The Curious Hunter

In this episode, Jon and Tim sit down with Land Tawney—longtime conservation leader, former CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and now the driving force behind American Hunters and Anglers. We get into Land's roots as a fifth-generation Montanan, growing up with a deep connection to wild places that would shape his life's work. From his early days in conservation to his bold new mission of taking a more aggressive stand in the political fight for public lands, Land shares hard-earned insights and real talk about where we've been—and where we need to go. This conversation isn't just about policy and politics—it's about responsibility, legacy, and the simple, powerful steps every one of us can take to make sure our kids and grandkids inherit the same open spaces we've been lucky enough to enjoy. Whether you're neck-deep in conservation work or just starting to pay attention, this episode brings clarity, challenge, and a call to action.

In this episode, Tim and Jon are joined by a familiar face—Natalie Davis from She Hunts—back in the mix as a special co-host for a powerful roundtable with three rising voices in the world of competitive shooting: Bella Otter, Alice Wiebe, and Reanna Frauens. We dive deep into the rhythm and rigor of competitive archery and shooting, trade a few hunting stories, and explore the grit, passion, and purpose that fuel these women—on the range and in the wild. But this conversation goes beyond gear and game. It's about what it really means to be a woman carving her path in a space that's still finding its balance—breaking barriers, building community, and showing up with confidence. So whether you're a longtime hunter, just getting started, or simply curious about where outdoor sports are headed, this episode brings insight, inspiration, and the kind of energy that sticks with you.

Now that spring's peeking around the corner, we're diving into turkey season with a good one. This week, we sit down with Sebastian Garcia from the National Wild Turkey Federation to talk all things turkey in California—how they got here, where they thrive, and what makes hunting them so unique out West. Sebastian shares stories from the field, breaks down some of the biology and history, and talks about the NWTF's conservation work on the ground. A great mix of nuance, knowledge, and a few good hunting tales.

Now that we made it through the holidays and into 2025, we are ready to get back at it! Kicking off the year with our new friend, Kenny Hamlett, creator of ‪Better Days West, a production company and media house. He talks about his pursuit into the wild world of hunting and fishing over the past few years, how it has gone hand in hand with his filmmaking career and personal growth. Hopefully someday we can collaborate on a project together!

We're back in the shop for an awesome chat with Drew Wilson from Russellville, Arkansas. He's known for his fly fishing inspired tattoos, merch, and skateboard company he started called Kingfisher Skateboards. We uncover the colorful similarities between these subcultures within subcultures and how we can all relate to being misfits of the outdoors. Watch as Drew unpacks a number of awesome stories about the path he took to get to where he is now.

We met up with Emily from Central Coast Snake Services to talk to her about the book she just put out, "California Snakes and Where to Find Them". She also shed some tips and insights about snakes and how to keep safety in mind when hunting or hiking out in the wild. Hang on for the ride to meet a couple slithery friends she brings out at the end of the episode.If you live in the California Central Coast and have a snake you need to move or relocate, hit up CCSS to help give you a hand, text or call 805-401-0811, or visit them online at https://www.centralcoastsnakeservices.com.

We went remote again from Sheep's Head Outfitters in Paso Robles, Ca, to chat with Heather Kelly from Heather's Choice. She walks Jon and Tim through the ups, downs, and in-betweens of starting and growing a business. We dive deep into what it means to eat for the outdoors (and everyday, anywhere), focusing on balanced nutrition. Heather's experience as an athlete and a degree in evolutionary nutrition has equipped her with a unique set of skills to shape a truly nourishing (and delicious) product line. Enjoy the show and grab some Heather's Choice meals for your next adventure, or to stay healthy on the go.Check out Heather's Choice products at Sheep's Head Outfitters in Paso Robles, Ca and at www.heatherschoice.com.

Our first remote podcast is with the thoughtful and passionate Jared Frasier, executive director at 2% for Conservation. He talks to Jon and Tim about his experience growing up with hunting and fishing as the primary way his family put food on the table. How through his time spent in the outdoors expanded his views on conservation, how to get involved, make an impact, and ultimately go on to lead an amazing organization. Hopefully someday we'll be able to partner with Jared and 2% to make a film highlighting the work they do to conserve this beautiful world we all get to enjoy together.Check out 2% for Conservation at https://www.fishandwildlife.org.

Sitting fireside at Sheep's Head Outfitters in Paso Robles, Ca, the TCH boys have a fun conversation with Dagur Gudmundsson. They talk about his experience growing up with a rod and reel in his hands, what it was like learning to fish in Iceland, moving to the Central California Coast, and continuing to travel between his two homes as a fly fishing guide. He dives into why carp is his favorite fish to spot, stalk, and catch. We can't wait to get out there and make a film with him someday. If you're looking for a guide, check him out on Instagram at @dagur_fishhunter, a handle apparently inspired by David Hasselhoff. Look it up. You won't be disappointed.

At a TCH film screening night hosted by Tim at his shop, Sheep's Head Outfitters, the boys talk with Natalie about becoming a new hunter and finding confidence through a women lead organization called She Hunts. They also talk with Chad Thomas about his involvement with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and how he and the wonderful people at BHA are working hard to protect our public lands. A few other friends hop on the mic along the way as well, including Jeremy Wells, Andrew Layman, and Garrett Nelson. Hope to see you at the next event!

They talk about Tim's background, how he grew up hunting, and how Jon just got started. They also talk about where they'll be recording these episodes, from Tim's hunting and fishing shop, Sheep's Head Outfitters in Paso Robles, Ca. At the end they promote an even they'll be hosting at the shop screening the three TCH films, including the first official podcast during the event, interviewing Natalie Davis from She Hunts and Chad Thomas from BHA. There will be free giveaways with an RSVP, free drinks, and lots of good times. Friday 5/24, 5-8pm. Hope to see you there!