Boone and Crockett Club's Heritage of the Hunt Podcast
The Boone and Crockett Club’s Heritage of the Hunt podcast will include broad content relevant to hunters and those passionate about the great outdoors. The primary podcast will focus on interviews with members, industry leaders, scientists, policy makers, and more who will shine a light on a wide range of topics. In addition, subchannels of the podcast will include Roosevelt Ranch Radio featuring the Club’s outdoor education and conservation efforts at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch near Dupuyer, Montana. Other areas will focus on voices of fair chase, beyond the score and big game records stories, member spotlights, impact series readings, and much more.
Available wherever you listen:
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| Apple | Spotify | Amazon | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Pocket Casts | Podcast Addict |
Episode 10 - Justin Kallusky on Faith, Mountains, and a World Record Mountain Goat
In this episode of Boone And Crockett’s Heritage Of The Hunt, world record mountain goat hunter Justin Kallusky shares the story of a once-in-a-lifetime hunt that went far beyond the score sheet. From the rugged preparation leading up to the hunt, to moments of deep clarity on the mountain, Justin reflects on how hunting has transformed his life both spiritually and emotionally.
He dives into the personal challenges of mountain hunting, the healing power of the outdoors, and why conservation remains central to his story. Listeners will hear how a single hunt sparked poetry, renewal, and a profound connection to nature—reminding us that hunting and fishing are about much more than the harvest.
If you’re passionate about big game hunting, mountain adventures, wildlife conservation, and the spiritual side of the outdoors, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways:
- The preparation and challenges behind a world record mountain goat hunt
- How hunting can bring clarity, peace, and personal transformation
- The role of wildlife conservation in preserving hunting traditions
- Why hunters and anglers must give back to the outdoors
- The spiritual connection between hunting, nature, and personal growth
Episode 9 - Inside the Score: The Real Purpose of Boone and Crockett’s Measuring System
What really happens when a Boone and Crockett official measurer takes your deer, elk, or sheep score? In this episode of Heritage of the Hunt, host Jodi Stemler sits down with three seasoned measurers Jayson Arnold, Brett Ross, and Bucky Ihlenfeldt for a deep dive into the real purpose behind the record books. Far from being a brag board, Boone and Crockett’s measuring system is one of the most powerful wildlife management tools in North America.
Listeners will learn how scoring provides decades of critical data for elk hunting conservation, whitetail management, and big game policy from federal decisions to local herd health. The crew breaks down the misunderstood concept of “trophy hunting,” shares how official measurers collect data, and explains why every score sheet helps protect our outdoor heritage.
You’ll also hear personal stories from the field like a father and son discovering math through antler measurements, and a wheelchair-bound hunter whose final deer became a legacy of friendship and stewardship.
This is a rare insider look at the men and women writing the last chapter of every successful hunt.
Key Takeaways:
- How official measuring supports long-term wildlife management
- Why trophy data is critical for herd health and conservation policy
- Field stories that highlight the emotional impact of scoring
- The truth behind “trophy hunting” and its scientific purpose
- How score sheets contribute to national conservation decisions
- The role of volunteer measurers in documenting North American big game
Episode 8 - Leadership, Legacy, and Conservation: A Conversation with Past Presidents Jim Arnold and Steve Adams
In this episode of the Heritage of the Hunt Podcast, past presidents Jim Arnold and Steve Adams reflect on their lifelong journeys in hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation. They share how the Boone and Crockett Club evolved into a leading force for wildlife management and why collaboration among conservation groups remains essential.
Listeners will hear stories of memorable hunts, challenges facing modern conservation, and the critical role of university wildlife programs in preparing the next generation of hunters, anglers, and outdoor leaders. From youth engagement to the importance of adaptability in changing times, this conversation offers insights into preserving America’s hunting and fishing heritage for generations to come.
Key Takeaways for Hunters and Conservationists:
- The Boone and Crockett Club’s history of leadership in wildlife conservation
- How personal experiences in hunting lead to conservation involvement
- Why effective wildlife management requires collaboration across organizations
- The Club’s impact beyond record-keeping into broader outdoor conservation efforts
- The importance of university programs in training future wildlife managers
- Engaging youth in hunting, fishing, and conservation traditions
- Leadership lessons for passionate outdoorsmen and conservation advocates
Episode 7 - Melissa Bachman on Hunting Conservation, Family Traditions, and Outdoor Ethics
Discover how Melissa Bachman blends hunting, conservation, and family traditions to inspire future outdoor enthusiasts.
In this episode of Boone and Crockett Club’s Heritage of the Hunt, hunter and outdoor media personality Melissa Bachman shares her journey growing up in the outdoors and building a career in hunting media. She emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation, family traditions in hunting, and the ethical responsibilities that come with pursuing game.
