Hunting Matters

Joe Betar
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Leisure
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 273: Dangerous Game, Logistics, and Conservation with DJ Meyer

    In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Betar speaks with DJ Meyer, South African Professional Hunter, safari operator, co-owner of Leeuwkop Hunting Safaris, and commercial pilot. Drawing on generations of family hunting heritage, DJ breaks down what first-time and veteran hunters need to know when preparing for an African safari—from gear and ballistics to dangerous game encounters and sustainable conservation. Key Topics Covered: Preparing for Your First Safari: What first-time hunters should expect upon arrival, common preparation mistakes, and why mental flexibility and physical fitness are essential in the bush.Dangerous Game Encounters: How to prepare mentally and physically for hunting buffalo and elephant, understanding animal body language, preventing charges, and navigating high-pressure situations.Rifle & Ammunition Selection: Key considerations for bullet construction, weight retention, and terminal performance across different game species, plus essential range testing before traveling.Evaluating Safaris & Outfitter Models: Choosing between South Africa and Zimbabwe, understanding free-range vs. managed hunting properties, and the differences between outfitter-led and direct landowner operations.Conservation & Legacy: How ethical, regulated hunting directly funds anti-poaching operations, habitat restoration, and local community growth across Africa.Connect with DJ Meyer & Leeuwkop Hunting Safaris: Website: https://leeuwkophuntingsafaris.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeuwkophuntingsafaris/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leeuwkophuntingsafaris YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSCZx_-cirhZvgnFOpoC8wLearn more about HSCF: https://hscfdn.org/

  2. Sep 28

    Episode 272: Strategic Storytelling, Urban Hunting, and Outdoor Tech with Brad Luttrell

    In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Betar speaks with Brad Luttrell, founder of strategic storytelling firm Prologue and former creator of the outdoor social app GoWild. Brad shares insights on building technology for outdoor enthusiasts, narrative strategy for conservation, hunting in suburban environments, and the rewards of being a lifelong outdoor learner. Key Topics Covered: Building & Evolving in Outdoor Tech: Lessons learned from founding, leading, and transitioning out of GoWild, and how digital communities shape modern outdoor culture. Strategic Storytelling for Conservation: How Prologue helps brands and outdoor organizations craft authentic narratives that resonate beyond traditional hunting circles.Suburban & Urban Hunting: The unique strategies, access challenges, and opportunities of hunting smaller suburban properties, including Brad's experience hunting a 30-acre tree farm in the city.Embracing New Outdoor Pursuits: Applying patience and observation from hunting to new challenges like surf fishing, and the importance of remaining a beginner.Family, Work, & Outdoor Life: Balancing entrepreneurship with family time and passing down outdoor values and conservation principles to the next generation.Connect with Brad Luttrell & Prologue: Website: Prologue StoriesMusic Newsletter: Friday Mornin'LinkedIn: Brad Luttrell on LinkedInLearn more about HSCF: https://hscfdn.org/

  3. Sep 21

    Episode 271: Tech-Driven Conservation, and the Origins Documentary with Brian Murphy

    In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Betar welcomes internationally respected wildlife biologist Brian Murphy, V.P. of Corporate Relations and Strategic Partnerships at HuntStand and staff wildlife biologist for GSM, LLC. With over 35 years of deer research and conservation leadership—including 23 years at the helm of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA)—Brian shares insights from iconic Texas ranches, globally renowned hunting landscapes, and HuntStand's groundbreaking documentary, Origins . Key Topics Covered: Lessons from Iconic Landscapes: What decades of research on legendary Texas properties—like the YO Ranch, King Ranch, and Piloncillo Ranch—teach us about whitetail herd dynamics and North American deer management.The Origins Documentary: Behind the scenes of HuntStand's new film, exploring the roots of modern deer management, the unique history of South Texas, and the vital role private landowners play in habitat restoration.Technology Meets Wildlife Science: How digital mapping tools, spatial data, and mobile platforms can enhance hunter decision-making, monitor herd health, and support conservation without replacing woodsmanship.Global Perspectives & Bowhunting Roots: Insights gained from deer research in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, alongside Brian's lifelong passion for traditional bowhunting and passing outdoor traditions to the next generation.Connect with HuntStand: Website: HuntStandFacebook: HuntStand on FacebookInstagram: @huntstandrConnect with HSCF: https://hscfdn.org/

  4. Sep 14

    Episode 270: Agricultural Lending and the Economics of Rural Texas with Phil Peabody

    In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Betar sits down with Phil Peabody, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Capital Farm Credit. Drawing from over 15 years in agricultural lending and corporate risk management, Phil explores how Texas growth, land values, and conservation economics shape the future of rural real estate and farm management.   Key Topics Covered: Navigating Rural Real Estate & Lending: How financing farms, ranches, and recreational properties differs from traditional residential loans, along with key strategies for managing input costs, interest rates, and commodity fluctuations.The Cooperative Advantage: Understanding Capital Farm Credit’s cooperative structure and how returning earnings to customer-owners strengthens local rural communities.The Economics of Wildlife & Hunting: Balancing livestock operations with habitat management, and using hunting lease revenue to enhance land stewardship, offset operational costs, and fund conservation practices.Generational Succession & Future Outlook: Practical advice for farm and ranch families planning succession, overcoming high entry barriers for young agricultural operators, and maintaining Texas rural heritage for the next generation.Supporting Conservation & Youth: Why Capital Farm Credit partners with organizations like the Houston Safari Club Foundation to fund youth scholarships and protect hunting traditions. Connect with Capital Farm Credit: Website: Capital Farm CreditFacebook: Capital Farm Credit on FacebookInstagram: @capitalfarmcreditX (Twitter): @CapitalFarmCredLinkedIn: Capital Farm Credit Company PageYouTube: Capital Farm Credit ChannelConnect with Hunting Matters: Subscribe & Review: Be sure to subscribe to Hunting Matters on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating and review!Learn More: Visit https://hscfdn.org/ to support conservation, education, and our hunting heritage.

  5. Sep 8

    Episode 269: Faith, Leadership, and 140+ Species with Victor L. Bretting

    What does it take to turn a lifetime in the outdoors into a lasting legacy? On this episode of Hunting Matters, we are joined by Victor L. Bretting—an 8th-generation Texan, 50-year construction executive, author, and founder of North Texas’s B-Tex Ranch. Having pursued over 140 species across five continents, Victor shares gripping insights from dangerous-game safaris and mountain hunts, explaining why the true value of hunting lies far beyond the trophy—it’s rooted in the people, the character built through adversity, and a deep respect for wildlife management. We explore his memoir, The Man That I Would Become, unpacking how faith, accountability, and decades of corporate leadership shaped his approach to land stewardship. Victor also discusses his mission to give back by hosting combat veterans, mentoring the next generation of outdoorsmen, and highlighting the realities of conservation as co-host of Trekin Outdoors and The B-Tex Ranch on MyOutdoorTV . Connect with Victor L. Bretting & B-Tex Ranch: Website: brettingtexanranch.comGet the Memoir (The Man That I Would Become): brettingtexanranch.com/the-bookFacebook: facebook.com/btexranchLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victor-brettingLearn more about HSCF:  Houston Safari Club Home - Houston Safari Club

  6. Aug 31

    Episode 268: Mentoring Youth and Healing Through the Outdoors with Micah Seavers

    In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Beta speaks with Micah Seavers, President of Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures. Micah shares how his upbringing as a preacher's kid and the guidance of early mentors led him to build a nonprofit dedicated to introducing young people to outdoor traditions. Key Topics Covered: Mentorship & Youth Engagement: Why absent mentors—not technology—are the main barrier keeping kids indoors, and how a single positive outdoor experience can make a lasting impact.The Rules of Firsts: Teaching ethical conservation, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness through trapping, metal detecting, survival skills, and wild game processing.The Heroes Hunt & Community Outreach: Providing all-expenses-paid trips for children of fallen and wounded military members, police officers, and firefighters, alongside programs supporting local families.Bridging Perspectives: Embracing open dialogue with non-outdoorsmen and opposing groups to foster true stewardship and understanding Website: Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/

  7. Aug 24

    Episode 267: Ranching Legacy, Youth Conservation, and South Texas Stewardship with Leo & Madison Martinez

    In this episode of "Hunting Matters", we are joined by Leo Martinez, Ranch Manager of the Dancing Elk Alexander (DEA) Ranch in Mathis, Texas, Vice President on the HSCF Board of Directors, and the 2025 HSCF Outfitter of the Year, along with his daughter, Madison Martinez. We dive into Leo's nearly four-decade career in ranching and hunting, exploring how family legacy, Texas history, and a deep commitment to stewardship shape their family-run operation in South Texas. The discussion details Leo’s multi-generational roots in the industry—inspired by his grandfather’s life as a cowboy and ranch foreman—and how he carries those foundational values forward today. Leo and Madison share what it takes to manage the daily balance of native wildlife, exotic game, cattle production, and hosting hunting guests on a working South Texas ranch. We explore the unique allure of South Texas hunting, the intricacies of humane wildlife and habitat management, and how Madison’s perspective as the next generation is helping shape the ranch's future. Finally, we explore the essential connection between ethical hunting, conservation, and youth education, highlighting DEA Ranch’s hosting of HSCF’s first annual Summer Youth Conservation Education Program. Leo and Madison share powerful insights on passing down land stewardship to the next generation, the honor of receiving the 2025 Outfitter of the Year award, and why hands-on outdoor experiences are critical to protecting wildlife, rural communities, and hunting heritage for decades to come. Learn more about DEA Ranch and their work: Website: https://dearanch.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dealexanderranch/ Instagram: @dea_ranch Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/

  8. Aug 11

    Episode 266: Global Waterfowl Conservation: From Texas Pintails to New Zealand Game Birds with Matt Garrick

    In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Matt Garrick, Senior Field Officer at Fish & Game New Zealand and a former HSCF-Dan L Duncan Scholarship recipient. We dive into Matt's impressive international career in wildlife biology and waterfowl management, following his journey from a small farm in New Zealand to top research and state biologist positions across North America, and back home again to lead game bird conservation. The discussion details Matt’s extensive educational and professional journey, from his undergraduate work at Iowa State University to completing his master's degree at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where he studied the nutritional ecology of northern pintails along the Texas coast. Matt shares how receiving the HSCF-Dan L Duncan Scholarship fueled his aspirations, reflecting on his seasonal field experiences spanning Alaska, Alberta, Alabama, Nevada, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. We explore his previous leadership roles as an Assistant State Waterfowl Biologist in Iowa and Waterfowl Program Manager in Nebraska, highlighting the critical science behind bird banding, satellite telemetry, and cross-border international agency collaboration within the Central Flyway. Finally, we explore Matt's current work leading habitat restoration, hunter surveys, and game bird management programs with Fish & Game New Zealand, comparing the hunting traditions, species, and regulation structures between North America and Australasia. Matt shares his lifelong passion for chasing waterfowl alongside his black lab, breaks down how biological research shapes hunting bag limits, and offers valuable advice for students looking to turn their love of the outdoors into a global conservation career. Learn more about Fish & Game New Zealand and Matt's work: Website: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/ Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/[

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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Betar
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Hunting Matters
  • Show Website
    Hunting Matters