First For Hunters Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In Episode 3 of SCI’s First For Hunters podcast, we sit down with Barbara Crown from Safari Club International’s Hunter Information Services — a member-exclusive resource built to help hunters navigate the complex realities of hunting at home and abroad.

From traveling with firearms and navigating airline policies to importing gear, researching outfitters, and getting trophies home, Hunter Information Services exists to provide practical insight, real-time guidance, and problem-solving support so SCI members can plan hunts with confidence. 

Barbara shares how the team helps hunters make informed decisions, stay compliant with ever-changing regulations, and overcome logistical challenges — whether it’s a first out-of-state hunt or an international adventure. The conversation also explores how the service supports ethical hunting, responsible travel, and SCI’s broader mission to protect and promote the hunter’s lifestyle.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to keep hunters informed, prepared, and protected — this episode delivers a firsthand look at one of SCI’s most valuable member benefits.

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In Episode 2 of SCI’s First For Hunters Podcast, host Craig Kauffman sits down with J. Alain Smith for a no-BS conversation on the front lines of hunting advocacy and global conservation. From policy fights that directly impact hunters to the realities of protecting wildlife where it actually lives, this episode cuts through the noise and gets into what matters most.

They dig into the pressures facing international hunting, how legislation shapes opportunity in the field, and why boots-on-the-ground conservation and hunter involvement remain the backbone of wildlife management. Expect sharp perspective, insider context, and the kind of candid discussion that doesn’t happen in press releases.

If you care about the future of hunting, conservation credibility, and staying informed on the battles shaping both—this is one to queue up.

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In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with SCI Foundation Large Carnivore Program Manager Maria Davidson, SCI Litigation Counsel Regina Lennox, and SCI Western States Liaison Chris Tymeson to discuss black bear management, specifically the future of the black bear in Louisiana.

The First For Hunters Podcast is the ONLY podcast in the hunting industry updating you weekly on the legislative issues that affect hunting worldwide.

Thanks for tuning in!

https://safariclub.org/

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Merry Christmas from Safari Club International! Join us on today's episode with host Ben Cassidy and guests Bee Frederick (SCI Eastern States Liaison), Jeremy Clare (SCI Litigation Counsel), and Regina Lennox (SCI Litigation Counsel) to discuss some of the big hunter advocacy wins from 2023! 

We couldn't have had all of these amazing wins without the support of YOU our listeners, followers, advocates, and members. We can't wait to see what 2024 brings. 

FIRST FOR HUNTERS! 

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Last week, SCI, the West Michigan Bowhunters Chapter of SCI, and Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education over its misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). 

The lawsuit challenges the Department’s misguided decision to prohibit the use of federal funds for shooting sports, hunter education, and outdoor education programs in schools. 

In this podcast, host Ben Cassidy sits down with SCI Litigation Counsel Regina Lennox, High School Science teacher Natalie Weeks, and Elementary PE teacher Wendy Applegate to discuss the effects of prohibiting the use of federal funds for shooting sports, hunter education, and outdoor education programs in schools. 

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In this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, host Ben Cassidy gives a quick International and Government Affairs recap and then sits down with Jim Shepherd, the founder of Outdoor Wire.

The Outdoor Wire is a daily news outlet of record for the outdoor industry.

https://www.theoutdoorwire.com/

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In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with Chris Parish (CEO and President at the Peregrine Fund) and Leland Brown (Non-lead Hunting Education Program Manager at Oregon Zoo) to discuss lead ammunition and tackle. 

While Working at the Peregrine Fund, Chris and Leland co-founded the Non-Lead Partnership. 

SCI opposes blanket lead bans. They disregard science, block access and, in turn, negatively impact wildlife conservation. The Non-Lead Partnership brought a unique perspective to the debate while answering questions that SCI members have been asking.  

Thanks for listening! 

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In this episode, Ben Cassidy sits down with Larry Bell, SCI Life Member and Founder of the Bell Family Blue Bag program. 

In memory of their daughter Amy Bell, SafariCare Blue Bags are filled by chapters, individual members, church groups or even groups of schoolchildren or scouts. The contents may include medical, educational, and other relief supplies, or clothing and toys.  The Blue Bag is taken to remote areas of the world by hunters who have planned hunts in these regions. The supplies are delivered directly to villages, clinics, orphanages and schools, doctors, caretakers and teachers to use with people in need.

To fill a blue bag for your next hunt, visit the link below: 
https://safariclubfoundation.org/bell-family-blue-bag-program/

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In this episode, First For Hunters Host Ben Cassidy sits down with Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia's First District. 

Congressman Wittman is a lifelong hunter and angler from the Northern Neck of Virginia. Ben and the Congressman discuss the Biden Administration's threat to limit the use of lead ammunition on public lands and what we as sportsmen can do to prevent it. 

Thanks for listening in! Want to write in? 

social@scifirstforhunters.org 

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In this episode, host Ben Cassidy interviews Shane Mahoney in Paris, France to discuss his personal journey in the conservation field.

Shane Patrick Mahoney is the President and CEO of Conservation Visions Inc.. A Newfoundland native, he holds both an Honors and a Masters of Science degree in Zoology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mahoney has over 30 years experience working primarily as a scientist, wildlife manager, policy innovator and strategic advisor. 

Thanks for tuning in and drop us a review! 

Want to write in? social@safariclub.org 

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