First For Hunters Podcast
Safari Club International’s “First For Hunters” Podcast
This is the front line when it comes to hunting advocacy and conservation.
Hosted by Craig Kauffman, the official podcast of Safari Club International cuts through the noise and goes straight to the issues that impact hunters, outfitters, and conservationists around the world. SCI was built to defend the freedom to hunt and safeguard wildlife for future generations — and this show carries that mission into every conversation.
No fluff. No recycled headlines.
Each week, we break down the legislation, policies, and global decisions shaping the future of hunting. From international regulations and conservation battles to industry news, boots-on-the-ground perspectives, and insider updates from SCI — this is where hunters stay informed and ready.
If it affects your rights, your opportunities, or the future of wildlife, it’s talked about here.
This is more than a podcast.
It’s a pulse check on the state of hunting worldwide, and WE ARE First For Hunters.
Episodes
33 episodes
First For Hunters Podcast: Episode 2 - J Alain Smith
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 hun...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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1:13:34
First For Hunters Podcast: Episode 1 - Laird Hamberlin, CEO Safari Club International
The First For Hunters podcast launches with a straight-talk conversation about what’s at stake for hunters worldwide. Host Craig Kauffman sits down with Safari Club International CEO Laird Hamberlin to break down the real work happening behind ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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51:47
Protecting and Promoting Our Hunting Heritage W/ Congressman Bruce Westerman
In this episode, host Ben Cassidy visits Congressman Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, to discuss what he and his colleagues are doing to promote and protect our hunting heritage on Capitol Hill. Thanks...
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28:51
Nick Hoffman and SCI Convention!
On this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, host Ben Cassidy sits down with SCI Ambassador Nick Hoffman! Nick is host of Nick's Wild Ride on the Outdoor Channel and an award winning musician. On this episode they discuss SCI Convention in...
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39:45
Rabbit Hunting With A Legend - Charles Rodney
On this episode of the First For Hunters Podcast, host Ben Cassidy travels to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to hunt with a rabbit hunting legend, Charles Rodney! Tune in as the crew gets close to shooting their limit and Charles Rodney fills us...
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26:28
U.S. Senator, Veteran, Doctor, and Sportsman - Roger Marshall
In this episode, live from SCI Convention in Nashville, host Ben Cassidy sits down with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas. Senator Marshall is a Doctor, Veteran, and lifelong sportsman and conservationist. He is truly one of our own, fighti...
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19:15
Alaska "The Last Frontier" w/ U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan
In this episode, live from SCI Convention in Nashville, host Ben Cassidy sits down with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska to discuss the loss of "access" to public lands in Alaska by the Biden Administration. Get to know U.S. Sen...
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23:13
Battleground Australia w/ Ramsey Russell
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 Australi...
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59:44
The anti-hunting playbook comes to Colorado.
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 Color...
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55:58
Louisiana Black Bear Management
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 th...
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33:50
Merry Christmas, End of Year SCI Hunter Advocacy Report!
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...
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47:19
SCI Sues The Department of Education
Last week, SCI, the West Michigan Bowhunters Chapter of SCI, and Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education...
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35:24
Jim Shepherd and The Outdoor Wire
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 re...
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28:49
The Non-Lead Partnership - A Discussion About Lead Ammunition and Tackle
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 Workin...
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59:23
Hunters Are Humanitarians - Bell Family Blue Bag Program
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 ...
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58:16
Congressman Rob Wittman and Lead Ammunition
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 Congressma...
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24:33
Conservation Visions, feat. Shane Mahoney | Live from Paris!
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 ...
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43:58
Live from Paris with the President of FACE!
TORBJÖRN LARSSON, President of the European Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation (FACE), joins the First For Hunters Podcast with your host Ben Cassidy in Paris, France. Torbjörn Larsson is a Swedish businessman ...
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19:01
CEO of Silencer Central, Brandon Maddox
In this episode, host Ben Cassidy sits down with Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. Brandon talks about the importance of silencers and the advantages they give hunters. We also get a glimpse of how Brandon started Silencer Central and tu...
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33:13
J Alain Smith and Rugged Expeditions
In this episode, Host Ben Cassidy sits down with SCI Life Member, J Alain Smith. Alain is an author, entertainer, musician, and host of Rugged Expeditions. Within Safari Club International, Alain is a Hall of Fame Award Winner and Master of Cer...
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28:45
The Art of Taxidermy feat. Wes Good Founder of Kanati Taxidermy
In this episode, guest host Ryan Bassham sits down with President and Founder of Kanati Taxidermy, Wes Good at SCI Convention in Nashville. Wes along with his two brothers, have been in business for over 25 years! Located in Pennsylvania, Kanat...
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32:05
Grizzlies, Wolves, and WACKY State Wildlife Commissions feat. Scott Talbott
In this episode, Host Ben Cassidy rejoins the First For Hunters Podcast with SCI's Guide and Outfitter Liaison, Scott Talbott. Scott is the former Director of Wyoming Game and Fish and served with the Department for over 34 years! SCI is honore...
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40:39
Women Go Hunting feat. Rachel Ahtila
In this episode, guest host and SCI Ambassador Ryan Bassham sits down with Rachel Ahtila at SCI Convention in Nashville. Rachel Ahtila is a professional international hunting guide and has been an outdoor ambassador for many brands, including S...
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31:04
Chasing Dreams w/ Mckenzie Sims from Sims Safaris
In this episode, guest host and SCI Ambassador Ryan Bassham sits down with entrepreneur Mckenzie Sims at SCI Convention in Nashville! Mckenzie is a proud SCI member and accomplished international hunter. On top of this, he is also a very succes...
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37:47
Sydnie Wells from Barstool Sports Joins the SCI Podcast! W/ Guest Host Ryan Bassham
Sydnie Wells, host of Barstool Outdoors, sits down with guest host and SCI Ambassador Ryan Bassham on the First For Hunters Podcast during SCI Convention in Nashville! They talk about Sydnie's first experience at a SCI Convention, ...
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45:40