Hunt Talk Radio

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy and Ian Wargo (Montana FWP Fish and Wildlife Commissioner) talk about the challenges of wildlife management, particularly declining elk populations in northwest Montana. A major topic is how habitat quality, largely influenced by federal land policies, is one of the most critical factors in population dynamics. The conversation highlights how complex and interconnected conservation issues are, including the importance of understanding decision-making roles. They also talk about the ability of hunters to engage more effectively in official processes, and how this can result in meaningful differences in management policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Hunt Talk Radio, Randy welcomes back independent journalist Todd Wilkinson, co-founder of Yellowstonian, for a deep dive into the complex intersection of conservation, policy, and the future of the American West. Todd has a unique perspective on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a 24-million-acre landscape that remains the only region in the lower 48 states to retain all the original species present before European arrival. They discuss the critical role of both public and private lands: while 75% of the region is public, the remaining 25% of private land is vital for winter habitat and migration corridors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy hosts Alison Fox, CEO of American Prairie, and Mike Kautz, AP's VP of Access and Infrastructure. They talk through some of the misconceptions and realities of AP's role in conservation, the impact of the BLM's proposed rule changes, how ranching and wildlife conservation can coexist, and how AP facilitates public access. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy is joined by Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life's Hunting and Conservation editor. They discuss the history, purpose, and future of outdoor media, talking through how media has been beneficial to conservation, as well as some of the struggles and dangers of modern platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randy sits down with ODFW's Wildlife Division Deputy Administrator Brian Wolfer at the PNW Sportsman's Show in Portland, OR to answer your questions. Topics cover the full range of wildlife population strategies, habitat, predators, and even why state agencies are often limited in what they are legally allowed to advocate for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy is joined by two of the lead minds behind Leupold's legendary gold ring: Tim Lesser and Dustin Miller. In a rare, deep-dive technical conversation, the trio explores what it really takes to build world-class optics in Beaverton, Oregon, and why American manufacturing remains the backbone of the brand. From the high-stakes "Moment of Truth" at SHOT Show to the meticulous engineering of the new BX-6 Range HD binocular, this episode pulls back the curtain on the culture of innovation, family ownership, and the "Secret Sauce" that keeps Leupold at the top of the podium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy has returning guest Dr. Kevin Monteith from the University of Wyoming. In this episode, we dig into Kevin's knowledge and research to connect healthy mule deer herds to how fat the mothers are. Fat does have big fawns that grow to be bigger bucks. All of that depends on premium habitat availability, which Kevin explains in great detail. A great explanation of why habitat is the key to herd health, buck numbers, and hunting opportunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy is joined by long-time friend, Ryan Callaghan. Topics covered include their work to improve public lands and protect the conservation infrastructure necessary for habitat and hunting, the mirage of political parties being concerned, the importance of speaking up, how you can make a difference, challenges ahead, and Ryan's new role as CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, why hunters are eternal optimist, and many other topics normally heard around a campfire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio Randy and Marcus put a wrap on the 2025 seasons. Topics covered range from a mountain goat hunt resulting in a broken leg to a season disrupted by many policy changes that represent broken promises by our elected officials. Lots of good topics in between to describe what was the toughest season Fresh Tracks has ever had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy is joined by returning guest Theodore Roosevelt IV, the great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt. Following a successful elk hunt in Montana, they dive into a critical and urgent conversation about the future of hunting, conservation, and public lands.Ted brings a unique, non-partisan perspective forged by his family's legacy and his own life experiences. He issues a powerful call for hunters to become engaged advocates and discusses the vital need to protect the American model of public land access for generations to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wyoming corner-crossing case is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy Newberg is hosting the lawyer who made it happen. Attorney Ryan Semerad details the story of the four Missouri hunters he defended and the high-stakes legal battle that followed. They dissect the landowner's arguments, the potential outcomes, and why this case is so critical for every American who values public land access. Get the inside story from the legal mind on the front lines of the corner-crossing legal battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy is at the HQ of Silencer Central to catch up with the CEO, Brandon Maddox and talk about the many updates since the last podcast six months ago. Topics covered include funding conservation, Silencer Central's effort to reform the National Firearms Act and pass the Hearing Protection Act, the difficulty of getting changes in DC, the benefits of silencer deregulation, and a lot of other topics related to hunting and owning suppressors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy talks with Robert Mahaffey of the South Dakota Antelope Foundation. They discuss the background of the SD Antelope Foundation, antelope herd history in South Dakota, impacts of human expansion into pronghorn habitat, and a bit of trivia. You can learn more about the South Dakota Antelope Foundation at https://www.sdantelopefoundation.org/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, host Randy Newberg is joined by Dylan Soares, an attorney and conservationist with the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), to dive deep into the legal and practical implications of corner crossing—a hot topic in public land access. The discussion begins with an overview of the high-profile Wyoming corner-crossing case, where four hunters were acquitted of criminal trespass but later faced a civil lawsuit. Dylan explains the legal nuances between criminal and civil trespass, the role of the Unlawful Enclosures Act, and how the 10th Circuit Court ruled that state trespass laws are preempted in cases where public land is effectively blocked by private landowners. Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. Always consult an attorney for legal matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy shares the mic with Pete Brownell, President of Brownell's. Brownell's has been a family name in hunting, shooting, and gunsmithing since 1938. Pete is the third Brownell generation to lead the company from its headquarters in Iowa. Topics covered include the history of Brownell's, Pete's volunteerism and commitment to shooting sports, Pete's more recent efforts to get changes to the NFA with his lobbying in DC, support for the Boone & Crockett Club, and the Brownell history of working to improve hunting and shooting for the next generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy talks with Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet, about leading an American company with 700+ amazing employees and dominating the rifle scope business by sticking to the core values of the company. In addition to the launch of the new VX5HD GEN2, topics covered include manufacturing in America, growing talent from within, the need for ingenuity, listening to your customer, conservation is doing right for your customer and their future, being a leader in the volunteer world, with some hunting stories added along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy spends a day with one of his friends and most admired mentors, Jim Zumbo. Jim needs no introduction, having introduced so many of us to the world of western big game hunting. Topics covered include Jim using his platforms to promote conservation, his lengthy career as a writer and advocate for wild things, his commitment to elk and RMEF, Jim's mentorship to many, a lot of hunting stories, and sixty years of hunting wisdom from a humble man whose knowledge can't be adequately summarized in two hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After over a dozen years of shooting Howa rifles, Randy convinces them to join him on a podcast to talk about Howa rifles, their support of shooting and conservation, and why neither value or accuracy will ever be part of a compromise. Darren and Chad join in to explain why they support a public land-centric platform and want Fresh Tracks to be out advocating for their customers. And like all episodes, some hunting stories get told along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices