, MOA Fest, and mentorship programs, he aims to "create spaces where new hunters and handlers can learn without judgment" and ensure the traditions he loves continue.
• His vision for the future involves "expanding training programs," "growing conservation efforts," and "continuing to tell our stories" to build a more inclusive and sustainable sporting life. He concludes, "Bird dogs, conservation, and the sporting life aren’t just hobbies for me—they’re my purpose. And I’m gonna keep pushing, keep teaching, and keep telling these stories until the next generation is ready to take the torch."

The Sporting Life Notebook/ Show, hosted by Durrell Smith, is dedicated to exploring the rich traditions of hunting, conservation, and the sporting lifestyle. Through engaging storytelling and on-the-ground adventures, the show aims to inspire and educate both seasoned hunters and newcomers to the sport.

Connect with Us:

Website: www.thesportinglifenotebook.com

Instagram: @thesportinglifenotebook

Facebook: The Sporting Life Notebook

Support Our Work: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our channel, liking the video, and sharing it with fellow hunting enthusiasts. Your support helps us continue to bring you authentic content from the field.

Note: Always ensure to follow local hunting regulations and practice ethical hunting.

The Sporting Life Notebook/ Show, hosted by Durrell Smith, is dedicated to exploring the rich traditions of hunting, conservation, and the sporting lifestyle. Through engaging storytelling and on-the-ground adventures, the show aims to inspire and educate both seasoned hunters and newcomers to the sport.

Connect with Us:

Website: www.thesportinglifenotebook.com

Instagram: @thesportinglifenotebook

Facebook: The Sporting Life Notebook

Support Our Work: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our channel, liking the video, and sharing it with fellow hunting enthusiasts. Your support helps us continue to bring you authentic content from the field.

Note: Always ensure to follow local hunting regulations and practice ethical hunting.

The Sporting Life Notebook/ Show, hosted by Durrell Smith, is dedicated to exploring the rich traditions of hunting, conservation, and the sporting lifestyle. Through engaging storytelling and on-the-ground adventures, the show aims to inspire and educate both seasoned hunters and newcomers to the sport.

Connect with Us:

Website: www.thesportinglifenotebook.com

Instagram: @thesportinglifenotebook

Facebook: The Sporting Life Notebook

Support Our Work: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our channel, liking the video, and sharing it with fellow hunting enthusiasts. Your support helps us continue to bring you authentic content from the field.

Note: Always ensure to follow local hunting regulations and practice ethical hunting.

The Sporting Life Notebook Podcast, hosted by Durrell Smith, is dedicated to exploring the rich traditions of hunting, conservation, and the sporting lifestyle. Through engaging storytelling and on-the-ground adventures, the show aims to inspire and educate both seasoned hunters and newcomers to the sport.

Connect with Us:

Website: www.thesportinglifenotebook.com

Instagram: @thesportinglifenotebook

Facebook: The Sporting Life Notebook

Support Our Work: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our channels, following our content, and sharing it with fellow creatives and outdoor enthusiasts. Your support helps us continue to bring you authentic content from the field.

Check out the Sporting Life Shop

https://www.thesportinglifenotebook.com/shop-1

Check out the American Soil American Soul Shop

https://www.americansoilamericansoul.com/blank-3

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Note: Always ensure to follow local hunting regulations and practice ethical hunting.

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-This episode was written and produced by Ol Du Rell

Follow @ol_du_rell on Instagram and TikTok and keep up with my songwriting and musical journey.

Podcast Show Notes: The Sporting Life Notebook – Season 2, Episode 1

Title: “Rebuilding a Team, What’s in a Name, and Late-Season Pro Tips from BKC”

Episode Summary: In this kickoff to Season 2, The Sporting Life Notebook returns to its roots with host Durrell Smith, reflecting on a transformative journey since 2017. This season focuses on capturing the unfiltered realities of life in the field and beyond. With new stories, hard-learned lessons, and fresh creative energy, this episode dives into rebuilding a personal and professional team, the deeper meaning behind naming hunting dogs, and essential late-season hunting tips.

Episode Highlights: Introduction (0:00 – 5:00)

• Welcome back to Season 2 of The Sporting Life Notebook!
• A heartfelt reflection on the podcast’s journey since 2017 and the challenges of losing creative inspiration.
• A renewed focus: sharing raw, real-time stories from the host’s personal journey with a fresh perspective.

Segment 1: The Story Behind the Journey (5:00 – 20:00)

• Rediscovering Creativity: Shifting from storytelling about others to a more personal narrative.
• The role of American Soil, American Soul 2 in reconnecting creativity with the outdoors.
• Defining turning points, including personal losses and the symbolic rebranding with the new quail logo.
• A fresh take on the sporting life: blending outdoor practice, art, and music for a richer creative vision.

Segment 2: Rebuilding – “What’s in a Dog’s Name?” (20:00 – 35:00)

• Honoring family history through dog names like Vegas, Joker, and Spade, inspired by casino and card games.
• Stories behind the current dog team (Joker, Ícaro, and Spade) and their unique roles.
• Mythological inspiration for Ícaro and the poignant connection between Spade, Neal, and Honey.
• Future plans for breeding and catching up on a dream team rooted in legacy.

Segment 3: Late-Season Pro Tips for the Field (35:00 – 45:00)

• Essential gear recommendations, including insights from Benchmade Knife Company.
• Practical advice for handling challenging conditions, staying optimistic, and adapting to client needs in the field.

Segment 4: Guiding Reflections (45:00 – 55:00)

• Lessons learned from guiding: staying humble and embracing every opportunity to learn.
• Building resilience in both dogs and self, including training methods to foster independence in younger dogs like Cai.
• Sharing the culture: gifting Rich his first bird dog, Georgia, and guiding him into the upland lifestyle.

Extra Nuggets:

• Slowing down for clients and allowing them to dictate the pace.
• Finding joy and opportunity in tough conditions.

Closing Thoughts (55:00 – 60:00)

• Reflections on growth as a guide and storyteller.
• Call to Action:
  • Subscribe, share, and follow The Sporting Life Notebook on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@SportingLifeShow).
  • Support the Minority Outdoor Alliance.

Links & Resources:

• Benchmade Knife Company Blog
• Minority Outdoor Alliance

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @TheSportingLifeNotebook
• TikTok: @TheSportingLifeNotebook
• YouTube: The Sporting Life Show

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support our mission of connecting creativity and the outdoors!