Episode 235: From Taekwondo to Trophy Hunts with Adam Montgomery
In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Adam Montgomery, a Life member of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and the chairperson for banquet table sales for the 2026 HSCF Convention. Adam's traditional "old school" upbringing, shaped by his grandparents, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for the outdoors. He learned to shoot at the age of five from his grandfather and later, driven by his own determination, became proficient in hunting. Adam, who is also a 3rd-degree black belt in taekwondo, shares how the discipline from martial arts has influenced his professional career and his life as a hunter. We also discuss his professional journey, from his beginnings in car sales to his role as a Major Account Executive at DEX Imaging, and HSCF Corporate Partner and sponosr of HSCF's Youth Education Program. Adam, who is a husband and a father, also shares how his family inspires him and what values he hopes to pass on to his son.For more information, visit DEX Imaging and connect with Adam on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/adam-montgomery-74a810185.Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!
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Episode 234: Mentoring the Next Generation of the Outdoors with Brittany French
In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we sit down with Brittany French, the CEO of Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors. With a mission to empower youth in the outdoors through mentorship, Brittany's passion for the program started in 2015 as a volunteer, and she believes it is our collective responsibility to serve young people in our communities. We discuss her journey from volunteer to leader, how her personal love for hunting, fishing, and shooting fuels her work, and the unique power of outdoor mentorship for youth development. The conversation delves into the incredible growth of the organization, which hosted over 800 free events for more than 2,000 youth in 2024, and its ambitious goals for the future. Brittany also shares her insights on the vital connection between mentorship and conservation, emphasizing the need to "conserve hunters" and how hunter recruitment and retention are directly tied to the future of conservation. She explains how her program helps bridge the gap for kids who lack family connections to the outdoors and offers guidance for anyone considering becoming a mentor.For more information, visit www.outdoormentors.org and follow them on social mediaLearn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!
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Episode 233: Leo & Madison Martinez - Cultivating Conservation and Legacy at DEA Ranch
In this episode we sit down with Leo Martinez, the ranch manager of Dancing Elk Alexander (DEA) Ranch in Mathis, Texas, and his daughter, Madison. With nearly four decades in the ranching and hunting industry, Leo, also a Vice President on the HSCF Board of Directors and the 2025 HSCF Outfitter of the Year, shares his deep commitment to ethical hunting and sustainable natural resource management. He discusses balancing hunting operations with healthy wildlife populations, the unique challenges of managing South Texas's ecosystem, and how land management techniques have evolved. Leo also reflects on the influence of his cowboy grandfather, the role of guided hunts in hunter education, and what his recognition as Outfitter of the Year means to him. The conversation delves into the parallels between Texas's history and the traditions he carries forward at DEA Ranch, and his goals for the future.For more information visit DEA RANCHLearn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!
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Episode 232: From the Field to the Future: Kyle Clark on Young Professionals in Conservation
Hunting Matters sits down with Kyle Clark, a Collegiate Sales Specialist at Game One and a former Texas Tech football player. As the Chairperson of the Stag & Dove Society, HSCF’s Young Professionals Group, Kyle discusses his journey from football to becoming an avid bowhunter and conservation advocate. He shares what it's like to hunt with his family and what first drew him to the Houston Safari Club Foundation in 2019. The conversation also covers the mission and purpose of the Stag & Dove Society and its role in engaging young professionals. Additionally, Kyle, who volunteers with his wife for HSCF's youth education programs, highlights the importance of working with young people in the outdoors and introducing them to hunting and conservation at an early age.You can find more information about the Stag & Dove Society on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hscf_staganddovesociety/Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!
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Episode 231: Precision & Passion: A Gunsmith's Legacy with Rich Cole of Cole Fine Guns
Step into the world of elite gunsmithing with Rich Cole, founder of Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, in this insightful episode. Rich takes us on a captivating journey, from his early days as a gunsmith apprentice at Beretta USA in 1979 to building a renowned, family-operated business alongside his wife, Jona, and son, Brandon. Discover how Cole Fine Guns excels in providing top-tier warranty service, repairs, and custom shotgun solutions for hunters, competitors, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. We delve into the unique aspects of their Texas expansion, the crucial importance of regular shotgun maintenance, and how a perfect custom fitting can transform a shooter's experience. Plus, learn about their deep commitment to supporting the next generation through sponsorships like SCTP Nationals. This isn't just about guns; it's about a legacy of craftsmanship, dedication, and a true passion for the shooting sports.Learn more about Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing at www.colegun.com.Learn more about Houston Safari Club Foundation at WEHUNTWEGIVE.ORG!
Hunting Matters is an award-winning podcast celebrating the wonders of the great outdoors.Join host Joe Betar, Executive Director of Houston Safari Club Foundation, as he delves into captivating discussions with a diverse array of guests. From hunting and fishing to sport shooting, conservation, policy, and even culinary arts, this podcast covers it all. Available on all major podcast platforms—subscribe, listen, rate, and review!