First For Hunters Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, we sit down with Jason St. Michael, Director of Membership and Chapter Services at Safari Club International, to talk about the heartbeat of SCI — its members.

From strengthening local chapters across the country to building a unified voice for hunters worldwide, Jason shares how SCI is mobilizing its grassroots network to protect hunting rights, advance conservation, and ensure the next generation stays engaged and equipped for the fight ahead. We dive into what membership truly means, why chapter involvement matters more than ever, and how collective action fuels SCI’s mission on a global scale.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone who believes being “First For Hunters” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a commitment.

Support the show

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Meryl, President of Safari Club International, to talk about the future of hunting, conservation, and the fight to protect our rights. From defending science-based wildlife management to strengthening SCI’s global impact, Jeff shares what’s at stake—and why now is the time for hunters to stand united.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone who believes hunting is more than a passion—it’s a responsibility.

Support the show

In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with Get Ducks founder, Ramsey Russell, to discuss his recent trip to Australia in pursuit of waterfowl and the film he put together in support of the sport in the region:

Battleground Australia, presented by Get Ducks, SCI, and Field & Game Australia, airs January 24th on the Get Ducks YouTube channel. This film depicts the diverse and healthy populations of waterfowl in Australia and explains what hunters do to conserve waterfowl in the region. Currently, waterfowl hunting has fallen under attack by anti-hunters in Australia, and this film is being released to explain the “truth” behind waterfowl hunting down under. SCI has also collaborated with Field & Game Australia on advocacy efforts with our grassroots army to defend duck hunting in Australia. 

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@GetDucks

Support the show

In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with Dan Gates the Founder and Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (C.R.W.M).  

Ben and Dan discuss the recent challenges sportsmen and women face in Colorado around the management of mountain lions and the imminent threat of recent ballot initiatives and what hunters are doing to stop them. 

Learn more about C.R.W.M. here: https://savethehuntcolorado.com/

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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! 

Support the show

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. 

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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! 

Support the show

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/

Support the show