Episode 251: Demystifying the South African Safari Experience with Steve Schwartz and Larry Hope

Episode 255: Redefining the Optics Industry-Jon Allen on Faith, Family, and TRACT Optics

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Jon Allen, Co-Founder of TRACT Optics. We dive into Jon’s decades-long career in the sporting optics industry and explore how his early roles at Gart Bros. Sporting Goods, Redfield, and Nikon shaped his vision for premium, performance-driven gear. Born in Washington and raised across Utah and Colorado, Jon’s childhood exploring the Rocky Mountains sparked a lifelong calling to the outdoors. The discussion details his journey through the ranks of the optics business—from mastering manufacturing and engineering at Redfield to serving as General Manager at Nikon—before ultimately breaking away from the corporate world to launch TRACT Optics with co-founder Jon LaCorte. We explore how they disrupted the industry by building a direct-to-consumer model focused 100% on the needs of the outdoor enthusiast. Finally, we explore Jon's personal side, discussing the vital role his family and faith play in his life and business culture. We delve into his guiding philosophy of putting the customer first and his enduring dedication to providing hunters and outdoorsmen with unmatched quality, value, and product support. Learn more about TRACT Optics: * Website: https://tractoptics.com/ [https://tractoptics.com/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tractoptics/ [https://www.facebook.com/tractoptics/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tract_optics/ [https://www.instagram.com/tract_optics/] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/TractOptics [https://x.com/TractOptics] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1yLBCLXbxFUGYnvY1nCbA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1yLBCLXbxFUGYnvY1nCbA] Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/ [https://wehuntwegive.org/]

Episode 254: Kevin Comiskey on Career, Community Service, and the Outdoors

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined in studio by Kevin Comiskey, Senior VP and Partner at Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates. We dive into Kevin's 25-year career at the firm and how his early roles at American Linen, Silver Eagle Distributors, and Trinity Industries shaped his approach to leadership. Raised in Houston, Kevin attended Colorado State University and worked in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota before returning to Texas. The discussion explores his deep commitment to wildlife conservation, serving as a Life Member, Past President of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF), and current Executive Committee member and Convention Chairman for the Texas Wildlife Association. Additionally, Kevin is a long-time volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Finally, we explore Kevin's personal side, discussing his life with his wife Amy, their three sons, and German Shorthaired Pointer. We delve into their family's retreat at Rocking C South Ranch in Cotulla, Texas, discussing the values of stewardship and the family's shared love of hunting and sporting clays. Houston Safari Club Foundation: https://wehuntwegive.org/ [https://wehuntwegive.org/]

Episode 253: Storytelling, Stewardship, and the Son of a Blitch

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined in studio by George Bowe Blitch, a fifth-generation Texan whose life and career defy a single job title. As the host of the Son of a Blitch Podcast, George has become a leading voice in long-form storytelling, uncovering the personal journeys of extraordinary people across the worlds of hunting, conservation, music, and adventure. From his early days documenting Indigenous elders with National Geographic writer Harvey Arden to his time as a touring musician and wildlife manager, George’s path has been driven by a singular belief: the world is full of fascinating stories that deserve to be told. We trace George’s deep-rooted connection to the land, exploring how his upbringing in ranching and the outdoors shaped his views on responsibility and stewardship. George shares the evolution of his businesses, Map My Ranch and American Made Maps, which grew from a personal project mapping his own family ranch into a nationwide service that helps landowners and wildlife managers better understand and conserve their properties. The conversation dives deep into the importance of cultural preservation, including George’s historical research into figures like Bob Lemmons and the role of private landowners in the future of wildlife conservation. Whether discussing the nuances of a great interview or the technical detail required to map a working ranch, George offers a masterclass in curiosity-driven living. Finally, we explore the wisdom George has gained from a life spent at the intersection of hunting traditions and creative pursuits, offering a unique perspective on what truly makes a person—and a story—interesting. Websites: * SonofaBlitch.com [https://www.sonofablitch.com/] * MapMyRanch.com [https://mapmyranch.com/] * AmericanMadeMaps.com [https://americanmademaps.com/] * YouTube [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://YouTube.com/%40sonofablitch] | Instagram [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://Instagram.com/%40thesonofablitch] | Facebook [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://Facebook.com/GeorgeBlitch] Learn more about HSCF at wehuntwegive.org [https://wehuntwegive.org/].