Melissa discusses her childhood experiences, how her family shaped her passion for the outdoors, and why teaching kids about conservation and fair chase hunting is critical for the future. She also explores the role of community in welcoming new hunters, building strong family bonds through time spent outdoors, and setting goals that keep both children and adults engaged in hunting and fishing traditions.
Whether you’re passionate about hunting, fishing, or outdoor conservation, this episode offers valuable insights into passing down outdoor values, fostering a love for nature, and preserving our hunting heritage for generations to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Conservation is a vital message to share with the next generation of hunters.
- Family involvement in hunting strengthens relationships and creates lifelong memories.
- Success in outdoor media requires persistence, hard work, and dedication.
- Teaching kids about conservation ensures the future of hunting and fishing.
- Ethics and fair chase are essential for hunter credibility and community support.
- The hunting community is welcoming and supportive of newcomers.
- Goal setting helps children and adults grow as outdoorsmen and women.
- Word of mouth is a powerful way to promote hunting and conservation values.
Episode 6 - Poaching’s Threat to Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation: Inside Boone And Crockett’s Poach and Pay Report
Discover how poaching undermines hunting, fishing, and conservation—and what we can do to stop it.
Poaching isn’t just a crime—it’s one of the most pressing threats to wildlife conservation in America. In this episode, we unpack the Boone and Crockett Club’s groundbreaking Poach and Pay Report with Dr. Jon Gassett, Southeast Field Representative for the Wildlife Management Institute and Dr. Kristie Blevins, Professor of Criminal Justice at Eastern Kentucky University, which reveals alarming data about illegal hunting and fishing, the hidden costs to conservation, and why detection rates are as low as 4%.
We explore how poaching impacts hunters, anglers, and the outdoor community, while breaking down the economic toll that costs wildlife agencies billions. This conversation highlights why it’s crucial to distinguish between ethical hunters and poachers, and how education, awareness, and community engagement can create a lasting cultural stigma against poaching.
From trophy poaching to opportunistic violations, we discuss the motivations behind these crimes, why prosecutors need better tools to pursue them, and how legislative change could strengthen wildlife protection. Whether you’re a hunter, angler, or conservationist, this episode sheds light on why defending our outdoor heritage depends on combating poaching.
Key Takeaways:
- Poaching threatens wildlife, hunting, fishing, and conservation across the United States.
- Detection rates for poaching remain alarmingly low—just 4%
- Hunters and anglers must help build awareness and report wildlife crimes.
- The economic impact of poaching costs conservation agencies billions annually.
- Public education and stronger prosecution are essential to deter poaching.
- Creating a cultural stigma against poaching protects future hunting and fishing opportunities.
Episode 5 - Boone and Crockett President Tony Caligiuri on Hunting Legacy, Conservation, and Outdoor Industry Leadership
In this episode, Jodi Stemler sits down with Tony Caligiuri, the 37th president of the Boone and Crockett Club, to explore the future of hunting, fishing, and conservation in North America. With more than 30 years in the outdoor industry, Caligiuri shares his journey from outdoor writer to industry leader, emphasizing the critical role hunters play in sustaining wildlife and public lands.
The conversation dives into the legacy of hunting traditions, the importance of ethical practices, and how organizations like Boone and Crockett continue to protect natural resources for future generations. Caligiuri also highlights the revival of iconic outdoor brands like Field & Stream, the importance of engaging youth in the outdoors, and how hunters’ contributions remain essential to the North American Model of Conservation.
Key Takeaways:
- Tony Caligiuri’s 30+ years in outdoor writing, marketing, and conservation leadership.
- Why the Boone and Crockett Club is vital for promoting ethical hunting and fair chase.
- How hunters’ license dollars and involvement fuel conservation success.
- Reviving outdoor heritage through iconic brands like Field & Stream.
- Engaging young hunters and anglers to secure the future of outdoor sports.
- Collaboration with outdoor companies to advance wildlife conservation.
Why the Boone and Crockett record book provides invaluable conservation data.
Episode 4 - Boone and Crockett Adds Javelina to Big Game Records Book
Almost 30 years in the making, and now it’s official! The Boone and Crockett Club has added the collared peccary (javelina) as its newest big game record category — the first new species added in nearly three decades. Jodi Stemler sits down with the team that made it happen.
Episode 3 - Heritage of the Hunt
In the premiere episode of Heritage of the Hunt, Communications Director Jodi Stemler chats with legendary outdoor writer and longtime Boone and Crockett Club member Craig Boddington, recorded at the 32nd Big Game Awards.
Episode 2 - Heritage of the Hunt
In this special episode of Boone and Crockett Club’s Heritage of the Hunt podcast, host Jodi Stemler sits down with outdoor filmmaker and conservationist Jason Matzinger, host of Into High Country, to talk about his upcoming keynote at the Jack Steele Parker Generation Next Banquet and the national television premiere of his documentary Selective.