Bringing Back the Wild Podcast
Explore past episodes and conversations about conservation.
Explore every episode of Bringing Back the Wild—conversations that connect hunting, conservation, and the people working to sustain both. Each episode offers real stories from the field and a deeper understanding of how conservation works in practice.
Rans Thomas
Rans Thomas joins Bringing Back the Wild to share his journey from a Georgia farm to a career in wildlife biology, land management, and conservation leadership. He explains how early exposure to hunting and habitat stewardship shaped his path and fueled his passion for whitetail deer management. Rans dives into HuntPro, the AI-powered platform he helped build, which transforms trail camera data into actionable insights.
Brandon Butler
This episode of Bringing Back the Wild shifts from outdoor communication to one of the most inspiring conservation and service stories you’ll ever hear. Brandon Butler shares the remarkable journey of Retrieving Freedom, a nonprofit that trains exceptional service dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism—always at no cost to the families they serve.
Shane Jahn
In this episode of Bringing Back the Wild, Mike sits down with Shane Jahn for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, handguns, and a lifetime spent in the outdoors. Shane shares stories from growing up hunting Texas whitetails, his career with the U.S. Border Patrol, and his passion for hunting with traditional handguns—from the Trans-Pecos to Cape buffalo in Africa.
Dusty Vickrey
In this episode of Bringing Back the Wild, Mike Arnold talks with Dusty Vickrey, wildlife operations manager at Choctaw Hunting Lodge, about his unexpected path into wildlife management and the passion behind his work. Dusty shares how science, conservation, and disciplined management guide the Choctaw Nation’s 22,000+ acres of free-range habitat and 1,000-acre high-fence operation, creating sustainable hunting opportunities for generations to come.
Jim Zumbo
In this episode of Bringing Back the Wild, I sit down with legendary outdoor writer Jim Zumbo to explore the life that shaped one of the most influential voices in hunting and fishing. Jim shares stories from his early days chasing rabbits in New York to building a career that led him to Outdoor Life and decades of adventure across North America.
Shelby LaButte
In this episode of Bringing Back the Wild, I talk with conservation attorney and educator Shelby LaButte about hunting, law, and education. Shelby shares how harvesting her first whitetail at age seven shaped her lifelong passion for the outdoors, and she takes us to New Zealand for a recent hunt for red stag and turkeys—and a look at international conservation practices..
Robbie Kroger
Mike Arnold talks with Origins Foundation founder Robbie Kroger about his unexpected journey from urban South Africa to hunting and conservation advocacy. Robbie shares how science, storytelling, and honest conversations can challenge misconceptions about hunting and help protect wildlife and ecosystems around the world.
Ed Pham
Mike Arnold talks with Hornady’s Seth Swerczek about a life shaped by hunting, shooting, and service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Seth shares how those experiences led to his career at Hornady and a deep knowledge of firearms, ammunition, and ballistics.
Seth Swerczek
Mike Arnold talks with Hornady’s Seth Swerczek about a life shaped by hunting, shooting, and service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Seth shares how those experiences led to his career at Hornady and a deep knowledge of firearms, ammunition, and ballistics.
Russell Stacey
Mike Arnold talks with Dallas Safari Club CEO Russell Stacy about how hunting shaped his life and led to a career in conservation. Russell shares the importance of mentorship, community, and the role hunters play in protecting wildlife and habitat for future generations.
Erica Tergeson
Mike Arnold talks with Dallas Safari Club Government Affairs Director Erica Tergeson about why hunters need a voice in Washington, D.C. Erica discusses her conservation roots, her work protecting hunting and wildlife funding, and why hunter involvement is vital to the future of wildlife management.
Cecil Corringham
In this episode of Bringing Back the Wild, Mike Arnold talks with South African master taxidermist Cecil Corringham about a life shaped by resilience, artistry, and a passion for wildlife. Cecil shares how growing up in an orphanage, discovering hunting on friends’ farms, and training under conservationist Dr. Ian Player inspired his lifelong commitment to Africa’s wild places
Larry Weishuhn
Larry Weishuhn—Mr. Whitetail—returns to explore two fascinating whitetail subspecies: the Carmen Mountain whitetail and the Coues deer. He discusses their unique habitats, the conservation challenges they face in Texas and northern Mexico, and how species like aoudad and elk affect fragile desert ecosystems. Along the way, Larry explains why responsible hunting and sound habitat management remain essential to conserving these remarkable deer.
Marc Newton
Marc Newton shares how hunting with his father in the English countryside shaped his character and inspired the values he now passes on to his daughters. He also tells the story of reviving John Rigby & Co. and explains his commitment to preserving British gunmaking traditions through mentorship, craftsmanship, and conservation.
Daniela Fanzoj
Daniela Fanzoj joins Mike Arnold to discuss Austria’s hunting heritage and her family’s 300-year-old gunmaking tradition. She explains how Fanzoj blends handcrafted firearms, fine art, and conservation to celebrate wildlife while inspiring the next generation of hunters and artisans.
Joe Croot
Mike Arnold talks with Joe Croot about his journey from gamekeeper to entrepreneur. Joe shares how his grandfather inspired his love of hunting and conservation, how UK gun laws influenced his career, and what it takes to manage wildlife on large Scottish estates. He also discusses deer management, grouse restoration, key mentors, and the creation of his successful outfitting business, Royal Outfitters UK.
Dan Cabela
Mike talks with Dan Cabela about how Hard Truths of Conservation grew from a campfire conversation into a global TV series focused on real-world conservation stories. Dan explains the show’s goal of reaching non-hunters through honest, non-preachy storytelling, previews Season 4’s bison relocation project, and shares insights from major wildlife restoration efforts in Africa. The key takeaway: effective conservation is driven by science, local communities, and responsible hunting.
Governor Kelly Armstrong
Governor Armstrong explains how conservation thrives when it works alongside agriculture and hunting. He highlights working lands, access, and the role of everyday families in sustaining wildlife and rural communities.
Tim Lowe & Duane Harris
Tim and Duane share how they launched a Speaker’s Series for Environmental Studies students at College of Coastal Georgia, and why teaching hunting and angling strengthens conservation.
Mark Haldane
Mike Arnold talks with professional hunter Mark Haldane about the restoration of Coutada 11 in Mozambique. Haldane shares his journey from a free-roaming childhood in South Africa to nearly four decades in the safari industry.
Diana Rupp
Mike talks with Diana Rupp, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Afield, about her lifelong connection to hunting. She shares stories from childhood to her career in outdoor media.
Larry Weishuhn
Mike Arnold talks with Larry “Mr. Whitetail” Weishuhn about his early days in the Texas woods and the path that led him to a lifetime in wildlife, hunting, and outdoor media.