Episode 252: Life Well-Hunted: 50 Years of Business and Global Sporting with John Toomey

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined in studio by John Toomey, a legendary Houstonian whose life spans nearly a century of business leadership, civic service, and international sporting. Born in 1928, John moved to Houston in 1930 and eventually built a career that successfully bridged the worlds of law, hospitality, and the automotive industry. From practicing law for 30 years to operating iconic Houston staples like Coney Island off the Square and his current involvement with J-Bar-M BBQ, John offers a masterclass in entrepreneurial longevity. We trace John’s professional journey from his academic years at the University of Houston, where he earned both business and law degrees in the early 1950s, to his deep-rooted commitment to his alma mater as a former Alumni Association President. John also shares reflections on his time serving in the Texas Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, discussing how military discipline influenced his approach to governance and business. The conversation dives deep into John’s lifelong passion for the outdoors, beginning with his first hunt in Alpine, Texas, in 1957. Alongside his best friend, Fr. Richard A. Houlahan, John traversed the globe—from the bird fields of Mexico and Argentina to big game pursuits in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. He provides a unique perspective on how international hunting has shaped his views on conservation and the profound spiritual and social value of the sporting life. Finally, we explore the wisdom gained from 97 years of living, as John reflects on the importance of family, service, and building a legacy that transcends professional success. John offers invaluable advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs and outdoorsmen on how to craft a truly meaningful  life. Websites: * J-Bar-M BBQ [https://www.jbarmbbq.com/] * J-Bar-M Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JBarMBBQ/] * J-Bar-M Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jbarmbbq/] Learn more about HSCF at wehuntwegive.org [http://wehuntwegive.org].

Episode 251: Demystifying the South African Safari Experience with Steve Schwartz and Larry Hope

In this episode of "Hunting Matters," we are joined by Steve Schwartz, the owner and outfitter of Nkwazi Safaris, and his client, Larry Hope. Steve represents a second-generation family hunting operation established in 1999. Born and raised in Johannesburg, he transitioned from a career in exercise science and outdoor videography to carry forward his family’s legacy in the South African bush. Joining him in the studio is Larry Hope, a Houston-based business owner and dedicated hunter who has spent the last 28 years making up for a "late start" in the field. We trace Steve’s professional journey from his early days in a hunting family to his role as a member of the Custodians of Professional Hunting in South Africa and HSCF. Steve shares how his background in personal training and filmmaking has shaped his approach to being a Professional Hunter and how he uses his YouTube channel, Nkwazi’s South African Hunting Journal, to document the intersection of hunting and conservation. The conversation dives deep into the practical realities of the African safari, tackling common misconceptions regarding costs, international travel with firearms, and health concerns like malaria and local wildlife. Larry provides a firsthand client perspective on what it is like to book multiple trips with the same outfitter and how his expectations shifted once he arrived on the ground in South Africa. Finally, we explore advanced insights for the traveling hunter, from the nuances of shot placement on African game to the logistics of taxidermy and trophy shipping. Steve and Larry offer "pro tips" for first-time hunters, emphasizing the importance of communication with a PH and staying flexible with one's wish list. We conclude with a look at what keeps Steve passionate about guiding after all these years and his advice for anyone still on the fence about booking their first African adventure. Websites: * Nkwazi Safaris [http://www.nkwazisafaris.co.za/] * Nkwazi's South African Hunting Journal (YouTube) [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.youtube.com/%40SouthAfricanHuntingJournal] Learn more about HSCF at wehuntwegive.org [https://www.wehuntwegive.org].